We love new music. You love new music. Here’s some of our favourite new music that we think you’ll love.

Illy, You Say When (ft. Marko Penn)

You Say When is the third single from Illy’s recent ARIA award nominated album Two Degrees, which pairs the dizzying romance of a new relationship off with the hedonism of getting faded in a hotel room. It feels like a club hit, with dark pulsing synths and a bass drop in the hook that’s bound to get audiences jumping on his upcoming Australian Tour.

The video features beautiful moody lighting to match the aesthetic of the tune, as well as Illy himself fully-clothed and half-submerged in water. Shot on Sydney’s northern beaches, the video showcases exactly what you’re likely to find there: two beautiful people being all emotional.

Lyrics like “Ain’t no emoji for the feeling/Let ’em autocorrect that” made me cringe but generally the song really captures that overly-romantic, love-drunk feeling we’ve all felt on a night out with a crush. Besides, this is a real pop tune from Illy, so maybe he gets away with referencing emojis?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qh35NOGfynI

 

DJ Premier & Miguel, 2 LOVIN U

Any fans (me) of Miguel‘s 2015 album Wildheart might recognise this collaboration with the legendary DJ Premier.

The vocals are taken straight from Wildheart‘s track Damned, but DJ Premier’s incredibly simple version flips the original’s halftime stadium-rock haze for a choppy, clean Strat sound that lands somewhere between classic rock and disco. Underneath, the simplest drum beat ever drives the track forward and leaves you skipping back to the beginning wanting more.

A real ‘less is more’ masterclass from DJ Premier. More collabs like this please, gents.

Lonelyspeck, Settle

Taken from their debut Lave EP, out on Friday 3rd March, Settle comes from Adelaide outfit Lonelyspeck.

Coming very much from the Shlohmo and Lapalux school of trippy, glacial hip-hop sounds, Settle plods and whirs at the same time as it builds up an incredible amount of energy in its sub-three-minute length.

When it kicks in, the band live up to their name by making us feel like lonely specks. It feels as though the cosmos is opening out to meet you in all its dreamy euphoria as the vocals echo benevolently above the mix. One for walking home at night, studying or bed time.

 

Billie Eilish, Bellyache

This girl is 15. Fifteen. Years. Old. What are you doing with your life, eh?

This is the fourth track Billie Eilish has released – the first, Ocean Eyes, came out back in 2015. We’re yet to hear a full EP from her, but Bellyache feels like a statement of intent from the young Californian about what 2017 might have in store.

Compared to her other tracks, Bellyache leans much closer to the hip-hop production that proliferates the charts right now. Supposedly written in her bedroom with her brother, it features Eilish’s wonderfully folky overdubbed voice and a creative lyricism that you would expect from someone much older.

Age has no doubt been a talking point when it comes to Billie Eilish, but that is to do her music a disservice. Bellyache is a neatly written tune that show her talents transcending her years.

 

Confidence Man, Bubblegum

A few months ago I got an email from a friend at work that said “CONFIDENCE MAN” and a link to the Brisbane band’s first track Boyfriend (Repeat). I was hooked and couldn’t wait for the next funk-filled track to come out. Then it happened.

New single Bubblegum picks up where the Triple j Unearthed artists left off. With a maddeningly catchy hook and far-too-simplistic lyricism, the track grooves, bounces, flirts, and shakes. I dare you to listen to it without having a little desk boogie.

Excitingly, Confidence Man have just signed to UK label Heavenly Records – also home to King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – and have announced a bunch of AUS dates including Golden Plains Festival, Newtown Social Club and Hot Dub Wine Machine.

 

https://www.facebook.com/confidenceman1/photos/a.970351809730879.1073741827.970346429731417/1227318300700894/?type=3&theater

Image: Confidence Man (Supplied)

Illy has long been one of Australia’s most successful MCs; his second studio album The Chase was nominated for an ARIA, his third album Bring It Back won one, and his last album Cinematic was certified gold among other accolades. There is no denying his commercial success. Even the lead single from his latest album Two Degrees, Papercuts featuring Vera Blue, has been nominated for no less than six ARIA awards this year.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyPkpXZNbK0

 

Throughout the album Illy refers to either finding himself, or moving on from who he used to be. The theme of the album is very much moving forward; the album title Two Degrees is inspired by forward mover, President Obama. “President Obama was asked whether he viewed his presidency as a success, having faced such fierce opposition throughout his two terms,” he told Triple J in an interview. “His answer likened society to a ship, where you can’t steer 50 degrees at once, but if you move two degrees, then another two degrees, and continue like this, years later you end up in a very different place from where you began. And as long as you’re steering in the right direction, and progressing, your impact is made over time. This album is a celebration of moving forward, two degrees at a time.”

