It’s that time of year again when rain, shine and music collide to bring us the ultimate summer experience at Falls Music and Arts Festival. One of the largest events happening across the New Year period, Falls has been going strong for a quarter of a century and still never fails to amaze. The bill for the 2017/2018 tour included a bunch of stellar international names including Fleet Foxes, Run The Jewels, Vince Staples, Liam Gallagher, Foster The People, Glass Animals and The Kooks, as well as homegrown favourites like Flume, Angus and Julia Stone, Methyl Ethel, Allday, The Jungle Giants and Julia Jacklin. And that’s just a preview.
Of the four idyllic locations the festival plays, we made our annual pilgrimage to Byron Bay which delivered its usual medley of hot, balmy weather, rainy afternoons and… mud, lots of mud. Clearly it’s our favourite way to ring in the new year.
Day III saw sets from West Thebarton, Dave, Ecca Vandal, Bad//Dreems, Winston Surfshirt, Methyl Ethel, Angus and Julia Stone, Liam Gallagher and The Kooks.
Photos by Dani Hansen.
Check out our galleries for Day I and Day II!
West Thebarton
Dave
Ecca Vandal
Bad//Dreems
Methyl Ethel with Stella Donnelly
Angus and Julia Stone
Liam Gallagher
The Kooks
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl and Echoes
Just in case you missed any, we’ve pulled together the best music videos released in the last week for you to enjoy all in the one place. The year may be winding down but the videos are still pouring in from the likes of:
Dave – 71
South London’s rising star is back again, dropping the fourth music video from his incredible EP Six Paths. Yet another cinematic masterpiece pieced together by director LX, the clip sees Dave flexing around sunny Hollywood alongside his crew of friends. Whether he’s made it or not, each one of his videos is certainly making it seem that way, but it’s not in a glitzy, girls galore way, he’s worldwide, and it’s inspirational to say the least. Big ups Dave.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VAsCZLW4vk
6LACK – Ex Calling
If you haven’t already heard, 6LACK is Atlanta’s newest R&B talent. After releasing his incredible debut album last month, he’s now back with the eerie visuals to one of the highlight tracks, Ex Calling. A ghostly black and white video, packed with slick imagery and locations, this brooding 808-laced anthem is most definitely worth your attention.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Rh0228Xx0A
REMI – Lose Sleep feat. Jordan Rakei
He’s released one of this year’s best albums, Divas And Demons, and is currently touring the country with another of the country’s finest in Baro, yet he’s still making waves – Melbourne’s own Remi has released another video from D.A.D. Lose Sleep is an extremely personal, introspective slow burner coveringthe racism and mental struggles Remi has faced. The video parallels this, it’s hazy and mysterious, centering around the nightlife he and collaborator Jordan Rakei find themselves in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPqh_nJSafc
DMA’s – Play It Out
One of Sydney’s most cherished exports in recent times, the lads from DMA’s, have returned with a video for the final track on their 2016 debut album Hills End. Play It Out is gritty, jangly indie rock heaven and is incidentally the first track they ever recorded as a band. The video too was their first ever, recorded years ago for a mere $20. On ya lads!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NTW3KgxBHcQ
Electric Guest – Dear To Me
Oh yes! LA’s indietronica synthesiser kings are back with yet another feel good anthem. Filled with moody jingles, throwback synths, and an absolutely soaring chorus Dear To Me is an amazing comeback for the four-piece. Pairing this with another slick and smooth black and white clip, packed with lovey moments with couples, this is sure to pull your heartstrings. Also, see if you can spot the cameos from Andy Samberg and Haim!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1AmkMuB0pA
Dune Rats – Scott Green
Brisbane’s premiere punk rock trio are back again with perhaps their craziest release yet, Scott Green (as in ‘who’s got green?’). Featuring their signature gritty guitar riffs, slapping bass, and singalong lyrics, the Dunies are in their finest form here. If that couldn’t get any better, their drug laden music video comes alongside an interactive, choose your own adventure like video clip, making us wonder why every artist doesn’t do this with their videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ul6VV8XW9xw
Fortunes – 501’s
Fortunes’ 501’s is hip-hop laced disco revival at its best. Backed by a seriously grooving bassline, chiming synth tones and booming beats, the Melbourne singer’s silky smooth vocals glide over the mix with ease. The clip too is masterfully created, sewn together with a stream of nostalgia, based around a hot summers day in the local laundromat. Definitely one to keep an eye on in 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSJkdTP9Ijc&feature=youtu.be
