It has been a few years since their debut album Body Music dropped and Alunageorge have been heading steadily towards electro-pop stardom status in the most effortless, understated manner possible. Tonight, they (though without George for live performances it is an Aluna Francis solo performance) have filled Melbourne’s Corner Hotel, just as they did their previous visit. If ever there was a performance so fitting for a sweltering summer’s night, it is AlunaGeorge accompanied by a live drummer and keyboardist.
The stage has been prepared for them by Melbourne duo Fortunes, Future Classic’s only recent signees. The soothing ebb and flow of their hip-hop meets R&B meets soul sound could not be a more perfect introduction.Their new single 501’s a slinky, sultry meander that sees them confirm their status as charismatic and utterly captivating, no doubt gaining a few new fans as they readied the crowd for the headline performance.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6LvV8o4Oe4
Singing from the side of the stage as her backing musicians situate themselves, Aluna Francis dances into view, the red cape she’s donned floating out behind her, set to become a feature of the show all on its down. They waste little time, diving head first into the triumphant Hold Your Head High which is quickly followed by Jealous, the set already as heated as the air outside the venue. The ZHU collaboration, Automatic is tinny, frenetic and pulsating, pulling the crowd into hypnosis with a command to dance. It finishes with Francis’ unsupported, a capella and spectacular vocals. It is so seamless that it is only when there’s a lengthy pause after the cheers cool down, that the singer points out that the power has blown out and the a cappella ending was entirely unintentional. If that ability to keep the performance going so effortlessly is not the mark of a fine artist, then what is?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0dUlM_DLps
She entertains the audience with tales of how this isn’t not a rarity, having happened a number of times beforehand. It’s understandable, the temperature is high and it’s muggy inside. After finding someone celebrating their birthday and serenading them with Happy Birthday (“I used to charge a fiver for this!” she tells us), she slips from the stage with hopes that she will return shortly.
Minutes pass and there’s a buzz going around that perhaps three songs, while wonderful, are all we’re getting tonight. The restlessness is answered when the band return drinks in hand and fly into Mean What I Mean. There are a handful more technical difficulties as Attracting Flies and Not Above Love fill the air, but by the time the anthemic Your Drums, Your Love rolls around, things seem to be back on track properly. Just as well, because this is the singular, glistening jewel of the set: Francis’ vocals starting low and commanding before soaring all the way up for the chorus. She has the flexibility and strength of the boxer she’s dressed as while she commands the audience to help her out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VfCSx5641U4
Earlier in the set, Francis pointed out that she is so often in Australia she feels at home here, and the connection between the English artist and this audience is evident as Under Control sees out the main section of the set.
There is a very brief break, no doubt due to the earlier interruption, before everyone is back on stage to play the two songs whose absence earlier had not gone unnoticed. They kick off their encore with White Noise, the cape Aluna had made her dancing partner during the main set now amiss. The reception for White Noise is surpassed only by the rattling roar once they move on to the last song of the night. You Know You Like It is as gloriously glitch and pulsating live as it is on record – perhaps even more so as the sea of bodies oscillates to the rhythm in a spectacular finish to the night. The band leaves the stage, all memories of technical difficulties are transcended by Aluna Francis’ truly striking performance.
Image: abc
After 23 glorious years, Falls Festival continues to provide us with the most unforgettable moments across the New Year festivus. The 2016-17 lineup saw some major international names, as well as our best local acts rounding up another year in style. In Byron Bay, it was a balmy 33 degrees across the three day event and climaxed with a torrential downpour for the very last performances on day three.
Our final day began correctly with some good honest noise courtesy of Perth locals Tired Lion and New York lo-fi/ punk guys Parquet Courts. AlunaGeorge followed-up by filling out the Forest Stage tent, and DMA’s brought their usual high-energy, homegrown flavour. Thankfully, we managed to catch our breath afterwards and vibed along with Vallis Alps. Things picked up again during Golden Features’ set and by the time Catfish And The Bottlemen took the stage, the stifling heat had well and truly been broken and the rain had set in for the rest of the night. The crowd stood drenched for over an hour while stage equipment was dried off and excess water mopped up, but it was certainly worth the wait. Those brave punters that held out were then treated to a breathtaking performance by London Grammar and muzzed along with Alison Wonderland to close out another amazing Falls Festival.
