Fringe Mellow
Dance, Electronic, Hip Hop, Indie, Pop ("hip-hop, rap, spoken word, indie, different, singer-songwriter")
Sunshine, QLD

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.

Melbourne artist Luboku is this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist. His ability to sweep you off your feet with this carefully crafted production, hypnotic touch and brooding melodies is something you need to here.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
For me, it's all about experimenting and letting go of what you think something should sound like. I spent a lot of time trying to make music sound a certain way, but I found the less I tried the more natural things sounded.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
A lot of stuff inspires me, but creatively I’m inspired by sounds. I can’t put my finger on it, but the smallest of sounds can inspire some of the most interesting tracks, I’m always searching for those sounds that evoke emotion somehow, it’s a really fun way to write.
What can punters expect from a Luboku live show?
It’s very dynamic, I like to take people on a journey with me as the set expands and contracts. Think Nils Frahm x Jon Hopkins x James Blake, or just come to my show with What So Not this weekend and find out for yourself!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
My uncle is a long-time muso and he’s always told me to stick with my gut feel - your first instinct is usually the best, pretty much 99% of the time.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Men At Work - Down Under. No one could escape this one, it’s too good a singalong.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Dustin Tebbutt - The Breach.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Flume - HyperParadise remix, still a jam.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Well, it wasn’t the most recent one, but Kamasi Washington’s performance earlier this year has really stuck with me, an amazing show and his dad came out onstage to play mid-set which was actually epic.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
I’m really inspired by the community itself! There is so much great music coming out of Melbourne every day, I think it’s something which is pretty singular to our city. That said, good friends Two People are doing some lovely stuff, as are Kllo, Jack Grace, Lonelyspeck and a lot more people who have probably escaped my mind at this moment.
What are your plans for 2018?
I just finished my debut EP, so that’s on its way, lots more live shows and maybe a few surprises too, I guess you’ll have to wait and see!
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This week on triple j Unearthed we're featuring Newcastle legends, Big Nasty!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our music is hardcore with punk, surf rock and pop squeezed into 2 minute ragers. All of our heavy music influences come together in our music.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Making parents and friends proud, and proving to ourselves that we can do it.
What can punters expect from a Big Nasty live show?
Lots of energy, sweat, and almighty riff faces.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
An old music teacher of mine Allon, exposed me to so much new music and told me “you’ve either got your mojo on (Muddy Waters), or you’re stuck at a crossroads (Robert Johnson)”, basically saying that all kinds of music can be powerful, and helped me realise that there is a whole world of music out there that I was completely blind to, and from then on, the musical floodgates were opened.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Matthew Young’s ‘Collect’ is a go to groove for me and always gets me to smile
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
‘These Days’ by Powderfinger is one that I hold close to my heart, and I challenge anyone to listen to that track and not feel something.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
No one can resist singing along to 'Nosebleed Section' by Hilltop Hoods.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Last local gig I went to was Jesus Piece at The Cambridge Hotel in January. Absolutely bonkers show. Their live sets are just pure chaos, I love it.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Newcastle music community that inspire you.
Our friend Xavier from XJP Media is doing amazing stuff at the moment. The amount of shows he gets to and the amount of work he puts into his stuff is awesome.
What are your plans for 2020?
Keep the noise coming. Get right back in the studio and record more tunes, and take this show on the road. Full steam ahead for nasty.

This week on triple j Unearthed you'll be hearing from WA legends and this week's feature artist, Death By Denim.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We all come from quite different musical backgrounds and we love to mash up all of those into one big melting pot of sound. Whether its classic 80s Australian rock, to Britpop, to the Perth Psych scene and Hip Hop. There are really no limits to what we will consider putting into a track and we love to play around with different styles. It’s no coincidence that we struggle to define our genre at times. When recording it’s basically anything goes. If someone wants a robot in the track, a robot will be produced and its place in the track thereby evaluated.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I think music has played a very important role in all of our lives as we have grown up and it’s amazing that we get to share that emotional connection as a band. Personal experiences always come into play for songwriting inspiration. We’ve made songs about a family break up, Tattoos, mental health, after parties, cigarettes and honey - anything really. We don’t take ourselves too seriously but at the same time we have definitely built up a confidence to explore deeper emotions in our tunes.
What can punters expect from a Death By Denim live show?
A Big Party. We want everyone to come to a gig, feel safe and just forget about their problems for a few hours. When we are on stage, we are free from all of our anxieties and can just be doing what we love to do and hopefully that resonates with people. Also, a lot of average banter by Nik and George.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
A frequent piece of advice has been to work hard and keep pushing. Making and performing music is something we all love to do and we have developed quite a strong work ethic in the band as a result. Whether it is songwriting, performing, or organizing the next 6 months – we are always working on something. I think this mindset has been really important when it comes to writing. It can be easy to forget about this when other things seem more important or urgent. In the long run it really takes the pressure off the music if you already have a bunch of exciting ideas to work on when it comes time to produce that next track.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Elephant' by Tame Impala.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'If You Were My Hero' by Asha Jefferies.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Need You Tonight' by INXS
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
We all went to Wooly Mammoth’s final ever show and it was amazing. Was pretty sad to see those boys finish the band as we’ve become pretty close with them over the years, but they all have other things in the pipeline that we are very excited about!
Tell us about the bands or people in the WA music community that inspire you.
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets come straight to mind who are really inspiring us at the moment. Working so bloody hard and have achieving so much – it has been an amazing journey to watch. Riley Pearce, Spacey Jane, Dulcie, Great Gable, Keeley Connelly - all the artists that are flying the WA flag with so much pride inspire us to be able to do the same. I could list another 20 bands, WA music is just the best. Whether it’s a group that has been together for a few years or one who has just formed – you never know when you are going to be blown away by at a local gig. Fresh on the scene Material World Orchestra recently supported us and had some incredible synthy vibes – I think we were all listening and silently taking notes. Francis Foxx is also one to watch with an amazing energy on stage. The list goes on and on.
What are your plans for 2019?
Planning to release either an E.P or a full length album in October/November which we are currently working on at Debaser studios with Andy Lawson. We will be heading out on our biggest tour run at the end of the year in support. Basically we will be working very hard but making sure we have the best of fun too. It’s a very exciting time for sure.
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Jaguar Jonze.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Honestly, I guess it was a natural development of my multicultural background. I grew up listening to ballads on my mum's side, and country/folk music on my dad's side but then I would go and binge on alternative rock. So my sound just kind of evolved into this gunslinging, lamenting soundtrack which I use to show my personal emotions and adversities.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I lost my close friend years ago, and he would always tell me that I needed to live life passionately. I didn't understand what that meant until he passed away. When he left, he left behind his soul in poetry, films, artworks and heartfelt letters. Although, I didn't grow up making and playing music, it suddenly became my way of dealing with the grief of losing him, and that's when I suddenly understood what he meant and I found my passion. Now, my greatest source of inspiration to make music is, that it keeps me sane and peaceful.
What can punters expect from a Jaguar Jonze live show?
Well... I think the funniest write up I've seen is that the Jaguar Jonze live shows brings... "a manic stage presence, bending over backwards, writhing, crab-walking and altogether looking like she's possessed by some sort of musical devil." That sums it up pretty well, plus my band - Aidan Hogg, Joe Fallon and Jacob Mann are some of the most talented musicians and I'm super proud to have them by my side, they're a show on their own, but if you aren’t into manic possessed crab walking you can watch them instead haha.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"The best revenge is success." I guess this year, I've dealt with a lot of misfortunes and it was so hard to try and keep getting back up when the environment around me was trying to continuously pull me back down. The advice was actually from a tinder match hahah but he had been seeing things on social media and we became good friends and that was one of the many pieces of advice he gave me and it stuck. I didn't want my trauma or other people's actions to define where I was going so that really helped keep me rolling. I honestly am so grateful and in disbelief about what I've achieved this year and the different places I'm in now. Like, the fact that I'm Feature Artist this week still blows my mind. ARGH THANK YOU.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Who The Hell Are You' by Madison Avenue.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Into My Arms' by Nick Cave.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Don't Call Me Baby' by Madison Avenue. I've used her twice, because she's just the medicine that you want to deny, but know it works.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
It’s so lame because I've been on tour with Lime Cordiale and the last 3 shows were in Brisbane. On the last day we had 2 in one day, an all ages matinee and then an over 18s show. We were just lounging around in the green room when Lime Cordiale found out that 3 of the kids from the underage gig had missed out on the matinee show because they read their tickets wrong. So they put on a show just for these three kids. It was probably one of my favourite tour moments to walk into The Triffid and find Lime Cordiale doing a special show for these 3 kids that missed out. And I mean everybody was on board, including the monitor engineer, FOH, lighting engineer and obviously the whole band. It was so heartwarming, and we all cried in the greenroom afterwards once we realised how much it meant to those 3 kids and their parents.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brissie music community that inspire you.
Actually the people in the Brisbane music community that inspire me the most at the moment are the ones behind the scenes. The sound techs, the guitar techs, the people who constantly work on their technical craft silently and then share it so generously to the bands who need it to put on these amazing shows. I don't know, I think it's something that I didn't realise was such a huge part of being in music until I started playing these bigger shows, I'm just so inspired by their wizardry.
What are your plans for 2019/2020?
We've just got touring left for 2019, I'm jumping onto the Hermitude Brisbane and Sydney shows this weekend to sing the Like A Version live, got another couple Lime Cordiale shows and a few festivals including.. FALLS FESTIVAL THANKS TO YOU GUYS UGHHHHHHH *animal noises*. But for 2020 it’s shaping up for an EP release, more singles and touring... abroad!!
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Perth super ladies Dulcie wow'd us with their debut single 'Fall' and we can't wait for you to hear it all this week on triple j Unearthed.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I don’t think any of us quite know how we developed Dulcie to sound the way it does. It’s really been such a subconscious fusion of all of the music that the four of us have ever listened to or been inspired by individually. At any given time, any one of hundreds of potential influences could shine through and push our sound in another direction. Hopefully that will be something that people will continue to find interesting about listening to our music. At the moment we’re really exploring how to incorporate multiple-part harmonies and that's always been a pretty consistent idea for us all.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Definitely each other and our personal and combined love for music. We all really egg each other on in rehearsal and write music together so I think it’s probably fair to say that our biggest inspiration is other musicians and the ability to inspire and collaborate with each other. Songs come together that much quicker when you’ve got three other people in the room getting hyped up over your ideas.
What can punters expect from a Dulcie live show?
You can definitely expect a few laughs, we don’t take ourselves too seriously on stage so punters can expect a bit of a giggle with/at us for sure! You can probably expect to have a bit of a dance and maybe some cheeky sing-a-longs and clapping on the beat too- we love that stuff!
What’s the best advice you've been given and who was it from?
As silly as it sounds, my mum has this frame full of motivational quotes hanging above our toilet at home and there is this one quote that says “Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” I feel like this has always been a really important thing in reminding me to choose what I want to do because I love it rather than what will give the biggest instant reward. This whole philosophy has definitely helped more than one musician in my life to decide to either study music or commit their time to writing and making music, follow their dream because they love it and want to have the experience, not necessarily the money or the fancy degree. Touring and playing music is the biggest source of cool experiences and stories to tell so it’s pretty relevant to all of us.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
100% ‘Exactly How You Are’ by Ball Park Music. It’s got me smiling after the first sentence every single time, it is the most wonderful song and sometimes people need a little reminder that it’s okay to be who they are and they “don’t have to swim upstream”.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
That’s a tough one! We’re gonna have to go with Sawteeth by Spacey Jane. It’s just a beautiful song and you can’t help but shed a few tears to it. If you haven’t checked them out, prepare yourself for some of the most beautiful songwriting ever.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Surely it would be a sin not to put on ‘Let It Happen’ by Tame Impala. Not sure about everyone else, but we’re never at a party that doesn’t get around a bit of a boogie to that huge tune.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I think the last one was probably the Across The Road Music Festival in Bunbury (that’s down south, does that count?). We played a little festival down in Bunbury at the start of the month with a bunch of other Perth bands and it was SO FUN. Every single band or artist that performed killed it, there were little op shop stalls, food trucks, pop up bars and the whole thing was zero-waste. Basically it was everything you could ever ask for.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Perth music community that inspire you.
The list of people in Perth that inspire us goes on forever and ever. Within our little family at Across The Road Music there is a really inspiring space to create in. We have some great mates in some great Perth bands (Wooly Mammoth, Great Gable, Carla Geneve, Death By Denim, King Ibis, Lilia, Grace Armstrong- the list goes on). It’s always been a pleasure to play and hang out with everybody that we have had the chance to so far and there is certainly no lack of inspiration in the Perth music community.
What are your plans for 2019?
2019 is shaping up to be a big one! We’ll definitely be jumping into the studio and putting out some new music. Starting this week, we’re going on our first ever national tour with our good friends (and amazing Perth band) Great Gable so we’re all super keen for that! Every day things change and become bigger and more exciting so we’re keeping it pretty chilled out while we do this tour and hopefully over the next few weeks we’ll get a bit more of a detailed idea of what this year holds for us.
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Meet this week's Feature Artist Squid Fishing

