Chance meetings between two potential producers don’t get much more prodigious than that of Snakehips. Oliver Lee had already been creating some hefty beats under that moniker for a hot minute before he struck up a conversation with fellow Brit James Carter at a bar in Hong Kong. The two then, somewhat freakishly, found themselves on the same flight to LA and decidedly gave fate what it wanted; one of the most exciting production duos to mark the global scene.
It’s been about two years since they released their first EP Forever (Pt. II), which featured a slew of collaborations, including Syd of The Internet, and trademarked their smooth sound – that party after the party, glitchy electronica overlaying behind the beat hip hop. They dropped their All My Friends collab with Tinashe and Chance The Rapper a little later in 2015, which peaked at No. 5 in the UK, and they’ve been on the rise ever since; their latest projects pushing the likes of 1D’er Zayn Malik and Danish sensation MØ.
Last year they hit up Australia for Splendour in the Grass, while this year they returned for Groovin the Moo and a headline tour. We caught them in Sydney with Brisbane legend Feki on support duties.
Feki
Snakehips
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
We’ve only just entered the third month of the year, but it feels like we’ve had enough new music to last us a lifetime. Here’s some of the best new tunes you may have missed from the past couple weeks.
Green Buzzard, Dream In, Dream Out
It hasn’t taken long for Green Buzzard to become staples of the inner-west Sydney scene. The band released their second EP Space Man Rodeo on Friday, with final single Dream In, Dream Out revealing itself just days in advance. Full to the brim with fuzz, distorted leads and mellow lyrics, make sure to check out the full EP for more Buzzardy goodness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ysiLNIUSHhc
Feki, Run Away
Ever since Feki first came to our attention, it feels like he’s been moving from strength to strength without a single false step yet. Having been announced as the main support for the upcoming Snakehips tour, the Brisbane beatmaker has followed up on this momentum by dropping new belter Run Away. Feki’s just getting started and we can’t wait to see what will come next.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccyMA_RyLX8
Lea Porcelain, Bones
If you like your new music to have something a little different, Le Porcelain could be the right fit for you. The German electronic post-punk duo, who recently signed with Alt-J’s management, released this vast, sprawling canvas of sound that pairs both minimalism and rhythmical intensity beautifully. Memorable and unique – two of the best traits in new music.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21rICVxMpRo
The Sand Dollars, Chops
This fresh-faced Melbourne quartet mould everything that’s good about indie-rock into one big, loveable mess. Their new single Chops kicks off with a driving drum beat and pulsating riff that gives way to some smooth vocal work. Topped off with mo-town harmonies, a fat guitar solo and a catchy as hell chorus, this is a masterclass in pop-rock songwriting. The group have just come off supports alongside Kingswood and Alex Lahey and are set to drop their debut EP this month.
The Jensens, Gaff’s Song
Summer might have ended, but that hasn’t stopped Brisbane outfit The Jensens conjuring the vibes of a late afternoon in the sun at the beach. The guitar heavy song is perfect for fans of Pond and Foxygen, with subtle blues and psych elements peppering the alt. rock melodies. The song is the second single from the band’s forthcoming EP Sexless, due out March 31st. It’s not the first time the band have been on our radar, and we doubt it will be the last.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN3TQ6Wqk04
KingIV, Like I’m Back
Melbourne artist KingIV turned heads with her debut single No. One and has followed up the initial attention with this dark, glitchy cut. Alternating between slow, steady passages and jumpy grooves, the song changes moods in a way which is more intriguing than disconcerting. One of the freshest faces in the Melbourne underground, it will be interesting to see how IV takes 2017.
https://soundcloud.com/kingivmusic/like-im-back
Miami Horror, Leila
Finishing our roundup for this week is Leila, the groovy first track in two years from Melbourne indie/electronic outfit Miami Horror. Dressed in 80’s synths and drums, topped off by an infectious flute hook, the song is the perfect pick me up for a slow day. Perfect to dance to but also to leave in the background, Miami Horror successfully toes the line of party starting and easy listening. Ever the visual artists, Leila is the first cut a sonic/ art package the band plan to release called The Shapes, due out later this year.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3ImUAHrCSQ
Image: Project Revolver
Since emerging in late 2014, Brisbane producer Feki has moved from strength to strength. carving a unique path for himself, with his lush beats and refreshingly unique take on emotive electronica. Not only has he become known for his remixes of tracks by artists including Odesza, Years & Years, Kilter and Paces, but his own tracks, including Remember and Nothing Lasts Forever, have earned him massive online streaming numbers and international radio play.
This week, Feki announced the exciting news that he’s signed to independent label Inertia, along with premiering a brand new track, You Got Me featuring enriching vocals from fellow Brisbane artist Dom Vino.
The track centres around bright synths and a rolling bass line, laying the foundations for a single that’s equal parts emotional and dance-floor ready. Feki has already managed to create something of an identifiable sound, with multi-layered instrumental rhythms and bulging melodies that build and bloom throughout. Bringing in pitch shifted vocals, sprightly synth hooks and uplifting chords to the breathy melody, the overall atmosphere is really gorgeous.
