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SNIPPETZ – THURSDAY AUGUST 1, 2024

Thursday August 1, 2024

HELEN PERRIS ‘Remove This Shield’ (Album)

Independent Western Sydney singer-songwriter Helen Perris has announced that her long-awaited debut album “Remove This Shield” is finally out on Bandcamp, together with a heart-breaking, country-tinged piano pop single, “As The Weather Turns”. Limited album CDs are available to fans now on the Bandcamp, with the album and single due for official release on all other digital and streaming platforms this Friday 2 August.

With classical training and contemporary sensibilities, Helen is a skilled songwriter, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who crafts sparkling piano-pop with a depth and emotion reminiscent of Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Amanda Palmer, Katie Noonan or Kate Miller-Heidke.

Produced by Josh Schuberth, who has 7 ARIA award-winning and multiple gold and platinum records to his name, “Remove This Shield” is a superbly realised, curated collection of 10 spellbinding songs from the more than 500 Helen has written. (She is a foundation member of I Heart Songwriting Club.) The album was fan-funded with thanks to Helen’s Perrenials supporters.

Singles previously released from the debut album to date, including “Mirrors and Windows” and “Crown” have drawn high praise from reviewers in Australia and overseas anticipating the album and marking Helen Perris as a “talent to watch”. The album delivers in spades, presenting a suite of oftentimes dark yet light-filled, soaring, catchy songs full of hope, which are magically somehow both deeply affecting and uplifting.

Listen to single “As The Weather Turns”
Social links

LOONS ‘Money Honey’ (Single)

Mulubinba/Newcastle-based indie-rock band LOONS have unveiled their anthemic single ‘Money Honey’ – produced by Jack Nigro (Pacific Avenue, The Terrys, DICE). ‘Money Honey’ opens with golden hues of carefree rhythms as Elijah Cairns’ rich vocals pierce through layers of cathartic guitars. The driving drums propel the momentum forward, creating a transcendent soundscape that continuously builds to an exhilarating finale.

LOONS talk about the inspiration behind ‘Money Honey’:”Elijah wrote it at a time when he felt that his world was collapsing around him and his partner at the time had seemingly changed her priorities and values in the relationship to achieve financial success. After much work, the song came together and each member wrote fresh parts on their selected instruments to change what had been a raw acoustic song into an indie rock anthem.” Click to stream ‘Money Honey’

In the live arena, the band have shared the stage with acts such as The Terrys, Surf Trash, Shag Rock, Dune Rats, The Rions, Grinspoon and The Grogans. They have also played hometown shows at King Street Warehouse at full capacity.

Inspired by the likes of Spacey Jane, Lime Cordiale and Arctic Monkeys, the band met at a young age, sharing that, “We all jammed together as kids, playing in multiple ensembles and bands. Bailey and Elijah are childhood best mates and grew up playing together, gaining a really strong musical connection. Ely played in many bands and found himself in a couple of Elijah’s early projects throughout their teen years.”
‘Money Honey’ is available worldwide now

LOONS LIVE SHOW DATES
SAT 7 SEP | KING STREET, MULUBINBA/NEWCASTLE VIC
FRI 20 SEP | TOWRADGI BEACH HOTEL, WARRANG/WOLLONGONG NSW
SAT 21 SEP | SHARK BAR, EORA/SYDNEY NSW
SAT 28 SEP | BOTANY VIEW HOTEL, EORA/SYDNEY NSW

THE HARD-ONS ANNOUNCE 40TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR AND RELEASE NEW SINGLE “BUZZ BUZZ BUZZ”

One of Australia’s most loved and influential bands, the Hard-Ons are this year celebrating 40 years of punk rocking in public. In doing so they will embark on 40th anniversary tours of both Australia and Europe, along with the release of new music, starting with the fast-out-the-gate new single “Buzz Buzz Buzz”. They are also the subject of a new feature length documentary film, The Most Australian Band Ever, which will premiere October 16 at Sydney’s SXSW festival.

