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Chris Cuffaro

by the partae
written by the partae

You’re currently visiting from LA, how has your trip back been so far?

This trip to Australia is like ALL my trips to Australia… GREAT!  I love it here and have been coming here since 1988.  I love my friends, the city, the food, the fun and of course the banana bread. 

 

How did you originally get into photography?

That’s a long story, but here’s the short version… I saw the movie Funny Face when I was 10 years old.  I loved Audrey Hepburn and Fred Astaire.  I saw him playing a photographer and I said I want to do that for the rest of my life!  I fell in love with photography after I shot my first roil at 10 and started my business at 12.  Photography has given me the best life ever and I can prove it… I got the photos!

 

You’re launching your Greatest Hits exhibition next week at Room 205, 205 Oxford Street, Darlinghurst, Sydney December 7 – 11, 2022 – what can we expect to see?

This is gonna be super fun.  This is my 3rd exhibition here in Sydney!!!  The first one was Greatest Hits: George Michael in 2018.  In 2019 I did Greatest Hits: Grunge and Greatest Hits: Michael Hutchence.  I love Australia and sharing my two biggest passions… music and photography.  This exhibition is ALL about 30+ years of Music Photography… it’s the best of my best covering ALL genres of music.  I want people to see that I’ve done it all and more.  Behind the Gallery and I have come up with some fun and entertaining events for the 5 days.  It’s more than an exhibition, it’s ALL about celebrating!

 

How and why did the Greatest Hits exhibition come about?

It’s been 3 years since I was in Sydney cuz of life and the world.  I wanted to get back ASAP and have some fun.  I felt it was the right time to share my “Best Of’s”!  I talked to my friends, asked for some help and started moving forward back in August to make Greatest Hits happen.

 

The exhibition is running over a few days, which music artists are performing and when are they playing?

The schedule is great!  The basics… 

 

SCHEDULE:

December 7th, Wednesday – Opening Night from 7-10pm

December 8th, Thursday – MMAD Performance night with Ella Powell and D Minor from 7pm to 8pm.

December 9th, Friday – Photo Talk hosted by photographer Peter Collie from 7pm to 9pm.

December 10th, Saturday – Artist Talk hosted by Michelle Grace Hunder & performance with Sam Baker from 1pm to 4pm.

December 11th, Sunday – Closing day.  12pm to 3pm

 

You worked with the late/great Michael Hutchence, what was that experience like?

I get asked this a lot in Australia.  Simply put… GREAT!  He was the best of the best.  We had a blast shooting the first time in 1988 and the second in 1993.  He was ALL that and more.  He made me look good.

 

Who are you listening to at the moment?

My favs these days are Lauren Ruth Ward, The Struts, Sam Baker, Siiickbrain, Grandson, Isabella Amarga and ALL my old High School music… which is 70’s R&B & funk!

 

What do you like to do away from photography?

Rest and sleep.  I’m a workaholic.  I’m blessed to do what I love and love what I do.  I’m not getting any younger and I have so much more that I need to do.  Creating is everything to me, not matter what the medium is.  Go big or go home!

 

What’s planned for 2023 and beyond?

Well, after Australia I leave for New Zealand and I’m having Greatest Hits in Auckland this February!!!  My first time ever in NZ and I’m SO excited.  I can NOT wait to share my passion with New Zealand.

 

Favourite food and place to hangout in Sydney?

This is tough!!!  First and foremost… Banana Bread at Gusto!  I always stay in Bondi Beach when I’m here.  It’s my home away from home.  The people, the food, the energy and course the beach!!!  I wish I lived here cuz I probably would live 10 years longer.  🙂

 

 

Socials – @chriscuffaro

Insta – @thecuffarophoto

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GEOFF ACHISON TALKS ABOUT DOUBLE FEATURE SHOW DEC 18 ZIGGY POPS WITH JIMI HOCKING FOR DOUBLE TROUBLE BLUES SESSIONS

by the partae
written by the partae

1 What’s it like as an established muso with his own distinctive style to pair up with an artist who likewise has his own profile and following?

Live music events can fill you with inspiration in all sorts of ways. If you’re a musician witnessing a great performance it pushes you to want to emulate the playing style, or to write music as good as what you’re hearing in that moment. For me I also get to feeling like I want to get in amongst it and be in that band, or to trade licks with that great player. Jimi is one of those players. He pushes me, kicks my arse to play the best I can. 

 

2 Is it possible to preserve your own artistic identity and flavour when playing with and alongside your `opposite number?’ Can we expect you to shed some of your unique recent experiences (Kings of Kings) in your solo set prior to the all-in jam?

One of the things you learn along the way is to always play it your way. This may be especially true when it comes to playing the blues. The whole aim is finding your own voice so there is never any point in trying to outplay another performer at their game. Yeah, I recently had the chance to share the stage with the great Dave Hole & Shane Pacey playing some classic blues songs. I had Dave Hole standing right next to me every night and I can tell you, those gigs were some of the best guitar lessons I’ve ever had… but whenever it comes my turn to play, I dig deep and do my thing the best I know how.

 

3 I’m guessing some friendly rivalry would play out as well in that shared space? Particularly with you both leading the jam. How do you expect to manage and lead Kaliopi & the Blues Messengers during the jam?

Jimi & I enjoy the bitchy banter we get into. It’s even funnier to us if anyone thinks we’re serious. It started when we were playing some of our first gigs together and you’d occasionally overhear comments along the lines of ‘Jimi’s gonna wipe the floor with him tonight’ or some such thing. We decided it was actually more fun to play up to that idea of us competing for some sort of guitarist supremacy and we started calling those gigs our ‘Guitar Showdown’. The music is always our focus – but be prepared for a battle of wits between songs. Oh, and the jam set? The best thing about those moments is that they are very loosely planned, if planned at all. I am careful not to think too hard about what might happen then lest we spoil the magic! 

 

4 You’ve been paired with each other before – how might your upcoming gig for Double Trouble Blues Sessions be different or similar? What can your followers expect or is it always a case of `expect the unexpected’?

This is a different format to our Showdown gigs. The difference is that we’ll each to showcasing our solo material which highlights our individual styles. The similarity is that we’ll end up on stage together with a cracking band backing us up and trading licks on electric guitars. Add Kaliopi to the mix and suddenly we shall have a triple guitar threat… but of course only one can reign supreme. Who shall it be? Whom shalt doff this coveted crown?

 

 

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Maggie Slater

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?
I’m split between Far North Queensland and Melbourne. I study a Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Politics and Creative Writing) and a Diploma of Languages (French) at the University of Melbourne so I’m down here during the semester but always head home when I’m on break. I’m also about to leave for exchange in Montreal for 6-12 months.

What’s your thought’s of Melbourne after being in QLD?
The two biggest shifts have been the 1. the weather (I adore the cold, hence Montreal, so I love getting to layer up) which was honestly one of my main reasons for leaving, I love a lot about FNQ but I HATE constantly being sticky and 2. the energy, there’s just always something happening (particularly for a young queer person, options for things to do in Cairns at night are pretty limited). It’s pretty much the inverse to FNQ which is indefinitely on holiday-time. I do really miss swimming though, particularly in freshwater. It grounds me in a way like no other.

