tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-82845885941597341792024-03-20T08:42:13.018+11:00the optional eNaomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-29290213870827294712014-02-25T13:50:00.000+11:002014-02-25T13:50:10.263+11:00Arctic Monkeys<div class="MsoNormal">
After gaining a cult following for their transcendent album
“Fluorescent Adolescents,” indie-punk band Arctic Monkey’s fifth studio release
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AM </i>lives up to the band’s rising
expectations, while evolving into something more meaningful than previous
albums.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Though harboring a fan base that can easily be labeled as
“leather-jacket,” lead singer Alex Turner’s lyrical turn-of-phrase often results
in something more evocative than his song titles might suggest. Much of what <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AM </i>is built off of is not only Turner’s
tactful though impulsive songwriting, but the emotional barriers he sometimes
neglected in previous albums. Take this line from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AM</i>’s lead single <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Do I Wanna
Know?, </i>“Maybe I’m too busy being yours too fall for somebody new.” This
brand of more sensitive songwriting is not exhibited in previous albums,
accounting for a lot of the album’s commercial and critical achievements as
well as improving on the band’s value itself. What separates <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AM </i>from its predecessors is the
emotional undercurrent seamlessly woven into the greaser-style sound Turner
spends most of his time working on. And along with their classically
indie-strummed guitar solos, Turner’s diverse (and nonetheless beautiful) vocal
range and the band’s innovative song structure that’s kept listeners rapt for
over a decade, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AM</i> proves to be the
most haunting yet of the Monkeys’ albums.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
Though some might say it clashes altogether with their
slicked-back and stolid personality, the depth in which <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">AM </i>is built upon actually improves on the punk-rockers’ individualized
sound, and with the angsty spirit that the band is renowned for playing live, there
is no stopping Arctic Monkeys.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-86876826458514055262014-01-15T16:30:00.002+11:002014-01-15T16:40:51.248+11:00MODERN CURE - Q&A.<span style="font-family: inherit;">Modern Cure are a five piece indie pop rock band fresh out of college. Their vocalist is Victoria Geale, playing guitar is Will Smyth and Oliver Marshall, playing bass is Joshua Keddie and keeping the band in time is Alex Quigley on the drums. The band formed for a High Schools Battle of the Bands and after finding success decided to continue playing together. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg92mLqKCgNVfAepk2R89nVnW36QrKRBHTDsYqbaEVFAwam1z2CdZRu2VZHT01WNGdSrh-hFGbmEO1R25ESrWoOsp_kMGcze_Q07VZlC60r-akaTmyp8F_0l_2SEtHqRCLtWnc_FpRdmxS/s1600/Mc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg92mLqKCgNVfAepk2R89nVnW36QrKRBHTDsYqbaEVFAwam1z2CdZRu2VZHT01WNGdSrh-hFGbmEO1R25ESrWoOsp_kMGcze_Q07VZlC60r-akaTmyp8F_0l_2SEtHqRCLtWnc_FpRdmxS/s320/Mc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />With their fresh indie rock sound and quirky, enthralling vocals, Modern Cure are an exciting new act. Their track 'The Streets' features strong, anthemic rhythm section and an upbeat beat that is a perfect summer tune. The vocals are endearing, with light harmonies and Victoria Geale's distinctive voice lending the track a lighter side.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />We caught up with Modern Cure recently!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>When did you guys start playing together?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We formed halfway through 2011 to play in our school's battle of the bands. We had all been in other bands before, but we wanted to play together. We won the junior section at Rock Challenge Tasmania, so we've kept it together since then.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>How would you describe your music?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our style instrumentally is inspired by bands that we listen to like The Wombats, The Kooks, The Strokes and Two Door Cinema Club. If anyone asked us how we would describe our music we would say enjoyable to play.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What are you working on right now?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We're currently working on getting a substantial original set written and rehearsed, as well as recording for future release. As we continue to write music we like our previous songs less, so we find it kind of hard to have a forty-five minute set that we're all happy with. It's great that we think our music keeps getting better though, so there is a positive to it.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>What will Modern Cure be up to in 2014?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We've been working on an EP for nearly nine months now, but we keep on changing our minds as to what should be on it, and also write better music that we then have to record. Hopefully we will have it out both digitally and physically by the end of the year. We also want to play a lot more live shows and establish ourselves as a prominent force in the local music scene here in Launceston, which is why we're working hard on getting a strong set together.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>How did you get your band name?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Choosing a band name was pretty difficult, it took lots of brain storming and terrible ideas before we came up with Modern Cure. We thought it sounded cool, but like a lot of band names its just a play on words and doesn't really mean anything.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Listen to Modern Cure performing 'The Streets' at Breath of Life festival!</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zCKF822bzHc" width="560"></iframe>Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-19751230853714828032014-01-03T16:13:00.000+11:002014-01-05T18:19:08.067+11:00TOO WEIRD TO LIVE, TOO RARE TO DIE! - REVIEW.<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I think I speak for everybody when I say that Panic! At the Disco has come a long way since releasing one of their most renowned songs "I Write Sins Not Tragedies." The lyrical complexity has grown greatly from <span style="background-color: white;"><span style="text-align: center;">"And, yes, but what a shame, what a shame the poor groom's bride is a whore," to "</span><span style="text-align: center;">This is gospel for the fallen ones l</span></span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">ocked away in permanent slumber." However, regardless of the meaning (or lack of) it is guaranteed that P!ATD will bring you infectious vibes and catchy tunes. </span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmfguMwyhXTaPomDn5_x3GeqDucsyKw16rxzQac1WFjC39FbMVfqyWA2RY5WajdxGGN50c6tQZwUb98SlDmoYJiLTAL5GUztWp4iSttmin3TctCqrxhzMCQyEqhWk8X3dEcOsQDmairo/s1600/tumblr_mezt5e1erX1qzgl17o1_500.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWmfguMwyhXTaPomDn5_x3GeqDucsyKw16rxzQac1WFjC39FbMVfqyWA2RY5WajdxGGN50c6tQZwUb98SlDmoYJiLTAL5GUztWp4iSttmin3TctCqrxhzMCQyEqhWk8X3dEcOsQDmairo/s320/tumblr_mezt5e1erX1qzgl17o1_500.gif" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Four for you p!atd, you go p!atd</b></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">All joking aside,<i> Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die</i> is most likely the best album that they have ever released. Although this has been called the "party" album because of upbeat songs like Miss Jackson and Vegas lights it also accompanies significant, momentous songs with deep meanings like "This is Gospel," that states "</span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">these words are knives and often leave scars," which is a very powerful phrase. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzHu23c6nQBAUTcQ926d1LhCB706aH99W27mgH1for7Sp0Oxm1W1rdYzJe30ibEIWZJhktT0tuhupvmd1S4xKIwl4u-woTButHc1s49wiDE8KtIVwUvYrIquf6l1smVSqJCkAMmNQyMc/s1600/image.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCzHu23c6nQBAUTcQ926d1LhCB706aH99W27mgH1for7Sp0Oxm1W1rdYzJe30ibEIWZJhktT0tuhupvmd1S4xKIwl4u-woTButHc1s49wiDE8KtIVwUvYrIquf6l1smVSqJCkAMmNQyMc/s320/image.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The album cover pretty much sums it all up</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
