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 I eased us into things with sets from Daryl Braithwaite, The Jungle Giants, Thundamentals, Foster the People, and Flume rounding out and counting down to 2018. The definite highlight though was watching a crowd of tens of thousands singing every word to Braithwaite’s iconic 1990 hit Horses.
Photos by Dani Hansen.
Check out our galleries for Day II and Day III!
Daryl Braithwaite
The Jungle Giants
Thundamentals
Foster the People
Flume
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
Fresh from winning a Grammy for his dense 2016 record Skin, Flume has returned with the second Skin Companion EP, with four brand new tracks, three of which feature guest artists: Pusha T, Dave Bayley of Glass Animals and Moses Sumney.
It’s no secret that he’s a certified legend when it comes to mixing hip-hop into his production: his tracks with Vic Mensa, Vince Staples and Raekwon were some of our favourite tracks from Skin. But his new cut with Pusha T is straight up ridiculous.
The track, Enough, is the hardest song of the year so far, and the hardest of Flume’s career to date. That beat whips so hard beneath Push, who spits and hisses his verses, gliding under the radar with seething, dangerous ferocity. Flume’s production is heavier than any trap beat and wilder than almost anything out right now. Production-wise the closest tracks I’d liken to this one are Brodinski’s album Brava and some of the heavier tracks on Yeezus. A big call, but this really is blowing me away.
Lyrically, it covers the usual – cocaine, selling cocaine, buying cars with cocaine money, sex, fur, power and so on. Hardly challenging, but delivered with such venomous potency, you can’t help but feel a shock through your veins.
This track is so intense it’s scary. Flume is incredibly under-appreciated as a hip-hop producer and without doubt one of the best in the world when it comes to blending rap with electronic.
Check it out below, along with the rest of the EP:
Flume‘s early days of uploading to MySpace and writing bits for his dad’s commercials as a 14 year old seem humble if not prodigious. The Northern Beaches native became an international sensation with his debut self-titled album which yielded four ARIA awards, a slew of big name collaborations and remixes, and the de-throning of One Direction and Justin Bieber off the charts to boot. Four years on, following some staggering stress and writer’s block, his second full-length creation Skin is whipping anyone left on the fence into a rippling laser-induced frenzy.
As a producer, Flume’s style is distinctly innovative, infusing electronic and dance music with warm, organic elements and behind-the-beat, off-grid Hip Hop swing. While his debut was smooth and melodic, he wanted to take his next project to a more challenging level. His latest album Skin not only won him seven ARIAs but has now been nominated for two Grammys. It contains an almost overwhelming mix of heavy, experimental electronics, blissfully radio-friendly pop and abrasive Hip Hop. Opener Helix is one of the most ethereal and spine-tingling numbers in recent times, and experiencing this song open a live spectacle to stadiums full of screaming fans is unbelievable to witness.
Since his last headline tour four years ago, which involved little more than a laptop and some brazen festival lighting, his live sets and stage design have exploded into a Tron-esque dream of blinding strobes, laser light cages, LCD lit decks and epic artwork displays by fellow Australian marvel Jonathan Zawada. And Flume’s on-stage presence has certainly come into its own accordingly.
Joining Flume on the night was rapper Vince Staples. Staples has also had an incredible year, including the release of new EP Prima Donna. It feels criminal to see Staples as just the opening act, but he certainly delivered one of the best opening sets you’ll ever see.
Vince Staples
Flume
+ Vince Staples & Kučka
Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes
The ambassador for Australian electronic music known as Flume has dropped by Triple J to do Like A Version for the very first time. Currently on his biggest Australian tour to date, Flume showed up with a whole bunch of friends – Vince Staples, who is in town as the main support act for Flume, Vera Blue, Ngaiire, Kai and Kučka. Staples, Kai and Kučka all feature on Skin, while Vera Blue and Ngaiire joined him on stage at Splendour in the Grass.
Although Vince and Kučka were both in tow, he didn’t play [my personal favourite track on the album] Smoke & Retribution. Instead, he delivered a really beautiful rendition of smash hit Never Be Like You with Kai in the lead and Vera Blue, Kučka and Ngaiire on backup vocals.
