Category:

Music Interviews

You've had a gnarly 12 months, what's happened and what's been happening? Its been crazy! 2019 was hectic - I think I played about 200 shows :o I released an EP and a single with Zoe Badwi, and I did a tour around Bali, Fiji and Oz the last two months of 2019! It was hectic. Where are you at the moment? Currently I’m in Tasmania! Playing a show in Burnie Oz Day Eve! My new single just got released! YEEHAW! We're frothin on your new single 'Take It In' what influenced the sound and songwriting? Thanks man! Im super proud of it! About a year ago I stumbled across this dude Max Glyde. Absolute freak. The moment I heard is shit I wanted to make something with him. 12 months later we have a single and about 7 beats stacked up! I think his classy feel and my funk work super well together! Where and how did you go about writing/producing Take It In? We made the beat in a studio at his uni in Box Hill, and to be honest the crux of it came together in about an hour. Was pre crazy. We both work with Velvet Bloom so we got her in a week later and she smashed the top line. From there, we finessed it for 4-5 months after that. What programs/instruments did you use to record/produce? Me and Max both use Ableton. And me and max both heavily use Massive and Sylenth for sounds! As well as Max on live guitar! How did you approach the recording/production process? Unless a vocal is sent to me, I pretty much always start with making a beat which is what Max and I did, then you approach a vocalist and re structure and do stuff from there! Who did you work with if anybody? Max Glyde (collab), Velvet Bloom (vocals), Lachie Milne (Mixing), Panorama Mastering (Mastering). What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of Take It In? Rewarding for me was the dynamic me and max have in the studio. We just click and its so good. It was challenging finishing the last 10% of it. Really challenging. Most of it was there but we took several sessions to be completely happy with it! How has your live show progressed over the last few years? My DJ set I feel has just become more versatile and I think as a performer I’ve become more confident in what I’m doing. Im also playing more and more originals which is great. I am definitely working towards my live show though with a full band. Watch this space :P What have the fans been like live? They love it - and its great cause they vary so much depending on where you play. Blessed to be here. Who are you listening to at the moment? Max Glyde, Tentendo, Dombresky, Blush’ko, heaps of slower stuff and Yoga music when I’m trying to sleep haha. What's planned for the next few months and 2020 as a whole? Definitely playing shows, but more importantly releasing music and making heaps of it. I have about 4 singles ready and raring and I want them all out this year ideally. 2020 for me is really honing in on the production side of things. I hear that you've got a fun lil show coming up with The Partae, what can we expect? You must’ve heard correctly ;) Intimacy, funk, fun and a heap of taking it in ;) FB - http://bit.ly/2zIHvtn Insta - http://bit.ly/2iXnYeZ

Morning Maxwell Interview

by the partae January 23, 2020

written by the partae

You’ve had a gnarly 12 months, what’s happened and what’s been happening?

Its been crazy! 2019 was hectic – I think I played about 200 shows 😮

I released an EP and a single with Zoe Badwi, and I did a tour around Bali, Fiji and Oz the last two months of 2019! It was hectic.

Where are you at the moment?

Currently I’m in Tasmania! Playing a show in Burnie Oz Day Eve! My new single just got released! YEEHAW!

We’re frothin on your new single ‘Take It In’ what influenced the sound and songwriting?

Thanks man! Im super proud of it! About a year ago I stumbled across this dude Max Glyde. Absolute freak. The moment I heard is shit I wanted to make something with him. 12 months later we have a single and about 7 beats stacked up! I think his classy feel and my funk work super well together!

Where and how did you go about writing/producing Take It In?

We made the beat in a studio at his uni in Box Hill, and to be honest the crux of it came together in about an hour. Was pre crazy. We both work with Velvet Bloom so we got her in a week later and she smashed the top line. From there, we finessed it for 4-5 months after that.

What programs/instruments did you use to record/produce?

Me and Max both use Ableton. And me and max both heavily use Massive and Sylenth for sounds! As well as Max on live guitar!

How did you approach the recording/production process?

Unless a vocal is sent to me, I pretty much always start with making a beat which is what Max and I did, then you approach a vocalist and re structure and do stuff from there!

Who did you work with if anybody?

Max Glyde (collab), Velvet Bloom (vocals), Lachie Milne (Mixing), Panorama Mastering (Mastering).

What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the creation of Take It In?

Rewarding for me was the dynamic me and max have in the studio. We just click and its so good. It was challenging finishing the last 10% of it. Really challenging. Most of it was there but we took several sessions to be completely happy with it!

How has your live show progressed over the last few years?

My DJ set I feel has just become more versatile and I think as a performer I’ve become more confident in what I’m doing. Im also playing more and more originals which is great. I am definitely working towards my live show though with a full band. Watch this space 😛

What have the fans been like live?

They love it – and its great cause they vary so much depending on where you play. Blessed to be here.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Max Glyde, Tentendo, Dombresky, Blush’ko, heaps of slower stuff and Yoga music when I’m trying to sleep haha.

What’s planned for the next few months and 2020 as a whole?

Definitely playing shows, but more importantly releasing music and making heaps of it. I have about 4 singles ready and raring and I want them all out this year ideally. 2020 for me is really honing in on the production side of things.

I hear that you’ve got a fun lil show coming up with The Partae, what can we expect?

