Melbourne duo Hoodlem are one of the most underrated acts in the country, and it only takes seeing them live to see why. Their explosive live show is one that stays with you long after they’ve finished, thanks to their blend of RnB, pop, electronica and more. Now, with the release of their debut self-titled EP, it looks like things might now start working in their favour as they begin to receive the recognition they deserve.
Comprised of five tracks, Hoodlem play with seductive synths, funky bass, soulful vocals and meticulous production that create an overall smoky, smooth experience that will have you feeling just as much as it will have you dancing. To celebrate the release of their EP, we asked Hoodlem what three albums changed their life. Check out their answers below and check out their EP here.
https://soundcloud.com/hoodlemmusic/4-real
Q-Tip, The Renaissance
I am a huge fan of A Tribe Called Quest and Q-Tip, so this is my go-to album and I can listen to it anytime, anywhere; in the morning, at night, while getting ready for a party or to clean my house. It’s a total vibe. I love his rhythm and tone, the songs are catchy with great features, verses and lyrics and I never get sick of these tracks. Norah kills it in Life Is Better, it’s got a great chorus and hook. I’ve probably chosen the two most chilled songs on the album but I always I could sing along to every lyric on this album from start to finish.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nMIs3WYLZbY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LS3lR9XOQxM
Janet Jackson, All For You
Melody. 100% Melody. Janet is so feminine and such a good example of that time in music. All For You has that really fun pop/RnB hook. It’s the kind of music that you can’t be sad to. You gotta be happy. The beat has such an up groove. It was hard to choose one album of Janet’s, I think people appreciate her as an artist but I feel like she gets overlooked because she’s Michael Jackson’s sister and he’s such a pioneering artist. I feel like she’s more gifted than what she gets credit for. This album id beautiful in its simplicity and nails the vibe. It’s not over the top.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qasBVZFg7Cc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZFnPBiAk5JA
J Dilla
His music got me thinking about how songs are put together in electronic music and that it’s important to not shy away from traditional elements in music. He uses great chords and old school music samples. Total vibe. He also produced so many of the great hip-hop artists of that time, he’s one that was lost too young.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z95IJhvl58I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5azBmHDQvY
Hoodlem is out now via Caroline Australia.
It’s video roundup time! Once again, Howl And Echoes are coming in hot with the freshest, most eyeball stimulating music videos to be dropped by the artists you love and some of the artists you don’t know you love yet, of this week. We do all the dirty work and herd them all into one convenient web-based location for you to enjoy every Friday so that you don’t have to. Have yourself a good old gander at the latest offerings from:
TOKiMONSTA – Put It Down (ft. Anderson .Paak and KRNE)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_7Yi7cCHx4&feature=youtu.be
First up is LA producer TOKiMONSTA, who has recruited a couple of big names for her latest. Put It Down features recent Aftermath Records signee Anderson .Paak providing some croons and tag teams the production duties with fellow Californian KRNE for a West Coast extravaganza. The track is the latest single in the lead up to her mini-album Fovere, due out in just a fortnight. It’s a banger alright, the drop before the chorus just superb. It’s hip-hop and electronic combined to perfection.
Red and black is the motif the music video has gone with, full of confronting visuals (the milk squirting out of that one guy’s nose made me feel so very uncomfortable), and watching .Paak get thrown around the dark room he’s dancing in by some unseen force every chorus is some wonderful unintentional comedy.
Fovere is out March 4th on Young Art Records.
MOSSY – Electric Chair
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PIyq1HFrclo
A brand new name for one of the best labels in Australia right now, I Oh You, is Sydney producer MOSSY and his debut single Electric Chair. Crafted in a basement in New York City’s Lower East Side, the track is as auspicious a debut as it gets. As someone who appreciates electronic music but leans more towards rock and roll, I absolutely relish hearing producers mixing in big guitars with their synths and MOSSY has done an outstanding job of it here. It’s a twisting, crooked track, anchored by psychedelic vocals, dreamy synths and yes, those big guitars at the end that are just the cherry on top.
Music video is creepy as hell too; a dark and dusty cave, a ballerina dancing with a skeleton in an empty palace and a gloomy forest. It’s a modern interpretation of the Ancient Greek myth of Narcissus and Echo. There’s a tarantula too because of course. The whole shebang is an auditory and visual experience and it looks like I Oh You have struck even more gold here.