This album was released October 8, 2013 with 10 incisive songs. My personal favorite would have to be "The End of All Things," which is actually very ironic because it's about a <i>never </i>ceasing love. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Panic! At the Disco is playing February 23, 2014 in Sydney, Australia @ Soundwave Festival :-)</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-75377808714556205822013-12-24T07:37:00.000+11:002014-01-05T18:19:52.176+11:00SHIELDS: THE B-SIDES - REVIEW.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Renowned
for their chart-topping single “Two Weeks,” Indie-atmospheric band Grizzly Bear
released their fourth studio album <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shields</i>
in September 2012, and earlier this year released the albums B-sides. While <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shields </i>did well to live up to
post-Veckatimest expectations, their B-sides release took a different approach
to exploring the band’s musical complexities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2a56b976980e0793ddee-5cc5435fcbc367bb03f9a415e7067a97.r91.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ShieldsBsidesCover_20130916_165440.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2a56b976980e0793ddee-5cc5435fcbc367bb03f9a415e7067a97.r91.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/ShieldsBsidesCover_20130916_165440.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></i>While
their previous albums were experimental in terms of musicality, their B-sides
explore the other component of the band’s attention-grabbing euphony. The
vagrant instrumental echoes and influential sound still manages to work well
for them but were it not for the as-yet-unheard lyrics nothing would be too
valuable about this release. Take this line of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Will Calls: </i>“<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;">oily hands, slippery slope, p</span><span style="color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="background: white;">ointed fangs without scope.” Compared to the
chart-stealing qualities of the band’s upbeat lyrics Grizzly Bear brings an
element of seriousness to the table. Defiant of their palpable indie-impressed
songwriting, their B-sides are progressive in their nature and, combined with
the ever-haunting vocals of lead singer Edward Droste, put together another satisfactory
8-track album.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Contradictory
in nature and theme to their ubiquitous though interchangeable sound, Grizzly
Bear’s B-side release of their widely acclaimed <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Shields </i>does just as well in approaching atmosphere and human
qualities through their eerie melodies and excess eloquence.</span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: black; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"> Grizzly Bear is playing at the Falls Festival, Sydney, December 28, 29 and 31</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-6843100953130208282013-12-22T17:04:00.002+11:002013-12-22T17:04:43.506+11:00THE CITIZENS - Q & A.<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Citizens are an up-and-coming indie pop rock band hailing from Bondi, Sydney. They've played some exciting shows - winning Bondi's Battle of the Bands and competing in YouthRock finals - and recently released some new tracks, the aptly titled 'The Table's Not The Place' and 'Fishing In The Drought'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Their funky new track 'The Table's Not The Place' has punchy, rhythmic - almost <i>popcorn-like</i> - guitar work influenced by Two Door Cinema Club and stylistic features and lyrics reminiscent of the ever-clever Isaac Brock. It's a cool, sassy track that's neat, clean and altogether pretty fun.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">We caught up with the cool kids from The Citizens recently!</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who are The Citizens?</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Citizens are Lewis Clark (vocals, guitar), Sachin Burns (Lead Guitar), Joey Reinhard (Bass) and Ben Munro (Drums). We are an indie pop band from Bondi, and we were formed in 2011. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>What do you guys do at band practice?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We write our songs with strong structures and we rehearse them endlessly, for a really great live show. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b>How did you guys start playing together?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We started playing together when we entered a band workshop where we were placed together and wrote good songs, so we wanted to stay together as a band. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Best thing you've done as a band?</span></b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Our best experiences would have to be supporting The Cairos at the Metro Theatre, for All Ages Concerts Sydney's Christmas Party.</span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHmW7OfbxAV6Ixj55c9w-wTAxFjeGvzlAtRBJj_-9lSuk6q6P8pR4oMXaCLwGSVxFA-sg5vFWI9JW9u6Bj4LF7btO-Eo_DwlnsGka0UErm4BV3uW5ezbJDIX8vT6SI3Na6wRwGS5UZsuE/s1600/IMG_1095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVHmW7OfbxAV6Ixj55c9w-wTAxFjeGvzlAtRBJj_-9lSuk6q6P8pR4oMXaCLwGSVxFA-sg5vFWI9JW9u6Bj4LF7btO-Eo_DwlnsGka0UErm4BV3uW5ezbJDIX8vT6SI3Na6wRwGS5UZsuE/s320/IMG_1095.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Citizens at YouthRock</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="color: #444444;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Check out their music at their <a href="http://triplejunearthed.com.au/thecitizens" target="_blank">Triple J Unearthed page</a> and listen to their track 'The Table's Not The Place' below:</span></span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/HVXvYmtXwpU" width="560"></iframe>Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-9988618501117613592013-12-15T20:16:00.000+11:002013-12-16T13:33:43.356+11:00INDIE CHRISTMAS LISTOMANIA.Ladies and gentlemen, unless you've been living under a rock (an indie rock hopefully) and you have the social skills of a blade of grass, you will have noticed that Christmas is coming (or Hanukkah. OR DECEMBER THE TWENTY-FIFTH FOR GOODNESS' SAKES).<br />
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And with said occasion, you see, comes a variety of novelty music which is kitschy as heck with the same amount of charm as my left foot. You would think that people would get sick of celebrating Christmas the same way for twenty centuries, but hey, each to their own.</div>
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I'm allergic to sleigh bells almost as much as I'm allergic to the song 'Tomorrow' from that abominable musical <i>Annie</i>, and so every year when the carols come up on the radio or some random dude is singing on a street corner I just want to squash someone with a Biggest Loser contestant in a red suit.</div>
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But never fear, hipsters and closeted hipsters alike! In the light of Sydney's new 'Hipster Santa', whose band plays indie covers of carols, I've collated some alternative covers to keep you entertained this silly season (without the help of an extra eggnog, of course).</div>
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MERRY INDIE CHRISTMAS</h4>
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Artist Adam Horne makes various well-known novelty songs and socially idiosyncratic tunes in the styles of indie artists with tongue-in-cheek artistic stereotypes and quirks.</div>
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So this was released in 2012, but it's basically carols <strike>parodying</strike> performing in the style of some heavy weight alt and rock acts (such as Bon Iver, Mumford & Sons and The xx). </div>
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The only fault I can find with this is that each track is only thirty-seconds long or so, but again it's just for laughs really.</div>
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The xx one is my favourite though because HIS ROMY MADLEY CROFT IMPRESSION IS FREAKING AMAZING.</div>
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Here are my top five picks for this silly season:<br />
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1. Band of Horses - The First Song</h4>