Recently we’ve seen a progressive musical wave on both a local and global level with hip-hop. Hip-hop isn’t just sampling other genres anymore, the lines are simply blurring. Of particular note is the amount of rappers who are singing too, to varying degrees of centrality to the record. Many artists we typically consider to be hip-hop are producing tracks, both with and without rapping, that sound like R&B, soul, blues, EDM, etc., and in this since Illy’s album often feels more like a pop record (pop’s not a dirty word, by the way). Hip-hop in 2016 is becoming increasingly limitless, like what happened with electronic music some years back (although I think it’s more because of curiosity and the increasing triviality of genre boundaries than just technological advancements). It’s exciting to see how many directions artists are heading, regardless of where they end up.

The album kicks off with a heartbeat on opening track Forget It. The fast-paced beat immediately gets the good feelings flowing, while also acting as a brief catch-up, explaining who Illy is today, and where he’s been for the last three years.

There’s a lot of hype to live up to, but the album doesn’t always get there. It’s the middle of the album that we find him in his prime, delivering rhymes atop pop hooks sung by guest vocalists with lighter lilts. This is familiar territory for Illy, his smash hit Tightrope featured Scarlett Stevens on the hook. Two Degrees features Vera Blue on the SIX-time ARIA nominated Papercuts, Anne-Marie on second single Catch 22, and Jenna McDougall on Oh My – all excellent, if unchallenging.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8laCbHBOrw

Extra Extra backs off from the poppy electronic sounds. The track features Melbourne’s Mike Waters, who brings a beautiful acoustic atmosphere to the fore. Combining Waters’ guitar and singing voice with Illy’s lyrical dexterity makes for one of the best tracks on the album.

As a whole, Two Degrees is solid, and certainly radio friendly. It’s enjoyable, and it’s clear that a lot of hard work into it. However, it’s hard to see it up there among the particularly strong, memorable hip-hop releases we have been gifted in 2016. It’s a good album, one that I’m sure will do really well commercially. I think Illy created this album with the intention of making himself more accessible for the masses. Evolution and experimentation is a beautiful thing to see in an artist, and while it is undoubtedly an impressive product in many ways, I personally can’t really connect with it like I could his others. But perhaps that’s not the point right now; every morning I’ve still been waking up, looking in the mirror, saying “if looks could kill” and have a dance as I get ready.

Two Degrees is definitely worth a spin; it’ll no doubt be heard on the radio for months to come, and you can grab a copy here.

Illy has just wrapped his sold-out album launch tour, but you can still catch him at a few festival dates:

 

Thursday 29 December – Falls Festival, Lorne, VIC – SOLD OUT
Friday 30 December – Falls Festival, Marion Bay, TAS TICKETS
Saturday 31 December – NYE Street Party, Newcastle, NSW TICKETS
Sunday 1 January – Falls Festival, Byron Bay, NSW – SOLD OUT
Saturday 7 January – Falls Festival, Fremantle, WA TICKETS

Image: Supplied

After being nominated for no less than six ARIA Awards for his track Papercuts featuring the wonderfully talented Vera Blue, Melbourne MC Illy is back doing what he does best and dropping more amazing tracks. His new one Catch 22 is in the same vein as Papercuts in that it features some incredible female vocals. This time they’re provided by Anne-Marie, whose unbelievable voice you might recognise from Rudimental’s Rumour Mill.

Catch 22 was released on Monday and is the new single off Illy’s fifth studio album Two Degrees, which will be released on the 11th of November. The album is produced by heavyweight Grammy winning producer M-Phazes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xc3BTs9sPUc

The album’s title comes from an unlikely but astute source:

“President Obama was asked whether he viewed his presidency as a success, having faced such fierce opposition throughout his two terms. His answer likened society to a ship, where you can’t steer 50 degrees at once, but if you move two degrees, then another two degrees, and continue like this, years later you end up in a very different place from where you began,” Illy elaborates. “And as long as you’re steering in the right direction, and progressing, your impact is made over time. This album is a celebration of moving forward, two degrees at a time. I hope you enjoy it.”

As if ARIA nominations, a new track, and a new album weren’t enough Illy for his ever-growing base of fans, he has also announced a short tour run for Two Degrees on top of that. Illy will perform a handful of intimate shows to coincide with the album’s launch. Unfortunately for some, he will only be hitting the regular East coast destinations of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne. The tour kicks off in Brisbane on Tuesday the 15th of November.

Tickets are on sale now from illyal.com and shows will sell out quickly so be sure to grab tickets soon. Luckily for fans not along the East coast, Illy is also playing a string of festival shows on top of his own tour: Banana Fields Music & Arts Festival, Falls and NYE Street Party. Details for both the album launch and festival shows are below.

ALBUM RELEASE LAUNCH DATES

  • Tuesday 15 November – Woolly Mammoth, Brisbane, QLD
  • Wednesday 16 November – Oxford Art Factory, Sydney, NSW
  • Thursday 17 November – Howler, Melbourne, VIC

FESTIVAL DATES 2016/2017

  • Saturday 29 October – Banana Fields Music & Arts Festival, Coffs Harbour, NSW
  • Thursday 29 December – Falls Festival, Lorne, VIC
  • Friday 30 December – Falls Festival, Marion Bay, TAS
  • Saturday 31 December – NYE Street Party, Newcastle, NSW
  • Sunday 1 January – Falls Festival, Byron Bay, NSW
  • Saturday 7 January – Falls Festival, Fremantle, WA

Two Degrees is out Friday 11 November and available for pre order now.