How did you first start playing music?
I was always interested in music growing up but it was around 15 that I started writing songs. I’d taken guitar and piano lessons on and off since I was like 8 or so but nothing really stuck and I just ended up teaching myself ukulele and then guitar in my room (the first songs I remember learning were Fifteen by Taylor Swift and I Won’t Say That I’m Okay by Front Porch Step). I’d gotten pretty big into writing poetry around this time and so songwriting came quite naturally. It really was hugely therapeutic for me when struggling with mental illness for the first time in my life and a really awesome creative outlet during the horrors of highschool.

What’s been happening recently?
I just put out a single! I recorded ‘Pulp’ back in May so it’s so surreal to finally have it out, I’ve never done a release like this before, it’s been such an intense and inspiring release process. I’m surrounded by the most incredible group of creatives in Melbourne and everybody put so much effort and love into helping me elevate the release with their own artforms. The music video, artwork and photography are so incredible and beautiful, I’m so proud of what we’ve all made together. I also recently recorded my next single with Mark Myers at Mountain Kauri Studios while I was back home for my little brother’s graduation. Outside of music I was just in a VCA grad film called Napalm Roses by Jyo Miyaji (which was such an exciting experience) and have been working on pieces for my university’s magazine Farrago where I’m a staff writer.

Your latest single ‘Pulp’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I was going back through old voice memos that other day and found a version of ‘Pulp’ I totally forgot had existed. The song had started in the second person, directed towards this loser one of my best friends was seeing, who treated her terribly and was completely blind to how lucky he was to be with her. It then morphed into being about me wanting to get over this incessant desire for another intense romantic relationship after a break-up. I think both of these versions created an important foundation for what the song came to be. The final version of the lyrics was written right after I’d spent two nights up til 4am reading Gone Girl so I was really channelling that imagery and energy into my own feelings about some of my first relationships.

The lyrics were the main thing that were in flux for a bit but the structure has been pretty similar from the get go. It was originally written in open D tuning (as were probably a few too many songs after it) but my lead guitarist Tom suggested we change it so we didn’t have to retune during the set. In hindsight I’m so glad we did this because as much as I love a twinkly open chord, this song needs power chords. The sound came about after tireless attempts at pushing myself to create a real rock song. Lyrics have always been my main focus and I think because of this it’s been hard for me in the past to really push things instrumentally to a place that’s more similar to the kind of music I usually listen to. WAAX was a huge inspiration for this. I actually saw them at Gilligan’s in Cairns in 2019 and got to briefly share the mic with Maz during ‘Labrador’. I truly think that unlocked something in me. I did still want to balance this side of things with delicacy and softness (which I think I was able to do in the verses) so ‘High’ by Slow Pulp was a really helpful framework for this. I’ve actually made a playlist of songs that inspired/go well alongside ‘Pulp’ which you can check out here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6swB1kWg2FVLYxA6SEnDXD?si=2725e75a9e284dfe

How did you go about writing Pulp?
‘Pulp’ was written late at night on an acoustic guitar in my childhood bedroom that I was forced to return to during the first set of lockdowns in 2022. I could feel in the drive of the chorus that this was going to be a heavier song. When I brought it to the band room Tom and Noah helped me build it up instrumentally and we eventually recorded a Garageband demo that came to be the blueprint for the final recording.When it came to writing the music video it really started from a conversation I had with my housemate Ella Parkinson one night. She really related to the song after hearing it for the first time as she’d had a very similar experience to me in her first relationship. We were drinking tea and going over these shared experiences and vignettes, then things just kind of went from there. We really wanted to capture the ups and downs of these turbulent, chaotic, and toxic early relationships and their often very consuming, addictive and destructive nature and to capture the kind of innocent nuance of these dynamics that are often undiscussed.

What does this single mean to you?
The power and intensity of what ‘Pulp’ means to me has been building and changing ever since I wrote it. ‘Making space for feminine frustration’ has been thrown around a lot throughout the campaign so far but it’s so true. Seeing all my femme friends in the front row at the launch screaming the words and moshing as hard as they could really sealed this idea in for me. This single is about allowing ourselves to take up space, to be at the front, to yell, to move however we want, to be angry and sad and not have one invalidate the other. Without overexplaining anything, something we really wanted to capture in the music video was loss of self. ‘Pulp’ is about finding yourself again, grieving that loss, reorienting yourself, and feeling confident that next time you’ll know your worth and fight back as hard as you can.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
‘Pulp’ was produced by Jason Millhouse at Recordworks in Brisbane (such a cool studio, Jason has an insane amount of pinball machines) and mastered by Paul Blakey. My drummer from Cairns, Noah Gillespie, is currently studying at the Con in Brissy so he was able to come in and track drums for me which was brilliant. The music video was shot at home (and in the street) in Brunswick. It was a huge collaboration with all my best friends. Ella co-produced the video with me and our friend Hugo who’s studying Film and TV at VCA directed it. Ella also handmade all the miniatures of the band and I that you see at the start and end of the video. Nina Lengauer, Soph Fitzgerald and Clem McNabb also helped out with production design. Rose Freeman and Ruby Benedict did costuming for the band scenes. Reide Marshall, Finn Lohmann, Tige Sixel-Miller, MJ Kim and Thomas Strohfeldt performed alongside me and Lux Newman designed the absolutely beautiful animations.

How did you approach the recording process?
I’ve been insanely lucky to have been a part of the BIG SKY GIRLS (founded by Deb Suckling and Craig Spann) mentorship program which has pushed and supported me in ways that I never could have imagined, one of which was making ‘Pulp’. I was made aware of Jason’s work through Deb as he recorded her latest album. I loved the electricity and 90s feel that Deb’s album had and thought it was a perfect fit for what I wanted to do with ‘Pulp’. After a disheartening amount of rejection from arts grants BIG SKY GIRLS generously sponsored my recording with Jason.We recorded the track in a day, using the demo (for structure and arrangement – although Noah did whip out some cool new stuff on the spot that day like the pause in the second chorus and the tom work in the pre-chorus) and a recent live recording (for energy) to find our way to the final takes. Deb and Craig were a massive help in filling out the last choruses with powerful guitar noise and layers.

Who are your musical influences?
It’s honestly mostly just whoever I’ve been listening to most when I sit down to write but here’s a couple of key ones.

1. Wolf Alice: one of my all-time favourite bands. Their versatility is so incredible, and I will never not be in awe of the soundscapes they create. The things that Ellie Rowsell does with her voice and her use of vocal effects has been super inspiring to me.I actually had tickets to see them at the Forum in March but wrote the day down wrong in my diary. Heart shattering. I’m still trying to work up to listening through Blue Weekend without hating myself.

2. Phoebe Bridgers: I mean come on, the vulnerability, the sounds, the depth and care and thought put into every single line and sound, insane. Punisher is an absolute masterpiece. Arguably one of the best lyricists of our generation, that woman is on the pulse. I worship everything she does.

3. Soccer Mommy: An absolute comfort and anytime go to for me. Another super versatile artist, in writing these I think I’ve come to realise how impressed and inspired I am by artists who are constantly evolving and trying new things. I really feel like I’ve grown alongside Soccer Mommy, I think it’s partly because the timing of her different musical eras has really coincided with my own which has built this kind of intimacy in my brain. An incredible guitarist and builds such beautiful worlds within her songs. She’s also just so funny? Also, a huge reason (along with Wolf Alice) as to why I found a synth player for my band.