Feki has already performed at festivals including Beyond The Valley, OutsideIn and Listen Out, having won a Triple J Unearthed competition to open the event. This weekend he’ll also be making his Splendour in the Grass debut in Byron Bay.
Written with Brittany Xu
Image: Supplied
It’s Friday and that can only mean one thing: here’s your weekly playlist, featuring some of the best new tunes from across the globe. We try to cover as much as we can throughout the week, and here’s the best of anything we may have missed. We’ve got a slightly longer playlist today than usual – Enjoy!
- Promises Ltd., Days of Lavender
This is a really cool new collaboration from Chrome Sparks, aka Jeremy Malvin, and Charlie brand of Miniature Tigers. Days of Lavender is their first single and I adore it. A riveting, driving rhythm and an interesting, kind of psych-y melody lead the way. I’m looking forward to hearing what’s next. - Woodes, The Thaw
Brisbane’s Woodes has returned with a slinky electro-R&B offering, blending a soft percussive rhythm with sensual atmospherics. All the while, a seductive, breathy melody carries it along. Stellar work from both Woodes and Lanks, who co-wrote and co-produced the track. - ALTA, Plans
ALTA have just shared the exciting news that they’ve signed to Melbourne label Soothsayer, and with the news comes new single Plans. I love how interesting, funky, and most importantly, how unique this sounds. There are so many cool sounds coming together to create a great rhythm and vibe. - Ady Suleiman, Running Away (The Social Experiment Remix)
Chance the Rapper affiliates the Social Experiment have left their mark on Suleiman’s track, which was already amazing to start with. This is a perfect song. Catchy and incredibly lush, we hear a sublime marriage of organic and electronic, of synth and trumpet, soul and electro. - Moonbase Commander, Greyhound
Moonbase Commander are back, and how. This is a frantic beats-heavy track that’s begging to blast out at an all-night warehouse party. Drawing influence from drum ‘n bass and jungle, it’s really cool to hear new tunes coming out of Australia like this. - Elysia Crampton, Flora’s Theme
This week’s Adult Swim single comes courtesy of Elysia Crampton, and it’s certainly the most unique and obscure that we’ve heard so far. Crampton seeks to explore and to experiment, toying with a myriad sounds and samples in just over two minutes. - Machinedrum, Angel Speak ft. MeLo-X
Machinedrum has always held a special place in my heart, and this track is just so much fun. There’s a lot going on around the rhythm, interesting percussive sounds and spacey effects, samples and more. I’m looking forward to hearing what’s next. - Feki x St Albion, One of a Kind
This is a wicked collaboration, absolutely one of my favourite electronic tracks this week. The beats are huge and the atmosphere is really hazy and warm – it’s a really interesting combination of each artist’s sounds, as it takes us through a number of variations on that core melodic loop. - Dreller, A Signal That Comes Back
Since first hearing about Dreller earlier this year, he’s quickly become one of my favourite upcoming artists to watch. A Signal That Comes Back is Dreller’s third single, and it might be my favourite yet. There’s something so sneaky and seductive about the melody, while the instrumental layers blend so many kinds of sounds that every listen uncovers something new. - Julia Jacklin, Leadlight
Julia Jacklin has just announced her debut album, out October 7, and this week released its first single, Leadlight. This is a really beautiful, emotive track, one that really showcases her stunning voice and lyrics, atop a bluesy rhythm that lazily swings from beat to beat. There’s something so real about this sound and this song. I love it. It might just be my favourite new Australian track this week. - Running Touch, Levitate (It’s All Too perfect)
Running Touch’s new track is deep, dark and smokey, the scene is set with a late night house vibe, before a rich, velvety smooth vocal melody comes in. It continues to be chopped and spliced throughout, becoming something of an instrumental layer in itself. Listen here. - Harts, Power
Finally this week we have a new track from Harts, who among other accolades, has been personally endorsed by the late, great Prince. This is a big, bright, festival-ready song, with huge riffs and a stompy beat, showcasing his incredible guitar talents through a funkier filter than some of his earlier stuff. Listen here.
The Easter weekend always throws a spanner or two in the works when it comes to organisation, so you’ll have to forgive us for skipping last week’s playlist. However, because we know you clearly wait on this to come every Friday, we have collected the best songs not only from this week, but last week too to form one big, mega, super duper playlist overflowing with stellar musical gems. Enjoy!
Thomston x Wafia, Window Seat
Newcomer Thomston has teamed up with rising star Wafia for this brand new track, and it totally blew us away. Sharp beats pierce the hazy synths, ticking away whilst a bed of atmospherics oozes below. It’s got some beautiful and passionate lyrics and vocal efforts from both artists, and shows them both off so well. It’s a pretty intoxicating blend of RnB and electro, creating a gorgeous song that will hold both artists in great stead as they continue to blow up.