You must’ve heard correctly 😉 Intimacy, funk, fun and a heap of taking it in 😉

FB – http://bit.ly/2zIHvtn

Insta – http://bit.ly/2iXnYeZ

January 23, 2020 0 comments

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there? I was born and raised in London and am currently still based here. Its a city that has given birth to so many cultural movements as well as adopting many others and making it our own. The jazz scene in the UK has exploded in the last few years, often crossing into hip hop, grime and rock and I feel that has definitely influenced my sound. How did you first start playing music,producing rapping? I started playing piano when I was at primary school but I would say I got really into it when I was in my teens after hearing the likes of Bill Evans and Chick Corea and that seemed to spark something. I'd dabbled in a bit of production but it wasn't until I was chilling with lots of producers when I went to study music in Leeds that I got more and more into it. I'd also been writing bars from around 15 or 16 but never really took it seriously until me and Lausse were freestyling at a house party and he insisted that I come over to his home studio and record a tune and thats kind of where it all began.. You've just released - self produced 'Life's A Bitch, I Just Need An Early Night' through College Music Records and it has been gaining some traction, receiving just under half a million streams on Spotify alone since the release, what influenced the sound and songwriting? I'd gone through a lot of self-discovery and personal change over the few years leading up to that project so I think conceptually a lot of it focuses on self-development and growth. I didn't really have a pre-planned or set way I wanted the project to play out, but the themes and ideas seemed to just develop as I found threads through the stuff I was writing. I think in terms of the actual sound I'll always be deep routed in jazz especially the more emotive styles of Bill Evans or Dexter Gordon etc.. and I've always been into all the hip hop greats as well I think if you want to be doing this thing you have to know your history and study the greats/people that came before you. The same goes for when you're learning the tradition of jazz i guess! I was always hugely into the UK hip hop scene as a young teenager like Klashnekoff, Jehst and Taskforce and I think elements of that sound finds its way into the music often. But I'm trying to aim for music that has depth of narrative and musical complexity, whilst still fully saying true to who I am and where I come from. How did you go about writing the music? The writing process is kinda different for each song - some I had a really clear idea of how I wanted the whole thing to sound from the get go and some I had the beat and then just saw what came out lyrically, often chopping and changing stuff all the time. How did you approach the production/recording? I recorded the entire project between about 3 or 4 different bedrooms across the UK..haha! Some of it I recorded it at my mums house in London, some of it was recorded in my old house in Leeds, some of it at friends houses in Leeds. Had all kinds of makeshift stuff going on including taping a duvet around some opened cupboard doors to get rid of some the room sound when recording vocals..I feel like theres something quite charming about the DIY thing and I'm probably going to record the next project in a similar way. I also find working in my own comfortable space is a bit more creatively freeing than in a more clinical studio. What programs/instruments did you use? The recording process was really fun - I recorded most of it in Leeds with people I went to music college with so was a very collaborative project on the musical front. I wanted to do more than just having samples and the same drum loop the whole way through. In terms of live instruments on the project I recorded keys + piano, drums, guitar, bass, trumpet, tenor and alto sax and violin and I try and include as much of that in the live show as I can. I wanted to cross over more traditional programmed drums layered with real drums as well as having some of the other live instruments layered with more electronic synths etc. How did you come to release with College Music Records and how has the experience been working with College Music Records? I met Jonny from College Music at a gig when I was supporting Joe Armon-Jones in Leeds once, but we only had a brief chat. After that I heard about what he had been up to with CM and I was keen to get involved in some way. I had the project nearly finished and wanted to approach him to ask if he'd want to put any of the tracks on the CM spotify playlists. We went for a pint and he was keen to put the project out under their label which they were beginning to expand. Its been cool cos it feels like we're both at an early stage of what we're trying to do so even though they're a label, it feels grassroots and DIY. Please tell us about the video that you have accompanying 'Life's A Bitch, I Just Need An Early Night' where did you film? Who with? How the concept came about? The video that I am releasing is for 'See U In The Morning' which is the lead single off Life's A Bitch. It's quite an introspective song - like a lot of the album - and I definitely wanted to convey that through the video. I wanted to portray a scene where you've been partying all night to run away from the darkest recesses of your mind but once it gets to about 5/6am you can't run anymore and it all hits you at once. I teamed up with an old friend of mine Simon Aukes Stolland who recently D.O.P'd 'Blue Story' which released in late 2019, and was one of the highest grossing films in its genre. Aside from his work being top quality he's a really solid guy to work with, very on the ball and open to trying things out and generally really helpful and sound. I also had Alex aka Verbz The Gaffer who did an amazing job in bringing the vision to life. Big ups to PK who's always there helping with the ideas and general vibes for these things too. The headline release show for 'Life's A Bitch, I Just Need An Early Night' at Notting Hill Arts club was a sell-out show in which you were accompanied by a full 9-piece band and included support from Enny, Eerf Evil and Joe beard. How did the band come together and how was this experience? The release show was a huge success and managed to sell out completely, which was a bit of a surprise for me. The album had only been out for about 3 weeks and I've never put an event on in my life so was a bit nervous about numbers etc. But with a small team we managed to spread the word and it got far and wide so big love to everyone who was involved with that. The live band are a mixture of musicians I've been playing with for the last 3 or 4 years or so who are all currently based in Leeds. I wanted to stay true to the sound of the record whilst also bringing a completely new dimension to the live show to make it engaging in its own way and I think we just about managed to do that! The live setup consists of only live instruments including drums, bass, guitar, 2 keyboards (sometimes I rap + play keys at the same time, others just rap, others just play keys), trumpet, violin and BVs. Joe Beard, Enny and Eerf Evil absolutely killed it and helped warm up the crowd and I'm truly grateful to know and be working with them. I hear your main collaborator is fellow rapper and producer Lausse The Cat and we that you often collaborate with B-ahwe who is a singer/songwriter. You work under a collective name of Velvet Blues, how did this all come about? We all met in Leeds while studying music and spent a lot of time working together on Lausse's first project entitled 'The Girl, The Cat and The Tree'. Around that time me and B-ahwe started writing our own music and it kind of grew from there. Velvet Blues is still quite a young concept but I guess its a collective-type thing and we'll see where it goes! I believe you're much stronger as a unit of individuals all backing each other in this game. You're heavily involved with Root 73 which is a community grass roots studio space in Hackney in London. I hear that you're are in the final stages of finishing off a collaborative album with about 30 artists and producers, how has the recording process taken place and what have you found most rewarding and challenging through out the process? Yeah man the guys at Root are all amazing people. I met them when I moved back to London from Leeds and because I hadn't been back for a few years I wasn't really sure where to find a group of people doing similar things to what I was doing. But they were really welcoming and encouraging and I'm humbled to be a part of whats going on there. We have a collaborative album coming out this year called the silhouettes project - the idea was to pair different producers and artists, most of which had never worked together before and to see what they came up with. The result is a community focused, ultra diverse album showcasing individual artists and producers within the Root 73 community. I've really enjoyed being inspired by what the people around me have been making and all the different characters I've met throughout the process and there will be much more to come in the future. Do you have any singles coming out soon? I'm currently working on my next project, as well as some standalone singles to follow up Life's A Bitch but ill be able to give a bit more info on that as time goes on. Who are you listening to at the moment? Listening wise I've found myself returning to the same things, especially Good Kid, M.a.a.d City and To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar - I always find there is always something new I discover every listen both lyrically and musically. I've also been listening to a lot of Steve Lacy and some King Krule as well as some 60s/70s Brazilian music like João Donato and João Gilberto which I think will find its way into my next project. Favourite food and place to hangout? All I need is a good full english brekky any time of day and a cheap pint in Spoons.

Nix Northwest

by the partae January 23, 2020

written by the partae

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

I was born and raised in London and am currently still based here. Its a city that has given birth to so many cultural movements as well as adopting many others and making it our own. The jazz scene in the UK has exploded in the last few years, often crossing into hip hop, grime and rock and I feel that has definitely influenced my sound.

How did you first start playing music,producing rapping?

I started playing piano when I was at primary school but I would say I got really into it when I was in my teens after hearing the likes of Bill Evans and Chick Corea and that seemed to spark something. I’d dabbled in a bit of production but it wasn’t until I was chilling with lots of producers when I went to study music in Leeds that I got more and more into it. I’d also been writing bars from around 15 or 16 but never really took it seriously until me and Lausse were freestyling at a house party and he insisted that I come over to his home studio and record a tune and thats kind of where it all began..

You’ve just released – self produced ‘Life’s A Bitch, I Just Need An Early Night’ through College Music Records and it has been gaining some traction, receiving just under half a million streams on Spotify alone since the release, what influenced the sound and songwriting?

I’d gone through a lot of self-discovery and personal change over the few years leading up to that project so I think conceptually a lot of it focuses on self-development and growth. I didn’t really have a pre-planned or set way I wanted the project to play out, but the themes and ideas seemed to just develop as I found threads through the stuff I was writing. I think in terms of the actual sound I’ll always be deep routed in jazz especially the more emotive styles of Bill Evans or Dexter Gordon etc.. and I’ve always been into all the hip hop greats as well I think if you want to be doing this thing you have to know your history and study the greats/people that came before you. The same goes for when you’re learning the tradition of jazz i guess! I was always hugely into the UK hip hop scene as a young teenager like Klashnekoff, Jehst and Taskforce and I think elements of that sound finds its way into the music often. But I’m trying to aim for music that has depth of narrative and musical complexity, whilst still fully saying true to who I am and where I come from.

How did you go about writing the music?

The writing process is kinda different for each song – some I had a really clear idea of how I wanted the whole thing to sound from the get go and some I had the beat and then just saw what came out lyrically, often chopping and changing stuff all the time.

How did you approach the production/recording?

I recorded the entire project between about 3 or 4 different bedrooms across the UK..haha! Some of it I recorded it at my mums house in London, some of it was recorded in my old house in Leeds, some of it at friends houses in Leeds. Had all kinds of makeshift stuff going on including taping a duvet around some opened cupboard doors to get rid of some the room sound when recording vocals..I feel like theres something quite charming about the DIY thing and I’m probably going to record the next project in a similar way. I also find working in my own comfortable space is a bit more creatively freeing than in a more clinical studio.

What programs/instruments did you use?

The recording process was really fun – I recorded most of it in Leeds with people I went to music college with so was a very collaborative project on the musical front. I wanted to do more than just having samples and the same drum loop the whole way through. In terms of live instruments on the project I recorded keys + piano, drums, guitar, bass, trumpet, tenor and alto sax and violin and I try and include as much of that in the live show as I can. I wanted to cross over more traditional programmed drums layered with real drums as well as having some of the other live instruments layered with more electronic synths etc.