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Firstly, it's Band of Horses. The new wave/dream pop revival guitar wall of sound is such a wonderful flashback to hazy 90's shoegaze and influences like The Jesus and Mary Chain and The Cocteau Twins, with dashes of Crystal Castles and even Beach House in there. Ben Bridwell's arousing crooning over the top sets the standard pretty high for indie Christmas carols - it takes the you-didn't-even-know-this-was-a-song-about-Christmas-stance. But then again, you'd be forgiven for thinking this was another indie tune with just the word Christmas thrown in to startle the discerning hipster.</div>
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2. Hey Rosetta! - Carry Me Home</h4>
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We've established that Christmas celebrations get a bit icky after repetition again and again, and so eventually people hit that age where they rock up to someone's party and simply launches themselves into the nearest bottle of whiskey. This is this song.</div>
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Hey Rosetta! cleverly masquerade the drunken lyrics with their delightfully cheery disposition and stride bass. It's a celebration of a lack thereof in itself, and this song is pretty feel good and shoulder-swinging as songs about alcohol and homesickness with reference to saints go. </div>
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3. Bright Eyes - White Christmas</h4>
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I've never had a White Christmas - heck, I've never even seen snow. But I can imagine listening to this song while it snows - the music is so poignant and delicate, you could probably hear it <i>melting</i> if you left it out too long (weird analogy I know, but you get the idea). The beautiful acoustic picking in the background grounds the smooth vocals and I can imagine that if White Christmases are the same as on those dodgy Christmas cards, it would sound like this.</div>
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4. The Civil Wars - I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day</h4>
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If I was ever stuck out in the Mojave Desert with nothing but a spile and a solar-powered iPod, I'd probably just be listening to the bluesy-folk of the Civil Wars as I drained cactuses of their juice and tried to make tequila.</div>
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Since Christmas in Australia is essentially the Mojave Desert anyway, this song will fit into festivities (or whatever you hipsters call your gatherings - "esoteric phrontisteries", you say?) with its breathy vocal harmonies and the undeniable sense of longing (probably for a decent present this year).</div>
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As usual the guitar work of The Civil Wars, no matter how simple it appears, is wonderfully crafted and serves as a solid backdrop to the golden croonings of Joy Williams and Paul White).</div>
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5. The White Stripes - Candy Cane Children</h4>
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If I were reading this post I'd probably think this was some bogus post and that the writer was actually going to Rickroll somebody or other. The White Stripes made some weirdo kitschy (albeit 'alternative') Christmas song?!</div>
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Apparently they did. I was just as surprised as you lot, but it's pretty good just like all of their deliciously lo-fi, grungy I-don't-give-a-damn-we're-siblings-okay stuff.</div>
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So there we have it. Have a wonderfully alternative Christmas what with your vegan turkey and coeliac macarons and what not, people.</div>
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<br /></div>Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-5469059489067410522013-12-15T14:52:00.000+11:002013-12-18T22:12:09.726+11:00THE CAT EMPIRE - STEAL THE LIGHT REVIEW.<div class="MsoNormal">
This is the third review in our series on the fabulous lineup of Falls Festival this summer. Another one of the fantastic acts set to perform is THE CAT EMPIRE.<br />
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I like cats. They don’t really do much unless you count
humping your table lamp at 10:30 in the evening as productive,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but humans aren’t that much more advanced in
the first place so we’ll try and keep it simple here. They make you happy, and
Melbourne natives The Cat Empire is finally living up to their name and making
me happy as well. While I can’t speak strongly of their previous releases,
their 2013 <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Steal the Light </i>hits you
with that sexy modern ska/hipster trumpet combination that I feel they've near
perfected.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9wWCaUqrqHz_0gtGiFyA1gUQP1-VhJMCf8w1_i23-GrkyzcEdzYCzlgYYCpMlHBxN-Ft2yyZYDMeViX3zBxK7QSsQLIkzpefoboZQ8YDv5E6RJH7QNSkUxsefD_zPR7anOGVc2Gbeg-d/s1600/The+Cat+Empire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd9wWCaUqrqHz_0gtGiFyA1gUQP1-VhJMCf8w1_i23-GrkyzcEdzYCzlgYYCpMlHBxN-Ft2yyZYDMeViX3zBxK7QSsQLIkzpefoboZQ8YDv5E6RJH7QNSkUxsefD_zPR7anOGVc2Gbeg-d/s320/The+Cat+Empire.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>A brief
recap of The Cat Empire: they're not bad. While I never found myself melting in
their music they’re one of the few bands I’ve heard that understands the
balance requisite in success. All they really needed was a reason to stay stuck
in my head, because a lot things aren't really balanced up there, but at least what’s
up there is musical. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Steal the Light,</i>
however, brought with it exactly what I wanted to hear – their classically sexy
instrumental blend but with a cowhide confidence and energy that was just out
of reach for them before. Their 12 track release brought with it a lot of
different emotions we haven't heard from them; outside the normal range of
garrulously kitschy love songs, their album experiments with its emotions, and
along with those its instrumentation. Say goodbye to monotonous horn section and
half-hearted drumbeats, The Cat Empire is finally tapping into its own
chutzpah.<o:p></o:p><br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>What really
pulls this album together is the lead vocalists. I’m not going to be the first
to say that today’s singers never give me that teenage angst inherent with
songwriting; I and my fellow writers would much rather live in the time set of
David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix. But finally does our cheery and lighthearted
Felix Riebl and Harry James Angus reveal just a little bit of restlessness in
their smooth-as-silk vocals. Listen closely and most of their songs are
sticking to their guns but adding a little heat to the bullet as well, there’s
definitely a little pathos to the intrinsic happiness with ska. And The Cat
Empire <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> happy, they exude
effervescence and the heartfelt balminess of Australian summers is seeping
through the headsets and microphones in their latest album. But the lead
singers have really perfected themselves here, there’s a lot more control that
I like and while they’ve always been fluent in their songwriting their ability
to balance the emotions they achieve in this new line-up deserves a hearty
herald.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Other
points of focus with their new album is their lyrics, which along with the
instrumentation is sounding a lot more eclectic. Their sound seems a tad
influenced by the likes of Vampire weekend but their lyrics are predominantly
Young the Giant meets Radiohead with the funky love song they’ve been working
on for over a decade. And it’s a synergy I really enjoy listening to. If
anything to spot out with them I guess I’m still somewhat put off by their
inability to give us a full range of talent – you’re balanced, I’ve said this
over and over again and it means that everything is remarkably cohesive and it
sounds euphonic. As ironic as it sounds that doesn’t mean it is, and I love
that they can work together a variety of different elements into their songs
and still be the upbeat ear molesters they’re becoming, but what’s off-kilter?
It isn’t that they’re un-human but there’s no imperfection that makes it sound
human, there’s an edge to what they’re doing now but what about them really
jumps out to your listening caves and says “I feel this bitch?” They’re not
just a tepid love song anymore, but I’m waiting for the next big move.