this week on triple j Unearthed, we're featuring Field Day comp winners Planet Vegeta
this week on triple j Unearthed, we're featuring Field Day comp winners Planet Vegeta
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, WA legends Spacey Jane.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We all come from different places musically so we weren't really predisposed to having a certain sound. When we started out we didn't have a specific genre or sound we were aiming for, but our playing styles eventually blended into where we're at now. Some of our shared musical tastes include Wilco, early Kings of Leon, Courtney Barnett, The Strokes, Pixies.
What's your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Caleb says a lot of his inspiration (especially lyrically) comes from processing emotions and life experiences. Music as a means of catharsis is something we can all relate to. When some feeling or abstract 'thing' hasn't been dealt with, song writing definitely seems like a great outlet for it. In a more general sense we're all inspired to keep making music because of how bloody special it feels to connect with other people through it. Be it with each other or our fans, it's real great.
What can punters expect from a Spacey Jane live show?
We try really hard to make our gigs a safe and inclusive space for everyone involved. When we feel like the crowd is being respectful and looking out for each other, we really give it our all. Also, lots of hair flips from Ashton. And sweat.
What's the best advice you've been given and who was it from?
One piece of advice that’s stuck with us was from a really great friend in a really great band that have had been killing it for over a decade now. It’s a simple one. He just said to ‘keep writing’. No matter what, always, always, always writing and creating. Can’t really fault it, and it’s always in the back of our minds. Thanks Will.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘Catch My Disease’ by Ben Lee (thanks for reminding us that this exists).
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Any of Julia Jacklin's tracks - namely ‘Don't Know How to Keep Loving You’.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
‘Since I Left You’ by The Avalanches.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Jack Davies and the Bush Chooks put on a mini-festival for their EP launch, with a heap of great local bands. Jack is a very special songwriter and has a group of amazing musicians who are even nicer people.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Perth music community that inspire you.
Stella Donnelly is really putting Perth on the map internationally, and she's done a great job of promoting safe and inclusive gig spaces for everyone. She does an awesome job championing artists of all backgrounds at her shows here in Perth, and she's really brought up the standard of diversity to something the scene can be more proud of! Great Gable are one of Perth's hardest working bands, without a doubt. They've been at it for a little while and they're consistently on the up & up. It's awesome to see them succeed so much over the last few years, they're a bunch of awesome guys who kill it live & write great songs.There's a heap of other favourites that have always and continue to make Perth one of the best places to play & experience live music! Seriously WA music rules, and we wear the badge with pride.
What are your plans for 2019?
We're heading back into the studio to record what will hopefully become our first album! No promises there. It's just a lovely goal to have. We'll definitely be touring nationally at least once more this year, this time around has been too good to not repeat!
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This week on triple j Unearthed we're Featuring Sydney legends, 100. Check out their Q&A below.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I’d say our music is a scuzzy breed of post punk and singer songwriter influences. The sound developed from our different influences and musical backgrounds and long hours in the studio figuring all that out.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I think the greatest inspiration for making music is coming up with something that you want to here. You kinda take the best bits of everything you like and put it all together.
What can punters expect from a 100 live show?
Our live show has a pretty stand and delivery approach. Turn it up and have fun I say.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
A stranger came up to me at last year’s BIGSOUND before our final show of the week. I think I looked a bit stressed, probably a bit taxed from the week. He came up and said ‘don’t worry about the people in the room or how many of them there are, just get up and play a great show’. It was a super nice gesture and had me calm afterwards. Other then that Mum and Dad always said to do what makes you happy. Makes sense really.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Maybe I’d go with ‘That’s All’ by Melbournes RVG. To me it’s like a big squeeze that confirms one’s insecurities are real and that it’s completely fine to have them. The grass is always greener.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
‘Feather’ by Brightness. I don’t need to say anything about it. Just go and listen to it.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
‘Hit and Run’ by Jo Jo Zep & the Falcons. Or ‘Summer of 81’ by Mondo Rock. Lets get daggy.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last local show I caught was Sydney’s ‘The Good Boys’ at the Vic on the Park. Amazing Instrumental surf rock (think ‘The Shadows’). 6 guys on stage wearing cloaks; all amazingly talented musicians. The compositions that main guitarist Andy writes are mind blowing and absolutely beautiful. Well worth checking them out on Spotify or they have Vinyl available via bandcamp or at shows.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
I find this tough to answer. There are too many people in this city to pin point - bands, artists, bookers, engineers and even bar staff who all do their bit in making Sydney’s music community so great. Sydney tends to cop a lot of flack but if you go out and look, you’ll find great acts at great venues. Special shout to frequent gig goers, there’s nothing there without them.
What are your plans for 2020?
As our drummer Paris would say - ‘Pull up and wreck’. In all seriousness though, we’re in the midst of completing EP number 2. A few festival shows like Party in the Paddock, Brisbane’s Valley Crawl, Farmer and the Owl plus Meadow in Victoria. A tour to coincide with aforementioned EP and hopefully some more festival shows. After all that I dare say we’ll be hitting Album mode!!
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Get to know this week's Feature star, CXLOE. She's currently living overseas in LA making impressive, dark and brooding music full of drama.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Its taken me a while to develop my sound, but I've enjoyed the journey! Countless trips back and forth from America going in any and every session I could find. I first started off a few years ago wanting to do folk; inspired by Fleetwood Mac, Joni Mitchell, Sara Bareilles. But after being in LA for a while and trying to cope with its brutal/lonely nature my music took a bit of a darker turn. I still draw a lot of my melodic inspiration from those artists but the production and undertones are not as organic and more electronic driven. Now I draw a lot of my inspiration from artists such as Lorde, Banks and Sasha Sloane.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Probably everything. I mean obviously, I'm so in love with music and the feeling it gives me. But a lot of my inspiration comes from my boyfriend and my family. They give me so much strength and I draw so many of my experiences from them and write about them. They are also the reasons I want to succeed in this business.
What can punters expect from a CXLOE live show?
A dark and brooding set with musical highs and lows. Dope lighting with songs you can sing along to and cry to. I love taking my listeners on a journey as I feel I'm quite honest as an artist so I don’t mind letting people in.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
To work SMART, not hard (obviously work hard, but you get the point haha) It was given to me by a friend and artist I really look up to Will Singe.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'World of our Love' by Client Liaison.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Comfortable' by LANKS (it's quite a hopeful song but for some reason, I always end up balling my eyes out!).
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Holiday' by KOTA BANKS DUH!
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I'm living over in LA at the moment so the last local Artist I saw was Aussie singer-songwriter Bobi Andenov. He performed at a local event called School Night in Hollywood and totally crushed it!! His vocals are insane and his songwriting is next level!!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
Oh gosh, there are so many. I'm so inspired by JOY and Jack River, they’re just totally running their own race and I LOVE IT! There are also two women in the music community that really inspire me as they are the most genuinely supportive women I have come across. Nina Las Vegas and Kota Banks. They are both so encouraging of women in the music industry and don’t see other artists as competition. Which is what we need more of!! I adore these two so much. And OBVIOUSLY my manager Sarah Donelly she is a BOSS I don't know how I got so lucky.
What are your plans for 2018?
To protect my peace over here in LA and write awesome music!!!!
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This week on triple j Unearthed we're Featuring Jervis Bay, Unearthed High finalists and this year's Yours & Owls comp winners, Debbies!
Tell us about your music and how did you dvelop you're sound?
We like to think our sound is bright and jangly and sorts of stuff like that. We developed it from drawing heaps of inspiration from artists that could make big sounds such as DZ Deathrays and Violent Soho but then we really frothed the energy and pace of Skegss sides of things so we draw from heaps of stuff. Our greatest source of inspiration in making music has to be just going out and experiencing everything we do together but with a song wrtitng lens on. It’s pretty funny going to parties with each other then by the end of the night having a new song that we have wrote about the stuff we’ve liked about it and stuff we’ve hated. Also we love drawing in the area of Jervis Bay to our inspiration cause it adds a bit of sentiment to it which is sick. If you're expecting a ‘all went to plan’ performance then you're very wrong, we have so many problems and stuff ups but the crowd seems to love it but the energy is always present haha. Definetely a more pissed crowd and a more pissed Debbies is a funner show thats for sure haha.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Best advice we have gotten is probably from Robbo’s dad, something like “don't let your heads get big” kinda reminds you not to take it too seriously and that we just love making music for how much fun we have.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Definitely 'Down Under' by Men at Work, gotta put on a song that's going to keep the dance floor pumping let's be honest.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'My Happiness' by Powderfinger definitely gets us in the feels. Ever since music classes in Year 8 we have frothed it and always chuck it on, I reckon you could get someone to cry from it easily.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Last local gig we went to was at the Husky Community hall, it rarely has any gigs on but this local punk band Rat Coffin was playing and we still look up to them heaps. It’s sick to see how the older guys do it and take ideas for our own shows its punk as. We really want to pack that place out one day, it would mean alot to us.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Jervis Bay music community that inspire you.
There’s only really one band that inspired us to kind of kick off our push for a music scene in the Jervis Bay area and that was Rat Coffin. We went to a gig before we were even Debbies and they just made Robbo and I get so keen to record and start playing shows.
What are your plans for 2019?
For the last end of 2019 we just want to enjoy it, we are finishing up school at the moment then getting right into it at Yours & Owls festival then jumping on the Surf Trash ‘Friends’ tour on the Melbourne and Sydney leg. Hopefully a new single lies on the horizon before the end of the year, which we will then dig into our first EP for hopefully early-mid 2020!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist and this year's Bigsound comp winners, semantics!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We started off the same way most young punk bands do. Lots of Green Day, Against Me, The Menzingers etc. We were all high school emos. That has always played a part in our sound, putting us on the melodic, emotive side of punk more so than the chordal, political origins of the genre. The sound is still developing as we grow. We listen to grunge, hardcore, folk, dub reggae, trance, world, blues, and lots of country. It’s fun to listen to what people outside of your immediate genre are doing that makes them special.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Listening to more and more music every day. In recent years, the online accessibility to new obscure music is so cool, we can digest music from all over the world and sift through music we otherwise never would have found. More people are pushing boundaries and saying goodbye to genre “norms” and that is super inspiring to us. We never feel like we’ve got to stick to a certain concept.
What can punters expect from a semantics live show?
Lots of yelling, lots of headbanging, a couple of tears and way too much fun! Energy is what makes a show, so we won’t always play our parts perfectly, you can listen to our tunes at home and enjoy precise recordings, but we aren’t sacrificing a punk rock performance for that. I don’t think its what people come to our shows for.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
The best advice we have received is to barrage Unearthed with our activity. Our incredible friend Luke Morgan stressed the opportunities we could gain if we took this seriously and let the curators know we exist. Since then, no one has reciprocated our efforts better than triple j and Unearthed.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
I’d blast the entire Novos album by The Gooch Palms. I break out in dance every time I listen to it. There’s something about the surfy, punk reinvention of The Misfits, The Ramones and Elvis Presley ballads that is just irresistible.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Boys Will Be Boys' by Stella Donnelly is a tearjerker. The lyrical depth and intensity tied in with her sometimes delicate delivery and belting vibrato is almost too much. Incredible song, gives me the shivers every time I play it.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Easily 'Broken Leg' by Blue Juice. Most underrated song of the 2000’s.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Half of us went to the Waax album launch at the Triffid, all we can say is… wow. Insanely energetic band with mountains of talent and fresh musical ideas, they’re a band we really look up to.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.
Brock Weston (drummer of Bugs and producer at Bedlam) is an infinitely wise and creative individual with great taste and pure enthusiasm for music. Bugs in general are a pretty incredible group. They have given us a hand spreading the word about us and are one of the most talented and deserving groups in the country. We’re also head over heels for Voiid who are long-time friends of ours. Seeing them grow and kick milestone after milestone so unrelentingly is so inspiring and so much fun to be around.
What are your plans for 2019?
We’ve got our gigs booked up for the rest of the year with some amazing bands (Press Club and Lazy Susans notably) and we’ll be writing new tunes in the interim! This year has been hectic already, we want to keep the ball rolling and hit 2020 prepared for even more action!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, TONE AND I.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I started out singing in small pubs and bars in Mornington, I was singing along to a guitarist until I ended up branching out on my own to become a solo artist, it was then that I started to learn the keyboard and percussion and started looping it together.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
My biggest source of inspo when writing/making music is other music (no specific artist or genre each time maybe be different) and also my friends and the people I and writing about.
What can punters expect from a TONES AND I live show?
I hope all my live shows are full of energy and people absolutely just get wild with me.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
ADREAN EAGLE, ‘A.O.K’.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Meg Mag, ‘Roll Up Your Sleeves’.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Anything from Confidence Man because every track is f**king hilarious so I would have a good time.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The Beddy Rays, they are Ridiculously talented. Would go again!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Mornington Peninsula / Byron Bay music community that inspire you.
I am inspired by the musicians in Byron bay and the Mornington Peninsula. There are so many great musicians everywhere and everyone’s giving it a really good crack. The buskers in Byron live off music so that’s wicked in its own right. A lot of them live in their vans and play at night, build a fan base, the crowds get bigger and bigger. It’s an true life style that really works.
What are your plans for 2019?
My plans for 2019 is to keep busking, keep playing, keep writing, stay happy. I would love to play some overseas shows or ever busk overseas. Right now I am just really excited about the opportunities I have been giving over here and I want to try and experience as many new things as possible .
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Melbourne outfit RAT!hammock have become one of the most loved bands of 2018. Their latest single 'June' shows just how clever their songwriting is and we can't wait for you to hear it all this week on triple j Unearthed.
Is RAT!hammock a real band?
https://www.facebook.com/RAThammock/videos/876403699219775/ - watch the documentary and decide for yourself. (the answer is yes)
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Wrote heaps of punk songs at the start, then decided we wanted more emotional depth so wrote a bunch of sad/folk songs then realised we wanted people to have fun at our shows so I tried to write funny upbeat songs like Dan Kelly. Nowadays I try not to think about it too much.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
As a songwriter I am the most inspired by other music. When I hear something great or go to a great live gig it makes me want to pick up my guitar and write. I subscribe to the idea that the best inspiration is exploration. So generally if I want to be inspired I set myself a challenge, a few strange words I want to work in to a verse or I’ll work out the chords to my favourite Simon & Garfunkel song. Normally by the time I get half way through, I’ve found something new of my own in it. This approach means I can play up to the halfway point of a heap of Simon and Garfunkel songs now, so that’s cool.
What can punters expect from a RAT!Hammock live show?
Expect the unexpected. We’ve made a smoothie on stage, hosted yurt trivia, and have our own theme song. It’s a real time.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
‘Get your hand off the stove’ - Mum in 1999.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Vitriol' by Bluejuice. Simply put, this track slaps.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Alexander Biggs with 'The Worst We’ve Ever Been'. It’s a devastatingly good song.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Magic magic magic magic magic magic magic magic fountain by Art Vs Science, every day of the week.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Last local gig I went to was Feelds’ Kill The Moon single launch. Ro and Eaglemont supported. Every single act on that line up has the voice and the song chops to fill stadiums.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you?
We’re super fortunate to be a part of such an amazing community. We’re lucky enough to have recorded with a great team in Mickey Cooper of Kilns, Sean from Obscura Hail, Hannah Blackburn and Merpire. Tram Cops release some of the most underrated music going. Tiny Little Houses, Angie McMahon and Alexander Biggs are all absolutely slaying it. Our picks for who to keep an eye on next are Hugh Fuchsen/Hotel Fifteen Love, David Western, Yes Yes Whatever and Chitra.
What are your plans for the rest of 2018?
Oh Pep! are the best and have decided bring us along for their national album tour. I'll be heading around the country with them through December. Apart from that we’ll be doing heaps of writing and recording, getting the next batch of tunes ready for some more releases to come early 2019.
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This Adelaide duo are the bestest of mates and together create what they call "peanut-brittle pop with text message lyrics". Loaded with 80s drums and colourful synths, their music is like popping candy for your ears.
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.
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Meet this week's Feature Artist Wing Defence!

TOYOTOMI is your Feature legend all this week on triple j Unearthed. Join him on the stacked Origin Fields lineup over the New Years as he dominates the stage as our Unearthed comp winner.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
For me the TOYOTOMI sound is a reflection of my environment which is always changing. My sound is something that is continually developing and it's quite impulsive. It’s a collection of my fantasies, personal issues, life stories, obscure memories and other stuff. I find it difficult defining my music because it’s something very subconscious for me and because I try to make music that can have a different form of significance for each listener. I suppose you just have to listen to know.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
My surroundings. From the people I meet, places I go, sounds I hear, feelings I experience. I like using my five senses man, sometimes six. Also I can’t forget my friends, them as individuals inspire my music a lot.
What can punters expect from a TOYOTOMI live show?
I’d like to think that not all TOYOTOMI shows are the same but we do keep it consistent with the great higher frequency vibes, exceptional song transitions, outstanding smoke machine action, lighting complimentary to sonic experience – a great production really. Haha nah I just have a lot of fun serving the people and hope that my smile is infectious.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
My Mum told me to be balanced in all aspects of my life. I like that a lot.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
“Find Some Friends” by No Nomad. I miss you Louie!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
I think I could make someone cry if I played them my song “Rust”. Full band and all, I think I could do it.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
“Swipey” by Llehna. Probably just play the whole Llehna’s World project top to bottom.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I haven’t been out in a bit but I think it was a No Nomad gig at The Bird and that was T R E M E N D O U S! A lot of cool gigs around Perth but I’ve just been trying to fix my sleeping pattern man.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Perth community that inspire you.
I’m grateful to be friends with most of the Perth people that inspire me musically. People like Max Black, Llehna, Seul, Morph, JCAL, Louie White, that’s really family. But outside music my mother and my aunt really inspire me, all my immigrants inspire me, the working class inspires me, your struggle inspires me!
What are your plans for 2019?
I got plenty singles on the way, more videos, more shows and maybe a project. I wrote songs all this year so I’m filling everybody newsfeeds with new songs all 2019. Next year I plan on being happier, more grateful, more loving, more present and I also plan on signing up to do yoga classes, maybe.
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Meet this week's feature artist Sumner!

