Words by Lauren Ziegler and Emma Jones
Australia’s summer is officially here, which means everyone has finally shed their winter coats and are gearing up for the festive season that lies ahead. This also means lots of fresh, new music to fuel the festivities. What a convenience it is then, that your trusted Howl & Echoes has once again delivered a playlist of this week’s best songs to get you through the weekend. All wrapped up in a neat little playlist, this week has once again brought the goods in all different shapes and sizes, and we’ve narrowed down the best of the best for your aural pleasure.
Cleopold, Scarlet
When he’s not busy working with Cassian or Miami Horror, Cleopold is actually hard at work on his own solo material. He caught our attention with his debut, Down In Flames a few months ago, and now he’s set to do it all again with the release of Scarlet. Passionate, catchy, groovy and warm, Scarlet has come just in time for summer and that is very good news indeed. He’s linked with Chet Faker‘s record label Detail Co., and if there were any questions remaining about who he is and what he’s about, Scarlet well and truly answers them. We’re predicting really big things from this guy.
High-Tails, My Heart
There’s something utterly refreshing about the clean, bouncy guitars and melody that carry High-Tails’ dreamy new track. The simple and effective track has a way about it, it’s catchy, it puts a smile on your face, it’s incredibly easy to slip and out of the groove. Blending elements from pop, rock, ska and more in a way that allows the track to feel frozen in time, it’s a reminder that you don’t always need gushing atmospheres and intricate layers to creat something really fun.
Just A Gent, Heavy As A Heartbreak (ft. LANKS)
Our favourite freshly-18-years-old Newcastle producer has made his long-awaited return, with a wonderful new single featuring Lanks on vocal duties. Written, produced, mixed and mastered in his own bedroom (as if you’d expect any less), this expansive track is overflowing with energy from the moment the beat kicks in. I love the sheer tonal diversity throughout, as if every percussive input splashes a new colour onto the canvas. Lanks’ vocals complement it so well, adding a rich, earthy tone to the steely beats and backing chords.
Aquilo, Never Seen You Get So Low
Aquilo was brought to my attention a few months ago, and they’ve stuck in my memory since. Their new self-produced track comes ahead of their debut album, due for release next year. The mellow, understated rhythms and breathy melody is soothing and invigorating at once, with a watery, introspective atmosphere. It’s easy to hear the influences of their collaborators SOGN and Olfaur Arnalds, both of whom are slated to feature on the album.
Manor, Grand Mal
Melbourne duo Manor had us hooked a few months back with their previous single Can You Hear Me Talking At You, so we were REALLY excited to see they had more new music for us to undoubtedly love as well. Grand Mal is an intense, sparse, dark track with brooding lyrics and pensive instrumentation. It’s distorted, industrial, dull but never boring and a hugely exciting step up for the duo. We can’t be too sure just yet where they’re headed, but we can’t wait to go along for the ride!
Golden Vessel, Can’t Stay (ft. Allthingslost)
Brisbane producer Golden Vessel has a knack for making really good songs, and another knack for teaming up with really good vocalists. First it was the stunning Tiana Khasi for his track Borrowed Time, and now it’s fellow Brisbanite Allthingslost for Can’t Stay. Careful, precise and considered, Golden Vessel keeps it light and restrained whilst Allthingslost breathes soul and emotion into the song. The duo are a match made in heaven, and we can only hope this is the start of something really exciting.
Asdasfr Bawd, Negative Energy
This is the second single taken from Asdasfr Bawd’s forthcoming EP out early next year, and once again it has us counting down the days until we can jam that straight into our ears. Creating some of the most unconventional, innovative and exciting music to come from Australia’s continuing electronic boom, Asdasfr Bawd does things on his own terms, and we love every single second of it. Minimal but still so full and complete, he melds his classical training with his electronic side to create something you probably haven’t heard before. Keep an eye out for his Underpass EP out March 7th!