How did you come to release with College Music Records and how has the experience been working with College Music Records?

I met Jonny from College Music at a gig when I was supporting Joe Armon-Jones in Leeds once, but we only had a brief chat. After that I heard about what he had been up to with CM and I was keen to get involved in some way. I had the project nearly finished and wanted to approach him to ask if he’d want to put any of the tracks on the CM spotify playlists. We went for a pint and he was keen to put the project out under their label which they were beginning to expand. Its been cool cos it feels like we’re both at an early stage of what we’re trying to do so even though they’re a label, it feels grassroots and DIY.

Please tell us about the video that you have accompanying ‘Life’s A Bitch, I Just Need An Early Night’ where did you film? Who with? How the concept came about?

The video that I am releasing is for ‘See U In The Morning’ which is the lead single off Life’s A Bitch. It’s quite an introspective song – like a lot of the album – and I definitely wanted to convey that through the video. I wanted to portray a scene where you’ve been partying all night to run away from the darkest recesses of your mind but once it gets to about 5/6am you can’t run anymore and it all hits you at once. I teamed up with an old friend of mine Simon Aukes Stolland who recently D.O.P’d ‘Blue Story’ which released in late 2019, and was one of the highest grossing films in its genre. Aside from his work being top quality he’s a really solid guy to work with, very on the ball and open to trying things out and generally really helpful and sound. I also had Alex aka Verbz The Gaffer who did an amazing job in bringing the vision to life. Big ups to PK who’s always there helping with the ideas and general vibes for these things too.

The headline release show for ‘Life’s A Bitch, I Just Need An Early Night’ at Notting Hill Arts club was a sell-out show in which you were accompanied by a full 9-piece band and included support from Enny, Eerf Evil and Joe beard. How did the band come together and how was this experience?

The release show was a huge success and managed to sell out completely, which was a bit of a surprise for me. The album had only been out for about 3 weeks and I’ve never put an event on in my life so was a bit nervous about numbers etc. But with a small team we managed to spread the word and it got far and wide so big love to everyone who was involved with that. The live band are a mixture of musicians I’ve been playing with for the last 3 or 4 years or so who are all currently based in Leeds. I wanted to stay true to the sound of the record whilst also bringing a completely new dimension to the live show to make it engaging in its own way and I think we just about managed to do that! The live setup consists of only live instruments including drums, bass, guitar, 2 keyboards (sometimes I rap + play keys at the same time, others just rap, others just play keys), trumpet, violin and BVs. Joe Beard, Enny and Eerf Evil absolutely killed it and helped warm up the crowd and I’m truly grateful to know and be working with them.

I hear your main collaborator is fellow rapper and producer Lausse The Cat and we that you often collaborate with B-ahwe who is a singer/songwriter. You work under a collective name of Velvet Blues, how did this all come about?

We all met in Leeds while studying music and spent a lot of time working together on Lausse’s first project entitled ‘The Girl, The Cat and The Tree’. Around that time me and B-ahwe started writing our own music and it kind of grew from there. Velvet Blues is still quite a young concept but I guess its a collective-type thing and we’ll see where it goes! I believe you’re much stronger as a unit of individuals all backing each other in this game.

You’re heavily involved with Root 73 which is a community grass roots studio space in Hackney in London. I hear that you’re are in the final stages of finishing off a collaborative album with about 30 artists and producers, how has the recording process taken place and what have you found most rewarding and challenging through out the process?

Yeah man the guys at Root are all amazing people. I met them when I moved back to London from Leeds and because I hadn’t been back for a few years I wasn’t really sure where to find a group of people doing similar things to what I was doing. But they were really welcoming and encouraging and I’m humbled to be a part of whats going on there. We have a collaborative album coming out this year called the silhouettes project – the idea was to pair different producers and artists, most of which had never worked together before and to see what they came up with. The result is a community focused, ultra diverse album showcasing individual artists and producers within the Root 73 community. I’ve really enjoyed being inspired by what the people around me have been making and all the different characters I’ve met throughout the process and there will be much more to come in the future.

Do you have any singles coming out soon?

I’m currently working on my next project, as well as some standalone singles to follow up Life’s A Bitch but ill be able to give a bit more info on that as time goes on.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Listening wise I’ve found myself returning to the same things, especially Good Kid, M.a.a.d City and To Pimp A Butterfly by Kendrick Lamar – I always find there is always something new I discover every listen both lyrically and musically. I’ve also been listening to a lot of Steve Lacy and some King Krule as well as some 60s/70s Brazilian music like João Donato and João Gilberto which I think will find its way into my next project.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

All I need is a good full english brekky any time of day and a cheap pint in Spoons.

https://www.instagram.com/youthful.wizardry

January 23, 2020 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

King of Foxes

by the partae January 22, 2020

written by the partae

What is your name and role within King of Foxes?

Hi, I’m Olivia Street, and I’m the songwriter, singer, and guitarist in King of Foxes.

Where are you currently based?

We’re in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

How did King of Foxes form?

King of Foxes is my solo project, but I’m lucky enough to work with some great musicians who contribute so much. I have some players based in Toronto and some in Edmonton, so the band is a little bit different depending on where you see us play! The first King of Foxes album came out in 2016, and we just re-released our second album, Salt & Honey, on vinyl this year.

Your new single ‘No Wrong’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?

This was such a fun track to record, because it’s definitely a departure from our usual sound. I had the opportunity to work with a producer named Beatchild when I was doing a residency at the National Music Centre in Calgary last year. We collaborated on “No Wrong,” and I love the direction it went in – it’s definitely electro-pop, but it has a vintage quality to the sounds in it. I love that this song became what it needed to be organically, but that the original essence and intention are so present in it.

Please talk us through the creative and collaborative process:

During that residency in Calgary, I did a lot of writing by myself in my hotel room in the evenings. No distractions: a Jazzmaster, a notebook, and a bottle of wine (and a king size bed, all to myself!) For this particular song, I had a clear vision of the melody, lyrics, and chord progression, but it initially had a folky vibe. I knew I wanted to take in a more contemporary direction. Byram (aka. Beatchild) has such a gentle energy and way of working; it felt like a natural progression to add the electropop elements. Now the song feels like it belongs to the 21st century.

How did you go about writing ‘No Wrong’?

Lyrics, to me, are the fascia in the body of a song: the essential connective tissue that weaves everything together. Sometimes I’ll hang on to a thought for years before it becomes a lyric, turning it over in my mind and trying to figure out why this piece of information is important. When I’m in the writing process, I do a lot of free-writing and object writing, as exercises to distill my abstract thoughts into imagery. The “thought nugget” of this song came from a vision I had when I was pregnant with my son. I had what can only be described as an out of body experience, where I saw that the baby inside of me was protected and unconditionally loved, by me… And that I, too, was unconditionally loved, by some higher power – my “light body” was holding me and caring for me, just like my body was doing for this tiny baby. The image I saw reminded me of Russian dolls.. so my entry point into this song was trying to describe the tiniest Russian doll, small enough to be swallowed, “like a pill.”

Where and when did you record and who with?

We recorded this partially at the National Music Centre in Calgary and partially at Beatchild’s studio in Toronto. His studio space is inside the Coalition Music building. (Coalition is a label that’s home to some heavy hitting Canadian artists… I am a huge Our Lady Peace fan, and when I walk around in that building, looking at their pictures on the walls, I feel like a total fangirl!)

How did you approach the recording process?

With no expectations other than to explore where we could go with it.

Who did you work with during the recording/production process?

In addition to Beatchild, Brandon Baker of Electric Religious, came out to Toronto with me and laid down some of the textural guitar parts.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Ariel Posen, Groenland, Don Vail, Zaki Ibrahim

What do you like to do away from music?

I spend time with my 4-year-old son and our yellow lab. I read a lot. I do yoga. I drink martinis. I buy more T-shirts than I probably need. I’m also a sweatpants connoisseur.

