As the year goes on, we continue to be spoiled for choice when it comes to new music. We get it can be hard to sift through the masses to find your favourites, so we’ve done the hard work for you. Check out some of the best songs from last week, all wrapped up in a neat little playlist! Here are some of the best songs from last week, enjoy!
NUSSY, Sinking Into You
Since the release of her debut EP back in 2014, Melbourne electro pop artist Nussy has been forging a path on her own with her eclectic sounds and heavenly voice. Sinking Into You is the first taste we’ve had from her in some time, but it’s definitely well worth the wait. With a lofi almost jungle beat, the bass sways and shifts as layers of vocals swirl and swell. Her poignant lyrics detail a tale as old as time of falling hard for someone, and the track captures this feeling so well. Having already supported the likes of Sophie Lowe, Lanks and Yeo, it’s really only upwards from here for Nussy!
East Of My Youth, Mother
Hailing from Reykjavík, Iceland, East Of My Youth are Thelma Marín Jónsdóttir & Herdís Stefánsdóttir. The duo play melodic, electronic pop and draw influences from various genres and moods; from classical music/film music/ambient to hardcore techno or the weather, and their latest single Mother is a shimmering example of just how fantastic the music is that comes from the top of the globe. Thelma’s voice is powerful and commanding, with influences of the likes of CHVRCHES (although it may be remiss to say they fully sound like them). No, East Of My Youth are in a league of their own, and Mother is a perfect example of how much they have going on for them – and how well it works.
cln, Owls
Brisbane’s cln returns with Owls, serving as a preview of what we can expect from him in the months to come. Delicate, intricate and meticulously produced, cln’s penchant for soft and gentle tunes that put you under a spell continues with this new song, but a certain maturity in his sound is also on display here. Showcasing his diverse vocal abilities as well, he melds a variety of styles into his own future-trap/beat style, complete with laser synth jabs, unpredictable drops and a thumping bass that carries the tune without ever overpowering it. As the track goes along, it’s clear that cln is really starting to hit his stride – a move that will be really exciting to watch unfold.
POPPONGENE, Do It Girl
POPPONGENE (pronounced: pop–pon-jean) is the solo project of Sophie Treloar who plays in Melbourne band Sunbeam Sound Machine, and Do It Girl is the first single from her debut EP. Produced by Skube Burnell (808s and Greatest Hits), mixed by Simon Lam (Kllo, Ills & Nearly Oratorio) & mastered by Mikey Young (Eddy Current, Total Control etc), she’s tapped a who’s who cast of Australian music maestros to bring her project to life, and from the sounds of this, she is really onto something. Drenched in sunny psychedelia, her whispering vocals and soaring harmonies swirling under thick, hazy production with incessant (in a good way) guitar and plenty of effects to give it the sun-drenched nostalgia that I just love. I’m expecting big things from POPPONGENE!
Kuren, Home Ft. Ben Alessi
Rural NSW producer Kuren has delivered another super solid track with this latest single. Teaming up with NYC singer Ben Alessi, the duo vibe with each other hard – Alessi’s voice sublime over Kuren’s skittering, hard hitting production. Demonstrating rapidly maturing skills as a producer, Kuren holds it down with big booms, jabbing synths and guitar notes that make the track race ahead. Set to embark on his first national tour, this song will be an absolute standout in his live show as it sets him apart from the pack into a league of his own (a path he forged initially with his Love Lost EP that has been cemented here). Head here for more info on that and keep both ears pricked for this guy – Kuren is gonna be ha-uuuge!
Phosphene, Silver
With a crunchy, garage-y guitar, honey vocals and a piercing drumbeat, Phosphene deliver big time with Silver. Taken from their latest album, Breaker, this Californian band pay their respects to the frontrunners like Sonic Youth in their music, whilst thinking forward and throwing modern touches at it to bring those sounds into the future. A solid release, Silver and by extension Breaker represent a band fast maturing in themselves and their music, and it’s a sound I really can’t get enough of. Keep up to date with them on their Soundcloud and Facebook, as these guys are well worth your time!