4. Snail Mail: Lush is such a memorable album for me, it was a real eye-opener to start thinking about guitars in a way that wasn’t just as a means to write a song but as a means for creativity and expression in their own right. One of the first queer artists who really resonated with me, and I was also just very in love with Lindsay Jordan as a 17-year-old (totally not the reason I got a Jag in the first place…)

5. Julia Jacklin: Australia’s angel. Saw her recently at a show in regional VIC with some of my closest female friends, we all took turns bawling our eyes out (mine was also so impressed, albeit it unsurprised) by how she had the entire audience memorized with just her guitar and voice. Her new album is so gorgeous. Constantly amazed by her ability to address such heavy themes in such a nuanced and beautiful way.

Favourite artists at the moment?
Right at this moment I’m listening to Car Seat Headrest. Lala Lala, my bloody valentine, Phoebe Bridgers (always), Djo, Soccer Mommy (her new album is amazing, so cut I won’t be around for the Aus tour), Wet Leg, Julia Jacklin, the 1975 (two more great new albums), Wolf Alice (another always), feeble little horse

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
At the moment I’m just trying to wind down from a really intense exam period. Other than another short film that I’m involved in next week and a couple of upcoming house party gigs I’m probably just going to take the next month before I leave as slow as possible and spend the rest of time in Melbourne enjoying the warmth and being around the people I love. As for 2023, I’ll be getting started on plans for the new single I’ve recorded and hopefully try and get some funding together to finish off a more complete body of work.

Favourite food and place to hangout?
God, so hard. A solid veggie burrito is such a fail safe but also nothing beats fresh sushi??? I can’t pick. As for hangout spots, if we’re not at our place or the pool, you’re most likely to find my friends and I at the Retreat Hotel. Best beer garden in Melbourne, so many fairy lights.

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The Crystal Method

by the partae
written by the partae

Scott, where are you currently based?

 I’m based out of Los Angeles, Ca.

How did you first start playing / performing music?

I first started performing in my living room when I was 10. By performing I mean playing air drums to Metallica & Motley Crue with a couple of sticks but still I was having fun. My first real performance was opening for Information Society by playing keyboards and guitar with a singer by the name of Greg Walsh in the early 90’s.

What’s been happening recently?

I’ve been touring the states and Canada this past year all while preparing for my return to Australia!

You’re heading to Australia for a tour in December 2022, you haven’t been to Australia since playing at the Big Day Out in 2007, what are you most looking forward to?

Some of my fondest memories have come from those Big Day Out tours. There’s so much… the people are wonderful and kind, the exquisite sights and of course the food and beer.

The Crystal Method are pioneers of the Big Beat genre and Electronica movement, you’ve played the biggest events and festivals across the planet, how has the scene changed since you started?

The Electronic movement has evolved and become more main street ie., EDM which has brought an entire new generation to the party which is a positive for sure. I definitely get a kick out of meeting the kids of our fans at shows especially when they show up together.

How would you describe your sound at this point?

Hmmm, a warm fuzzy kick in ass (-;

Who or what influences your sound and songwriting at the moment?

There are so many brilliant artists out there that I hear and think “How Do They Do That” or “Wow that’s so fucking cool” but I try not to get too caught up in analyzing and try to just absorb and enjoy it.

Where do you see the future of your sound going?

Hopefully not LOUDER.

Any advice for upcoming electronic acts?

Enjoy the process, find your own sound and don’t be afraid to fail.

How do you prepare for live shows?

I’d like to say hours in the gym and meditation but really it’s just a lot of starring at screens and listening to music.

What do you most enjoy about playing live?

Playing music for people and the adrenaline drop I get right before going on.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Preparing for the tour has me listening to way too much of The Crystal Method

What’s planned for 2023 and beyond?

Hopefully being productive and being a positive influence on others.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Great Beer and unhealthy food in a place full of happy people and great music.

Ticket link here: https://metropolistouring.com/the-crystal-method-2022/

https://thecrystalmethod.com/

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Justine Blanchet

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

I am currently based in Montreal but often travel to Nashville to continue working on my music.

How did you first start playing music?

I grew up in a musical family and learned a variety of instruments. I then went on to begin singing classical crossover at 11 years old. I moved on to singing country music when I was 15 and started to write my own songs as well.

What’s been happening recently?

A lot has been happening! I’m in the process to finishing the recording for my upcoming EP and filming more music videos.

Your latest single ‘Hard to Love’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

This song was written by Courtney Cole, Derrick Southerland, and Kelly Archer. This song was pitched to me in a playlist of about 12 songs, but I picked it because it was very personal to me.

What does this single mean to you and how did the writing process take place?

Even though I didn’t write this song, the lyrics and meaning still hold a lot of significance for me because I went through a toxic relationship with a partner that was very emotionally unavailable.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

I worked with Danick Dupelle in Nashville for this song! I recorded it back in Montreal and had the tracks sent to Danick for production and mastering.

How did you approach the recording process?

I was in Nashville when we started building the track. Because the song already had a good demo, we went ahead and used it as inspiration. The track begins with a simple acoustic guitar and synthetic drums, but we chose musicians to come into the studio and record the different instruments that we wanted on there.

Please tell us about your upcoming EP, the writing influences and what this EP means to you:

The EP is coming in the spring of 2023 and will be comprised of 5 songs all written by amazing people. I didn’t write any of the songs and that’s purely because we wanted the best of the best on the album while I keep developing my songwriting skills. This EP means a lot because it’s a three year long project and lots of money and time was poured into this creation. I hope it leads to great opportunities.

How’s the Nashville music scene at the moment?

The scene is great! There are a lot of people in Nashville but the town is small when you think about it. Everybody knows everybody and the community is tight knit and supportive of each other.

Please tell about living and recording in Nashville:

I love that the weather is so nice in the fall! I come from up north, where t-shirt weather doesn’t last very long. The neighboring cities are so pretty and there is so much scenery and history in Tennessee. There is always a concert or show somewhere in Nashville so it’s very hard to get bored in this town.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Lots of artists – namely Lainey Wilson, Morgan Evans, Bailey Zimmerman, Elvis Presley, Olivia Newton-John, and The Lettermen. I really appreciate all kinds of genres.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?

I’m in Nashville at the moment and then I will go home for the holidays and save up some more money to come back to Nashville in 2023.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I’m not a picky person but I love a good apple crisp especially at this time of year. I love the Elliston Place Soda Shop here in Nashville! Super cute little retro diner.


Instagram: @JustineBlanchetMusic                      

Facebook: @JustineBlanchetMusic                        

TikTok: @JustineBlanchetMusic         

Twitter: @JustineBlMusic

Spotify: tinyurl.com/justineblanchetspotify

YouTube: @JustineBlanchet

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Neav

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based? 

The Central Coast, NSW 

How did you first start playing music? 

Ever since I was super young, I’ve always sang and danced about making up little tunes but I think It wasn’t until my Mum took me to singing lessons that I started to properly play music. I played violin for a little while as a kid and then I moved to guitar and singing as my key instruments. I first started playing music live when I was about 11 or 12 and have done so ever since. 

What’s been happening recently?

I just released my debut EP “ELEGY” and had my launch at the Australian Institute of Music which was super fun. 