For his cover, Flume brought Ghost Town DJs’ My Boo to life, with the help of Vince Staples and Kučka, along with Vera and Ngaiire on backing vocals. Watch both here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqdAc56tfSM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miqsQf7ZvCU
Not only did Flume finally release his sophomore album this year, the extremely packed in follow-up to his genre-defying eponymous debut, but he’s just released a short companion EP too, which included a collaboration with Preatures singer Isabella Manfredi.
Read our in-depth review of Flume, Skin
Flume is currently on tour in Australia along with special guests Vince Staples and SOPHIE. Check out the remaining dates below:
December 2 | Brisbane, QLD | Riverstage (SOLD OUT)
December 9 | Sydney, NSW | Qudos Bank Arena (formerly Allphones Arena)
December 10 | Sydney, NSW | Qudos Bank Arena (formerly Allphones Arena)
December 15 | Melbourne, VIC | Sidney Myer Music Bowl (SOLD OUT)
December 16 | Melbourne, VIC | Sidney Myer Music Bowl (SOLD OUT)
December 17 | Adelaide, SA | Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Image: Triple J/Twitter
Harley Streten, aka Flume, has become a force to be reckoned with. Not only a leader in Australia but the international electronic music scene, he has continuously gone from strength to strength since his debut release. His sophomore album Skin took home an incredible eight ARIA Awards last week, and to celebrate, he’s now released a new EP, first announced a little earlier this year. The four song Skin Companion EP 1 gives us all new content, closer in style to his eponymous debut, which remains to be the fan favourite and breadwinner. Each song plays on the emotions of its listeners, and strips his production style of flash, gimmicks, and popular vocalists, and returns us to his original style with a newfound edge.
The first track on the EP, titled Trust, is an emotional journey we take with previous collaborator and Preatures frontwoman Isabella Manfredi. The two previously worked together on 2013’s The Greatest View, and have utilised their combined creative energy to create a spectacular atmospheric track that has become a favourite from the EP. In early 2016, he released a preview of some tracks that were set to appear on Skin, and this track, notably showing up around 3:20, did not make the final cut. Despite not being on the album, the missing sections of the preview may make an appearance yet. This highlight of the preview and EP give us an emotional, breathy journey through trust and missed opportunities for love.
Song two on Companion EP 1 is V, a quietly building track that starts out in a cacophony, but it’s short length leads us to a harmonic conclusion. It has a very nostalgic feel, and is much quieter and minimal in its experimentations.
The third track on the EP is Heater, which is another song that made its appearance before the Companion EP’s release. This track had been played out at many of Flume’s live sets accompanying his new live show and live set that he has used post Skin’s release. This is the most upbeat song on the album, quietly bubbling in to the drop that’s become something of a very ill-kept secret. it still surprises its listener, and all of its elements come together to build something honest and bright.
The EP concludes with track Quirk, which concludes our short musical journey. We resolve on a note of melancholy and hopefulness, in an expertly crafted and full-bodied ode to quirkiness, an expression of styles old and new. The somehow simplistic yet complex song makes the EP feel complete, gives us a conclusion but leaves us wanting more.
The gaps that Skin left behind were mostly smoothed over with this EP. While perhaps listeners shouldn’t have had to purchase 2 albums to collect aspects of Flume’s sound and capacities, this vinyl only release is actually well-crafted enough to be worth it.
Listen to the EP below:
For many Australians in university and school, it is time, or almost time, to break for the summer. Once those finals are done, you can finally relax and have a moment with fewer worries. For those of us not in school, we can use these songs to look forward to the weekend, or remind us to look forward to anything, really. Perhaps you are seeing this after or during the holidays, and need something to remind yourselves to breathe and smile through your relatives asking why you aren’t married yet. Either way, here’s a playlist to dance to and let out a mental sigh of relief.