Image: Supplied

Since its inception in 1974, Triple J’s crown jewel has easily been the annual Hottest 100 Countdown. The largest music poll in the world, establishing what was truly the best song of the year. That’s not to say the poll is always accurate, with some victors wining in questionable circumstances, however as 2014 draws to a close, its now time to count your votes, and establish who will take out this years crown. In light of this, Howls & Echoes has listed its top picks for the 2014 Countdown. (In no particular order)

Peking Duk: High feat. Nicole Millar

Possibly the only good thing to come out of Canberra since Kevin Rudd’s ‘Sorry’ speech, Peking Duk have had an incredible year. The release of High saw the duo solidify their standings in the shit-fight that is the Australian dance scene. This release resulted in incredible performances at both Splendour in The Grass and Groovin The Moo, and most recently saw the two tear Sterosonic’s main stage a new one. Considering how far these boys have come, and the incredible rotation High has had across the airwaves, we will be very surprised if this doesn’t make top 5, let alone grab pole position.

Chet Faker: Talk Is Cheap

That said, it’s not like there isn’t any strong competition. Chet Faker’s ‘Built on Glass’ saw the Melbournite go from a well kept secret, to Australia’s favourite son. Talk Is Cheap has amassed an impressive 7 million views on YouTube and his debut album reaching Gold status, accompanied with a number one spot. It’s going to be an incredibly close race, however our boy Chet is in with a seriously good shot.

Future Islands: Waiting On You

The fact that Future Islands have been kicking around since 2006 will never cease to surprise us, however its extremely fortunate that their single Waiting On You broke them into the global music scene this year. After their incredible performance at Splendour In The Grass, it would come as no surprise if the American Outfit claimed the number one spot. Accompanied by their incredible performance on Letterman, 2014 has definitely been the year of Future Islands.

The War On Drugs: Red Eyes

Similar to Future Islands, The War On Drugs’ past two albums were not only extremely underrated, but one of the best-kept secrets we had. However in the immortal words of Nelly Furtado, ‘All Good Things (Must Come To An End)’. The War On Drugs’ Red Eyes divided listeners, either deeming it incredible, or incredibly boring. At Howl & Echoes however, we back the Philadelphian outfit and know that the group will feature heavily in this years countdown.

Sam Smith: Stay With Me

Rolling Stone slotted UK tear-jerker, Sam Smith, into their top 15 tracks of 2014 with his heartfelt ballad Stay With Me. Having wowed crowds at Splendour In The Grass, and his debut album, Stay With Me is definitely a change of pace form the upbeat nature of the countdown, but rest assured that it will be in there.

Flight Facilities: Two Bodies feat. Emma Louise

We had Chet Faker, we had The Smith Street Band, however its so profoundly obvious that Flight Facilities album ‘Down To Earth’ was the single most anticipated Australian album of the year. The duo have been kicking around for years, however in 2014 the finally release their hugely awaited debut album. From this album stemmed Two Bodies, featuring Emma Louise. Spearheading the electronic vibe which has taken over Australia, ‘Two Bodies’ has been received with nothing but love.

DMAs: Delete

Before they had released a song, performed a gig, or given the public anything to show – Australia was already talking about Sydney’s DMAs. With several tours and soon to be two groundbreaking EPs under their belt, its no surprise. The unique formula of an Australian spin on that Brit-Pop sound we’d all forgotten has resulted in them being loved the world over. Having just finishing up supporting The Courteeners in the UK to rave reviews, their ballad Delete is a definite feature on this years Hottest 100

DZ Deathrays: Gina Works at Hearts

Having recently taken out the ARIA Award for Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album, the DZ lads are hardly slowing down. The release of Gina Works at Hearts saw a cross-over between their signature hard hitting riffs and a accessible lyrics, accumulating in some serious loving for the song. Here’s hoping that this cross over, which did them justice at the ARIAs, rewards them even further with a top 10 spot come January 26th.

ILLY: Tightrope

ILLY has been kicking around for years, however the release of Tightrope from his album Cinematic, hit a sweet spot with both Triple J and voters alike scoring Platinum status. Having headlined this years One Night Stand, it really has been a jam-packed year for the Victorian rapper, and he is in serious contention to cap it off with taking that number one spot.

Jungle: Busy Earning

The boys from Jungle came out of nowhere, and their self titled debut release took the world by storm. The British outfit have spent the entire year touring, capitalising on what is one of the better albums of this year. Their feel-good downbeat vibes will be making an appearance in this years countdown, the question is where?

Wild Card: Taylor Swift – Blank Space

I honestly don’t care what you say, Taylor Swift’s 1989 was one of the best albums of the year. Yeah it’s pop, but it was genuinely one of the most honest albums we’ve seen in a long time. Unfortunately I doubt that Blank Space will be considered for a nomination, but it should be. Taylor is love, Taylor is life.