Moonbase Commander Archives • Howl & Echoes

V MoVement has been working with some of the most interesting and influential names in Australian dance music for about a minute now and their latest run, MoVement Sydney, a four-day electronic fiesta, has brought some of the most talented local and international acts to the decks. We caught the tail end of this bender with Moonbase Commander, Indian Summer and Nicole Millar at The Lair in Sydney.

Moonbase Commander

Indian Summer

Nicole Millar

Photos: Dani Hansen/Howl & Echoes

It’s Friday and that can only mean one thing: here’s your weekly playlist, featuring some of the best new tunes from across the globe. We try to cover as much as we can throughout the week, and here’s the best of anything we may have missed. We’ve got a slightly longer playlist today than usual – Enjoy!

Promises Ltd., Days of Lavender
This is a really cool new collaboration from Chrome Sparks, aka Jeremy Malvin, and Charlie brand of Miniature Tigers. Days of Lavender is their first single and I adore it. A riveting, driving rhythm and an interesting, kind of psych-y melody lead the way. I’m looking forward to hearing what’s next.
Woodes, The Thaw
Brisbane’s Woodes has returned with a slinky electro-R&B offering, blending a soft percussive rhythm with sensual atmospherics. All the while, a seductive, breathy melody carries it along. Stellar work from both Woodes and Lanks, who co-wrote and co-produced the track.
ALTA, Plans
ALTA have just shared the exciting news that they’ve signed to Melbourne label Soothsayer, and with the news comes new single Plans. I love how interesting, funky, and most importantly, how unique this sounds. There are so many cool sounds coming together to create a great rhythm and vibe.
Ady Suleiman, Running Away (The Social Experiment Remix)
Chance the Rapper affiliates the Social Experiment have left their mark on Suleiman’s track, which was already amazing to start with. This is a perfect song. Catchy and incredibly lush, we hear a sublime marriage of organic and electronic, of synth and trumpet, soul and electro.
Moonbase Commander, Greyhound
Moonbase Commander are back, and how. This is a frantic beats-heavy track that’s begging to blast out at an all-night warehouse party. Drawing influence from drum ‘n bass and jungle, it’s really cool to hear new tunes coming out of Australia like this.
Elysia Crampton, Flora’s Theme
This week’s Adult Swim single comes courtesy of Elysia Crampton, and it’s certainly the most unique and obscure that we’ve heard so far. Crampton seeks to explore and to experiment, toying with a myriad sounds and samples in just over two minutes.
Machinedrum, Angel Speak ft. MeLo-X
Machinedrum has always held a special place in my heart, and this track is just so much fun. There’s a lot going on around the rhythm, interesting percussive sounds and spacey effects, samples and more. I’m looking forward to hearing what’s next.
Feki x St Albion, One of a Kind
This is a wicked collaboration, absolutely one of my favourite electronic tracks this week. The beats are huge and the atmosphere is really hazy and warm – it’s a really interesting combination of each artist’s sounds, as it takes us through a number of variations on that core melodic loop.
Dreller, A Signal That Comes Back
Since first hearing about Dreller earlier this year, he’s quickly become one of my favourite upcoming artists to watch. A Signal That Comes Back is Dreller’s third single, and it might be my favourite yet. There’s something so sneaky and seductive about the melody, while the instrumental layers blend so many kinds of sounds that every listen uncovers something new.
Julia Jacklin, Leadlight
Julia Jacklin has just announced her debut album, out October 7, and this week released its first single, Leadlight. This is a really beautiful, emotive track, one that really showcases her stunning voice and lyrics, atop a bluesy rhythm that lazily swings from beat to beat. There’s something so real about this sound and this song. I love it. It might just be my favourite new Australian track this week.
Running Touch, Levitate (It’s All Too perfect)
Running Touch’s new track is deep, dark and smokey, the scene is set with a late night house vibe, before a rich, velvety smooth vocal melody comes in. It continues to be chopped and spliced throughout, becoming something of an instrumental layer in itself. Listen here.
Harts, Power
Finally this week we have a new track from Harts, who among other accolades, has been personally endorsed by the late, great Prince. This is a big, bright, festival-ready song, with huge riffs and a stompy beat, showcasing his incredible guitar talents through a funkier filter than some of his earlier stuff. Listen here.

Another Friday, another playlist. Once again, we have searched high and low to bring you 10 new tracks you should have on your radar from this week. We’ve got some soul-pop, some sugary-sweet electro, some Courtney Barnett-esque story telling, collabs, debuts and more. Enjoy!

