Laneway aptly marked it’s humble beginnings in a Melbourne laneway in 2005. It has since built a reputation as a festival with it’s finger firmly on the pulse of the music industry, despite canning one of Australia’s foremost up-and-coming artists from the bill this year (cc: Kirin J Callinan).
Nevertheless, we savour the release of each lineup with intense anticipation because the event delivers a solid slew of talent from around the world every single year; from artists who we don’t usually see in this neck of the woods, to absolute crowd favourites we can’t get enough of.
Part II had us at Mac DeMarco, who is and always will be a festival favourite with his random tangents, on-stage quirks and warm adoration for his fans. We caught the enigmatic Moses Sumney next who walked out in a black cloak, surrounded in mystery. Anderson .Paak and his band The Free Nationals were arguably the most anticipated act of the day and they delivered in droves. BADBADNOTGOOD served up some sonic smoothness before we caught Father John Misty changing guitars several times due to technical difficulties. “I think ODESZA has, like 60 acoustic guitars. How can I compete?” And, on cue, the Seattle producers took the Garden Stage with their shiny new drumline (sans the guitars) and gave us a taste of their impeccable live show.
Then we headed over for POND who never fail to amaze, with manic frontman Nic Allbrook fawning over the stage and amongst the crowd all at once. Thirsty for some heavy electronica, TOKiMONSTA’s set was exactly what we ordered before we rounded out the night the only way one should, with a wall of hot shoegaze and Slowdive came correct. Another hectic time full of unforgettable moments.
Until next year, Laneway.
Photos: Dani Hansen
Mac DeMarco
Moses Sumney
Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals
BADBADNOTGOOD
Father John Misty
ODESZA
POND
TOKiMONSTA
Slowdive
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
We’re currently in the throes of the festival season 2018. With the New Years events behind us, Laneway Festival is what we’re setting our sights on next. The 2018 lineup is filled with wonderful, diverse, talented acts—so many that you’d be hard pressed to catch them all during the festival itself. Likewise, while festivals are great for many reasons, some shows are simply better on their own. Not only do you get a full-length set as opposed to the 40-odd minutes at a festival, but you’re guaranteed a crowd that’s more passionate, enthusiastic and excited to see that one particular band.
Luckily, most Laneway artists are performing at least a couple sideshows while they’re in Australia. Here’s our five top picks.
Slowdive
https://youtu.be/F2YJbTrxeos
There aren’t many artists who can return after 22 years with a good album. Slowdive returned after 22 years with a really, really, really good album. Slowdive easily rivals the band’s earlier releases, and might even be their best to date. I was lucky enough to catch them performing overseas last year and can genuinely say it was one of the most gorgeous live shows I’ve seen in years, if not ever.
Slowdive Tour Dates
Jan 31: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Feb 8: Forum, Melbourne
The Internet
https://youtu.be/CNJkas_LiCM
Led by the incredibly talented Syd, The Internet are a band who, though a nightmare to search for online, have been producing some of the most original, sensual, smoky R&B in recent years. Originally formed as an offshoot of the Odd Future collective, there’s a good reason they’re still touring off the back of their incredible 2015 album Ego Death—it’s really, really good on stage.
The Internet Tour Dates
Jan 31: Forum, Melbourne
Feb 9: Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Moses Sumney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMyRfIpNvPs
It’s difficult to quantify the experience of a Moses Sumney live performance in words. The utterly brilliant, unique artist has the talent to captivate, devastate and delight at once. His intriguing music hits hard on record, but on stage, it takes on a life of its own. Touring his 2017 debut album Aromanticism, this will haunt and hypnotise you long after the show ends.
Moses Sumney Tour Dates
Feb 1: Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne
Feb 11: Sydney Opera House, Sydney
Anderson Paak
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OqrcUvrbRY
If you aren’t aware of Anderson Paak, I can only hope the rock you’re living under is comfortable and warm. The hip-hop-meets-R&B-meets-soul wunderkind made a huge splash with his solo album, Malibu, as well as collaborations with artists including Dr Dre, ScHoolboy Q and A Tribe Called Quest. On stage, Paak doesn’t just sing and rap, he also plays drums—at the same time. And he’s incredible at them all.