“Buzz Buzz Buzz”, out now on Cheersquad Records & Tapes, is the first taste of the current Hard-Ons line-up’s yet to be announced third album, and a great, razor-sharp pop song driven by intense energy and power. It’s a Tim Rogers/Peter Black co-write (about which Blackie sez, “Our best collaboration so far. When Tim said ‘I wanna get a little left of center with the melody on this,’ I was BLOWN away (but not surprised :-))”) and it’s a promise of great things to come. Blackie, Ray, Murray and perpetual newbie Tim have covered a lot of bases on their two albums to date (2021’s ARIA top 5 debuting I’m Sorry Sir, That Riff’s Been Taken and last year’s the Top 30 debuting Ripper ’23), but the suggestion this time is the album is heavy on the pop. The sort of pop that can cause hearing problems that is – the Hard-Ons wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Most Australian Band Ever is directed by Jonathan J. Sequeira for production companies Living Eyes and Play Vintage – the man and the production house that made the acclaimed 2017 Radio Birdman documentary Descent Into The Maelstrom (and it’s worth mentioning the Hard-Ons just opened for Birdman on the three sold out Sydney shows that closed out their Birdman 5-0 tour). The film is set to premiere October 17 at SXSW in Sydney with a screening and Q&A at the Dendy Newtown. Perfectly timed with the anniversary, The Most Australian Band Ever offers insight into the band’s long existence, with plenty of live footage and interviews and guest appearances from Dave Faulkner (The Victims, Hoodoo Gurus), Ross Knight (Cosmic Psychos), Jerry A (Poison Idea), Steven Hanford aka Thee Slayer Hippy (Poison Idea) and Rob Younger (Radio Birdman). The film has a particular focus on the Hard-Ons’ early days, the obstacles – some self-inflicted – which they’ve had to overcome, and the legacy they’ve built.

The Hard-Ons’ 40th Anniversary Australian Tour Oct – Nov 2024
Friday October 18th – Soapbox, Brisbane
Thursday October 24th – Sussex Inlet Tavern, Sussex Inlet
Friday October 25th – La La La’s, Wollongong
Saturday October 26th – Paddo RSL, Sydney
Sunday October 27th – Hamilton Station Hotel, Newcastle
Thursday October 31st – Altar, Hobart
Friday November 1st – The Tote, Melbourne
Saturday November 2nd – Singing Bird Studios, Frankston
Sunday November 3rd – Red Hill Hotel, Castlemaine
Monday November 4th – Barwon Club, Geelong
Thursday November 7th – Amplifier, Perth
Friday November 8th – Indian Ocean Hotel, Scarborough
Saturday November 9th – Froth & Fury, Adelaide
Tickets on sale now and available from https://linktr.ee/thehardons

www.facebook.com/hardons
hard-ons1.bandcamp.com
www.cheersquad.com.au
cheersquadrecordstapes. bandcamp.com

THE CROOKED FIDDLE BAND (with FANNY LUMSDEN) ‘The Free Wild Wind & the Songs of Birds’ (Album)

Sydney’s The Crooked Fiddle Band announce their new album The Free Wild Wind & the Songs of Birds. The follow up to their ARIA-nominated record Another Subtle Atom Bomb (2019) is an expansive and cinematic release which weaves together folk music traditions, post and progressive rock, and chamber music. STREAM HERE

The Free Wild Wind has a more reflective air than its predecessors, with a renewed focus on cinematic composition and dynamics. One can hear the influence of Norwegian chamber-prog band Meer in the expanded orchestration, the epic flavour of the film scores of Bear McCreary, and a Celtic crossover flavour that brings to mind The Decemberists, or even further echos of 70s mainstays Planxty or Steeleye Span roaring into the 21st century.

“This album is more pastoral, more folk-based than much of our previous output,” explains guitarist and cittern player Gordon Wallace. “Revisiting earlier albums we noticed the sheer intensity of them, and wanted to create a more dynamic album of rare peaks, that spends more time in the valleys and the hinterland.”

As a result, The Free Wild Wind finds ample space for both the quiet beauty of Jess Randall’s compositions and Gordon Wallace’s timeless songwriting, while allowing for the instrumental pieces to swell and contract with ease and grace. It also showcases the band’s ability to evoke landscape and narrative in purely instrumental pieces – listening to the album images of sweeping mountain vistas, mist-covered forests, and the dry soil of the outback are often conjured in the mind’s eye.

The first single from the album is Deadly Nightsnakes, a song which, in the true Crooked Fiddle style, is propelled forward by heavy percussion alongside a Scandinavian melodic theme, which snakes back on itself to reveal new variations and harmonies. Here Jess Randall plays the nyckelharpa, a Swedish keyed fiddle which gives the track its rollicking medieval edge.

The Free Wild Wind marks the band’s fourth album, and the second to be recorded by engineer Clayton Segelov. It follows two albums recorded with Steve Albini, Overgrown Tales (2011) and Moving Pieces Of The Sea (2013), and the band’s ARIA-nominated record Another Subtle Atom Bomb (2019).

The quartet are joined by guest vocalists on three songs, with multi ARIA and Golden Guitar winner Fanny Lumsden featuring on A Cold Wind Blows, her brother Tom Lumsden adding his voice to The Call, and Richard Cuthburt singing the beautiful cowboy lament of Bury Me Not On The Lone Prairie – performed to a wonderfully subtle 25/8 rhythm.

