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

I think triple j said it best when they referred to us as their moody siblings diary brought to life, I guess we’re kinda like a bag of starburst party mix but instead of sweets it’s a mix of emotions. We were playing in a band together called The Skategoats, so I guess on the end of that we started to own our craft a little more and really find our own sound and place.

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

The greatest source of inspiration for making music, I think comes from our everyday life and experiences. In my case it’s very easy to tell what I’m going through at the time based on what I’m writing about. As for the music side, we draw our inspirations from everyone around us making music.

What can punters expect from a Chelsea Manor live show?

A lot of mistakes? Haha nah a high energy set, catchy choruses and some questionable dance moves coming from Ivan our bass player.

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

It’s gonna sound cliché but the usual treat people how you wanna be treated, it’s really easy to be in your own space and not see how your actions can be affecting those around you. My Dad taught me that.  Also I remember reading something that really stuck with me “It’s so easy to not like something without putting it down” and every since then if I’m not really into the style or it’s not my thing I’ll find the positive in it.

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

‘Out of Luck’ by Loser, I’d go by my mates pick them up chuck this track on in the car and just drive!

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

‘I’ll be fine’ by Larsen but it’s not let sit down and cry, it’s like lets chuck the track on, headphones walking in the rain screaming the words at the top of the lungs kinda crying.

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

‘Safe To Stay’ by Towns, because how GOOD is that track?! I can just see everyone screaming the “time goes on, whether I do or not” in the middle of the floor.

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

It was actually our local Battle of The Bands, which was wicked because we have such a large community of musicians and it’s always great seeing each one of them up there on the stage doing their thing.

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

Where do we even start haha there are so many people doing great things and we all play our part. I think anyone out there giving it a go is inspiring. !e’re always keen to see new bands or new music. Just watching people grow and own their craft is amazing.

What are your plans for 2019?

We’ve got shows booked in until early November, then we’re back in the studio (The Alamo) with Tyson Fish & Aaron Damon (Captives) to finish off our debut EP ready for 2020. More shows, more music and lets see what we can do with it.

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

Our music is the audible sound of two friends who fell in love with each other at first sight. I feel our sound has come together subconsciously from the countless hours spent together sharing music, comparing our upbringings, driving home with each other, skipping class for food and the thousands of hours spent together at band practice just jamming and covering songs we mutually loved. Our music reflects the world around us, like really happy but not and also really sad but not also.. Our sound comes from such an array of artists and genres and eras, it’s hard to nail it, but we definitely aspire to match the individuality and attitude of so many punk artists who do what makes them and others happy and feel included.

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

We REALLY just love music, art and culture and we get inspiration from a bunch of different art. I think we grab inspiration from just about everything. We really feel that what’s around us will often shape who we are and that’s the same with the music and art we make too. We always send each other single covers or music videos, weird mini YouTube doco’s, quotes we think are nice. It’s always fun looking back on how our inspiration has changed over the last few years I think at this stage we inspire each other based on what the other one gets excited about.

What can punters expect from a TOWNS live show?

A TOWNS show is 30% music and 70% us asking how your day has been. We like EVERY show to be different because we are both such inattentive people who get bored of things VERY quickly, so we like to make sure we have as much fun at every show as possible while also including everyone else in the room. So essentially a TOWNS show is an explosion of energy, a safe space for everyone,  oozing vulnerability, a LOT of shit talking and a whole lot of happi people having fun.

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

The best advice I got given was to never throw away any song, click save on every project because it might turn into something one day. I remember Alex Lahey saying that at a panel for ’Face the Music’ In Melbourne a few years ago and I always remember it when I think a song sucks. On the other hand the worst advice I ever got was from a lot of my friends dads growing up, suggesting that I should do Cold Chisel covers at the local pub to get my band attention. They would ALWAYS argue that point, like every day, ever. 