Anderson Paak Tour Dates
Feb 6: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Feb 7: 170 Russell, Melbourne
S U R V I V E
https://youtu.be/zfAgTIFeXV4
Any Stranger Things fans out there? If you aren’t yet aware, the musical maestros behind the hit series’ brilliant, synth-heavy soundtrack is Texas four-piece SURVIVE. With three albums and at least six EPs under their belt, it’s about time they made their way down under. These will be their first ever shows in Australia, and judging by their immersive, spooky music, it’s going to be something special—whether you’ve seen the show or not.
S U R V I V E Tour Dates
Feb 7: Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Feb 9: Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Image: Michelle Grace Hunder/Howl & Echoes
The ground is thawing and summer is finally coming. For Australian music industry, that only means one thing: festival lineups and summer tours are being announced by the bucketload. We’re especially excited to see a small but exciting list of hip-hop artists coming down under for festival appearances and headline tours, and to make life easier for you, we’ve placed them all in one big convenient list.
We’ll update this as the announcements keep rolling out. For now, here are our picks for a summer of hip-hop via festivals and live music.
Falls Festival
Our picks: Run The Jewels, D.R.A.M., Vince Staples
Run The Jewels haven’t visited Australia since Falls Festival 2014-2015, and though Vince Staples visited twice last year, he’s since released a whole new album, Big Fish Theory. D.R.A.M., meanwhile, cancelled his Groovin The Moo appearance earlier this year, so we’re hoping he makes his debut Australian appearance for New Years Eve.
Dates
28 Dec – 31 Dec: Lorne, VIC
29 Dec – 31 Dec: Marion Bay, TAS (All Ages)
31 Dec – Jan 2: Byron Bay, NSW
6 Jan – 7 Jan, Fremantle, WA
Beyond The Valley
Our picks: ScHoolboy Q, Stormzy, Sampa The Great
One of Victoria’s favourite newer festivals has had a hip-hop-loving presence across each of its three years so far, and this year is no different. Both ScHoolboy Q and Stormzy just chewed up and spat out Splendour in the Grass, and will be visiting again in just a few months’ time. ScHoolboy’s last album, Blank Face, was one of our favourite records of 2016, while Stormzy claimed the grime throne with this year’s Gang Signs & Prayer. Joining these will be our favourite local artist Sampa The Great, who always delivers one hell of a show.
Dates
Dec 28 – Jan 1: Lardner Park, Vic
Meredith Music Festival
Our picks: Noname
The eclectic Meredith Music Festival lineup isn’t particularly hip-hop heavy, but it does include the incredibly talented, soulful artist Noname, who will be visiting Australia for the very first time. Originally emerging as Noname Gypsy, the Chicago singer was largely noted for her association with Chance the Rapper, namely for her guest verse on the Acid Rap track Lost.
Since then she’s well and truly made a name for herself, releasing one of last year’s best albums, Telefone, and establishing herself as a beacon of honey in a world
Dates
Dec 8 – 10: Meredith Supernatural Amphitheatre, VIC
Laneway Festival
Our picks: Anderson Paak
The Laneway lineup hasn’t even been fully announced yet (we’ll update this when it is), but it’s already whet our whistles with the news that the amazing Anderson Paak will be on our shores once more in January and February 2018. The Malibu artist last toured for Listen Out 2016.
The Laneway lineup does traditionally feature a slew of great hip-hop acts, and we’re expecting a few more to join in – my guesses include Tyler, The Creator, if he’s actually allowed into the country this time, The Internet, Aminé (that’s just wishful thinking) and Frank Ocean (okay now I’m just fantasising, this guess has literally zero basis in fact).
Dates
Mon 29 Jan: Auckland
Fri 2 Feb: Adelaide
Sat 3 Feb: Melbourne
Sun 4 Feb: Sydney
Sat 10 Feb: Brisbane
Sun 11 Feb: Fremantle
Migos
6lack
LVRN upcomer 6lack (pronounced “black” ) will be supporting Migos at their shows, but he’s also making his debut headline appearances, and well worth a mention on his own. His debut album Free 6lack was a dark, smooth display of things to come, spawning huge singles Ex Calling and PRBLMS. There’s something about 6lack that really sets him apart from many of his contemporaries, and we have high hopes for his headline sets.
Dates
Wed 11 Oct: Metro Theatre, Sydney
Mon 16 Oct: 170 Russell, Melbourne
Khalid
Crooning R&B upstart Khalid has already had a killer 2017, delivering one of the year’s smoothest debuts with the amazingly earwormy American Teen. Following sellout tours in the USA and Europe, he’s just announced his debut shows in Australia, and it looks like fans can’t get enough – he’s already upgraded and sold out almost every show, so get in quick if you’re planning to catch the magic in action.