Meet this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Indigenous rapper and rising star, Tasman Keith. He's got a way with words and a flow to follow.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I guess it started simply by growing up with a father as a rapper, a mother as a singer and a bunch of uncles that could play guitar. Being constantly surrounded by music I along with my older brother would always be performing or writing, from as early as 10 my brother, cousin and I had a rap group. At fourteen a lot of my cousins and I were squeezed into a tiny room just to spend hours writing and recording every afternoon. I feel like these things mixed with the study that I put into the music and the greats of the music over time are really what has helped me develop my sound so far. That, keeping my pen sharp and working with great producers.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
For me, anything can be a source of inspiration. But the greatest would be my community, Bowraville. These stories and feelings that I share, either come from a personal point or draw inspiration from what my people go through. Knowing that I have a voice that can not only be one for my community, but one people outside of my community can relate too is something that constantly pushes me to remain locked in.
What can punters expect from a Tasman Keith live show?
A lot of energy, a lot of truth and a bunch of mission references.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
There has been a lot. But either when my father told me that when it comes to business and music, never show your full hand, keep a few tricks up your sleeve. Or when my great-grandmother told me to work for it. Simple as that.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Tasman Keith - My Pelopolees.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Birdz - Testify.
If that doesn't make you feel a way, I don't know what will.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Tasman Keith - My Pelopolees. Everyone yelling CRB (Cemetery Road Bowraville) is the key to a great party.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Barunga Festival. At the start of this year, I lived in Darwin at Studio G for two months so it's local enough haha. But yeah, Barunga was amazing. If you are reading this, that festival is a must. Shout out to the Skinnyfish fam.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
To be completely honest, for the past 6 months I’ve been so focused on finishing this project that I haven’t been looking anywhere else. But I’ve always appreciated that there seems to be an overall general respect that the Sydney scene has for each other, that and the work ethic a lot of artists here have is inspiring and keeps me motivated.
What are your plans for 2018?
Watching the current single ‘My Pelopolees’ do its thing, which we have some visuals for as well. The project I’ve been working on with James Mangohig and Nooky is in its final stages and we have already begun to roll that out, so the release of that is a major part of 2018 for me. More visuals for the other singles I have on the way, and a bunch of shows as the music comes out, and of course working on the next, staying one step ahead.
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Melbourne based rockers Bakers Eddy are this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist. They've got a strong love affair with Green Day and once pulled a high flying karate kick on stage. 'Leave It To Me' is the new single from the group. It's loud, messy and fast and we love it.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Simplicity I think is at the root of our music, that all comes from our love affair with Green Day as kids, and only knowing 3 chords when got together so our songwriting capabilities were limited. But it’s always been a bit fast and a bit messy. Our sound has developed with our own personal taste.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
When we wrote our EP we had just moved to a big city, we were living together for the first time, partying a bit much so that experience gave us a bit of inspiration. A good old fashioned break up also does the trick.
What can punters expect from a Bakers Eddy live show?
We like to test the strength of our equipment, we like things to get a bit messy on stage, a bit hot and heavy. I did this one sick as high flying karate kick connecting with the ride cymbal, but no one noticed which has been bumming me out a bit.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I think the best advice was “don’t listen to everyone’s advice”. When we were younger It felt like everyone had an opinion on how we should have done “this” thing or “you need to do” and on and on. I don’t think that helps your confidence. I’m not saying we don't listen to advice full stop, just not the dumb shit. Do you, baby.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Love Online by The Don. I think fat bass licks put a smile on anyone’s face.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
The Void by Tiny Little Houses is a good one of you want that good self pitty, “I’m a piece of shit” sob. Late night, alone with a dart and cheap wine is where the song really blooms.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
There would only be one song playing to start with. Can’t get you out of my head Kylie Minogue.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Got to see Birdhouse and Porpoise Spit last night who were both disgustingly good.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
The scene here is amazing, it’s been an inspiration being a part of it. And the diversity of the music coming out is great.
What are your plans for 2018?
It’s hard to predict what next years going to look like for us right now, kind of just riding out the new single, getting this year done, then we will see aye. Love to drop an EP.
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Adelaide artist Ollie English will stop you in your way with his powerful, soulful voice. He will be joining The Rubens this weekend on stage as our comp winner!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I began learning Spanish classical guitar when I was very young. It was really invaluable as it helped me to understand melody and dynamics but eventually blues & soul music stole my heart as a teenager. I loved everything about blues guitar, I found myself playing along to BB King and Led Zeppelin records. At the same time, I was really inspired by soulful voices like Nina Simone and James Brown. I went through my first heartbreak when i was in year 12. I turned to songwriting as a way to process my emotions. I have fond memories of sneaking out of home on school nights and thrashing Jeff Buckley’s album ‘Grace’ through the CD player in my car. John Mayer’s album ‘Battle Studies’ had some pretty strong rotation too. This time was really important for me, I began to work out how crucial music and storytelling was for my soul. Over a long period time I worked out that this was a part of who I was and I couldn’t live without it. I’ve caught the bug and haven’t stopped since.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I’m really inspired by life, whether it's my own or others experiences. I’ve written songs about a whole spectrum of human emotions; I can be inspired by anything if it moves me. My writing is also really affected by my mood, or just listening to some really dope music. Inspiration strikes at really odd times and usually I get my iPhone out, press record, and go from there.
What can punters expect from an Ollie English live show?
You can expect a pretty diverse bunch of songs, from ballads to upbeat rock grooves. What I notice is that my live shows give people a chance to slow down and hug the person next to them, and then the next minute, i want to make them want to get up and groove. I’ve always found that people who talk to me after the shows have each had their own unique experience with the stories I had told.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
When my grandpa passed away, I went into the ward to see him for the last time and his last words to me were ‘take care of each other’. This influences how I approach everyone and everything in my life..
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'No Ordinary Life' by Matt Corby. If I could musically explain a rainbow, it would sound like this song.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Took The Children Away' by Archie Roach.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Overrated' feat LILLI by Kuji Koo! Such a banger. You can download their track on triple j Unearthed.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I was lucky enough to play and attend a brilliant local festival called Handpicked. Such a cruisy vibe out in the vineyards of Lake Breeze Wines in Langhorne Creek. I got to share the stage with amazing local artists Laura Hill, Neon Tetra and the Sundance Kids. It also featured incredible Australian talents Boy & Bear, Vera Blue, Ball Park Music and Alex Lahey.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Adelaide music community that inspire you.
Adelaide is pretty tight knit community. It feels like a big family. I’m inspired by how much quality music is being produced in SA. First up, Surahn is a big inspiration, he’s an incredible songwriter who’s made a mark on the world with his music. He’s written for Usher and toured with Empire of the Sun. Laura Hill inspires me a lot, I met her this year at a gig we played together. I was struck by her beautiful voice and relatable songwriting. Wanderers are so bloody groovy. They’re on tour right now! You gotta catch these guys live. Dusty is one of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen. Mane is another inspiration. She’s creating some really great pop music. Her new track ‘Chasing Butterflies’ really grabs you with her pipes, the strings are so dope too. I’m a big fan of Timberwolf, such a unique voice and he’s written some incredibly honest music. His new single ‘Proud Silence’ hits really close to home, I also caught mum jamming to it the other night! Neon Tetra, are bloody funksters and a ½. I have so much fun watching them at their live shows, so good! Such great tunes. Tales are beautiful musicians- recently known as ‘The Winter Gypsy’. Their song ‘Took Me By’ is one of my favourite songs. So excited for their next release. Also, Jordan Ruru. Big things. You have to check her out. Amazing.
What are your plans for the rest of 2018 / early 2019?
A lot of recording and I’ll be releasing my EP early 2019! So excited to support the Rubens this Friday with my full band. I’m also planning my first national tour for early 2019, including a festival appearance at Womad in March. I still can’t believe I’m playing WOMAD and supporting The Rubens, a dream come true. There’s a lot of hard work to go but so much to look forward to.
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Meet this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist and Listen Out comp winner, Yù Yī. This little astronaut is taking us on a bubbly, colourful space journey through the Yù Yī galaxy and we're taking you with us! First stop, planet FRÖÖTI.
Tell us about your music.
Well, I’ve been making music for quite some time now and it’s what I love doing. But, I always struggled to find purpose and meaning to my work. Aside from Music I’ve had a keen interest in the issues we are currently facing here on earth. I wanted to be involved in finding solutions to those issues and that's why I blasted myself off into space. Hopefully, the songs I create on each new planet will help create awareness and get people to jiggle their bodies about.
How did you develop your sound?
Well, I guess my music tends to reflect my surroundings and for the First LP “FRÖÖTI” I was in a really bubbly, colourful and chaotic place whilst creating it. As far as sound design goes I created the sounds for this project by making a whole lot of mistakes and running with the ones I liked the most.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I’m heavily influenced by my environment, the things I read and research as well as the people I surround myself with. I’ve been fortunate to work closely with some really talented musicians.
What can punters expect from a Yù Yī live show?
You can expect to be taken on a super quirky funk filled trip into the Yù Yī galaxy and we’re continuously working towards making it an even more immersive experience for everyone.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Ahhhhh well I’m a bit spoilt for choice but I think it I would have to say the best advice I’ve ever received was from my friend ANH. He told me to be patient and build a library of music. At the time I was really eager and uploading a lot of really basic half finished music. So after that, I decided to take the time to go full hermit mode and set my sights on releasing finished music.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
So here's the game plan. Jump in the car, wind down the windows and go for a drive while blasting 'The Car Song' by The cat empire.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
I don’t want to make people cry! (ʘ‿ʘ)ノ✿
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Definitely PNAU - 'Wild Strawberries', this was on my first ever cd actually. I got PNAU for either my birthday or Christmas that year.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Other than big sound, I popped down to earth to check out a little Sofar Sounds gig in Albion where they showcased a few local Artists in an unplugged setting. I make a lot of electronic music so it was nice to break away from that for a night to sit on a cushion and listen to some acoustic stuff.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane aka planet fruity?!!? music community that inspire you.
I’ve been spending most of my time on FRÖÖTI these days so I actually haven’t had that much time to explore and collaborate outside of that. On planet FRÖÖTI, however, I’m working closely with a few friends of mine. One of them being the extremely talented vocalist named Ellen who was featured on the first track PEACHES. We’re basically partners in crime on FRÖÖTI and I can't wait to travel with her to different planets within the Yù Yī Galaxy. Also, I can't forget to mention my close friend Zeke Foster who you’ll be able to catch on stage with Ellen and I at Listen Out.
What are your plans for 2018?
Things are going so fast. I didn’t think I’d be playing at Big Sound, let alone Listen Out. It’s making it kind of difficult to make concrete plans but nonetheless, I’m over the moon. I have some new music coming out and I’m really excited to expand the live show as I’ve been working pretty solidly, making the music for quite some time now. Aside from that, every day I’m getting bigger, stronger and smarter so I can care for our special little planet. ୧( ◉◡◉)୨
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We named them one of our artists to watch this year in 2018. Then they knocked us off our feet with their new single 'Can't See You Anymore'. Yes, we're talking about Brisbane's very own Sweater Curse! They are this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We currently have 3 singles out with one more not too far away. Initially we bonded over our shared influences, but it molded into what it is now from playing a lot of shows early on.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Our parents all loved music so it was there from the start. Since then, meeting various teachers and friends involved in music has lead us to pursue it as something that’s now a major part of our lives.
What can punters expect from a Sweater Curse live show?
Lots of intentionally stupid awkward jokes that aren’t meant to be as unintentionally awkward as they are, and some songs too.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Dom Miller (our booker) told us (in different words) to ‘Let things happen naturally. As long as you love what you’re doing and you’re learning, good things will happen.’
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘Live It Up’ by Mental As Anything.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
‘Always Falling’ by Cloud Tangle, ‘Forfeit’ by Keeskea, ‘My New Dress Up Shoes’ by The Smith Street Band and ‘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?
‘Untouched’ by The Veronicas, ‘K Bye’ by Raave Tapes and ‘Tower Of Strength’ by Simi Lacroix.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Keeskea and Cloud Tangle at The Jubilee and Start Together at The End Bar. All are amazing acts that we are lucky enough to call our friends.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.
Dom Miller, Ruby Jean McCabe, Dan Condon, Sam Cromack, Hatchie, Concrete Surfers, An Horse, Pat Balfe, POOL SHOP + Major Leagues, Grace Pashley and the 4zzz team, Brodie Popple, Mel Tickle, Miss Blanks.
What are your plans for 2018?
We have an EP on the way that’s we’ve been working on with Fletcher Matthews. A string of shows with acts we currently love and BIGSOUND in September!
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Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Carla Geneve. She's just 19-years-old, has already supported idols Abbe May and Jen Cloher and she's got one of the most clever and relatable tracks we've heard so far this year. Check it out here.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
It's hard to say but I think my music is probably a mix of folk lyrics and structures with rockier or heavier tones. I just started out writing my songs on acoustic guitar when I was younger, then it kinda just got louder and louder. Now I'm really into playing electric with a band, but it's kind of the same singer-songwriter stuff underneath.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Going out to watch live local shows! I make sure I see a lot of live music in Perth. There are so many great local bands, listening to their ideas and seeing how they do stuff reminds me how much i love playing.
What can punters expect from a Carla Geneve live show?
Some noisy guitar, some awkward stage banter and some (hopefully) loveable stuff-ups.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"Mistakes aren't always a bad thing", my Dad.
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?
'Dark Art' by Jen Cloher.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Ubu' by Methyl Ethyl.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Airline Food's EP launch. So Good! It was such a great lineup of friends and music that I love! Go listen to Airline Food's EP 'Fragments in Green', it's the best.
Tell us about the bands or people in the WA music community that inspire you.
Artists that are facing any kind of discrimination here, whether it be due to gender, sexuality, race or another kind, but keep on shredding regardless. Also, my band. They're so bloody talented in their own right, also they're always keen to play, or do something fun.
What are your plans for 2018?
We love playing live shows, and there'll be a heap more of those for sure. I think we're also going to be doing some more recording and releases, which is super exciting! Hopefully some shows over east are coming up sooner or later.
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We named her as one of our artists to watch in 2018 and now, she's this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist. Meet Sydney artist JEFFE.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I was really fortunate when it came to developing my sound. My publishers put me into a bunch of sessions with different producers so I had the chance to write a lot of different styles of music, but nothing quite fit the direction to take. I met Dave very organically without any pressures of having to write the perfect song. We just immediately clicked and our musical connection works so perfectly for both of us.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
It sounds really cheesy but I've gotta say hurt and hard times have gotta be the best source. Music is like therapy to me so when I've got to deal with something difficult, writing music is the best outlet. It inspires me to write happy and sad songs. Also, listening to artists like Joni Mitchell and Jeff Buckley who really know how to put their stories down in song really inspires me to do the same.
What can punters expect from a JEFFE live show?
For the time being it's just me, my guitar, keyboard and sample pad. I've been working on my dance moves a bit too! I try to bring as many elements as possible into my set. I'm actually in the process of trying to incorporate saxophone into the set as well. But hopefully, it won't be long until I can afford a band!
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
It does get thrown around a lot but the saying "stay true to yourself" really does go a long way. I can't really pinpoint exactly who has said that to me, it's been a few people along the way, but it's definitely something I always keep tucked away in the back of my mind. If something doesn't feel right you've really got to question it because it's really bloody easy to be led astray these days.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Definitely "It's Nice To Be Alive" by Ball Park Music. A very upbeat, fun song and it immediately puts you in a good mood!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
It's funny, I listen to so much sad music but I'm struggling to think of one!! There is a song that makes me cry... it's a song by Jack Carty called Travelling Shoes. It tells a beautiful story of lost love, you hold on to every word throughout the song and by the end of it you hit the punch line and it's just heartbreaking!
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Oooo, that's a tough one! I'd probably play 'High' by Peking Duk Ft. Nicole Millar... it's groovy, sexy, and fun. The kind of song where you can have groups of mates going for it on the D-Floor but then the loved-up kids making out in the corner. But there are so many fun Aus artists that I'd want to play!
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Well, I've just started a tour with No Mono so the most recent was the first show in Brisbane. It was ahhhhmazing! Eliott played after me and she is just incredible! Her voice is like velvet and her songs are so heartfelt. No Mono were absolutely insane. Tom has the most uniquely beautiful voice and the crowd had such a good vibe. I'm so stoked to be touring with such talented artists!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
I'm really loving Angie Mcmahon, her songwriting is great and she's got such a deep and soulful voice. I really like Mallrat as well, she's got a really interesting way with words and just an all-round cool vibe.
What are your plans for 2018?
For now, I'll be on this tour with No Mono... once that is done I'll be heading back over to the UK for a couple of shows then back to Aus in December for another potential tour which is currently in the works (more info on that will come out later).
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Featured Artist
2018
1
Apr
The Sleepyheads
(- launceston ,
- Tasmania ,
- Punk , ...
Northern Tasmania, TAS
It's time to eat your heart out with this week's Feature Artist out of Launceston, The Sleepyheads.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I (Pat), released 2 solo EPs in 2015 under my own name. Then the Sleepyheads formed a year or so later. The full band has definitely influenced the sound, my solo stuff was a lot more folky. I think it's still on the internet somewhere actually!
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Relationships always come up a lot in my writing, which is super original hey? Not just romantic relationships though, but friendships and how certain things can effect those relationships. I've always found it way easier to write about stuff that has actually happened, rather than making up stories. I'll often take something someone says and then base a whole song around that.
What can punters expect from a Sleepyheads live show?
A lot of fun. We always just aim to have a really positive energy at live shows. We also used to drink out of gumboots, we might be bringing that back again soon too.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"If you can believe in Santa Clause for as long as you did, you can believe in yourself for 10 minutes" ~ some random person on the internet.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
"All Together" by Househats is definitely my go to happy song at the moment!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Sunk by Kat Edwards will break your heart and mend it again all in the space of 4 minutes.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Find me one party where "Wild Strawberries" by Pnau hasn't taken it up a notch, and I'll be very surprised.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last gig I went to was when we played with the Bennies a few weeks ago. It was great. You cant have a bad time at a Bennies gig! The next day was very rough though. Very rough.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Tasmania music community that inspire you.
I've always looked up to the Luca Brasi boys. There approach to supporting the Tassie scene is really encouraging for younger bands. Other awesome friends doing great things are The Saxons, Sumner, Hurricane Youth, Kat Edwards and Squid Fishing. It's always inspiring watching your friends do amazing things.
What are your plans for 2018?
We want to tour a lot more. We haven't been to Adelaide yet so we really want to get up there, and maybe Perth as well? I reckon we'll try and write and record some new stuff too.
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Our Beyond The Valley competition winners murmurmur are this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I’ve (Will) been writing music since i was 17 and have gone through many genres. I played a lot of metal in high school so thats really what it stems from. Not that we’re playing metal but riffs are everything to murmurmur. Everyone in the band has a broad listening taste and has been playing in bands for a long time.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
My inspiration is from life experience. Obviously music inspires me to no end but how i’m feeling about things is the real inspirer. I’m eating pineapple right now and it’s fantastic.
What can punters expect from a murmurmur live show?
An intense live show with lots of hair, many riffs and our drummer Luke’s magic show.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Be patient and don’t rush into things. That’s something that resonated with us. It can be really easy to be impatient and make bad decisions.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Thats easy! Donny Benét with 'Konichiwa'.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
I made this weird Nicolas Cage remix with audio from the Wicker Man (Funniest film i’ve ever seen). Its so awful. It will definitely make people cry and fall to the ground clutching the sides of their heads. (Available on request).
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Kylie Minogue with 'Spinning Around'.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Stella Donnelly at the Northcote social club. She’s unbelievable, amazing voice, amazing performer.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
Our good friend Lena Douglas runs YOWO, a program for aspiring young women playing music. It’s so important for programs like this to exist and she is an inspiration to so many of us.
What are your plans for 2019!
We didn't get to play many shows this year so we just want to play a heap and record some more music.

Meet this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, LOSER. This Melbourne three-piece are evoking all sorts of 90’s nostalgia, raw energy and slacker vibes we can't get enough of.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We're an alt-rock band with fuzzed out guitars and a focus on melody. We've all been playing for years in different bands but since this one started we just felt that it clicked.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Loud guitar music from the 90's.
What can punters expect from a LOSER live show?
Restless noise.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"Don't stop a rockin'" - Homer Simpson.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Dope Calypso' by Violent Soho.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Never Tear Us Apart' by INXS.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Working Class Man' by Jimmy Barnes.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Pagan at Northcote Social Club. They were fucken awesome.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
Andy Hayden and the team at Poison City Records. They are always supporting unreal local music and doing so with ultimate respect.
What are your plans for 2018?
Plenty more music and plenty more shows.
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Hip Hop, Roots (#Australian Hip Hop, #alternative hip hop, # # Indie Australian # alternative # Hip Hop #Triplej #rap #aussie hip hop # new music, ...)
Melbourne, VIC

Meet Sydney Hip Hop game changers and this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Triple One.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Even though we're rooted in hip-hop, we've always loved to experiment. Some of our tracks are more trap-heavy, some are more melodic, some are centred around chunky guitar riffs. Having four members means that everyone brings their flavour to the table. We also collaborate and play shows with street rappers, grime emcees, R&B singers, rock bands, punk bands. We take a little bit of everything that we love - no matter the genre - mash it together, keep our fingers crossed and pray that it works.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Watching the sunset while riding the train from Hurstville station, and spending time with our loved ones and pets.
What can punters expect from a Triple One live show?
A couple of sing-a-longs, some high-quality merchandise, lots of obnoxious yelling and maybe a circle pit or two, if you're lucky.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
“If a man does not have sauce, then he is lost" - Gucci Mane
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Hunters & Collectors with ‘Holy Grail’.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Natalie Imbruglia with ‘Torn’.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Depending on what type of party it is...
Sydney Serchaz - Fuckin' Oath
Riot In Belgium - La Musique
Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning
Fraksha - Creepin' ft. Diem & Brinks
Kylie Minogue - Spinning Around
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
That was actually our own gig with SCK CHX, last weekend at Waywards. It started at 4:00pm, people got rowdy, we had pho for dinner, we were in bed by 9:30pm, it was mad.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you?
How about this for a big namedrop: Johnny Hunter, ChillinIt, Mitchos Da Menace, Fortay, Sydney Serchaz, Turquoise Prince, One Day, Big Village, Elefant Traks, imbi the girl, Hau, Slim Set, Raj Mahal, Phil Fresh, Kwame, SCK CHX, Manu Crooks, BLESSED, B Wise, and about a million other Sydneysiders making music. Also, a big shout out to all the venues like the Botany View Hotel who host our shows and give us chicken schnitzels and/or fruit platters on our rider.
What are your plans for 2018?
In July, we'll be embarking on the 'Eastconnex' tour with our good mates, Johnny Hunter. After that, we'll be dropping a couple of throwaway bangers before releasing a very sad EP in late 2018. Also, Lil Dijon is going to get a new hairstyle, so stay tuned for that. Thankyou to triple j and all our fans for the consistent support, we love you all.
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High Knights
Hip Hop, Roots (The Roots, Arrested Development, Michael Franti & Spearhead, ...)
Sunshine, QLD