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

It goes one of two ways either ‘Mango Tree’ by Angus and Julia Stone for a calm lift up to really ground someone in life and to appreciate all the pretty things. OR Gretta Ray’s ‘Unwind’ can leave me feeling VERY optimistic. Oh and Ben Lee - Catch My Disease is an absolute BOP. OH FAR OUT AND ‘Don’t Change’ by INXS is a REAL winner

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

For crying, the artist Toy Boats had a song ‘Searching for the Wonder’ that is extremely beautiful, I think everything he released had so much emotion that it’s hard not to get caught up in it. Such a unique voice too, I always find voices that aren’t afraid to stand out much more powerful than your typical Australian Idol chart topper. I also just really can’t get past 'Blood' by the Middle East. It never ceases to make me cry happy and sad tears simultaneously. 

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

Okay, so we have two answers. 
1. ‘Arnold’ by Luke Million would have to be THE D-Floor banger. That song has never not gotten me up and moving like a person who actually goes to the gym. 
“UP…. DOOOWN.. COME ON, MORE ENERGY!’ YAS. Even reading it gets me pumped. 

2. Here’s the scenario. The D Floor is like THUMPING and people are like “woah we want a song that will go HARD!! What will take us to the next level??” Ya bois walk up to the decks with a usb full of .mp3 bangers. The people are going bananas! Our hands are shaking with power.
We select ’Parlez Vous Francais’ by Art vs Science and THE CROWD GOES WILD. Everyone just pops OFF like a frog in a sock!  

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

The last local show I went to was this super sweet local fest called ‘Flip Side Festival’ that ran across three different venues and featured every act on the bill being female fronted or featuring one or more fem/non-binary member! It was just such a wicked time. Our wonderful friends in Teenage Joan’s were on the lineup and FAR OUT they rule hard. I also caught a MONSTER of a set by High Time which was just packed full of energy, life and positivity and I spent the whole show just air drumming and stank facing and UGH it was seriously just amazing. I love Adelaide. AND I love the fact that all of this happened on not just a Saturday, but also on a FRICKIN SUNDAY NIGHT!! 

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

Adelaide’s music scene is full of so many supportive people. It doesn’t feel competitive, it just feels full of people all interested in everyone succeeding and having a lovely time. We can’t give enough love to Nick O’Connor, the projects manager at Northern Sound System for all his support in getting TOWNS of the ground. Teenage Joan’s for reminding us how good it is to simply be doing what we love. Pinkish Blu for being our best friends and being the people we go to for positive reinforcement.  And finally anyone whoever attends The Crown and Anchor on a Wednesday night to see all the wonderful talent of Adelaide.

What are your plans for 2019?
More music. More touring. More pushing ourselves creatively. More learning. More loving. More TV. I think 2019 has really just been SO lovely to us thus far. Getting the offer for Spin Off was much bigger than anything we thought this year had to offer. So who knows what curve balls what this year can throw eh? We have some really exciting things coming up and we’re just so thrilled to keep pushing ourselves in the most creative ways and making things we feel represent who we are and what we’ve learned. We’re very bloody excited to do another hot lap of the country and see all the beautiful people across the country side. But to be honest I think as long as we get to be ourselves and stay in friendship love with each other, anything could happen and we’d be so ecstatic.  Just having our friends by our side while we go through life is beautiful enough and more than we could ever ask for. 

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

It took us a few years to develop a sound we were happy with. Working on our recent album "I'm The Sin" really helped us find and refine our sound. It was a great experience for all of us as it was our first time in a proper studio and all learnt a lot about writing and production.

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

Our biggest source of inspiration comes from our personal experiences. We've lived and experienced a lot since the writing and release of "The Lost" EP in 2015, so the lyrical content of this new album is a lot more heartfelt. We've collectively lived through life-changing pain and happiness, break ups and failed relationships, issues with our own mental health and family struggles that lead Lizi and the rest of us to write some really meaningful lyrics that we hope people can find comfort in.

What can punters expect from a The Beautiful Monument live show?

Lots of energy, big singalong choruses that are easy to sing along to, even if you've never heard us before.

Fast, punchy and a lot of fun!

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

Although nerves before playing are uncomfortable, they're a good thing as it means you care about the show you're about to put on. We always had the best advice given to us by our late manager Justin, who passed away in November.

He always gave us the best pre-show advice, the way to make us ensure we were happy in our situations and with each other and the best advice about how to do everything properly in regards to releases. He was a really important person to us, and one of the most caring people ever. We're all super grateful for all the advice he gave us, we learnt so much.