You’ve just released your debut EP ‘ELEGY’ at the ripe old age of 18, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I was experimenting with sound and what I want the production of my songs to sound like. When I was in the process of writing “Silence Song”, I realised I was really leaning towards alternate and dark pop sounds. I think thematically, the EP stems from a place of moving on to better things, transitioning into better places and having hope in moments of self-reflection. 

How did you go about writing the EP?

I wrote a lot of it solo however I also collaborated with a range of different producers and songwriters to create the songs that you now hear on the EP. Some of the writing process consisted of me just picking up a guitar and hitting records on my voice memos, while other times I collaborated online writing and recording bit by bit. 

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

I recorded in a couple different places and worked with a few different people for the creation of the EP. I got to work in Forbes Street Studios with Mario Spate, Studios 301 with Jess Deskovic, The Music Cellar with Rod McCormack, and The Nest Studios with Tristan Barton. I also recorded a few vocals in my home studio and worked with David Turley online recording and writing. 

How did you approach the recording process?

I make sure my vocals are feeling good, usually I will have a tea and make sure my voice is warmed up. I’ll then work with the producer I’m working with to record takes of the song. I love layering my vocals and creating beds of harmonies for my lead vocals to sit on. As for other instruments, a lot of it is synthesised or electronic but i love recording my favourite cole clark angel 2 model guitar. If I’m recording from home, I just go through the song chronologically and methodically and make sure I have heaps of takes and layers for the producer to work with. 

You worked with a talented bunch of producers to make this EP, how did these associations come about?

I’ve won a couple awards that have given me connections such as winning the Listen Up Music Songwriting Prize that got me connected with Jess Deskovic. As for other connections, they usually happen through my label or publishers. I’ve been really lucky to work with such talented and kind people.

Did music always seem to be the path you were meant to follow?

Music has always been a prominent feature of my life, however, I didn’t really realize it could be something I could pursue as a career until a few years ago. It just makes sense to me as music was always the one thing I felt comfort in when everything else seemed difficult or too much. 

How does it feel releasing your first EP?

It feels pretty surreal just because it has felt like such a long time coming in releasing singles and music videos and creating content for it to finally be out in the world. I am just overwhelmingly happy to have it out as my first body of work and feel that it’s a really special thing to have a physical thing that acts as almost an extension of yourself to add to your portfolio of stuff you’ve created. 

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I listen to a range of different stuff and that changes all the time, but I’m loving Kimbra’s new songs at the moment, BANKS, Dora Jar, Adele and Vera Blue. 

What do you like to do away from music?

When I’m not listening to, writing or performing music, I can usually be found spending time out with my favourite people and going out having fun with friends and family, whether that’s at concerts, events, the beach or just out for food and drinks. As a writer, I also really love reading and delving into imaginary worlds that people have built in their heads as I find that super inspiring and helpful for building vocab when I’m songwriting. I am a huge movie buff and could quote quite literally any disney or early 2000’s kids film. I also love trying new things, going to new places, adventuring, getting outside in the sun -not for too long cause i’ll burn as i’m super white-, and i also love just putting my creativity to the test in whatever way i can.  

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?

I am going away on two trips in December this year, Thailand with my best friend and then I’m cruising around Vanuatu with my family for christmas. In and around then, I’m finishing off my diploma in music production and sound engineering and doing little solo gigs. Nothing is set in stone for next year music wise but we are planning to organise a band show to celebrate the EP early 2023. I’m also planning to get out there much more with my band, supporting other artists and touring as much as I can. I want to push myself to collaborate with more artists as well next year. 

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I love food and trying new foods so much but my favourite has got to be sushi and japanese style cuisine. I also love curry and south aisian style food too. I love sour patch kids and weird food combos as well like salt and vinegar chips with beetroot dip. There are a few nice restaurants and bars where I live that are great to hang out with friends but the beaches where I live are amazing too so I love to hangout there as well. 

Debut EP ‘Elegy’ is out now via Double Drummer.

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UFO Go

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

We’re based between North Melbourne and Footscray!

How did you first start playing music?
I started my music obsession when I was about three years old and refused to wear any outfit other than a yellow skivvy and black pants, mandating everyone who came to the house be subject to a performance of Big Red Car and Hot Potato. I graduated to a miniature electric guitar at seven, and my first actual proper guitar at twelve, being really loud and emotional ever since. The other two would have pretty similar stories, maybe different outfits though.
 
What’s been happening recently?
Piero and I moved house together, I bought a pink Telecaster, Dylan and I got carried around by two strong strangers from a Facebook group, my dad got my mum a drone for her birthday, just normal stuff.
 
Your latest single ‘Way Back When’ will be released on November 16, what or who influenced the sound and songwriting?
Way Back When is definitely influenced by mid-2000s emo and alt rock, with a big riff, a sad chorus you’re meant to loudly sing along with, and a bit of a synth situation in the middle. I was listening to a lot of Saosin when I wrote it, that’s why half the song is 9th chords. The synth bit is really just to hide the key change you’re not meant to notice, so that might be a bit Knights of Cydonia – I think there’s some Killers in there too.
 
How did you go about writing Way Back When?
It was written by me and my computer, I think in my old very hot bedroom in Glenroy, a few years ago now. I definitely started with the guitar riff and the drum pattern in the verse, and I think it was one of those songs that was completely done by the end of the day.
 
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
The whole album was written/recorded/mixed/produced/mastered by little old me, which hopefully you don’t immediately realise, but you probably do. We recorded the drums in a friend’s little garage studio that they built (shoutout the Reubmeister), and then the rest all in Piero’s and my living room in Coburg. I rented a white P-Bass, got my guitars set up real good and nice, and then we rocked our little hearts out.
 
How did you approach the recording process?
Whenever we get to recording, there’s already a pretty well produced demo, and we’re just recording good takes of everything with sounds that we’ve picked out. We’re not one of those bands that records all together, though I’d love to brag about something like that. We do one instrument at a time to a sound that goes BICK BOCK BOCK BOCK BICK BOCK BOCK BOCK and it’s strange but at the end it makes a song so that’s pretty good.
 
How did the concept for the music video come about?
Well let me tell you, there’s no formula for creating such genius ideas as “a car chase but it’s not cars it’s muscley guys carrying us around.” You get an idea like that, you just submit your application to MENSA and let the universe take over. I think my references were the chase from Bullitt and the Sabotage music video.
Where and when did you film and who did you work with?
We had a friend come and help us shoot the video earlier this year, around the industrial bit of Williamstown where you can run on the roads and there aren’t that many people to laugh at you. The script basically wrote itself, until one of the three guys that we hired off a Facebook actor’s group to carry us around couldn’t show up, and we had to improvise a Point Break style conclusion (I think it was for the best, really). Then I edited it together, now I expect the acclaim and trophies to start rolling in.
 
Who are you listening to at the moment?
I’m absolutely fanging the new 1975 album, might be their best yet. Also keen on the new Paramore track, waiting for more to drop. Went to see my friend’s band, GOUTS, who were proper heavy with some evil riffs. I just found out about Pushin’ P also and it might be my new favourite song ever. Piero is obsessed with Lil Baby at the minute, for some reason. I got in the car with Dylan and I think I heard My Chem, Sum 41 and All American Rejects so that’s the go there.
 
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
We’ve got our single launch at the Workers Club on the 26th of November, mega keen for that. Dylan’s programmed a whole light show for it, so that’s gonna be pretty sweet. We’ve got one more gig in December supporting some friends’ new band, Trip to Paris. Early next year we’ll be keeping on dropping songs and videos from our new album, ‘May Fear Never Stop You’. I couldn’t be more excited to share those tracks, finally!!
 
