It’s happened. The summer is well and truly over. With a bunch of festivals, sideshows and tours over the New Year absolutely blowing our minds, it’s with a heavy heart that we say goodbye as it all drifts further and further back into our memory. However, before it leaves completely, there’s still some time to bring the heat.
Future Classic’s series of MCA shows have over the last few months seen some absolutely legendary performances. Kenton Slash Demon, Roland Tings, Harvey Sutherland, Tornado Wallace, Sampa The Great, Wafia, Anthony Naples, Pelvis and Kenji Takimi have all graced the MCA’s Sculpture Terrace with their presence, and crazy fun shows. So it’s only fitting that the mega-label is seeing it off with a bang, putting on a final show this Sunday packed full of Future Classic Allstars. They’re being super secretive about the lineup and not giving any hints until it’s actually happening, so we’re here to speculate and myth-bust as to who may be jumping behind the decks.
Our little dog friend is barking all over the northern hemisphere at the moment. He’s just done a bunch of shows in the U.S. and Paris, and his Saturday night is taking place in London. That’ll be the 9th of April, which, with time differences, is almost exactly when the FC Allstars show will be going on. We can sit on his latest track Chroma, to make him feel a little bit closer, but we won’t be able to see him do his thing at the MCA.
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Since the release of Built on Glass in 2014, Chet’s been all over the world playing shows, and even making an appearance on Ellen. Towards the end of last year though, he released Work, an EP he produced alongside London’s Marcus Marr. It’s 4 tracks of beautiful house, which would be phenomenal to see played live. He’s proven himself to be very comfortable behind the decks, having a slap at the Ray Ban x Boiler Room show in Melbourne late last year, so we can hope we get to see it go down again.
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His show alongside Cyril Hahn in late February is still fresh in our minds, and sadly, leads us to believe that he won’t be back to play so soon.
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Though it’s been a while since we’ve heard from LA duo Classixx, their last album releasing all the way back in 2013, it’d make sense to get a surprise appearance from them on the Sculpture Terrace. They’ve just released their latest single Grecian Summer from their second album Faraway Ranch, and been announced as part of that absolutely mammoth Lollapalooza lineup, we imagine to tie in with its release. So, maybe to kick off what is to be an absolutely massive year for them, we’ll see them Sydney-side this weekend? Fingers crossed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3q_Pr9hYzo
Though we’re on the precipice of the release of Skin, Flume’s second album, and yes it would make sense for a huge hometown show before it releases – it’s super unlikely. He’s playing Ceremonia Festival in Mexico on Saturday, so we can live in the hope that maybe his set is early and he could make a flight, but let’s not get them up.
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Side-project of beatmakers Ta-Ku and Kit Pop, HWLS’ most recent release was two months ago with Ty Dolla $ign as part of Adidas’ #songsfromscratch series. They’ve played a few shows here and there, their last one in Sydney being the Laneway Festival afterparty with Hudson Mohawke. With them going quite for a while, it’d make sense to have them as part of the allstar lineup, but Ta-Ku is doing so much at the moment that he legit may not have the time. He’s debuting his live show with Wafia (who just released her own EP) at VIVID LIVE, and has a residency at the MCA starting next week – though maybe that’s in our favour set-wise?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UQ3WHMfcD8
It’s been quite a long time since we’ve heard anything from these two boys from Sydney. They’re playing quite a few shows in Europe over the next three months, starting in May, but haven’t done a Sydney show in quite some time. Reading between the lines though, Future Classic call specific attention to the fact that the Allstars are “jumping behind the decks”, and so we may not be able to get the full Jagwar Ma experience if they are to make an appearance. Maybe a lil DJ set though? Time will tell.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pP8k6fmxWe4
Not much is known about Midnight To Monaco, the project of Donnie Sloan, co-producer for Empire Of The Sun, and Ricky Ducati, but their sound speaks for itself. 50’s doo wop flung far into the future, Midnight To Monaco are set for big things the world over. Their latest single One In A Million was released on the latest Future Classic compilation, also called One In A Million, so we can clutch at straws and hope that they’re on the lineup, but would we consider them allstars yet? No doubt they will be eventually, but so far they’ve only been around a minute.