CANVAS, Another Time (ft. Andrew Montgomery)
Swedish duo CANVAS have made a name for themselves with their beautiful brand of electro pop, delicate and soft but packing more than a few punches. Now, they’re set to remind us all once again just who they are, by teaming up with vocalist Andrew Montgomery for Another Time. Featuring some modern flutters and flourishes, the track ebbs and flows with gentle synths and crisp beats, whilst Montgomery’s voice soars soft but strong over the glittery bed of electronica. Said to be taken from their forthcoming EP out next year, Another Time is an example of what to do to make a great electro pop song. Producers, take note.
UV Boi فوق بنفسجي, If She, If He (ft. EASTGHOST)
Brisbane’s UV Boi returns with a lush, explorative new track, with a slow building atmosphere, and a really unique blend of jungle-inspired beats, auto-tuned vocals, and stringy, melodic backing beats loops. There’s a lot going on in this murky, yet totally enjoyable track, to the point where listening to it actually feels like a journey – you never know what you’re going to hear next. It’s a really unusual track. but there’s something quite beautiful about it.
World Champion, Shakes
World Champion have been on everybody’s lips for some time now, and with every release, that reason only grows clearer. The Sydney duo today return with Shakes, a blissfully hazy, summery, catchy new offering, just in time for Summer. The combination of bright chords, a shuffling rhythm and crunchy bass create a unique and really interesting, psychedelic soundscape. I can hear the Tame Impala and Revolver-era Beatles influences already knocking down the door.
On a dreary, drizzly Thursday evening, as eager festival-goers trudged into the mud to set up camp, the first night of Splendour in the Grass 2015 commenced and with it came an opening party like no other, with a premium assortment of electronic dance acts, with names like Yahtzel, SLUMBERJACK and LDRU, lighting the Splendour candle at the Red Bull Music Academy stage. The scene was hectic and heaving; a feverish buzz in the air as people prepared themselves for four days of intense partying by flinging themselves into a sweaty dance mass.
If you managed to get into the stage area, you would’ve been privileged to witness the headliner set from the very suave Just A Gent, who we managed to interview just before he hit the decks.
Jacob Grant, the man behind Just A Gent, has just finished a massive national tour, has been signed to both Australian and US labels, is a Triple J Unearthed winner, and concocts some of the sickest dance floor bangers to grace your ears. Did we mention he’s just turned 18? Yeah – we feel inadequate too. This delightful chap is instantly recognisable with his slick top hat, dapper suits and pulsing, grinding electronic productions with a particular flair for remixes, having worked with the likes of ZHU, Alison Wonderland and American Authors (plus, check out the gentlemanly mix he did for us here).
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/users/44017071″]
We caught up with Jacob to talk about his first Splendour in the Grass experience, coming of age, the iconic Just A Gent wardrobe, his current influences and his plans for the next year. Keep your ear to the ground for this gentleman – good things are ahead.
It’s your first Splendour as an 18 year old! How did you go setting up camp and getting into your gumboots?
It’s a bit messy out there, but exciting! Our tent snapped, but we got some rope, so it’s all good. I do have gumboots but they’re not very gentlemanly, neither is having no vest. I dropped my vest in the mud.
What’s in store for your headliner set tonight at the Red Bull Music Academy stage? It’s pretty hectic out there.
I came a little unprepared, I thought Byron Bay would be really chilled out, but not out there! I rocked up and watched SLUMBERJACK’s set and thought, “this is not the right time for chilled out”. My whole mind is set on getting my tent set up though – I really need to get in the mood – this is helping! I had two Red Bulls, so I think I’ll be pretty good.
Who are you planning on seeing at SITG?
There’s so many! Tame Impala – I was listening to their new album on the way down, Shlomo and Blur – once in a lifetime opportunity.
So, how big is your JAG wardrobe?
The funny thing is, all I have is suits in my wardrobe. During day-to-day I always wear these dodgy clothes from like 10 years ago because I spend all my money on suits. Recently I’ve been shopping a bit more for casual wear, not very gentleman-like. If you open my wardrobe there’s about 30 jackets and that’s all that’s in my wardrobe.
