discover new australian music

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

our music has been inspired by a lot of the pop punk bands we listened to growing up! We like powerful sing along choruses and energetic guitars. Our style has developed over the years through writing lots of songs and each of us listening to heavier and poppies music.

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

Greatest source of inspiration can come from things we experience whether they be good or bad and that can ultimately determine the mood of the song

What can punters expect from a Yours Truly live show?

Sing alongs, guitar spins and crowd surfing

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

"No matter how hard some things may seem, never give up. The good will always shine through", by Mum & Dad.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

'Dakota' by Between You & Me

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

'These Days' by Powderfinger

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

A mash up between "what about me" - Shannon Noll and "Am i ever gonna see your face again" - The Angels

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

Last gig i attended was Sinclaires Debt, which they sold out! It was awesome, great band and great people

Tell us about the bands or people in the music community that inspire you.

The Faim, Between You & Me, Stand Atlantic, Down for Tomorrow, The Dead Love, Ocean Grove, Tonight Alive - There's too many to name

What are your plans for 2019?

In 2019 we will be releasing our new EP Afterglow in April and shortly after heading over to the UK for Download Festival! It’s our first time playing internationally and there are so many awesome things in store for the year! 

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

My current sound feels like the coming together of many different influences I’ve had throughout my life. I come from a singer-songwriter background, so the lyrics and the story is really important to me. At the moment it’s been very cathartic to combine this with a heavier sound. 

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

People, feelings and a desire to understand them. I am addicted to the emotional release and connection to others that I get from both listening to and playing music. 

You were our Unearthed Grow Your Own Festival comp winner in 2019, who was your highlight on the day?

The Preatures were a stand out for me. Isabella is a force as a performer and I found their set really inspiring to watch. They also had the sunset spot so the heat of the day was easing off and I was surrounded by some of my best girlfriends, what a dream! 

What can punters expect from a Grace Turner live show?

You can expect dress-ups, me saying personal and potentially inappropriate things, sweet crunchy guitar licks from my guitarist Shanna and everyone else in the band just generally having a good meaningful time. 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

"Careful who’s advice you take". I can’t remember who told me that but when I reflect on my younger years I see the value in it. Pave your own way, go with your gut and trust yourself. I can’t remember who told me all those things either but they have served me well. 

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

‘Pleasure and Pain’ by The Divinyls. 

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

'Flame Trees', written by Cold Chisel but listen to the version performed by Sara Blasko. It has such sorrowful nostalgia and captures the feeling of our lonesome country towns. Gets me every time. 

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

I recently discovered Electric Fields, an indigenous pop act from South Australia and their songs are pumping. Their track ‘Don’t You Worry’ is an absolute banger. 

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

I have been moving around a lot so I haven’t been home much to see many gigs in Newcastle lately. The last Newcastle gig I went to was Indiana and the Journey to The East and Lachlan X Morris at The Cambridge just before Christmas. It was a great show, Indiana has an epic voice and Lachlan is such a prolific artist.  

Tell us about the bands or people in the Newcastle music community that inspire you.

I am most inspired by the people that are helping to forge creative spaces for their communities. Theres a group of people in Newcastle that have been working really hard on this. Michael McDonahugh, Tim Evans, Caitlin O’Reily to name a small few. They have been working with the council to secure more diverse and intimate venues that cater to under 18’s and give space for singer-songwriters and other non-mainstream genres. At the moment though people are resorting to house shows as there is a big gap in Newcastle currently. 

What are your plans for 2019?

I plan to record and both an EP and an album and fingers crossed have them both released this year. I want to do a headline Australian tour and I’m very excited to be spending a bit of time in the USA for the SXSW showcases! I also plan to get the the Northern Territory in August for the Darwin Festival!

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

For me the TOYOTOMI sound is a reflection of my environment which is always changing. My sound is something that is continually developing and it's quite impulsive. It’s a collection of my fantasies, personal issues, life stories, obscure memories and other stuff. I find it difficult defining my music because it’s something very subconscious for me and because I try to make music that can have a different form of significance for each listener. I suppose you just have to listen to know.

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

My surroundings. From the people I meet, places I go, sounds I hear, feelings I experience. I like using my five senses man, sometimes six. Also I can’t forget my friends, them as individuals inspire my music a lot.

What can punters expect from a TOYOTOMI live show?

I’d like to think that not all TOYOTOMI shows are the same but we do keep it consistent with the great higher frequency vibes, exceptional song transitions, outstanding smoke machine action, lighting complimentary to sonic experience – a great production really. Haha nah I just have a lot of fun serving the people and hope that my smile is infectious.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

My Mum told me to be balanced in all aspects of my life. I like that a lot.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

“Find Some Friends” by No Nomad. I miss you Louie!

