Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Alter Boy!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our sound has been developed organically by hearing and deaf band members. Naturally we are drawn towards low tones, bass and sub and heavy drums (music we can hear and feel). We combine heavy bass tones with a choiresque little altar boy vocal. We also use a lot of pitch bending in our tracks, which is a testament to our gender bending.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Our inspiration comes from all of the other deaf folks who come before us who have had their own passionate relationships with music, from wanting to challenge the music industry and to denounce traditional ideas of what it means to be in a band, and from our fierce passion for activism in queer deaf spaces.
What can punters expect from a Alter Boy live show?
Audience members can expect to see trans and disabled bodies in celebration, accessible venues, wild costumes, mad performance art, blasphemy, and hot Auslan creations.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
The best advice we’ve been given comes from one of our Deaf mentors who told us to look after our candle. Operating at the intersection of Deaf and hearing can be taxing and we need to take care of the little space we have created at the centre of it all.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Feeling Higher' by Priscilla
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Boys Will Be Boys' by Stella Donnelly
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'DFTM' by Cry Club
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Ghost Care in Fremantle. Such fun.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Our Deaf community - our teachers and elders - give us a lot of inspiration and support to keep going, to do better and to grow into ourselves as young deaf people. We connect with a lot of mind blowing Deaf performers and activists. A group called “Deaf Hype” showcases some of our latest and greatest.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Bad/Love!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our music has really fluctuated since we started in June 2019. Our debut EP 'SIOIS' was written in 2018 when I felt a calling to start writing music again after a hiatus. At the time I was falling back in love with the emo music I grew up on (Saosin, My Chemical Romance etc) and it was really hitting a chord with me. I really wanted to put a modern touch on that sound I loved so much so got to work creating Bad/Love with producer Callan Orr and our friend Marcus Bridge helping with vocal production (we bonded over the idea of an emo revival and he has always understood what I was going for). After a year of looking for the right musicians to play with, we formed and put out 'SIOIS'. After a few months together we started to come together more and combine our writing skills to create something a bit different to the origin, but something that feels a hell of a lot more Bad/Love. We've continued to work with Callan & Marcus whilst adding Beau McKee (Drum Production) & Forrester Savell (Mix/Master). We feel our team really helps pull the best out of us as songwriters and performers.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
When everythings gone, music is really all I have. It's what drives me each day. I constantly have to have music running to act as a soundtrack to my life to keep me calm and happy. I feel the most "me" when I create. It's a very therapeutic process for me. Our peers inspire us daily. We are blessed to surround ourselves with some of the most talented people in the country for alternative music and when they create something, it calls me to do the same.
What can punters expect from a Bad/Love live show?
Our live show is one of our favourite parts of being a band. Expect a lot of theatrics, crazy lighting and everything turned up to 11. We really like to creative an immersive live experience people can really get lost in.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Chris (#2) Barker from Anti-Flag once explained his views on an album to me and it changed the way I view my music. He talked about how a record is exactly that. We leave behind a record in time that people can come back to. You are leaving your mark on the world. So say what matters to you at the moment. Write what influences you at that time. It has really let me not focus on writing "what's hot" and write for me. It let's me be more honest and accepting that not everything needs to be perfect, it just has to be true to me at that moment in time.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Figure Eight' by Trophy Eyes. That always makes me smile and feel empowered.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Brilliant Blue' by Agnes Manners. It brings me to the point of tears every time I hear it, which makes it especially hard to play sometimes.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Fire' by Peking Duk. You show me a person who doesn't want to dance to this track and I'll show you a liar.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
This is really testing my memory given COVID. I believe it was actually our tour with The Brave & Sleep Talk, we actually had to cancel the final Brisbane show due to lockdown.
That was a super fun tour, in fact our first tour. We have so much fun with The Brave and the Melbourne show in particular was super special for us.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Northlane, Polaris & Alpha Wolf are continually carrying the flag for heavy music in Australia. What both bands have achieved in their careers are amazing influences and both bands are so lovely. Greyscale Records have been doing amazing things and are growing so rapidly. Tom Johanessen at New World Artists has to be one of the hardest people I've ever met and he always makes me want to work harder, his ethic and results are INSANE. Finally our manager Jase Clarke (No Honey), he has really come into management in a big way and is helping inspire us daily to be the best we can be.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
This Sunday we are super excited to FINALLY be hitting the stage again for a few sold out shows at Stay Gold to support Beyond Blue, a great event organised by What We Did On The Weekend. Besides that, we have new music to finish putting together for a release next year that we are extremely excited about. There is absolutely no slowing down for us and we are very excited for 2021.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, FELIVAND!
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘Flowers & Superpowers’ by Wafia. THAT CHORUS.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, King Stingray!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We call our music Yolŋu Surf-Rock. Some call it sting-wave, a bit like new-wave but with a bit more sting! Our sound is definitely influenced by our environment. Living on the coast in Yirrkala North-East Arnhem Land, we have a strong love for the ocean and all that it encompasses. And being from the bush we like to play music loud and rough. And from that we made the genre of Yolŋu Surf-Rock.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Again probably our environment. We wrote and recorded most of the songs off our debut record at Roy’s parents place in Tintenbar NSW when we were playing with Yothu Yindi at Blues Fest. This shack is where we do a lot of our recording, it’s our own little studio we’ve been working on for a few years now, and it’s a beautiful little cottage on rainforest acreage. Maybe our inspiration for this record was morning swims + a surf at Lennox boaty followed up with a freshly squeezed orange juice from the garden. Another big source of inspo is having our mentor Stu Kellaway around (who is Roy’s father and original Yothu Yindi founding member). Stu is the vibe master and he was both Yirrŋa, Dimathaya and Roy’s music teacher growing up. "Loud and proud, wrong and strong” is what he always told us.