Rainbow Chan, Last
Rainbow Chan makes music that doesn’t really fit anywhere, and that’s one of her biggest strengths. Last is her latest tune and it’s a doozy. With vocals that will embed themselves in your brain, eclectic and exciting production and pop sensibilities with futuristic touches, Rainbow Chan transcends genres to make her own sound – and I’m all about it. Incredibly intricate, it’s a gift that keeps on giving as more and more is revealed with each listen. Taken from her forthcoming debut LP out (hopefully) soon, I get the feeling Rainbow Chan is only just hitting her stride now, and that is saying something!
LA Witch, Drive Your Car
Los Angeles all girl trio LA Witch shared a double single release last year, featuring this bad boy and another track, Ain’t Comin Home, and I haven’t been able to stop listening to either. Surf rock meets punk meets garage and so much more, LA Witch go to town on Drive Your Car. Complete with searing guitar, woozy vocals and just enough cymbal crashes to make it really thrashy, they have so much going on but maintain total control throughout. The heavy bassline and moody vocals make for an attitude-laden track with more than a few punches packed, and will certainly see the girls pick up more than a few new fans along the way.
DEEDS, Exile
Brisbane band DEEDS comes from the now defunct indie ten piece, Inland Sea. Having spent a few years apart finding themselves, four of the original members have now once again joined forces, and I’m really glad they did. Sharing their latest single, Exile, the four piece are making just as excellent music as they did four years ago, but with a slightly different style. Working in the heavier rock area of indie music, DEEDS once again show off their aptitude for hard hitting lyrics, galloping drums and sublime guitars to reach new heights they haven’t seen before with this kind of music. Self described as “the National on blue meth,” these guys may just be starting out but they’re already sounding awesome. I’m definitely keeping an eye on DEEDS!
Ahhh, Friday. You bring a lot with you; contagious good vibes, a promising feel and an excited air, but you also bring our weekly playlist of best new tracks – and that is our favourite Friday factor of all!
This week is guaranteed to get the party started. We’ve got it brimming with fantastic new electro slices, some desert blues tunes and even a remix of a track by The Kooks to give you that nostalgic feel. We’ve listened to a hell of a lot of music this week, but we reckon these 10 are the best. Enjoy!
Anatole, Colours
Anatole could quite literally be one of, if not the best producer in the country right now. We here at Howl & Echoes cannot possibly rave about him enough. Every single song is astounding,and every single song outdoes it’s predecessor. Colours is probably my favourite release of his yet, and it’s easy to see why. Recruiting a bunch of fellow Sydney Conservatorium musicians to jump on violins, violas, cellos, double bass, clarinet and flute whilst he lays down his typically meticulous and intricate production, you can hear just how much time and effort he has put into this song. It’s truly in a league of it’s own, as is it’s creator.
Left., IOU
The message along behind this track earns it a special place in our heart. One half of the Sydney duo, Sarah Corry said it’s about “standing your ground and being the sexy, strong, smart woman you are, celebrating an existence where you can live without fear of being mistreated by anyone. It’s at once sexy and powerful, which I think all women are – even though we’re not always made to feel that way.” Fuck yes, Sarah! Not to mention the slinking beat and Sarah’s impeccable vocals – this track has it going on in all the right ways. Yaaaasssss lady!
Lontalius, Kick In The Head
This song reminds me of Noah & The Whale in the way it paints a grand picture with all it’s elements and draws you in almost instantly with it’s emotive nature. Slightly melancholy and forlorn, Lontalius is detached but engaging, and sounds quite nonchalant for someone who has created such an intricate song. This is a track you can listen to again and again and still pick up new sounds, and one I don’t see myself getting sick of any time soon.
Retro Culture, Cold
As the artist name would suggest, this is full of retro goodness. Flume-esque production is laid down, and whilst the song is called Cold, the track is warm and welcoming. It washes over you and, whilst it’s a slow burner, it still leaves you feeling excited and almost exhilarated as it fades out. Retro Culture might be a relatively new name around the place, but if he keeps putting out tracks like this, that will absolutely change!
The Kooks, Sweet Emotion (Montmartre Remix)
Whilst my 15-year-old self might not have ever thought of a dance pop remix of The Kooks, my 22-year-old self is all about it and more. Montmartre’s remix is the first to come from the recently announced remix album The Kooks are planning, and the bar is well and truly set high from this one. Coming just in time for the start of summer, Montmartre have captured everything fun about The Kooks’ unique brand of indie rock and put it through a dance music kaleidoscope, and the results are just so damn good.