Dates
Tues Nov 7: Hordern Pavilion, Sydney (Sold out)
Wed Nov 8: Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Thurs Nov 9: Festival Hall, Melbourne
Fri Nov 10: Eatons Hill Outdoor Stage, Brisbane
The Weeknd
Abel Tesfaye himself is finally, finally bringing his mammoth tour down under for the very first time. The ludicrously successful Canadian singer, who tiptoes the line between pop and R&B with more Max Martin-produced finesse than a Cirque du Soleil performer, is coming in hot with a full round of arena shows this November.
Joining Tesfaye will be French Montana and Nav, whose recent album with Metro Boomin was one of the shittiest records of 2017 so far, but hey, maybe his live show will be more fun. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Dates
Wed Nov 29: Spark Arena, Auckland
Sat Dec 2: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Sun Dec 3: Qudos Bank Arena, Sydney
Wed Dec 6: Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Fri Dec 8: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Sat Dec 9: Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne
Mon Dec 11: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
Thurs Dec 14: Perth Arena, Perth
GZA
Wu-Tang Clan’s brilliant GZA is returning to Australia once more for a solo tour, having last visited with (most of) the full Clan in 2016. His last solo tour was way back in 2012 (I was there and can personally guarantee this is not a show you’ll wanna miss), so this is set to be pretty damn exciting, especially given how small the venues are. It’s not often you get to see a living legend in such intimate settings.
Dates
Sat 11 Nov: The Studio, Auckland
Sun 12 Nov: San Fran, Wellington
Wed 15 Nov: Fowlers Live, Adelaide
Thurs 16 Nov: Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane
Fri 17 Nov: Manning Bar, Syd
Sat 18 Nov: Max Watt’s, Melbourne
Sat Nov 19: Rosemount Hotel, Perth
It’s Friday. It feels like ten thousand songs have been released this week, and you know what? A whole lot of them are pretty damn good. We posted up a some of our favourite new Australian music just a few days ago, but we’ve got a bunch more for you right here, right now. Enjoy!
Fortunes, 501 (Remix ft. Dai Burger)
Electronic duo Fortunes caught our attention last year, when they were announced as the first new signing to Future Classic in well over a year. Their big Future Classic debut was the slinky, seductive killer 501. Now, they’ve released a new version of the track – its second official remix – chopped, beat-ier, and packing a fresh verse from Queens rapper Dai Burger – who was just in town last week. Dai’s flow is light, natural and packed with a sensual confidence that couldn’t fit the track’s vibe better. This was already a great track, and it’s now been made even better. One of the best we’ve heard all year.
Gang of Youths, What Can I Do If The Fire Goes Out?
Following a roaring performance at Laneway Festival, the mighty Gang of Youths have now returned with a brand new single, and the exciting news that their sophomore album Go Farther In Lightness will be out later this year. The track is frenetic and wild – with huge, epic guitar chord smashes that remind me of some of my favourite Pixies moments, all drawn back into line when juxtaposed against sparser vocal-driven verses. Having absolutely found their feet as a band and live act throughout last year, they’re really starting to expand and nourish the elements that make them stand out. Not many bands can feel so wild and sentimental all at once, again cementing Gang of Youths as one of the best rock bands we’ve got right now.
All Our Exes Live in Texas, Boundary Road
The four girls that make up All Our Exes are among the greatest talents in Sydney right now. With their debut album When We Fall just a few weeks away, they have now debuted a new track, Boundary Road. I’m not usually one for softer folksier tunes, but there’s something about this band that keeps me engaged and enraptured. The track has a slightly ominous, telling sentimentality to it, musically aligned with its lyrical themes of dealing with others’ emotions while keeping your own in check – most of the time. “What if I wanna be the one to fall apart once in a while?” it asks.
Moonbase, It Don’t Matter ft. Anderson Paak
It’s always exciting when a local artist gets a big name feature on their track, and this might be one of the best in recent memory. Moonbase, formerly Moonbase Commander, returns today with this dark, slinky new track featuring none other than Anderson Paak, who seems to be just about everywhere lately. The track was conceived online, with the artists communicating from Sydney and Los Angeles. It’s a seductive, understated banger with a deep growl of a bass, brightened by trappy synths, with unsettlingly flitting snares blurring the gaps between. Paak, of course, takes centre stage, with his verses and choruses markedly different to most of what we’ve heard from him so far. While his unique voice feels extremely familiar by now, it’s thrilling to hear him on a track with such a dark, dangerous atmosphere.