Meredith, How Could You Believe That
Just listen to that voice! I was hooked from the get go, but got weak at the knees around 47 seconds when things really kick off. Meredith has been kicking around for a while, but this song is something else all together. It’s powerful, and demands you to sit up and listen- but she makes it sound so easy. Her voice almost has a hint of “I told you so” smugness as she asks the song title over swelling harmonies and explosive synths and cymbals. She’s got the experience behind her, and now she’s got the single to truly break through. Go girl!
Lupa J, Numb
Lupa J doesn’t always release new music, but when she does it’s truly something else. More than worth the wait, she has now returned with Numb; just under 4 minutes of a dreamy, electro kaleidoscopic. Turning and spinning unpredictably, Lupa J keeps you on your toes with this enchanting track. Her breezy voice is sublime as it glides across her shifting bed of noise, calming and hypnotic as it goes. Fresh from supporting none other than Grimes and taking out triple j’s Unearthed High competition for the second year in a row, it’s safe to say Lupa J is the real deal.
Nearly Oratorio, Occlude
You may recognise these vocals as those of I’lls or Kllo, due to the fact that the man behind the voice, Simon Lam, is a prodigal music wizard. Nearly Oratorio is yet another project of his, and it too doesn’t disappoint. Occlude is the latest single from his forthcoming EP, Tin, and is a snapshot into just how precise and meticulous Lam’s mind is. A more intricate song released in recent times, you probably can’t find. Layers of delicate keys intertwine whilst an almost tribal like drum beat quietly comes into play, before Lam’s Grizzly Bear-esque voice falls soft above it. It all kicks in around the 1:30 minute mark, and the gentle but hypnotic concoction of all of his elements tied together with some expert production is almost too good. Bring on the full release of Tin, because we need more of this in our lives!
Verge Collection, Class Of ’09
I really like this song because I think along these lines more often than not. Tackling spoilt brats who think they have it hard, Verge Collection ask us all to check our privilege a bit with the tongue in cheek hook, “Wasn’t high school hard?” Talking about still sucking a silver spoon whilst pretending otherwise, Verge Collection sound pretty fed up with these folks, but they make it sound so damn good with their Aussie indie sounds. Tight guitars and drums, a catchy hook and a searing guitar solo to really take things to the next level, Class Of ’09 is a fantastic track following on from the release of their debut album, Our Place. Here’s hoping we hear more of these guys soon.
Feki, Thankful
I CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF FEKI! Every single time he releases a new song, I am blown away by it again and again. Thankful once again has outdone anything he has released prior to this, making me question just how good someone really can get. Clearly working hard to hone his skills more and more with every track, Feki is quickly becoming one of the most hyped artists in the country, and it doesn’t take long to see why. Thankful is a slow burner, with atmospheric synths slowly climbing to exhilarating heights, where his signature rolling drums and vocal samples come into play. The synths and atmospherics bloom gracefully, swirling around the almost trap-styled percussion, creating a gorgeous build before the real fun begins. Thankful is probably Feki’s most beautiful track yet, delicate and gentle as it rises and falls. Don’t say we didn’t warn you that he’d take over the world!
Big Wild, Aftergold Ft Tove Stryke
Aftergold was previously released just as an instrumental from Big Wild, but now he has teamed up with Swedish pop star Tove Stryke to breathe new life into his already stellar track. Playful and fun, Stryke turns Aftergold into a sassy, boastful, confident jam. Sounding right at home over Big Wild’s jangly chimes and synth sounds, as well as his rolling drums and hard hitting booms. In fact, this new take sounds so good we wouldn’t be surprised if Big Wild didn’t venture further into the pop realm thanks to Stryke. Previously released on ODESZA’s Foreign Family Collective, we can only expect bigger and better things from Big Wild, but we can’t help hoping it’s more material with Stryke. Match made in musical heaven!
Anna Of The North, Baby
Reminiscent of James Blake, Anna Of The North’s new single, Baby, is an intimate and fragile number that gives you a vulnerable feeling almost instantly. It’s slow, smooth and forlorn as Anna pines after an uncertain lover. It’s got traces of 80’s electro with her drum machines and synths, but has been brought into the future thanks to her forward thinking production. It’s got that on edge feeling you get when you don’t know where you stand with someone, and although that’s not an easy feeling to experience, Anna Of The North captures it so well. A truly beautiful song.
Skies, Speed Boy
Now this is a jam. Adelaide synth pop trio Skies have teamed up with acclaimed producer Steven Schram (San Cisco, The Cat Empire, Paul Kelly) to lend his musical know-how for their latest single Speed Boy, and they’ve pulled it off in spectacular fashion. Sexy, smooth, and explosive in all the right places, this smoky pop/RnB number is inviting and seductive as they pull you in, bewitching you with their tight drums and excellent synth work- not to mention that falsetto. The guys have supported the likes of Tkay Maidza and SAFIA last year, and judging from the sounds of this track here, they’re ready to give it their all this year. We can’t wait to hear what they do next.