What’s planned for 2020?

We have festival dates lined up, and we’ll be doing some pocket tours around Alberta. I’m currently writing songs for a new album (can’t stop, won’t stop!)

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I’ve been working my way through a Costco-size box of chocolate truffles someone left at my house around Christmas… I don’t have a sweet tooth, but I do have a soft spot for dark chocolate with a little sprinkle of sea salt on it. (Café Brio, in Victoria BC makes the world’s best chocolate truffle, btw. It’s also one of my favourite places to hang out when I’m on the coast.) We did a lot of travelling last year, and honestly right now my favourite place to hang out is my own home.

Website: www.kingoffoxesband.com

Socials: @kingoffoxesband on all platforms

January 22, 2020 0 comments

Music Interviews

Bep Kororoti & Akin – Love is the only way

by the partae January 14, 2020

written by the partae

Bep Kororoti & Akin debut on Modern Obscure Music with four Afro influenced tracks. Bep Kororoti released a self-titled mini album on Hivern Discs’ more experimental HVNX sub-label in 2016, but he is better known for making music as Kresy. Here, Kororoti is joined by Akin, who provides vocals and saxophone on this EP. Epomuyeñ is dancefloor cut with striking percussion and strong vocals, whilst Eruobodo is a sax dominated track. Ijotiya channels the spirit of Fela and Afrobeat over a spinning bassline, whilst Love is the only way has a deep spiritual vibe and a powerful vocal. The EP will be out late February, preorder is available from our Bandcamp page.

Tracklist

A1 Bep Kororoti & Akin – Epomuyeñ
A2 Bep Kororoti & Akin – Eruobodo
B1 Bep Kororoti & Akin – Ijotiya
B2 Bep Kororoti & Akin – Love is the only way

January 14, 2020 0 comments

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there? I currently live in the college town of Auburn, AL, where we have a small but dedicated community of electronic music fans. There are several local DJ’s, including myself, who hold residencies and throw events for the EDM community, while also hosting a slew of new and established artists. How did you first start playing music? With both my parents being musicians, I started playing at an early age; first learning how to drum, then learning guitar, and finally piano. I participated in the music programs at my school for several years playing percussion, and once I even got to perform at Carnegie Hall. What's been happening recently? Things have been pretty crazy lately. Getting my EP picked up by none other than Gramatik has definitely helped expose my music to a lot of people, and I’ve been steadily booking shows for 2020 as a result. Between performing and visiting family for the holidays, I’ve been trying to find time to sit down and work on some new material. Your new EP 'Manufactured Moments' is out now via Lowtemp, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this EP? With this EP I really wanted to explore the sounds of 60’s-70’s psychedelia and create something that instilled a feeling of antiquated grooviness, presented in the form of modern nuero-hop beats. I take a lot of influence from the bass music community (obviously), but also from older psychedelic soul records and bands. I tried to bridge the gap between the two. How did you go about writing the music? I spent a little over a month preparing for this album by digging through old records and cutting samples that would serve as the building blocks of the tracks. During this time I also created a plethora of sounds using synthesis and cut samples of those as well. Once I felt I had all the building blocks, I spent a month straight working in the studio 9-5, creating ideas for beats. I generated around 10 initial rough ideas and then chose my favorite four to complete, and these four are what you hear on the EP. Where and when did you record/produce? I produced the entirety of the record in my home studio in Auburn. I prefer to begin working as early as possible so I can have all day to complete an idea. A good session often went into the early hours of the next morning. What programs/instruments did you use? I produce my music in Ableton and self-recorded the majority of the guitar heard in the EP. The electronic sounds were created using Serum and Operator (both are software synthesizers in Ableton) and a handful of analogue synthesizers. How did you approach the recording/production process? For this EP, I really wanted to take an organized and planned approach to the writing process with a lot of self-imposed deadlines. I find that when I just work based on how I’m feeling, a lot of tracks tend to get stuck in limbo and are never finished. For this EP I made a pretty meticulous plan for how I would go about writing, with deadlines for each phase of the process so I wouldn’t get bogged down with indecision. I think the results really speak volumes. As to me, this definitely feels like my best and most cohesive work to date. How did you come to release Manufactured Moments via Lowtemp? I have been working with Adam Stehr (Gramatik’s touring guitarist) for the past few years on guitar and music in general. Adam is extremely talented and knowledgeable. I’m very grateful to be able to learn from him. When I asked him to help me with the mixes for a few of my tracks, he ended up forwarding them to Denis (Gramatik). Apparently Denis dug the tunes, and he offered me to release on Lowtemp shortly after hearing the EP. It’s a huge honor to be featured on the label of someone I have listened to and looked up to for so long, and I’m extremely grateful to Adam for making it happen. He was even kind enough to lay down some guitar which can be heard on “Candlelight." What do you like to do away from music? My biggest hobby away from music is probably reading, I love books. Additionally I love film and video games. Anything with a story. Beyond that I enjoy creating digital art, either for my music or just for fun, and being outside with my dog. Who are you listening to at the moment? Electronic music wise i’ve really been enjoying the latest from Charlesthefirst, Of The Trees, and Jade Cicada. These guys all push the envelope when it comes to sound design but they present it in such a chill, laid-back way that I identify with heavily. Beyond electronic beats I really stay listening to albums from my favorite bands like Radiohead, Washed Out, and Tame Impala. I’m also always digging for groovy classic records and rare gems to add to my productions. What's planned for 2020? I’ve got another upcoming release this month with Wavecraft Collective (date tba) and I’m really excited to start the year off with this one because it’s an especially hard tune. I’ve also got a handful of collaborations i’ve been working on with some really talented people and I’m really excited to share them. Performance wise I think this will be my biggest year yet. I am working with the team at Electric Hawk to spread my wings as much as possible this year (pun intended) and have already booked a slew of show in new cities. Hoping for big things and a few festivals this year. Favourite food and place to hangout? Definitely Kung-Pao Chicken, especially if I made it myself. Favorite place to hangout is definitely my porch. I live on the second story and have a massive porch that overlooks downtown. Perfect place to read or work on music.

Music Interviews Music News

Common Creation

by the partae January 9, 2020

written by the partae

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

I currently live in the college town of Auburn, AL, where we have a small but dedicated community of electronic music fans. There are several local DJ’s, including myself, who hold residencies and throw events for the EDM community, while also hosting a slew of new and established artists.

How did you first start playing music?

With both my parents being musicians, I started playing at an early age; first learning how to drum, then learning guitar, and finally piano. I participated in the music programs at my school for several years playing percussion, and once I even got to perform at Carnegie Hall.

What’s been happening recently?

Things have been pretty crazy lately. Getting my EP picked up by none other than Gramatik has definitely helped expose my music to a lot of people, and I’ve been steadily booking shows for 2020 as a result. Between performing and visiting family for the holidays, I’ve been trying to find time to sit down and work on some new material.

Your new EP ‘Manufactured Moments’ is out now via Lowtemp, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this EP?

With this EP I really wanted to explore the sounds of 60’s-70’s psychedelia and create something that instilled a feeling of antiquated grooviness, presented in the form of modern nuero-hop beats. I take a lot of influence from the bass music community (obviously), but also from older psychedelic soul records and bands. I tried to bridge the gap between the two.

How did you go about writing the music?

I spent a little over a month preparing for this album by digging through old records and cutting samples that would serve as the building blocks of the tracks. During this time I also created a plethora of sounds using synthesis and cut samples of those as well. Once I felt I had all the building blocks, I spent a month straight working in the studio 9-5, creating ideas for beats. I generated around 10 initial rough ideas and then chose my favorite four to complete, and these four are what you hear on the EP.

Where and when did you record/produce?

I produced the entirety of the record in my home studio in Auburn. I prefer to begin working as early as possible so I can have all day to complete an idea. A good session often went into the early hours of the next morning.

What programs/instruments did you use?