Read our full review of Falls Festival in Byron Bay
In this gallery you will find Tired Lion, Parquet Courts, AlunaGeorge, Vallis Alps, DMA’s, Golden Features, Catfish And The Bottlemen, London Grammar, and Alison Wonderland.
PHOTOS: Falls Festival Day I
PHOTOS: Falls Festival Day IITired Lion
Parquet Courts
AlunaGeorge
Vallis Alps
DMA’s
Golden Features
Catfish & The Bottlemen
London Grammar
Alison Wonderland
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
Some artists just seem to do collaborations well and that is certainly the case for British duo AlunaGeorge as they have combined with producer ZHU to create a stellar track entitled My Blood.
The duo of AlunaGeorge, made up of Aluna Francis and George Reid, have recently worked alongside Jack U, Popcaan, and Australia’s own Flume, and now they can add ZHU to their growing list of esteemed electronic frontrunners for the second time.
It’s not the first time the two artists have worked together, after also joining forces on last year’s Automatic. That was a project carried out by the producer for his Genesis Series EP, which featured a host of other artists including Skrillex and BoneThugs N Harmony.
Dropping by Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 Radio show to premiere the track and have a brief discussion, Francis explained the origins of the collaboration and why she liked the producer so much.
“I went on the internet when I heard Faded. I was like, ‘I don’t care if we don’t know who he is. I’m going to find him.’ I was such a geek,” she said.
In the latest of Zane Lowe’s World Record’s, the veteran host described My Blood as a “bonafide smash.”
My Blood features a hip hop orientated beat that underpins Francis’ soft and sensual vocals, while the lyrics seem to focus heavily on an unrequited love and the pain that goes along with that situation. The new track follows on from fellow singles I’m In Control and I Remember.
Their Brit-award nominated debut Body Music was released three years ago and saw them gain significant praise amongst critics and fans alike. The duo are still preparing for their eagerly anticipated sophomore release but this track is sure to build the hype, as I Remember looks set to be released sometime later on in the year.
What do you think? Collaborated with @zhumusic for this, hope you like it! It's out midnight local time! #MyBlood pic.twitter.com/AWu4tHZLWE
— Aluna (@alunaaa) April 27, 2016
Image: Island Records
With the release of both their sophomore albums on the horizon, AlunaGeorge and Flume have today released their first collaborative single, I Remember.
Following I’m In Control which premiered early last month, I Remember debuted on Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 Show last night as ‘Hottest Record in The World’. The collaboration is taken from AlunaGeorge’s second album, which is currently in the works and also set to include features by ZHU and Popcaan on I’m In Control. Mixing Aluna’s breathy vocals, George’s already beautiful production and Flume’s apparent mastery of all things electronic, I Remember is a slow burning banger if ever there was one.
With familiar Flume glitch-pop sounds bursting through swelling synths, and Aluna’s vocals chopped and screwed all over the place, it’s the sort of track you can imagine playing right at the end of a set – so bitter sweet. Speaking to Annie Mac just after the premiere, Aluna hinted that the track had been in the works for a while.
“It’s kind of funny.. There’s a few festivals.. where we were both playing at the same time.. [and] we were backstage chatting about what we can do in the studio, and as musicians we just can’t resist.”
With both artists killing it on their own, no doubt I Remember will be a track that’ll be getting played for a long time to come. Last week Flume shared Wall Fuck, the latest track from Skin, which is out on the 27th of May. Maybe we’ll hear more collaborations between the two? Only time will tell.
AlunaGeorge have announced they will be performing live in the first ever Minecraft concert alongside Norwegian DJ Broiler. The show is taking place as part of an annual tech festival in Norway called ‘The Gathering’. Every year they open the festival with a live show but this year, in partnership with Universal Music and tech company Heisholt, organisers have decided to do something a little different. Watch the trailer below that features AlunaGeorge’s single I’m In Control.