As the culmination of 18 years of composing, performing and touring together, The Free Wild Wind & the Songs of Birds may be the band’s most fully realised artistic statement to date. It’s an album which reveals a band masterfully in control of their art form, boasting sophisticated, and deeply-felt compositions from a band at the height of their powers.

https://www.crookedfiddleband.com/

LIAM KEATES-RYLEY ‘Run-in’’ (Single)

Meanjin/Brisbane-based funk-pop artist Liam Keates-Ryley has unveiled his vibrant debut single ‘RUNNIN” – produced by the artist in his home studio, also shared by Toby Hobart and Julian Munyard. ‘RUNNIN” radiates with a feel-good atmosphere, smoothly blending shimmering synths, playful basslines and pop vocals that feel nostalgic yet refreshingly modern. Reminiscent of the sounds of Cosmo’s Midnight, Parcels and Vulfpeck, the track weaves old-school funk charm coated in contemporary pop polish.

Liam Keates-Ryley talks about the inspiration behind ‘RUNNIN”: “‘RUNNIN’ is the first full song I’ve written since 2019. Over the past few years, I’d spent so much time playing instruments for other incredibly talented artists that I lost sight of my true passion, which is making music for myself and you! It not only refers to themes about commitment issues within forming relationships, but also commitment issues within life as a whole. Sometimes you just wanna run away from a sticky situation and that’s what this record attempts to encapsulate.”

In the live arena, Liam Keates-Ryley has supported acts such as Pacific Avenue, JUNO and Lachie Gill. He has also played and musically directed other talented artists such as Joel Adams, Sam McGovern and Will Baker. Along with this, he was recently featured on The Voice Australia (2022), sharing that: “There was a period of time in 2022 when meeting new people (whether in relationships or just friends) where is was always wondering, “Are these people just hanging out with me cause I was on TV one time or do they actually enjoy my company?” This song takes inspiration from that and running away from some of those not-so-trustworthy people.”
‘RUNNIN” is available worldwide now Click to stream ‘RUNNIN”

ISABEL RUMBLE ‘The Whale Song’ (Single)

Indie-folk songstress, Isabel Rumble, releases her new single The Whale Song before heading abroad on her first European tour. The Whale Song crept into Rumble’s set list whilst on the road touring her 2023 Australian Folk Music Award nominated debut album Bird Be Brave, and its release marks the closing of a chapter and beginning of a new. STREAM HERE

The new single charters new territory for Rumble, with a studio band placing the song within the country-folk realm. Written the night after dreaming of whales, around the time of an ominous tarot card reading, and just before she began a year long tour of her debut album, The Whale Song honours a love story that was coming to its natural conclusion. Encapsulating a time of transition and teetering on the edge of something new, the song holds acceptance of the inevitability of change.

Hailing from a walnut farm in the southern valleys of Australia and raised by the riverside in a rich folk music community, Isabel’s music speaks to the heart of womanhood, love and change. Following the release of her 2023 Folk Alliance Australia Award nominated debut album, Bird Be Brave, Isabel has been captivating audiences around the country, playing festivals (Port Fairy, Cygnet, Cobargo, Kangaroo Valley, PANAMA, Dark Mofo, Party in the Paddock) and selling out venues and house concerts across seven states.Culminating her extensive album tour in 2024 with the release of singles and a new EP, the second half of this year will see Isabel embark on her first European tour. https://isabelrumble.com/shows

SELFISH SONS ‘Jealous’ (Single)

Alternative indie pop-rockers, Selfish Sons are back with the release of their new single ‘Jealous’ on OUT NOW. The song blends alternative and lo-fi instrumentation with glistening contemporary production. ‘Jealous’ dives into the experience of being ghosted, encapsulating the feeling of frustration from being promised the world, only to be left hanging: I can’t get you off my mind / a beautiful waste of time.

Selfish Sons, comprising brothers Jordy, Finn, and Jonty, craft a sound that straddles the line between alt-rock nostalgia and contemporary sensibility, infusing their music with unique yet familiar energy.
Alternative indie pop-rockers, Selfish Sons are back with the release of their new single ‘Jealous’ on OUT NOW. The song blends alternative and lo-fi instrumentation with glistening contemporary production. ‘Jealous’ dives into the experience of being ghosted, encapsulating the feeling of frustration from being promised the world, only to be left hanging: I can’t get you off my mind / a beautiful waste of time.

Selfish Sons, comprising brothers Jordy, Finn, and Jonty, craft a sound that straddles the line between alt-rock nostalgia and contemporary sensibility, infusing their music with unique yet familiar energy. Selfish Sons have infused their music with an infectious energy that resonates in their live performances. Their dynamic shows combine catchy hooks, introspective lyrics, and an electrifying stage presence, promising more groundbreaking music and unforgettable performances in the coming months.

https://www.facebook.com/selfishsons

N.Y.C.K. ‘United Places’ (Album) ’New South Wales’ (Single)

Cult storytellers N.Y.C.K. have surprised fans with the instant release of their irresistible sophomore album United Places, alongside focus single ‘New South Wales’. United Places is available everywhere now.