I produce my music in Ableton and self-recorded the majority of the guitar heard in the EP. The electronic sounds were created using Serum and Operator (both are software synthesizers in Ableton) and a handful of analogue synthesizers.

How did you approach the recording/production process?

For this EP, I really wanted to take an organized and planned approach to the writing process with a lot of self-imposed deadlines. I find that when I just work based on how I’m feeling, a lot of tracks tend to get stuck in limbo and are never finished. For this EP I made a pretty meticulous plan for how I would go about writing, with deadlines for each phase of the process so I wouldn’t get bogged down with indecision. I think the results really speak volumes. As to me, this definitely feels like my best and most cohesive work to date.

How did you come to release Manufactured Moments via Lowtemp?

I have been working with Adam Stehr (Gramatik’s touring guitarist) for the past few years on guitar and music in general. Adam is extremely talented and knowledgeable. I’m very grateful to be able to learn from him. When I asked him to help me with the mixes for a few of my tracks, he ended up forwarding them to Denis (Gramatik). Apparently Denis dug the tunes, and he offered me to release on Lowtemp shortly after hearing the EP. It’s a huge honor to be featured on the label of someone I have listened to and looked up to for so long, and I’m extremely grateful to Adam for making it happen. He was even kind enough to lay down some guitar which can be heard on “Candlelight.”

What do you like to do away from music?

My biggest hobby away from music is probably reading, I love books. Additionally I love film and video games. Anything with a story. Beyond that I enjoy creating digital art, either for my music or just for fun, and being outside with my dog.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Electronic music wise i’ve really been enjoying the latest from Charlesthefirst, Of The Trees, and Jade Cicada. These guys all push the envelope when it comes to sound design but they present it in such a chill, laid-back way that I identify with heavily. Beyond electronic beats I really stay listening to albums from my favorite bands like Radiohead, Washed Out, and Tame Impala. I’m also always digging for groovy classic records and rare gems to add to my productions.

What’s planned for 2020?

I’ve got another upcoming release this month with Wavecraft Collective (date tba) and I’m really excited to start the year off with this one because it’s an especially hard tune. I’ve also got a handful of collaborations i’ve been working on with some really talented people and I’m really excited to share them. Performance wise I think this will be my biggest year yet. I am working with the team at Electric Hawk to spread my wings as much as possible this year (pun intended) and have already booked a slew of show in new cities. Hoping for big things and a few festivals this year.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Definitely Kung-Pao Chicken, especially if I made it myself. Favorite place to hangout is definitely my porch. I live on the second story and have a massive porch that overlooks downtown. Perfect place to read or work on music.

Common Creations socials:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/common_creation/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/CommonCreation/

January 9, 2020 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

Reno

by the partae January 9, 2020

written by the partae

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

I’m currently based in Bali. There’s so many different music scenes in Bali from traditional music to the underground scene.

How did you first start singing and playing music?

I was interested in music from a young age and played my first instrument at 6years old. As a young teenager I explored all types of instruments and listened to all kinds of different music that inspired me to start writing, make music and learn how to sing.

You’ve recently landed in Australia, how’s it been so far?

Melbourne has been amazing, I’ve seen a lot of great bands, underground culture, street art and skateboarding scene. The city is so inspiring.

You’ve just released your debut 14 track album ‘The Time Is Now’ what influenced the sound and songwriting?

The influence mostly comes from the 50’s era to the 70s punk and rock and roll. My songwriting is mostly influenced from my own life experiences.

How did you go about writing the music and over what time period were the songs written?

There are both English and Indonesian songs on my album which I have written over the past few years. Some songs came to me effortlessly but others took a little longer.

Where and when did you record and who with?

I recorded my album between Jakarta and Bali with a lot of talented musicians. I finished the album with my producer Cipta Gun at his studio in Bali.

How did you approach the recording process?

Some songs were recorded live and other songs were recorded track by track between Jakarta and Bali.

What programs/instruments did you use to record/produce/master?

We used all live recorded instruments and protools to master.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding during the songwriting and recording process?

The most challenging thing was probably scheduling everyone’s time to record. The most rewarding thing was being able to compose my music with so many talented people.

Where can we buy/listen to ‘The Time Is Now’?

The album is out now on all digital music platforms. The CD and merchandise is available through my website www.reno.co.id

You are from the beautiful country of Indonesia, what is the live music scene like there at the moment?

Indonesia is huge and we have more than 17,000 islands so we definitely have a broad mix of all types of live music. From traditional, electronic, punk and pop culture.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

I’m not listening to anything in particular at the moment but I’m always looking for all types of new music and bands to inspire me.

What’s planned for 2020?

Touring to promote my album ‘The Time is now’ and a lot of skateboarding.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

In Bali you can always catch me hanging at ‘Gimme Shelter’, ‘Twice’ bar or the skatepark. My favourite food is Babi guling, google it 🙂

Socials

https://www.instagram.com/renpratsren

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/21OqFSuqTVYM2bkRBF3wH9?si=x1hmwPiwRau6fD4jLZzxQQ

January 9, 2020 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

Kim Salmon

by the partae January 7, 2020

written by the partae

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

I’ve lived in Melbourne since 1991.

It has a huge and diverse music ( and art for that matter ) scene that brings in more revenue than sport and yet, as everywhere else, the people making the art aren’t making any of the money.

How did you first start playing music?

I started playing music when I was 15 and I persuaded my parents to get me guitar lessons after I’d saved up and procured a $14 ‘Audition’ guitar (I saw Marc Ribot playing one of these a couple of years ago!) from Kmart. I’d been inspired by a lot of the music I was hearing on the radio – T rex, Deep Purple, The Stones, basically electrified Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Your latest single is out now, what influences your sound and songwriting?

A mixture of the prior mentioned ‘electrified rock n roll’, experimenting with strange beats, unusual ways for generating sound ,weird harmonies, wordplay and stuff going on around me.

You have an Australian tour kicking off at the end of January, are there any shows that you are particularly looking forward to playing, if so why?

I’m looking forward to the Hobart, Brisbane and Beechworth shows because they’ll be just me and no band and those shows are always more rambling and story telling, going places I can’t take a band. I’m looking forward to all of the other shows because I’ll have a different combo of local musos and musos that I’m taking with me in each place.

How do you prepare for live shows?

I put together a repertoire based on what musical configuration I’m working with and what I want to present for that show. I write all he songs I might want to choose from all down over 2 spread pages of and open book – about A3 size when opened out, so that I can look down on the floor and pick any song that takes my mood. I call this ‘The Book Of Swamp’. This is what I do instead of a set list. All of the musos I work with know this and know not to expect a formalised setlist.

I then think about what I’m gonna wear. If I’m on my own it stops there but if I have a combo it depends on the people. Some people just can’t be tamed and others are good sports and want to help present a show of some sort. The challenge is to make it look like we didn’t all just meet at a bust stop…ha ha maybe that could be a look in itself.

I always go on ‘cold’, don’t meditate or do vocal exercises. Actually that’s a white lie, I have been having a shot or 2 of tequila in recent times to get into ‘the vibe’ but am getting over(or bored with) the taste of tequila.

Your book ‘Nine Parts Water, One Part Sand: Kim Salmon and the Formula for Grunge’ is out now, how did this book come about and what inspired Douglas to write it?

Doug and I hit it off straight away and he’d ask me about some aspect of my past before, after or during a lesson and that would just set me off into some ‘rock story’. I think after a while that got him interested to know if any of these stories had been compiled anywhere and of course they hadn’t. He plucked up the courage and asked me one night if he could write my biography and given the absence of such a thing, and given that I’d attempted it but never had the time, I said yes!

You worked along side your guitar student/biographer ‘Douglas Galbrath’ how did the idea/concept come about to work together?

You mean in my band? Obviously Doug is a fairly enterprising fellow. I knew he was already a drummer. He’d taken it on himself to try and be the booker at the local pub and booked some of me and my friends bands in there as well as his own. I saw he was a good drummer and even worked with him playing at his daughter’s schools bazaar, which he also booked bands for.