Jodie Abacus, Hot Kitchen

Soul-pop at it’s finest, Jodie Abacus take the award for “Most Fun Track of the Week” with Hot Kitchen. That bassline, that voice, those lyrics – this is almost too good. It’s almost impossible not to move to this song, with it’s nostalgic yet modern approach and a hook that won’t quit. Hot Kitchen is so damn funky, but still encompasses that pop style that makes it extremely accessible as well. It really is the best of both worlds with this bad boy.

Cameron Avery, We’re Just Making It Worse (Ft. Alexandra Savior)

Tame Impala bassist Cam Avery used to make music under the moniker The Growl, and whilst he may have retired that name for the time being, he certainly hasn’t retired his burgeoning talent as a solo artist in general. Teaming up with good mate Alexandra Savior, he has now released the following to his very successful last single, You Can Leave Me On Boxing Day, with this brooding, dramatic, and really enjoyable new track. Let’s hope there is more where this came from!

GRRL PAL, Caught By The Light

Perth duo GRRL PAL win the award for most consistent act of the year, as they wrap up their busiest and best year yet. Pumping out a song a month for the best part of 2015, the duo return for one last track for the year with Caught By The Light – a sugary sweet number that pairs Jay LeKat’s pop vocals with Danny K’s thick production. Don’t let the PC Music influence fool you, there is defiance and power in LeKat’s lyrics. 2016 looks REALLY good for these two!

Charlie Hilton, 100 Million

Teaming up with none other than Mac DeMarco for this track, Charlie Hilton is readying herself and the world for her solo album out early next year. Normally a member of Blouse, 100 Million is a truly beautiful song. Like a summer breeze gently blowing through your backyard on a lazy summer afternoon, Hilton and DeMarco are a match made in heaven with this nostalgic tune, and it is the perfect soundtrack for Australia’s incoming summer. The heat isn’t so bad when this is playing.

Slow Turismo, Falter

Slow Turismo continue to fight the good fight against generic indie pop/rock, and they have once again released an absolute ripper with Falter. Dynamic, refined and a lot of fun, the band have once again bettered themselves for this latest release and are sounding the best they ever have. It’s upbeat, it’s catchy and it’s rocking enough to really get you going, and it’s also really exciting to think about what they might have in store for us in the new year.

Moonbase Commander, Mirror Mirror (Ft. Cakes Da Killa)

Sydney bass producer Nick Luke, aka Moonbase Commander, has finally shared his latest EP this week. Titled Southpaw, it’s a four-track release that is almost tailormade for throwing down at a party. Sounding like what TNGHT could have been if they were still making music together in 2015, Luke has really outdone himself with this EP and Mirror Mirror is a particular highlight. Teaming up with NYC rapper Cakes Da Killa (the pair have also worked together on another previously released track which is also on Southpaw), Cakes’ sassy flow and MBC’s filthy beats complement each other perfectly. Not wanting to go out tonight? Put this on and try to resist.

Fraser A. Gorman, Skyscraper Skyline Blues

Signed to Courtney Barnett‘s Milk! Recordings, Fraser A. Gorman has been quick to catch the attention of new fans and critics alike with his incomparable songwriting skills and folky nature that sits perfectly alongside his label mates. This latest track is taken from a Milk! Recordings compilation titled Good For You, and whilst the actual release won’t be out until February next year, we have Skyscraper Skyline Blues to tide us over until we can have the full thing – and that certainly isn’t a bad thing.

Samm Henshaw, Autonomy (Slave) (Ft. Bonkaz)

One of this year’s most hyped artists has to be Samm Henshaw. Touring with international acts, being picked by tastemakers as an artist to watch for 2016, signing to Colombia (Sony) and many more accolades, Samm Henshaw is enjoying some great success right now – and rightly so. His voice is one that sticks with you long after you’ve heard one of his songs, and this latest release is no exception. Teaming up with MOBO Award nominee Bonkaz, Autonomy (Slave) is yet another stunning release from the artist, and is the type of song that sets your insides on metaphorical fire with his burning passion. We just can’t get enough of Samm Henshaw, and something tells us he’s only getting started.

Yuma X, Smoke Trails

Mysterious Sydney duo Yuma X seemingly appeared out of nowhere earlier this year, but we are REALLY glad they did. They make stunning songs, and although their catalogue is rather limited, what they do have on offer makes up for it. Smoke Trails is their third release from their forthcoming EP Home Recordings, and whilst it sits at just below 2 minutes, it’s also their most alluring and captivating. Truly beautiful, we can’t get enough of this duo.