1. Cashmere Cat – Throw Myself a Party ft. 2 Chains, Tory Lanez, and Starrah
You’re through what it is you were going through. And now it’s time to throw yourself a party. This incredible track was the second single off of Cashmere Cat’s upcoming project Wild Love, and promises great things coming.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QYl7_L8U28Y
2. Ryan Hemsworth – Burying the Sun
Whatever it was that you needed to bury, leave it behind. This song from Canadian producer Ryan Hemsworth is a beautiful journey, from it’s gentle softness to jumpy percussion, this odd yet beautiful song will help us bury our demons.
3. Yogi – Blow You Up ft. AlunaGeorge
This is a song purely designed to make you feel good. Yogi is known best for his harder works, such as the classic song Burial with Skrillex, Trollphace, and Pusha T, but this softer side made for a rather infectious beat.
4. EPROM and G Jones – Warrior
To contrast our last track, we have possibly some of the hardest, soul-crushing trap released this year. Eprom’s iconic subterranean bass sound and G Jones’ expertise birthed an absolute banger fit to make you feel like a warrior.
5. Nick Murphy – Fear Less
Nick Murphy, previously known as Chet Faker, released this as his first single on his project with a new name. This building intensity with the voice and production we all know and love bring us less fear and we look forward to what he’ll do next.
https://soundcloud.com/chet-faker/fear-less
6. Flosstradamus and TroyBoi – Soundclash
“A sound clash enough to heal ya” indeed. After America’s election and after a hard semester at school or day at work, we could all use some healing. The immediately recognizable trap styles of Flosstradamus and TroyBoi expertly mix to create something that’s become a staple in the sets and libraries of many.
7. Willow Beats – From Under the Ground
A bit of an indie flair from one of Australia’s best female-led electronic duos. Lead singer Kalyani’s vocals are reminiscent of a siren song, and this bouncy, almost hip-hop style beat blends well with this floating melodic voice.
8. Major Lazer – Night Riders ft. Travi$ Scott, 2 Chainz, Pusha T & Mad Cobra)
Major Lazer has become something of a worldwide force, and the song Lean On became the most streamed song on Spotify of all time. This song is a perfect way to blend electronic, reggae, and hip hop without outshining the vocalists, creating a song about getting what you want and having the best night ever with none of the cheesy.
9. RL Grime – Core (Djemba’s Selassie Bootleg)
Perhaps you’ve heard Core by RL Grime, or maybe you have and you didn’t know it. Now, not just anyone can remix one of the most iconic trap songs of all time, but Djemba Djemba, who’s done production for names like Sia, Chris Brown, and Alison Wonderland, did it successfully without removing any of the song’s original flair, and that flip near the end is an absolute killer.
https://soundcloud.com/djembadjemba/core-djembas-selassie-bootleg
10. Flume – Free
As the end to a playlist to a song about relief, we had to have the one song that makes us feel freest of all. This song is a release to bad energy, a new clarity or beginning from Australia’s own, who has had one of the biggest years of his life following the release of his sophomore album, Skin. Listen below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ytgx9aiGHkU
This is a playlist meant for nothing but enjoyment, to get a taste of many genres and let go of our inhibitions and stressors for a half hour or so.
Since 2011, Decadence NYE held in downtown Denver, Colorado has been one of the largest music festivals in the southwest US. Its lineup and influence continues to grow, featuring world-class artists and all-new locations hosting different branches of the festival, which now has setups in Arizona and Utah, bringing with it more opportunities to grow, and bring dance culture to a region where it has been lacking in the past.
Round one of announcements of the Denver 2016 lineup definitely did not disappoint, and huge names such as Big Wild, Bob Moses, Disclosure, Kasbo, Keys N Krates, Marshmello, RL Grime vs. Baauer, and Zeds Dead. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, round two brought about Bassnectar, our boy Flume, Griz, Phantoms, Snails, and EDM artists like Tiesto and Eric Prydz.
Between the chill and luxurious vibes of Bob Moses and Kasbo, to the once-in-a-lifetime RL Grime vs. Baauer set, to the trap/band feel of Keys and Krates, and can’t miss visual experiences from Bassnectar and Flume, there’s plenty of magic here for music fans of all types. Decadence NYE, the largest New Years Eve dance celebration, is well stocked with surprises in store and enjoyment to be had.
