Music News

Yellow Claw‘s Barong Family celebrates 6 years and 200 releases with an EP compilation appropriately titled “BF200,” which features seven brand new tracks from the brightest names on the label, such as Yellow Claw themselves, Wiwek, Crisis Era, RayRay, GHOSTER, Nonsens, Psycho Boys Club, and more. The Amsterdam-based imprint has become known for its wide range of musical influences and high-tempo BPMs, and “BF200” follows the same vein. Spanning sounds from three continents and even a reworked ’90s classic, “BF200” also has a unique and fantastical backstory. Ever the creative crew, the EP‘s accompanying artwork, and bonus audiobook see Barong Family travels across space and time to save their home planet Mother Earth. Head honchos Yellow Claw describe the impetus behind the EP below:

“It has been a wild ride since when we had put out our first release on Barong Family back in 2014. During the past 6 years, we have met many talented artists who wanted to take part in this adventure with us and joined the family. Moksi, RayRay, Wiwek, and more all saw the transition from Barong Family – a music label to Barong Family – a worldwide brand with its own merch lines, writing camps in Asia, documentaries, sold-out tours in North America, own stages at the world’s biggest festivals. 200 releases seem like a big number, and 6 years feel like a very long time, but for us, thanks to what we do and whom we are fortunate to work with, it feels like we are just starting, as our excitement never faded away.” – Yellow Claw

As for the sonic journey of “BF200,” it begins with “I Want It” from Yellow Claw and Wiwek, who deliver epic hip-hop beats to set the tone of the EP. Next up is Canadian duo Crisis Era‘s “Funky Pills” for all the old school ravers out there, while DJ Soda and RayRay‘s “Obsession” serves up a sneaky dose of hard-hitting bass. Yellow Claw themselves reworked the Tokyo Ghetto Pussy‘s 1995 hit “Kiss Your Lips” for the EP, giving the classic a modern dance facelift. GHOSTER employs Nanami‘s breathy vocals to deliver a solid mission statement in “Belong,” before Danish threesome Nonsens put the pedal to the metal with “Teaze,” speeding up proceedings with immense 4/4 energy. Finally, all systems go on Psycho Boys Club‘s “Break.” Did anyone expect Barong Family to ever take it easy?

LATEST RELEASE “TALKING IN MY SLEEP” HITS TOP 40

STUNNING STRIPPED VIDEO OF “TALKING IN MY SLEEP” IS OUT NOW

September 1, 2020 (Toronto, ON) – Toronto’s A is for Arrows has been capturing the attention of fans and industry alike with infectious, danceable alt-pop tracks since debuting in late 2019. Today, lead singer Alessia Balasbas announces an exciting new era for the project with the forthcoming release of “Can’t Stop” on September 8, the first release as a solo act. Fans can anticipate continued releases from A is for Arrows with the same striking energy that can be found on “Can’t Stop”.

“I love the juxtaposition of this song,” explains Balasbas. “When you initially listen to it, it seems happy and care-free, but if you listen to the lyrics, they’re actually kind of sad. The song is definitely based on real emotions and a time in my life where I didn’t feel very confident in my relationship. I felt like the person I loved wasn’t fully invested and even though it hurt and no matter how terrible they sometimes made me feel, I couldn’t stop loving them. I think it’s pretty straightforward and to be honest, it was tough for me to call them out like this and be like “hey you were being pretty shitty, but whatever I’ll let it go cause I love you so much” Moral of the story is music helps me purge – haha!”

PRE-SAVE “CAN’T STOP” HERE

“Can’t Stop” follows A is for Arrows’ most recent release “Talking in My Sleep,” which received national acclaim and landed in the Top 40 of the CHR charts. Last week, AIFA released a special stripped video of “Talking in My Sleep,” shot by @thatgoodgraphic. What the video HERE.

Less than a year out, A is For Arrows has already gained the attention of industry and tastemakers alike, having earned praises from the likes of SiriusXM, Wonderland Magazine, Popdust, Atwood Magazine, and Buzz Music LA, in addition to being added to a variety of popular playlists such as Spotify’s It’s a Bop, New Music Friday, Fresh Finds: Pop; Apple Music’s New In Pop; and Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch, Fresh Pop and Brand New Music, to name a few. The project’s blending of contemporary beats, soft synths and heartfelt lyrics has made A is for Arrows a project to watch in Toronto’s eclectic music scene and on the world stage alike.

Whether it’s the glisten of Alessia’s voice, or the raw honesty in her songwriting, one thing is certain – there is a rarity about a project such as A is for Arrows.