It's time for you to meet your new favourite band and this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Bad Juju. Hailing out of Melbourne, the five-piece outfit have recently been on tour supporting Trophy Eyes. They've also just dropped their brand new single 'Moving On' and it's a strong hit from the heart.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our music is definitely fuelled by the emotions we were feeling during the writing process. Sometimes the songs turn out bright and happy, other times they end up darker and heavier because of that. All of us have played in heavier bands than Bad Juju in the past but really wanted to get back to our punk rock/grunge roots because we all enjoyed that kind of sound when we were growing up. Each of us brings a whole bunch of influences to the table during writing and the end product is developed through a mix of those influences and what emotions we are feeling at the time.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
One of the biggest sources of inspiration is watching other bands we love playing live and killing it. We all grew up getting down to local shows, watching bands and being a part of the music scene. We've always enjoyed being a part of it and having a chance to keep doing that in this band has been so much fun for us. We just want to keep writing music so we can get out there and do it more!
What can punters expect from a Bad Juju live show?
It's always going to be high energy for us on stage. The more people getting involved, jumping around and getting crazy, the better as far as we are concerned.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Nick: Mum always said no matter what you do, try to be the hardest working person in the room.
Russ: "You miss 100% of the shots you don't take - Wayne Gretzky" - Michael Scott.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Abe: The Chats - Smoko
Nick: Australian Crawl - The Boys Light Up
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Russ: Silverchair - Ana's Song
Abe: Crowded House - Better be home soon
Armarin: Air Supply - Anything
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Nick: Cold Chisel - Khe Sang
Russ: The Veronicas - Untouched
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Russ: I've been to a bunch of shows lately, I'm not sure which was the most recent! But a standout from the last 6 months would have to be Dear Seattle at Northcote Social Club. It was sick. People went nuts and it was a great vibe.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
Melbourne has so many hard working and talented musicians that it's hard to pinpoint one or two! We've been lucky enough to work with a few great musicians when recording our songs including Callan Orr of 'Dream on Dreamer' and Beau Mckee who used to play in 'Closure in Moscow'. They both challenged us with each track to try new things and step up our game. We learnt a lot from those sessions. We have gotten a lot of love from music fans in Melbourne so far and the triple j Unearthed crew that have given us a lot of confidence in what we are doing and that's driving us forward!
What are your plans for 2018?
We have finished recording our debut EP which will be coming out very soon. We plan to play a few shows around that and get interstate a lot more! We can't wait to release the EP and show everyone what we've been working on. We also have some awesome shows coming up with Dream on Dreamer and Trophy Eyes that we are looking forward to this month and in July! All the dates and info are on our Facebook page for anyone who is interested!
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Hailing out of Adelaide is this weeks Feature Artist, MANE! Her deep and distinctive vocals and impressive dark anthemic pop music is both enchanting and consuming. We can't get enough of it.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I love dark anthemic Pop music and that's what I strive to create. I've always tended to write acoustically to begin with, to flesh lyrics and melodies out, that's always been important to me. However, once I started to develop production ideas and understand the technical side of things a little more, that's when I feel I found the sound I wanted to be making.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I think for the most part it's personal experiences and feelings I like to draw on. But it can also come from the people I surround myself with and the hardships they sometimes go through, especially if I can relate and empathise with it.
What can punters expect from a MANE live show?
I've worked really hard on my live set this year, I think we've created a large sound that emulates the recordings but also has some organic elements that I can have fun with on stage. I'm feeling excited about it.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I think I've been told by a few people to never really expect anything from what you create and I think it's a pretty great rule of thumb. When you start to create with certain expectations you can lack authenticity and it can create boundaries. Just doing your thing is important.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Right now, I'm feeling like I want to say Edge Of Town by Middle Kids. It's just a really great song. I've continually smashed that track since it was released and have not gotten sick of it once. it's just really, really solid.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Well, It's gotta be 'Blind You' by Didirri doesn't it?!.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Let's go with 'Ubu' by Methyl Ethyl. Such a great boogie track.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I went to Root Down festival in Adelaide last weekend. Such a great lineup. I think it was the day the new season of Stranger Things came out and Luke Million smashed his Remix of the theme song. So much fun.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Adelaide music community that inspire you.
There is a lot of good stuff brewing in Adelaide at the moment. Great mates Heaps Good Friends are whooshing everyone out the park, it's super fresh and what they're doing is so much fun. Timberwolf's new album is also HUGE, honestly one of the most solid live performers I've seen.
What are your plans for the rest of 2017, early 2018?
I'm just continuing to write at the moment and planning to release a new track in the not too distant future (!!!)
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Meet the artist making some seriously clever and next level hip hop, Kwame. He's this week's Feature Artist on triple j Unearthed.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I feel like my music takes listeners on a journey through the many experiences that I've been and continue to go through. I'm always experimenting with the type of music that I'm making and a part of my sound development has come through my production. When I started making music I told myself that if I had to learn production. And that was because I had all these ideas in my head that only I would be able to translate.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Man, I'm only inspired by anything and everything, sometimes I'll be walking down the street and I'm hearing birds chirp and for someone reason that is so dope that I have to hop into the studio get on my laptop and just make a beat from that, haha. At our studio, I'm surrounded by a lot of like-minded creatives from different fields within the creative arts and we're always bouncing around ideas which generates a lot of inspiration and creativity. It's a must to surround yourself with people that motivate and push you to be your best every day.
What can punters expect from a KWAME live show?
Fans can always expect nothing but energy at my shows! Through my setlist, I like to take fans on a journey of emotions through the music to create an experience, a story, something for them to take and walk away with.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
The best advice I was given was from my brother Domba. He said, "the only reward you receive from conforming is everyone liking you, but yourself."
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Raj Mahal with 'It's Fine'. When I'm feeling down I like to listening to that song as it helps be reassure that things really will be fine and to never let negativity get the best of you.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Phil Fresh with 'Don't Let Me Go'. Honestly his EP 'Excursions of Love' takes you through such an amazing
journey. The title speaks for itself.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Woah, okay cool. The party is pumping everyone's jumping, I'm scrolling through Serato looking for a track to take this party to the next level and yep, there it is, Touch Sensitive with 'Lay Down'.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Last local gig I attended was Midas. Gold's at The Chippo Hotel, it was a nice intimate gig! It was the day 'WOW' came out and he brought me up on stage to perform it, shout out Midas!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
Artists such as Mel Bailey, Kymie, Phil Fresh and Raj Mahal inspire me the most in Sydney! They're all so different and bring something unique towards the Sydney music community which stands out the most for me!
What are your plans for 2018?
More music, more shows, more content, more videos, more designs honestly everything we going in this year!
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Headed to Download festival this weekend? Well, you better acquaint yourselves with Melbourne heavy heads Cast Down. They'll be opening the main stage this weekend as our Unearthed comp winners!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
To sum things up as quickly as possible, we’ve been a band for not even two years and had two guitarists and two drummers leave the band in that short amount of time. We started off basically writing songs that were designed for people to mosh to and personally I was pretty tired of writing and playing songs like that. When our guitarist Pat wrote our latest single ‘Leatherman’ he also sent through an industrial version with electronic drums/synths/etc and we all thought it was great and that was the direction we should lean towards. It felt like a natural evolution for the band and an opportunity to leave all the things that were dragging us down behind and push forward with a new vision.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Tricky question but I’ll try and split it into two answers. I find it pretty easy to get bummed out about being in a band, sometimes I’ll play a set where I end up being really disappointed in myself because I wasn’t performing at the level I want to be and it can be super frustrating, but then I’ll watch videos of the set and see all of our friends and people at our shows losing their minds and having fun and it really levels me out. In such a short time I’ve gotten to make so many new friends, meet so many cool people and travel Australia with my best friends which is undoubtedly the best thing about making music.
Musically I’m constantly inspired by all of my favourite bands, lyrically I’m super inspired by Daryl Palumbo from Glassjaw and Keith Buckley from Every Time I Die. I spent a lot of time as a teenager listening to those bands, reading their lyrics and wishing that I could be them and now I’m able to have the opportunity to hone my craft and write and perform lyrics that I’m really proud of, albeit on a much smaller level.
What can punters expect from a Cast Down show?
I think we bring a lot of energy to the table. I’m not interested in being a perfectionist band because the live music world is so different to the studio, I’ve always wanted people to think of us as a band with constant activity where nobody stands still and we’re consistently engaging with the audience. I feel pretty confident in saying you can expect to see mic grabs, spin kicks, headbanging and people throwing fists.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Not sure it directly counts as advice as it wasn’t directed at me but there’s a book called ‘Lynch On Lynch’, which is a book full of interviews with the director David Lynch. I can’t remember the exact quote but there’s a big section about how when he was making art he would only visualise himself in the role with the idea that it makes it a complete extension of himself. When I previously mentioned some of my favourite vocalists and the fact that I spent a lot of time wishing I was them, I found myself writing lyrics and performing live and wondering “would they be happy with these lyrics?”, “would they perform like this?” and that whole idea that Lynch was talking about really helped me disassociate my art with somebody else and make it an extension of me instead, harnessing my flaws and my talents.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
The Veronicas with 'Untouched'. I legitimately struggle to think of a single scenario that isn’t made better by that song.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Slim Dusty with 'A Pub With No Beer'. Obvious reasons.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Hilltop Hoods with 'The Nosebleed Section'. Instant boogie maker the second it comes on.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last one that I didn’t play would’ve been Invasion Fest 2017. That was a mad time and it is every year because so many bands and people from the heavy music scene across Australia all come to Melbourne for the weekend to watch a bunch of sick bands. Our friends in Honest Crooks put on one of the toughest sets I’ve ever seen and I got to see one of my favourite international bands The Acacia Strain for the first time in a few years too.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
King Parrot and Pagan are at the top of my list for Melbourne bands that inspire me for sure. I don’t know any of King Parrot personally but from an outsider's perspective, it seems like they’re just making the music they want to hear and having loads of fun doing it. It’s so cool to see how well they do overseas and it’s very inspiring. I also absolutely sweat the band Pagan from Melbourne who are super unique and just the coolest band ever. Every time I’ve seen them live they look like they’re having the best time and I’m so excited for their new music.
What are your plans for 2018?
We’re playing Download Fest this Saturday then we’re on tour with Honest Crooks, Apate and Underminer throughout April. Our debut EP and much more touring will follow suit.
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Featured Artist
2020
17
Feb
The Moving Stills
(- #Alternative ,
- #indie ,
- #chill , ...
Central Coast, NSW
Direct from Macmasters Beach, The Moving Stills are this week's Feature Artist!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Pool Party on the Moon vibes with lazer light beams and blow up flamingos, set in the 90s. We are often trying new things and shifting things to see what works etc. We've been listening to a lot of Beck and Jungle Giants, so we've been moving towards a bit more of that and playing around with Synths and Keys. We've all been mucking around with that in the last year or so which has put a new thread through everything.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
A bit of everything. We've all got day jobs and that experience makes its way into the songwriting and also drives us to make music. Those photos taken from behind the drummer/band looking out to a crowd at festival or the like, or hearing a song that connects with your emotions or taste really well is also pretty inspiring, but seeing a band live that really connects with you gives us huge drive. We just want to make music that'll have an impact with the people that listen to it.
What can punters expect from The Moving Stills live show?
A bit of hair, good pair of sunnies, a shaker or two... and maybe a few Flower T shirts in the crowd.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Some of the best advice was from Ollie of Lime Cordiale, It was along the lines of, just to keep going and to keep at it. Feels like that’s been pretty key and will continue to follow that.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Marinade by Dope Lemon or Feeding the Family by Spacey Jane are pretty uplifting tracks we think.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Maybe So We Know By DMA’s or Seaweed by Hockey Dad, there’s a lot of heart in these tracks.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Pizza Guy by Touch Sensitive
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last local gig we saw was Kim Churchill at The Rhythm Hut in Gosford, was a great vibe and he’s legend.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Central Coast music community that inspire you.
Everyone’s sort of chipping away doing their thing and when a gig is on it feels like you’ll see people from all different bands there. There’s been some cool bands/Artists from the Central Coast that have done some inspiring stuff like E^ST, Ninajirachi, Winterbourne and Something With Numbers to name a few.
What are your plans for 2020?
We are currently working on a bunch of tracks, looking to have an EP out around mid year and a single or two before hand. We are also heading out on a Co-headline Tour with our friends Teenage Dads through March and April which will be a heap of fun.
View Profile Hide InterviewJacquie Lomas
Hip Hop (#hiphop, #rap, #new #australian #ambience #electronica #female #lgbtqi)
Sydney, NSW

Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
My sound is definitely a direct reflection of what I have been exposed to musically and where I am from , growing up in Zimbabwe, having family in the UK and now Australia , I am a product of my environment , I guess you could say my music is like a nice bowl of gumbo. You going to get all type of different flavors and ingredients.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I am inspired by all types of music in general , I really don't believe there is anything obetter than being exposed to different sounds and new artists from different walks of life. I have been exposed to different cultures and different sonics and through my different pit stops around the world I have been able to use my experiences and incorporate that into my music.
What can punters expect from a T$oko live show?
good vibes , good feels , loads of energy and we try and keep it real live. If you didn't know who i was before i hit the stage. I definitely wanna make sure u had a blast and know who i am once my set is finished. Or at least have you asking the next person who that was or where you can find the music.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"Later is always greater and its not a race its a marathon." Anonymous Sometimes people like to fast track there success and they get caught up in the hype. They are here one minute and gone the next because they never really had to put in the work or work at their craft. I have enjoyed the ride so far , and appreciate everyone who has even taken the time out to show a interest to this point
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Ooh thats a tough one, I would either have to say Bernard Fanning - Wish you well. or possibly Better - John Butler trio. That being said i think ill have to go with the home team , shoutout to John butler and the whole fremantle maaan!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
I'm sure. I'm sure.. Another tough one besides Ta-ku feat JMSN x Sango - Love Again. I will go with Tear us apart - INXS , i think their catalogue was some of the first music from an Australian act i really became aware of while i was still growing up overseas . The raw emotion that pours through the track and Michael Hutchence's lyrics are really something. Outside of the success they had on a pop level, I really believe Michael Hutchence is underrated as a song writer. lol
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Depends what type of setting I would be spinning in. If it was a throwback set i would probably go INXS - New sensation. If it was pub flows I would do Darryl Braithwaite - Horses. And if its a new age set either One Day - Not Many (Like A Version) or DZ Deathrays - Gina Works At Hearts. My crates run deep , i am sure i would have something for whatever the occasion called for. haha .. Mixmaster Soko got you. lmao
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Ecca Vandal. Me and the band Foam were handling supports. Amazing gig. Such a vibe and a blend of genres. My kind of gig:)
Tell us about the bands or people in the Perth music community that inspire you.-
Being based in Fremantle , I tend to soak up a lot of whats going on around me. Its such a melting pot when it comes to culture and music definitely Tame impala and all the other artists from Perth that have come out and done great things just to name a few.
Ta-ku
Pendulum
John Butler Trio
AC/DC
I also cant forget my brothers from Tone Youth Collective who I work with. We always try to push each other and everyone brings they own twist to the table.
What are your plans for 2017?
Just keep introducing to people who i am as a artist and what my music is all about. I have got some pretty cool stuff coming up that ill be dropping real soon. I feel like people still haven't seen everything i can offer from a artist standpoint so that's exciting for me. I don't want to say I have been holding back but there certain bits n pieces of music which i have held back that may surprise some people so I am excited to share what I have been cooking up. Also excited to drop some new music with my squad Tone Youth , I feel like we have a good chance to really show everyone what Perth has to offer and rep the 6k in the right way. Salute to everyone who has paved the way thus far. Also look forward to playing some shows and releasing some collabs with some special people. Stay tuned.
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Melbourne singer-songwriter, Angie McMahon oozes absolute charm and songwriting power. Soak up her bold vocals and beautiful guitar tones with her debut track ‘Slow Mover’.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I’ve been writing songs at home on piano and guitar since I was an emotional lil teen, inspired by a whole bunch of different songwriters. I think I developed my sound by copying what my idols did on their albums, vocalists who would pour energy and emotion into their delivery, bands who weave soul and rock and country music together and artists who write great melodies and lyrics. I was always just trying to copy that.
What's your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Probably listening to great songs by other people. I’ll be trying to process feelings and listen to music, and sometimes that will unlock something in my head and make me want to write my own song.
What can punters expect from an Angie McMahon live show?
Pop songs with a bit of rock, a bit of sad and a bit of happy. You can also expect, two talented boys behind me with a lot of rockstar energy on drums and bass guitar, my noisy red child (guitar) and me singing lyrics that I hope people can connect with.
What's the best advice you've been given and who was it from?
Hard to say…”Make music that sounds like you,” is good advice, and maybe when Dad told me to buy an electric guitar.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Big Smoke – 'Best of You' - because it’s so triumphant.
What Australian track would you play to make someone cry?
Cry songs are the best ones!!! Oh Pep!’s song ‘Tea, Milk & Honey’ makes me cry if I’m feeling fragile. The lyrics feel like somebody’s hugging you and telling you to let it all out. Last time I openly cried at a gig was over Seavera’s song ‘Christmas Time’ but I’m not sure if that one’s recorded.
You're a DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Bardot – 'Poison'. Sophie Monk’s reappearance has reminded me that this badass banger exists.
What was the last local gig you went to and who was it?
BABY BLUE and Truly Holy at Some Velvet Morning were awesome.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
I find most of the community super inspiring, I could list a whole bunch of artists who I feel really lucky to hear and bond with. Artists like Oh Pep!, Big Smoke and Ainslie Wills are brilliant and brave artists. They have all made records and played gigs that have made such a strong impression on me, as musicians and as people to look up to.
What are your plans for the rest of the year and in 2018?
Recording the songs that will be on my record next year and taking the time to make that sound real good. My single launch is at Workers Club this week, and I’m also supporting The Shins with my band in December, Wahoo!
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The multi-talented Sydney based artist and producer BLESSED is back! He's taking future soul to a whole new level with carefully crafted production and masterful songwriting in brand new single, 'My World'.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I started making music at 15 years old. I just used to steal random beats online and just do little freestyles and make cd's and give them out to my friends at school. And back then as well, I don't know if anybody remembers, but when we had Bluetooth on the phones, I remember I used to make a song and put it on my phone and Bluetooth it to my friends and people ended up Bluetoothing it to other kids and other kids and one day I was at Blacktown station and I heard somebody playing my song. That's when I knew I was going to make music from here on.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
First time I got introduced to music was listening to Kanye West on the radio. I think that was when I was maybe 11, maybe 12. Me and my family were literally on the way home from church and I wasn't really allowed to listen to hip-hop because of the swearing and so on. So we all listened to gospel music and then one day, Kanye made this song called 'Jesus Walks' and when it came onto the radio, my parents let me listen to it. So from there on, I went on to become a big Kanye fan.
Tell us about your latest single 'My World'
'My World is about me being myself and not caring about what other people think.
View Profile Hide InterviewBringing together impressive beats, fierce energy and powerful lyrics is Canberra rapper KG. He's released some of the most stand out tracks of 2017 and we can't wait for the release of his debut album in 2018.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
My sound and style of hip-hop music is all about the flow and making sure my rhythms and bars are in harmony with the music. Over the past few years after travelling back to South Africa/Botswana and getting in touch with my roots, I I really wanted to add a cultural element to my music and have meaning in all my songs. I don’t just want to focus on Australia only, I wanna make a universal sound.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
The future generations.
What can punters expect from a KG live show?
Energy, passion & bars.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
When doing music, be authentic and be yourself (Omar Musa).
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Juicy Juicy Green Grass' by Peter Combe. That song always makes laugh and sometimes when I DJ, I troll the crowd with it'.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Tiny Angel' by 360.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'For Good' by Remi featuring Sampa The Great. The two of them on this track together and the soul and groove in this song is the perfect joint for any party.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The last gig I caught was Amastro & Genisis Owusu in Canberra. It was crazy because it was like EDM lovers and hip-hop heads mixing together in one room and the vibe was so sick. It really proves that music has no genre when the music is dope.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Canberra music community that inspire you.
It’s cool what Peking Duk and Safia have done in making a name for themselves and putting Canberra artists on the map. It really shows all us Canberra cats that you can make it in music from anywhere.
What are your plans for the rest of 2017 and in 2018?
I have a few festivals coming up, starting with my single tour and then playing a few shows in Africa in January. Most of all, I'm mainly just hyped to drop my debut album in 2018.
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Ready to hear from your new favourite band? Melbourne punk rockers, Slowly Slowly bring you hard-hitting honesty, bitter-sweet melancholia and an explosion of sound with their new single, 'Aliens'.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I think we were looking for some ground between big hooky songs and something that facilitated my winding lyrical content. We had songs that lived on both sides of that fence and we were finding that the ones that hit a little closer to home, even though they didn’t necessarily have choruses, seemed to be resonating on stage with us and our audience. Personally, I always find myself falling in love with the more obscure solo songs on the albums I love, so I also wanted to build a home for something that could be loud, hooky and aggressive, but also considered and fragile.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
On our new record I have adopted some instances of speaking from someone else’s perspective, but for the most part, my writing is very autobiographical. I also really respect the opinions of the other band members a lot, so I am always striving to impress them when I bring them a new song.
What can punters expect from a Slowly Slowly live show?
I’d like to think we encourage a good singalong. Our Melbourne home shows especially, have such a community vibe around them. Our fans are very kind natured and look after each other in the pit. We are very lucky. I’d like to think everyone feels welcome and a part of something.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
My Dad told me once to never try and change anybody, just to find your people. It’s been ringing in my ears ever since. I think it extends to respectfully moving on and pulling yourself towards the things that make you happy. Don’t be a victim. Anyway - sorry, too heavy?
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Please Don’t Ask Me To Smile' by You Am I. Tim Rogers has such a beautiful earnest poetry about him. Riddled with nostalgic weight, but also charmingly uplifting. This song will make you remember what it was like to be young and smiling.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Dilettantes' by You Am I. As far as Australian songwriters go I can’t go past Timmy to cure the waterworks and also to encourage them. The language in this song ties me up. It's a stunning tune that makes me think about life and death and everything in-between.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'How to Make Gravy' by Paul Kelly. Comon.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Caught our mates Tired Lion at The Corner Hotel a couple of weeks ago. Such a lovely vibe in the room and I just love watching Ethan play drums. Such a controlled player.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
There are so so many. Of course we have such a loving relationship with our friends in Ceres, Foley and The Pretty Littles. We also watch our friends in Neighbourhood Youth, Press Club, Clove, Self Talk and Turn South and are always blown away. We love the droll Australiana of The Slingers, a newly formed Melbourne band I have really been getting into. Love the tension on stage when Bench Press plays. Run Rabbit Run create such beautiful uplifting musical arrangement too. There are just so many. We are such little fish in a big pond.
What are your plans for 2017?
We are going to release a new album, tour ourselves into the ground and hopefully get around some beautiful faces all across Australia. We feel so lucky to be able to do this and have people connecting with our music.
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Spaghetti-loving Perth-based artist, Stella Donnelly is the talk around town. Her debut EP 'Thrush Metal' is the type of songwriting you'll be head over heels for.

Let yourself explore what has been fluttering around everyone's ears. Mookhi's beautifully sophisticated and diverse self produced work simply draws you in and we can't wait to let it consume you all this week.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Because I've always been set on composing scores for film, I feel my music has leant towards a more cinematic vibe from the beginning. I've always been inspired by unexpected things, and I guess this openness has allowed me to take fragments of the outside world into my music.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
To keep it painfully short and simple: anything and everything. It's awesome to be inspired by current music but I don't chase a sound (or at least consciously try to). It's important to take inspiration from the past and present to propel your music into the future.
What can punters expect from a Mookhi live show?
At current lives shows you'll be watching this little chick looking stern, pressing a whole bunch of buttons and keys like I'm operating an army of invisible robots. However, you'll also get a few trumpet, keys or vocal solos and maybe even a guest instrumentalist or two. Plus some visuals that I may have frantically animated the night before. In the future I'd want to put more emphasis on visuals and definitely get more artists, musicians and vocalists involved.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
'Don't let anyone dictate what your sound should be', and that was from my step Dad.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Shannon Noll 'Lift' - lifts the spirits every time.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Probably Shannon Noll 'Lift' again, but this time I'd be singing it.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Shannon Noll 'Lift'? Hahaha, probably Australian crawl 'The boys light up' for that nostalgic part of the evening.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
It was my debut EP launch at Oxford Art Factory and it was probably the most fun I've had on stage ever. I had 3 guest artists who killed it, and the show sold out. Triple win.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
I went to Liveschool to learn more about Ableton and that little community is really inspiring. You get introduced to other producers who are touching on new styles and genres; it's really fascinating and exciting. When it comes to locals acts, I'd have to say Willow Beats, Ta-ku and Charles Murdoch as they tend to work with more unusual and textual tapestries of sound, and Sampa The Great because she kicks ass.
What are your plans for 2017?
One things for certain is that I'll definitely be pissing off my household with my late night producing sessions. But I'm definitely itching to release more content, play more shows and collaborate with more artists (musically and visually)!
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Sydney songwriter, Alex The Astronaut is on the opposite side of the world studying a Maths and Physics degree on a soccer scholarship in New York. That's not a combination of words you'll hear every day. She's an incredible story-teller who's able to weave clever lyrics into beautifully layed out songs. She's also the perfect person to talk to a generation right now.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I started writing when I was about 12 but I knew to be good at it I would have to really work hard. I tried to pick out what I thought was good and bad in lots of different songs and apply those things to how I wrote. They were mostly simple rules like think of something other than a cliché, don’t write cheesy love songs, get to the point and move on. I knew I liked telling stories so that’s how my songs started so I used my little rules and I stuck with that!
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
It sounds lame but people. There are so many interesting people that do great things that make me want to be better at whatever I’m doing. I think that’s why I like travelling around so I can hear all different stories because I think it makes you appreciate what you do have so much more and want to make a difference with the abilities you have.
What can punters expect from an Alex the Astronaut live show?
They can expect a science dork telling stories on stage with a guitar haha. I like being on stage, I think I’m far less awkward there than I am most other places which is strange. I try to keep everyone involved and have a bit of a chat. I explain bits of my songs that I think are important and why I wrote them.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
My English teacher in high school said keep it simple, say your point then get on with it. I wasn’t very good at English but it helped with writing songs and I always think about that when I try explaining something that is taking too many words.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Probably Courtney Barnett’s ‘Three Packs a Day’, because no one can cry to a song about 2 minute noodles.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Julia Jacklin’s ‘Don’t Let The Kids Win’ gets me every time. I heard her play it live and I couldn’t stop listening, it’s amazing. You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping.
What Australian track do you put on next?
Alex Lahey’s ‘Let’s Go Out’ seems fitting.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I went to Jamie T at the Enmore and it was really cool! I hadn’t listened to much of his music and so I just stood up the front at the side by myself and watched. Everything about it was great he’s a really cool talented performer and everyone was so happy and excited to be there. Loved it.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
I’ve met a lot of female Sydney artists recently and they are so inspirational. Jack River and Lisa Mitchell were the first two girls I met and how humble and kind and talented they are is incredible. Montaigne is super cool too she also likes soccer so we bonded over that. My managers and the music people that I work with almost make me cry from how inspiring they are. I can’t believe how lucky I am to work with all of them. They’re like family to me.
You’re currently studying a Maths and Physics degree on a soccer scholarship in New York, how has/does music play a part in those roles?
I think music keeps me curious to find out new things so with physics and maths it fits in pretty well. Whenever I’m a bit overwhelmed it’s something that cheers me up so that helps me keep level headed and studying hard. I don’t think it plays a huge role with soccer but as a team we do listen to pump up music before the games!
What are your plans for 2017?
I’m releasing my debut E.P. “To Whom It May Concern” in late March, which I’m really excited about. I’m in New York at the moment so I’m going to play a few shows here before graduating in May and then coming back home to Australia. Then it’ll be playing shows and recording and getting more music to the world!
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Meet this week's Feature Artist Stevie Jean!