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Panama have just come home from a tour across Asia, though their last release was a while ago with Jungle just last year. Unless they do a DJ set, we imagine they won’t be gracing the MCA stage due to the fact that they use live drums.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1m0mceKkx4
The boys are doing a bunch of European shows in September, and just last week did a DJ set in Berlin. They seem to be spending more and more time overseas at the moment, so it wouldn’t be a surprise if they were still kicking it European style, but they are definitely one of Future Classic’s most allstar teams, so it’s very possible they’ll come home to pay a visit.
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Melbourne producer Thrupence has been flying under the radar for a while now, releasing New Light, his only track since Lessons all the way back in 2014, in September of last year. Though his lush and textured sounds would fit right at home at the MCA, if you follow his Instagram you’ll know that he’s been much more busy working in his design and art scheme of things.
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Off the back of his remix of Flume’s Never Be Like You, Wavey is unfortunately, for those of us at home, also on tour. Taking his Flash Drive tour across North America, Saturday night sees him play Madison, Wisconsin, alongside Promnite. This Sunday won’t be as wavey as we’d hoped in Sydney, take care of him Wisconsin.
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They’ve just wrapped up their Avocado Galaxy tour to promote their EP of the same name, but it’s unlikely we’ll be travelling through the Avocado Galaxy come this Sunday. Why? Instruments.
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OTHERS
Now though everyone else has gotten their own section on why they might or might not play, there’s some very simple explanations for the ones in this section. Though we’d love to see them again, Kenton Slash Demon and Perth singer songwriter Wafia have already played as part of this round of FC x MCA shows, so we’re banking on them not making a return just to give others a red hot go. Sidenote: Wafia could maybe come back, but it’d probably only be to accompany Ta-ku like she will be as a part of VIVID Live. Now, you may have also noticed that Charles Murdoch, Flight Facilities, Hayden James and Touch Sensitive haven’t been mentioned till now. Though all these artists are phenomenal in their own rights, and definitely all a part of Future Classic’s Allstar roster – these boys are the real allstars. Allstars are the players who come back and play in the game day after day, or in this case, rock the house again and again. They’re our best bets for Sunday’s show, but we can’t wait to found out properly.
Fresh off the bat of their acclaimed debut EP Avocado Galaxy, musical two-piece World Champion have announced a full string of Australian headline tour dates, along with a free download of their new single Avocado Moon.
This marks the first ever headline tour for the Sydney duo, who recently played at Lost Paradise Festival, as well as opening for Toro Y Moi on his recent visit down under. It also marks the introduction of a new band member, bassist Reg Harris, who will be joining the pair on all live dates.
Supporting the pair in Sydney and Melbourne will be Mezko, while Marco and Ccolo will also be in tow at the Sydney leg. Supports for the remainder of tour dates are yet to be announced. World Champion will also perform at Mountain Sounds Festival alongside Violent Soho, Alpine and more – details here.
Listen to, and download Avocado Moon here.
World Champion Tour Dates:
Saturday 20th February: Mountain Sounds Festival, NSW
Tickets
Friday 26th February: Shebeen, Melbourne
Tickets
Saturday 27th February: Secret Garden Festival, NSW
Tickets
Thursday 3rd March: Civic Underground, Sydney
Tickets
Friday 4th March: Cats at Rocket Bar, Adelaide
Tickets
Saturday 5th March: Jack Rabbit Slims, Perth
Tickets
Friday 11th March: Elsewhere, Gold Coast
Tickets
Saturday 12th March: TBC Club, Brisbane
Tickets
Sunday 13th March: Newport Arms, Newport
Free Entry
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.