For more information, please visit: www.aisforarrows.com
To pre-save “Can’t Stop”: https://ffm.to/cantstop

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After ten years since forming and five LPs in, Yukon Blonde have been characterized in a lot of different ways. They emerged as a guitar-heavy rock band with their debut self-titled LP in 2010 and by the release of On Blonde in 2015, Yukon Blonde were experimenting with slick, ‘80s inspired pop elements like those heard on the album’s driving hit single Saturday Night. More recently, on 2018’s Critical Hit, the Vancouver-based five-piece band turned their attention to mood making, largely ditching their guitars in favour of synths and drum machines to build danceable, multi-dimensional soundscapes.

With their fifth release, Vindicator, Yukon Blonde rewrite their story again. Jeffrey Innes (vocals/guitar/keys), Brandon Scott (vocals/guitar), Graham Jones (vocals/drums), James Younger (vocals/bass/keys), and Rebecca Gray (vocals/keys) douse keyboard melodies and relaxed grooves with psychedelic hues that are both playful and expansive.

PRE-ORDER VINDICATOR HERE

With singles In Love Again and Get Precious already racking up the plays around the globe, today the band are sharing another new single, You Were Mine. “We were all on Galiano island for this recording,” says Innes. “James brought the initial idea to the table, and after several hours of jamming, eating Scooby-snacks and drinking Churchill martinis, it started to fall apart in the most perfect way imaginable. I feel like this song somehow epitomizes the spirit of a successful collaboration in our band. Words like ‘compromise’ had no place in that session; everyone sings leads at some point, everyone plays everything. It’s certainly among our favourites from the record.”

Praise for Phil Stack & Colourful, Noisy…

“In his debut solo album, (Phil) flexes his artistic brilliance, from jazz piano-laden ballads (The Centreline) and exuberant rock-infused pop (Tradin Up), to The Long Game, a heart-wrenching orchestral masterpiece tempered by an unassuming ’90s grunge flow…”
– Sydney Morning Herald

“The man, it turns out, can really sing” ★★★★ Sydney Morning Herald

Australian multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter PHIL STACK today announces he will perform two album launch concerts – 6pm and 8:45pm – at Sydney’s Mary’s Underground on Thursday 15 October, complete with his four-piece band.
Tickets are on sale now at Moshtix.com.au

The shows take place in celebration of Phil’s just-released debut album, Colourful, Noisy, his first new solo music in almost five years.

Recorded between Camperdown’s Free Energy Device Studios and Phil’s own bush studio, the stunning debut sees Stack playing multiple instruments across seven tracks, his captivating vocal gutsy on current single ‘The Centreline’ and soaring on album closer ‘Celebrate Life’.

Mixed by former Thirsty Merc bandmate Sean Carey (Cat Stevens, Daniel Johns) and Richie Belkner (Boy George, Missy Higgins, Tim Minchin), Colourful, Noisy has garnered praise from fans and critics alike.

“… the record is a cascading meditation on the perils of being alive” – Sydney Morning Herald

Perhaps best known for his work as a founding member and bassist of 5 x ARIA Nominated, multi-platinum selling rock outfit Thirsty Merc, Phil Stack is a rare breed of artist who seamlessly traverses genres from jazz to rock, equally at ease delivering tender ballads and exuberant pop gems.

A force of nature on the double bass, Stack attacks the instrument with an energy, vigour and passion almost unparalleled. He has played with music luminaries including James Morrison, Michael Buble, Keith Urban, Tina Arena, Benji Madden and Wynton Marsalis, and has recorded with You Am I, Ian Moss, The Whitlams, Katie Noonan and more.

Joining Phil on both shows is beloved local artist and former Leonardo’s Bride frontwoman, Abby Dobson. With one of the most distinctive voices in Australian music, and a beautiful solo album It’s Okay, Sweetheart released last year, Abby will be raring to warm Sydney audiences next month.

On 15 October, Phil and his band will treat audiences to songs from his 2015 EP Lap Around The Sun, and will performs songs from the brand new Colourful, Noisy album live for the very first time.

LISTEN TO PHIL STACK’S COLOURFUL, NOISY ALBUM HERE
WATCH ‘THE CENTRELINE’ MUSIC VIDEO HERE
DOWNLOAD PRESS ASSETS HERE

PHIL STACK | COLOURFUL, NOISY ALBUM LAUNCH CONCERTS

With Special Guest Abby Dobson

Information at marysunderground.com

SYDNEY
Thursday 15 October – Mary’s Underground
Early show – 6pm
Late show – 8:45pm
Tickets from Moshtix.com.au

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One of Australia’s most prolific and exciting producers Ukiyo has today released his hypnotic new single The Middle featuring Panama.  This is a lowkey, pulsing bed of a track, with bubbling energy permeating throughout and is perfectly complemented by a gorgeous, glowing video that will transport the viewer on a journey to a mellow, rose-pink, levitating otherworld.  The Middle is the latest single to be shared from Ukiyo’s forthcoming self-titled debut LP Ukiyo LP, set for release on November 13 – Vinyl/CD available for pre-order and pre-save the album from today.