Featured Artist
2011
19
Sep
Albert Salt
(- alternative ,
- alternative pop ,
- trip hop , ...
Melbourne, VIC
Talented young Victorian muso Albert Salt was one of our 2011 Unearthed High finalists and now a Parklife Comp winner - catch him on The Atoll stage at Parklife Melbourne, this Saturday 23rd September.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I was brought up as a classical violinist and pianist in Western Victoria and had no real exposure to any different types of music apart from the occasional song from the charts. When I started high school in Melbourne, I became very interested in Jazz and 'contemporary' music, I started improvising and started composing some really crap stuff. I remember watching Baz Lurhmann's 'Romeo + Juliet' and hearing the song 'Talk show Host' by Radiohead, I was obsessed with the song for so so long. It was Radiohead that really influenced me and made me start singing in my recordings, and I haven't looked back.
You are one of the winners of our PARKLIFE competition and will be playing PARKLIFE in Melbourne – what are you hoping to gain from the experience?
I still find it incredibly hard to believe that I'm playing! Really I'm just hoping for as much exposure as possible and that people will enjoy the show and my music.
What can PARKLIFE punters expect from the Albert Salt live show?
Keyboards, Percussion, Vocals, Violin, Drums and a Laptop. It's going to be the first show I'll be playing with more than 2 people on stage. I'm luckily enough to be joined by Annabelle Hayes (Vocals) and Lachie Bubb (Drums) At this rate I might eventually get a band...
You were also an Unearthed High finalist – what a year? What else has been going on behind the scenes for you this year?
Yeah, I was just talking to a friend today how if someone told me that this was all going to happen this time last year, I wouldn't have believed them. This years main focus was releasing my album 'Dearest Stranger' back in May. It took about a year to finish so I'm glad that it's finally out there. Annabelle and me just got back from the 'Kingdom of Little Empires' gig up in Brisbane where we played with Snakadaktal, Danika Smith and Stonefield, was such a fantastic day and heard some really impressive live music.
What’s coming up for you in the rest of 2011 and looking to 2012?
Well I'm currently working on EP to follow up 'Dearest Stranger' and I'm going to release that at the start of next year, and I'm also working with film maker James Vinson by doing some film scoring on his short films coming up 'Cold Showers' and 'Abraxas' and then a web series thats going to be done next year which I get to make a little cameo in!
Australian music is…?
...undiscovered.
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Featured Artist
2013
25
Mar
Lincoln le Fevre & the Insiders
(- Acoustic ,
- Poison City ,
- ryan adams , ...
Melbourne, VIC
Lincoln Le Fevre lives in Hobart and is a born storyteller. He writes songs that are thick with melody and charm and is happy playing to a crowd of two or two hundred...
Lincoln is one of our winners from the Top Song competition! Check out the winners from each state and all the details on the competition page »
Describe your music
Indie rock and roll with an alt-country soul.
How do you go about writing a song? Lyrics or music first?
In short, I write the music first, but really it's more complicated that that. I tend to write lots of words and ideas without a song in mind, and other times I'll write the beginnings of a song idea, and find some words that suit it. After that I'll shape the words into a theme and finish the lyrics, and then finish the music around them. There's a fair bit of to and fro.
Who would you most like to tour with or learn from as a songwriter?
That's real hard. If we're talking hypothetically dead or alive, then maybe Johnny Cash. Otherwise Elvis Costello or Neil Young. If Tim Rogers wants to come along too, that would be ace.
What was the last CD you bought? what made you buy it?
Husker Du - New Day Rising. It was recommended by a friend that runs a record store. We're currently in the middle of debating whether or not it's a better record than Flip Your Wig. I say no.
What do you do when you're not making music?
I teach year eleven and twelve students how to write (as in poetry and prose), how to play rock and roll, and how to be audio engineers. I also produce records for bands in Hobart.
What have you got planned for the future?
I really admire those songwriters that can keep writing relevant and meaningful music throughout their entire careers. I want the next batch of songwriters coming out of Hobart to be confident that they can make a dent in the national market, and so whether I can help that by setting a positive example, or teaching them the right skills to navigate their own way through, I'll be happy.
Australian music is...
Exciting, given the prospects of what might take shape in a post-major label industry..
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Featured Artist
2017
19
Jun
Promise
(- "Alternative Rap ,
- "Alternative Trap ,
- #gospel , ...
Sydney, NSW
After dropping his latest track 'Conscious Thoughts', Tasmanian artist Promise will be jumping on stage with Thundamentals this weekend! Expect nothing less than fiery blends of Hip Hop that'll leave you sizzling for days.

They've got a brand new single and a must-see live show... It's this week's Feature Artist and Sydney City Limits comp winners, Pist Idiots!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We sort of just feed off each other and try and find a balance between not taking it too seriously and making some good music. If we think it sounds good, fun to play and exciting, we’ll keep playing it. Being constantly around music and gigs, it all feeds back into itself.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Inspiration often comes out of the blue, but usually some kind of experience or observation. Something that nags you for a while until you just have to get it out.
What can punters expect from a Pist Idiots live show?
Live Rock Music, 110%, a couple laughs, sweat, spit and love.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"Don’t be a di**head", from Dingo.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Rain' by Dragon.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Flame Trees' by Cold Chisel “ or a modern day banger like 'Million Times Alone' by Bad Dreems.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Boys Light Up' or some Kylie Minogue.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Amyl and the Sniffers at The Lansdowne, These New South Wales were our support acts. An electric evening, pure energy with some of the finest Australian rock music going.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you.
Bands like Royal Headache and Palms are pretty inspiring to us. In our formative years, Palms had a residency at the Lansdowne and as a bunch 18-year-olds, those strings of shows would’ve been our introduction into Sydney rock music. Since the Lansdowne has re-opened I feel that there has been a bit of rejuvenation in support for local music. I can only really comment from around 2013, but I feel it’s improved.
I think that the Sydney community extends into the North and Southern regions of Sydney. Bands like The Pinheads and a venue like Rad Bar in the gong, were some of the first people to give us the time of day. For that, we luvem!
What are your plans for 2018?
More Music, more shows, more fun stuff.
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Born in Darwin and raised in the remote NT communities, rapper, actor and dancer, Danzel Baker AKA Baker Boy, is three times the charm! At just 20 years old, he plans to be the first Indigenous rapper to rap in his Yolngu Matha language.

Sydney's Ruby Fields, tripled her followers in just 24 hours making 'I Want' one of our favourite discoveries of 2017. Let her confidence, power and attitude consume right through you.

Since giving us their latest track 'Manifestation', Melbourne based power group, The Beautiful Monument are taking metal-punk rock to the next level. See them support British metalcore band Archeticts this Friday, as our triple j Unearthed Competition winners.
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!
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We're kicking ass all this week on triple j Unearthed with our Feature Artist, Moaning Lisa. They'll be opening Groovin the Moo in Canberra this weekend and you don't want to miss them.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We had access to some rehearsal space at Uni and we got to know each other by making loud noises together and seeing where it went. When we landed our first gig we had only been rehearsing all together for about two weeks, so we had to pool all of our creative energies together pretty quickly to make sense of the noise. Since then we’ve bought a lot more guitar pedals and they do a lot of the work for us now.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Women and depression.
What can punters expect from a Moaning Lisa live show?
A lesbian once told us it had been suggested to her that the best way to meet other queer people in Canberra is to go to a Moaning Lisa show. A service we’ve been providing, yet completely unbeknownst to us. Basically, what you can expect are all of your dating app insecurities in a real-life setting, with the added bonus of loud music so you don’t actually have to talk to anyone.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
“It won’t affect sales” - Jimmy Lloyd-Wyatt who produced the Sweetest EP insisted on this every time we were being too particular about a performance or how something was sounding.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Eggyweggs' by dave.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'The Special Two' by Missy Higgins.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Please' by Huntly.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
We all saw Antonia and the Lazy Susans and Azim Zain and His Lovely Bones supporting The Hard Aches last week. It’s so special to see your mates that you’ve essentially grown up with sharing a bill with these bands from all around the country. It reminds you of how interconnected music is in Australia and how the lines between friends, peers and heroes start to blur as things get bigger.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Canberra music community that inspire you.
Too many people to name. But our band pals in Slagatha Christie and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers are a constant source of inspiration. Shan at CBR DIY Gig Guide, Kels at UC Refectory and Dave at Laundry Echo are three people who do so so much behind the scenes to change the shape of the city and how it’s viewed.
What are your plans for 2018?
What AREN’T our plans for 2018? Wanna start up a podcast so we can deliver our banter outside of shows and interviews. We will strive to make-out with all the people mentioned in “Carrie” and transform our shows into a beautiful queer oasis.
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If you're wondering if it's possible to feel beautiful in every shape and form possible after listening to a piece of music then we have you covered. Kate and Sally will have you falling deep into their world with their band OKBADLANDS.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Kate: When we first started writing together, we had fairly different tastes in music. I listened mainly to jazz artists and Sally liked lots of different contemporary genres. But, as with picking up someone’s mannerisms when you hang around with them long enough, writing together meant we eventually took on each other’s tastes. There have been many other songs written before we came to where we are now, and we’re definitely still developing.
Sally: We also have a ‘no bad ideas’ policy. So even when Kate decides to whip out her flute or do wild diva vocals over one of our demos, we’ve resolved to hear each other out, and that allows us room for experimentation.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Kate: A combination of working and writing with other artists. I think perhaps it’s easy to get stuck in a creative rut when you hold your cards close to your chest. There is something expansive about doing music as a community with other artists. Sometimes we collaborate with our friends and end up with an utter flop, and sometimes it’s great.
Sally: I love elegant communication in all forms and pursuing that through music inspires me.
What can punters expect from an OKBADLANDS live show?
Kate: A whole lot of harmonies and groove. These are the things we are naturally drawn to and so we integrate them as much as possible. For most of OKBADLANDS’ life we have performed live as a four-piece band, but we’ve recently started doing some electronic shows as a duo, which allows for a different dynamic.
Sally: Us gals having a great time because playing live is our favourite thing, and hopefully said punters having a great time too. Grooves, harmony, and Kate telling the audience ‘what you can’t tell is that I’m usually funny’. We also like to wear sparkles.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Kate: ‘Just relax a little bit’ – my older brother, Peter, on account of the fact that I can be pretty rowdy sometimes.
Sally: Not given to me directly, but I read a collection of essays by Annie Dillard recently, and in one of them she wrote – ‘how we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives’. Something given directly was an elderly lady who started talking to me on the bus once – as I was leaving she said ‘listen well, speak up, and always have flowers on the table.’ I took that to mean to be attentive and to prioritize contributing beauty to the world as an end in itself.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Kate: Asta - Dynamite
Sally: Gang of Youths – Native Tongue
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Kate: Crowded House – Don’t Dream It’s Over
Sally: Big Scary - Invest
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Kate: Tame Impala – The Moment
Sally: Daddy Cool – Eagle Rock
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Kate: I was away for a while, so BADBADNOTGOOD late last year. It was one of the best gigs we’ve attended together. There were bass-piano duos, people moshing to complicated rhythms, soprano sax solos – everything we could have asked for. They’re so skillful and they’ve developed an original sound that we both love.
Sally: The most recent would have been Fractures, who we supported last week. They were great – we loved seeing how the recordings were interpreted in a full-band setting.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.
Kate: We’ve worked alongside a lot of really inspiring people in the Brisbane music community and formed some close friendships. Everyone’s super tight-knit and encouraging.
Sally: There’s so many - GOVS, Golden Vessel, a new act called Akurei, The Creases, The Phoncurves, Seavera, Asha Jefferies, Mid Ayr, Clea – the list goes on. As well as amazing music photographers like Savannah van der Neit, all the sound techs and bookers at the venues here, and all the people who write insightful blogs and zines centred around music. And the legends over at 4ZZZ.
What are your plans for 2017?
Kate: A lot of new things! We’re so excited to release our debut EP later this year. It’s something we’ve been working really hard on for quite some time now. We’re going be playing our first ever headline show in Brisbane, and will hopefully be heading interstate as well.
Sally: Other than that, the plan is to keep writing and developing our sound.
Lastly, would you rather be average playing every instrument or amazing at playing just one instrument?
Kate: Gimme all of them.
Sally: I think I’d prefer to be amazing at just one.
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Featured Artist
2017
3
Apr
Dear Seattle
(- Violent SoHo ,
- The Smith Street band ,
- Luca Brasi , ...
Sydney, NSW
Hailing from the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Dear Seattle bring you an impressive debut with 'The Meadows' and we can't wait to see them explode with tracks jam-packed with raw emotion, nostalgic 90's grunge and soaring strength this year in 2017.

Brace yourself - these Novocastrians rock HARD!

Melbourne folk-punks The Football Club have proven they're Ones To Watch in 2017 with a string of absolutely devastating hits. Hop on now before this train leaves the station.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We call our style of music 'passion pop' - it's a cheap mix of folk, punk, folk-punk, and everything in between - we actually started off as a very earnest folk band (Leah was going to learn the mandolin for us!) before realising that the true path of enlightenment is overdrive pedals and crying.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
The human condition, social injustice, and the career stability that only alternative rock music can provide.
What can punters expect from a The Football Club live show?
Punters can expect to see the rock band The Football Club play a number of our original rock songs, in an order we will determine during the panicked 15 minutes between the last band finishing and us having to start our set.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
'Don't go to law school, son - everybody knows the real money is in folk-punk'.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Let's Go Out' by Alex Lahey. Huge, merciless banger.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Public Phone' by Wedding Ring Bells. The last song on the last Fergus Miller record. Try not to cry. Cry heaps.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Boyfriend (Repeat)' by Confidence Man. Try not to boogie. Boogie heaps.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Ceres at Howler - they're the coolest, their album from last year was totally in my top ten! Huge energy, huge vibes.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
We love the Melbourne music community! Big ups to Two Steps on the Water, Camp Cope, Poison City Records and Sad Grrrls Club (although they're not strictly Melbourne!).
What are your plans for the rest of 2017?
We just released our song 'Ivy', which comes off a 7" that we're gonna put out in late May/early June with another song called 'Spencer'! Then we're touring through May with our pal Alex Lahey, as well as some other things you'll learn about soon. Then towards the end of the year, we're going to head into the studio and see what comes out...
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Meet Willaris K. The 23 year old Northern NSW producer and master behind his latest single 'Alchemy'. His ability to create an ambient space of dark mystery through beautiful sounds and thick texture will have you in a daze.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
It’s hard to define the exact process of how it developed. I spend a lot of time experimenting with different ideas and concepts. Driving a lot for work allows me to spend more time listening to different music, then when it comes to my own writing, I'm sub-consciously combining different worlds that resonate at the time.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Initially it’s personal experience, live music is a big one. I take a lot of inspiration from movie scores and how they're able to influence the emotions of the audience.
What can punters expect from a Willaris K live show?
I’m playing my first live show this Friday. As I've been planning for it, i’ve found that I'm naturally gravitating towards my heavier/dancier stuff. Most of which has never been heard outside of my bedroom. Expect intense moments contrasted with intimate ambience.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
There’s not really one piece of advice that i subscribe to, but i’m a firm believer in everything happening for a reason - whether it be positive or negative. I’d say that mentality came from my parents who always attest that you get out what you put in.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
No 1 Dad's - Camberwell
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Seekae - Void
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Tame Impala - Why won't you make up your mind?
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I saw Jagwar Ma a couple of weeks ago in Coolangatta. It was good to see a crowd come out in numbers and support that style of music locally.
Tell us about the bands or people in the North Coast music community in NSW that inspire you.
I'm quite lucky in that regard because I've got a group of close friends from school that also write music. That's a big inspiration for me. We're always pushing each other, collaborating, keeping the standards high, no beating around the bush with feedback. I'm excited for us all to be out doing our thing musically. Everyone has their own tastes which seems to be a driving force for pushing our personal boundaries. I premiered a track from Rössen Culture in my triple j mix, Grant Walker just put his first track up on unearthed, NWM that did my artwork and visuals writes, HXXD GXLD raps and Joel Cauchi is a singer/songwriter who lends his guitar expertise on a few upcoming releases. They’re all coming; keep your eyes peeled.
What are your plans for 2017?
Release an EP. Develop my live show to become as live as possible, then eventually incorporate a visual aspect. Maybe a remix.
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Thrupence is Melbourne producer Jack Vanzet. We are featuring his woozy electronica all week on triple j Unearthed and Unearthed Radio.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Thrupence was developed and inspired by the music my mum used to play when I was a kid. Electronic bands like Deep Forrest, old jazz pianists, and a lot of stuff from Bristol. I thought it was amazing and it's still stuck with me and helped develop my sound to what it is today. As well as that - probably every Disney movie soundtrack that I heard as a kid had a strong influence too.
Do you see your sound translating to a live environment? Is there a Thrupence live show in the works?
Thrupence has a live show that is expanding to avoid the kid-behind-a-laptop cliche. The live set is working to incorporate live drums, guitars etc. It can sometimes be a bit underwhelming for people to just see a laptop and some buttons. Im trying to reverse engineer the album so that it can be played on live instruments as well. Bands can record their songs live to get them into the computer but im doing the opposite - trying to get the sounds out of the computer into live instruments. Its a big process but I think i've got it sorted.
Tell us about the music and people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you?
Melbourne has a really talented bunch of beat makers and electronic musicians. The guys from THIS THING are doing some really cool things. Galapagoose and his Monome toys are incredible to see and hear. Andras Fox's stuff is really nice. TUC is making some really beautiful stuff. There are heap of Melbourne guys making sounds that are just as good as anything you would hear globally. Chet Faker is another name that is set for big things.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
'Work needs to be more fun than fun' - Stephen Fry
What’s coming up for you in 2012?
There's a release party for the new EP in Melbourne that will be happening early May. The final date and venue will be posted on Thrupence's facebook soon. There's a 12" coming too! That should be ready for the opening (hopefully). I'd really like to take everything overseas. I think it would be amazing to travel and play music at the same time (rather than just being another tourist). Aside from that, keep trying to make music and if everything comes together I'll get another release out for summer this year.
Australian music is…?
As good as anywhere else. Being on this island hasn't really restricted us, I don't think. Our population and crowd attendances are nothing compared to music hot spots like Berlin or LA and we're still outputting some really impressive stuff - its inspiring to see. Thanks to the internet, once again.
View Profile Hide InterviewMelbourne 4-piece IV League combine their love of alternative rock and progressive pop to create music that Zan Rowe describes as "damn near perfect".