N.Y.C.K. (Nick Acquroff and Dominique Garrard) began sampling their favourite records 12 months ago, stealing snippets from songs they’d grown up listening to, secretly recording friends’, conversations overheard, streetscapes and the sounds of life to form a rich library of sounds to draw from.

Known for their aching piano ballads and stories that cut you with truth, the creation of United Places was something different entirely. A powerful departure of deep, enjoyable rhythms. Songs that rest on gorgeous symphonies of sound, not just made, but collected. Each track is an intense, short, detail rich world that fills your mind with melancholy and body with joy.

For United Places, Nick and Dom tapped the creative brilliance of a few key collaborators with Jack Grace (Universal, Ngaiire) on production across the album, and writing credits to Hayden Calnin and Olivia Gavrinach on ‘Forest Fire’. “We’re insanely proud of what this little collective has pulled together on this album,” says Dominique Garrard. “It really is a bit of a pinch me moment to finally be able to share these deeply special sounds with the world. We love it and we hope others find joy in the sounds that brought us so much to create.”

Focus single ‘New South Wales’, which follows ‘Love’ – their first single in 5 years – is an homage to the right of passage of staying in shitty motels up and down the east coast of Australia. “It’s those three weeks at the end of every long year when the weather is warm and everyone – like, everyone – is on holiday,” says Nick Acquroff. ‘New South Wales’ begins in this familiar place (“Does the homeland speak, like it shouts at me?”).

The track is layered with nylon string samples, phone recordings of chatter overheard in surf clubs, and sounds from the road – a thoughtful and joyful layering of sounds that wash you into a warmer place.

POND ’So Lo’ (Remix Single with MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden)

Pond and MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden are pleased to share their reimagined version of “So Lo” ahead of the UK/EU leg of Pond’s 2024 world tour. The track features in its original form on the beloved band’s latest album, Stung!, which arrived 21 June via Spinning Top Records and debuted at #2 on the ARIA Aus Album Chart the week of release. STREAM “SO LO (ANDREW VANWYNGARDEN REMIX)”

“So Lo” is a sizzling slice of art-house funk, now further invigorated by VanWyngarden’s sludgy bass breakdown and unique eye for macabre danceability.

“We asked Andrew if he could take ‘So Lo’ further into the concrete New York late night for us and he went above and beyond,” Pond co-founder Jay Watson explains. “I love the darker chorus he made, it completely changes the feel of the melody. We’ve been MGMT fans and mates with them for such a long time, so we were stoked when he sent this back!”

21 June saw Pond share their tenth album, Stung!, to critical acclaim across the globe; with Uncut, MOJO, Rolling Stone Aus, DIY, Dork and Clash all publishing 4-star reviews on the LP and the latter calling Stung! “A smorgasbord of ideas brimming in confidence and light”.

STREAM STUNG! NOW
pond.band

VK LYNNE “Slam the Rock Back Down”(Single)

VK Lynne, renowned for her work with stOrk and The Spider Accomplice, releases her seventh single of the year, “Slam the Rock Back Down”, today, July 31, 2024. The single was co-written, produced, and mixed by Cody Johnstone (Lindsay Schoolcraft, Vicky Psarakis). The power metal track is an examination of the poisonous discourse in American politics and culture. Stream here https://ffm.to/qynaqoz

All of 2024, VK Lynne is writing, recording, and releasing a song and video per month, which will culminate as The Spider Queen, a full-length record, including 2 bonus tracks.

“My hope is that this experiment shows that in this culturally difficult time for artists, the consistent, persistent act of creating is the only reparative,” says VK Lynne.
WATCH VK Lynne- “Slam the Rock Back Down” (OFFICIAL LYRIC VIDEO): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VcQy3vqJ4D0

The LA- based singer/songwriter/frontwoman brings her plethora of eclectic musical experiences together on The Spider Queen. The Spider Queen is being released, one track per month with its accompanying video, the entire year of 2024.

Link to all songs from The Spider Queen so far: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/53INeSDihyGSKgEJLKnWto?si=87fef0e3fb954e6b

THE STEMS ‘Falling From The Sky’ (Single)

As part of their 40th anniversary tour, legendary Western Australian band The Stems have today released a new single. Falling from the Sky is the band’s first recording since their 2007 album Heads Up. Recorded at Revolver Studios and mixed at Pet Rock studios in Perth, it features original members Dom Mariani, Julian Matthews, Dave Shaw and current guitarist Ashley Naylor (Even, The Church, Paul Kelly). Listen to the single HERE.

The killer groove and throb of the drums and bass, the wild fuzz tone, distinctive vocals, tight harmonies and above all – the infectious melodies… they are all there and all intact.