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

I think I could make someone cry if I played them my song “Rust”. Full band and all, I think I could do it.

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

“Swipey” by Llehna. Probably just play the whole Llehna’s World project top to bottom.

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

I haven’t been out in a bit but I think it was a No Nomad gig at The Bird and that was T R E M E N D O U S! A lot of cool gigs around Perth but I’ve just been trying to fix my sleeping pattern man.

Tell us about the bands or people in the Perth community that inspire you.

I’m grateful to be friends with most of the Perth people that inspire me musically. People like Max Black, Llehna, Seul, Morph, JCAL, Louie White, that’s really family. But outside music my mother and my aunt really inspire me, all my immigrants inspire me, the working class inspires me, your struggle inspires me!

What are your plans for 2019?

I got plenty singles on the way, more videos, more shows and maybe a project. I wrote songs all this year so I’m filling everybody newsfeeds with new songs all 2019. Next year I plan on being happier, more grateful, more loving, more present and I also plan on signing up to do yoga classes, maybe.

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

I began learning Spanish classical guitar when I was very young. It was really invaluable as it helped me to understand melody and dynamics but eventually blues & soul music stole my heart as a teenager. I loved everything about blues guitar, I found myself playing along to BB King and Led Zeppelin records. At the same time, I was really inspired by soulful voices like Nina Simone and James Brown. I went through my first heartbreak when i was in year 12. I turned to songwriting as a way to process my emotions. I have fond memories of sneaking out of home on school nights and thrashing Jeff Buckley’s album ‘Grace’ through the CD player in my car. John Mayer’s album ‘Battle Studies’ had some pretty strong rotation too. This time was really important for me, I began to work out how crucial music and storytelling was for my soul. Over a long period time I worked out that this was a part of who I was and I couldn’t live without it. I’ve caught the bug and haven’t stopped since.

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

I’m really inspired by life, whether it's my own or others experiences. I’ve written songs about a whole spectrum of human emotions; I can be inspired by anything if it moves me. My writing is also really affected by my mood, or just listening to some really dope music. Inspiration strikes at really odd times and usually I get my iPhone out, press record, and go from there.

What can punters expect from an Ollie English live show?

You can expect a pretty diverse bunch of songs, from ballads to upbeat rock grooves. What I notice is that my live shows give people a chance to slow down and hug the person next to them, and then the next minute, i want to make them want to get up and groove. I’ve always found that people who talk to me after the shows have each had their own unique experience with the stories I had told.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

When my grandpa passed away, I went into the ward to see him for the last time and his last words to me were ‘take care of each other’. This influences how I approach everyone and everything in my life..

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

'No Ordinary Life' by Matt Corby. If I could musically explain a rainbow, it would sound like this song.

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

'Took The Children Away' by Archie Roach.

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

'Overrated' feat LILLI by Kuji Koo! Such a banger. You can download their track on triple j Unearthed.

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

I was lucky enough to play and attend a brilliant local festival called Handpicked. Such a cruisy vibe out in the vineyards of Lake Breeze Wines in Langhorne Creek. I got to share the stage with amazing local artists Laura Hill, Neon Tetra and the Sundance Kids. It also featured incredible Australian talents Boy & Bear, Vera Blue, Ball Park Music and Alex Lahey.

Tell us about the bands or people in the Adelaide music community that inspire you.

Adelaide is pretty tight knit community. It feels like a big family. I’m inspired by how much quality music is being produced in SA. First up, Surahn is a big inspiration, he’s an incredible songwriter who’s made a mark on the world with his music. He’s written for Usher and toured with Empire of the Sun. Laura Hill inspires me a lot, I met her this year at a gig we played together. I was struck by her beautiful voice and relatable songwriting. Wanderers are so bloody groovy. They’re on tour right now! You gotta catch these guys live. Dusty is one of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen. Mane is another inspiration. She’s creating some really great pop music. Her new track ‘Chasing Butterflies’ really grabs you with her pipes, the strings are so dope too. I’m a big fan of Timberwolf, such a unique voice and he’s written some incredibly honest music. His new single ‘Proud Silence’ hits really close to home, I also caught mum jamming to it the other night! Neon Tetra, are bloody funksters and a ½. I have so much fun watching them at their live shows, so good! Such great tunes. Tales are beautiful musicians- recently known as ‘The Winter Gypsy’. Their song ‘Took Me By’ is one of my favourite songs. So excited for their next release. Also, Jordan Ruru. Big things. You have to check her out. Amazing.

What are your plans for the rest of 2018 / early 2019?