What can punters expect from a King Stingray live show?
King Stingray is a story of lifelong friendship and we feel that our music reflects the fun and joy that we have creating and playing it. The ingredients that make up our live shows include the following;
1. 1 x energetic surf-rock music with an ancient traditional twist.
2. 4 heaped tablespoons of groove
3. 90 x tablespoons of fast bush sting-wave/Yolŋu-wave ???
4. A hint of youthful antics
5. 1 x driving funky basslines
6. Lots of goosebumps
7. Lots of fun
8. Sweat
9. 30 x broken drums sticks
10. 2 broken guitar strings
11. Night to remember
12. Culture celebration
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"Loud and proud, wrong and strong" – Stu
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Our Generation' by Yothu Yindi
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Bapa' by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Oooooh we can think of so many!! That’s a hard one. Probably 'Cyclone Surf' by Horse Trank. Best band to never leave Darwin, playing scungy swamp rock NT style. It’s basically an anthem in the top end about surfing in cyclones which is largely what we rely on for good surf!
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Our bass player Campbell Messer played a solo gig at the Archive in Birssy for our friend’s art exhibition – Cam also plays beautiful indie-folk music and is a ripping fingerstyle acoustic guitarist.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
There is so much talent coming out of Arnhem Land it's jaw dropping really. It’s like a factory of non-stop talent. Music is synonymous with Yolngu culture really and with the support of so many incredible people within the community there is a real buzz in the area for all things art related. The inspirational legacy of Yothu Yindi definitely shines on all of us up there but there is still so much to write about and so many stories to share to the world!
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
We actually have a very special performance in Brisbane in December, which we are very excited to announce to everyone – details coming soon via our socials. We have a clip coming out shortly, and then another single dropping in January. We now have merch to buy! And you can now buy our limited edition 7” vinyl pressing which has been released via our good mates Bargain Bin Records. Then 2021 is a big one for us, as we have our debut record to share to the world and some more video clips! As the world slowly opens back up again we will be also playing some live shows! So keep an eye out for the king sting!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Blanke!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
It's hard for me to pin down my 'sound'. But it's been a mixture of time, maturity and influence. I have a somewhat diverse sonic picture and I think that contributes to my sound as a whole. The experience is always a little different; and I think it's still evolving. I love beautiful melodies. I think that's at least one take away from this.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
The different styles, bands, moods, emotions etc. that I'm feeling at any given time. The time signatures or rhythms of Tool, the energy and pace of Pendulum, the interesting intervals and emotions of A Perfect Circle, the immensity of Seven Lions. Funnily enough I'm not one to be able to write "sad music when I'm sad", I have to be somewhat level headed to be cohesive in anything that I do and express an emotion, whether it be writing a banger or a ballad.
What can punters expect from a Blanke live show?
Lots of energy, and I tend to let the music do the talking. I usually try to be the one dancing the hardest in the room!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"Don't force it"
- Life experiences
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Oceans' by Vallis Alps. Definitely a song that feels sentimental but hopeful, I love it.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Innerbloom' by Rufus Du Sol
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Moving Blind' by Dom Dolla!
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Just played in Canberra at Fiction and it was wild. First show back since COVID and even though it was restricted capacity it was still so much fun.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
My friend Golden Features is a huge inspiration for me. His approach to music and his art is no compromise and full of integrity. The results speak for themselves; he makes me want to do better. Shock One is doing some really cool stuff with drum 'n' bass right now and definitely an inspiration for me. Some super creative stuff coming from him.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
I'm here in Australia for the near future and I plan on spending as much time with my family as I can, along with writing a bunch of music, collabs, singles, an EP, and gardening at my parents' property. There will be a couple of shows happening as well now that things are slowly opening back up. VERY excited to get back to doing shows once it's safe to do so!
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Big Words!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our sound has been shaped over the years by listening to a variety of artists and different life experiences. We haven't been shy to push the boundaries and try new things. I think we always set out to achieve a standard but as time has progressed the rules have been broken more and the standard has been raised. We started out as a four piece as teenagers, just playing the music that we felt reflected how we felt which at the time was heavily hip-hop inspired. But now we mix so many different aspects of the music we love. I think it still has elements of the beginning in it now, it's just matured as we have so as time goes on it just gets more experienced and full of life and ideas.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
It's the moments that you take the time to notice in life that make a good song. Drawing inspiration from the past is a great source, because when you take time to reflect how you felt in that moment you can express that through music. If you're being honest, the song has integrity that is felt by others. I'm inspired by many things in life and I feel a lot. But it's usually the past that I end up digging up to find inspiration. We always hide cryptic references in our lyrics and they are usually references of things we have gone through.
What can punters expect from a Big Words live show?