Favourite food and place to hangout?
I gave Piero 3 seconds to answer and he took 8 and said Pizza. Dylan says burrito but he had no time limit. I’m typing this so I have all the time in the world, which is actually a nightmare for me. I’m eating sour worms right now, so right now it’s sour worms. Best place to hang out is a playground at night, all other answers are wrong.

UFO GO Single Launch – Matinee: Workers Club Fitzroy, Saturday November 26

Supports: The Stranded, More TBA Tickets 

 Facebook | Instagram | Youtube | Triple J Unearthed

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Reno Pratma

by the partae
written by the partae
Where are you currently based?
Bali island, Indonesia.
 
What’s the music scene like in Bali / Indonesia at the moment?
The music scene in Bali and Indonesia is growing now after the pandemic. Music concerts and festivals have started again. I think its a good start after recovering from the pandemic.
 
Your latest single is out now, what’s it called?
Just dropped a new single in Bahasa Indonesian language called ‘Aku’ released by Extra Sensorial Productions London-Bali.
 
What influenced the sound and songwriting?
I think the influence comes from the 50s 60s music
 
How did you go about writing this track?
I started writing this song alone at first and then I showed it too my good Friend Dave Syauta the vocalist of the Paps Band Bandung and he really liked it and we finish it together.
 
You have an album coming out in early 2023, please tell us about the songwriting influences:
The influence on the new album is really different from my previous one. The new album is more personal to me and i wrote alot of the songs during the pandemic which have more emotional meaning.
 
Please tell us about the songwriting process for your new album:
Actually i started writing right before the pandemic while I was still in Melbourne city and then went back to Indonesia and continued writing throughout the pandemic.
 
Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
I started recording in Stonedeaf music studio in Bali with my producer Cipta Gunawan and also recorded some songs in Sagala Rumah studio Jakarta shout out to Mang Xonad and all the crew. Also recorder some songs in House Records music studio in Renon Bali.
 
How did you approach the recording process?
I took my time over two years to record and just kept it fun as usual how music is supposed to be.
 
What programs/equipment did you use?
Different studios had different programs. Some we used protools some used logic pro and all the analog hardware.
 
Please tell us a little about what we can expect from this new album and how it’s different from your past releases:
There’s alot of surprises from the music arrangements and the lyrics. Alot more slower tempo songs on this album. Just wait and check it out! Haha
 
Who are you listening to at the moment?
Im not listening to alot of music at the moment because I’ve been focusing on recording my new album.
 
What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
Writing and making alot more new music and skateboarding.
 
Favourite food and place to hangout?
My favorite food is Indonesian food for sure but depend where I’m at in the moment.

https://www.instagram.com/_renoreno_/

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Don’t Come Monday

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?
We’re based in Ulverstone, in north-west Tasmania.

How did the band form?
We started playing together in 2015 when Rob Rose (vocals, guitar) approached Grant Hearps (bass) and Fin McCullough (guitar) looking to form a band to focus predominantly on original music. Rick Lovell took up the throne behind the drums in 2019.

What’s been happening recently?
Since recording/shooting ‘Hangman’ we’ve been continuing to write new songs and playing a couple of gigs a month including at some new venues, which has been nice.

Your latest single ‘Hangman’ will be out on the 15th of November 2022, what influenced the sound and songwriting?
Hangman is probably the ‘heaviest’ tune we’ve written to date. We’re always striving to write songs that don’t sound like our other songs. This one came out as a gritty, dirty, raw blues rock tune.

How did you go about writing Hangman?
Rob (lyricist) and Fin devised a sketch of what became the ‘A part’ of the song during an acoustic songwriting session. Fin had tuned his guitar down to open D tuning to allow the vocals to be performed in a lower register. This sketch was tweaked and developed upon with the band, and we subsequently decided to make it a 2-part song with a more lively and riff-based outro with a repeated vocal hook as the ‘B part”.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?
We recorded the track with co-producer Andrew Forth at Kindred Hall in NW Tassie in November ’21, and then recorded vocals/overdubs progressively over the months that followed. The track was then sent to Russell Pilling (AKA Russ T. Rokk) for mixing, and the mastering was done by William Bowden at King Willy Studios.

How did you approach the recording process?
As it’s a two-part song, we chose to record the two sections separately, allowing us to ensure we got the change in the tempo of the song exactly how we wanted it to be. Drums and bass were tracked first, then the different guitar parts were added, before harmonica (performed by Jack B. Harper) and final vocals were recorded.

What influenced the music video for Hangman?
We worked in conjunction with Jacob Boote (director) and Jala-loka Lewandowski (videographer/editor) for the video. Jacob wanted to go for a dark, medieval-ish look for the first part of the song, and a brighter, more modern looking live band shoot for the outro “B part”. Laura Mead created some props to assist us, including the “hangman” headpiece. We started shooting at about 2pm and finished by about 8 on a rainy, windy day in Forth Tasmania. The whole process was great fun – Jacob and Jala-loka were excellent to work with and many laughs were had along the way.

Any upcoming shows?
We’re at Shearwater Resort Tavern on 02/12/22, Island State Brewing – The Pier (Ulverstone) on 23/12/22 and 20/01/23, and MONA Museum (Hobart) on 05/02/23

Who are you listening to at the moment?
Lately we’ve been listening to plenty of Tasmanian artists, including new releases from Big Alcatraz, Marcus Wynwood, Tessa Lee, Raccoon Dog, and The True Champions of Breakfast, as well as some old favourites by the likes of The Bad Dad Orchestra, Pete Cornelius, The Sheyana Band, Avargo Groove, and The Smooth C***s.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
We plan to continue writing new songs, giging, and to release another five or six track EP of songs recorded during the same sessions as “Hangman” at some stage in 2023.

Favourite food and place to hangout?
A good burger by the Leven River! We can’t wait for Island State Brewing – The Pier to open up in the former location of the ever-popular Buttons Brew Pub. You can’t beat a beer/food/live music joint perched above the river of your hometown!

https://www.facebook.com/DontComeMoonday

https://www.instagram.com/dontcomemonday/?hl=en

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_qNdLeb-hzg1UwQZkSsbTQ

https://musictasmania.org/connect/artists/dont-come-monday

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Jovi Skyler

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

Earth. But to be specific about it, I would say, Sydney, Australia.

How did you first start playing music?

I was encouraged into it at first, but gave up quickly after six months or so. Then one night, I saw the music video for Nirvana’s – Smells Like Teen Spirit on Rage. I realised I had a cheap electric guitar and crappy amplifier, covered in dust, that I could use tomorrow to express my angst.

What’s been happening recently?

Not much I guess. I’m kind of a recluse, but I want to record some new songs soon.

Your latest single ‘Evergreen’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I suppose my sound is punk, alternative rock with an early ’90s spirit and a twist of psychedelia. A lot of my influences come from all the grunge bands of that time. If I could find a time machine on eBay, I would prefer to go back then.

How did you go about writing Evergreen?