Hey bby's I'm going to be live in Minecraft at @gatheringorg tomorrow! Tune in 9pm CET. #TG16 #MinecraftGathering https://t.co/AXA2j3h7W3
— Aluna (@alunaaa) March 22, 2016
While the live performance is occurring on stage at The Gathering, a team of artists and volunteers will be controlling avatars modelled after the performers to re-create the action online in the Minecraft world. Users are able to attend the online performance from all over the world but like any concert, opportunities for attendance are limited.
Our opening show is gonna be legendary! EDM mixed with classic. Minecraft. Enough said. Read more here: https://t.co/q4iD4UGqz5 #tg16
— The Gathering (@gatheringorg) March 17, 2016
“I’m sure they’ll be able to accommodate around 2,000 to 3,000 people, so this will have the same sort of feel as seeing a show in small concert venue,” said Erik Heisholt, a Gathering organiser and founder of Heisholt. The limit in numbers is due to server constraints at the festival.
I’m not sure I’m convinced that it will really feel the same as a live show but it’s still pretty cool. There are even billboards and flyers being put up around the Minecraft world advertising the event! Perhaps this is a glimpse into how we might access live music and overseas festivals in the future.
Image: Heisholt
This week once again brought the goods, as every week does, when it comes to brand new music. It’s a difficult job narrowing it down to just ten top tracks, but someone’s gotta do it (even though we secretly love it). Spanning a multitude of genres, this playlist has something for everyone. Enjoy!
Spookyland, God’s Eyes
Sydney band Spookyland have returned, not only with a brand new song, but also with the announcement of a debut album due for release in May. God’s Eyes is the first taste of that record, Beauty Already Beautiful, and it is fucking awesome. The one-of-a-kind vocals courtesy of Marcus Gordon gives an extra element as he sings the powerful lyrics whilst the song meanders its way into a roar. It feels like an Australian rock anthem waiting to happen.
SMILE, Holiday
Droning guitars, scuzzy vocals, a sluggish drum beat and a vibe that sounds like a male fronted Yeah Yeah Yeahs on xanax, Melbourne band SMILE are onto something really good here with Holiday. Gearing up for the release of their forthcoming record, Rhythm Method, Holiday serves as a pretty great taste tester, and we can’t wait to hear what is going to come next!
Urthboy, Second Heartbeat (Ft. Sampa The Great and Okenyo)
Three of Australia’s best all on one track, Urthboy has done himself a huge favour teaming up with not just one, but two of the most exciting up-and-comers around right now. Sampa The Great and Okenyo each bring their own unique flavour to this uplifting track that will put you in a good mood within seconds of listening to it. Its got soul, swagger and a hook that has been stuck in my head since I first heard it a few days ago – but it sounds so good I don’t even mind.
Yuma X, Keep Me Up
Yuma X are a mysterious duo that keep to themselves mostly, apart from when they release sublime tracks like this one. Keep Me Up is the latest in a slowly growing number of Yuma X tracks, and it’s also one of their best. Gentle, sparse and delicate, you almost feel like you’re being let in on a little secret. It’s quiet and soothing, and yet another example of just how much these two can do.
GoldLink, Zipporah (Gravez Remix)
GoldLink will be touching down in Australia in just a few weeks for St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, and whilst my excitement levels were already pretty damn high to see him action, LA producer Gravez has shared a remix of his track Zipporah that has tipped me over the edge! Amping up the soul, he keeps it light with airy synths and tinkering beats, and shows off a whole new side to the rapper – a side we really enjoy.
AlunaGeorge, I’m In Control
AlunaGeorge have made their long awaited return to the scene this week with a new single, I’m In Control. Featuring Popcaan (who was also on Jamie xx’s I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)), the duo have made their return loud and clear with this one. It’s got a really awesome dancehall feel, with Aluna’s commanding vocals sounding better than ever. It’s been a while since we’ve heard new stuff from these guys, but we’re glad they’re back!