You never come to a Big Words show and leave the same as you came in. There's an energy in the room that can be felt from the stage all the way to the back of the room. We spend a lot of time creating shows for us and the fans to enjoy. It's a mutual experience. I think that's the most important thing. You really connect with everyone in the room when you experience us live. We always get people saying that you guys look like you are having so much fun up there. And they are right, we definitely are.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
It was backstage at Laneway Festival where I met Anderson Paak. I walked up to him and his band and offered some Allen's sour snakes I had in my bum bag. I was like “yo this is my childhood here, gotta try some of these”. After talking a little I asked him. “As an aspiring artist who wants to play big stages, what should I know?” He gave it some thought and then said “Never give up, it’s that ol' Americana never give up no matter what.” I think that's some of the best advice I've ever received. I think self talk is the biggest motivator and also the biggest barrier. But if you just keep going it's the only way you will ever achieve what you really want.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
I have never been in this situation before but I think if I were to try to cheer someone up from crying through a song. It would have to be 'Clown Prince' by Hilltop Hoods. You try crying through that song... I don’t think you could.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Don’t Know How To Keep Loving You' by Julia Jacklin. If they really needed a cry this would do the job.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
The obvious choice would be 'Can’t Get You Out of My Head' by Kylie Minogue. It would go off and everyone would sing the words and I would be hailed the best DJ ever the end.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last gig I went to would be when we played earlier in the year at Grapevine it was lovely so alive and full of hope. But due to the pandemic we have been in lockdown this year so no live music for us sadly.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Really love Swell and Nasty Mars. Swell's production is unique and beautiful and Nasty Mars voice and lyricism is something to pay attention to. Both very deep thinkers and that's what I like about their music. They both share that careful thought process to their music - that's why I am inspired by them. I think we all have something to offer and I always like seeing what art they create.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
We have our first show since the start of the year coming up for Melbourne Music Week. We are all really excited to play again. We've spent this year indoors itching to get back on stage so that's all we are thinking about at the moment alongside getting ready to record our debut album.
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Featured Artist
2020
12
Oct
Private Function
(- # pub rock ,
- Punk Rock ,
- Aussie Punk , ...
Melbourne, VIC
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Private Function!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We pretty much just recycle classic rock songs but play them faster so they sound like punk songs. Raid your parents record collection and play them at 45rpm, it will probably sound like us.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
When we play shows the venue will normally provide us with some free beers, which is a pretty good arrangement.
What can punters expect from a Private Function live show?
If you haven't purchased a ticket ahead of time and the show isn't sold out, you'll be able to pay entry at the door. Once you're inside you can get yourself a beverage. We'll be on the stage playing the songs from our records but they tend to be faster and sloppier in a live setting. We'll also have a table where you can buy merchandise from us.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"You can put a cat in the oven, but that don't make it a biscuit." - Wesley Snipes in 'White Men Can't Jump'.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Shaddup You Face' by Joe Dolce.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
This is a tough one, but I'm just going to go with 'Harden Up' by Tommy Raudonikis because it's a belter. Maybe it'd make someone cry, I don't know.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Along the Road to Gundagai' by Slim Dusty - Certified banger right there.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Before this year's circumstances put a hold on all local shows in Melbourne, the last show I went to was Shane and the Dog Cunts at Last Chance. They even covered one of our songs and got it mostly correct!
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
I haven't bought a new album since Upstyledown by 28 Days in 2001, so I'm not sure I'm the right person to answer that. Although I have seen The Burnt Sausages many times and can confirm they are Melbourne's best band.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
We've already written a couple more albums, plus a musical and a movie. Once we tighten the bolts on those, get ready for another year of us answering the questions that nobody asked.
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Ms. Thandi!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
My music is soul, R&B and hip-hop. I’m obsessed with love songs and exaggerated emotions. My music is confessional, it comes straight from the heart. I’ve been writing songs for as long as I can remember, and have always been obsessed with interesting sounds, so my style has been evolving since childhood. My Dad always used to play a lot of soul music, and I definitely think that’s contributed to way I write music. I like to pay homage to the “old”, bringing those elements into the digital era.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I write about my life experiences. I get inspired by moments and feelings and I turn them into relatable narratives, often with a cheeky spin. Love and lust are my biggest inspirations, sometimes my low moments too, but I always try to keep things positive. Sometimes my music is about how I want to feel, and who I want to be. At the end of the day, music is just my favourite form of self-expression and story-telling.
What can punters expect from a Ms. Thandi live show?
You can expect an inclusive environment, somewhere you can get in touch with your sensuality, dance freely and enjoy listening to music that makes you feel alive. Also some jokes in between songs because I think I’m funny.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Some advice I’ve always valued comes from my parents, they always remind me how important it is to surround yourself with people who are positive, inspiring, and don’t bring you down, because at the end of the day you become who you surround yourself with.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
I would have to say ‘Be The Love’ by Adrian Eagle - a big role model to me. It is such a joyful song and always lifts my spirits when I hear it. It’s the perfect reminder to always be the love in your life, even through the difficulties we experience.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
I would play ‘Wiyathul’ by Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. It’s such a beautiful, iconic song, and always gives me goosebumps.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
This was a no-brainer for me, I’d play ’24k’ by my fellow Zimbabwean sis Tkay Maidza. Absolute banger. I’ve been bumping it since I’ve heard it. She’s a huge inspiration!
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last gig I was at was one I supported - Bread Club at Mary’s Underground last month. It was fabulous. I’m unbelievably happy that venues are starting to open up again. Live music is everything!
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
In the local music community, I’m most inspired by all my fellow young women of colour who are simply killing it and really transforming the Australian music scene. Boss women. GLO, Maina Doe, RISSA, Becca Hatch, Lara Andallo, Saskia, Billymaree, A.Girl, Maya Hirasedo, Liyah Knight… to name a few!