It was my first love and it was a tumultuous relationship. So, that’s what inspired me. I focused on that. Dug deep down into my memories and created Evergreen. For me at least, a song comes from the gut. It flows out from my veins, it hurts a little. Hopefully, the listener can feel the sincerity in it. I didn’t think too hard about the lyrics or the music. I just channeled my energy into my emotions, then everything spewed out from me. It’s a weird sort of meditation, but it works for me.

What does this single mean to you?

Evergreen deals with being in a tumultuous relationship and how it can drain you with its ups and downs. So, it is something deeply personal and means a lot to me, as the song is autobiographical.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

I recorded Evergreen in a friend’s studio basement. It was cold, rainy, and a miserable day. I recorded the song within half a day. The guitar parts were done first, then the drums, and then lastly I did two vocal takes. I produced Evergreen myself. It was mixed and mastered on the same day. I slightly remastered the track one night just over a month ago, because originally there was a guitar solo at the beginning of the track, but I decided to cut it out for the single, in order to make it more marketable for radio.  

How did you approach the recording/production process?

I will practise the songs I want to record repeatedly, usually till I’m nauseated by the tracks. Songs are 100-percent complete when I decide to record them. It’s pretty simple, if you know the songs so much that it makes you nauseous. Oh yeah, lots of lollies and fizzy drinks help.

Please tell us about how you filmed and edited the music video:

Footage was self-filmed, taken from the past. I tried to give it good vibes, full of youthful fervour and fun punk-rock energy, but also a dark and chaotic visual to acknowledge the roller-coaster ride of it. I edited it using iMovie. I overlaid the videos and changed the colours. I think it was a bit unhealthy for me to revisit. It has a strong dose of purity though.

Where and when did you learn to film and edit?

I learnt it during the start of the pandemic in Sydney, but I guess it started a bit earlier than that, probably with my first single off of my debut EP, Gia , a song I wrote about Gia Carangi. It just grew after that, in regards to my skill in editing. Self-filming is pretty easy or filming itself, it is more about deciding what parts to use, I feel is the key in expressing the song visually and then combining it together with other components as a whole. Covid, lockdowns, and restrictions, gave me the reason and motivation to make my own music videos. So, filming and editing was self-taught.

How did the concept for the music video come about?

I just wanted to make it autobiographical, so, it’s a two minute glimpse into my own hazy memory and a true visual representation of the song itself.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

No one in particular at the moment. I don’t have Spotify, so mostly my old CD collection that is on my phone. Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Hole, Pixies,The Breeders, Iggy Pop, Ramones. I feel the days of buying a CD because of a single you like are done and dusted. It’s basically for free out there on the interweb, which makes it hard as a songwriter, it doesn’t feel as special for me as it used to.

What do you like to do away from music?

I like to spend time with my cats. I used to paint, expressionism sort of stuff, but stopped once I made the decision to focus on songwriting instead, however, I use a lot of old paintings for my singles cover artwork now. I sometimes like to play video games, but I haven’t played anything for a long time. The last thing I played was The Quarry.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?

I hate looking too far ahead, but there will be more songs to come and I should start touring.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

My favourite food right now would be nachos or Violet Crumble. Any cafe that has a nice view for me to stare out the window and daydream.

JOVI SKYLER – EVERGREEN (official music video) 

https://www.facebook.com/joviskylermusic/

https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Y1D9UVorlSvpN0fMROBkV

https://joviskyler.bandcamp.com

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NTH RD

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based? 

Billy: We are currently based in Melbourne, Victoria!  

How did you first start playing music? 

Billy: Lucas and I first started playing together in 2015 after meeting in high school.  We quickly got talking about metal and rock bands that we liked and spent the next  year or so writing songs together. In late 2016, we met John – I’d only met him briefly  before, but heard he was a crazy good drummer that loved bands like Metallica and  Slipknot. We all clicked instantly and began jamming along to Metallica songs. We  started performing around late 2017, when we were all still underage, so we didn’t  tell the venue how old we were so we could actually play shows! 

Jordan joined on vocals in 2018 after we played at a friend’s party together, and just  had instant chemistry as a group. I feel like that’s when the band as it is now really  begun.  

What’s been happening recently? 

John: We’ve been super busy, just having come off a run of shows to promote our  debut EP, Panic, which dropped in late July. That was a blast, and we got to play with  a bunch of really cool bands. We also just dropped our favourite song yet and have  been super busy behind the scenes recording our new project, which has been sick  as!  

Your latest single ‘I Watched You Fade Away’ is out now, what influenced the  sound and song writing? 

Jordan: I think we were all really falling in love with Deftones at the time, while that  influence probably didn’t come out a lot in the final song, it definitely informed a lot  of our stylistic choices. I really tried to be as candid as possible with the lyrics,  drawing from personal experiences I was going through at the time regarding the  symbolic loss of somebody close to me. I really used this track as catharsis for those  feelings. 

How did you go about writing ‘I Watched You Fade Away’? 

Lucas: While ‘I Watched You Fade Away’ was recorded at the same time as ‘Panic’, it  tells a different story, and in many ways, was the song that solidified our creative  vision, and the direction we wanted to take musically. This was the first song we 

wrote together after having spent years apart from each other due to COVID-19  lockdowns. Having already written the bulk of ‘Panic’ before COVID, we weren’t sure  how we would go writing together after so long. 

When we went in to record it with Chris Vernon, it occurred to us that this song that  didn’t quite fit the theme and story we were hoping to tell with our debut EP. So, we  decided to rewrite the song with Chris, and give it an independent release, to allow  ourselves to explore a different narrative, delve into a more straight-forward  approach to song writing, and narrow in on certain elements of our sound that we  wanted to emphasise: 

When and where did you record and who did you work with? 

Jordan: We recorded the song at the same time as the rest of the EP. As it was  written after the bulk of the EP, we wanted to release it separately, to present it as  somewhat of an epilogue or a companion piece to the EP. Chris Vernon really helped  us shape it towards the sounds we were experimenting with at the time, like a next  progression to our sound and narrative. 

How did you approach the recording process? 

John: This song was the first one we wrote all together after the lockdowns here in  Victoria. By that point, most of the EP had already been written, and it was the first  song we’d written together in so long. When we were in the studio, we rewrote the  

song with Chris Vernon, keeping the original chorus and bridge and adjusting a  couple of sections to make it the best song it could be.  

You’re playing at Stay Gold in Melbourne on the 18th of November, what can we  expect? 

Lucas: We’ll be giving ‘I Watched You Fade Away’ it’s official live debut, so if you’ve  been loving the song so far, this will be a must. The show is celebrating the release of  Suspyria’s new album; we’re super excited to play with those guys, we’ve been good  mates with them for a while and they always put on a great show. We’ll also be  playing alongside Ransom Revue and Harroway, which will be our first time playing  with both those bands!  

How do you prepare for shows? 

Billy: We have a routine of catching up, planning, discussing our upcoming week, and  playing together at least twice a week. That way, we feel confident and eager to get  back on the stage each time. 

Who are you listening to at the moment? 

Jordan: Personally, I’ve been listening to a lot of Kacey Musgraves, Uyama Hiroto and  Between Friends. On the metal/rock side of things, I’ve been listening to Movements  pretty religiously. All of us have been loving Bad Omens, Holding Absence and the  new Dayseeker album. 

What do you like to do away from music? 

Jordan: I try and go to the gym as much as possible, I love making beats and working  on other music projects. My whole life really has something to do with music in some  regard, so when I’m not doing music as a career I’m doing it as a hobby. 