The Cactus Channel & Sam Cromack, Sorry Hills
This is the first new track in a while to be released by Melbourne collective the Cactus Channel. It features the immediately recognisable voice of Ball Park Music’s frontman Sam Cromack, and the pairing is immediately magnetising and seamless – a good thing, considering they’re releasing a full six-track collaborative EP later this year. This track is incredibly soulful, with honeyed chords, a syncopated rhythm and smooth bass setting the scene, embellished by brass layers, perfectly utilised at all the right moments throughout. This EP is going to be really special.
Image: Moonbase, supplied
Hip-hop’s relationship with gospel music has really surged over the past year or so. While there was always gospel sounds on the scene, it wasn’t always as out in the open as it has been recently. 2016 saw the release of both Kanye‘s The Life Of Pablo and Chance The Rapper’s Coloring Book, which relied heavily on mixing hip-hop beats and sounds with gospel choirs and soulful singing. Now Anderson Paak has graced our ears with a fantastic new version of his Malibu track Come Down, collaborating with the Hometown Gospel Choir to give the song an incredible new feel.
The video is part of The Grammy’s “Believe In Music” ad campaign, launched in the lead up to the 59th Grammy Awards. Anderson .Paak is one of the “Best New Artist” nominees, and it’s clear that he’s loving the recognition. He’s up against the afore mentioned Chance The Rapper, along with The Chainsmokers (ugh.), Maren Morris, and Kelsea Ballerini. You can check out the rest of the nominations here, but no matter who wins (except The Chainsmokers. Please no.), it’s great to see artists like Chance and .Paak get some awards love.
Check out the video below, as it’s really great to see a different spin on such a good track, especially utilising such beautiful gospel elements.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2P-9DVSbiF4&feature=youtu.be
Image: Back Pocket
The Grammy Awards are just around the corner on February 12, and music’s night of nights is shaping up to be quite special. Not only do we have it on good authority that Kanye West, Justin Bieber and Drake will not be attending, but we now know that musical performances will include A Tribe Called Quest, with a little help from both 15-time Grammy winner Dave Grohl and two-time nominee Anderson Paak. The supergroup of sorts will deliver the cut Movin’ Backwards live at the ceremony this month, which also featured Anderson Paak on the album.
Tribe triumphantly returned last year with the spectacular We Got It From Here… Thank You 4 Your Service, which not only honoured the late Phife Dawg, who passed away last March, but reflected the times on an unprecedented musical and lyrical level.
Other performers include Daft Punk with The Weeknd, Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, Adele, Toby Keith, Carrie Underwood and Rihanna. Furthermore, it’s rumoured that a star-studded Prince tribute will be performed, and while this is unconfirmed, it is extremely likely considering it’s the first Grammys since The Purple One passed last April.
The 59th Annual Grammy Awards will take place on February 12 (Monday February 13 Australia time), hosted by James Corden.
Below, watch A Tribe Called Quest performing We The People on SNL, which included a beautiful Phife Dawg tribute, another one of which we’ll likely see at the Grammys.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BDxKVYUHBdA
Image: Youtube
It’s that time of the year again – countdowns, roundups, lists. This year BBC Music have brought together 170 international industry professionals to predict what 2017 will sound like be, and if they’re anything to by, it’s looking more urban than ever. The majority of the longlist is revealed to be grime emcees and rappers, alogside R&B singers, shortly followed after by soul singers, and electronic producers.
The list, which includes 15 rising acts, spotlights grime and hip-hop artists: AJ Tracey, Dave, Nadia Rose and Stefflon Don, R&B artist Ray BLK, alongside soulful singers Rag N Bone Man, Tom Grennan, Jorja Smith. Additionally, pop artists The Japanese House, Raye, Declan McKenna and Maggie Rogers feature alongside rockers The Amazons and the post-punk heroes Cabbage. The most interesting addition to the list is a man you should be extremely familiar with, Anderson .Paak who has gone on to dominate this year with his endless stream of features, albums and collaboration projects.