Perth quartet Rag N' Bone refer to themselves as "polished scunge" and describe their sound as "an angel meeting up with a drunken choir, vomiting diminished scales over battle drums". They really make us feel uneasy, and we love it.

Kuren is an exciting young producer from the small town of Hillston, NSW. He's collaborated with fellow Indigenous artist Denni, NYC-based singer Ben Alessi, just announced his first national tour and is this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist.

Featured Artist
2015
13
Apr
Edward Francis
(- Panda Bear ,
- DJ Koze ,
- The Books , ...
Alice Springs, NT
Edward Francis is a young Northern Territory-based multi-instrumentalist who produces wonderful genre-bending electronica from his bedroom in Alice Springs. His captivating songs are layered with emotive harmonies, rich sonic textures and distinct flourishes of saxophone. He's destined for greatness. All hail the King in the North!

Treat yourself to the latest "near-perfect pop hit" from this exciting Perth duo.

LANKS is a Melbourne-based producer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who creates beautifully textured indie pop by layering elements of electronic percussion, warm synthesizers, live instrumentation and his crisp falsetto.

Perth party proliferators The Brow Horn Orchestra have grown from humble beginnings as a busking duo to an 8-piece genre-defying pop powerhouse.
Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?
We grew from the humble beginnings of a Fremantle busking duo after feeling rather insignificant sans a band kicking it with a battery powered Casio keyboard doing all the dirty bossa novas. We decided to surround ourselves with as many wonderful musos as possible so every gig could feel like a big ol’ (dirty bastard) party. But teaspoons of rider beer later, we settled down with eight members each bringing an eclectic variety of influences to the table, which has all helped and contribute to what our sound is today. Whilst we’re always evolving; essentially we write feel good epic pop songs entwined with afro electro, hip hop, ska, dub and big band music; all key ingredients in the pot. But when it comes to the crunch, we simply like to create a fun party vibe for our audience that can lift spirits and make everyone feel happy.
What can the audience expect at a gig?
We’ve made a name for ourselves with the live show so if you bring big grins and shoes with fair bounce; we’ll provide something a little bit mad, quite often incoherent but always catchy and full of excess energy. When we started out as a band we had one main rule, and that was to boycott the motionless stage presence with the idea that the sooner you jump around like idiots not giving a shit; the sooner you’re audience will as well. One of our emcees Rezide also brings a lot of fire to the stage and extensive damage to our percussion rigs. When we played at the campus band comp finals on the gold coast at Sea World a couple of years back, The Doctor told him “you’re one crazy motherf***er!” It got worse…
How is it working as an orchestra – how do you manage rehearsing etc.
Our conductor resigned, the tuba player jumped off a ferry and our guitarists strummed their wayward ways into the horizon singing ‘oh what a night’; but somehow eight of us manage to meet at the very least once every couple of weeks; just out of a shared love of avoiding a ‘career’ path.
What’s coming up in the 2011?
We kicked off the year supporting Arrested Development on NYE and played at WA’s Southbound Festival; and we’re continuing the exciting trend with some more festival slots lined up, including the Perth leg of Future Music, Fairbridge, Nannup and some other potentials in the works. We’ve also got an east coast tour pencilled in for around July (Melbourne / Sydney folk start spreading the word and if we can get a grant hopefully more cities too) and we’ll also release our debut EP sometime mid year amongst much, much more.
Australian music is?
So fulfilling. For us living in Perth, our lives are forever entertained with first class local music day in day out blowing our socks off; so apply that on a national level and you’ve got yourself a pretty decent slice of aussie pie.
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It's like Tom Tom Club partying with LCD Soundsystem - one heck of a dance floor!
What's the origin story of Confidence Man?It all started in our home studio (all of us lived together) when one of us was writing a bass line and struggling with song ideas. The four of us were all in the room so we slowly started screaming over the top of each other and trying to grab the microphone to sing little melodies. By the end of the night I just remember that we were all pretty wasted and we were all hugging each other and screaming "this is the best thing ever!" So I suppose from there we realized that we work well together. We're similar people and we like similar music, so it's been easy to know what direction we want to go in. What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?I love to dance, so I really focus on writing big bass lines and cheeky percussion parts. Essentially I just try to write music I would dance to.I love the way Todd Terje makes badass dance music in a really cute, dorky way. That's the vibe I like to go for. What can punters expect from a Confidence Man live show?Champagne, bee keeper hats, black eye make up and two of the sassiest live dancers you'll ever see. What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?"Men will stick it in any old hole they can get it in" - Grandma What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?Donny Benet - Working Out What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?Nick Cave - Into My Arms You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?Fishing - Yuwa What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?I saw Sampa the Great at Bigsound. She was awesome, I think she's a badass. Tell us about the bands or people in the Australian music community that inspire you.We're inspired by a lot of Brisbane bands because we're always working together and showing each other demos. Everyone is super-supportive in Brisbane.But musically I'm really inspired by the Melbourne dance scene - NO ZU, Ara Koufax and acts like that. What are your plans for the rest of 2016 and in to 2017?Lots of touring, writing, releasing some new tracks, but above all making some more overstated outfits.
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Amy Shark is a young song writer, filmmaker and producer hailing from the Gold Coast. She's just released her gorgeous new single 'Adore' and she's this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist.

Unearthed High champ Gretta Ray is back with 'Unwind' - a stunning new song she recorded here at triple j.

We can't get enough of the hook-laden, sunshine-drenched pop of Brisbane quartet Morning Harvey.

Melbourne producer Alice Ivy is one of the winners of our Listen Out competition. She'll be taking her blissed out soul-inspired beats to the 909 stage of Listen Out in Melbourne this Saturday, September 24.

Get to know your Byran Bay Falls Festival Winners, BUGS. Expect nothing less than sweaty torsos, mops of hair flying around and a whole tonne of bad puns at their live show!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I used to record tonnes of distorted demos on my laptop and that's how the project came about. A few singles got picked up for radio play, The band got offered live shows and support slots and it all just went from there. Over the last few years since Brock and Jordan joined, our songwriting process totally evolved. After playing together for so long, our sound is just naturally super different from all the years making bedroom trash. We practice pretty regularly and naturally have honed our collective ideas for what we want our band and music to be since becoming so close. As we are great mates, we are all generally on the same page so it makes for a fun and easy creative process.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Music has always been a great processing mechanism for me. I’m a huge over thinker and tend to be pretty observant which is where a lot of the socially topical content for our songs comes from. Whenever I can’t understand something I have felt or experienced it helps to process that confusion by writing it out so it doesn’t just swirl around inside my head forever. Making music gives me that ability to become more self-aware by questioning thought whilst simultaneously expressing my creative, instinctive passion. I guess after all that the ultimate inspiration is the opportunity to connect with other people who might think in a similar way and understand what you are trying to say. The world can feel like a huge and lonely place, so I think it’s important to feel a sense of community in whatever capacity possible. When you connect with other people over music, it is amazing, so I guess our songs are like our own little message sent out into the airwaves trying to reach people who will understand. Hopefully, it feels like a big warm hug from a mate you haven’t seen in a while.
What can punters expect from a Bugs live show?
Jordan's sweaty torso, my mop of hair flying around, a whole tonne of bad puns and knee slides. We just really like to create a bit of a house party kind of feeling in the room we play in. It’s always important to establish the necessity for respect and a safe space in the venue we play in though. It’s a funny catch 22 and a fine line between getting wild and being an over-assertive, aggressive night ruiner. Oh, and maybe a kiss or two.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I think it’s the cliche of not being so hard on yourself. My mother, girlfriend and mates always try to reinforce a firm belief in myself. It’s easy to self-impose pressure when you work hard and desperately want to achieve something, but if by doing that you’re making yourself miserable it generally defeats the purpose of doing it at all. I can be a pretty intensely analytical thinker so I guess it’s important to steer that in positive directions and harness the power of it for progression, and it’s even more important to stay calm and relax when you start getting overwhelmed. I make terrible choices when I’m stressing out, so the most important piece of advice to remember for me are to chill and go with the flow. I think that goes hand in hand with a deep-rooted self-confidence, one I am yet to find.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Probably 'Young Drunk' by The Smiths, an infectiously cathartic anthem from my youth. Or 'Never Had So Much Fun' by Frenzal!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Blood' by The Middle East gets me every damn time. It hits home super hard.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Either ‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’ by The Angels or ‘Whats My Scene’ by Hoodoo Gurus. Straight up. Pub bangers. I am such a proud bogan.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
We played with British India a few weekends ago at The Triffid and they absolutely blew the roof off. It was surreal to stand side of the stage and watch some of our heroes belt out tunes that soundtracked my youth and teens. The guys were super nice and we knew the other support band Eliza & The Delusionals who are super cool people too. I ran some chips out on stage cause they shouted me a free burger earlier but it hadn’t come by the time they started playing.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.
Brisbane is way too great to list all the awesome people who make it such a vibrant community. The Violent Soho guys are like royalty. Artists like Good Boy and Waax are really inspiring. It has been remarkable to watch brilliant and considerate people do incredible things this year. Jeremy Neale has been an enormous influence for me personally. The amount of carefully thought out advice, compassion and time he has afforded me since starting this band has been overwhelming. Our manager Ruby and booker Dom are like family. The venue managers and booking agents around town are invaluable and it breeds this sense of welcoming and teamwork that is conducive to shared success and makes for some ripping memes by Cael (Valley Ledge). Also, not to take away from the punters and gig patrons (one of which is myself). The frequency with which you will see full rooms in multiple venues on any given night in the valley is heartwarming. People care about and feel really connected to the music community here, because the equality and serenity in lack of competition breed a really positive connected industry.
What are your plans for 2018?
Opening Falls on New Years Day is certainly the brightest beacon on the calendar, but we’re barrelling into a busy month in Jan. We have a show with our good pals The Hard Aches at Black Bear Lodge on the 19th so that should be super fun. It’s really close to selling out already and the guys are absolute legends so it will be awesome to catch up and return the favour of a couch to crash on. Then we have a single coming out just before we play Brisbane's ‘Mountain Goat Valley Crawl’ festival in early Feb. Personally, I am so dang excited to get this next tune out, we have about 6 ready to go for an EP shortly after but we’re just tying up all the loose ends to make sure the release reaches its full potential. Valley Crawl is this amazing multi-venue night that always has the punters going wild and we’re stoked to have a nice late spot at the Foundry which should get pretttttty dang juicy to say the least.
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Mallrat is a Brisbane-based teenager with a knack for creating outrageously catchy pop tunes. She sings, she raps, she makes everybody dance.
Melbourne's Pagan approach their songs like a well-made Margarita pizza: filled with saucy riffs (tomato sauce), shredded bass (cheese), and aggressive howling (basil). They'll be opening up UNIFY for triple j Unearthed this weekend!
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
When we started writing, we didn't really know what we we're doing, other than that we wanted to make the darkest, gnarliest rock and roll songs that we possible could. We knew we wanted to try and come up with something a little bit less rigid and limiting, and a little more diverse than the punk rock bands we'd played in before this.
We quickly figured out that we liked putting these kind of pretty sounding guitar riffs (tomato sauce) over really gritty, aggressive bass stuff (buffalo mozzarella). Together it makes for this really cool, gloomy soundtrack to Nikki's roars and howls (fresh basil and olive oil). That's sort of what makes us sound like us, I think (a perfect Margherita pizza).
As intense and grim as the songs are, we also love to make music that people can dance to, instead of playing just straight headbanger stuff all the time. So we put a lot of focus on rhythms and backbeats (the light, crispy base), and just making sure the songs flow really organically, without having to overthink or force anything. Mangiare!
What's your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Black coffee, black magic, black metal and Black Sabbath.
What can punters expect from a Pagan show?
Pagan shows are a celebration of all things dark. Wild, sweaty, noisy rituals with a killer dance floor! Like having your 21st birthday party and the wake after a loved one's funeral at the very same time.
What's the best advice you've been given and who was it from?
"The longer you leave your pasta sauce on the stove to simmer, the better. The longer the sauce can simmer at a low temperature, the more the flavours of each ingredient; the herbs, the chilli, the garlic, onion and tomato will come out properly. Anything less than three hours is a disgrace to yourself and to your whole family, both living and dead. Don't you dare disappoint me." - Mama.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Clowns - "Destroy The Evidence" or Client Liaison - "Off White Limousine"
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Totally Unicorn - "Dream Life" or Client Liaison "World Of Our Love"
You're the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Alex Cameron - "She's Mine" or Client Liaison - "Wild Life"
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I'm not sure, but the one that comes to mind is High Tension, Clowns and Grim Rhythm at The Bendigo. It was a benefit show and launch party for an amazing compilation put together by some wonderful people to raise money for the families of a couple of their close friends who were involved in a tragic accident. Pagan were honoured to have been included in such a beautiful gesture! It was a Tuesday night and I couldn't believe how packed the Bendigo! It was a beautiful, positive and emotional evening, and true testament to just how much people within the greater Melbourne alternative/music community are willing to look out for one another as friends, as family and sometimes as people we've never even met. Every band totally slayed too!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
Our dearly beloved cult. Anyone breaking rules, smashing expectations and creating new and interesting music. Anyone working towards making sure shows are fun, inclusive and safe for absolutely everyone. People of different cultures, girls, trans, queer and non-binary folk making angry music. Client Liaison.
What are your plans for 2017?
We're aiming to complete our collection of 13 singles by the end of the year, but we'll see... In between single releases, we're hoping to play more Pagan rituals with lots of different kinds of bands and artists, do some more touring, make more videos, further our understanding of the dark arts, destroy regular cheese and antipasto platters, and drink many more spritzers. It's gonna be a hell of a year I think!
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Canberra-based artist LTC (Lolesio The Courageous) is pumping out world class hip hop right now. He's turning heads with a sound that is both ambitious and refreshing.

We're celebrating NAIDOC week with Perth Hip-Hop artist Ziggy Ramo. Slicing deep into important topics, Ziggy Ramo has become the catalyst for change. You'll be impressed with his latest offering 'Same Script'.

Byron Bay four-piece PLTS are the local winners of our Splendour In The Grass competition. They'll be taking their anthemic indie rock sounds to the Ampitheatre stage of Splendour at midday on Saturday, July 23.
Can’t reveal too many goodies at this point in time, but I can say we’ll have new music to follow up from ‘On and On’ closer than expected, as well as a few more really exciting things to announce down the track. We’ll be writing a shit load of new material and just really keeping the momentum up towards summer and into the New Year. Plenty of gigs and new bands to meet, pedals to buy and just good vibes overall!
FOREST FALLS
Electronic, Indie, Pop, Rock, Roots (Arcade Fire, Broken Bells, Cyndi Lauper, ...)
Melbourne, VIC

MANU CROOK$ is this weeks triple j Unearthed Feature Artist and winner of our Come Together Festival competition . The Sydney-based emcee will be hitting the Come Together stage at Sydney's Luna Park this Saturday, June 11.

Sunshine Coast 4-piece Pop Cult are the winners of our Big Pineapple Music Festival competition and will be taking their stomping feel-good rock'n'roll to the festival stage this Saturday, May 28.
Plentiful 'Kool-aid', sing-a-long choruses and we're working on a special cover- think 90's one hit wonders, speed-dealer sunnies and 'Karen, I love you!'.

The Pretty Littles make "sing-a-long-with-your-mates-while-sinkin-a-few" rock jams and we're stoked to have them as our Feature Artist all this week.

Melbourne's Alex Lahey is your triple j Unearthed Feature Artist this week. Already named as one of triple j Unearthed's artists to watch in 2016, her incoming debut EP (recorded with Oscar from Holy Holy) has us all sorts of excited.
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.
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Jess Kent has dropped one of the most infectious tracks of 2015, 'Get Down', and won herself a spot on the lineup for Sydney's Field Day festival, alongside Disclosure, Flight Facilities, The Wombats and more. Catch them all in The Domain on New Years Day.

Safe Sex are a Perth-based duo made up of vocalist Molly Biddle and producer Andrew Wright. Molly describes their sound as a combination of her "effeminate squeak" and Andrew's "bassy tones".

Melbourne dudes Tiny Little Houses created one of the surprise Australian hits of the year with their track 'Easy'. Check out their dark, folk rock sounds as the triple j Unearthed Feature Artist this week.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
A friend introduced me some years ago to a bunch of great lo-fi bands that came out of the centre of America in the 90's. All these bands were making some of the most fantastic music I'd ever heard. It was emotional and angsty but it wasn't "emo", the lyrics were poetic but it wasn't folk, it was pop sensible yet it was dark like indie rock or grunge. I started writing and recording really rough demos in my room trying to emulate those sounds.
Eventually I met Sean, our guitarist, and we liked the same bands so we started to help each other on our own musical projects until it made more sense just to work together. We worked on a heap of songs over a couple of years and last year it felt like we'd finally figured them out so we went into studio with Steven Schram who helped us record our EP.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
My songs are quite personal so obviously a lot of the time the catalyst is my own experience but I find reading books and poetry another source of subtle inspiration for music. I can't force myself to write music so all the time spent absorbing books and poetry comes out in unexpected ways when inspiration finally does hit.
What can punters expect from your live show?
Our music is a blend of folk, rock and shoegaze. I think all of the best elements of those genres work well together. I try to write songs which have a strong narrative element which ties them together even though sonically they can be quite different. I think our live sets come off more emotional and a touch heavier than our recordings.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
In regards to life advice my parents raised me to treat others as you'd like to be treated and this has had a big impact on myself. In regards to music my friend Carl (a disgruntled sound engineer) gave me the advice to always be nice to the sound guy.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
The Middle East - The Darkest Side.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
I'm really not known for my DJ skills. So whoever made me DJ of this hypothetical party is completely out of their mind... I asked our guitarist Sean and he said Two Bodies by Flight Facilities.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
The Rolling Blackouts launching their EP at the Old Bar in Fitzroy. It was amazing, they had the whole room pumping with their tight pop tunes.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
There is so much talent at the moment coming out of the Melbourne music community. A few that spring to mind are the Outdoor Type and JP Klipspringer who actually supported us at our single launch the other week. Other bands we love are Hollow Everdaze, Crepes, Good Morning, Redspencer and Bored Nothing. Our good friends Jackson Phelan, LUCIANBLOMKAMP and Rosebud Leach are also incredible musicians that have always inspired and supported us.
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Vallis Alps are a duo that create dreamy, beautiful and mesmerising electronica between Canberra and Seattle.

Before they tee off at the 2016 UNIFY gathering next weekend as our Unearthed comp winners, we're featuring Melbourne legends Harbours all this week!
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.

Man Made Mountain are a Melbourne-based duo comprised of producer Billy Hoyle and vocalist Cazeaux O.S.L.O. They create uplifting hip hop sounds inspired by the likes of J Dilla, Remi & Sensible J, and by the the music of Brazil.

Brissie three-piece Good Boy are one of the winners of our Laneway competition. Catch them opening the 'Good Better Best' stage of Laneway in Brisbane on Saturday, February 6.

Samuel Dobson is a Sydney-based hip hop artist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who has a passion for eclectic sounds and live instrumentation. Check out his tracks on Unearthed and catch him live with with his "very impractical" 11-piece hip hop orchestra.

ESESE are a Melbourne-based funk/soul/hip hop collective led by vocalist and producer Hudson James Jr, and fronted by emcee Hancoq. They perform with between 8-11 members and this week, they perform as our Unearthed Feature Artist.

Probably the most aptly named artist on triple j Unearthed, Sampa The Great has absolutely floored us with tracks from her debut mixtape as well as her outstanding live show. As the winner of our The Plot competition, she'll be taking that outstanding live show to the Atomic stage of The Plot festival in Parramatta on Saturday December 5.