A lot of recording and I’ll be releasing my EP early 2019! So excited to support the Rubens this Friday with my full band. I’m also planning my first national tour for early 2019, including a festival appearance at Womad in March. I still can’t believe I’m playing WOMAD and supporting The Rubens, a dream come true. There’s a lot of hard work to go but so much to look forward to.

Is RAT!hammock a real band?

https://www.facebook.com/RAThammock/videos/876403699219775/ - watch the documentary and decide for yourself. (the answer is yes)

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

Wrote heaps of punk songs at the start, then decided we wanted more emotional depth so wrote a bunch of sad/folk songs then realised we wanted people to have fun at our shows so I tried to write funny upbeat songs like Dan Kelly. Nowadays I try not to think about it too much. 

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

As a songwriter I am the most inspired by other music. When I hear something great or go to a great live gig it makes me want to pick up my guitar and write. I subscribe to the idea that the best inspiration is exploration. So generally if I want to be inspired I set myself a challenge, a few strange words I want to work in to a verse or I’ll work out the chords to my favourite Simon & Garfunkel song. Normally by the time I get half way through, I’ve found something new of my own in it. This approach means I can play up to the halfway point of a heap of Simon and Garfunkel songs now, so that’s cool. 

What can punters expect from a RAT!Hammock live show?

Expect the unexpected. We’ve made a smoothie on stage, hosted yurt trivia, and have our own theme song. It’s a real time. 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

‘Get your hand off the stove’ - Mum in 1999.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

'Vitriol' by Bluejuice. Simply put, this track slaps. 

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

Alexander Biggs with 'The Worst We’ve Ever Been'. It’s a devastatingly good song. 

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

Magic magic magic magic magic magic magic magic fountain by Art Vs Science, every day of the week.

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

Last local gig I went to was Feelds’ Kill The Moon single launch. Ro and Eaglemont supported.  Every single act on that line up has the voice and the song chops to fill stadiums.

Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you?

We’re super fortunate to be a part of such an amazing community. We’re lucky enough to have recorded with a great team in Mickey Cooper of Kilns, Sean from Obscura Hail, Hannah Blackburn and Merpire. Tram Cops release some of the most underrated music going. Tiny Little Houses, Angie McMahon and Alexander Biggs are all absolutely slaying it. Our picks for who to keep an eye on next are Hugh Fuchsen/Hotel Fifteen Love, David Western, Yes Yes Whatever and Chitra. 

What are your plans for the rest of 2018?

Oh Pep! are the best and have decided bring us along for their national album tour. I'll be heading around the country with them through December. Apart from that we’ll be doing heaps of writing and recording, getting the next batch of tunes ready for some more releases to come early 2019. 

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

My music embodies the storytelling of a very indecisive person. It's shiny and sad and peaceful and folk-driven and roots based. I wanted to be a pop star at age 5, so I would write my own riddles and songs and sing them out to family. Over time I acquired a guitar & got really into folk/sadness/heartbreak. I think since high school has ended, I mostly still write about troubled things but in a tranquil way. 

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

90's pop icons, heartbreak, alienation, feeling too full after sushi and hangovers. 

What can punters expect from an Asha Jefferies live show?

Honesty is really important to me when performing. The songs I write are vulnerable and expressing them in an intimate and explosive way feels best. There feels no use in writing these songs unless I give the opportunity to vulnerably share and see connection in conversing on stage. 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

 I sat down and had coffee with Emma Louise early last year. I remember her explaining how essential it is to write from your heart/unspoken part of you and let the mind fade. It's stuck with me ever since.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

'The Ship Song' by Nick Cave.

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

'How to Make Gravy' by the Gravy Man (Paul Kelly).

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

I'm going to back myself with Miami Horror's 'Sometimes'.

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

I went and saw a 'Mustard' show presenting TOISOC, Caramel, Disco Indians & Lilian Vase last night. All coastal, psych-rock vibing bands. Honestly, it was great and it made me feel really cool contrasting with my 'i have a lot of feelings'-folk-shell. 

Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.

Oh my goodness! It is a joy and wonder to be surrounded in such a creative and inspiring community. Songwriters like Hazlett, Clea, Zefereli, Moreton and Daggy Man are just a few that I look up to immensely. 

What are your plans for 2018?

I'm going to buy a fish called Bullshit, go to New Zealand, release an EP, play some shows outside of Brisbane, wear my Birkenstocks, record new music and attempt to survive Brisbane humidity. 

Tell us about your music.

Well, I’ve been making music for quite some time now and it’s what I love doing. But, I always struggled to find purpose and meaning to my work. Aside from Music I’ve had a keen interest in the issues we are currently facing here on earth. I wanted to be involved in finding solutions to those issues and that's why I blasted myself off into space. Hopefully, the songs I create on each new planet will help create awareness and get people to jiggle their bodies about. 