I’lls, Let Me Have Just One (Planète Remix)
Two of Melbourne’s best, finally on the same track. The recently announced hiatus of I’lls was one that left more than a few fans with heavy hearts, but it seems fellow Melbournian Planète is here to save the day. Taking the band’s most recent single Let Me Have Just One and turning it into something entirely his own, Planète works his intricate magic to turn the track into a nearly 9-minute epic. Being a fan of creating entire soundscapes, he starts off small and ends up with an absolute behemoth, all the while exercising a certain element of restraint to keep everything under control in the most enjoyable way possible.
Squarehead, Citamenic
Squarehead have been kicking around since 2011, but they’ve recently returned to the scene in a blaze of glory with their latest two track after a year and a half hiatus. Sprawling, dark, heavy and intricate, this is the exact way you would want to herald your return, and the guys have done it so well. Citamenic is the first song off the release, and is definitely my favourite. It’s electrifying and energetic in all the right places, and absolutely spell-binding in the way it works it’s way along. Welcome back Squarehead, please don’t leave us again!
Elizabeth Rose, Shoulda Woulda Coulda (Sinden Remix)
I love when an awesome new song comes out that you just can’t get enough of, and then a slew of remixes of said song start to pop up as well. It’s like the gift that keeps on giving, and the gift is an almighty slice of dance pop thanks to Elizabeth Rose. She dropped this track a little while ago, but now it’s starting to get some fresh life breathed into it – and who better to do that than Sinden? The legendary producer has jumped on the Sydney up-and-comer, and the two are a match made in musical heaven.
Sophie Lowe, Pink Flowers (Kuren Remix)
Kuren is 17 years old, but is already sitting on hundreds of thousands of Soundcloud plays and a very steady growing fan base – and it doesn’t take a genius to figure out why. From just one listen to any of his emotion-drenched electronic tracks, it’s obvious he’s onto something seriously good. He just dropped his debut EP recently that has everyone talking, and now he’s showing off his remix abilities too by jumping on Sophie Lowe’s Pink Flowers. Let’s just say, this doesn’t disappoint either. Is there anything he can’t do?!
The Family Jordan, It Won’t Be Long
Brisbane mega-group The Family Jordan are local staples in their hometown, but for some reason they’ve never fully broken through. Whilst it is beyond me as to why not, something tells me that they may be about to finally hit their stride with the news of a new album on the way and a new single to boot. Sprawling, captivating and really special, The Family Jordan have always done things their own way and when they sound this good, who are we to complain?
Producers these days are knocking our socks off at younger and younger ages. The latest homegrown prodigy to do that is Kuren, real name Curtis Kennedy, a 17-year-old, 1 of a 1500 town in regional NSW. Yesterday he released his first EP, Love Lost, and it makes me ashamed of what I was doing when I was 17.
“Heartbreak is real, but there is a way to mend. We’ve loved and we’ve lost but we are never alone. Anything you lose will always come around in another form. This is Love Lost EP.”
Kuren’s a young man who wears his heart on his sleeve, and isn’t afraid to show it. Drawing inspiration from fellow Australian producers like Ta-ku, Love Lost is an emotional journey through Kuren’s own experience of loss and recovery, with each track’s title taking us through these different stages of dealing with it all. You may well be familiar with his track It Still Hurts, which released earlier this month to some huge acclaim – well the rest of the EP lives up that standard. The production is straight up gorgeous – it’s subtle when it needs to be, and every sound has been tweaked to perfection. Too often an artist will release an EP which is just a collection of tracks that they’ve thrown together, but Love Lost flows into itself constantly. I Miss You and Recovery move from so sad to uplifting so well, I caught myself thinking that they were the same track.
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With already a huge following on Soundcloud and Facebook, Kuren is no doubt going places. At only 17, it’s hard to think of where he could be in a few years, but it’s too exciting not to. Make sure you have a listen, and get it via free download as well – this is the sort of music you’ll want with you at all times. Big ups Kuren, this is beautiful.
Spoiled for choice this week, when it comes to new music? Sounds about right. Don’t worry though, because we’ve got you. Lots of Aussie talent (RaRa, Zone Out, GL and many more) flexing their knack for making damn good music, a killer hip hop collaboration from two of America’s finest, some dramatic synth pop and more – these are the ten songs from this week you need to hear NOW!