Charles Murdoch, Back To It (Ft. Oscar Key Sung and Banoffee)

Finally releasing his eagerly awaited debut album today, Brisbane producer and Future Classic signee Charles Murdoch looks set to wrap up the year in style now. Becoming known as one of the most innovative and ambitious producers on the local and national scene, he has been hard at work on his debut, and now – along with a new single – we can finally hear it. Teaming up with Oscar Key Sung and Banoffee for this one, his sparse but controlled beats are on full display here as he takes you on a journey with his music. Teaming up with two of the country’s most promising artists for vocal duties also comes in handy too, and Murdoch executes this to full effect.

There is something about the weather heating up that makes me really excited, and it could have something to do with the steadily increasing amount of new music we are now hearing as the year comes to an end. With everyone racing to get one final release in before the year is out, it can get hard to sift through all the new material. Thankfully, we’ve got you again and have put together the top 10 songs that you should, you MUST listen to from this week. Man, we’re good to you!

Jaala – Salt Shaker

This track actually came out last week, but I heard it this week so it technically falls into this category? Either way, there will be no argument of technicalities when you hear it, because from the first listen you’ll be just as hooked as I am. Jaala’s unique voice, the jangly chords and evocative lyrics will leave you begging for more.

Moonbase Commander – Southpaw

I’m calling it, Southpaw is a straight up banger. Sometimes bigger is better, and that is definitely the case with this one. Hard hitting, bouncing, bassy and down right dirty in all the right places, Moonbase Commander certainly knocked me for a six when I heard this track, and made me very sorry for missing him at BIGSOUND. I’m predicting big things to come from this guy!

Tourist Dollars – End of Times

An exercise in out to pull off guitar pop in fantastic fashion, Tourist Dollars have dropped a doozy in the form of End of Times. Vocals soar over the tight guitar melodies and jangly beats, the light cymbal work keeping it fresh as the harmonies swell and the track drives along. It’s an incredibly tight, solid track and one that has made Tourist Dollars one act I’ll be keeping an eye on.

Suiix – Alright

Fresh off from showcasing their music BIGSOUND last month, Sydney four piece Suiix have released Alright, a shimmering pop song with a unique flair. With warped noises and hard hitting drums, the echoing, dreamy vocals lay soft over the almost psychedelic track as it swells and blooms. However, it’s the chorus that really gets you. Sounding like a combination of Alpine and Ratatat, Suiix are onto something really good with Alright.

Spelles – Wild Heart

This track is utterly mesmerising. Steadily building, the track goes from delicate piano keys to a swirling, blooming masterpiece as more and more is added to the fray. Careful and considered, Spelles commands the instruments with her incredible voice; drums, strings, searing guitar and more slowly coming together in a graceful waltz. It’s a gorgeous song that takes leads from the likes of Florence + The Machine, but putting her in a league of her own.

Leisure – All Over You

Leisure are one of my favourite discoveries of this year, and this is their third single. Each one has spread like wildfire across the internet as soon as it’s released, and All Over You is no different. Laying down a solid groove, this New Zealand band know a thing or two about making good songs and their natural talents are fully on display yet again here. Soulful vocals, funky beats and sensual lyrics, Leisure have once again taken one step further to total global domination.

Mila J – Hotline Bling Bling

I won’t deny that Drake’s Hotline Bling has been my jam since it came out, so I am enjoying the steady stream of remixes that keep popping up all over the internet. Last week, we featured Erykah Badu’s rework in this very playlist, but now this week the crown must go to Mila J. A lot more downtempo than the original, Mila J’s distorted lyrics float above a bed of pounding, bouncy bass and skittering beats, providing a sexy, steamy alternative to the original.

Hermitude – Ukiyo (YUMO Remix)

Brisbane producer YUMO is the latest in a slew of producers and DJs to take on Hermitude’s Ukiyo. However, there is something about this one that really caught my attention. It’s groovy, slowed down, emotive and fun, and sees the producer completely in his element. This is definitely one of my favourites I’ve heard, and should make for a perfect introduction to the mellow, soulful world of YUMO. You’re welcome.

Slum Sociable – Paradigm

There is really no one else that sounds like Slum Sociable. I could try and draw comparisons but any such effort would be undermining the totally original, unique sounds they consistently offer up, and Paradigm only reiterates this. One of the most innovative acts in Australia right now, it’s really only a matter of time before these two really blow up – especially if they keep putting out songs like this one.

Raleigh Ritchie – Bad Place

There is more to Raleigh Ritchie than Game of Thrones, and this track shows that off in all it’s glory. Short and sweet at not even three minutes long, Bad Place is a thumping, cool-as-fuck track taken from the film Just Jim and is where we can really hear Ritchie in his element. This is a track for strutting down the street or driving with the windows down and the volume up LOUD.