With more to join the lineup, and 2 days of great music and shelter from the December chill (at least, for the American audience), we couldn’t imagine a better way to bring in the new year.
More info can be found here, and tickets can be purchased here.
Image: Decadence NYE
Bundles and bundles of new music, albums, videos and more are out coming out every week, and 2016 seems to be one of the most fruitful years in memory. Here’s this week’s best videos!
Sparrow – Get To Know You
A delightfully kitsch and somewhat eccentric clip featuring, this new video from Sydney’s Sparrow is a soft, playful adventure through the awe-inspiring, picturesque Blue Mountains.
It all seems a bit odd at first: the handmade animal masks, the toy instruments, the styling which seems to feature socks as mittens… But it all makes sense once you find out that the whole story behind the song informs the video. Speaking on Get To Know You, the singer explained that she had found herself in one of those magical festival settings where you’re having the time of your life with a bunch of strangers. “I think the costumes certainly played a role in us being able to express ourselves freely. The video is a fun extension of this experience… the masks and styling creates an other-wordly feel.”
The actors in the video too, were all strangers who all got to know one another as the day of filming went on. “We are all strangers but could easily get to know each other if we wanted too, but we often don’t and I wish we would more.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AszsnFUGboY&feature=youtu.be
Röyksopp – Never Ever ft. Susanne Sundfør
Two words: Intergalactic. Disco.
Honestly what more could you even want from a music video? Stepping away from their usual dark, sombre approach to music videos, the clip for Röyksopp‘s Never Ever is full of colour, shape, movement and some very disco outfits. The result is a fun, at times kind of strange but ultimately carefree, video that fits pretty perfectly with the energy of the song – which needless to say is set on high. With Never Ever, the duo have made an effort to strip away the serious art business facade in favour of a refreshing burst of colour, energy and fun that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDBzeM6KLlQ
Kaytranada – You’re The One ft. Syd
Having just released his new mixtape 0.001% last week, Kaytranada has now dropped the video for his Syd (Tha Kyd)-featuring track You’re The One, from his award-winning, critically acclaimed debut LP 99.9%. The idea from the video, directed by Shomi Patwary (Beyonce, A$AP Rocky, Mark Ronson) was born out of Kaytranada’s favourite episode of the sitcom Martin in which an African prince turns up with the offerings of life-changing opportunities. The music video, however, takes a slightly different turn. It looks decidedly 90s, which works well with the whole Martin theme and is set up to seem a lot like an episode of a TV show, complete with a girl’s night in and a fancy af party.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKlA5tRu6f0
Dave – Wanna Know
One of the UK’s most promising acts is undoubtedly South London’s Santan Dave. The 17 year old blew up with the huge hit Thiago Silva alongside friend and collaborator AJ Tracey, and while AJ has been churning out banger after banger, Dave has been hard at work on his upcoming Six Paths EP. Six tracks deep, last month Dave dropped the first single, the thought-provoking piano based Picture Me, yet now he’s returned with an even catchier tune. Brilliantly shot by Dir. Lx with Italy as the backdrop, Wanna Know sees him flexing his variety as an artist, singing and rhyming over a more mid tempo, bass heavy beat.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2H0mXC2Wbs&feature=youtu.be
Flume – Heater
After dropping his incredible sophomore album Skin earlier this year, and even announcing that he has a series of EPs on the way, Australia’s favourite good guy himself Flume has dropped a new single for a good cause. Used as the background song for the latest #KeepSydneyOpen video, Heater is an atmospheric, wavy banger which undeniably sounds like a lost deep cut to his LP. We only hope that this track features on a later project so that we can get that official release.