RaRa – young n dramatic
Melbourne hip hop act RaRa are quickly becoming one of my favourite acts in the country, and for good reason. If you’re yet to catch on, their latest track young n dramatic is the perfect introduction. Forward-thinking production, intelligent lyrics, four lead singers and their individual styles and some serious feels – this track has it all.
Zone Out – Inside
Zone Out are part of the legendary crew of Deaf Ambitions, sitting alongside acts like Crepes and Leisure Suite, so they’re in pretty good company. Inside marks just their second track on their SoundCloud, and what a doozy it is. Dream pop at it’s absolutely finest.
Autre Ne Veut – Panic Room
We caught up with Autre Ne Veut just last week, so it goes without saying that his latest single would be in this playlist. Crazy vocals, unpredictable synths, a whole lot of uncertain emotion – the man sounds quite panicked indeed. Taken from his latest album, Age of Transparency (which is out today!) this is Autre Ne Veut at his best.
GL – Number One
GL smashed it out of the park at last week’s OutsideIn festival in Sydney, then dropped this superb track just days after when fans were begging for more. It’s been a while since the release of their 2014 EP, Love Hexagon, but this track sees them welcomed back with wide open arms. Shimmery, fun, and just the right amount of 80’s nostalgia, this track sounds like Kylie Minogue-era Neighbours but with a modern touch.
KYLE – Remember Me? (Ft. Chance The Rapper)
It seems Chance The Rapper just can’t stop collaborating! This time, it’s with Californian rapper KYLE, and the results are a total dream. They’ve worked together previously back on The Social Experiment‘s Surf, and now they rejoin forces for Remember Me? Taken from KYLE’s upcoming album, Smyle, the Cali rapper said this was one of the hardest songs he’s had to write, but it definitely doesn’t show. Showing a bit of a slow and more pensive side to himself, Remember Me? is a soulful track with a lot to give.
Kuren – It Still Hurts
Yet another Australian producer making you feel bad about how little you have accomplished in your life, Kuren took the nation by storm this week with the release of It Still Hurts. Clearly taking note from the big dogs of the game, writing down their key moves and working them to his advantage, Kuren represents everything good about Australian dance music right now, and It Still Hurts is the proof. This song is a fucking jam.
Good Boy – Transparency
I’ve had my eye on Brisbane band Good Boy for a while now, and they definitely did not disappoint with their latest track. Sounding a little like a beer soaked version of The Ocean Party, their songs are refined and considered, and Transparency represents a big step forward for the trio. They’re about to go on tour, and I strongly recommend seeing them in action. More details here.
Hermitude – Ukiyo (Tina Says Remix)
Perth producer Tina Says is one of my favourite homegrown talents, and for very good reason. She almost keeps to herself in a way, and doesn’t get anywhere near as much recognition or traction as she deserves, but still she goes along, dropping mixes here and there to devoted fans. This Hermitude remix is yet another example of how much she’s got going on. Perfect for a sunny day or getting down in the club, she heaps a whole lot of genres and influences into the one track and cooks it up until it’s just right. Here’s hoping the rest of the country catches on soon.
Erykah Badu covers Drake – HOTLINE BLING BUT U CAINT USE MY PHONE MIX
Well, shit. Whenever Erykah Badu does anything, it’s time to prick up your ears. When she takes on what is arguably the biggest R&B track of the year, you down a few espressos and stand to complete attention. This is a ridiculously cool cover from the neo-soul legend. I’ll be honest – I prefer this to the Drizzy original. Drake should be honoured that she took it on. I’m honoured just because I get the chance to listen to it.
Kyler Slater – Black Eyes
Dark and seductive, this is kind of a halfway point behind The Weeknd and Chet Faker. Kyler Slater’s latest track is smooth and sensual, with a deep, enveloping beat and a massive bass that really gets under your skin. The overtly sexual lyrics don’t leave much up to the imagination – and pared with the intense beats, it makes for one visceral damn listening experience. Of the track, Slater says, “When you are at the edge of destruction and loss, you are inspired to write songs that, without diving too deep, can help you process emotions and move forward.