How did the story telling, story writing between the both of you take place and over what period?

He’d invite me to brunch start recording and do what he did at the lessons. He got me talking. Basically he prompted me with a question and off I’d go.

What did you find most rewarding and challenging through out the process?

For me the most rewarding thing has been to see the threads that I’ve given Doug, get woven into a story. It seems something quite apart from me even though I recognise it all.

The most challenging part was to know where the line between being a bit circumspect and censoring oneself was. Obviously I don’t want to fall out with people but there’s also a need for honesty. This is however just a story and not an exposé so there’s a balance to be struck.

Any advice for anyone wanting to writing a book?

Don’t know if I’m the person to give that advice yet. Maybe wait till I’ve written MY book.

Where can we buy/read ‘Nine Parts Water, One Part Sand: Kim Salmon and the Formula for Grunge’ ?

Ha Ha! In all discerning bookstores….but more importantly….and also in the highly likely event that all discerning bookstores don’t have my book in stock (because they’ve sold out ha ha),

at my upcoming shows where I’ll be selling the book and my 2 new singles and more…

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Bonzo Dog Doodah Band

It was Neil Innes’s tragic death that dragged me into yet another You Tube vortex.

What do you like to do away from music and writing?

Painting and other things

Please tell us about any new music that’s on the way:

I’m going into the studio with Tony Thewlis in 3 days to put the finishing touches on a brand new Scientists album.

What’s planned for 2020?

Touring said Scientists album in the USA

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Well right now it’s the roast that I’m about to cook and my fave place will be here when I’m eating it, because I’m HUNGRY.

TOUR DATES:

Friday 31st January 2020 – Mona, Hobart (Arvo Show) / Republic, Hobart TAS

Saturday 1st February 2020 – Mona, Hobart TAS

Friday 7th February 2020 – Crown & Anchor, Adelaide SA

Saturday 8th February 2020 – Bassandean Hotel, Bassandean WA

Sunday 9th February 2020 – Grumpy’s Music Bar, Perth WA

Friday 14th February 2020 – The Tote, Melbourne VIC

Thursday 20th February 2020 – Smith’s, Canberra ACT

Friday 21st February 2020 – Union, Sydney NSW

Saturday 22nd February 2020 – Junk Bar, Brisbane QLD

Saturday 29th February 2020 – Tanswells Commercial Hotel, Beechworth VIC

https://www.facebook.com/kim.salmon.549

January 7, 2020 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

Manovski

by the partae December 27, 2018

written by the partae

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

Im based in London and work out of Tileyard studios. I love it here, its one of the main music hubs in the world so there’s always a steady flow of talented people to collaborate with.

How did you first start playing music?

I first started out as a drummer in Sydney, my father and twin brother are both musicians so there was always lots of music around me growing up. The first time I was in a professional studio was when I was about 7 , my father let me to record a song with his band and that definitely left me wanting to spend more time in the studio. I was so fascinated with all the gear in the control room and the funny thing was that the engineer was running an old school analogue studio completely blind!

You have worked with many artists, what do you most enjoy about the process of working with other musicians?

Ive been lucky enough to work with a range of different artists, I think what I like most is everyday is different and everyone has their own vibe so it never gets boring. Also I feel that I’m constantly learning new things or seeing things from a different perspective and almost everyone introduces me to a new amazing artist I’ve never heard of!

How do your collaborations usually come about?

These days sessions usually come about via my management or publisher, from there I just keep working with the people I click with.

How did you come to move to London and how did you go about embedding yourself within the London music scene?

Im originally from Sydney Australia where I was friends with a fellow producer/writer by the name of Tonino Speciale for a long time. Most years at Christmas he’d come back to Australia from the UK and we would play shows together and he would tell me about how different the UK scene is compared to Sydney. So I decided to take a trip to check it out and haven’t really left. Tonino definitely played a major role in introducing me to the network of people I have around me today.

How do you approach your solo music as compared to working with others?

When I’m working with other people its usually a mixture of all our visions for the song so theres usually lots of inspiration to draw from whereas when I work on the Manovski stuff I have so much freedom to create whatever I want I usually spend a lot of time trying out different versions of the song until one really resonates with me…. This often takes a lot more time lol.

How do you usually go about writing music?

As a producer I’m usually in charge of the music side of things however I do get involved with melody and lyrics where needed. I definitely prefer writing from scratch with people in a room as apposed to making a beat for someone to write on top of. This way all elements guide each other and were not confined by a set of chords or rules.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Loud Luxury ‘Body’ has been on repeat for a while!

What or who influences your sound and songwriting?

I definitely get influenced by whats hot at the moment , especially when it comes to production. When I hear something new and fresh it pushes me to try new approaches to getting sounds.

What do you enjoy about music?

The fact that it crosses all boundaries and is something that brings us all together … doesn’t matter where you are in the world if theres a good song playing on the radio people react to it!

What have you been working on in 2018?

Ive had an amazing 2018, have done lots of writing for other artists a few of which I’m not allowed to talk about yet but am very excited about!

What do you have planned for 2019?

Theres quite a few Manovski records in the works… some very cool collaborations both in the UK and USA happening in 2019!

What do you like to do away from music?

Usually the simple things in life that don’t require much thought…. Walking the dog, cooking, Netflix!

Favourite food and place to hangout?

For food it’s a tossup between Bombay burrito and Honest burger in Islington… to hang out its at home with my wife and newborn son ‘Sonny’.

December 27, 2018 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

Duendita

by the partae December 20, 2018

written by the partae

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

i’m currently in Berlin. there is music from all over the world here and lots of physical spaces to occupy and share art. there are many different artists here busking, working with artificial intelligence, throwing 20 hour long house concerts… it’s a beautiful place.

You’ve just completed your European tour as support for JMSN, how was this experience?

very special, sacred… and affirming. i feel fed.

What did you find most challenging and rewarding about the tour?

the most challenging aspect of tour was learning how to depend on myself and trust in my art. sometimes i felt like i didn’t belong, but now i want to move with more conviction.

Your EP ‘direct line to My Creator’ is out now, where and when did you record?

direct line to My Creator was recorded over the past two years in New York City.

What influenced the sound and songwriting for this EP?

the project started off as demos i wrote and produced. my friend Ezra O.S.T. and i began to edit the ideas more, over a long period of time.

i was dealing with a lot of pain from when i was younger and i think that innocent sorrow is the spirit holding the tracks together. the lyrics refer to both specific lived experiences and things i would learn in time.

Who did you release with?

it was independently released 🙂

How do you usually go about writing music?

the idea comes, teases me and i go after it. i may be practicing or setting time aside to be creative. or doing the complete opposite… on my bike, birdwatching or eating falafel. it’s a surprise.

How did you first start playing music?

i’ve sung since i was a child and studied choral music for a long time. sometime in middle school, i started writing poetry and songs.

Please tell us about the meaning behind your single ‘blue hands’ :

blue hands is about the paranoia police violence has given me.

You’ve just been named Soundcloud’s ‘Artist to Watch’ how did this come about and how has it affected your musical career?

Soundcloud was my first outlet for releasing music, it’s also where i’ve met most of my collaborators. i love them for that. i’m happy to be an artist to watch 🙂

You have also been selected in the first fifty for the UK’s biggest tastemaker festival The Great Escape, what does this mean to you?

it means… another opportunity to share and grow!

What do you have planned for 2019?

birdwatching, therapy, smoothies, good bud, long hikes, small gigs and studio time until festival season.

Besides certain religious references I hear that you write everything in lowercase, why is this the case?

hmmm… not sure. it kind of is a religious thing. just how i’d like to express myself.

What do you like to do away from music?

birdwatch and go dancing!

Favourite food and place to hangout?

i love to eat doubles when i’m in nyc… they’re a Trinidadian street food, chickpea chana between two pieces of dough, with peppers and sweet tamarind sauce … go to Jen’s Roti Shop on Flatbush Ave.

i love to hang out at Baketown 🙂

https://www.facebook.com/duendita95/

December 20, 2018 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

The Gooch Palms

by the partae December 19, 2018

written by the partae

What is your name and role within The Gooch Palms?