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023? 

Lucas: We’ll be continuing to promote the new single, and playing a few yet-to-be announced shows! We’ve got plenty up our sleeve for next year, with even more  new music on the horizon, so definitely stay tuned! 

Favourite food and place to hangout? 

John: Guzman Gomez slaps so hard. If I could eat one thing for the rest of my life it  would probably be that.

https://www.facebook.com/Nthrdband

https://www.instagram.com/nth_rd/

 

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Behani

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

 Based in Melbourne Australia.

How did you first start playing music?

I started to create music from my small home studio when I was 15. I grew a curiosity in composing beats and how it would make me feel a variety of emotions. Music connected me to my emotional side when I was a teenager

What’s been happening recently?

 I have been extremely busy working on a number of swim lanes. Im currently working with different producers on my collection of music across a range of genres, including RnB, afrobeats, reggeaton & pop. Managing my music company and all the moving components. My upcoming shows where I will be performing both singles Let Me Know and Real Man. My first show is in Nigeria, Lagos for flytime festival on the 20th- 24th December with headline acts including Burnaboy, Wizkid, Craig David, Niki Minaj & Davido. My second show is in my home country Australia for Juicy festival with an old school RnB line up including Ludacris, Bow-Wow, Mya and Ne-Yo who I will be performing with across Brisbane, Sydney and finally my hometown Melbourne.

Your debut single ‘Let Me Know’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I’ve always been inspired by the King of music Michael Jackson and his ability to make people want to move through powerful metaphors. The instrumentation arrangement of ‘Let Me Know’ really focused on the heavy side of drum set, drum machine, strings and voice. I love writing songs about love. I think love is underrated, and such a complicated and powerful topic to connect with humanity.

Where and when did you record/produce then record and who did you work with?

I recorded Let Me Know in the infamous Circle House Studio  in Miami. I worked directly with Scott Storch in the creation of the beat whilst I wrote the lyrics and melody.

You worked with powerhouse producer Scott Storch in Miami, how was this experience?

 Incredible. Since I was a teenager I always looked up to Scott! For the first time I was able to create a track from scratch with him and it was an amazing experience as an artist. I watched his range of techniques- how he lays foundations, the plugins he uses when picking the sounds, how he defines the songs structures and chooses the right tempo and so much more!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

 I love the producer Sarz and Wizkid from Nigeria, Lagos.  The tracks Essence and Monalisa both have a strong soulful element in their technique.

Please tell us about any upcoming music releases.

 I have just released my single Let Me Know which will be followed up with my single with Ne-Yo called Real Man, we have just launched the track in the U.S. and will be releasing it in Australia shortly. It’s a RnB song with a powerful message of empowerment for both men and women.

We hear your next single is a collaboration with Ne-Yo, how did this come about and what was it like working together?

 I was scheduled to create a beat with Scott Stortch and co-write with Neyo on that beat.  Ne-Yo was not meant to be singing on my track but the concept both lyrically and melodically along with the beat was so strong that he asked how I would feel about him singing a verse on Real Man and see how it sounds which I accepted with excitement and joy! It was incredible working with two legends at their game! They hadn’t worked together since their hit single Let Me Love You by Mario so it was nostalgic coming together and creating magic from scratch!

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023? Tell us about your upcoming performance in Lagos.

I have  my first show on December 20th-24th in Nigeria Lagos for Flytime Festival. There are 60 artists performing with headlining acts including Wizkid, Davido, BurnaBoy, Craig David & Niki Minaj. I’m also going to be creating my first Afrobeats EP on this trip so stay tuned for it release in 2023.

I then have my first tour in January for Juicy Festtival where I will perform Real Man with Ne-Yo. We will be touring together across Brisbane on the 13th, Sydney on the 14th and Melbourne on the 15th.

I’m currently in strict rehearsals with the Ministry of Dance Australia and working with a Afrobeats choreographer for my show in Nigeria. I’m very excited

Favourite food and place to hang out in Melbourne?

 I’m a real foodie. I love cooking Italian, Greek, Persian food but when we go out some of my favourite restaurants are Mario’s in Fitzroy, Cosi, Afghan gallery and the list is endless!

Socials: @behani.official

Website: www.iambehani.com

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Premiere: Purj – A Civil Conversation

by the partae
written by the partae

PLAY/LISTEN

Where are you currently based?

It’s pretty crazy to say this, but Beverly Hills baby, that covid deal came in clutch.

What’s the LA music scene like at the moment?
Honestly, I think it’s overwhelmingly basic, but there are some sweet little pockets that promote the more esoteric side of EDM that I’m super inspired by. Unfortunately, you really have to search for them.

You’re originally from Melbourne / Australia, what’s the difference between being in LA to Australia?
Safety, holy shit, Los Angeles is a hellscape. I was a night rat growing up, only chased by eshays a few times, y’know, normal stuff. Los Angeles is not a place you want to be walking around at night. I love this city for so many reasons, but listen to my track Exposure Therapy and you’ll understand why I’m slightly pessimistic about this city. My first week here changed my life.

How did you first start playing music?
Woah, this is a question I’ve never even thought about. I was a classically trained violinist for 7 years and realized I hated it. I started making mashups on virtualdj and wanted to learn more about the actual craft of “djing”, I went to some DJ “school” in the city and was the only kid they enrolled as an exception because it was an adult course but I learned how to scratch records, count tempo, idk just some really practical stuff, shout out DJ Bonez for that one class you did. I started Djing events because I was a loser and wanted to get invited to parties. It worked, I won, kids paid me to have fun and I learned to produce my own tracks to play out.

Inspired by the bloghaus era, I tried making electro trash and electro house, but complextro was the thing that forced me into really diving into sound design. Flash forward, I moved to New York and learned everything I could about sampling and surrounded myself with hip hop, big ups my old crew SLUMP. I eventually ended up in LA, was kidnapped and thrown in a gutter, and basically decided I wanted to try put on silly voices in my music “sing”, I was such a quiet and insecure sod prior to that, you really have no idea. AHHHH

What’s been happening recently?
Honestly, I’ve been trying to get out of my comfort zone and show more of my personality to the world as I feel like it puts so much context behind my lyrics. I’ve been filming so much content and trying to set up photoshoots and writing sessions, it’s actually been pretty non-stop but it seems to be working, like aye I’m talking to you.

You’re releasing your follow-up single on November 11th titled ‘A Civil Conversation’ off your Exposure Therapy EP which will be released in December.  What or who influenced the sound and song writing for A Civil Conversation?
To keep a long story short, the backbone of this track is a horrifying 8-hour-long date I went on. It began with her sending me the wrong address, her still arriving an hour late, and inviting all of her friends. It culminated in us sitting on a park bench with her swiping through tinder showing me the other dates she had lined up. Now imagine the other 6.5 hours all equally as bad. I then sprinkled in some other bad date references, some attitude, and a little bit of sugar. All of this materialized as my attempt at making an early P!ATD track.

What does this single mean to you?
Dating in your 20s sucks.

Please tell us a bit about what we can expect from your upcoming EP and the influences behind it:
Honestly, this EP was my first foray into understanding myself not only as a vocalist but also a songwriter. I really evaluated what inspired my younger self and tried to emulate as much of that as I could. It’s music for lil purj, angsty yet hopeful, juvenile yet mature in personal depth.