Nonetheless, their album deserves a listen to and I guarantee getting them
stuck in your head will make you poop rainbow.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
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And they have painted <i>eyebands</i>.</div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-76806977153917811402013-12-13T18:34:00.000+11:002013-12-16T13:23:15.148+11:00TIA - INTERVIEW<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You may remember her from 'Young Talent Time 2012' with her spellbinding cover of Alicia Key's "Empire State of Mind (Part II)," but the matured teenager is back and this time she's ready to take Australia by storm. After winning a silver medal in the Sydney Eisteddfod performing arts competition, and featuring on 'Young Talent Time', Tia Gigliotti enabled herself to blossom into a young-pop-sensation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6sZ4kf8R4cGZwfGAPdVAtcluWPdnlaSP8pj3hgv8PpcMDke_WBzPpOoV7t6_qRRy4AgWQFrVdZ3C0xRAGH1ZZkn1mGNREhhXOpTircpC9fg_CB9MTMoW8SUfH8oHK3idyv23A0Vlug/s1600/TIA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG6sZ4kf8R4cGZwfGAPdVAtcluWPdnlaSP8pj3hgv8PpcMDke_WBzPpOoV7t6_qRRy4AgWQFrVdZ3C0xRAGH1ZZkn1mGNREhhXOpTircpC9fg_CB9MTMoW8SUfH8oHK3idyv23A0Vlug/s400/TIA.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<br />Following the release of her much anticipated new single "Stranded", TIA was able to make some time to talk with us here at The Optional E. This is what she had to say!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">TIA, you rose to prominence after featuring on Young Talent Time 2012, how did that help you grow as a performer?</b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Being able to perform on YTT every week was an absolute pleasure! I got to work with many many professionals such as John Foreman (musical director), Rob Mills, Tina Arena and more. I learnt so much from being on the show, not only my voice strengthened but my confidence and performance skills did too! Being on the show allowed me to have an idea about what kind of artist I wanted to be due to the various genres we got to perform and it was great to entertain Australia while I was at it. </span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;"><br /></b><b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;"><br /></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;"><b>Who are your main musical influences? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Rihanna and Rita Ora are my main musical influences. I not only love their music but I love the way they perform! They are so confident on stage and have a unique aura about them. Their outfits are amazing </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">Your new sound is more techno-electric, will we be hearing any more acoustic sounds anytime soon (like your famous Empire State of Mind cover)?</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My music is mainly pop dance, but as I'm writing my album I'm finding I'm doing a lot more acoustic based tracks. I play piano so that's how I start each piece I write. I am a massive fan of Alicia Keys so hopefully I can do a song influenced by that type of music. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">We, at The Optional E, love your single "Stranded" - but where did the idea for the song come from? And we're most curious as to "who" you left stranded? *<span style="line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">giggles*</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.88888931274414px;">THANKYOU! I like to describe 'Stranded' as a song about breaking the shackles of control! Moving on from a relationship positively... Hahaha - well, a past relationship with a guy... That was very controlling sparked the inspiration for the song, it wasn't serious but it was enough to have an effect on me! </span></div>
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<b style="line-height: 18.88888931274414px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After your recent single-release, whats next for TIA? </span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18.88888931274414px; white-space: pre-wrap;">After the single release it's more writing writing writing for me! I am planning on releasing an album at the end of next year so I'm busy putting my pen to paper and getting my music produced! I'm also planning to be gigging all the time at different venues around Sydney so I can't wait to be performing again.</span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Optional E would like to wish TIA great success in her music career as it starts to take her off into stardom and fame. Take a look at her new single - "Stranded" - here:</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/N9sgU9h_Td8" width="560"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-36505041957137244572013-12-11T15:21:00.000+11:002013-12-16T13:24:22.385+11:00EMILY HARLEY - INTERVIEWEmily Harley is a young teenager from Victoria who is looking to make it big in the music industry. Her enchanting voice along with her serene guitar playing provides us with a relaxing and peaceful musical atmosphere. Her fruitful covers as well as her broad and anthemic original songs will truly take her far in the music business.<br />
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We, at The Optional E, were fortunate enough to catch up with Emily, and this is what the young superstar had to say!<br />
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<b>Emily! You have quite an angelic voice, when did you start to realise you could sing like that?</b><br />
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Thank you! I’ve been singing since before I can even remember, although I remember winning a school talent show in grade 4 (9 years old) and falling in love with performing. Since then I’ve been involved in everything I can, whether it be school choirs, bands, musicals, and I’ve received a good response from that, which helped/helps me believe in my singing ability.<br />
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<b>Who are your musical influences? </b><br />
<br />
My biggest musical influence at the moment would be Daughter. I listen to a wide range of music, from bands like Northlane and Being As An Ocean to artists like Matt Corby and Snakadaktal, I find that I can draw inspiration from concepts within the ‘heavier’ genres and combine that with the sound of the other music I like to create my music.<br />
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<b>We, at The Optional E, love your original song - "Lost Soul" - when will be able to hear a more detailed mp3 version of your brilliantly-written original songs?</b><br />
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I’m still in high school, so I currently don’t have the funding to produce any of my music properly, although I’m looking into getting some help recording some of my songs for the future.<br />
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<b>The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?</b><br />
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Probably The Beatles, they were quite revolutionary and, although I don’t know their music well, I have a lot of respect for the songs I do know.<br />
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<b>Will there be any gigs or live performances any time soon for your 500-odd fans to go and see you play?</b><br />
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Nothing that I know of yet! I’m focusing on completing my Grade 8 AMEB and VCE before I start doing gigs.<br />
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<b>Lastly, what's next for Emily Harley?</b><br />
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I’m planning on completing Year 12 this coming year (2014), my Grade 8 AMEB singing exam and then hopefully beginning to look into doing live performances and finding a university with an appropriate music course for me and my future as (hopefully) an artist.<br />
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We'd like to thank Emily Harley for taking her time to speak with us and we'd also like to wish her luck as she embarks on the final year of her school life as well as taking on her Grade 8 AMEB singing exam!<br />
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Check out her youtube channel here: <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/EmHarley14">Emily Harley's Music Channel</a><br />
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This is an Optional E favourite - "Lost Soul" - Emily Harley:<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-58282710202584496152013-12-10T12:55:00.000+11:002013-12-16T13:25:21.551+11:00THE RUBENS - ALBUM.<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">Falls Festival this year is set to amaze with a brilliant lineup. We thought we'd review some of the artists that are performing, so after the jump, here is THE RUBENS.</span><br />
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Due to
corporate assholing I’m finding it incredibly hard to get any <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pathos</i> from the bands out there. Like,
I’m glad you sound like a sugar-coated television screen from the 1980’s – replete
with dickwitted head-banging – but when did we let Queen Elizabeth dictate the
emotional value of human creation? Poignant monarchy is a paradox in itself, so
when you actually get that indie-cum-pathos crossover from a band you better
give it some respect, man. The Rubens may sound like a pretentious American
sandwich from the land of “FuckAhtaHere!” but it’s basically the same concept:
melt-in-your-mouth-emotional-eclecticism without all the condiments. Put in
layman terms: if you aren't listening to them already or you decide not to take
into consideration my snarky portrayal of a legitimately cool band, get the
Fuck. Ahta. Here.<o:p></o:p><br />
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Their
11-track eponymous album brings it all – curt, heterogenic instrumental angst
with a voice that crosses the line between Arctic Monkeys and early 90’s
revivalism – think U2 or Radiohead, minus the “American Spirit” that keeps
robbing us of actual talent. The Rubens have basically everything you were
looking for in a male vocalist; testosterone-infused leather-jacket romanticism
with a knack for not selling itself short. That isn't to say I want
rugby-addicted gunslinging wannabe antagonists screaming songs about sexual
innuendo in the recording room, it’s to say there has to be balance and I think
lead singer Sam Margin finds that without belching out A Ballad of Ballsacks
(or lack thereof). It’s to say his voice sports denim where his gut wears
spandex, and not enough appreciate the slim-fitting fashion about his pallid
yet emotional octave-wrenching talents. There’s a Marginal (woo puns)
separation from the Indie and the Independent, but thanks to the vocal
gunslinging of Sam the band’s ability to cross genres is supplemented only by
the pathos you can hear in his inability to hide it. This makes for <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good, atomic listening. Take note of this
all you mainstream assdouches.<o:p></o:p></i><br />
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But while Margin’s vocal
connoisseuring is helping him get by in life, an Indie band is only as good as
its guitar riffs. Between altruistic piano chords and a desirable
acoustic-electric amalgamation, The Rubens are making something of themselves.