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

'I Touch Myself' by The Divinyls ;)

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

'Without Me' by Aburden. Or realistically anything by Aburden because they're major sad boys. We love them.

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

'Anchors' by The Amity Affliction or 'Land Down Under' by Men At Work.

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

Some of us recently went to the Corner Hotel to see Running Touch. The vibes were really different to what we were used to within the usual heavy/hardcore scene but it was awesome to go to a different kind of gig and see the crowd, the interaction with the crowd and the differences between a show like that and one we would play.

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

A lot of people inspire us by just being a part of the community, caring enough to share a bands post on Facebook or even rock up to a show. Being in a band is hard, so when you have the punters caring about their local bands and their scene, it really helps to make a difference. Those people inspire us to be better and do better.

Name 3 Unearthed artist you are loving at the moment.

We're absolutely loving Ruby Fields, Aburden and Dear Seattle.

Lastly, what are your plans for 2017?

We're looking forward to everything this year is shaping up to be for us so far. This Friday sees us playing with Architects and Ocean Grove thanks to Triple J Unearthed. We're also hoping to hit up some interstate shows this year to share our album with those fans as well. Everything we've got planned at the moment is still a bit on the hush, but it's looking to be a really big year for us! 

Meet this week's Feature Artist Wing Defence!

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! 

You've just released your new single 'Commotion'. Tell us a little about the genesis of that song and what it was like to be writing again, after the recent success of 'Call My Name'?

We came up with the song at band practice and we quickly recorded all the parts on the Tascam. We've been writing stuff since 'Call My Name' but it was cool to see how the song developed this time around. I always leave the lyrics to the last minute because it's just easier and sometimes when you have them sitting around you just want to keep changing things, but we are pretty happy with how it panned out.

You recorded 'Commotion' at the triple j studios in Sydney. What was that recording process like compared to how you usually lay your tracks down?

The recording process was pretty similar to 'Call My Name'. With both songs we had quite clear ideas about what we wanted each aspect to sound like. We always have extra bits though that we add in while at the studio. Nothing's set in stone. We normally get the drums and guitar rhythm down and then we build like jam on a bass line, keyboard and stuff.

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

Watching other musicians play. Whenever we are at a gig together you just feel so inspired and want to get home and try and make something just as cool. Other music is obviously a pretty huge inspiration as well, especially when we both have such differing tastes.

What's your go-to snack when making music?

We have a lot of breaks in between long jams and they usually consist of tea, coffee and toast - usually because that's all we can find in the kitchen. We also sometimes get treated to Japanese.

What's your vision for the ultimate Mosquito Coast live show?

Lots of funky beats, crazy guitar and cult outfits. Extended jams that people can really vibe with.

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

Naomi: My brother in law once said just to do what your heart tells you and don't listen to other people, if music is something you wanna do, then do it.

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

Take Me Over by Cut Copy because how can you not want to dance?

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

My Happiness - Powderfinger or Under the Milky Way - The Church.

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

Bee Gees - You Should Be Dancing, INXS- I Need You Tonight or Pond - Moth Wings.

What are your plans for the rest of 2015 and into 2016?

We both are focussing on school at the moment but as soon as we're finished, we will be able to write more and start gigging. We are really excited to develop our live set and start playing more often.

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

I've been playing music my entire life and really started taking it seriously when I picked up the saxophone at 12 years old. I played in big bands all through high school and went to uni to study a jazz degree. I was always writing songs through high school as a means of teaching myself how to play guitar, and found when I got to uni that my ear was more attuned to appreciating a great song rather than a gnarly bebop lick - I was listening to way more Carole King than Charlie Parker. So, I dropped out of my degree and to focus more on writing songs. Oscar Dawson who plays in Holy Holy has helped me bring my songs to life with his incredible production skills. Funnily enough, he also didn't finish the exact same degree as me. And here we are.

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

My lyrics tend to come from interactions I have with other people. I'm big on communication - I like to talk things out - so a lot of the words in my songs happen to be directly taken from conversations I've had. Musically, I get inspired by melody and groove. There's nothing better than hearing a song where there's a sweet chord change or melodic idea that makes you go "what the hell was that? I need to know!"

What can punters expect from your live show?