Colourwaves, Night Boat
Sydney artist Colourwaves has been doing his own thing for a little while now, so I guess you could say he’s been making waves of his own… All puns aside, this latest track sounds like a fantastic blend of the likes of M83, Neon Indian or Washed Out, melded together with his own flair. It’s woozy and lush, and takes me back to the late 00’s when things were much easier. His vocals soar gracefully over his 80’s synths and pulsing atmospherics, whilst a muffled drum beat keeps things coasting along very nicely. Night Boat is the latest taste of his fourth EP, which is set to drop this month, so be sure to take my word for it and keep an eye out for that!
Nina Las Vegas, EZY
Yassss Nina! The queen of Australian dance music strikes again with this banger. Delving further into that Jersey bounce, big room stuff we’ve heard from her in this past, this track absolutely bangs – and bangs hard. Skittering synths and huge beats combine to make it a total ear worm; a hugely exciting move from the legendary radio host/DJ. Out now on her own label, NLV records, Nina is continuing to slay making her own way as an artist in the industry, and it’s tracks like this that really bring home the message of just how good she is.
Huntly, We Made It
We recently premiered a stunning video for this Melbourne band, and they didn’t waste any time pumping out another utterly sublime track not long after. Titled We Made It, this song is just perfect. From the heavenly vocals of lead singer Elly, to the lofi RnB beats, the gentle blooming synths and more. It’s just beautiful, and wins best track on this list by far. Huntly are onto a really good thing here and I am so excited to watch what they do next. They’re launching their single on April 14 at the Gasometer in Melbourne, with Mondegreen, Corin and our favourite, Squidgenini which promises to be an unreal night. Get along if you know what’s good for you.
LDRU, Keeping Score (The Meeting Tree Remix)
This track was already huge, but The Meeting Tree just took it to the next level. With bass that would blow your speakers, they go in, taking the already dance floor friendly track into the dark, dingy club. These guys are notorious for just having fun, and that’s exactly what they’ve done here. Hitting the road again this June, LDRU is set to play some of his biggest venues yet, as he continues to acquire an almost cult-like following. Fingers crossed the Meeting Tree show up to rip into this bad boy!
Deeds, Dream Song
New Brisbane band Deeds are really fresh on the scene, but the combined years experience of each of the members puts them at veteran status- and their latest single proves it. Dramatic pianos, big crashing drums, stunning vocals and more, Dream Song is as impressive as they come for a new band. Vocalist Beau Lindsay sounds incredible, his voice bellowing as he cries his gorgeous lyrics. I think what I love most about this song is you can really feel how much time and effort has gone into it, and it really shows in how well it has come together. Deeds is a name you had better remember.
Holy Fuck, Xed Eyes
Amazing band name aside, Holy Fuck are actually so good it borders on ridiculous. Xed Eyes is the latest release from their forthcoming album, Congrats, which is out in May, and is just under 4 minutes of weird, glitchy, industrial electro punk. With heavy effects on just about everything, the band have really played around with their sound on this one, and it had me hooked from the get go. Things get really hectic with about a minute to go, and you can practically imagine the heaving crowd that would be whipped into an absolute frenzy when this one would be played live. They’ve just announced some overseas dates, so fingers crossed they set their sites for Australia VERY soon indeed!
River Tiber, Illusions (Ft. Pusha T, Prod. River Tiber, Kaytranada, Doc McKinney)
River Tiber is the latest signee to local label Good Manners, who won’t fall in the “local” category much longer thanks to their knack for signing acts that really are something else. Illusions sees River Tiber team up with none other than Pusha T, who lends a fiery verse for the otherwise blissed out track. It also has production credits from none other than living legend Kaytranada, as well as Doc McKinney, proving that sometimes more hands are better. Illusions is lofi heaven, and a rare occurence to hear King Push on such a chilled out number. Thankfully, Pusha T must have seen what Good Manners saw, and the world is beginning to see- and that is a very talented artist just about to hit his prime. Stay tuned for this guy!
Gypsy & The Cat, I Just Wanna Be Somebody Else
Gypsy & The Cat continue their triumphant return with yet another outstanding single, I Just Wanna Be Somebody Else. Providing the perfect soundtrack for that impending existential crisis, Gypsy & The Cat take things down a few levels from their all out synth jams to delve into a kind of chillwave area – an area they actually sound great in. As dynamic as you can get with a track this chilled out, the thick, buzzsaw synths of the hook paired with the quiet verses creates a back and forth not unlike the feelings and thoughts you’d be having if you were the protagonist of this track. It makes me feel okay to want to be somebody else, as long as I get to listen to this bad boy while I’m doing it.
Jenny Broke The Window, Airport Love
Jenny Broke The Window are one of those bands that you may say you’ve never heard of them before, and you’re met with a chorus of “Really?! You’ve never heard of them?!” Well, that happened to me anyway, but I’ve since learned my lesson and they quickly earned a permanent place on my radar. If you haven’t heard of them either (Seriously?!), let their latest single serve as the perfect introduction to them. Airport Love is a perfect slice of alt-pop, with breezy, airy vocals and a slowly rising bed of sounds that is added to bit by bit until you’re presented with a fully fledged indie pop tune to boogie to. They’ve locked in some pretty impressive support slots over the past few months, and by the sounds of this, things are only getting bigger and better for them in the very near future- for very good reason.