I honestly don't think I can stress this enough; when most bands try to play
their tacky BRAND SPANKING NEW SUZUKI 2000 ELECTRIC PIANO PLAYER ASDFGHJKL they
usually sound like that guy who makes mixtapes for second-rate pornographical
films on one of those barely legal websites. Shoutout to all the men who are
pretending to not know what I'm talking about. Even worse, the public thinks
that playing that fucking Suzuki with some overstated Gibson or underrated Les
Paul <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that still manages to sound like
that punk freak from Guitar Hero 2 </i>is music. It’s not. You need balance and
I cannot stress how satisfying the balance is in The Ruben’s instrumentation.
It’s almost cathartic, like you're getting a sound that matches a voice as
effusive as the Buddha’s piss. The moment his voice lilts on an emotional
moment the piano is his best friend, the moment his voice goes Alex Turner on
ya the electric chugging inherent with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">good</i>
indie productions is enveloping you. It might not sound like much of a
compliment but there’s an art to balance in music that not enough people
understand. Once you understand your sound and do it well there is a legitimate
chance to make yourself famous without overplaying the Social Media Card or
developing Hollywood Productions Syndrome, to which a cure has yet to be found. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">They're real</i>, and if I didn't take as
long as I did to get to that point you would never have believed it. <o:p></o:p><br />
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Don't get
me wrong, the Rubens aren't perfect. They have grist, you just have to wait a
moment or two to get at it. If I had to stress any particular hole in their
music it would probably be how similar it all sounds, and I'm hoping we really
get to hear Sam Margins and equally-important-others play out their musical <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">potential</i> the moment they release a
sophomore serenade. I appreciate the eclecticism each individual member brings
with them, and you can hear a lot of different influences on their sound, not
only the aforementioned acts I’m sure many have compared them to. All I'm
really asking for is a little bit of the avant-garde – show me what it’s like
to hit a high note without the need for caterwauling amplifiers, let me taste
the bitterness in whatever strings you decide to strum. Give me lyrics that put
a chain on the denim or a bruise to the knees, not just another party/lovers in
despair anthem. The ears aren't the only thing music can speak to, and if The
Rubens mix up the meat under their bread and take that risky leap, I guarantee
they won't just be another angsty love song cliché. But The Rubens bring
promising pathos per the problematic pond, and the reality is they're as real
as it gets among aspiring musical acts, so enjoy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-35093939257749984222013-12-08T18:31:00.000+11:002014-01-22T13:01:27.353+11:00BIG DAY OUT SYDNEY - GIVEAWAY.<h4>
UPDATE: THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.</h4>
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We at the optional e are really excited for the hectic lineup of the quintessential Aussie music festival Big Day Out in 2014!<br />
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We were all pretty stoked to see heavyweights Pearl Jam and Arcade Fire headlining next year's fest, but unfortunately Blur pulled out recently. However, Blur has been replaced by the talented Beady Eye, Deftones and The Hives (all of which the optional e are massive fans of).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTilG_z7WGUzcRQ9QkHdNkzhlcRitQof5n7YJ-HF97TdZoQc7VEanJFnhVCm74ePCwV_qr3yRhzODVGp8YGvylFe-O4gAjj3dr1MtPr5tsLbntpaXCzUtroPID6Qxx8t5wW0Stm-Q44t9/s1600/Big_Day_Out_Lineup_Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaTilG_z7WGUzcRQ9QkHdNkzhlcRitQof5n7YJ-HF97TdZoQc7VEanJFnhVCm74ePCwV_qr3yRhzODVGp8YGvylFe-O4gAjj3dr1MtPr5tsLbntpaXCzUtroPID6Qxx8t5wW0Stm-Q44t9/s320/Big_Day_Out_Lineup_Poster.jpg" height="320" width="246" /></a></div>
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Also, we recently launched our very own <a href="http://facebook.com/TheOptionalE" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> (with the help of our newest writer Anthony!) and to celebrate, we're giving away to one lucky person two Sydney tickets to Big Day Out.</div>
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To be in the running to see Pearl Jam, Arcade Fire, The Hives, Flume (2013 ARIA award winner), Tame Impala (2013 ARIA award winner) and many more, all you need to do is head over to our brand-spanking new page, hit the 'like' button and 'like' the giveaway photo. Share it with your friends for extra fun - there are two tickets after all! :-)<br />
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This giveaway will be drawn short after the New Year.</div>
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In the meantime, get stoked for an Aussie summer full of music festivals!</div>
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On a side note, I think Kevin Parker of Tame Impala deserves some sort of medal for wearing this outfit to the ARIAs:</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_0V3bJyfUcW78Aoe1N5j_xBpwRfTC2NGiJ60RofmIQzDi87GuiQqnW1r2rkWY-ujpPuKAZvajE9CAPxzWskcnUDj1azVCIHmsC4EcWCzzDeezDTny1tI0GbOpZM75nWcN9xALP28JC_o/s1600/tame-impala-arias2-650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd_0V3bJyfUcW78Aoe1N5j_xBpwRfTC2NGiJ60RofmIQzDi87GuiQqnW1r2rkWY-ujpPuKAZvajE9CAPxzWskcnUDj1azVCIHmsC4EcWCzzDeezDTny1tI0GbOpZM75nWcN9xALP28JC_o/s320/tame-impala-arias2-650.jpg" height="211" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #c5c5c5; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: left;">Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images</span></td></tr>
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I'm pretty sure Kevin's shoes were virtually non-existent. In fact, these guys look like they've just stepped out of some hippy caravan. You go, guys.</div>
Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-78823011133724371892013-12-01T21:19:00.002+11:002013-12-16T13:26:06.735+11:00HOLY HOLY - INTERVIEW.<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Australian prog rock duo Holy Holy caught up with The Optional E after wrapping their tour of the East Coast which started in Brisbane, went to Melbourne and finally finished in Sydney on Friday. This comes off in the wake of the brilliant reception of their debut single 'Impossible Like You' which we at The Optional E absolutely dig. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Holy Holy - (L to R) - Tim Carroll and Oscar Dawson</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Expertly welding together older prog rock influences with fresh, modern drum beats and provoking lyrical content, this Brisbane-meets-Melbourne duo of singer-songwriter Tim Carroll and guitarist Oscar Dawson is onto something remarkable. Here's our interview with their singer Tim!</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What is the main inspiration for your band - do you have any musical visions?</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Oscar and I come from pretty different backgrounds. He's played in some big indie rock bands and I've done more of a country singer songwriter thing. We come together in Holy Holy to make music that reflects both these histories. We like to create songs that build and break - big full band instrumental sections that have a life of their own. We like to craft songs that create a a mood - when you hear them they make you feel something. It's a nostalgic kind of sound with a 70's guitar band feel at it's core.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Who are your main influences?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Neil Young, The National, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Bright Eyes, Band of Horses, Fleetwood Mac, Lower Dens, Here We Go Magic. </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How was it recording your debut release?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We recorded our whole debut record and then as an afterthought we recorded 'Impossible Like you' which ended up being the single. Recording is always fun. It's the ultimate luxury. Matt Redlich's studio (Grandma's Place) is a great space in which to work and spending a few days playing amazing instruments though lovely valve amps, into vintage microphones onto two inch tape with a bunch of close friends is pretty unbeatable.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What's something about Holy Holy that nobody knows about yet?</b></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">10 years ago Oscar and I were living in a Buddhist monastery in Northern Thailand.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thank you very much to the Holy Holy boys for the interview and their fantastic Sydney gig. Their debut album featuring their songs 'Impossible Like You' and 'The Crowd' will be released soon. Check out their songs below:</span></span><br />
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<iframe seamless="" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=2127630084/size=medium/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://holyholymusic.com/track/impossible-like-you">Impossible Like You by HOLY HOLY</a></iframe>