Dom – ‘I’d written the song about 5 years ago and had always envisaged the Stems doing it if we ever had the opportunity to record it. Lyrically, it’s a commentary on how attitudes change as one gets older and a little more cynical about things with the hope of love as the redeeming theme in the choruses. Dave and I initially tracked the song with Dave suggesting the groove and fuzz tone idea. It worked great and we sent it across to Jules to add his distinctive bass and backing vocals. Having Ash Naylor be a part of the recording was also essential. His backing vocals and guitar added the cherry on top’.

Falling from the Sky shows that The Stems in 2024 have lost none of the potency that have made them the best and most virtuous garage band in the land. If that’s not enough, The Stems will follow up with the release of new live album The Stems – Official Live Album, out on August 16.

SINGLE Falling From The Sky is now available on all streaming platforms and limited edition vinyl through Cheersquad Records and FOLC Records in Spain.
ALBUM The Stems – Official Live Recording is out August 16. Preorder digital and Vinyl (including limited edition green 12″ vinyl) HERE.

Don’t miss THE STEMS on their 40th Anniversary National Tour:
FRIDAY AUGUST 23
THEATRE ROYAL | Castlemaine
with THE PRIZE

SATURDAY AUGUST 24
CORNER HOTEL | Melbourne
with THE PRIZE

SUNDAY AUGUST 25
THE GOV | Adelaide
with ROMANA ASHTON & THE REEDS

FRIDAY AUGUST 30
MANSFIELD TAVERN | Brisbane
with UPS AND DOWNS

SATURDAY AUGUST 31
MANNING BAR | Sydney
with THE NEW CHRISTS & DJ COTTERELL

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 6
FREO. SOCIAL | Perth
with RINEHEARTS & VANCOOL

Tickets are available direct from venues or Leicashow.com.au

TEENAGE JOANS + BETWEEN YOU & ME ‘1800-PAINLESS’ (Single)

Prepare to witness the ultimate collision between two of Australia’s most beloved pop punk acts, with the brand new single 1800-PAINLESS bringing the lush and infectious stylings of Adelaide’s Teenage Joans together with the buoyant pop punk fare of Melbourne’s Between You & Me, out now via Domestic La La.

An upbeat delight packed full of power chords, driving beats and seamless vocal interplay between both bands, 1800-PAINLESS lyrically tugs at an emphatic tale of romantic despair, with nostalgic nods and plenty of modern flair sprinkled throughout as both bands dial up their trademark pop punk in blissful fashion.

“We had such a blast hanging with our BYAM besties and creating this absolute monster of a track! We’ve been big fans of them for ages so it’s a dream being able to finally collab!” – Teenage Joans

“As long time fans, it was awesome to get into the studio with the TJ legends and write a song together. The song has all the flavours of both bands and it absolutely rips.” – Between You & Me

Dialling up the fun this August and September, Teenage Joans and Between You & Me will be taking 1800-PAINLESS on the road this August and September, embarking on a 17-date co-headline regional run around Australia. Tickets for the 1800-Painless Tour are on sale now.

1800-PAINLESS – OUT NOW
https://tjbyam.lnk.to/1800PAINLESS

Live Nation. 27 Music, Select Music, Domestic La La and Heaps Normal Presents
TEENAGE JOANS + BETWEEN YOU & ME 1800-PAINLESS CO-HEADLINE REGIONAL TOUR

FRIDAY 9 AUGUST – UNI BAR, ADELAIDE (LIC AA)
w/ special guests Mum Friends
Tickets available here

SATURDAY 10 AUGUST – INDIAN OCEAN HOTEL, SCARBOROUGH (18+)
w/ special guests LATE 90S
Tickets available here

SUNDAY 11 AUGUST – FROTH CRAFT BREWERY, BUNBURY (18+)
w/ special guests LATE 90S
Tickets available here

THURSDAY 15 AUGUST – SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE (18+)
w/ special guests Blue Vedder
Tickets available here

FRIDAY 16 AUGUST – PRINCE BANDROOM, ST KILDA (18+)
w/ special guests Blue Vedder
Tickets available here

SATURDAY 17 AUGUST – ALTAR, HOBART (18+)
w/ special guests Offset Vision
Tickets available here

THURSDAY 22 AUGUST – BARWON CLUB, GEELONG (18+)
w/ special guests LOSER
Tickets available here

FRIDAY 23 AUGUST – VOLTA, BALLARAT (18+)
w/ special guests LOSER
Tickets available here

SATURDAY 24 AUGUST – SS&A, ALBURY (18+)
w/ special guests OK Hotel
Tickets available here

SUNDAY 25 AUGUST – THE BASO, CANBERRA (18+)
w/ special guests OK Hotel
Tickets available here