Hey I’m Kat, I play drums and do some singing

You’re originally from Newcastle and now based in LA, what’s the music scene like in LA at the moment?

We moved back from LA around a year ago, it was awesome but we felt we were neglecting Australia a bit so decided to move back. We haven’t been back to the US this year but before we left the LA scene was awesome, so many great bands, there was always a local show to go to. But we’ll be heading back early next year for a big US tour around SXSW.

Who are your favourite acts from Newcastle?

Raave Tapes of course! Also loving some of the young bands right now like Milky Threads, Fritz and Surf Trash. It’s a great scene in Newcastle, all the bands are great!

How and why did you end up moving to LA?

We just decided one day to do it. We always enjoyed touring the US so we decided to sell everything we owned except our instruments and move to America. We didn’t know where we’d live, we planned on just heading over for a tour and settling where ever we found a place that we liked. But about a month before we left our friend posted about a room in his house for rent in Los Angeles and we asked if we could take it and he said yes and that was how we ended up there. It worked out great though, LA has such a welcoming scene and we had so many musician friends living there so it was a pretty smooth and super fun transition. We’ll definitely spend more time in Los Angeles in the future, might end up living back there again! Who knows!

How did the Gooch Palms form and how did you come up with the band name?

We started the band in preschool when we were about one and a half years old. The only word Leroy could say was “gooch” and the only word I could say was “palms” so that’s how we decided on the band name. All our first songs were also called Gooch Palms and we just sang about ourselves!

You’ve just finished an Australian tour with RAAVE TAPES, what did you most enjoy and also find most challenging with this tour?

It’s great touring with a support band, especially when you’re friends. It’s nice to see the same faces when you get to the venue each day. And they are so fun live. The only challenging thing was not playing more shows. That tour was only a few shows and we love playing so it would have been sweet to play a bunch more shows with them.

Your latest single Summertime dropped a few weeks ago, where and when did you record it?

We’ve recorded a new album and have released three tracks so far, Busy Bleeding, Marfa Lights and most recently Summertime. We recorded some at our house in LA last year, some at The Grove on the Central Coast with Dylan Adams and then finished it all up at Dylan’s studio in Coogee a few months ago. Now we’re just releasing singles and waiting for the perfect time to drop the album!

What influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?

Summertime was written a few days before we went into the studio at The Grove and didn’t have lyrics at the time. I went into a small office and wrote some lyrics after Leroy and I had a chat about the vibe of the song, we decided we wanted to call it Summertime and give it a summery vibe. So I just plopped down some lyrics and ran them by Leroy and we were like “yeah that will do”. Leroy was going to sing it but was struggling with the phrasing so I quickly grabbed a mic and went back to the small office and quietly sang it straight into the computer as a guide track. When I took it back Leroy and Dylan really liked the way it sounded and they thought I should sing it. We all agreed it sounded completely different to the original way we intended and almost sounded a bit French so I changed some of the lyrics to French (thanks Google Translate!!!) and learnt how to say them, I had to write it all out frenetically, and laid down the vocal. We used a really old accordion organ (don’t know if that’s what it’s called) to bring the end of the song home. Leroy played it and it was starting to heat up so he only had one opportunity to get it right. By the end of the first take the organ was smoking! But we got the take and it really added to the french vibe of the song. It was only supposed to be an album track but it turned out great so we released it as a single.

How do you usually go about writing music and lyrics and then turn them into songs?

Leroy generally writes the guitar part and then we work on a melody and then get a vibe for the song and talk about what subject matter or lyric content might go with the song and then jot down some ideas. The ideas usually change a few times but we settle on some solid lyrics and then build the music section with guitars and drums and then record it as a demo. Some demos don’t ever see the light of day but the ones that do end up being recorded properly and being released!

Who are you listening to at the moment?

We’re currently listening to a band from Sweden called Viagra Boys on repeat!

What do you like to do outside of music?

Leroy surfs, I like to go to the beach too. We like seeing other bands play and hanging out with friends. Love a cold beer down the pub and do karaoke when ever possible.

You’ll be playing at the Best Night Ever on the 29th of December on the Gold Coast along with RAAVE TAPES, DZ Deathrays, Dune Rats and a heap of other rad bands, any idea of what can we expect on the night from this killer line up?

It will be one epic show. All the bands are awesome and we’re also all friends so it will be one giant party on and off stage! We may just get a few of our pals from the other bands up for a song as well!!! But I expect it to be a very fun night!

What do you have planned for the remainder of 2018 going into 2019?

Apart from playing Best Night Ever the rest of the year is going to be pretty chill for us. We usually play NYE but have taken this year off so just planning on partying our way into 2019! We are heading back to the US early in the new year and will be hitting up Europe and of course a big Aussie tour. And dropping the new album some time in the near future!

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Pizza in bed!!!

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December 19, 2018 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

Super Drama

by the partae December 19, 2018

written by the partae

What is your name and role within Super Drama?

There’s two of us, Jon and Jerome and we both produce and dj as Super Drama.

Where are you currently based and what is the music like there?

We are based in London. East London to be precise. The music round here is very varied and there’s always people pushing the newest sounds around.

How did you first start playing music?

We both have been djing for a very long time now though started as Super Drama in August 2016. It’s been a great two years so far.

How did Super Drama form?

We had been talking about making music together for a very long time, decided to finally make a tune together and it ended up being our first track “Drama Theme” which set the tone for the beginning of Super Drama.

What have your highlights been of 2018?

There’s been a few so far, playing in different countries has been really fun, getting all of our music heard by lots of different people and then all of our mates being super into it has been the best part I reckon.

What have you been working on recently?

We have been finishing an e.p that we are really hyped for everyone to hear. Also have a new single on our label Super Drama Records really soon with a real exciting remix but it’s top secret for now.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Josh Caffé “The Adventures of Mr Freek”.

What programs/instruments do you use?

Logic Pro and a whole load of drum machines.

Who or what influences your style?

Everything and anything. Our friends definitely influence us for sure and their opinion means a lot to us.

How would you describe your music?

Techno that can go anywhere. From Italo to Ballroom to whatever.

What do you like to do away from music?

Just make the most of London and see our friends. Also world domination.

What do you have planned for 2019?

Just to keep the momentum going, play more gigs and meet new people.

When and where are you playing next?

Our next sets are New Years eve where we’re playing Little Gay Brother and then New Years day at Adonis.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

We love to go down to Chinatown and eat our body weight in rice and noodles.

December 19, 2018 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

Iris Gold

by the partae December 19, 2018

written by the partae

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

In Copenhagen. The live Music scene is pretty diverse. So many different styles and types of Artists to check out.
Overall i would say the danes are very into anything 90’s. 90’s r&b and fashion are a Big thing, just Like the rest of the World i guess.

Please tell us about your upbringing and how it has effected your life and music:

I grew up in hippy communes and was always around a quite diverse mix of people. I gravitated towards the more 70’s phychedelic vibes and OL School hip hop, so when i started doing Music it seemed pretty logical to fuse the Two.

How did you first start playing music?

I started reciting poems and little raps from the Time i could talk.
I had a very vivid imagination and i would tell alot of funky stories about other planets i visited in my mind, and these stories later became songs.
My favorite hashtag is #planetcool which is Where i spent most my time in my stories. Its a wonderful World of loveliness Never loneliness.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

kelela, Benji flow, The Internet, kendrick lamar, afrikan boy, kojey radical, The Confect

What or who influences your sound and songwriting?

Probably my uncle who is a fantastic rapper and Who taught me How to flow nicer.
Also the Beatles, childish gambino, lauryn Hill, Anderson paak, Beck and On my latest track “keep the light On” Anita baker.

What have your highlights been of 2018?