Byron Bay 4-piece Postblue are one of the winners of our Splendour In The Grass competition and will be taking their 90s-influenced alternative rock to the festival Supertop at 12:30pm this Saturday. Get amongst it!
Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?
We sort of just started jamming. After a few weeks the 'sound' was coming out pretty naturally, we were never going for anything specific. Riley will normally come to rehearsal with a basic skeleton of the song and a few riffs. Then we all throw in our own ideas/parts and figure out a song structure that works. Sometimes it's a quite a simple process and the songs come really easily, but sometimes we'll be sitting on songs for a few weeks/months that we still haven't quite worked out.
You’re one of the winners of our Splendour In The Grass competition. What can Splendour punters expect from the Postblue live show?
Loud guitars, a lot of energy and plenty of awkward stage banter. We all thrive off playing live and we have heaps of fun on stage. So you definitely won't be bored during a Postblue show.
What Australian artists/musicians do you draw inspiration from?
Silverchair, Incursion, Violent Soho, Something For Kate, Grinspoon, Jebediah and a bunch more. Australia has produced some of the best bands/artists of all time, which can often be overlooked when you have a massive amount of international bands touring here all the time. We definitely draw a lot of our inspiration from Australian bands.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and by who?
No ones ever really given us advice, we've been figuring a lot of things out on our own as we go which is kind of cool.
What else is coming up for you in 2013?
We are recording next month for another release, touring the east coast in September which includes a show at the Poison City Weekender fest in Melbourne and trying to write new songs. We are slowly starting to become more busy with the band which is really cool. Putting a lot of time and energy into something creative and artistic is quite refreshing.
Australian music is…?
…very unique, be it our accents, lyrical content, style or even artwork. There is a great sense of community. The amount of support we've received over the past year and a half has been overwhelming, all these Australian bands just seem to want to help each other out.
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Featured Artist
2012
17
Sep
The Belligerents
(- Django Django ,
- Metronomy ,
- Caribou , ...
Brisbane, QLD
The Belligerents are an indie/dance 5-piece from Brisbane and one of the winners of our Parklife competition. They'll be whipping the early crowd into a frenzy at Parklife Brisbane on Saturday 29th September.
Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?
We all met because we were hooking up with each others sisters, which is kind of awkward. We started jamming on a few songs that Lewis had written and then slowly started finding our feet and developing our sound. We all have different influences and tastes in music and it all sort of falls into place when we play together. Our first EP is quite different from our latest one and I think that our sound is going to continue to evolve over time. Kind of like Pokemon just different.
You’re one of the winners of our PARKLIFE competition. What can Parklife punters expect from The Belligerents live show?
Smoke machines, full frontal nudity, strobe lights and fun in the sun for the whole family. We're gonna try our hardest to put on the absolute best live show we've ever played and make it worthwhile for the people that come and see us.
What most excites you about playing and attending Parklife 2012?
The line-up is massive and we're incredibly stoked to be a part of it. We love Tame Impala and I'm pretty sure Lewis and Andy have some weird/semi-creepy band crush on The Presets, so we're definitely going to have an awesome time watching them. It's also going to be a lot of fun playing on such a huge stage because we'll finally have room to move around and bust out our dance moves.
What’s your earliest memory of seeing live Australian music?
I only moved over here in 2007 so I think the first proper gig I went to was Splendour 2008, which was mind blowing. I can't remember much but I'm pretty sure it was one of the best festivals I've ever been to.
What’s coming up in 2012?
First of all Parklife!!! Then we’re playing Valley Fiesta in Brisbane with Arrested Development in October. After that we will be back on the road towards the end of the year around November for a tour support and we’ll also be going back into the studio later this year.
Australian music is...
...awesome, great, fantastic, super, sick as!
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18 year old rapper Genesis Owusu embraces the weird, both in himself and in his music. You'll hear him blending jazz with hip hop in a style that he likes to call 21st Century punk-jazz.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I've been exposed to music since the womb; my mum leads a church choir and you could probably find any genre you're looking for if you search hard enough in my dad's CD collection. My brother was originally a guitarist so he would strictly listen to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Rage Against the Machine and anything in that field. Music generally reflects the artist making it so I suppose that's why genre-blending is such a big aspect of my music.
What's your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Emotions.
You're playing Laneway in Sydney for Unearthed. What can punters expect from a Genesis Owusu live show?
Chaos, probably. Really, really entertaining and heartfelt chaos though.
What's the best advice you've been given and who was it from?
Kanye West once told me, "You see there's leaders and there's followers, but I'd rather be a dick than a swallower."
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
If "WDUBI" by Baro doesn't dry your eyes I don't know what will.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
My friend Charlesworth made this track called "In Need" which is so damn beautiful. King Krule vibes.
You're the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
"Assumptions" by MANU CROOK$ absolutely SLAPS.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I did this really chill afternoon session on Sunday at a bar in Canberra called Akiba and it was such a pretty sight. Just people of all ages sitting around on a Sunday listening to jazz and rap, and people rapping on top of jazz; AND there was dumplings. What more could you want?
Tell us about the bands or people in the Canberra music community that inspire you.
Narit "Noodle" Kimsat is the prince of Canberra; he's not a musician but he's the organiser of anything and everything. And if he didn't organise it, he told you about it. Even if he didn't tell you about it, he'll still be there, handing you free dumplings or something (he's the one who organised the event from the last question).
My brother, Citizen Kay, essentially got me into the music scene and is still my sole recording engineer to this day. I have to give mad love to groups like Mondecreen and Brass Knuckle Brass Band for making super wild, cross-genre music and also for incorporating saxophones into their music (the saxophone is the sexiest instrument in human history, you CANNOT argue with me about this). People like Coda Conduct, Jimmy Pike and Jedbrii are some of the most fire spitters I've ever seen or heard. I could go on forever; basically the CBR ZOO is LIVE. Also #reecegurney.
What are your plans for 2017?
To make you see my face and hear my voice a whole lot more. I'm also thinking of starting a book club so if anyone's keen hmu.
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Mangelwurzel are from Melbourne, but they might as well be from outer space. To see them play is to buy a one way ticket on a hurtling freak train, one that's as likely to pass through post-punk and art-pop song craft as it is to take take detours into ska, rap-metal and klezmer explosions.

Brisbane singer-songwriter Clea writes enchanting and intimate tracks that are sure to get under your skin.

Adelaide duo The Hard Aches make emotive melody-driven punk rock that is both anthemic and intimate. Open your ears, open your hearts; they've got some stories to tell.

Newcastle rockers Majora are the winners of our This That competition and will be opening the 'This' stage of the festival on Saturday, October 31 at the Newcastle Foreshore.

Verge Collection are the winners of our Southbound competition and will be taking their triumphant, feel-good songs to the festival stage in Busselton, WA in January 2016.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?

Hip hop duo Coda Conduct are one of the winners of our Groovin The Moo competition and will be bringing their high energy live show to Groovin The Moo in Canberra this Sunday, May 3rd.

Perth 4-piece Tired Lion make excellent grungy rock'n'roll. We like them. A lot.

If you like impassioned hip hop with a stomping beat and fiery flow then you're going to love Sydney-based artist Sarah Connor.

Sydney duo Boo Seeka have been together less than a year but already have two great singles to their name, a European tour under their belt, national tours on the horizon and they are this weeks Unearthed Feature Artist. Impressive stuff, huh?

Brisbane-based emotive punks Columbus are about to drop their EP 'Home Remedy' and are looking to hit the road in 2015. Expect lots of yelling, sad facial expressions and all the punk feels.

Tassie punks Luca Brasi are this week’s feature artist! An incredible force live and on record, Luca Brasi’s songs are just coursing with intensity and conviction.
Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?
We play what I guess is mid tempo punk/rock, some heavier moments, some softer. We never really set out to be a certain style of band and are always super keen to mix things up to keep it interesting.
Our first album "Extended Family" was more raw and straight up but this time around we really made an effort to introduce some light and shade into the record. I think alot of what we are listening to at the time comes through in our music. Especially Tom's love of twinkly, shoegaze guitar stuff which is definitely more evident this time around. We spend alot of time seperately demoing and sharing ideas and set about to write the best record we could and really break down the components of all the tracks for the record on By A Thread.
What can the crowd expect from a Luca Brasi live show?
Live shows are what we're all about, being able to be on stage and do what we love is the reason we love playing music. A typical live show is hot and sweaty as hell and more than likely a booze soaked affair. We don't record songs that we can't pull off live exactly as they are on the records, hopefully better!
You’ve toured a fair bit in the past few years. What are some of your favourite tour memories?
Every single tour is such a massive pleasure for us and we're so stoked and grateful that the shows just get better and better. The amount of friends we've made around the country is crazy, just from playing songs that we wrote in our collective bedrooms.
I'd have to say personal highlights would be sold out shows in some venues such as The Corner in Melbourne, that I've seen plenty of my favourite bands at themselves, would have to be up there. Getting nude constantly throughout our last tour with legends Bodyjar was a good time too!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Tassie music community that inspire you?
Tassie has some amazing bands/musicians that are so unknown it's a crime. Bands like The Scandal are one of the biggest influences on our own music. Their bass player Nic White has co-produced all of our music along with Linc Le Fevre, possibly the most talented person we know, who's own music inspires us to try and be better. Currently Hobart lads Speech Patterns are the fastest and tightest band out, I feel like I need to go home and practice every time I watch them play.
What are your plans for Luca Brasi in 2014?
This year for Luca will be our biggest by a mile, we pretty much will just continue playing as many shows as possible, in as many different places as possible and get this new record out there. Our first overseas trip is also later this year and will take in Europe and The U.K, something we never considered as a possibility, totally mindblowing.
Australian music is…?
The bloody best, mate!

Moon Holiday is the electronic music project of Sydneysider Alex Ward. On New Year's Day she'll be bringing her looped, left-field dance music to Sydney's the Domain as our Field Day competition winner.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound? My music came from a slow process of experimenting with electronics instead of real-life musicians. I moved to Australia at 16 and had no friends! I became kind of a recluse because I still felt the need to make music somehow.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music? For better or worse, it's usually my own mental turmoil. I think that goes for a lot of people. But more and more I am inspired by actually trying to create new sounds and new forms of expression for myself.
You’re the winner of our Field Day competition. What can punters at Field Day in Sydney expect from the Moon Holiday live show? At this point I'm aiming to make it a little more energetic than my usual live show, because it is generally pretty moody and even subdued! It'd be nice to start the New Year with a bang.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from? One of my best friends recently used actual hand-drawn diagrams in her advice to me, which I found both hilarious and extremely useful! Another of my best friends is full of gentle and comforting wisdom, so even though she is a cool young musician, a day with her can be like visiting a wise grandmother.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying? That's easy, Rainbow Chan's song 'Haircut'. It's about getting over things and moving on, and her music always creates a sense of wonder, like anything's possible. She's the best friend I mention above, cool and fresh but so wise and nurturing! https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/rainbow-chan
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry? Also easy! HTRK - my favourite Australian music, maybe just my favourite music overall. When their song 'Give It Up' came out late last year ahead of their full album I used to just whack it on repeat and cry a bunch. I was having a hard time, but it's such a beautiful track, such an unusual duality through that whole album. https://soundcloud.com/mistletone/htrk-give-it-up
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next? Collarbones - 'Turning', because it's fierce as hell. When I first heard it I constantly walked around listening to it like I was in a music video, which is how you know a song is good. https://soundcloud.com/collarbones/turning
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it? I went to see Lucy Cliche and Alba (both locals) supporting Factory Floor (from the UK) at Oxford Art Factory recently. It was great, a really well thought-out lineup and everyone impressed the crowd, especially remarkable because it was a Tuesday night and people were actually getting kinda loose.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Sydney music community that inspire you. It's come to the point where most people I know in Sydney are tied to the music community in some way, either directly or indirectly. Some of my close friends make music I'm floored by, every time they show me something. Most of them are involved with Sydney's Astral People, who probably need no introduction, but through being a part of that incredibly supportive family I've found room to grow as a musician and be heard properly - without ever being made to feel like the end goal is huge commercial success. I think we all feel like Sydney is an excellent place to be, and for once there aren't as many people fleeing the country to 'make it' outside.
What are your plans for 2015? Despite saying I'm glad people aren't fleeing Sydney, that's what I'm doing for a couple of months in the New Year. I decided to take a break after finishing my new EP (due out early 2015) and go live in Bangkok for a while! I'd like to be somewhere different to make new music, for another EP or an album, perhaps a side-project to get out different things. But I can't wait to come back as well - I started producing a radio show for FBI Radio recently, so I'll be continuing that job as well. I just want to get stuff out there really.
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Melbourne singer Meg Mac is one of the winners of our Falls Festival competition and will be playing the festival in Lorne this NYE. She has a huge voice, huge tracks and a huge future ahead of her.
Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?
I have been singing for a long time and like most people, I learned to sing by copying and trying to sound like other singers. I didn't work out my own thing really until I started writing, with no reference for my unsung songs I was forced to create a sound. But you can definitely hear all my influences I think and I love that they're always changing and so is my voice and writing. Growing up I listened to lots of soul thanks to my Dad, my Mum sings Irish folk songs and I was obsessed with pop of course. I like big voices and a bit of that drama - the ones that sing because they have to or they would die sort of thing, like Edith Piaf.
You’re the Victorian winner of our Falls Festival competition and will be playing the festival in Lorne at the end of the year. What can Falls punters expect from the Meg Mac live show?
I will be playing on New Years Eve and I am going to sing my little heart out. I play with two boys, a drummer and keys player and my little sister sings backing for me, it's pretty cute and she sounds just like me. Expect some electronic elements, big piano sounds, hand claps and lots of singing by me. We have new songs which we are going to play and help everyone get ready for the big day of music ahead and hopefully Meg Mac can help people feel ready to take on the new year.
What are you most looking forward to about the festival?
This is my favourite thing to happen to me all year and I still read the lineup every day just to give me that special feeling. Apart from actually playing, which is what I am definitely most looking forward to, it is all of the other bands and artists that are playing. Getting to watch all of their sets and then just the whole festival vibe, the camping, the photos, the people, the bands, the NYE thing - it is just guaranteed good times. And Solange.
What’s your earliest memory of performing music? How old were you?
I first started proper singing (singing lessons etc) when I was nine and once I discovered that I had a big voice, I could not get enough of Vanessa Amorosi…please don't judge me. 'Absolutely Everybody' was my favourite.
What else is coming up for you in 2013 and then looking into 2014?
I've got a few gigs coming up before the big Falls, that's what I call it now. On the 29th November I am supporting Georgia Fair at Howler in Melbourne. My 2014 is shaping up to be a pretty good year so far, it looks like my first album will be on its way! And I am looking forward to more stuff happening to me, and some more songs to happen to me too.
Australian music is…?
A lot of the time I will listen to music and not know/care where it comes from, but it is pretty awesome when I know something is Australian and suddenly I feel a little bit proud? It is weird, like I am suddenly connected to the music because the artist is Aussie just like me and my dreams become a little more achievable.
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Featured Artist
2014
13
Oct
It's a Hoax
(- Cat Power ,
- Speedy Ortiz ,
- sonic youth , ...
Adelaide, SA
Adelaide 5-piece It's A Hoax are a band driven by a love for creating something out of nothing. Their left-field indie rock is born out of constant improvisation and inspired by everything from math rock to NYC jazz.

Sydney garage pop three piece JuliaWhy? make songs that are like a prickle behind your neck and end up like a punch to the face. They were one of our 2014 NIDA winners, which saw them have this video clip filmed for them by post-grad NIDA students and premiered on rage.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I've been playing music and writing songs since I was 10. So the sound we have now has been a long time in the making and has gone through a lot of stages. I've spent a long time listening to all different kinds of music. But the songs I've recently written have definitely been influenced by all the local music that's been happening all around me - living in a sharehouse with seven other people that also make music. The music we write as a band now is pretty collaborative. We usually drink a few beers, get a bit tipsy, go to the studio (Peter the drummer built a recording/rehearsal studio called Audile Design in Marrickville) and jam and things tend to happen organically from there.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
A long neck of Coopers Red. Jokes! Nah I'm not sure I've always just had to make music - it's a lot of fun, it's therapeutic, it stops me going insane and that's a pretty big source of inspiration in itself. I get very angry about stupid things like politics and the state of the world and if I didn't have music to deal with it I would probably be dead by now.
You’re one of the winners of our NIDA competition and had the opportunity to work with a NIDA directing student to create a film clip for your track ‘Just One Night’. Could you talk us through that process?
It was really fun and we were lucky because we live in Sydney we got to kind of become friends with the director and the designer of the clip. They came to a few of our live shows to see what kind of personality we have I guess. We drank a few beers together and chatted about stuff. They asked us to send them music videos we absolutely hated. Which was good. They asked us "What is a definite no go zone" and I said "No lame party scenes with red cups." Then they went away and came up with a concept which they pitched to me the day before I left for Sri Lanka for 5 weeks. While I was away we emailed each other and then we filmed the day I got back. Filming that day was a lot of fun. I was buzzing from jetlag/excitement at seeing all these people working together to create something.
What can punters at a JuliaWhy? live show?
Really, really fast drumming.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
'Stay at Home Dads' by Beef Jerk followed by 'Sun Up' by Day Ravies.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Cotton' by Beef Jerk (unreleased yet) and definitely 'BalladHEAD' by Mope City.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'Lick the Pip' by Housewives.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
My friend put on a festival at the Marrickville Bowling Club called 'Building Bridges for Refugees.' Dick Diver and Holy Balm headlined, Roamin' Catholics played, as did Day Ravies, DAG from Brisbane, Destiny 3000... so many bloody great bands it was bloody fantastic. In fact here's the link. It sold out and they made about $8000 to donate to Bridge for the Asylum Seeker Foundation so it was amazing!!!
Tell us about the bands or people in the Newcastle music community that inspire you.
We don't live in Newcastle haha but there are some great bands from there - Bacon Cakes is my personal favourite. The Sufferjets too. But my local scene is based mainly around Marrickville in Sydney. It's ridiculous how many good bands are coming out of there. In fact my friend and I are starting a record label EXXE RECORDS and putting out a mixtape that has a song from each of the 13 bands from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane that started at the share house we lived in together, or played shows there, or slept on our couch while they were on tour etc etc. So yeah it's pretty amazing to be kind of part of it and I feel it needs to be documented some way - hence the mixtape.
What are your plans for the rest 2014?
In terms of JuliaWhy? we're going to try make ourselves a video to release another single and then put out the album digitally and on cassette by the end of the year. Then we'll tour and then it's world domination... obviously.
View Profile Hide InterviewUV boi is an 18 year old producer from Brisbane making mellow yet heavy-hitting 808 music that's created a sea of feelings in our heart.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
The first thing I attempted to produced when I began making music was sample based hip hop instrumentals. At the time I was listening to MF DOOM and his various aliases and Wu-tang also, this was back in 2010. The year earlier I was really into hardstyle and techno music, I know right, what a complete 180. Anyhow, I picked up interest in electronic music around late 2012 and started to dabbling with a lil bit of dubstep, trap and most recently Jersey Club. All under my first project named "EP". Throughout this time I didn't have any idea of music theory, I just had a keen ear. I took the time last year in year 12 to get piano lessons which were pretty beneficial. Fast forward to March of this year, which was when UV boi was born. With my new honed skills I returned to making hip hop but with this new UV boi spice.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
The internet, especially via Soundcloud. There's just an endless stream of cool music on there. Some of the people I've come across on there are as young as 13 and are already doing wonders.
What can punters expect from a UV boi live show?
You can expect me dressed in a full Adidas tracksuit strapped in my durag squat for 20 minutes straight during the pre of my set. On stage, I use an APC and an MPD. Launching clips with the APC on Ableton and playing stripped sounds from my track on the MPD (eg. drums or vocal cuts or instruments, whatever really).
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
"Make bangers" - Eli Marsland
"Keep making music. you're really good at this" - Lochie Riordan
Most importantly though, are the people who I showed my first crappy beats to and have always been supportive and seen something. Shouts out to Erina, Eoghan, Cheyne, Kai and Joe Joe.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Renz - Look Good On Me
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Ben Lee - Cigarettes Will Kill You (Horrorshow and Jane Tyrell Cover)
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Tkay Maidza x Battles x Conorock - Atlasaurous In Babylon (ELI Bootleg)
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Ahhh I haven't been exposed to many local gigs that I haven't been apart. UV boi has only just become UV man, so I'm excited to experience those cool pub gigs.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.
Brisbane has a cool small community of electronic artists but not really many in the same line of my style though. I haven't connected with these other Brisbane artists yet mainly because they most likely don't even know my existence haha. In the future I'd like to get to know them. I had befriended two prior to creating UV boi. These cool dudes are ELI and Kraznov.
What are your plans for UV boi in 2014?
The plan for 2014 is to enjoy things and connect. A lot of cool things are happening very fast and all at once. I plan to work on an icy UV boi ep shortly, whilst still releasing singles here and there and maybe even some official remixes too. If you're a Brisbaner, you may see me out and about playing a few shows every now and then. Stay connected with me and we'll rock durags and squat together. SquatSquad
Shouts out LUCCIboys (Rappers Who Can't Rap Mixtape coming soon)
i l-UV u - UV boi فوق بنفسجي
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Coin Banks is a talented Perth MC with an impressive résumé of collaborations to his name. Now he's stepping up and stepping out on his own and we couldn't be more stoked.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I am a Hip Hop artist from Perth, Australia – I am a beat maker and an MC. A lot of people tell me that my sound and style is really different to what is going on in Australian hip hop at the moment, and I take it as a great compliment. I grew up listening to hip hop in Primary School so it’s always been there, and as hip hop grew, I grew with it. I think the main thing for me was to take my influences and create something original and different.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
I am huge music fan. I am fan before I am an artist. So other music is probably my biggest inspiration. I want to make people feel the way the same way that a de la soul song made me feel. Other than that, life’s experiences are a big influence on me – love, girls, and philosophy. For me, Hip Hop is essentially soul music, so it’s the pains and joys in my life that inspires me to create.
What can punters expect from a Coin Banks live show?
RAPS! I am a rappers rapper, an mc’s mc. My main focus is to do my job and deliver the song as well as possible. That being said, I love crowd interaction, I love the old school house party vibe of partying with the crowd. If the crowd has a good time, then im gona have good time. My favourite shows are playing with a full band. I rarely get to play these because of budgetary constraints, but the songs really come to life when there is a 7 piece band behind me.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Over the years, Homeboy Sandman has become a bit of a big brother to me. If I overstep the boundary, he is quick to step in and set me right. I love the dude for the guidance he has given me. He isn’t only one of the best MC’s in the world; he is also one of the most intelligent and nicest dudes I know.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Chet Faker – No Diggity (Cover)
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Ta-Ku – I miss you
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
Sable – Feels So Good
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
It was a Bush Fire Fundraiser in Perth. Started with Natalie Mae and Rae doing an acoustic set together, I love these guys and their performance is always something special. Then Marksman Lloyd played, and he killed it as per usual. I had to leave just after his set finished, but was a great night with great people.
Tell us about the bands or people in the WA music community that inspire you.
Marksman Lloyd – He is my favourite MC in WA, if not all of Australia. His work ethic and originally are really inspiring – I always tell him how jealous I am of his stuff. One of my closest homies!
Mathas – I don’t really need say much about this guy, I love everything about the music he makes – he inspires me and makes me step my game up.
Ta-Ku – I’ve worked with Ta-Ku for over the years, and am happy to call him one of my best friends. He has always supported me in music and personal life, and vice versa. Dude is an inspiration for everyone in Perth.
Empty – This guy can play every instrument, rap, sing and freestyle something incredible. I’m always watching what he is up to next, and I suggest the rest of Australia do the same.
Sable – Young, talented, humble and passionate. This guy has such a bright future ahead of him, and I am super excited to be working with him on a few songs.
Childs Play, Beckon, Cole, Strangelove – These guys are all new young up and comers in the Perth scene and are already making waves. They all have a great work ethic and I am looking forward to seeing them grow as artists in the scene. They keep me on my toes.
What are your plans for Coin Banks in 2014?
Having the HEADS EP released on March 7th was a relief, but it now means I need to move on to the next page. Im going to let HEADS do its thing for a little bit, and to follow it up I have the TAILS EP featuring two singles with video clips. The Tails EP has my most favourite song of all time on it, I love everything on the HEADS EP but one of the singles on the TAILS EP is really special, and I cant wait to release it. I am currently working on my Debut solo LP with two songs already completed – one produced by Ta-Ku and another by Nottz from Detroit. As well as my solo stuff, UPNUP have been busy writing new material to take into the studio. I have also been working with Sable and Marksman on an EP. 2014 should be a great year.