THURSDAY 29 AUGUST – UOW UNI BAR, WOLLONGONG (18+)
w/ special guests OK Hotel
Tickets available here

FRIDAY 30 AUGUST – TATTERSALLS, PENRITH (18+)
w/ special guests OK Hotel
Tickets available here

SATURDAY 31 AUGUST – KING STREET WAREHOUSE, NEWCASTLE (18+)
w/ special guests Great Job!
Tickets available here

SUNDAY 1 SEPTEMBER – DRIFTERS WHARF, CENTRAL COAST (AA)
w/ special guests Grace Aberhart
Tickets available here

THURSDAY 5 SEPTEMBER – MIAMI MARKETTA, GOLD COAST (18+)
w/ special guests FELONY
Tickets available here

FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER – SOLBAR, MAROOCHYDORE (18+)
w/ special guests FELONY
Tickets available here

SATURDAY 7 SEPTEMBER – HOEY MOEY, COFFS HARBOUR (18+)
w/ special guests FELONY|Tickets available here

INTRODUCING NO INSTRUCTION: THE NEW IMPRINT AND CLUB BRAND FROM LUUDE AND FRIENDS

Australian breakout drum and bass producer Luude today announces the launch of his new imprint No Instruction in partnership with his long standing management company Cloak, distributed by Virgin Music. The new imprint is about creating legitimate moments for artists using the live platform and global network of the team. Luude shares “we want to throw good parties, put out records we like from people we like and we want to have a good crack at doing all those things as best and big as possible.”

To mark the debut, No Instruction presents its first release, ‘Fun In The Sun,’ by Luude & Perth based producer Harry Bee. The left field club heater has quickly become one of Luude’s most requested songs of the year, with videos of the record posted across ID pages amassing over 3 million views and generating widespread anticipation. The track perfectly encapsulates the essence of No Instruction, it’s a bit weird and made for the dancefloor. BUY/STREAM HERE

Sharing his excitement about the release and the launch of the label, Luude shares “I’m really happy to be launching this imprint with a collab featuring one of my best mates from Australia – having an outlet to do things like this is sick. We’ve got some mental records coming from some of my favourite producers, some parties around the world, we’re doing vinyl and just going back to doing things for the club, which is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”

In addition to its innovative approach to music, No Instruction will launch with a series of underground parties across the UK, Europe and Australia throughout 2024. The inaugural event, a secret pop up party at a very coveted London location, will kick off on July 31st, featuring performances by Luude, Bushbaby, Efan, Willo and Denham Audio.

Australian producer Luude has firmly established himself on the global stage with back-to-back hits like ‘Down Under’ and ‘Big City Life,’ which have sold millions of copies and earned multi-platinum certifications worldwide. Luude & Harry Bee’s new single ‘Fun In The Sun’ is out now on No Instruction. Follow No Instruction across socials for info on all upcoming shows and releases.

For further info on No Instruction, visit: INSTAGRAM

PETER SIMPSON ‘Letter To London’ (Single)

In a piece of ragged rock/pop, Letter to London ruminates on a long-distance relationship that has run its course. Peter Simpson plays guitar and sings, bass is by Marco Gal and Dom Simpson plays drums. STREAM HERE

ABOUT PETER SIMPSON
In 1980 a young kitsch-pop band called Teeny Weenys drove 4,000km from Perth to relocate in Sydney, Australia. Sydney fell in love with them — they were picked up by radio station Triple J, performed with the biggest bands of the time and were courted by major record companies. Unfortunately, it ended all too soon and they broke up without ever realising their potential.

Playing keyboards in Teeny Weenys was Peter Simpson. He then performed in various groups before switching to guitar and fronting The Spectre’s Revenge, playing an eclectic style of rock that drew on everything from surf instrumentals to acoustic ballads to a kind of punk jazz. The Spectre’s Revenge only official release, 1985’s No Moon at Midnight b/w (I wanna be like) Maynard G Krebbs, reached number one on the alternative charts in both Sydney and Melbourne.

In the meantime, various other Perth expatriates had gathered in Sydney in bands such as The Scientists and Hoodoo Gurus. In 1987 Peter Simpson got together with some ex-members of these bands to form The Dubrovniks.

A couple of hit indie singles and an ARIA-award-nominated debut album saw The Dubrovniks become bigger than anyone had anticipated, and they were soon touring Europe, recording a second album, and even breaking into the mainstream Top 40.

As they prepared to record their third album Peter decided that he couldn’t give The Dubrovniks the dedication it deserved and left the band. He returned to record the Dubrovniks fourth album in 1994 but by then other members were also finding that other commitments made it harder to function as a band and The Dubrovniks drifted apart.

Over the next twenty years Peter Simpson played an occasional acoustic spot but effectively disappeared from the music scene. In 2012, The Spectre’s Revenge reformed for two nights only at Sydney’s Excelsior Hotel. In 2015 and 2016 The Dubrovniks reformed and undertook two sold-out tours of Europe.