Coopers Sparkling, Bruce Springsteen-style count ins, fuzz pedals and a drummer who cries whenever he watches 'School of Rock'.

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

My friend's dad tells me "fortune favours the prepared mind", which I'm pretty sure is a Louis Pasteur quote. Basically, I interpret that to mean even if you're feeling you're not producing the best output at a particular time, you're preparing yourself and your skills to create something you're really proud of down the track. Another friend of mine has a similar piece of advice, which is to "sift through the shit", but I don't really like the visual that suggests... Let's stick with the Pasteur one.

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

'Our Place' by Verge Collection

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

'Can We Work It Out' by Gordi

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

'She's So Fine' by The Easybeats

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

I don't know if this counts, but I went to see Alvvays while I was in Sydney the other weekend and they were incredible. I referred to their music a lot while recording my EP. I know Alvvays aren't a local band, but Major Leagues opened and they were just as good. Great songs, great chops, great night.

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

I'm really lucky to be part of a community that inspires me so much. My friends Eilish Gilligan and Greer Clemens both play in a brilliant band called Frida and have their own solo projects. I froth on the feedback I get from them when I show them new songs or mixes. Kate Duncan is the creative producer of The Push Inc and works to give young people opportunities to learn about playing/putting on gigs, being in the studio and releasing music - she's an amazing person who has been looking out for me since I was a bub. My best friend Ollie Whitehead plays sax in Animaux with me and has a sweet new project on the go, which will be excellent. Every time I go into the studio with Oscar, I come out a better musician and writer. Also, shout out to my manager, Leigh. Hey Leigh!

What are your plans for 2016?

Write more songs, play more guitar, play more shows, release my debut EP, tour lots, do more recording, drink all the beers. Not necessarily in that order.

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

All of our tracks begin on Nicks Korg Poly 800 which has such a genuine bank of incredible sounds, when we find one we like, we go from there. Other than that our sound developed quite naturally without following too many rules. Our first track "Perhaps I Killed A Tiny Stunt Double" came out all 80's sad pop. The next few had some face melting guit. solo's following 'Stunt Doubles' lead. "Let's Hug Longer" was a straight up dance pop surprise. It usually takes us a couple of days to write/record a track, we like our pace. There is lots of freedom on both sides to be upfront when we don't like an idea, or on the flip side, really claim an idea if we love it, shared writing has never been so fun.

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

Our friendship. I think living in different cities makes the times when we DO get together to make tunes more special, we always have such an energy! I trust Nick so much and honestly love everything he writes. Most of the lyrics are taken from conversations I have with people, or things I overhear them say, so by the time I fly to Adelaide and head into Nick's studio, I have a list of bangers to share and get the lyric writing happening!

What can punters expect from a Heaps Good Friends live show?

Heaps Good Fun!! This project feels nice an instantaneous. We're opening the window and this music is coming through. When we play live we're aiming to pull off the same trick, just with all you guys helping with the window opening and enjoying whatever comes through!! Like a wise pair of boys once said: 'Jump around, jump around. Get up, get up and get down.'

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

Nick: My mate Shannon told me if you want, you can turn the sound of that annoying kid yelling on the train into the energy that feeds you. It was a killer perspective change. Freed up a lot of mind space. 

Emma: "Emma, the world needs your smile" - Mum to me on the phone the other day when I was in a crap mood. Love you mum. 

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

Nick: "Parlez Vous Francais?" - Art vs Science

Emma: "Fruit" - Rainbow Chan. Or the outro to "All In Colour" - Grace & Innocence. On repeat. For 15 minutes. 

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

Nick: Hmmm...hard one. Silverchair's "Ana's Song" is a heavy jam on a few levels. I cried watching Nai Palm but that was on a 'touched by angels' tip...no sadness happening there.

Emma: "Exist" by Vital Signs. More like an - embrace the cry then we can move past it as we float to the middle of the ocean.

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

Nick: Right now? Flume "Never Be Like You" is statistically proven to destroy that floor. Otherwise Alison Wonderland "I Want U" bangs in the best way.

Emma: I have a coupla friends who would cheer louder and dance harder if I chucked on Killing Heidi "Mascara" haha. The mid-90's baby's would drift away, but we'd take up the whole floor then thank you very much.