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
I’m a BIGSOUND50 artist this year so that’s super exciting. There’s also more gigs on the way - I’ll be playing at a Young Henry’s event on November 13th at The Bank in Newtown. I’m working on an EP at the moment so there’s more music and visuals on the way… but I won’t give too much away ;)
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Mia Wray!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I started out playing a lot of folk/pop music on my guitar and I always just put myself in that box. I always felt that there was something more in me just itching to get out... something bigger sounding. One day my publisher set up a co-writing sessions with a writer called Aurelia and she just completely opened my eyes. I’ve always been drawn to soul, pop and swing music (explains the horns) and from that day on I just wrote whatever I wanted to write and stopped only writing folk tunes. Even now I don’t put myself in any boxes as far as what style of music I write. I just do whatever feels good.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Imagining the live show is my biggest inspiration. I kind of think of it as a musical. What the set list is like, the lighting, the stage, what I’m wearing, how we structure the songs. The image of me dancing and singing freely on stage singing music that empowers people - that’s what inspires me. I want people to have the same feeling I had walking out of Coldplay's 2012 Mylo Xyloto concert. I felt invincible.
What can punters expect from a Mia Wray live show?
To start with, it’s probably just gonna be little ol’ me stomping and clicking and playing piano. But the goal eventually is BOOM-KAPOW-WOW vibes. Full band with backup singers, and a horn section (obviously). Expect to cry, laugh and dance your little arse off.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is by my mentor and publisher Bill Page, "It's good to be good, but it's better to be different". Bill signed me to Mushroom Music Publishing when I was 16 and he’s given me a lot of great advice but that’s the one that stuck. Also songs. Songs are the most important thing. Just write, write, write! All good if you can sing but if you don’t have good songs… forget it.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Daddy Cool' by Eagle Rock. Got no idea what it’s about but something about that song makes you wanna get up and have a bop… and a beer...ss. Beers.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'How To Make Gravy' by Paul Kelly, hands down. Can’t believe you even had to ask.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Horses' by Daryl Braithwaite.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I think it was The Teskey Brothers at the Forum. Amazing.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
Aurelia (singer, songwriter, artist) and Andrew Lowden aka Thrones, the producer of 'Work For Me’. Sometimes I think where would I be if it wasn’t for those two constantly inspiring me with their music and encouraging me with mine. I thank my lucky stars for those two everyday.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
Writing, recording, rehearsing, not being in lockdown and getting ready for 2021!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Stellie!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
In the beginning, I was heavily influenced by jazz music. I absolutely love artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan and Amy Winehouse. Over time, I started to experiment more with my sound (which at first I found pretty difficult). When writing my debut EP ‘Stellie’ and collaborating with so many unique and talented producers/ songwriters - it really helped me explore my sound more and more. At this point, I feel that this EP is the most accurate representation of my ‘sound’ right now. But i’m not afraid of change - I want to push the boundaries and keep it interesting. I want my sound to grow with me as I develop more as a singer/ songwriter.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I like to describe the way I write music as an ‘exaggeration of my everyday life’. My life isn’t always that interesting, so I just like to push the boundaries on it a bit more. I just love to tell stories (whether they are completely accurate or not - it almost doesn’t really matter). Like for many people - music is a form of therapy for me. Letting your thoughts and emotions run free for a bit is so soothing and relaxing. I'm constantly inspired by the people I surround myself with and the stories that people share with me, or stories that I read. Even just captions on photos - or just really interesting and beautiful photos can be so inspirational when it comes to my writing - its almost like i’m trying to put the picture into words.
What can punters expect from a Stellie live show?
I like to think that when I play shows - its almost like bringing magic to life. There is such a rush that comes with finally getting to play the songs that you’ve been holding so close to you for so long, to people that actually really want to hear them. Stellie shows are very wholesome I think. I love my band, and I know they love playing with me too and it really shows. I always have the most fun on stage and really try build that connection with the audience. I also almost always manage to chuck in a cheeky cover during my set (at the moment it's Britney Spears).
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
‘You are not in control of other peoples emotions’ - I cant remember where I found this quote, I think I read it somewhere once and it’s stuck with me ever since. It especially relates to the way I like to make music. I don’t want to tell people how to think/feel when they listen to the songs I write - I want those feelings and thoughts to be pure and completely up to the listener.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘Its Nice to Be Alive’ by Ball Park Music
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
‘Knuckles White Dry’ by Gang of Youths
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
‘Holdin On’ by Flume.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
TEENAGE JOANS! It was actually the first live gig I’ve seen in about 7 months and it was absolutely insane. I honestly couldn’t stop smiling all night.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
I'm so lucky to be surrounded by so many incredible and inspiring musos every day. There are heaps of talented musicians in Adelaide, I’m almost spoilt for choice. I spend quite a bit of time with the EAST AV3 boys - those guys are some of the most hard working and dedicated people I know. My bandmates (Max and Jarrad) are so incredibly dedicated and are an absolute joy to be around - as well as Jess Day, Timberwolf, George Alice, Mane and so many more.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
2020 has been an absolute whirlwind of a year in so many ways. I guess my plan is to just take each day as it comes. If I can play some more live shows that would be so fun - but one things for sure, there’s definitely lots more new music on the way.
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Beddy Rays!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We like to think of our music as a love child of all the different bands we grew up listening to. We’ve always loved big sing-along choruses and relatable lyrics. We don’t really try and make our songs fit into any one genre in particular but rather just whip up a bit of a concoction of what we’re feeling at the time. We always like to throw in a new tune at a show to see how the crowd reacts. That’s a good test to let us know if it’s heading in the right direction.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
We would probably say our friends are the biggest source of inspiration. Although we have some personal songs, a lot of the subjects we write about come from what we see happen around us.