Influenced by the ambient electronic of Tourist and the dancefloor vibes of Jon Hopkins, The Middle is a stunning, moving track, one which washes over the listener in a way that will have them pressing replay again and again.  Wistful and delicate, Panama’s gentle, raw vocal sings lyrics that speak to the compromises and sacrifices that we make to keep our relationships alive.  Mixed by Tim Watt (Golden Features, MUTO, Hermitude, Crooked Colours) and mastered by Wayne Sutherland (What So Not, Motez, Willaris K), The Middle is a beautiful addition to Ukiyo’s stunning discography.  Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, Ukiyo says, “The Middle is all about meeting in ‘the middle.’  The original demo when I sent it to Panama was called “stay” which I thought was a funny little response to my previous track “Go” with Chymes.  They both discuss similar themes of dysfunctional relationships & the fight within when you’re trying to leave them….working with Panama was a dream come true.  His ‘Always’ EP way back in 2013 with all the amazing remixes on it was one of the things that got me absolutely hooked on electronic music & learning how to make it so this song is a bit of a full circle moment.”

The video for The Middle is thoughtful and surreal, as objects levitate off the ground in a fantasy, rose-tinted world.  It’s abandoned, but peaceful.  Working once again with the production company Black Lake who have made clips for OTR, Shallou, Martin Garrix and more, Ukiyo explains how the video for The Middle came about, saying, “‘Ukiyo’ translates literally as ‘floating world’, so this video is a little homage to that. It also continues the themes of the Good Enough music video, comparing human relationships to our relationship with the Earth.”

With his long list of career accolades including playlist additions from Pharrell Williams and Martin Garrix, brand syncs with American Eagle, Ripcurl, Microsoft, Volkswagon, HBO and Netflix, not to mention a casual 30 million collective streams, it’s safe to say that anticipation for Ukiyo’s debut LP is at an all time high.  And fans don’t need to wait for too much longer, for Ukiyo’s self-titled debut LP is completed and set for release November 13, full track listing below.  The album is a celebration of the Australian music scene, with some of the country’s best contributing to the record and an all-star line up of features including Panama, Maribelle, Janeva, Sammi Constantine, Bajilionaire and more. “I’m absolutely in love with the Australian music scene so in the unique position I’m in as a producer, I knew I wanted my album to be a showcase of some of the incredible talent we’ve got here.” Ukiyo explains.  Pre order vinyl/CD and pre-save the album now.

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“Filmed deep in South West Queensland, we wanted the video for ‘Slow Down Sonic’ to illustrate the feel and mood of the song and how we connect with specifically Australian spaces and the daily lived experience.” – Violent Soho

VIOLENT SOHO

“A poignant one from Ben that gives itself to you”
Declan Byrne, triple j Home n’ Hosed

Today, Melbourne songwriter and producer Ben Alpine returns with his second single ‘Wendouree’. Arriving on the cusp of springtime, ‘Wendouree’ sees the artist lean into sun-drenched alt-pop, brimming with jangly guitars, effervescent synth bursts and organic electronica samples.

Immediately setting the tone with its kaleidoscopic sonic palette, ‘Wendouree’ is an exploration in capturing the momentary joy of the present. With its sound tinged in blissful psychedelia, the undulating nature of the track flows effortlessly between placid verses, cascading instrumental layers and infectious harmonies. Allowing the track to build and unfurl with rippling vibrancy, the track shifts gears towards a sparkling finale before receding into an ambient outro submersed in airy tones and soft textures.

Speaking of the track, Ben shares: “The main idea is in the line ‘one moment never meant a thing’, referring to those relationships, experiences or situations in your life that, at one point, meant everything to you and you never wanted to lose them. But times have inevitably changed since then and you hold on to different experiences now, and perhaps you will go through that cycle with the stage of your life you’re currently in. I think that can be both sobering and comforting in a way, that nothing in your life is ever going to be the way it is right now, and how our perception of our own memories shifts and changes.”

Following his well-received debut single ‘All In Your Stride’, ‘Wendouree’ is the next exciting chapter in Ben Alpine’s discography. While sharing the sunshine-laced DNA of its predecessor, the single sees Ben broaden his eclectic range, drawing from an array of inspirations from The Japanese House to Hippo Campus. While synthesising these influences, Ben’s experience in former indie electronica act Echo Mono and numerous SoundCloud production aliases sees him maintain an inward focus in his songwriting approach. With a creative output so far showcasing his colourful alt-pop sensibility through an introspective lens, Ben continues to affirm himself as one to watch closely in 2020.

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