While originally created as a festival of lights in 2009, Vivid Sydney has over the last seven years become much more than just a pretty spectacle. The incorporation of Vivid Ideas and Vivid Music has meant the exposure and promotion of cultures, creatives and scenes that Sydneysiders – and those who come to visit – may not have otherwise seen. Though the past year has seen announcements that festivals like Future Music and Stereosonic are no longer, this year, Vivid paved the way for a new one day music and lights festival – Curve Ball.
Held in Carriageworks in Sydney’s inner west, the festival kicked off at 3 in the afternoon – obviously looking to make the most of the lights after dark, in the same area that has previously hosted events like Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and FBi Radio’s SMAC Awards and Festival. The crowd was consistently huge throughout the day, with two stages offering punters both a chance to see the major acts, and to take a break in a room staffed by HEAPS DECENT – an organisation that works with young and emerging artists from disadvantaged communities – which was constantly smashing out hip-hop bangers. The almost entirely Australian lineup saw a diverse range of electronically driven musicians, with Xavier Dunn, Yuma X, Nicole Millar, Luen, Cleopold, JOY. and Elk Road covering nearly all bases. There was something for everyone, with the crowd only becoming more and more enthusiastic over the 6 hours of high quality tunes. Hometown boys Cosmo’s Midnight and Basenji were obvious crowd favourites, with their bright and bubbly-meets-bass driven beats kicking everyone’s dancing shoes into the next gear. However, it was enigmatic American headliner ZHU who everyone was there to see. With the release of his debut album Generation Why only a little over a month away, he had plenty of new releases to share. Live accompaniment by both a guitarist and saxophonist was unexpected, but very welcome to see. It’s hard to explain just how much a saxophone changes the vibe in a warehouse full of people, but the collective ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ of everyone in the crowd paint a better picture than words ever could. As you might imagine, Faded got the most stellar response out of any track of the evening. Though it’s now been over two years since first released, it’s clear that it’s become an all time favourite for people all over the world.
Being part of Vivid, there were also a number of really interesting visual components to Curve Ball that made it stand out among other festivals. Behind the artists there was always something to look at, from videos of inflatable clownfish moving around the Carriageworks space and shots of Sydney roads, to anime rockets flying through space for Cosmo’s and kaleidoscopes of Basenji’s Versace logo, to ZHU’s incredibly stylised animations straight out of an 80s style neo-noir/sci-fi film. Visuals adds so much to live sets, and as we’ve said many times, it’s something more shows should be incorporating.
By far the standout of the day though was Carriageworks itself. At other gigs you might be finding yourself squished in between a bunch of super sweaty people, trying to find somewhere to dance and get comfy, but that was never the case at Curve Ball. The amount of space at Carriageworks meant that everyone was spread out and not intruding on one another. Yes it got a bit crowded for ZHU, but on the whole it was a really refreshing experience. There was a really well organised bathroom and bar situation too, and plenty of space for food in a really small area. With Carriageworks having just earlier this year announced their plan for a $10 million redevelopment over the next six years, here’s hoping that we see more going down in what has the potential to be such a fantastic and staple venue.
Photo: yeahsure
This week once again brought the goods, as every week does, when it comes to brand new music. It’s a difficult job narrowing it down to just ten top tracks, but someone’s gotta do it (even though we secretly love it). Spanning a multitude of genres, this playlist has something for everyone. Enjoy!
Spookyland, God’s Eyes
Sydney band Spookyland have returned, not only with a brand new song, but also with the announcement of a debut album due for release in May. God’s Eyes is the first taste of that record, Beauty Already Beautiful, and it is fucking awesome. The one-of-a-kind vocals courtesy of Marcus Gordon gives an extra element as he sings the powerful lyrics whilst the song meanders its way into a roar. It feels like an Australian rock anthem waiting to happen.
SMILE, Holiday
Droning guitars, scuzzy vocals, a sluggish drum beat and a vibe that sounds like a male fronted Yeah Yeah Yeahs on xanax, Melbourne band SMILE are onto something really good here with Holiday. Gearing up for the release of their forthcoming record, Rhythm Method, Holiday serves as a pretty great taste tester, and we can’t wait to hear what is going to come next!