<iframe seamless="" src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/track=1009696560/size=medium/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/transparent=true/" style="border: 0; height: 120px; width: 100%;"><a href="http://holyholymusic.com/track/the-crowd">The Crowd by HOLY HOLY</a></iframe>Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-91310209979775116142013-11-29T19:03:00.000+11:002013-12-16T13:27:42.338+11:00BLACK RAINBOW - ALBUM.<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">‘Black Rainbow’ is the debut solo album of ex-Noiseworks bassist Steve
Balbi, and is a reflection of the many influences and experiences of the mature
musician, showcasing tunes in the style of old-school Bowie, and well as a
throwback to early 90s grunge.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Is it Frank Zappa? Is it Johnny Depp? No, its Steve Balbi.</span></td></tr>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Balbi is an important figure in Australian music, appearing in the 80s as
bassist for the band Noiseworks, whose hit song ‘Touch’ is covered on his
album. After the band’s split in 1992, he paired up with fellow Noiseworks
member Justin Stanley to form psychedelic<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pop group Electric Hippies, where Steve was lead vocalist, his
distinctive style still evident in his tunes. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN" style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ansi-language: EN;">He has since worked with
high-profile artists such as Michael Hutchence, Tom Jones and David Bowie, whose
influences are evident on this album, which Balbi produced via Social Family
Records. He has notably been involved with several others artists in ‘Ziggy,
The Songs of David Bowie’, a live performance which showcases Bowie's repertoire played
by a series of Australian musicians.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnCD0WrYtdGA7vii8d_3n7RLUN-desG_es9JUJoMFNEziIWBr7PMzQtOSOVmgddrM6TaY9CQk_pIDV65Y50o1L5V0WTjSf-K7Xjh5jUt-w2x9XbEAg8RSVDxE74mtDkyKirCH5v2PhZM/s1600/Noiseworks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="202" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfnCD0WrYtdGA7vii8d_3n7RLUN-desG_es9JUJoMFNEziIWBr7PMzQtOSOVmgddrM6TaY9CQk_pIDV65Y50o1L5V0WTjSf-K7Xjh5jUt-w2x9XbEAg8RSVDxE74mtDkyKirCH5v2PhZM/s320/Noiseworks.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: small;">Balbi (far right) in Noiseworks</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">In ‘Black Rainbow’, we see Balbi’s own style emerging, especially after his
inclusion in a wide variety of acts and groups. The album has a dark, slightly melancholy feel,
as probably suggested by the cover - </span>a black-and-white portrait of a
contemplative Balbi, his face framed by long, Zappa-esque locks. His sound is
showing some roots of classic 90s grunge, but its reflective, mature lyrics
showcases his song writing ability – and its influences, especially David
Bowie. Bowie's style is reflected in Balbi’s use of dreamy layering and spacey
effects, and in ‘Sweet Sabotage’, we hear a storytelling introduction, reminiscent
of early Bowie:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There’s a lonely man
lost/caught in the fog/he can’t find his face.</span></i><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Steve Balbi, ‘Sweet Sabotage’, 2013.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">I laughed and shook his hand, and made my way back home/I searched for
form and land, for years and years I roamed.</i> David Bowie, ‘The Man Who Sold
The World’, 1970.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">While the album exudes a certain
darkness, a standout track, ‘What Do You Do’, uses a ukulele, paired with an
electric guitar and light-hearted vocals. A highlight of the album is Balbi’s
reworking of the Noiseworks classic ‘Touch’. This sensitive piece is re-done
well, using a few select instruments and highlighting Balbi’s strong vocals, as
well as the poetic lyrics.</span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Another day is going out/A sea of faces crying out/With all we have
today/You think we'd stop and take a look now/And all I want to say/Is maybe
that we should reach out, everybody.<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">As well as providing a satisfying
throwback to Balbi’s earlier years, ‘Black Rainbow’ has given the veteran
musician a chance to develop his unique style, incorporating mature, toned-down grunge
and showcasing reflective, poetic tunes.</span></div>
Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-78052706318995141722013-11-29T11:40:00.000+11:002013-12-04T11:50:44.582+11:00OLLIE BROWN - INTERVIEW.<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ollie Brown, who was crowned "Australia's Best Busker" in 2011, is no stranger to the road. He's toured with many famous artists including, Michael Buble, The Beach Boys, three SOLD OUT shows at The Sydney Opera House where he opened for Kina Grannis as well as performing at The Byron Bay Bluesfest in 2012 - his touring itinerary list goes on. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUncqxgezOrBi2Pb8iuhnsa77hMuAn7tsm_95LZOZ8k629kFBEDd49GgauxIl8Adf9eqK-zm3Gd9HEQVve2QEH_0e67vy4pX0mCYVRxCBvT58ZqlTRJ0Jihz4n0iEC5qvZpEi7xcYLEg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-29+at+11.28.38+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUncqxgezOrBi2Pb8iuhnsa77hMuAn7tsm_95LZOZ8k629kFBEDd49GgauxIl8Adf9eqK-zm3Gd9HEQVve2QEH_0e67vy4pX0mCYVRxCBvT58ZqlTRJ0Jihz4n0iEC5qvZpEi7xcYLEg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2013-11-29+at+11.28.38+AM.png" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">After the release of his first E.P. "Moving On", Ollie Brown went on tour, travelling over 16,000 km's and playing 31 shows. The anticipated release of his latest E.P. "Weatherboard House" is in a matter of months and we, at The Optional E, are very excited for the 22-year-old.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">A very busy Ollie Brown was able to have a chat with us and it was great to hear from the up-and-coming Australian singer/songwriter. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When and how did you get into music?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I wanted to learn an instrument when I was 8 so my school music teacher handed me a Tuba and told me to start practicing.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What was it like being crowned 'Australia's Best Busker'? </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">It was pretty surreal. I still don't know how so many voted for me... </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Who are your main musical influences?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jackson Browne, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Ryan Adams, The Band, Little Feat, The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, I could go on but I'll leave it there.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">You've toured with many famous musical acts in the past few years , but who has helped you the most in improving as a performer and a singer/songwriter?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Well different tours have helped me in different ways. The main two would be The Beach Boys and my most recent tour with the Baby Animals. Every night on tour I'd listen to the Beach Boys and become more and more fascinated with their chord progressions and song structures. 'God Only Knows' is a great example and is also my favourite song of theirs.With the Baby Animals I learnt about stage presence and how to be more of a performer. If you're touring, no matter what music you play, you've got to have a presence on stage. So I watched Suze and Steve Balbi on stage every night and absorbed it all like a sponge.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What should we be expecting in your new E.P. 'Weatherboard House' ?</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Weatherboard House is kind of like a teaser for the album which will be out a few months after. It draws from much older influences than my first EP. Some people have said it's very 70's sounding. I just tried to keep it honest and natural sounding. I'm really happy with it!</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">What's next for Ollie Brown?</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Well the 'Weatherboard House' EP is out in Feb next year and my debut album will be released a few months later so there will be a lot of new music and touring over the next 12 months. 2014 is looking like its going to be a very big year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">You can catch Ollie Brown throughout December as he continues to tour! The dates are as follows:</span></span><br />