What can punters expect from a Beddy Rays live show?
We like to give the crowd something to take home other than just watching us perform our songs. For example one time we played a mini fezzy down the Goldy during summer and while we played a cover we got Lewy to run out in to the crowd and hand out a bunch of mini water pistols for people to go nuts and wet each other. Went real well although the seccys weren’t too pleased when people started spraying them… but hey, it was a hot day haha. They can expect plenty of terrible on stage banter, occasionally the crowd twists Lewy’s arm to take his shirt off and reveal what’s under the hood, the odd bung note here and there, Benny throws a stick at least once a show, Brad has usually had a few too many but somehow smashes it on the bass and Jacko likes to keep it fresh and throw in a some random quirky accents rather than strictly following the melody. We’ve learnt not to take it too seriously, whilst still trying to play a memorable set. The more fun we have the more involved the crowd gets!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
We’ve been told not to expect too much from being in a band in the way of financial wealth. Every little win is a bonus – for example a six pack each rather than two drink tickets. As long as you’re having fun, that’s all that matters! – some old punter at the Reddy Bay Pub
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
This one is a bit of a toughy because there are SO MANY OPTIONS! We’re gonna gave to go with Ball Park Music 'It’s Nice To Be Alive' – it’s infectious with happy feels!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
We’d have to put down ‘I feel fine, I feel sick’ by Melbourne band Ceres. They really know how to capture you for a moment and absorb the lyrics around a wall of sound that kicks in, the song hits in a certain way.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
If the d floor is pumping we’d have to throw on ‘Feel The Way I Do’ by The Jungle Giants. It’s a straight up shtonking tune that you cant help but move to. They’re a real good gateway between EDM junkies and band frothers!
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
We went and saw Semantics play at The Zoo a couple of weeks ago. They absolutely smashed it! It was a bit weird being seated at a gig rather than getting amongst it in the mosh but we are still so grateful to be able to see live shows.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
We get constantly inspired by our mates playing in the local area, always giving each other advice on the music industry. One of the great bands we look up to would be Violent Soho seeing as they are such a hard working band that keeps bringing out great quality music while being a really down to earth bunch of blokes, which is how we aspire to be.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
Everything’s a little up in the air right now due to Covid, plans are always changing but we’re trying our hardest to work around the hurdles. Hopefully we can get another single out before the end of the year and get an EP out early 2021. We can’t wait ‘til things kick off again so we can play shows for all you legends!
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Featured Artist
2020
24
Aug
Alt Fiction
(- Alt Fiction ,
- All My Friends ,
- People You Know , ...
Gold Coast, QLD
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Alt Fiction!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Being brothers we’re pretty lucky in the sense that we literally developed every aspect of being a musician together. We learned guitar together, found our new favourite bands together and wrote our first songs together. As we grew up, the music that we loved at the time always left some mark on our ‘sound’. Slowly those influences have all blurred into one and we’ve ended up with something that is our own. We had a really intense writing period last year where we ended up with 80ish demos. Most of them are trash but we experimented like mad and developed our sound so much because of it.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Wow that’s a tough one. We listen to a looot of music, so when we come across a song that just blows our minds we get super inspired to write a song of that calibre. The type of song that makes every other song you’ve listened to that day sound dull. Know what I mean? It’s almost like the search for the holy grail trying to write that type of song - maybe one day.
What can punters expect from an Alt Fiction live show?
We had a bunch of shows lined up around our first single ‘All My Friends’ but due to the pandemic… well you know what comes next. So we haven’t actually had our first show yet - but we know for a fact that when we do, it’ll be a damn good time!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Can’t remember who said it but it always stuck! ‘If you’re not nervous it means you don’t care’. Now we embrace the nerves before all the scary stuff.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Recently heard ‘Under The Thunder’ by Skegss on Rage at like 1am and that track (and music video) has gotta cheer anyone up.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
We don’t recommend trying to make someone cry, but if you have to - DMA’s track ‘Delete’ is the right place to start.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Is there any other choice? It’s gotta be ‘My People’ by The Presets. Absolute ripper.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
It's been so long :( Nothing recently but we did catch Kitschen Boy’s Instagram live set which was sick! Thank God for the internet.
Tell us about the bands or people in the local music community that inspire you.
We’re super impressed with Ivey who’ve consistently been upping the bar in our local scene! We played a show together years ago in a library that next to no one came to, so we basically just performed our sets to each other and it was actually a real good time. We were psyched when ‘Midnight’ got added to rotation. Good on 'em!
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
Praying that we can hit the road before the year is over! We’ve got some good stuff under our belt that we’re keen to get out into the world sooner rather than later. Until then you’ll find us in our bedroom trying to write that smasher.
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Featured Artist
2020
17
Aug
IJALE
(- Afrobeats ,
- Madlib & Lord Quas ,
- Fela Kuti , ...
Melbourne, VIC
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, IJALE!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
My music is a mix of all of the influences that made me want to start creating it. From Michael Jackson to Flying Lotus, D'angelo to Dilla, Fela Kuti, and Tony Allen. I started producing after high school as a means of procrastination and then fell in love with it. As my tastes changed I started incorporating new genres and influences into my production as a means to challenge myself. Soon enough I found myself emulating others less and being true to myself a lot more.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
The long line of black genius and innovation that is evident in every form of music there is, to be honest. whether it be African American or from the continent itself, it carries the same spirit. To know that lives in me and I can draw from it in my own way is very inspiring.