MOSSY releases his debut self-titled EP May 13th on I Oh You.
Hoodlem – Kintsugi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ro4hXmUj_Us
Just shy of releasing their debut EP, Melbourne-based duo Hoodlem have released a haunting video to accompany their latest single Kintsugi this week. Slick beats and a molasses-thick bassline drive the track along with some cavernous vocals.
Shot in black and white and directed by David Ward, the accompanying video looks like the kind that to watch will ensure a horrible death after seven days. The title of the song refers to the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold dust and the lyrics and video draw focus on this quite heavily. Despite its utter creepiness, it’s still visually stunning with lashings of gold cutting through the monochrome.
Hoodlem’s debut EP is out March 25th via Caroline Australia
Fait – Chasing Youth
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwKOeWTruNk&feature=youtu.be
On to Perth and a superbly talented young woman by the name of Elise Higgins, known more commonly as Fait and her latest single Chasing Youth. Currently in London in the process of creating her next record, Fait released the visuals to this breathtaking track all about (obviously) chasing, and capturing, youth.
The song is a multilayered soundscape, moody and atmospheric and uplifting and joyous all at once, the timing and placement of each instrument creating a song able to convey so many emotions without ever saying a word. The video is a heartwarmer, dappled in afternoon sunshine, the adult protagonist capturing that elusive youth we’re all chasing and spending it swinging in tyres and dancing around sprinklers among other activities most of us consider ourselves too old for.
Look out for a new record from Fait in mid-2016.
Loose Tooth – Bites Will Bleed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtOplMDNXdM
Announcing their debut EP Saturn Returns earlier this week, Melbourne trio Loose Tooth marked the occasion by also releasing a brand new single from said EP, the punchy Bites Will Bleed. With riffs that are straight power pop with the feel of a musty garage and a shitbox amp, the track chugs along guided by the ethereal vocals of singer/drummer (boy do I have respect for anyone who can do that) Etta Curry and is some wonderful noise.
The video is centred around a house party that starts out innocently enough with toilet hook-ups and spin the bottle but quickly goes straight to hell when several of the guests turn out to be bloodthirsty vampires (don’t you hate that).
Saturn Returns is out April 1st on Milk! Records.
Surahn – Into The Distance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdFObrhzb9A
From Perth to Adelaide and the latest single by producer Surahn (who you may also know from The Swiss, as Sidwho? and from touring duties with Empire Of The Sun) Into The Distance. It’s the second from his upcoming LP Utopian State and it is a cracker of a tune. It’s jazzy and dreamy, Surahn’s measured vocals wavering melodies over a simple backbeat.
The video is outstanding, adding to the lucid dreamlike qualities of the track itself. It’s a solo dirtbike ride across a beach at sunset, and if it doesn’t make you want to go out and do exactly that right now then there’s something wrong, it looks amazing.
Catch Surahn at WOMAD Festival in Adelaide March 11-14.
Ha The Unclear – Secret Lives Of Furniture
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4HPR2MfGP8
Across the Tasman to New Zealand (South Dunedin to be exact) for this one with alt-pop group Ha The Unclear and the latest single Secret Lives Of Furniture. It’s a slow-burning rock number that cranks up the riffs for the chorus, with almost spoken word vocals throughout the verses in that inimitable accent to give it some very unique flair.
Were we expecting a song and dance about furniture that comes to life when its owners aren’t at home? A Chair Story of sorts? Yes, absolutely, and we were not disappointed in the slightest! Everything in the protagonist’s living room has an unsettling level of sentience and have no qualms making things awkward and creepy for their owner after he manages to find himself a date.
Catch Ha The Unclear in Adelaide tonight and tomorrow night!
Cub Sport – I Can’t Save You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rh-ggXk5n1M
Back to Brisbane indie-poppers and all around legends Cub Sport, who returned in 2015 with their first single in two years (!). They’re back at it in 2016, with their second single and its accompanying video out this week in the form of I Can’t Save You. It’s from their hotly anticipated next album This Is Our Vice arriving later this year. The track features pulsing retro synths and a chorus that positively soars, a fantastically dance-y number.