Novella – Does The Island Know
Shot in the style of a clip from the 80s, Novella’s latest single Does the Island Know definitely shares the same vintage, folky appeal too. A glimpse into their upcoming February album, ethereal harmonies shine through on the track, brilliantly wrapped up among a range of bouncy guitar strums and a bouncing bassline.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uOn0VwwA7CY
Big Sean – Bounce Back
Chicago’s young stang Big Sean is going big with his latest trap infused banger. Booming 808 and rattling hi-hats ooze the fresh new sounds, no thanks to one Metro Boomin who provided additional production of on the track. Sean showcases a next level flow and lyrical capability on this one, mixing between harmonious singing and fast paced double time rapping with ease. The video is especially arty too, all saturated colours as Sean flexes around different areas.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=phr1pOFK1V8
PLTS – Call Me Out
Byron Bay’s much loved quartet PLTS are back again with another taste of beach rock bliss on Call Me Out. Wonderfully melancholic and introspective, the video shows the band in another light in serving as a tour video of sorts. From playing Tekken to hanging on tour with Brissie boys Columbus, it’s certainly an entertaining watch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PfwMSmIrvdY
Image: YouTube
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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
Another week and another crop of fresh music videos from some of your favourite artists and some of your new favourite artists (you just don’t know it yet). We’ve taken the time to round them all up for you to take a gander at below
Emma Louise – Illuminate
The video for Emma Lousie’s hugely successful Illuminate is a beautiful marriage between music and visuals. Under blue lights, there are dancers moving together as one to bring the words to life and the video paired with the music is so natural and seamless it is as though they were created together as one performance piece.
Coming together for their fourth video, it is a collaboration between the singer and director Dylan Duclos using choreography by Jason Winters and it is a true testament to the adage that sometimes, less is more.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3yBgjYOyPY0&feature=youtu.be
Bloc Party – Stunt Queen
They may have only released Hymns in January, but already the revamped Bloc Party have dropped a new single Stunt Queen. Written along with a bunch of other new material during their tour with Falls Festival earlier in the year, the song is reminiscent of their earlier work while (note the the hints of Silent Alarm, particularly at the open) with the renewed energy that comes with a fresh lineup.
The video is a classic tour diary, sticking strong with the theme and narrative that finds its footings somewhere between the sticky floors of The Forum (Melbourne) and Enmore (Sydney) Theatres.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VVPulAbfAj0
AYLA – Like The Other Kids
A decked out abandoned train carriage, lush fields and daisy chains make up the sweet, sun-drenched visuals for the new video from Sunshine Coast’s AYLA. Going her own way as she frolics through the greenery, chops firewood and takes aim at beer cans with a slingshot, the video is a symbol of personal libation and a celebration of the wonderfully feeling of fulfilment that comes with forging your own path.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pd838scz2NE
The song might be called Down At The Beach, but the new video from Sydney’s Big White was filmed in an abandoned Belgian castle between shows in Paris and Amsterdam. Shooting the footage themselves, they opted to avoid a beach clip as the song is about “killing something that’s old”, letting go and finding time and space to reflect.
With the filtered, hand-shot footage, the video has a certain poignant nostalgia about it, ensuring that they achieved just that. A far cry from (and far better than) the cheesy tourist beach shots they could have gone for instead.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2p5A8vgF7M&feature=youtu.be
Dave – Six Paths
Fresh from his game-changing remix with Toronto’s incumbent king Drake, South London’s Dave has returned with the third visual accompaniment from his incredible Six Paths EP. Embodying the same stunning artistic direction, the title track video shows Dave stunting eerily in black and white with a medieval castle as his setting. Tying in with the dark, gritty, string lead beat, Dave brings his same razor sharp bars.