His musical passion rekindled, Peter recorded and released the EP “Return of the Dilettante” in 2017. In late 2019 he formed Peter Simpson and the Vanity Project, who only a few times before COVID put an end to that. Peter then returned to the studio and recorded a full album “Good Times Gone Bad”.

The first single from that album “Letter to London” is released on August 2, 2024.

51ST AVENUE ‘Moments’ (Single)

Sydney’s 51st Avenue are back and sounding heavier than ever, with their huge new track ‘Moments’ – a track that delves into new territory thematically and sonically, and is the first to feature new bandmate Anthony Carollo on bass duties.

Starting things off with a moody synth and drum machine section, vocalist Alynnis Zizza’s vocals build tension perfectly in the verse before the track erupts in the first chorus; with huge modern-metalcore riffage pushing the song to the next level. During the writing process for ‘Moments’, Zizza took more of a lighthearted approach and decided to have fun with the track lyrically – describing a one night stand, a topic that strays from the bands often more introspective lyricism.

“I’ve been waiting for a track that makes me feel like dancing so when I heard the instrumental of ‘Moments’, I couldn’t help but move. It’s really different to our other tracks so I figured why not lean into that and write about something we haven’t before. It’s also not a very long track at all so naming it ‘Moments’ and writing about a one night stand felt very appropriate and heaps of fun! I’ve also been in my mum era so a step out of that was refreshing.” ALYNNIS ZIZZA, 51ST AVENUE

‘Moments’ is the first track written with bass player Anthony Carollo, who took on some of the songwriting load during the process. During the songwriting sessions, the band felt they needed to find a moment to really bring the track home – leading to the band’s first ever breakdown.

“This was my first time being involved in more of a formal writing process with some real intent. It was eye opening to see the process behind the scenes of a band I’ve known and admired for so long, and I loved every moment. We approached the song wanting some real signature 51st pop/rnb vibes in the verse and intros, with a melting chorus. The song evolved and we all agreed that the bridge needed to be climactic and something we haven’t done before, and so our first breakdown was born! When I listen back to the finished song it ‘s like the room stops, and I can’t wait for the world to hear what we’ve worked so hard on!” ANTHONY CAROLLO, 51ST AVENUE

DILLION JAMES ‘Heavy Keys’ (Album)

Dillion James specialises in starting the party with his New Orleans piano grooves, funky Hammond Organ, and raw honest vocals. Influenced heavily by the pioneers of blues piano & Hammond organ, Dillion’s powerful stage presence makes an instant impact. The Heavy Keys album was co-produced with his string shredding older brother 8 Ball Aitken, who also co-wrote four of the new songs. STREAM HERE

‘HEAVY KEYS’ features Melbourne drumming legend John Watson behind the kit and Mississippi based saxophone legend ‘Buddy Leach’ (long-time member of George Thorogood & The Destroyers) who played the majority of the sax on the recording. A hand-picked cast of Brisbane’s finest blues musicians also played on the album.

Over the last twenty years of gigging on the festival and blues circuit, Dillion has re-birthed an energetic sound that encapsulates the tone of an earlier era. His self-taught keyboard technique binds melody and rhythm together, and like a real blues-man, has paid his dues performing and perfecting his craft on the road and at the late night gigs.

Dillion James won the 2010 BASEQ blues performer of the year award. Either with his own band, or as a session musician, Dillion has tickled the ivories on many of the biggest stages in Australian blues music. He has played at Byron Bluesfest, Blues on Broadbeach, Woodford Festival, Mitchell Creek Rock & Blues Festival and many more.

General Information: www.dillionjames.com

SQUID THE KID ‘Kozy Tape’ (EP out August 28) ‘Moves’ (Single)

One of Melbourne’s hottest rising artists, Squid The Kid, announces his debut EP, KOZY TAPE, set for release 28 August. Alongside the announcement, he also has released the latest single off the forthcoming EP, ‘Moves’. ‘MOVES’ LISTEN

Known for his unique blend of R&B and hip-hop, Squid The Kid has been garnering audiences attention since his debut in late 2019. With KOZY TAPE, he takes a bold step forward, showcasing a diverse array of musical styles and new vocal abilities, all under the masterful production of Xiao (Infuschia). On the partnership on the EP, Squid The Kid shares, “Mad blessed to be surrounded by an individual who views music and life the same way I do. We do this on the pure notion of the love and passion we have for the art”.

KOZY TAPE showcases Squid The Kid’s versatility, featuring a mix of tracks that span various genres, including drill, UK garage, and his signature groovy and funky tunes. The project embodies a mixtape vibe, intentionally diverse to challenge both the artist and his listeners. “I honestly don’t know how people will react to the vast arrangement of songs, but I wanted to push the boundaries and give myself a challenge to attempt to write music in different pockets,” says Squid The Kid.