What can punters expect from an IJALE live show?
A lot of unreleased music, and a lot of stuff to make you dance. The EP has a somber tone to it, but my live show is anything but. My live shows are a celebration of myself and everybody else in the room.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Probably "F**k what other people think". Simple but effective words from my big brother Jesse.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Miss Shiney' by Kaiit
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Worst Luck' by Teischa
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Throw It Back' by Manu Crooks featuring B Wise
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
One of mine actually, it was awesome. It was the last gig I played before lockdown hit so its a bit bittersweet.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
Ok but we're gonna be here a while. Whatever you might vibe there's someone down here who deserves all the things and is super inspiring.
The experimental Jazz scene here is just amazing. 30/70, Mandarin Dreams, Close Counters, Clever Austin, Laneous, Horatio Luna, Bastard Amber, Messy Mammals, JK Group, the list goes on. Some of the most talented people I've ever seen touch instruments are in these bands.
The female talent down here is insane. KYE, Kaiit, Mwanje, Hayku Kyah, Allysha Joy, Kobi Spice, Rara Zulu, Elle Shimada, Thando, Kee'ahn, Rara Zulu, Elaura, Kaira Cuvee, Louella Deville, Foura, The Mai Sisters. They really do run shit down here.
The Hip hop and RnB are in really good hands down here too. Too many people to mention all of them but to name a few, Cazeaux Oslo, ZephyrGreene, Agung mango, KVKA, 3k, Eco$system, Daniel Elia, HVNCOQ, JAAL, Nasty Mars, Ugly Neighbours, Jordan Dennis, ThatKidMaz.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
I'm already about 5 tracks into the next project, which I'm very keen to put more work into. I have a bunch of singles with some talented friends that I cant wait to share, and I'm mixing and mastering for a few of the artists I just mentioned.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Bec Sykes!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I would describe my music as moody folk. I've always had a love of melancholy. Growing up I was drawn to film scores and the atmosphere they created. I also listened to a lot of emo music at school. Vocally I admire singers that use their voice emotively and in an interesting way - I think artists like Sigur Ros, Regina Spektor and Elizabeth Fraser have influenced my vocal style. I love performances when it's just a singer-songwriter with their instrument and voice. I'm trying to lean into that minimalism and intimacy and to trust my intuition.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Quiet time, walking, nature, conversations and strong emotions.
What can punters expect from a Bec Sykes live show?
Me playing piano or guitar and singing sad songs.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"You'll probably still feel anxious pursuing the things you want to do, feeling anxiety isn't a reason not to do them." - My psychologist
Also, "Be kind to yourself when you write." - Ainslie Wills
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'What's the Deal with David?' by Oh Pep
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'If You Call' by Angie McMahon (in a cathartic way)
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Absolutely Everybody' by Vanessa Amorosi
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I think it was Alexander Biggs, Ruby Gill & David Western at Common Rooms back in Feb. It was my birthday and I sat at the back in the corner and closed my eyes, it was the perfect introverted sad girl party. Seated gigs are my fave gigs.
Tell us about the bands or people in your local music community that inspire you.
There's so many! Some of my favourite Melbourne artists are Gaia Scarf, Charm of Finches, GraceJean, Low Key Crush and Half the Andes. They all have incredible voices/harmonies and they write clever songs and grab my heart and twist it in the best way.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
I was lucky enough to win the Josh Pyke Partnership which involves a grant, so I'm planning to record an EP with the grant funds.
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Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I started writing and producing my own music a few years ago. I’d say it was pretty sad-core or garage-y back then, and was heavily based on my emotional state at the time. I’m now more confident with writing music and have been experimenting with different ways of writing and different sounds. It’s all come just from experience really - playing live and having different tastes in music throughout the years.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Hearing a really good song puts me in a writing mood, like a burst of inspiration. But it also just depends on how I'm feeling. I’m inspired more when I’m sad, maybe because that’s just when I’m thinking the most hahaha.
What can punters expect from a FRITZ live show?
I forgot… I forgot what our lives shows are like. Loud and maybe a bit messy, but in a fun to watch way.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I used to compare myself to others so much and have really low self esteem but then my Mum told me that everyone is always thinking of themselves and what people think of them. So no one really cares…
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Strawberry Kisses' by Nikki Webster
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Arrow' by FRITZ
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Can’t Get You out of My Head' by Kylie Minogue
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
It was a metal-core gig at the Hamilton Station Hotel. It was everything you’d expect really.
Tell us about the bands or people in your local music community that inspire you.
Vacations, Underlay and Craterface. All very inspiring and doing their own unique thing. It’s very cool to see.
What are your plans for the rest of 2020?
Nap… put out more music… I think I have a dentist appointment in October too…
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I'm not inspired by much besides other music and my life really. I've never been a 'watch a film and omg I'm gonna write a song about the Titanic' guy, idk it just never worked. Still doesn't. I think like 99% of my songs are things that have actually happened to me / I've gone through. I've struggled a bit during this quarantine time simply because like, nothing is happening lol. Anyway, other than that it comes in waves. Sometimes I'm like INSPIRED but other times I'm just inspired y'know?
Mate I would actually want my live show to go off. Sadly I've had like 2 lots of headline shows be rescheduled now, so I'm yet to play any. I've been using this time to really make sure I have the right songs to play live, make sure the setlist is good enough, practicing idk like everything.