So many! But performing at Roskilde festival was dope! So many people Going crazy and vibing together was amazing.
Doing my first ever Tour in Denmark, which was my first Tour anywhere tbh haha.
Going to Ghana and shooting my video with my homeboy manifest for “Roll it out” was life changing. I had the Best time ever!
Meeting my idol lauryn Hill and learning How to cook dal properly.

What do you have planned for 2019?

Ooh i got another single release beginning of the year and then my debut album in the middle of the year.
Alot of live shows.

What do you like to do away from music?

I looove tea. I have so much tea. Im gonna drink alot of tea over Christmas.
I even have an “iris gold – Color trip” tea, made especially for me by this very fancy tea Maker in Denmark.

What programs/instruments do you use?

Erm garage band and my pen and paper. Not very exciting boooh

When and where are you playing next?

Im doing a few tv things now towards Christmas, which i guess Will be online.
Then in january eurosonic festival in the netherlands and a mini Tour in austria and Hungary.
End of February i should have a gig i London actually.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

Haaaas to be my Aunty kates restaurant “kates joint” in Copenhagen. Best food ever. From all over the World. Jamaican, Indian, thai, South african, lebaneese…

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December 19, 2018 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

People Luminous

by the partae December 19, 2018

written by the partae

What is your name and role within People Luminous?

Hey, I’m Nicky Swamp and I handle the creative direction in PL

You’re apart of a growing underground Hip Hop culture on the Gold Coast, please tell us about this music scene and all the goings on:

Apart from us and the ever growing dance community the GC has no hip hop scene. It was killed by wannabe gangsters, ice junkies, Eminem idolising bogans and cultural appropriation to a level where small town white kids were, maybe still are freely saying the N word to each other with zero understanding of anything let alone culture. We’re a new movement of love and positivity. Gold Coast is paradise, act like it. People Luminous is the community.

How did People Luminous form?

It never formed, it’s always been. We just put the PL label on it in 2017.

What have you been working on lately?

We’re seriously sitting on so much content. We’re waiting for the right time to release and we’re still trying to crack the playlist game. Seems like unless you know the people putting putting them together you don’t stand a chance and radio will only play you if you’re already popular. We might just go against all advice and put everything out in December/January just because we’re told not to.

You’re gaining a reputation for throwing wild warehouse parties, please tell us how these came about and what the whole experience is like:

It’s real life. We don’t advertise. If you know you know. You gotta know us or someone we move with to be there. If we can fill a warehouse without a mention on social media then we’re happy. You wanna invite?

What do you have planned for the remainder of 2018 going into 2019?

Maybe back to back tacks ever tuesday arvo at 2.15 or maybe nothing until
February, we’ll see… Next warehouse party is December 21st tho.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Right now I hear Chronixx from my lounge room. Hot Wax will get played at some point, I.E., Manu Crook$ but apart from that we aint trying to hear anything outside of the circle. It messes with your energy.

Your single and music video ‘Garms’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?

Mainly me spending too much money or clothes and shoes. the mindset has changed since we made this earlier this year. I actually got a book on minimalism the other day. It’s hard to be content when you’re crowded with unnecessary stuff.

Where and when did you record?

it’s all in house at the PL compound. Matt Gray on production and LGHTYR at the controls. We’ve been recording togther since the end of 2017, it never ends.

How did the music video come about?

Our guy ACE Cubes is always on sight with the camera. We just get it done and move on.

What do you like to do away from music?

Pray and give thanks for all we have and the blessed life we live.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

My kitchen. Ask anyone in PL, I’m the head chef around hear.

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December 19, 2018 0 comments

Music Interviews Music News

Jurek Riegler

by the partae December 18, 2018

written by the partae

Where are you currently based and what is the music scene like there?

I`m based in Berlin. Mhm, what can I say.. I mean its huge…

How did you first start playing music?

When I was six years old, I wanted to be a drummer. So I grabbed cooking spoons and all cooking pots and let off steam. I always wanted to have a real drum set, but that wasn’t financially feasible for my mother. But she had noticed that I had a very good sense of tact and so she sent me to drum lessons. The teacher at the time was a strange guy. Somehow a mixture of conservative rocker and bourgeois jazzer – I found him rather uncool and when he started to teach me notes in the second lesson, the fun was already over. I just wanted to play the beats that came to mind… I had a very strong will of my own quite early on.

What programs/instruments do you use live and to record?

Until about 2 years ago I worked purely with hardware and it was more a jam than a real producing. My setup at that time consisted of a Micro Korg XL, two Kaoss Pads, a Mackie 16 channel mixer and a SM 58. At that time I used to beatbox regularly and produced all percussive sounds with my mouth. Today it looks quite different. The central point is the computer on which Logic runs. I mainly work with plug-ins. But I still have my Kaoss pads and the Micro Korg – and recently I got the Subsequent 37 from Moog.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Right now I hear a lot of Radiohead and Djrum probably because of the cold season.

Who or what influences your sound and songwriting?

When I was a child, my mom’s record cabinet was the most important thing to me. Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Keith Jarret, Moby, Air, Kruder and Dorfmeister and many other pioneers were represented in it. When I was 12-13 years old and was looking for new artists myself, I found mostly American rap on my shelf. Artists like Dilated Peoples, Afu- Ra, Jedi Mind Tricks, M.O.P, Cypress Hill, Jurassic 5, The Roots and what they are all called. German rap was actually only present later. But things like Kreuzfeld Jakob, Stieber Twins, Absolute Beginner, Team Eimsbush etc. are an integral part of my youth.

How do you usually go about writing music?

I don’t really have a plan when I start making music. Most of the time I start jamming and watch what happens. Recently I try to play the melody or groove I have in my head and it works surprisingly well. I don’t lose the focus so much and can hold on to the first idea which is often really the best one. It’s also kind of satisfying to let the thoughts sound.

Please tell us about how you came to work with ursl:

In fact, I had finished my EP for a while. But I didn’t know exactly which label would fit. I had known URSL for a while, but strangely enough it wasn’t on my screen when it came to my own music – even though I had seen many of those released on the label at the Garbicz or at the Fusion festival and had celebrated most of all. Anyway, a buddy of mine made me aware of URSL again. And promptly it worked out. I think they just happened to have their mails open when I sent this 😉 Fortunately a positive answer came very quickly.

What is important to you when making music?

The most important thing for me is always to express a clear feeling, that can be a certain sound or a melody. Functionality in the physical sense is only second. I always find it disappointing how often Djs are tempted to play the proven functional track at an early stage. For many, the arms sticking out into the air are simply too tempting. The environment plays another important role for me. I recently put my workplace by the window. Now I can look into the trees during production, which I find very inspiring.

What have you been working on in 2018 and what do you have planned for 2019?

At the moment I’m working on many different tracks in parallel. Let’s see what will come out of it – I think it will be the next EP. Next year I definitely want to venture into the DJ booth again. I recently played again for the first time in a long time. And it gives me great pleasure to send people on their journey.

Please tell us about your interest of food and cooking:

At the age of eleven, my Italian stepfather, who is an excellent chef, was a member of our family. When he joined our family, I was just happy to get some delicious food on the table and didn’t really want to learn how to make the perfect risotto. But since he also makes music himself, he was able to show parallels between music and cooking in an entertaining way. At the beginning, of course, my typical anti teacher attitude came to light. -But little by little I understood what he meant by that that every ingredient and every spice in its quantity, timing, duration is crucial for a good arrangement and mix.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

I’m always very curious about food or probably more aptly put, I’m pretty greedy. I could spend hours in market halls and go from stand to stand. Berlin already offers a great variety. However, I regularly ask myself how the gastronomy can survive here. The prices were cut close, the leases are getting higher and the competition is huge! I think that’s a pity because I regularly notice that one good restaurant after another is closing. It bothers me totally. There should finally be a rethink regarding the quality and appreciation of food. We should not perceive ourselves as running garbage cans ;)!

https://soundcloud.com/jurekriegler

https://www.jurekriegler.com/

https://www.beatport.com/release/offshore/2437315

December 18, 2018 0 comments