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

Nick: Last local gig was a Warped Covers Party at The Northern Sound System in Adelaide. Heaps of local champs forming funsies bands to drop tunes from mega faves of the noughties...purty fun times.

Emma: Big Sound. Where do I start. Clairy Browne was hard to stop listening to. Mallrat then became the soundtrack to the beach that weekend, and Totally Mild I wrote down in my iPhone notes as 'Heavenly Pop'.

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

Adelaide music scene is SUPER fun at the moment. Loads of bands all lifting their game...so to start, gotta tip cap to the whole industry for inspirational growth overall! Obvs TK, Bad//Dreems, Grenadiers, West Thebarton Brothel Party all doing mental good all over Aus/Internationally...But Mio, Electric Fields, Wasted Wanderers, Skies, Joy Sparkes, Ross McHenry!, Playback808....heeeeps. Heeeeeeeeps. Heaps are heaps good. Luke Penman! Spoz! Sam Wright! Sharni Honor! Faaar OOUUUUUUT. Make it end!!

What are your plans for 2017?

Write more. Live shows. More film clips. Convince HAIM to bring us on tour with them.

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

I think we really started to zone in on the sound of Eliza & The Delusionals after I saw Catfish & the Bottlemen supporting The Kooks a few years ago. Their album 'The Balcony' had a huge impact on the developnent of our music when we first started, and they have continued to inspire me with their second album. I always try to keep my artistic influences broad, and try to incorporate the inspiration from them into my songs.

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

I find my greatest source of inspiration for making music through my life experiences growing up, and continuing to understand all aspects of the world. I always try to present my songs in a way that people can relate to and hopefully find insight through.

What can punters expect from a Eliza & The Delusionals live show?

I like to think that people can expect a really fun and high energy show. I really want the audience to feel that they're a part of a unifying experience rather than just watching us performing. I love feeling this when I go to shows, so I really try to bring that to our gigs!

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

A lot of people have given me loads of great advice throughout my life but I don't think I can narrow it down to just one piece. I was actually stumped for ages on this question!

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

I'd have to say Polish Club's new track 'Come Party'. Who could feel sad listening to that tune?

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

Definitely 'Don't Let the Kids Win' by Julia Jacklin. It's such an emotional song and Julia is a profound songwriter.

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

I'd probably put on Confidence Man's tune 'Boyfriend', because it's honestly a party in itself.

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

I went and saw Bec Sandridge at The Foundry about a week or so ago, and it was great! I'm a huge fan of the 'Ridge. She was super friendly, and The Foundry is a really cool Brisbane venue.

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

I'm always inspired by seeing bands from Brisbane or the Gold Coast making an impact on Australia's music scene, like Cub Sport, The Belligerents and Amy Shark. It's so cool to watch musicians from your area release amazing music and get recognised for it across the country and the rest of the world!

What are your plans for 2017?

We have a bunch of plans for 2017, mainly including releasing new music (which will be happening very soon). Another big goal is to play some festivals! I love going to festivals and I've wanted to be a part of one for so long, so I'm hoping this year we can make our way onto some festival line-ups!

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
The demo we released when we started the band was mostly written by our vocalist, Tory. It wasn't until we got into a room and started writing as a band that all these other influences started creeping in. We all have a background in the hardcore scene, so our new material is a little more aggressive, while still maintaining a pop sensibility.

What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
We look up to a lot of our friends in bands and the sacrifices they make to be able to tour full time. Hopefully we can follow and do the same!

You’re one of the winners of our Unify competition. What can punters at the Unify festival in Gippsland expect from the Harbours live show?
It's a shorter set, we've cut a few of the ballads so expect 20mins of high energy & riffs.

What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Pick Harder - THE Steven Cannatelli

What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Pretty much anything by Tame Impala.

What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
No Control by a band called Holland.
Their lead singer is now killing it as a pop star and I don't think too many people know about his past project!

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

What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Invasion Fest.
Was a great day filled with a lot of Underground talent from around the country.

Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
Our friend Running Touch is killing it at the moment. Check out Ocean Grove too.

What are your plans for 2016?
Become a staple in Aussie Rock.