I do a lot of dumb things so I get advice quite a lot. I'm not exactly sure what the advice would have been, but there's a couple of people in my life who are like "the" advice givers. Mum's pretty good at saying things that just stick with me, but other than that both my managers (Titus & Max) are great at advice on anything really, as well as a few friends. I'm lucky I have those people.
'Duncan' by Slim Dusty. Great song. Premium songwriting. Gets me out of a slump everytime. Hungry? 'Duncan' by Slim Dusty. Thirsty? 'Duncan' by Slim Dusty. Oak? 'Duncan' by Slim Dusty. Hotel? Trivago.
Again probably 'Duncan' by Slim Dusty. Also pretty emotional. He just wants to have a beer with Duncan. And Trev. And everyone. Quite relatable to be honest.
Nah for real though Australian music hasn't been the same since Flume released 'Hi This Is Flume'. Anything from that. Probably 'High Beams' that's my favourite on that record. Although quick little plug to my literal favourite Australian artist right now Sycco. She's making straight banger after banger. There's no stopping her. Someone quote me on this question when she's playing Rod Laver.
Uhhhhhh great question I've been inside for so long I don't remember. I have a lot of answers for this question... pretty sure the last GIG i went to was The 1975 at O2 Arena. That was effing mental I love them. More of a local gig though. A bit before that was my incredibly talented friend Matilda Mann, she played like an 80 cap venue which was perfect because she literally put the whole audience in this beautiful, emotional acoustic trance. Highly recommend checking out her stuff. Australia though... man I really wish I remembered, it was probably a friend of mine's but I just don't remember whose :(
I could actually write a whole essay for this question. I'm literally constantly surrounded by such talented people that it's hard to list them all. But huge mentions are as I said above Sycco. She's such a cool girl but she's also my absolute favourite Australian artist right now, her song 'Nicotine' is my current favourite song of 2020, but her new song 'Dribble' is another tune and a half. Along with her, a couple of my friends here in London are super talented. Above I mentioned Matilda Mann, but also my friend Stephen Barnes who goes by Nabes is so talented, as well as my friend Maya Delilah whose music I really like, and a friend of mine in LA called Sam but goes by Slush Puppy... I'm also on a track with him, he's sick.
By the look of London right now it might be that I have to stay inside for the rest of eternity, but that's okay. Pandemic aside I probably would have been doing that anyway. I have plans to come home around Christmas time, hopefully play a couple of shows too if it's okay to do so. Other than that I dunno man, vibe? Write more music? Vibe some more? Listen to triple j all day? Probably.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, JK-47!
Well I've been writing and rhyming since 14 so it’s taken me nearly 10 years to get to where I’m at. I didn’t always sound and rap like this. My rhymes and voice developed and evolved over time along with the content of my writing, and I think when I joined Gratis Minds it gave me a chance to express what was truely on my mind. In my early years of rapping, I was just a wanna-be, because I was looking to America and a lot of hard rappers for inspiration because that’s what I though I had to be to be liked. But I was trying to be something I wasn’t. Now I’m looking in my own backyard and realising I got my own story to tell. And I should tell it raw and as real as I can.
Sometimes listening to the greats like, Tupac, J Cole, Kendrick Lamar and Nipsey Hustle (just to name a few) gets me in the mood. Sometimes it comes from the beat when I feel it, I just gotta write to it because it just comes to me. Mostly it comes from inside. Just wanting a better life for my family. Hoping I can write a song that can relate to everyone. I wanna take care of my people but I hope I write the type of music that speaks to everybody everywhere and sparks change at the same time. Not just some banger that you hear in the club. Something timeless.
Pure energy from the jump. You can hold me to that.
My mum always told me to give all my problems and cares to God. Like if I had a problem she couldn’t solve, she’d say “Give it to The Lord son.” And for me giving my problems to God takes all that weight of my shoulders. It helps my smile and love my wife and son more. Appreciate the good I got and a focus without frustration. And God always makes it work out in the end so that’s probably the best advice given to me that’s help me the most.
'Yil Lull' by Joe Geia.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Took the Children Away' by Archie Roach.
'Relief' by Gratis Minds.
Before Corona hit, at the start of February I opened up for Adrian Eagle and after my set I sat back and watched him do his thing. He was real dope. You could feel everything he was putting down. Mad energy.
There’s a lot of musical talent where I’m from. Young and old. Though I’m choosing to drop this solo album, I’m in 3 different groups all from the same place with mad talent. East Coast Brotherhood, Gratis Minds and Kinship Collective. There’s so much to say about the musical talent and potential there is in Tweed I don’t know where to start. But I think there’s a lot of people yet to be discovered from Tweed Heads.
Connect with people in a positive way through my music and give strength and motivation to those who need it. I started this a long time ago but this is still just the beginning for me. I have a lot of other tracks waiting to be heard by Australia and the world but you’ll know about them soon enough.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Tina Says!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
So far my sound has developed through a combination of personal experience and what influences I have. Through trial and error and experimenting my sound grows. I wouldn't even say I have actually found my sound yet, along the journey you develop habits in your writing and eventually most of your productions start to have similarities.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
To be honest, aside from finding inspiration through music itself. I learnt through being an artist for a long period of time, my biggest source of inspiration is through balance and happiness in life. If my relationships are great, I feel stable as a person, I'm eating well etc - then I maximise my creative flow. If some days I don't feel it, then I don't force it, maybe I go for a big walk or see someone I care about and through that, I've triggered my inspiration.