Urthboy, Second Heartbeat (Ft. Sampa The Great and Okenyo)
Three of Australia’s best all on one track, Urthboy has done himself a huge favour teaming up with not just one, but two of the most exciting up-and-comers around right now. Sampa The Great and Okenyo each bring their own unique flavour to this uplifting track that will put you in a good mood within seconds of listening to it. Its got soul, swagger and a hook that has been stuck in my head since I first heard it a few days ago – but it sounds so good I don’t even mind.
Yuma X, Keep Me Up
Yuma X are a mysterious duo that keep to themselves mostly, apart from when they release sublime tracks like this one. Keep Me Up is the latest in a slowly growing number of Yuma X tracks, and it’s also one of their best. Gentle, sparse and delicate, you almost feel like you’re being let in on a little secret. It’s quiet and soothing, and yet another example of just how much these two can do.
GoldLink, Zipporah (Gravez Remix)
GoldLink will be touching down in Australia in just a few weeks for St Jerome’s Laneway Festival, and whilst my excitement levels were already pretty damn high to see him action, LA producer Gravez has shared a remix of his track Zipporah that has tipped me over the edge! Amping up the soul, he keeps it light with airy synths and tinkering beats, and shows off a whole new side to the rapper – a side we really enjoy.
AlunaGeorge, I’m In Control
AlunaGeorge have made their long awaited return to the scene this week with a new single, I’m In Control. Featuring Popcaan (who was also on Jamie xx’s I Know There’s Gonna Be (Good Times)), the duo have made their return loud and clear with this one. It’s got a really awesome dancehall feel, with Aluna’s commanding vocals sounding better than ever. It’s been a while since we’ve heard new stuff from these guys, but we’re glad they’re back!
SG Lewis, All Night (Ft. Dornik)
Dornik reminds me of Michael Jackson which is a very good thing, so basically any track he has anything to do with is more than alright in my books. This latest, a collaborative effort with SG Lewis, is a sultry RnB number that shows off both artists in all their glory. Deep bass, swirling synths and funky guitars, All Night is a fun, uplifting track but still maintains a relaxed, mellow quality that might come in handy in the, uh, bedroom. All Night indeed!
Poliça, Wedding
This song only came out this morning, and immediately landed itself as one of the best songs of the week. Thumping drums, trickling synth sounds, droning guitars and commanding vocals, Wedding is full on in all the best ways. Having triumphantly returned at the end of last year with Lime Habit, this latest single is the second cut from the band’s forthcoming record United Crushers – a record we are increasingly keen to hear after listening to this.
Majical Cloudz, Wait & See
Majical Cloudz released a new EP this week called Wait & See, and the title track is one that immediately caught our attention. Having already released their critically acclaimed Are You Alone? record last year, vocal Devon Welsh said of the release that they were a collection of old tracks that didn’t really fit on the album, but they still wanted them to be released and we’re really glad they did.
Le Pie, Up All Night
Sydney artist Le Pie is an act you may or may not have heard of. If you have, this latest song is for you. If you haven’t, this latest song is also definitely for you too. Energetic, punchy and lots of fun, her voice gives an angsty-teen feel over the rolling guitars and sharp, fast drums to give it a sense of urgency. It’s a great track, and is the perfect move for her as she builds on the success she saw last year.
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.
This week’s playlist is designed with the fact that it’s getting colder, so you will want to dance to warm up in mind. A fantastic all Aussie collab with Luke Million and Jesse Davidson, some UK loving in the form of XO, Kwabs and Billie Black, a bit of local rock from Brisbane’s The Jensens and the same city’s most exciting soul export in Jordan Rakei, as well as a perfectly devastating song by MT Warning, the experimental wonders of BUOY, a fantastic debut single by Yuma X and of course, some Total Giovanni to wrap things up. Enjoy!
Luke Million – Fear The Night (Ft. Jesse Davidson)
The coming together of Luke Million and Jesse Davidson at first struck me as odd, unlikely and a little confusing. However, whatever doubt I had quickly vanished when I began listening to Fear The Night, as I realised they make one hell of a dream team. Davidson’s almost haunting vocals echo over the dark disco Million has cooked up, creating a futuristic whirlwind of pulsing, heart racing electronica. Not bloody bad!