Braves are a lovely lo-fi four-piece from Perth. They aim to capture the feeling of lost youth and suburban nostalgia. We reckon they're tops.
Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?
We make Lo-Fi Pop music influenced by the sounds of the 80's and 90's. Our songs juxtapose fuzzy rhythms with more clean, dreamy melodies to create upbeat, intelligent pop music. We make both fast and loud songs as well as slower introspective tracks, and are keen to establish that any two Braves songs can, and often do, sound very different from each other. Our sound was developed by trying to replicate the qualities and styles of artists we admire, particularly current artists in American music scene. Because we draw from relatively niche genres and bands, a lot of our writing and production process involves trial and error, improvisation and iteration.
What’s a Braves live show like?
Our live show is definitely more loud and brash than our recordings. We tend to distill our songs into their most core ideas and sounds for live performances to give the most entertaining performance. A good example is a song like Saw You, that, while in the recording is quite mellow, becomes much more visceral in a live context. We do a great deal of swapping around and role reversal too, in one song one of us will be playing lead guitar, in another, bass. The drummer even swaps to guitar and vocals in a particular cover we play. Everyone usually sings at least once as well. We definitely want our recordings and live performances to be two separate, but complimentary beasts.
Tell us about the bands, producers and people in the Australian music community that inspire you?
We're particularly inspired by artists like Bored Nothing. Fergus created a pretty uncompromising vision for his songs that didn't necessarily fit the mould of what is popular in Australia right now, and through the strength of his songwriting and ambition, received national recognition. We feel that there are a lot of parallels that can be drawn between Bored Nothing and Braves.
What are you guys doing when you’re not playing in Braves?
Alex is a Graphic Designer who has worked with bands like Rainy Day Women, and created their Sleigh Bed EP cover and initial tour posters. Sean is in the last year of his Urban & Regional Planning degree. He also has a very catchy side project called Sunny. Kieran is a photographer who also studied Graphic Design. Liam is a successful painter, and studied Illustration at university. So you'd think someone, anyone, in Perth would want to give us a job, but you'd be wrong.
What’s coming up for you in 2013?
2013 will see us developing and executing our live show as often as we can, as well as releasing at least another EP. We have plenty of material lying about, so it's just a matter of getting it in a state worthy of releasing.
Australian music is…?
The Australian music scene is a unique place for artists to occupy, and can be one of the best in the world if you know how to market yourself, but at other times it can feel very segregated from the rest of the world. There's gold here if you know where to dig.
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Hopium are a mysterious Melbourne duo that create some very impressive emotive electronica. They first caught our attention with their brooding debut single 'Cut' and have done it again with their new track 'Dreamers', which features guest vocals by Phoebe Lou of Unearthed High alumni Snakadaktal.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Trial and error! We’d only really made band music in the past, so it was very reactionary and intentionally experimental.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
We’re both pretty analytical people and while music definitely flexes that, it’s also chasing that thing where you’re fully in the moment, engaged emotionally, creatively, whatever.
What’s your vision for a Hopium live show?
Epic. Visually it will be an extension of the aesthetic we’re building in the videos, a surreal fantasy, super experiential.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
“Get rich or die trying” - 50 Cent
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
The Go-Betweens - 'Streets Of Your Town'
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Flight Facilities - 'Clair De Lune'
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
You can’t beat Flume’s Hermitude remix.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Sticky Fingers. Debaucherous.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Melbourne music community that inspire you.
It’s actually impossible to choose, it’s the city as whole that we find inspiring and everyone in it.
What are your plans for Hopium in 2014?
Make large quantities of dope music and play it live.
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This year's Unearthed High winner Japanese Wallpaper has just released his brand new single, featuring Jesse Davidson. It follows on from outstanding collaborations with Wafia and Pepa Knight, but who else is on the 17 year-old's 'collaborator wishlist'? And what are his plans for the rest of 2014? Find out below...

Airling is the moniker of captivating Brisbane artist Hannah Shepherd. Her impressive debut tracks show signs of greatness ahead.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I've been playing and writing music for pretty much my whole life. But this current Airling sound started with me writing the bones of songs with synths and Casio keyboard beats and then developing on these ideas in collaboration with Tom Iansek from Big Scary and Graham Ritchie (Emma Louise, Skinny Jean). I guess we just try to combine our individual tastes and creative colours to make a soundscape that allows the soul of the song to breathe. It's a pretty instinctual, organic and thoughtful process for us.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Other music, especially listening to a cool album while going for a run seems to really inject inspiration into my blood. As well, I seem to create and write a lot on my highs and during my lows. And my closest friends who I call family inspire me endlessly.
What can punters expect from an Airling live show?
A couple of best buds vibing out on some beats, samples, delays and a bunch of my feelings.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
To be truthful, gentle and fearless. Emma Louise gave it to me one birthday but it's a quote from Gandhi and it just resonates with the way I want to live my life
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Mobius Streak by Hiatus Kaiyote cause it's just so damn cool and sexy.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
Vapour by Vancouver Sleep Clinic, this track just seems to take you to some sad but beautiful place in my opinion.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
I'd most likely drop Holograms by Oscar Key Sung because it's one of my favourite tunes and it would probably inspire some epic sexy dance moves from people.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
I think it was probably a house party garage gig that I had in my backyard for my cousin Jack Carty. O' Little Sister supported him and they were both breathtaking, two sweet songwriters and honest humans.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.
There are so many, Brisbane has an extremely supportive and inspiring scene. Foremost my band mate Graham Ritchie aka Gray man but also my besties Emma Lou, Mikey Sheehan and Thelma Plum, Sleepy Tea and Matt Redlich (killer producer/photographer/musician/human).
What are your plans for Airling in 2014?
I just want to keep releasing and making music that I love and care about. So we'll be putting my debut EP out later in the year and touring with a couple more bands before then... Asgeir and The Paper Kites. Apart from that I'm working on writing heaps of songs for an album that I'm busting to start recording.
The Sinking Teeth
Indie, Pop, Punk, Rock (Japandroids, Refused, At The Drive In, ...)
Melbourne, VIC

Sunny Coast legends Pro Vita are the winners of our Big Pineapple Music Festival competition. They'll be opening the fest this Saturday May 30, before the likes of Violent Soho, Thundamentals and John Butler Trio.
Featured Artist
2016
11
Apr
Eat Your Heart Out
(- eat your heart out ,
- alternative ,
- Alt Rock , ...
Newcastle, NSW
Eat Your Heart Out are one of the winners of our Groovin The Moo competition and will be taking their pop punk sounds to the Groovin The Moo stage in Maitland on April 23.

Check out the raw energy of Melbourne duo OX. They're all about heavy fuzz, hard hits and a hectic live show.
Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?
We both have a lot of different musical influences but tend to favour the louder heavier ones for OX. Usually one of us will have a bit of an idea in our heads - either a bass riff or a beat on the drums. Then we just go with it. Usually making it as loud and hard hitting as we can. If it's fun for us to play we know we're heading in the right direction.
What can the crowd expect from an OX live show?
The two of us just bring the raw energy to the stage which seems to resonate with the audience really well. We both have a lot of fun rehearsing and what you'd see at a live show is not too dissimilar to what you'd see in the weeks leading up while we're preparing our set.
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of each other?
We first met through a post on a musician classifieds about 8 years ago looking for a drummer for a garage punk band. I think we were both hung over and to be honest not a whole lot was said but the music did enough talking. (DAVE:) Joel had a very interesting style on the drums and I later learned that he was probably way over qualified for the music we were playing at the time. That band eventually fell apart but the two of us kept trying to put other bands together eventually giving up and going for a two piece. (JOEL:) I knew Dave's blue eyes would get him far in this business.
What Australian artists/musicians do you draw inspiration from?
The local shredders like Batpiss, Spermaids, DEAD and Bone just to name a few. Melbourne has a pretty awesome music scene going on at the moment with some amazing bands out there playing, recording and releasing quality tunes. Very inspirational to be around.
What else is coming up for you in 2013 and then looking into 2014?
Taking a bit of time to come up with some new material. Hopefully release it early in 2014 and start playing some more shows.. But anything could happen. We tend to take the band on a day by day basis but always have our eyes out for something to be part of.
Australian music is…?
...bringin' da ruckus.
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Stomp your feet to the banging dance-floor-rap of young Adelaide emcee Tkay Maidza.
Tell us about your music - how did you develop your sound?
I basically began rapping from mimicking the young money crew - Nicki Minaj, Lil wayne etc - and my friends and I used to make funny videos and just chuck them up on Youtube as a good past time. From there on I just decided to write originals but they weren't anything special. I was picked for an initiative called N1 and that's how I was paired up with Badcop. After ‘Handle My Ego’ I realized there were more realms in Hip Hop and music in general and I declared myself an alternative rapper. Im still trying to find what my ‘thing’ is but I love the whole rave/craziness due to my short attention span, ha!
What were the artists or songs that initially inspired you to get into music?
Ahh there’s so many! Mostly mainstream musicians like Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, Rihanna, Lil wayne, Outkast inspired me mainly. Bottoms up by Nicki Minaj and Power by Kanye West were my first ever remixes I posted on Youtube like 2 years ago.
What are the pros and cons of being an underage artist and performer?
The Cons: That it’s previously been a struggle for me to play at clubs, or to hang around after my gigs because of the licencing of the venues. Sucks. Also maybe not being taken seriously sometimes can be annoying, but its not that much of a bad thing, I just have to prove them wrong. The Pros: It would be just to have the opportunity, I guess you get treated specially because people are like ‘Ahh she’s only this young’ its a great feeling to know that I’m doing well for my age or just in general.
Tell us about the bands, producers and people in the Adelaide music community that currently inspire you?
There’s so many bands, producers and people in Adelaide to name, I cant even deal. The Killgirls have the coolest light show and intensity/energy in their live show - its definitely what I’d like for my live show in the future. Bad//Dreems - they’re the coolest dudes ever, so humble, so funny and they’re so talented and they’re doing so well right now it's insane. Every rapper in Adelaide is an inspiration for me, people are so passionate for Hip Hop - I like what Allday is doing - his versatility and creativity in music is so cool, jealous. Theres so many more musicians I want to name but I’d be here all day. (see what I did there?)
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
I used to play tennis really competitively and I think the sport has taught me that once one point ends you have to carry onto the next one win or lose - if you dwell on something that happened 10 minutes ago you could/will lose. So in other words my coaches and the sport have told me not to dwell in the past but always live in the present, working onto the bigger picture (which is winning the game). Which is so relevant in music. You have to keep on moving!
What’s coming up for you in 2013?
I have my first ever tour coming up, the ‘Brontosaurus Tour’. So excited! That's during November and December. Also planning on releasing the music video for Bronto as well!
Australian music is…?
That hot chick next door that everyone has started realising is so hot and wants to know. Like seriously, give it a few more months and this chicks going to get so many inboxes on Facebook. I’m so excited to see what happens in the next few months, and I think its something so special to be a part of.
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Featured Artist
2013
30
Dec
Mathas
(- Mathas ,
- Stone Cold Sober ,
- Official Music Video , ...
Melbourne, VIC
Perth emcee/producer/singer/song psychologist Mathas is a thoughtful and skilled lyricist whose recent tracks have really impressed. He is the winner of our Southbound competition and will be opening The Sunny Stage of the festival on Saturday, January 4.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I’ve been performing and putting out music in Perth for over 10 years now. I suppose I've gradually been shaped into a begrudgingly optimistic pisstaker of world events, the Australian political climate and dietary habits. I guess I just say it as I see it.
You’re the winner of our Southbound competition and will be playing the fest in Busselton, WA on Saturday 4th Jan. What can the crowd at Southbound expect from the Mathas live show?
I’ll be playing out of a briefcase with a giant button attached to it, with some decorative props and a signature onstage goofballishness.
What are you most looking forward to about the festival?
It's been many years since I've played at a festival and also a long time since I last went to Southbound (2010) ... So getting to perform is highly important. I gotta tell you though, I'm pretty partial to the ol’ campers chai tent.
What are your plans for Mathas in 2014?
I’ll be putting out my sophomore album Armwrestling Atlas in the first half of 2014. That’s pretty much all I can think about at the moment... just get the frikkin album done.
If you had to make one new years resolution, what would it be?
Get the album done... it's been 4 years since the last one.
Australian music is…?
Far more important than buying a house.
View Profile Hide InterviewSee Sensei Bleed
Electronic, Metal, Pop (Grace Jones, Space Streakings, Fantômas, ...)
New England, NSW
Kelly Hope
Indie, Pop (pop/indie, australian singer-songwriter, central coast nsw)
Central Coast, NSW

Featured Artist
2009
19
Oct
Chance Waters
(- Death cab for cutie ,
- Jeff Buckley ,
- ATMOSPHERE , ...
Sydney, NSW
Phatchance is an independent, introspective, lover-not-a-fighter emcee from Sydney, with an huge live rep, atmospheric beats and a debut album due out soon!
Tell us about your music – how did you develop your sound?
My sound developed in a really organic way, I went to Fort Street in Sydney's Inner West and our year was very musical. The kids I went to school with went on to groups like Horrorshow and Spit Syndicate, and there was quite a rich musical history, particularly in regards to Australian hip-hop. Being surrounded by people who were passionate about music but didn't really understand the process yet meant that I had a few years to cut my teeth, where it was all very relaxed and really more about the social aspect of the music than any aspirations to do something professionally. I spent a few years after high school finding my feet and dabbled in a few bands - a lot of it then was live performance, I was lucky enough to play a lot of shows as a crowd warmer and the lessons which that taught me were priceless. A lot of it comes down to the music I listen to though; a large proportion of my music is melancholy and draws influence outside of the genre, because artists like Jeff Buckley, Atmosphere and Death Cab have probably been as important to my musical influence as The Hilltop Hoods or Bliss N Eso.
Tell us about your live show?
My live show varies a lot from event to event. I've done a few low key sets with live instrumentation, and I love incorporating that acoustic and instrumental aspect into my larger shows. Generally I tour with 'I Forget, Sorry!' - an artist collective I'm part of with Coptic Soldier and Mind Over Matter. I have plans for a few unplugged acoustic sets, but really I taper my performance to the crowd I'm going to be playing to. I've tried to strike a balance between the melancholy music I lean towards making, and establishing an engaging live show which is what fans of Australian hip-hop are typically looking for. You're going to have to play a very different set between supporting someone like Drapht or Bliss N Eso and playing a limited capacity pub gig, and I've tried to make myself flexible to cater to that.
What were you doing before this?
Probably avoiding maths lessons or practicing talking to girls in the mirror. Music has really been the major focus of my life since high school, everything else has a tendency to slide in around it. I still spend a bit too much time playing facebook games and getting up to mischief, but a lot of the priorities you're 'meant' to have in life have really slipped onto the back burner for me.
We heard something about a debut album...
My album’s called Inkstains, it's dropping November 27th and has taken me far, far too long to get in order. It features some really cool people, including 360 (of The Festival Song), Smiles Again (Mind Over Matter), HR King and Joyride (Urthboy - Hellsong). I've worked with some amazing local producers too, guys like Akouo, Konfuzion, Elgen and One Above. The bulk of the album is melancholy, it's a really personal and introspective release and I think that's why it's taken me so long to finalise. Doing it independently means it's grown in a really natural way; I was never wrestling with any deadlines or trying to create singles, I just wrote lyrics as life demanded it and this is the end product. It's a conceptual album - Inkstains is about the mark that music has had on my life and the mark that life makes on the self. Hopefully people can connect to it on a personal level, that’s really what I was gunning for.
Australian music is?
My Raison D'etre. Also a really good way to blow money in JB HI-FI.
View Profile Hide InterviewSPiNFiX
Electronic, Hip Hop, Indie, Metal, Punk (everything music, 4 the love of music)
Sunshine, QLD