Boys Noize, Starchild (Ft. Polica)
Fresh off the press just today, Boys Noize has shared a brand new track today through Zane Lowe’s Beats 1 show. Being heralded as Lowe’s latest “World Record”, this time we see the legendary techno wizard team up with Polica for some absolutely stunning vocals. Titled Starchild, this track has a dramatic build, twinkling atmospherics and underground techno/footwork sounds that show Boys Noize is really on his A game with this new material. The track also comes with the announcement that a brand new album is on its way, and will be out in late May. Titled Mayday, it’s meant to be his “most dynamic album to date”, and judging from this and his previous track Euphoria ft Remy Banks, I’d say we are all in for a real treat come May 20!
Ecca Vandal, Truth To Trade
Ecca Vandal rules. Everything she touches rules. Her songs are so badass and unashamedly confident, she makes me want to get up and kick the day ahead in the face. Truth To Trade is no exception. With a guitar that stirs in your loins and her punk vocals not holding back even for a second, she once again gives it her absolute all here. Taken from her End Of Time EP released earlier this year, this track was a true stand out on that record, so it’s only fitting it gets its own single treatment, with a kickass clip to boot. Check out the video below, with footage taken from her Sydney show on her recent tour, and try not to break anything as you thrash around to this!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-X-YsbqXNUw
If two is better than one, eleven is definitely better than ten and such is the case for your beloved weekly playlist of top songs. Sure, one came out last week (looking at you, Cub Sport) but we can’t help that it was so good it still deserved a spot in this week’s cut as well!
We’ve got a lot of local flavours in this week’s list, with three acts hailing from Brisbane – the aforementioned Cub Sport as well as Emma Louise (who was remixed by Little Dragon) and Feki (who remixes Anna Of The North). We’ve also got some surf-psych jams from WA (Gunns), a couple of Melbourne acts (Hoodlem and Private Life) as well as Sydney’s Tigertown. Not to mention some international takes like a Louie Lastic remix of Kelela featuring GoldLink, some Bishop Nehru, a collab between Katy B and Kaytranada and not to mention a lit remix of Tory Lanez by Shlohmo and we have once again got you covered with the top songs you should have heard this week!
Gunns, Who’s Gonna Be Your Dog
WA darlings Gunns have a lot to be happy about right now. They’re about to join Albert Hammond Jr on tour (yes, the guitarist from The Strokes), they’re releasing their debut EP on February 12th AND it’s on the same label as a few fellow Western Australians like POND and that tiny band called Tame Impala. They’ve also shared a brand new single this week, titled Who’s Gonna Be Your Dog. Sounding like an Aussie version of Temples in the best possible way, this dreamy psych-surf band are bound for great things, and this song once again proves it.
Kelela, Rewind (Louie Lastic Remix ft. GoldLink)
Kelela was just in the country for a mindblowing whirlwind mini tour, and GoldLink is just about to touch down for Laneway. Although they didn’t cross paths in the literal sense, they certainly have in the sonic sense with this latest release. Jumping on a guest verse for producer Louie Lastic, the two have spun Kelela’s huge single Rewind into an old-school jam, complete with upbeat, bubbling synths, skittering beats, and a groove that just won’t fucking quit. It’s a total jam.
Anna Of The North, The Dreamer (Feki Remix)
Brisbane producer Feki has once again shown he really means business, and has remixed the hell out of Anna Of The North’s The Dreamer. We’ve had our eye on him for a while and each and every time he releases something, he sucks us in even more with his forward thinking, future-RnB production. He capitalises on the sad vibes and hones in on it, amping up the dark vibes and heaping on the emotion. Anna Of The North said it best herself when she told Nylon, “The Dreamer is already a sad song, but I like that Feki’s remix is darker. He makes it ok to cry at the club.” Damn straight.
Hoodlem, Kintsugi
Melbourne duo Hoodlem blew me away when I stumbled upon them at last year’s BIGSOUND in Brisbane, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Thankfully, they’ve finally released some new music this week, which earned them a spot in this playlist instantly. The duo are a powerhouse in a live setting, and have been bringing their A-game with each release since they dropped their tremendous single Through last year. Now they’re gearing up for the release of a new EP coming in March and they’re sounding better than ever. Kinstugi is the first taste of that record, and its glitchy, soulful vibes with their typically fantastic production skills makes for a very exciting release indeed.
Tigertown, Lonely Cities
Tigertown have an uncanny knack of making you think you’re listening to an unassuming indie track, but then catching you by surprise and blowing you totally out of the water with how great they sound. It’s a risky move but they always seem to pull it off, so why the hell not? The band return with their second single of the year, Lonely Cities, and it’s huge. Although the lyrics aren’t exactly celebrating the feeling of being lonely, they’ve juxtaposed them with some totally liberating, joyous and borderline euphoric singalongs, guitar melodies and sharp drums. If only all loneliness felt this good!