Think P!ATD x MCR x FOB x Mindless Self Indulgence x The Used x Slipknot x Marilyn Manson x Bring Me The Horizon x Bloc Party x Every artist on OWSLA (RIP) x PORTER ROBINSON x The 1975 – MATTY HEALY [plz be my friend] x Aphex Twin x Burial x Limewire x Tumblr… Really anything on the internet between 2005 – 2014.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

Honestly, 90% of the EP is just me in a dark corner at the back of my room humoring the souls of the damned. However, the other 10% are some beautiful guitar features by @synovamusic and support from a really talented group of friends who give amazing feedback or help when needed.

How do you approach songwriting?
Bad things keep happening… let’s talk about it…

Who are you listening to at the moment?
YVES TUMOR I can’t even put into words how profound this artist is to me.

What do you like to do away from music?
I work as a Graphic Designer at a kickass company called Production Club. Do a little digging and you’ll know pretty quickly why this is a dream job for me. I am also training for a kickboxing tournament next year, ahhhh please send me all the good luck beans!

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?
I finally get to go home! I haven’t been home in 4 years because of covid and visa complications and it’s really taken its toll on my mental health. I’m going to crumble in my mum’s arms. Oh and of course, finish the Exposure Therapy EP roll out 😉 maybe a few videos, we will just have to wait and see.

Favorite food and place to hang out?

In Los Angeles. Dialog Cafés Smash Burger. I’d never eaten pickles and the owner who’s mates with my mate saw me taking out the pickles and called me out on it. He proceeded to express how much love and care go into his pickles. Out of shame, I started to put the pickles back in my burger… let’s just say I kinda fw pickles now. Thanks Tod <3

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Sherie

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

I am currently based in Los Angeles California. I moved here in 2019 from Atlanta, Ga with the intention of pursuing my dream to be an artist and write and play violin in all the ways I possibly could.

How did you first start playing music?

I first started singing the day my mom had me join her in the church choir at 5 years old. She was a soprano singer so that automatically made me one as well. While growing in my craft of singing, I picked up the violin at 9 years old and never looked back. Private lessons, orchestras, jazz bands, and even became first chair in high school. I took it seriously and as I got older wanted to put my singing and playing together to create a form of art that was tailored to me. I then became a singing violinist playing and singing at weddings, concerts, and venues which turned into me wanting to create my own music with both of my crafts in it. I then started to create music of my own and the rest was history.

What’s been happening recently?

I recently have been performing, I had a show last month that had an incredible turn out and since then have been creating content and getting ready for the release. Even before that, I opened up for Alicia Keys during her world tour which was an amazing and growing experience for me because she has always been an artist that I look up to.

Ale’ is the first single off your upcoming EP, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

“Ale” is a Haitian call to love. In Haitian Creole it directly translates to “Let’s Go”, thus pushing us all deeper into a journey through love in all it’s facets. “Ale” is the story of a woman (me) who has taken all of her experiences that gave her fear to love and decided to let it drive her into love taking the action to just go for it and not let anything stop her.

How did Ale’ come about?

I started working on “Ale” with a producer named Reggie he is really dope he sent me the beat and I immediately thought, this is a love bop and I started free styling words of “here we go” and naming a bunch of places that would be fun to go on dates and then started to narrow it down to talk about the reality of not being afraid to love anymore and just going for it. Then I thought to incorporate my culture into it and say “Ann Ale” meaning let’s go and wanted to make it a whole event Around expressing how I felt in the song with adding some creole to the mix.

Where and when did you record/produce/master and who did you work with?

I recorded “Ale” at my amazing engineer Max’s studio in North Hollywood. I wrote it with my friend Naika who is an amazing artist and husband D Smoke who is also an amazing artist. The dope producer of the track Reggie killed it with the amazing 808’s, the kicks, and the chords, and my amazing bassist friend Josh Howard added some groovy bass lines to it.

Please tell us about your upcoming EP:

As an artist I believe the best art comes from an open place. I started this project without a set intention other than making honest music  driving from experiences, past failures , and successes in love. In doing so, I had a chance to push some creative boundaries musically and lyrically that make it an exciting listen.  And I am definitely playing violin all throughout the project as well.

How has your Haitian culture translated into your music?

I’ve never physically set foot in Haiti but every time I’m with my family, I’m in Haiti. We are a big bunch and everyone in the generation above me speaks creole and have taught me and my brothers. We use to listen to Haitian music (Kompa) together and ask our grandparents what the songs meant. I have always wanted to put some Creole in my music so I thought, why not put some of it in there and say some of what I would say in a love song and mix it up.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Right now I am listening to “the human condition” album by Jon Bellion. I love all of his music but this album is my favorite one from him. I first listened to it and was so mind blown of how much his lyrics reflected my life and times of self reflection. It was like he was singing right from my diary. Along with his amazing Melodies and production, Jon Bellion will always be the goat in my book.

What do you like to do away from music?

Outside of music I love to learn about new things. I am currently reading a book called “Start With Why” by Simon Sinek  and it’s about the reason why certain leaders are able to inspire a mass amount of people because they focus on, not the what and the How of their business but why they want to do what they do in the first place.

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?

I have some performance dates coming up that I am excited about. After dropping this single, I’ll follow it up with some more singles and an EP at the top of the year. But in the meantime, I look forward to performing and creating content that keeps telling my story.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Crab legs are my favorite food. I am a master at cracking them right down the middle and can eat them all day! The best hangs for me is being at the beach with friends or family vibing out to music.

Socials

Instagram | Facebook | Spotify

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Histamine – Ahead of Kraken Rum underground music event: Subterranean Summer

by the partae
written by the partae

Where are you currently based?

We’re based in Sydney’s Inner West, although our vocalist AJ relocated to Newcastle last year, and now travels down for shows etc

How did Histamine form?

Myself (Tully) and AJ had just had our previous band call it a day, and we immediately started talking about what we wanted to do next. We roped in our mate Jack to play drums, and he then got Alex on board to play bass.

What’s been happening recently?

We’ve been playing heaps of shows, which has been great after the stop-start nature of the past couple of years, and we’re working on new songs for a release in 2023.

Please tell us about any new music in the works or on the way:

We’re working towards an album coming out late next year

How would you describe your sound?

Fast, abrasive and relentless

What or who influences your sound and songwriting? 

We pull from a pretty wide range of influences across the hardcore and punk, but we definitely lean towards the faster, rawer sounds that are at the roots of the genre.

You’re playing at Subterranean Summer; an underground music event in Sydney on the 1st of December with SPEED and Posseshot to name a few of the epic bands playing, who are you looking forward to seeing play?

Always stoked to see and play with our homies in Speed, but I’m personally really looking forward to catching Posseshot, and just being part of such a diverse lineup.

How do you prepare for live shows?

We tend to just have a couple of beers at the venue and try to take it easy.

What can we expect from your live show at Subterranean Summer?

An unapologetically relentless 20 minutes of riffs and noise

Who are you listening to at the moment?

MSPAINT and Dazy are both in high rotation at the moment

What’s planned for the remainder of 2022 going into 2023?

We’ve got one more show on the cards for 2022 after Subterranean Summer. In the new year we’re going to pull back a bit on local shows to focus on writing, but we want to get to Melbourne, Brisbane and hopefully Perth for some shows in the first few months of the year.

https://www.instagram.com/histamine2000/

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