How did you develop your sound?

Well, I guess my music tends to reflect my surroundings and for the First LP “FRÖÖTI” I was in a really bubbly, colourful and chaotic place whilst creating it. As far as sound design goes I created the sounds for this project by making a whole lot of mistakes and running with the ones I liked the most.

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

I’m heavily influenced by my environment, the things I read and research as well as the people I surround myself with. I’ve been fortunate to work closely with some really talented musicians.  

What can punters expect from a Yù Yī live show?

You can expect to be taken on a super quirky funk filled trip into the Yù Yī galaxy and we’re continuously working towards making it an even more immersive experience for everyone. 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

Ahhhhh well I’m a bit spoilt for choice but I think it I would have to say the best advice I’ve ever received was from my friend ANH. He told me to be patient and build a library of music. At the time I was really eager and uploading a lot of really basic half finished music. So after that, I decided to take the time to go full hermit mode and set my sights on releasing finished music.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

So here's the game plan. Jump in the car, wind down the windows and go for a drive while blasting 'The Car Song' by The cat empire.

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

I don’t want to make people cry! (ʘ‿ʘ)ノ✿

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

Definitely PNAU - 'Wild Strawberries', this was on my first ever cd actually. I got PNAU for either my birthday or Christmas that year.  

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

Other than big sound, I popped down to earth to check out a little Sofar Sounds gig in Albion where they showcased a few local Artists in an unplugged setting. I make a lot of electronic music so it was nice to break away from that for a night to sit on a cushion and listen to some acoustic stuff.

Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane aka planet fruity?!!? music community that inspire you.

I’ve been spending most of my time on FRÖÖTI these days so I actually haven’t had that much time to explore and collaborate outside of that. On planet FRÖÖTI, however, I’m working closely with a few friends of mine. One of them being the extremely talented vocalist named Ellen who was featured on the first track PEACHES. We’re basically partners in crime on FRÖÖTI and I can't wait to travel with her to different planets within the Yù Yī Galaxy. Also, I can't forget to mention my close friend Zeke Foster who you’ll be able to catch on stage with Ellen and I at Listen Out. 

What are your plans for 2018?

Things are going so fast. I didn’t think I’d be playing at Big Sound, let alone Listen Out. It’s making it kind of difficult to make concrete plans but nonetheless, I’m over the moon. I have some new music coming out and I’m really excited to expand the live show as I’ve been working pretty solidly, making the music for quite some time now. Aside from that, every day I’m getting bigger, stronger and smarter so I can care for our special little planet.  ୧( ◉◡◉)୨

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

I was classically trained from the age of 5 which is how I developed my musicality in general, and I started singing and writing songs really young. I have a bit of an obsessive personality so I’ve always liked listening to music as a whole. E.g. an entire album or sometimes discography, delving really deep into what it is that makes me like it and figuring out what parts of that I could take inspiration from. My sound is still developing and will always be evolving, but I want my music to always have a certain space and texture. 

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?

My main inspiration is the feeling you get when a song finally falls into place and you figure out how to say or play what you’ve been trying to. It’s totally euphoric. The feeling you get when you listen to a really good song, also, and the possibility that one day I could give that feeling to someone.

What can punters expect from an Austen live show?

If one end of the spectrum is sad-girl, and the other is fun pop, I'm right in the middle. I don’t think any two of my songs sound/feel the same so you can expect to get taken through all your moods in the space of half an hour. 

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?

 “Being artsy is just doing something shit, but doing it well” - my old roommate. Or “Everything is a simulation anyway” - (probably Elon Musk?) - not quite advice but it really chills me out when I’m stressed.

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?

'Downtown Shutdown' by The Presets. Can’t cry as much when you’re dancing. 

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?

I would take them for a drive so they can stare out the window like they’re in a 90’s teen drama while 'Confess' by Jack river blasts out of the speakers.

You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?

'Losing It' by Fisher. 

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?

Expo Liaison! It was weird as hell and amazing. Everyone really committed to the 80’s dress code and it felt like stepping back in time. There was ice sculpting and wood chopping and Luke Million, KLP, Alice Ivy, and god damn JOHN FARNHAM. Dude. So good.

Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.

I could sit here and list incredible Brisbane artists all day, but right now I’m inspired more than anything by the people who work behind the scenes to help us artists/bands make things happen. There are so many hours of work and guts and passion that goes into one song or one show that would just be completely impossible without an awesome team. People in the music industry are some of the most driven and genuinely great humans I’ve ever met. 

What are your plans for 2018?

Release my next single, travel overseas and do some writing, another tour, finish my EP and anything & everything else I can fit in.