Bishop Nehru, Forever And A Day
You might know Bishop Nehru from his feature spot on Flight Facilities‘ excellent debut album, Down To Earth, on the track Why Do You Feel, but it is about time everyone knew him for his capabilities on his own as well. This song is a sultry, inviting, groovy number with some fierce verses and Nehru’s easy flow, he talks about his rise to fame and how his drive keeps him go. He doesn’t sound like he’s quitting anytime soon judging from this track, and that is some very good news for Nehru fans new, old and those still to come. It’s only up from here!
Katy B x Kaytranada, Honey
Anything that Kaytranada lends his hand to has a 99.99% chance of being amazing, and this latest track is no exception. Working with Katy B, this is a smoky and smooth number that shows B’s impeccable vocals and Kaytranada’s flawless-as-ever production. It’s the first taste from her forthcoming Honey LP (which has a tracklist that features everyone from Craig David, Major Lazer, Four Tet, Floating Points and more), and it’s impressive to say the least. It’s got a groove that is perfect for the bedroom, and Katy B’s sexy hook doesn’t go too bad either for the bedroom vibes. Thank us later.
Tory Lanez, Say It (Shlohmo Remix)
There was a time where Shlohmo was making some of the most experimental music of his career, and the days of him working with Jeremih felt like a bygone era. However, this latest remix is Shlohmo back to his RnB remixing best, as he takes Tory Lanez’ Say It, and makes it fucking lit. It’s still got his trademark dark sounds, and has an air of mystery about it, but it’s also got some token hip-hop drums, crashing cymbals, trap leanings and more to keep it dance-y and fun. Is this a sign Shlohmo is heading back towards his hip-hop roots?
Private Life, Dragon
Melbourne indie two-piece Private Life are fighting the good fight to make “pop” not such a dirty word anymore, and their latest track, Dragon is a perfect example of how well it can be done. Showcasing some huge vocals, crashing cymbals, a hook that won’t quit and some unpredictable production courtesy of Nicolas Lam (from Red Bull Music Academy), Private Life sounds like Australia’s answer to CHVRCHES with one less member and one hell of a knack for good songs. Dragon is explosive yet gentle, uplifting yet fragile, and seriously, SERIOUSLY impressive. We’re expecting big things from these guys.
Emma Louise, Underflow (Little Dragon Remix)
I mean, if you are going to get anyone to remix your comeback single, surely Little Dragon are pretty high up on the list of desired artists to do so. Brisbane artist Emma Louise has achieved just that, with the Swedish band stepping up for rework duties this week on her track Underflow. It was already an absolutely stunning single in its own right, so it’s only fitting that it gets an equally stunning remix, and it sounds like it was in pretty safe hands with Little Dragon. A racing almost-heartbeat like thump keeps the track running along as more and more is carefully poured into the mix. Splashy cymbals, vocal loops and subtle synths carry it along as Emma Louise’s vulnerable original vocals remain in tact. This marks the first remix in four years for the band, so if that alone doesn’t tell there is something great about this track, we don’t know what will.
Cub Sport, I Can’t Save You
Brisbane band Cub Sport fell off the grid for a while there, but towards the end of 2015 it was confirmed that their absence was indeed intentional as they returned to the fray with the release of Only Friend. Back on form, the band have now shared another brilliant track titled I Can’t Save You – another exciting cut from their forthcoming album, This Is Our Vice. A glimmering exercise in synth-driven indie-pop, Cub Sport are wasting no time in reminding us who they are, and keeping our excitement levels at worryingly high levels in the lead up to This Is Our Vice‘s March 4th release.
Image of Hoodlem via Facebook
If there is one producer that really broke through last year, it was Brisbane’s Feki. After a slew of originals and remixes (including a particularly stunning cover of James Blake‘s Retrograde), he quickly became one of the most talked about producers in the game right now, and things are looking even bigger and better for him in 2016.
He played at OutsideIn, Listen Out and EMC, and capped off the year with a performance at Beyond The Valley. Being hailed as everything from Brisbane’s answer to Ta-Ku to ushering in a new era of electronica, he hasn’t let the pressure get to him and instead opts to keep relatively quiet and working on new music. However, with each release, his name gets out there more and more, so it won’t be too long at all before everyone really catches on to what Feki is capable of.
To help that, he has now announced a little mini-tour, to give some love back to fans in Sydney, Perth and Melbourne. He will also be performing at Castaway Festival at the picturesque Bribie Island in Queensland, alongside What So Not, Golden Features and Dune Rats. Along with this announcement, he also released a little sentimental clip of his time at Beyond The Valley, which you can check out below. Giving you all the feels, it’s a brief snapshot into the man behind the beats. We’re calling it now – 2016 is Feki’s year.
https://www.facebook.com/Fekibeats/videos/493028724192199/?theater
Feki tour dates:
Saturday, 20 February
Castaway Festival, Bribie Island
Tickets here
Wednesday, 24 February
The Wall, Sydney
Tickets on the door
Friday, 26 February
Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
Tickets here
*With Cosmo’s Midnight
Friday, 4 March
Old Mates, Melbourne
Tickets not on sale yet
Brisbane producer Feki has been having quite a good year this year. He’s just about to play at this week’s EMC, he picked up a nomination for a J Award for Unearthed Artist of the Year, and he’s played at tastemaker festivals Listen Out and OutsideIn – all within the last three months or so. However, from just one listen to any of his tracks, there is absolutely no question why he’s got this buzz about him, and his latest release could perhaps be his best yet.