XO – Flames of a Phoenix
Funk laden vibes and soulful vocals are the order of the day for the UK’s XO and his new track, Flames of a Phoenix. Receiving nods from Annie Mac and Diplo, XO puts his own spin on whatever you think “future RnB” is, and makes something new altogether. It’s unpredictable, and quickly deviates as it works it’s way along, but it’s so much fun you barely notice. Taken from a new EP dropping this June, I dare you to try and not groove to this bad boy.
The Jensens – A New Hope
Brisbane legends The Jensens have been kicking around for a little while now, but something tells me they’re on the precipice of something very exciting. My proof of such a speculation lies in their latest song, A New Hope. What a scorcher! Frontman Joe White‘s voice wails over the harmonies and classic rock riff, and you KNOW this would be a ripper live. Classic Brisbane rock – is there anything better?
MT Warning – Petrified Heart
Taken from his new EP of the same name, MT Warning’s newbie Petrified Heart has already received some remix love from Brisbane’s JOY., and when you hear the song you’ll know why. The intimate fragility and vulnerability in his voice, the stark arrangements of piano first heard until it rolls into something much greater, the forlorn lyrics; MT Warning is onto something seriously good right now, and we won’t be complaining at all hear more stuff like this!
Kwabs – Fight For Love
With a voice like no other, Kwabs is one of my favourite UK male artists. He is well and truly back with Fight For Love, a track that grips you within seconds. Passionate as hell, Kwabs is giving it his all here; his voice soaring with emphatic lyrics over upbeat, dance production. It all fits so well together, it feels like home when you listen to it (again and again and again and..)
Billie Black – Going Under
19 year old UK songstress Billie Black sung her way onto my radar late last year, with her stellar EP 000 100. Now, on the eve of her tour supporting Jack Garrett, Black dropped this number to let people know “they could come along and dance.” Well, now they definitely know with Going Under. This is a track that creeps up on you, and catches you by surprise. Stay with it til about 1:40, and get your dancing shoes ready *emoji winky face*
Yuma X – Swimming Pool
It’s a risky move to release a cover as your debut single, but this one has paid off ten-fold for mysterious Sydney newcomers, Yuma X. In only a matter of days, they have managed to take out the #1 spot on Hype Machine, and have received nods from all corners of the globe. Sticking to a relatively simplistic formula, Yuma X have turned Ghoul‘s 2008 track into a shifting, swelling soundscape you can’t help but get lost in. Total bliss.
BUOY – Don’t Want To See You
Experiment in the best possible way, there are only good things to come from BUOY. Refusing to be pigeonholed, she has kept her head down to craft her own unique sound, and we are just fortunate to hear the results. Don’t Want To See You could easily be described to FKA twigs, but it really is something different, something special. Her serene voice glides effortlessly over the bed of glitchy noises, erratic beats, bass drops that could shake bones, and a variety of other sounds that would rival any other genre-pushing act. BUOY is heading into a league entirely of her own, and it’s going to be very exciting indeed to watch!
Jordan Rakei x Kiran Kai – Maya
Jordan Rakei is one of the most exciting acts in Brisbane, and Australia right now. All you have to do is hear him sing to know why. This time around, he has the added help of Kiran Kai on production, and the pair have proved to be a match made in heaven. Seductive, relaxed and dreamy in the way that some of the sounds going on here don’t sound like something you’d hear in real life (those warped, almost under-water like samples), Maya continues to prove that Rakei is one to watch, but also has me desperate for more Rakei x Kai works. Hopefully this isn’t a one-off…
Total Giovanni – When We Break
This one unfortunately isn’t on SoundCloud, so it has it’s own separate entry. Melbourne disco lords Total Giovanni return once more with a dancefloor burner with When We Break, featuring some typically impassioned vocals from frontman Vachel Spirason (who I recently interviewed), and some of TG’s most danceable sounds yet. Guitarist Vinnie Del, aka Frankie Topaz said of the track, “This story is true heartbreak house. A sad boy can’t work out whether love is coming or going. He walks the streets late at night singing a maudlin chorus to himself. Then he gets on a yacht that once belonged to the Bee Gees and sails it all the way to guitar solo island where the George Baker Selection are waiting with a bottle of champagne. Enter his true love. Happy endings.” Because of course it does.