What can punters expect from a Tina Says live show?
It's simple. To dance and have a good time!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
From my dad he said, "to always aim higher then what I think I'm capable of as I'm likely to come close"
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'EMBRACE ' by PNAU.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'One Crowded Hour' by Augie March.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'My People' by The Presets
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last gig I went to was the first show of my 2020 tour which was actually in Margaret river. The turn out was huge for a small-town event, the vibes were high. Loving the fact all the young new club-goers new the tunes!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Perth music community that inspire you.
Slumberjack, ShockOne and Jeremy from Lab six - since the beginning, these guys have inspired me, given me the time of day and had me in their studios teaching me valuable production knowledge or industry insight! Without them, I wouldn't be where I am!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Bermuda Bay!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We've been jamming together in heaps of contexts and genres through most of high school, including school percussion and jazz bands, which has had a massive influence on our sound. On top of that, each band member has slightly different tastes in music and in turn brings something different to the table. We listen to lots of jazz fusion, soul, and pop music to help inspire us with our sound. Some of our influences include Alpine, Daniel Caesar, Childish Gambino, The Internet, Vulfpeck, Parcels, Billy Davis, and Leisure.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Our greatest source of musical inspiration is more often than not each other. Usually one of the members puts together a dodgy little demo, which really comes together once we jam on it and ideas for the song jump out once there's some energy behind it.
What can punters expect from a Bermuda Bay live show?
Punters can bet they’ll be sweating on the dancefloor!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
The best advice we’ve ever gotten would have to be from Nick of Heaps Good Friends. We’d approached him to work on the production of our new material and he basically just told us to have faith in ourselves and to trust our gut with our sound, which really helped us to gain confidence in our own abilities.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Miss Shiny' by Kaiit. This track was a big inspiration for our newest single 'All My Life' and that very soulful guitar hook at the start of the song literally makes us smile instantly.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Boys Will Be Boys' by Stella Donnelly. This song is honest and hard hitting and entirely speaks for itself.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
We would definitely pump some Genesis Owusu, ‘Don’t Need You’ is a banger and a half.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last gig we went to was actually one we played at last week with our friends Busseys and Glowing. It was so refreshing to see people out of their homes enjoying live music again, and we can’t wait to play more and more shows.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Adelaide music community that inspire you.
We love how tight-knit the Adelaide music/arts community is, some of our favourite bands that inspire us are The Montreals, Neon Tetra, and Vann Rango.
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Harper Bloom!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
When I was 5 or 6 my Dad bought me a guitar and took me to this independent teacher who encouraged me to learn Bob Dylan songs! Ever since around that age, I started writing songs, they didn’t really make sense back then, but I had that obsession with trying to fit sequences of words together and tell a story. I listened to, and played a lot of, the Alessi Brothers and The Beatles growing up too. A lot of their songs influenced me to write upbeat acoustic melodies. I have always resonated with artists that have arranged words and music in a way that is powerful in conveying a certain feeling or message, so I try and do the same!
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
For me, I would say it’s definitely the way I process the world around me. If something strikes a nerve with me, it will trigger me to write and tinker around on my guitar. It could be an overheard conversation, something I have seen that has affected me or people discussing their life and relationships. Just watching how the world works and the irony of it all. Sometimes I catch random trains or buses just so I can watch different characters or see a different landscape to write about. I always carry a little notebook on me.
What can punters expect from a Harper Bloom live show?
Well after a couple of years of playing solo acoustically, I formed my full band at the start of this year with three really talented musicians! They really help bring the songs to life. It’s quite energetic and upbeat. I like to see people up and dancing and singing along. There are a couple of slower and reflective songs too. I also like to tell little stories about what inspired the songs, but in the end it’s just awesome to watch people enjoy your music and make it their own.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
It’s this great quote by Anne Hood. It’s to give it the “rocking chair test”. Imagine that you’re 90 years old sitting on a porch and rocking on your chair as you reflect on your life. Will you regret doing it or not doing it, pick the decision you can live with and have no regrets in your choice. This quote always helps me when I’m on the edge of making a choice. It encourages you to just go for it, and I guess you can apply that to music pursuits and just general life.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
I really love 'Southern Sun' by Boy and Bear! It has this really hopeful sound to it and makes me feel like I’m entering a new chapter every time I hear it.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Julia Jacklin’s ‘Don’t Know How to Keep Loving You”. I weep every time, it’s like The Notebook in a song. Then according to recent times, my girlfriend will be in a random room crying to the beauty of Angie McMahon and Leif Vollebekk’s “If You Call” (in a good way though).
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
It would have to be 'Dumb Things' by Paul Kelly. This reminds me of Saturday nights on Rottnest Island, what a beauty!!!
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last local gig I went to was one I was supporting haha. It was right before Covid-19 restrictions hit in late March. It was Fletcher Gull’s EP Launch and Trace Decay played too. Both Fletcher and Trace Decay are really talented performers with big and vibrant indie anthems. They both have really tight bands and were incredible to see live.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
I think there are different elements from all types of musos in Melbourne that have inspired me. I have learnt equally important traits from buskers at 2 am on Bourke Street as I have from established artists selling out the Corner Hotel night after night! Melbourne seems to live and breathe music and art, so I think that inspires you to be the best artist you can be. Also, I am a big fan of Courtney Barnett, G-Flip and Vance Joy. These are three amazing Melbourne artists that I think really developed their unique sound and showcase their individuality with extremely captivating live shows.
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