SG Lewis, All Night (Ft. Dornik)
Dornik reminds me of Michael Jackson which is a very good thing, so basically any track he has anything to do with is more than alright in my books. This latest, a collaborative effort with SG Lewis, is a sultry RnB number that shows off both artists in all their glory. Deep bass, swirling synths and funky guitars, All Night is a fun, uplifting track but still maintains a relaxed, mellow quality that might come in handy in the, uh, bedroom. All Night indeed!
Poliça, Wedding
This song only came out this morning, and immediately landed itself as one of the best songs of the week. Thumping drums, trickling synth sounds, droning guitars and commanding vocals, Wedding is full on in all the best ways. Having triumphantly returned at the end of last year with Lime Habit, this latest single is the second cut from the band’s forthcoming record United Crushers – a record we are increasingly keen to hear after listening to this.
Majical Cloudz, Wait & See
Majical Cloudz released a new EP this week called Wait & See, and the title track is one that immediately caught our attention. Having already released their critically acclaimed Are You Alone? record last year, vocal Devon Welsh said of the release that they were a collection of old tracks that didn’t really fit on the album, but they still wanted them to be released and we’re really glad they did.
Le Pie, Up All Night
Sydney artist Le Pie is an act you may or may not have heard of. If you have, this latest song is for you. If you haven’t, this latest song is also definitely for you too. Energetic, punchy and lots of fun, her voice gives an angsty-teen feel over the rolling guitars and sharp, fast drums to give it a sense of urgency. It’s a great track, and is the perfect move for her as she builds on the success she saw last year.
The elusive and formally anonymous producer Zhu has released the first track Automatic featuring AlunaGeorge off his highly anticipated Genesis Series project. Characteristically slick in production, the pulsating synths and heavy beats form the framework for Aluna Francis to showcase her oddly childlike, but soothing, voice. Zhu himself (real name Steven Zhu) sings on the track, his soft and delicate voice carrying the song until a scintillating sax solo caps it all off.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fh9afpUYVHI&w=560&h=315]
Having just unveiled his clandestine Generation Why website last week, Automatic is the first of many of the forecasted collaborations to come, with the project including Skrillex, A-Trak, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Gallant and more. During a Reddit AMA AlunaGeorge accidentally let slip about the upcoming single:
Yeah there is new music coming really soon… I worked with ZHU for his Genesis Series – it’s an awesome track called ‘Automatic.’ We have some BIG things planned for next week to kick it off, listen out for it on Wednesday!
The comment has since been deleted. However, those who have signed up to the Generation Why website received an email contain a clip of the new track, a music video done in the style of a black and white cartoon depicting a car chase. Below is a ripped version of the video, being ripped it’s a little lacking quality but still enjoyable nevertheless.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdXgQdsKBXY&w=560&h=315]
The enigmatic and beguiling artist Zhu is back after several months of silence – and he’s just as confusing as ever. The electronic music producer updated his Facebook profile picture two days ago, to reveal a picture for a new Genesis Series project, redirecting them to a jumble of words on the mysterious site GenerationWHY.com. The website simply asks for your email address and offers social media sharing buttons.
What seemed like random pattern of words turned out to actually be the names of several big artists. As far as we can tell, Zhu will be collaborating with these for what might me an album-sized project. Skrillex, Alunageorge, A-Trak, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Gallant, They, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Keznamdi and Daniel Johns can be found in the letter matrix.
Although other information concerning the website seems to be scant, an album that would come out of these collaborations could be huge. Judging from the success of his biggest hit to date, the Grammy nominated Faded, the formerly anonymous artist could be onto something on a whole new scale.
The producer recently released a new track in a mix for Pete Tong on BBC Radio One, a 40-minute mix of featuring edits of his previous releases like Faded and Superfriends, as well as some Snoop Dog to finish it off. It includes a bunch of remixes and covers, including of The Weeknd’s Often and Outkast tracks Ms Jackson and ATLiens. Check that out here:
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/205688465″ params=”color=ff5500″ width=”100%” height=”166″ iframe=”true” /]
Zhu visited Australia for Listen Out 2014 – you can check the details of the 2015 event here, happening later this month.