Teaming up with fellow Brisbane band Glasshouse, they have released a cover of James Blake‘s Retrograde. It’s no easy task to cover a Blake song, and expectations were set pretty high indeed for this one – and were well and truly blown out of the water as well.
With a mellow saxophone, some subtle claps and some tentative keys, the lead vocals come in fragile and vulnerable, but still commanding. The track ticks and tocks it’s way along; slow moving and gradually picking up steam before an explosive drop and Feki’s obvious touch. Thick synth jabs and heavy beats crash as the track comes to a sudden roar, before almost immediately subsiding into a gentle trickle. You’re left feeling a little uneasy, like someone’s just cut off your supply whilst giving you whiplash at the same time, but also in a state of surprised awe at just how good that sounded.
You can catch Feki playing at EMC this week in Sydney, or probably just about everywhere next year as we are almost positive he is about to blow up.
Written by Emma Jones & Lauren Ziegler
Strap in and get ready, guys, we’ve got one hell of a playlist for you today. Featuring the best new music from all over the musical map. Enjoy!
Sam Tiba – Sunshine Pulse (ft SIROJ)
Coinciding with the announcement of a brand spankin’ new EP, Bromance Records’ Sam Tiba has also released a new song. Titled Sunshine Pulse, this track actually has one of the more apt titles I’ve seen in some time. That’s literally what it sounds like. Late-night house at it’s best, Tiba injects some bright warmth into the dark club with this track but it’s not until the very end where things get really interesting.
Jade The Moon – U Take Care
U Take Care is actually Jade The Moon’s third track ever, but between her songwriting, keen production skills and naturally flawless vocals, you’d be forgiven for thinking she had been doing this forever. This song is unassuming, modernised and utilises an eclectic mix of production and instrumentation to create a throbbing, pulsing soundscape that carries Jade The Moon’s voice just so well.
Leisure – Take It To The Top
We featured New Zealand band Leisure last week for what we thought was their latest single, but literally the day after that went live they went and dropped another track because two is always better than one – ESPECIALLY when it comes to Leisure, and even more so again when it sounds like this. This song is groovy as fuck, and Leisure are quickly becoming one of my favourite acts as they continue to outdo themselves with each and every release.
Mura Masa – Love For That (ft Shura)
Two up and comers in their own rights, Mura Masa and Shura are a match made in heaven with this track. Shura’s delicate voice is perfectly suited to Mura Masa’s production techniques. Keeping it light with the percussion and utilising vocal samples, he takes lead from frontrunners like Cashmere Cat whilst putting his own, unique spin on his sounds. This breakdown is one that will have you sidestepping almost immediately.
Feki – Quiet Minds (ft Emily)
Brisbane’s Feki has quickly emerged from SoundCloud semi-obscurity to all out rising star – and with tracks like Quiet Minds, we’re not exactly wondering why. This is an glistening track with an ambient soundscape and playful, twinkling synths adding splashes of colour to the atmosphere. Even when the beat kicks in, that air of sentimentality lingers, altogether creating one genuinely beautiful, emotional release.
Richard In Your Mind – Ecstatic Electricity
Richard In Your Mind is a great band. Any one of their tracks can show you that, especially this one. Returning with a new single and a new string of shows, you can’t help but get a reinvigorated feel from this track, like the band are raring to go again. It’s got pummelling drums, a hook that will get stuck in your head for days and the perfect amount of distortion (a lot).
MED, Blu, Madlib – Finer Things ft. Fonte, Likewise
Yes, there’s more than five people involved in one track. But too many cooks in the kitchen? Not even close. This is a smooth, clear-cut, catchy as hell track from the master collaborators. Backed by a classic, soulful instrumental loop, the understated yet intense verses are rhythmically delicious and and lyrically captivating. If their full collaborative effort, Bad Neighbor (due Oct 30) is anywhere near as good, we’re in for something absolutely stunning.
Lupa J, Dirty Skin
Lupa J returns with this seductive, rich offering of dark electro-pop. I’ve been particularly captivated by the sensual melody, and the instrumental layers that pull and tug at the atmosphere from all sorts of tonal angles. Playing with echoes and harmonies stretch the melody out even more, anchored down by increasingly industrial synths and percussive rhythms. For a 17-year-old, this is bloody impressive.