When going overseas, does your JAG outfit change according to the country you’re in?
Hmm, I can try that! But I think the English gentleman concept just sticks everywhere, as much as I’d like to try other things. When I was in the USA I wore Converses while I played, which looked really bad, but I was getting into the spirit.
Tell us about your 18th birthday just gone, and your national birthday tour? (As you do)
My birthday was in April, and it was really fun! At a few of the gigs I was made to skull drinks on stage – but I’m meant to be a gentleman on stage! The whole crowd was encouraging me to do it. They were the best gigs I’ve played so far – Perth was probably a highlight.
Now you’re 18 and a full-on adult, what does the next year entail for you? Can you give us any hints?
It’s been so long since I’ve released any music, so it’s in the works. Right now I’ve been focussing on production, but I have a few shows over the next few months planned and then back to production again. I’ve recently signed to a big record label (both in Australia and the US), but I want to stick in Australia for as long as I can.
Having turned 18 we imagine you’re experiencing a bit of pressure to possibly go to university, move away from home and make some big life choices. What are your thoughts on that?
Yeah, I’m feeling the pressure a little bit, especially because I left school in Year 10 to focus on music. What should I do? Do I need to grow up yet? I’ll move one day (from Newcastle) but not for now. I’m still happy working from home.
I read at one point you had something like 200 projects on the go at one time. Is that how you like to make music?
I produce every day, and I try to make an idea per day. It’s a thing I’ve been doing for ages. I used to get caught on tracks that went nowhere, so I decided to focus on a track a day, and sometimes I spend extra time on extra tracks – they’re generally the ones that are released *laughs*. Back then I had 200 … now I have no idea how many.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ha_WQ6mI6iA&w=560&h=315]
Has your sound been evolving? Are you being influenced by any particular artists at the moment?
It’s definitely changing all the time – my sound has been getting darker. It’s funny, I feel happier, but my music is getting darker. I’ve been listening to a bunch of stuff, like SLUMBERJACK who are playing now. Their drums are incredible. Other influences are MR•CAR/\\ACK, osky (from Brisbane), Apache and NGHTMRE.
Awesome. Well, we’re seriously looking forward to your set – have fun and enjoy the rest of your Splendour!
You can find out more about Just A Gent’s upcoming shows here.
Just a Gent is a Newcastle-based producer who has just turned 18. Much like any other 18-year-old, he’s celebrated by announcing a national tour. As you do.
His tunes are bangin’, his attitude is wonderful and he’s getting ready to set dance floors alight throughout the country.
To prepare us for the magic to come, the man himself has made us a list of the top ten songs that any gent should know. Enjoy!
1. Flying Lotus – Fall In Love
2. Darius – Espoir
3. Prince – 1999
4. Lxury – J.A.W.S
5. Tritonal – Anchor (Unlike Pluto Remix)
6. The Entire Phantom of the Opera soundtrack
7. Machineheart – Circles (Vanic Remix)
7. Rogue – Forever
8. Daft Punk – One More Time
9. Digitalism – Pogo
10. Just A Gent – Redemption
Here’s most of it in a playlist:
Here’s Prince:
and here’s the Phantom:
I can’t remember what I did back when I turned 18. I most likely went to a bar and proudly showed off my legal ID to as many people as humanly possible. I certainly didn’t announce a full national tour to share my awesome music with Australia.
Yeah, Newcastle producer Just A Gent is just a teeny weeny bit of an overachiever, hey.
He’s already been on a sold-out national tour (while technically not legally allowed into most of the venues,) and there’s been consistently growing levels of hype building around the producer for many moons now. Boasting endorsements from Skrillex, Diplo, What So Not and Dillon Francis, he’s remixed Alison Wonderland, Zhu, Tears for Fears and more, not to mention copious national and international radio play. Yeah, it’s safe to say we’ve got an upcoming star on our hands.
Better known to his mum as Jacob Grant, the now-legal producer will be setting off his own tour later this month, alongside a national tour supporting The Aston Shuffle.