The new single, ‘Moves’, illustrates Squid The Kid’s ability to blend storytelling with infectious grooves. Describing the inspiration behind the track, he explains, “With the release of ‘SPEED’, I wanted to go back to my roots and bring back the funky/groovy elements that I’m normally known for. This next single ‘Moves’ recaps a story of two individuals grabbing each other’s attention, then proceeding to ditch their original plans and head out on a spontaneous adventure, whilst getting to know each other in the process”.

2023 was a big year for Squid The Kid, playing Listen Out (Melbourne) as the triple j unearthed artist, SXSW Sydney, NYE On The Hill and supporting Phony Ppl. Set for an even bigger 2024, already having supported The Jungle Giants earlier this month, this is just a taste of what’s to come.

SQUID THE KID – ‘MOVES’ OUT NOW. BUY/STREAM HERE

MORE INFO: INSTAGRAM TIKTOK SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC

ALETHIA (self-titled Album)

Colombian-born, Naarm-based singer ALETHIA is known for her dreamy, sultry singing voice and powerful Latin-Soul music. On July 26th, she’s unveiling her debut, self-titled album, ‘ALETHIA’. Stream ‘ALETHIA’ Debut Album

Having lived in Australia for 6 years now, ALETHIA has created a strong community around her. Over the years she has garnered attention with nominations for the Music Victoria Awards (2023), and the Latin Grammys and was featured in Rolling Stone AU/NZ in 2022 for her unique work which has now blossomed into this debut album release.

This album is a four-act tour guide through the human condition and the artist’s life while also moving through different genres: Roots, the first act, explores being born and learning to belong through Latin Pop. Moving to Reggae and R&B, Nostalgia dwells on the past, grateful for the experiences it offers. Love is a collection of Dub and Drum & Bass tracks that explore trust, connection, and self-love that’s crucial to navigating the world. The final act, Hope, has ALETHIA leaning into Psychedelic Rock and explores unity and the closing of the circle, appreciating the past, present, and anticipating the future. ALETHIA’s dulcet, powerful tones hold the listener’s hand through it, giving the album the feel of a beautiful shared experience. ALETHIA states:

“We are all like butterflies emerging from cocoons. Life gifts us with diverse experiences that gradually reveal our true selves. Along the way, we encounter souls who reflect our light or shadows, guiding us toward healing and our authentic essence. It’s a metamorphosis into a unique being with a singular purpose and reason for existence. This journey, though challenging, ultimately connects us with our essence and our true language, love.”

Join ALETHIA on her journey through emotion in her self-titled debut album, which will be released on July 26. Then, on August 2 it will be launched at Melbourne’s prestigious Athenaeum Theatre.

‘ALETHIA’ Album Launch
Friday, August 2 – Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne | Tickets

PARTY DOZEN ‘Money & The Drugs’ (Single)

Hectic Sydney punks Party Dozen (Kirsty Tickle and Jonathan Boulet) drop another single from their forthcoming fourth album Crime in Australia. ‘Money & The Drugs’ follows previous singles ‘Wake in Might’ and ‘The Big Man Upstairs’ chronologically, but in no way musically. Much was made of the ‘softer, sweeter’ side of Party Dozen displayed in ‘The Big Man Upstairs’, about how it was melodic and uplifting and how it had proper words (it didn’t). This isn’t like that.

‘The first section of this song is inspired by a sound that we heard at the airport pick up zone in Sydney’ says Jonathan. ‘A small aircraft coming in to land low would project this low bending rumble into the cement car park filling it with resonant frequencies.’Sounds like a hit. ”Money & The Drugs’ features Kirsty really letting it out into her saxophone void. Then it picks up a coupla gears into a rockin’ frenzy” he continues. ‘It’s one of our most fun songs to play live. But sometimes too much of a good thing can land you in deep water. Sometimes this song gets away from us.’

The accompanying video is testament to how fun the song is live. An absolutely blistering live performance of the song was filmed at New Zealand festival Camp A Low Hum by Aaron Streatfeild and Will Agnew, and edited by Boulet, somehow managing to capture the energy of a performance the group felt just might have been their best. Yet.

Yet. Because Party Dozen have many opportunities to top that over the next few months. They’ve already been announced as support for Amyl & The Sniffers’ European tour in November, but today they can announce the Crime In Australia launch shows in the following cities on the following dates:

Sep 26th – Adelaide Crown & Anchor [tickets]
Sep 27th – Melbourne Brunswick Ballroom [tickets]
Oct 3rd – Sydney Oxford Art Factory [tickets]
Oct 6th – Brisbane Black Bear Lodge [tickets]

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