Read our full review of Flume, Skin here
Born Joy Dead – Sourdough
Fresh from their unbelievable showcases at this year’s Bigsound, Brissy boys Born Joy Dead have returned with a punchy new single called Sourdough. An infectious blend of enchanting guitar riffs, bouncing drums, and a calming yet uplifting tone from front man Ben Dalton, this is feel good in the best of ways. The tune is a result of the band’s new organic writing style, and so far we can’t fault it! Even the video parallels this good natured feel, with a hilarious office instructional video which will have you playing office chair dodgems in no time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pruD0CjmW9A
Captain Murphy – Crowned
Thanks to Adult Swim’s Singles series, we’ve been lucky enough to have some incredible tunes from the likes of Vince Staples, Earl Sweatshirt and Ryan Hemsworth, and if it couldn’t get any better, Flying Lotus himself has made an appearance. Performing in the form of his alias Captain Murphy, Crowned is an incredibly evil and shivering track, in which Lotus’ rap ego flexes a distorted and unearthly sound as he tangles rhymes into place. It’s like a real horror movie – so gripping that you just can’t look away.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnbxXYaGC4g
Image: Flume / Cybele Malinowski
In 2016, every genre is starting to blend into one another. You’ve got indie bands adopting electronic elements, you’ve got pop music incorporating blues, rock, rap, you’ve got hip-hop utilising jazz and gospel more than ever.
One of the best cross-genre blends comes from the marriage of hip-hop and electronic music. Solid rhymes can sound incredible atop slick production and collaboration between these artists can create something really remarkable.
Here’s some of our favourites.
1. Baauer – Kung Fu ft. Pusha T & Future
Harry Bauer Rodrigues, better known as Baauer, was always heavily influenced by hip-hop in many of his early works, including a Jay-Z feature on 2013’s Higher. His production skill and its applicability to rap is no secret, as his debut full-length album Aa (pronounced Double-A) has four rap tracks, including features by Pusha T, Future, M.I.A., G-Dragon, TT the Artist, Leikeli47 and Novelist. Kung Fu is one of the singles released prior to the album’s release, and it remained one of the album’s best moments. The sampling just serves to showcase the rappers’ verses, and it makes you feel as if every beat is in exactly the right place. Listen below:
2. RL Grime – Kingpin ft. Big Sean
As instrumental trap continues to rise in popularity, it’s no surprise that the genre, strongly rooted and based off of hip-hop production, would feature rap vocals. Much of the work that RL Grime has put out has had these roots, and some of his songs (Core, for example) have become iconic to the point where you just about can’t hear a trap set without his influence. Big Sean takes the spotlight on this one, and this eerie lead in leads us to verses brimming with power, and make it so you can’t help but feel like a kingpin.
The Mura Masa remix gets an honourable mention on this one. The subterranean bass and tropical feel mixed with Mura Masa’s unique sampling create a wholly new atmosphere.
3. THEY. – Motley Crue
This track is a bit different from the others, as THEY., a duo comprised of L.A. natives Drew and Dante, both vocalise and produce their own music. They blend electronic, R&B, hip-hop, soul, and whatever genre you can think up to realise their vision and create truly unique music. Motley Crue references classic rock and makes for a soulful and enchanting track that just makes you want to cruise down Sunset Boulevard.
4. Flume – Lose It ft. Vic Mensa
It’s definitely been Flume’s year, and he is definitely no stranger to hip-hop production. His debut album featured collaborators Freddie Gibbs and T-Shirt, and as Flume grows his following his list of collaborators for his 2016 album Skin he’s definitely broken into the popular scene, with collaborators like Vince Staples, Allan Kingdom, and Raekwon. Lose It has the wonky and captivating vibes that Flume is known for, and when Vic Mensa screams “Lose It,” you can’t help but to lose it right alongside him.
5. Zhu – Hold Up, Wait a Minute ft. Bone Thugs-N-Harmony and Trombone Shawty
Zhu’s production is always top-notch, and this is absolutely no exception. This song from 2015’s Genesis Series EP utilizes electric guitars, saxophones, the epic trombone work from Trombone Shawty, and of course the vocals of Bone Thugs-N-Harmony coupled with Zhu himself create for a jazzy and utterly unique song that is sure to win you back the AUX cord. Read our more in-depth analysis here and listen below.