The video is a great story, documenting the downward spiral of a soap opera starlet that, in itself, is its own soap opera. Soapception I’m dubbing it, the clip was directed by Joe Agius of The Creases and even features Luke McDonald from The John Steel Singers as the fictional director, to keep it all in the (Brisbane) family. It’s always way more interesting when music videos have such a clear and absorbing narrative like this.
This Is Our Vice is out March 4th via Title Track.
Santigold – Can’t Get Enough Of Myself
This one we don’t have a video link for exactly, given that it isn’t really YouTube-compatible. It’s actually a brand new and interactive video from Santigold for the latest single from her third album, 99¢, that drops today!
Best thing about it? It stars yourself! If you use Chrome and have a webcam (basically everyone who isn’t 10 years ago) you can go here and insert your very own mug into a for real no fooling music video. We won’t spoil it for you, just go have fun pretending that you and Santigold are tight enough to collab.
99¢ is out today via Atlantic Records. See you next week!
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
It’s that time again! Here’s my favourite new tracks this week. Mostly down-tempo soulful electronic today. Enjoy 
- Milwaukee Banks x Andrei Eremin, Van Gogh
Melbourne producer Eremin’s new work with MB isn’t as deep and soulful as some of his other work, but there’s something so slick and catchy about it. Gorgeous rap-ish vocals with a flippantly electronic soundscape, this is a sweet collaboration. - Cln, Satisfy ft. Lou Millar
Another great collab to kick things off, cln has teamed up with Twin Caverns’ stunning vocalist Lou Millar for Satisfy, a husky blend of electro-beats with a trip hop vibe and a whole range of gorgeous, genuinely interesting layers and rhythms. - Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, Dance The Way I Feel (Paces Remix)
I’m SO digging Paces right now, and his blissful remix of Dance The Way I Feel is fucking excellent. It’s bright and plinky-plonky, contrasted perfectly with a heavy-ass bass and a heaving beat. It’s big, it’s fun, it’s bloody glorious. Love it. - Willow Beats, Chess
Another beautiful single from the uncle-niece duo, Chess combines a catchy beat with ethereal vocals and lush melodies, subtle synths and a couple big drops too. One of my top picks from their EP Water, strong on so many levels. - Lanks, Beach Houses
Mmmmmmm mmmmmm! This might be my favourite one this week. This dreamy blend of summer-vibes and hypnotic melodies, flute trills and a a whole lot of beautiful instrumental layers. What a smooth tune. I want so much more Lanks.
- Grace, Pluto (Basecamp remix)
Basecamp has done a fine job on remixing this new track, contrasting a deep, dark bass with those eerily husky, oddly toned vocals. It’s haunting and captivating from start to end. There’s a lot of variety with the beat and rhythm, overall, I dig. - Torfason, Feel Like Letting Go
Ooooh, this is a funky one. A great mix of electronic and instruments, I particularly love the bass work here. This track is hard to pin down, but it sure is interesting. A cool debut from the Brisbane group, I’m looking forward to seeing what’s next. - KUČKA, Divinity
This is an intriguing, hypnotic new single from the mysterious Perth artist. While the track doesn’t change or move a huge amount, there’s so much going on throughout this understated track that I can’t help but feel mesmerised. - Tobtok, Free ft. Hoodlem
I’ve been a little bit in love with Hoodlem for a while now, so any time I hear something new, I love it. This is a shiny electro- soul track with a solid beat and catchy hooks, topped by Hoodlem’s gorgeous vox. This track simply oozes cool. - The Occupants, Hindsight
Aaaaand now for something completely different. Ending a down-tempo playlist full of subtle electro beats with sensual female vocals with what I can only describe as indie-prog-rock might seem weird, but I was so taken by this track from The Occupants, featuring former members of none other than Cog! Not gonna write more about it, just give it a listen
Rat & Co and Hoodlem are two of the brightest stars to have come out of Melbourne recently. I’m not sure what’s brewing in the water down there, but it sure is oozing with a husky sensuality, emotional chills and sultry beats.
They’re about to storm Europe on a co-headlined tour, and I’m really excited that they’ll be sharing their organically sweeping beats and melodies with so many more people.
In the lead up to the tour, Rat & Co (who recently supported Chet Faker on tour and played alongside Snakadaktal and Chrome Sparks) have remixed Hoodlem’s gorgeous pop tune Firing Line. While her crystalline lilt still soars above, Rat & Co have added an atmospheric depth that really takes this tune to another level.