Sometimes there is a certain essence in the air, and this week in our roundup of the coolest new music videos, it is desire. It has blown in strong with the smells of spring and treated us with a collection of clips that are heavy with longing. Then, just to make sure you aren’t left in a puddle of tears, there are a couple of real bangers to dance it out too.
Get clicking.
Disclosure – Magnets feat. Lorde
Since Disclosure recently dropped their much-anticipated album Caracal (read our review here), the musical world has been eagerly devouring its contents. Now, the striking track Magnets has a video to add to the feast that is a perfect pairing for a glass of red wine and a case of forbidden love. Featuring Lorde, the track is what you would expect from the match up with signature vocals from the songstress and high quality production to match. The stunning lyricism is enough to take a long cab ride home alone too: “Pretty girls don’t know the things that I know.” But where most of us just cry ourselves to sleep, Lorde breaks out in a noir tale of murder. What else did you expect?
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_KfnGBtVeA]
Joy – About Us
Hailing from Brisbane, Joy is a breath of fresh air. With a voice that is so serene it sounds like unicorns, it is hard not to fall in love. We recently chatted to her at BigSound where she won our hearts, and couldn’t be more infatuated by her recent clip for track About Us. Taking place on a low-lit night, the singer wades into knee-deep water, trying to wash herself of a relationship gone bad. The visuals are interspersed with patterns of swelling tides and rippling currents. It’s simple, but lovely. Having already taken out the Unearthed competition to perform at Laneway this year, we are expecting big things from this talented gal as she embarks on her headlining tour next month.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fgCHboFrJM]
Lana Del Rey – Music to Watch Boys To
Pretty ladies submerged in water might just be the flavour of the week, but as usual, Lana shows she is at the top of the game. Her clip for track Music to Watch Boys to is sensual and all kinds of hypnotising. As smooth as a shell picked up from the sand, press it to your ear and be transported. The track is off album Honeymoon, released just a couple of weeks ago, and as the singer says: “…Lends itself to a visual of shadows of men passing by.” The surrealist clip sees the singer on a beach chair surrounded by swirling horns while boys play basketball and kick skateboards. And she is a total babe as usual. Girl power.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kYsxoWfjCg]
Aquilo – Good Girl
English duo Aquilo took me by surprise with their track Good Girl. Not familiar with their languid electro-pop, I pressed play on the clip and watched as the song and the accompanying story unfolded. The track takes melodic tiptoes along, as the video tells the story of a religious evangelist who is bewitched by a kind-hearted but rebellious stranger. It is not as corny as it sounds. I don’t know if it’s just the accents that we hear in the prelude, but the characters are a little bit beguiling and you can’t help but be spellbound as they embark on a journey into the unknown.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpFwCKlSTwE]
No Zu – Ui Yia Uia
There is no other way to put it; No Zu’s clip for track Ui Yia Uia is straight up weird. With taxidermied kangaroos partying alongside an army of body builders in an underground nightclub, it’s a real trip. But, that’s not to say it isn’t really really good. It is contagious and raucous and surprisingly accessible, from a band that have coined their own genre (heat-beat), and sound like this country’s and this decades answer to the B52’s. It’s might not be something you would imagine yourself dancing to, but it’s just unavoidable. All those dirty synths, nonsense vocals and gaudy saxophone (YES! Saxophone!) demand hair flipping, arm flailing good times. Sadly, forthcoming album Afterlife isn’t due out until 2016 so just chuck this one on repeat for now.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWWD2mdK4sA]
World Champion – Avocado Galaxy
The Sydney electronic duo dropped their single Avocado Galaxy last month, and have followed up with a clip that is even more infectious. High res images of space are interspersed with vintage television footage of dancing crowds and badly costumed aliens from an unknown scifi series. It is a sonic journey through a track that makes you want to hit the dance floor, like, now. Directed by Elliott Shields, it captures all the bands cosmic energy and has us pretty excited about what is to come from these guys.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt10R2XpjIg]