6. Moody Good – Hotplate ft. Knytro
Moody Good is a classic example of dubstep and how it can be utilised to convey completely different emotions and styles. The sampling on Hotplate creates for a classic environment with incredible verses, and an infectious vibe that transitions between the softer and harder sounds of this type of electronic music perfectly.
7. Clams Casino – All Nite ft. Vince Staples
We enter with these wobbly synths that make the whole song feel like its of a colder temperature. Michael Volpe, the man behind Clams Casino, utilises classic hip-hop production style while adding unconventional and compelling sampling to create unparalleled soundscapes. His debut album 32 Levels had many surprising features, and Vince Staples’ verses contribute to his created dark environment. The blending of styles is highly effective on this release that just isn’t quite like any other.
8. Rustie – Attak ft. Danny Brown
In a conversation about rap and electronic joining forces, this modern classic is often referenced, and has definitely made its impact for doing just that. This toy-like instrumental contrasts the unique grit of Brown’s voice, and when the bass hits, it’s hard to not get up and dance.
9. GTA & What So Not – Feel It ft. Tunji Ige
Australia native Chris Emerson, also known as What So Not, and American duo Julio Mejia and Matt Toth, also known as GTA, joined forces in creating a song that is oh-so summery with the perfect vibe for any situation. This absolutely cinematic song compels you from the first line, and Tunji Ige’s verses give the perfect edge that keep you hooked. The song is featured as a closing bonus track to What So Not’s Divide and Conquer EP, and will be featured on GTA’s upcoming EP.
https://soundcloud.com/wearegta/gta-what-so-not-ft-tunji-ige-feel-it
10. Ty Dolla $ign – Stand For (prod. Diplo)
A shameless inclusion of one of my favourite songs. The samples create an experience that can best be described as ethereal. Ty Dolla $ign delivers verses in his signature style over globally renowned producer Diplo’s production, it creates something like magic. Diplo later utilised this beat for another song, titled Long Way Home, that was created to marry hip-hop production to create an alternative song, which features Grizzly Bear’s Edward Droste and Vampire Weekend’s Rostam. This same overall song structure was used to create two completely different soundscapes, and they both marry their respective genres effortlessly, which I will include as another honourable mention of sorts. Listen to both below:
This list is ever-expanding, and collaborations that cross genres are very prevalent in music now. In 2014, many producers were remixing alternative songs, and today it seems that hip-hop and rap is doing it’s time in the electronic and alternative spotlight. These collaborations all do what they promise, and marry genres for a wholly enjoyable experience.
Image: YouTube
Now that we’ve had a few months to digest the sophomore album of Australian producer Harley Streten, better known as Flume, you might have noticed its lack of staying power. Although the critically acclaimed second release from our golden boy had many shining moments – and boy, did they shine brightly – as a whole, there’s almost too much to digest. While its lead singles featuring vocalists Kai and Tove Lo are still enjoying heavy rotation, by and large the stunningly produced album hasn’t stuck. As a whole, it simply hasn’t been as impactful, certainly in comparison to his self-titled debut.
The Skin LP Preview, which came out right as calendars turned to 2016 hinted at an amazing album that to this point still does not exist. The 3 shining moments for many within the preview (located at approximately 0:20, 1:40, and 3:20) were not released on Skin itself, which caused some confusion and disappointment among fans.
Listen below:
Then, at the beginning of this month, Streten announced a new release. The Skin Companion EP is to be released November 25 and will feature four tracks which were apparently written at the same time as the rest of Skin.
Hopefully it’ll feel like a kind of compressed Skin, an overall tremendous album whose Achilles heel was its overwhelming expansiveness. Streten released a short preview, which showcases his genre-originating sound, along with some of the newer skills and stylings he’s accumulated in the years since. The four tracks are titled Trust, V, Heater, and Quirk, with Trust featuring previous collaborator and Preatures lead singer Isabella Manfredi.
The vinyl release will be mostly available in independent record stores across the globe including Rough Trade, Phonica, Red Eye and Amoeba – pre-order here.
https://www.facebook.com/flumemusic/videos/1076022405766453/
You can preorder the vinyl now, and read our review of Skin here.
Image: YouTube