To keep with tradition, there’s even a cameo from collaborator AJ Tracey proving these two are bros ‘til the end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuV_cyckCqY
Sampa The Great – HERoes (The Response)
After sending out a call to action in the first half of HERoes earlier this month, the incredible Sampa The Great has returned with its answer. Sporadic electronic tones open the tune, making way for a truly neck shattering African-influenced drum beat.
Sampa flexes a seriously incredible flow alongside her always constant attention to lyricism. As she raps at an incredible pace, despite it being a lyric video, it’s hard enough just to read along.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1nLFBy_weU
Action Bronson – Durag vs. Headband
Everyone’s favourite Albanian rapper turned chef in Action Bronson has finally returned with the new hilariously named track Durag vs Headband. Featuring the whole Fuck That’s Delicious crew, plus producer and Ancient Aliens co-star Knxwledge.
Both the video and music are outstanding, the whole gang filling the screen with their raw tenacity over a rough boom bap beat by Knx and always on point verses by Bronson. Not to mention Big Body Bes on the hook, reminding all once again how incredible he is.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWLg7_G0_go
The Avalanches – Because I’m Me
After returning oh so wonderfully at the start of this year and dropping their highly anticipated sophomore album Wildflower, The Avalanches have been casually releasing a number of music videos from the project over the last few months. Obviously, they’ve saved the best until now though, with the video for Because I’m Me.
This heartstring-plucking love tale follows a young kid in the subway trying to seduce the girl behind the ticket desk. What results is an incredible sing and dance video which is simply put, brilliantly acted, choreographed and scripted. It’s pretty much the definition of feel-good.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eu0KsZ_MVBc
YG – One Time Comin’
A possible glimpse into an upcoming project, YG’s One Time Comin’ continues with the police brutality themes which are evident throughout much of his music.
Shots of YG evading the police by car are paired with shocking first person footage of an innocent man frantically on the run, who is inevitably shot for no reason. It’s a powerful video with a similarly intense track below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nTCUI5reJw
I AM D – Seven Deuce
Brisbane’s most veracious emcee, I AM D, has come a long way since his 90s inspired boom bap tracks early in his career. After releasing a range of new and fresh, yet similarly dark anthems over the last few months, the D has now returned with yet another straight to the point track in Seven Deuce.
Paired with bold cinematography, this track is nothing short of fire. There’s no sugarcoated hooks to be found here either, just three minutes of the ill-est verses around, demonstrating I AM D’s skill brilliantly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWomlPOS73o
twelveAM – On My Own
One of Melbourne’s latest rising stars in twelveAM has released the video to his catchy heartfelt tune, On My Own. The track leads his debut EP, demonstrating briefly his ear for brilliant hooks, alongside his unique melodic flow and deep tone, painting a vivid picture as he longs for a lover.
No doubt he’ll be one to watch in the months to come.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=po-RQD36–M&feature=youtu.be
Johnossi – Air Is Free
One of Sweden’s largest bands, the platinum selling Johnossi, have returned with yet another rock scorcher to get you grooving. Backed by harsh guitar riffs, bopping bass lines, marching drums and incredible, powerhouse vocals, Air Is Free follows a young nomad as he yearns for independence and freedom.
The result is a truly moving journey, with a soundtrack that is oh so sweet.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQDTG-caCOs
High Klassified – Gold feat. Mick Jenkins
One of Montreal’s finest upcoming producers, High Klassified has blessed us with a vocal collaboration with a similarly incredible artist in Chicago lyrical legend Mick Jenkins. With its smooth, jazzy and booming beat, we see its producer starring in a spooky love story.
Just in time for the Halloween period, the surrealistic clip is fit with creepy bunnies, eerie dolls and clowns, not to mention the sheer insanity of the narrative. Definitely a see it to believe it type video!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dzsaHjE27zo
Bad//Dreems – Mob Rule
After recently wrapping up their tour with Sydney rockers DMA’s, Adelaide kings Bad//Dreems have followed this up with the release of an incredible new track Mob Rule.
This rough and tough anthem sees the lads reflecting on Australia’s own culture, and what better way that to piece the whole track together with a range of hazy, 80s TV excerpts and clips.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmsffFCA4fQ
Image: Pitchfork