Plaitum, LMHY
Newcomers Plaitum are serving up what you might expect from a band like M83, if they were releasing music in 2015. With a massive, atmospheric sound and incredibly rich, velvety smooth synths and big, hollowed beats. The vocals lead the way, the angelic breathiness perfectly complements the bulging backdrop, becoming an instrumental layer in itself throughout the chorus. I’m looking forward to hearing more from these guys.
MKO SUN, Michiko
Following in a similar vein to the previous two tracks, MKO SUN’s latest, Michiko, is a really interesting blend of bubblegum-level pop production, and crunchy, deeply industrial synths. Opening on a gorgeous piano line and sparkling clean vocals, we’re immediately, and briefly struck with those huge synth jolts. The track continues to mess around with your expectations, later introducing trap-level bass loops and even heavier, albeit Jai Paul-esque funky synths.
Once again, we’ve got you covered and have sourced the best songs that have dropped over the past seven days. It’s a big mix of everything, but one thing you can be sure of is that we have only included tunes of the utmost quality. If you only hear ten songs this week, make it these!
Leisure Suite – Sweet Gin
Leisure Suite have marked their return this week with the announcement that a new EP is on the way as well as the first taste of what we can expect. Sweet Gin is a total dream, soft and down tempo with enough depth to make it that extra bit special. If this duo aren’t on your radar yet, Sweet Gin is the perfect introduction.
Papoose – Michael Jackson (Ft. Rema Ma & Ty Dolla $ign)
As far as jams go, they don’t get much better than this. A big ball of fun turned into a song, Michael Jackson is too good. Big bass, frenzied beats, grandiose lyrics and enough good vibes to warm up our Australian winter nights, this will definitely feature heavily in future party playlists of mine.
BUOY – Close/Open
BUOY is one of the most exciting acts in Australia right now. I cannot rave enough about her. Her songs are so unique, so refined and there is so much detail, each listen you discover another subtle intricacy that wasn’t there before. They bloom and swell as she adds more and more to the mix, complimented by her gliding vocals that float above the frenetically produced bed of beats she’s made. Her debut EP has recently dropped, and it falls into my “Everyone Must Listen To” category. BUOY is definitely one to watch.
B.Miles – Shaking Hands
B. Miles possesses one of the most commanding voices I’ve heard in some time. Reminiscent of singers from a bygone era, she pays homage to her inspirations whilst looking forward, and her latest single Shaking Hands is yet another example of this. Slow, sexy and smoky, it’s a slow jam that has an extra punch.
Dornik – Drive (BADBADNOTGOOD Remix)
Dornik + BADBADNOTGOOD = match made in heaven. Dornik’s Michael Jackson-esque vocals are perfectly suited to the downtempo jazz infusion the Canadian trio have laid down, and is shown off in a different light from his usual upbeat R&B jams. This remix comes just before Dornik’s debut album drops next month, and has us like Homer Simpson thinking about donuts when we think about that being in our ears.
DownBeat Keys – Final Round
If there is a song you have to hear on a Friday afternoon, it’s probably this one. The Brooklyn funk/R&B band have turned it up more than a few levels for this track, amping up the good vibes to a whole new level. Those vocals are to die for, and that hook will definitely be stuck in your head for days to come – lucky it’s so good though, so I’m not even complaining.
Szymon – Medusa
Szymon’s music is bittersweet. Although he lost his battle with depression at such a young age, his family decided to celebrate the bright light that he was, and have been busy releasing his collection of songs posthumously. Medusa is a beautiful, delicate narrative with fast paced guitars and summery vibes. It’s a gorgeous song, and a touching tribute to the raw talent that was Szymon.
Gill Bates – Didn’t Mind (Prod. Feki)
Brisbane’s Gill Bates has totally blown up lately, and for good reason. From the release of his debut single, She Knows, featuring Allday, he jumped on the Chubby Boy’s tour alongside Asta, and is now supporting fellow breakthrough star in the making, Baro. He’s got a voice that immediately makes you sit up and listen, sounding more like someone rubbing shoulders with Frank Ocean than someone from the Brisbane ‘burbs. Didn’t Mind is another feather in his cap, teaming up with Feki for production duties. The track holds Bates in good stead for what we can still expect from him. All I know is that Gill Bates is not one to sleep on.
Zola Blood – Play Out
Intimate, mysterious and rich, Hackney-four piece Zola Blood have returned with a fantastic tune in Play Out. It snowballs, slowly but surely, into a sprawling, intricate track with a multitude of influences on display. Play Out marks Zola Blood’s return since the release of their debut EP last year, which saw them reach #1 on Hype Machine. If this track is anything to go by, I dare say they’ll be heading that way again!
Homeshake – Give It To Me
Having just signed to label Strange Yonder, Homeshake have gone and dropped one of my favourite tracks of this year in Give It To Me. In fact, I enjoyed it so much I am including the clip as well in this playlist and it gets it’s own special mention. So chill, so cool, and so controlled, Give It To Me is the soundtrack dreams are made of, and have made Homeshake one of my favourite discoveries to date. They are tipped to have a new album out soon, and to say I’m excited is a huge understatement. All time!