BBC Radio 1Xtra DJ MistaJam commented that he was pleased to see such diverse artists, especially from the UK. “Next year is already shaping up to be a big one filled with amazing music from homegrown talent…From the driving rock of The Amazons to Dave’s 18-year-old inner city street tales via Maggie Rogers’ folk meets electronic soundscapes, the list shows the breadth and quality of what we can expect next year.”
Previous Longlisted artists have included Sam Smith, Ellie Goulding, Jack Garratt and Adele, all massive artists in their own respects who have since gone on to garner huge worldwide attention for their sounds. Have a listen to this year’s selections below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYvqntSbIV8
Image: The Guardian
One of the most highly anticipated collaborative albums of the year is available for streaming a week ahead of its official release. Yes Lawd!, the new album from NxWorries, made up of Anderson Paak and Knxwledge, is available to hear now exclusively on Apple Music.
Ahead of the album, the pair have release two incredible singles, Lyk Dis and Get Bigger / Do U Luv. The record is a pretty unique tasting plate of samples, infectious grooves, beautiful prpduction, and Anderson Paak’s immediately recogniseable vocals.
Like many of Knxwledge’s productions, many of the songs on the album are fairly short, averaging around the two minute mark. The combination of these two artists, released under the masterful guise of Peanut Butter Wolf’s Stones Throw Records, is phenomenal. Well worth a listen for any fan of either artist.
The album officially comes out this Friday, October 21 – you can preorder it here.
Stream the full NxWorries album here via Apple Music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hEm94gx1y8
Yes Lawd! Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. Livvin
3. Wngs
4. Best One
5. What More Can I Say
6. Kutless
7. Lyk Dis
8. Can’t Stop
9. Get Bigger / Do U Luv
10. Khadija
11. H.A.N.
12. Scared Money
13. Suede
14. Starlite
15. Sidepiece
16. Jodi
17. Link Up
18. Another Time
19. Fkku
Read our interview with Anderson Paak
Image: Supplied
The annual Listen Out Festival officially kicked off this weekend in Melbourne and Perth, before hitting Sydney and Brisbane next week. The solid blend of hip-hop and electronic acts including A$AP Ferg, Anderson Paak, Baauer, Yung Lean, Rufus and Travis Scott rocked St Kilda, along with the One Day crew and Slumberjack, announced as the last minute replacement for Stormzy, who pulled out at the eleventh hour.
We were on ground in Melbourne and were lucky enough to catch the action. Anderson Paak is far and away one of the best new artists of 2016; his album Malibu came out back in January and is still one of this year’s best, and his live performances – which we recently documented over in San Diego – are out of this world.
Just last week it was announced that Paak is teaming up with Stones Throw’s Knxwledge to release a new album as NxWorries, out later this year.
Read our interview with Anderson Paak
Listen Out continues on to Sydney and Brisbane next weekend. The full lineup is as follows:
ANDERSON .PAAK & THE FREE NATIONALS
A$AP FERG
BAAUER
CLAPTONE Immortal Live
COSMO’S MIDNIGHT
GORGON CITY DJ SET
JAUZ
JOY.
L D R U
NGAIIRE
ONE DAY CREW
RÜFÜS
SLUMBERJACK
SUI ZHEN DJ SET
TASH SULTANA
TCHAMI
TRAVIS SCOTT
WILLOW BEATS
YUNG LEAN
Listen Out dates:
SYDNEY | Sat 1st Oct (long weekend) @ Centennial Park
BRISBANE | Sun 2nd Oct (long weekend) @ The Sporting Fields, Victoria Park
Photos: Michelle Grace Hunder
If you haven’t heard yet, NxWorries, the powerhouse duo of producer Knxwledge and RnB extraordinaire Anderson .Paak have finally announced that their heavily anticipated debut album, very appropriately titled Yes Lawd!, will released in just one month’s time. Of course, it wasn’t just a simple album announcement though, the pair went and released a brand new and positively mind-blowing single titled Lyk Dis.
Almost a year in the making, this is obviously a moment worth celebrating for fans of both artiss and therefore, to get you grooving in the lead-up to the LP, we’ve crafted a playlist full of Knx and Paak’s finest tunes, both new and old.
A mixture of vibes, these 20 tracks will take you on a trip through the discographies of both artist with a healthy dose of variety at all stops. From drunken beats, to serenades, and even a twist of adrenaline to get you through the day, seriously, what else would you want to be listening to? Happy NxWorries Day everyone!
Image: OkPlayer
Read more: our review of Anderson .Paak live at the House Of Blues in San Diego