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<b style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; line-height: 21px;">Saturday 7 December</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">Oxford Art Factory, Sydney</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 21px;">Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Currarong</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Lizzotes, Newcastle</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">"Bedford Avenue" by Ollie Brown is an Optional E favourite! Check it out!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-11578670585568189072013-11-27T20:48:00.003+11:002013-11-27T21:29:31.271+11:00SHANGRI-LA - ALBUM.<div class="p1">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">UK-singer/songwriter Jake Bugg is back, and at only 19, the quick release of his new album 'Shangri-La' is an ideal indication that the youngster is bursting with new ideas and is quickly settling in to stardom and fame. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f8/Jake_Bugg_Shangri_La.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f8/Jake_Bugg_Shangri_La.jpg" width="320" /></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Recorded with the infamous producer Rick Rubin at Shangri-La studio in Malibu – hence the album title – 'Shangri-La' portrays an artist who is clearly expanding exponentially but is still able to keep his trademark sound. By 'trademark sound' I'm referring to, of course, his nasal vocals which have continued to link comparisons to the immortal, Bob Dylan.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="s1">It's obvious that Jake Bugg is making strides to widen his repertoire, and working with Rick Rubin is undoubtedly the beginning of something tremendous waiting just around the corner. Although not everyone has a taste for </span>Rubin's fondness for excessive compression and loudness, this style is certainly perfect for Bugg. The 'nakedness' of tracks that he applied with artists such as Johnny Cash and The Red Hot Chili Peppers works beautifully on the garage rock revival tracks like "There's a Beast and We All Feed It" and "Slumville Sunrise." The album is a constant mixture of folk and rock, like "Messed Up Kids", which introduces us to a new side of Bugg, providing us with a much more poetic viewpoint ("It's a washed-out Saturday, a sky of pastel shades, under breeze-block palisades").</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We see Jake exploring more of that rough, tough, 'working-class' feel with developments on his bad boy image created in older material (like previously featured 'Two Fingers', which was pretty badass) - such as in the song 'Kingpin' with the lyrics "Pay off the police to stay out of my way / I got it all sewn up and I'm kingpin for a day" - and with the more gritty, low-fi dirty sound this album produces. Other examples of this more jagged, unpolished atmosphere is seen especially in songs such as 'What Doesn't Kill You' with its ferocious guitar distortion and Jake's flinging delivery, paired with uninhibited vocal projection.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">There is no doubt Jake Bugg will live up to his potential within his next few releases. However, on 'Shangri La', Bugg is still searching within himself for that special something and - providing he manages to discover anything breathtaking by the time he begins working on album number three, he could very well establish himself as a serious performer for years to come. But for now, Jake Bugg is a 'Mercury Award Nominated' performer and I'm sure there will be plenty more nominations in the near future.<br /><br />Jake will be touring Australia as part of Bluesfest 2014, and will be holding a few sideshows in the major cities. Tour dates are below:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Thursday 17 April</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Melbourne, Palace Theatre<br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Sunday 20 April</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Sydney, Enmore Theatre<br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Wednesday 23 April</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The HiFi, Brisbane<br /><br />Check out some of the optional e's favourites: "What Doesn't Kill You" and "Slumville Sunrise"</span><br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-72655953498415190742013-11-17T21:04:00.001+11:002013-12-04T11:51:36.891+11:00THE RED LIGHTS - INTERVIEW.<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">The Red Lights are a super snazzy indie rock band from Melbourne who have won fans over with their catchy hooks, warm harmonies and tongue-in-cheek lyrics. They've supported and performed alongside major acts such as The Rubens and Hunting Grounds, and we were very happy to catch up with drummer Davin Johnston after the release of their new EP 'Neighbouring Patterns'.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3Di83XQHGFm4KKR8pF97BEDM-GW8EuIYigiD5ta8z6c78-oSnjaTvEfXt7mzh6ugdyH6SaQp35326LRCV7YnlOr1fIQzqhc2nstaIZTDEAFWrpzzSKffUUO2uhR89o_0RVNrL07gf7ys/s1600/999624_687549404592578_2142449499_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3Di83XQHGFm4KKR8pF97BEDM-GW8EuIYigiD5ta8z6c78-oSnjaTvEfXt7mzh6ugdyH6SaQp35326LRCV7YnlOr1fIQzqhc2nstaIZTDEAFWrpzzSKffUUO2uhR89o_0RVNrL07gf7ys/s320/999624_687549404592578_2142449499_n+(1).jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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<b>What's in a band name?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">(I) don't think there is any particularly great story behind it. I'm pretty sure the other boys (Dean Valentino and David Liistro) had just started doing shows and were thinking of names- Dave suggested it and it just stuck! </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">For us; a lot </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">(on its importance) </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">- our band name is pretty synonymous with who we we have become. </span></span><span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">We have built a reputation with it and it has built our outlets for connecting with fans via Facebook, twitter, Instagram etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><b>Who are The Red Lights?</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">A healthy dose of 3 piece Indie/Rock, full sound and warm harmonies.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><b>When did you guys start playing music?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">We really spent a lot of time honing our debut EP and finding a sound that was just us on a record for 'Not In This Town'. It was raw and in some ways lo-fi. By the time we hit the songwriting stage for the second record we had matured a lot as a band and had gone through some life changes personally. 'Neighbouring Patterns' has our signature sound but there is a lot more substance- there are some songs like our lead single 'Chaperone' that is crisp and has warm harmonies which breaks away from what we have previously written in the past.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><b>Biggest influences?</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">We have a mutual love for bands like Phoenix & The Kooks- but we have a lot of different other influences too, some of my personal favourites still to this day are bands like Death Cab for Cutie and early 90's rock like Jimmy Eat World. <i>(the optional e loves these band to bits as well.)</i></span><b><br /></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">What are you guys working on at the moment?</span></b><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">We are just really getting back into some shows after taking a little break to recoup - some ideas are starting to float around for some potential new tunes, looks like we will be booking in some time soon to get back in the writing process!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><br /></b><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">I do believe David is set to be married (arranged) in Laos early 2014 so it will be nice to fly up and make a speech for that, maybe we can play as his wedding band, hmmm that could be pretty nice.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Thank you so much to The Red Lights for talking with us. Grab a copy of their fabulous new EP 'Neighbouring Patterns' or their fantastic 'Not In This Town' EP. We're so pumped for when these guys (hopefully!) release a new full length album, and congratulations to David (ladies: AWW).</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21px;">Check out 'Chaperone', the lead single from 'Neighbouring Patterns' and an optional e fave:</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UA4KpnI1Lbw" width="560"></iframe></span>Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-12099258390088392452013-10-20T18:34:00.000+11:002013-12-04T11:51:50.597+11:00TOM PLANT - INTERVIEW.<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">We at the optional e caught up a while ago with Sydney act Tom Plant.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Tom is a solo act, crafting heartfelt lyrics with emotional delivery and acoustic intimacy. His song, 'Endless', peaked at number 33 on the Triple J Unearthed High chart - it's a beautifully poignant song with understated subtleties reminiscent of personal memories.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">When did you get into music?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I first became interested in music when my dad used to play the didgeridoo to me to help me sleep. Funnily enough the didge used to calm me to sleep, however when he started playing guitar I became increasingly interested. I have grown up listening to all kinds of music, mainly from dad introducing me to his collection of music. I then started playing the saxophone when I was about 10, which eventually made me pick up a guitar and start playing. From then on I have also developed a knack of singing, which has also developed an increased interest in the art of song writing and producing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">My main musical influences are Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Dallas Green, Matt Corby, and Lakyn Heperi. Jeff Buckley has also been an influence in the way of giving me an insane appreciation of talent for his vocal and lyrical capabilities - I always aspire to one day having such an incredible vocal range. Justin Vernon and Dallas Green have inspired my writing acoustically, in terms of how to add different instruments and sounds into a song. Justin and Dallas both have incredible lyrical skills and because they are both in my most played I think I adopt the most from them... Matt and Lakyn are probably my biggest influences in terms of sound as their acoustic sounds influence a lot of the way I play the guitar, and the way I sing. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>What are the inspirations behind your songs?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Most of the songs I have written are about my girlfriend, she gives me the happiness and eagerness to write songs in the manner I do. However a few of the lyrics I have written have been about other things going on through my life, like any musician I guess! But my girlfriend mostly for the style of songs I have recorded. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>How did you become the musician you are - how did you become interested in your style of music?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">I first started listening to acoustic music when I first heard Matt Corby on Australian Idol... since then I have been listening to acoustic and alternative music. I listen to a heap of different styles of music and I have made some songs in different genres such as rock and indie pop, however acoustic music seems to settle close to my heart and I feel it is my main style. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Where to from here?</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Well, from here I would like to record a heap more of my songs! I have a whole bank of lyrics on my computer which I am really keen to record, so look out; they will be on Youtube and Triple J's Unearthed page soon! I would love to start playing gigs around the place and start heading into the industry, which is my main goal. I would love to perform for a living, like any musician! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Thanks to Tom for spending his time with us.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Listen to his song 'Endless' here and check out his <a href="http://triplejunearthed.com.au/tomplant">Unearthed page</a>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">His music rings of other successful Australian acoustic acts, such as Matt Corby and Whitley. It's very exciting for us at the blog to be able to interview such a promising young local act - here it is!</span><br />
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Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-14650724093800626052013-10-20T17:22:00.001+11:002013-12-16T13:28:36.617+11:00YOUR BODY IS A WEAPON.<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">Falls Festival this year is set to amaze with a brilliant lineup. We thought we'd review some of the artists that are performing, so after the jump, here is THE WOMBATS.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">'Your Body Is A Weapon' is a fun, driving pop song with fragments of new mainstream, anthemic influences that promise an exciting new direction for The Wombats.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here at the optional e, we are massive Wombats fans. They're personally one of my favourite music acts and I have adored both their debut and sophomore records.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So there is little surprise that we went ballistic when on their Twitter page the mysterious hashtag #yourbodyisaweapon popped up, and when we got the email of their impending single we couldn't wait to hear the song.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It opens with an unusually bright exposition (compared with the darker overtones of previous Wombats songs) with an almost cheery drum beat and chorus vocals. In the first twenty seconds you already want to dance to this song (no, not to Joy Division.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Then after the intial euphoria of hearing Matthew Murphy's voice again (!!), his poignant delivery of deprecating, witty lyrics - It's extortionate and I don't care/You can taste the pretence in the air - only serves to cement the song into the tongue-in-cheek disposition we've come to expect from the band.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">When the beat drops and the chorus comes in with the eponymous line, the song seems to take on a much more approachable, radio-friendly pop angle - it echoes the sing-along, extended-vowel choruses many pop rock and indie rock bands choose for their songs nowadays (Youngblood Hawke, Imagine Dragons, Panic! At The Disco). However, the guitar and rhythm section bring them back to their rawer, indie rock roots; I can imagine that this song will be a massive hit at festivals this Spring/Summer (Field Day, The Falls Music and Arts Festival).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The overall summery vibe of the song married with the intruingly unconventional lyrical focus makes this song rather memorable and a fantastic addition to the colourful Wombats discography. It promises a very exciting new direction for their next full-length release - possibly a less weighty, more synthy pop effort?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Until the record drops, we'll be prepared for any new singles and anticipate a summer full of spectacular performances by these Liverpool lads. Hopefully they'll hold sideshows while on tour!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Here's 'Your Body Is A Weapon':</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The video itself is an interesting pseudo-cartoon that strangely reminds me a little of Beavis and Butthead. But it's fun filled, nostalgic and ironically uncool. The Wombats just keep getting better.</span></div>
Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-3418720492114200302013-10-18T16:47:00.001+11:002013-12-04T11:52:10.905+11:00CHANGING OF THE SEASONS - EP.<div style="font-family: Times,"Times New Roman",serif;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Two Door Cinema Club's latest EP 'Changing of the Seasons' is, as well as being a poppy party-worthy record, a showcase of a variety of great tunes from the band.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The title song kicks it off with an upbeat feel, combining an electric style with some catchy vocals. As the song progresses, more layers are added above the initial drum + synth show, creating a colourful, danceable tune.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Before you are ready to dismiss the rest of the EP as an electro-pop fantasy, listen to what is up next. 'Crystal' is, in contrast to the high energy of the opening track, a gentle, melodic tune, featuring spacey, textured vocals and a majestic orchestral lineup. Although this feature adds the feel of a fantastical film score, the lyrics are that of a pretty ballad - 'I listen to your words/flowing like hummingbirds all around me'. Aw.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">'Golden Veins' is a steady piece of work, referring back to the band's dancy style, while also exuding a stronger, darker character via some fancy vocal jobs and a dynamic melody. A remix of the title track follows, managing to make it even more danceable, if that is even possible.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It seems as though this EP is hinting at something bigger to come from the band, especially considering their use of French DJ Madeon as the producer, which allowed him to inject a danceable feel into the band's sound.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This handful of diverse tunes may signify a new musical direction for the Club, as well as maintaining their light-hearted, poppy sound for the fans to enjoy.</span></div>
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Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-1787854800429223232013-09-02T22:19:00.000+10:002013-09-02T22:19:28.400+10:00CLOUD CONTROL - DREAM CAVE.<span style="font-family: Times;">Cloud Control's highly anticipated sophomore release <em>Dream Cave</em> is a boundary-pushing album that seeks to shake up the band's poppy sound.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">We had quite high expectations for this album, considering the critical success of their debut album <em>Bliss Release</em>. The lead single, 'Dojo Rising', while not as initially as catchy as 2010's 'There's Nothing In The Water We Can't Fight', is a more experimental and floaty track. In fact, the entire album is a bit of a musical trip, filled with weird vocal wobbles and swirling backing tracks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">The whole trippy feel of the album is great. It definitely pushes the boundaries of the band's easy-going dream pop sound, dipping into dark percussion on 'Island Living' and reverting to further exploration of an iconic sound on 'Ice Age Heatwave'. There are beautiful sections within songs where the lyrics and musical craftmanship mould together with delicacy or anthemic vigour or sheer energy, and there is the continual sculpting of the eponymous 'dream cave', with the addition of (sometimes rather odd) drips of water and arching vocals.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Overall, the entire album does a very sensory justice to the cave, and adventures to very exciting places with the sweeping vocals, sweet harmonies, dreamy backing and eclectic percussion. At times, however, it just feels a bit disconnected and wandering into too many different dimensions - in their pursuit of a new sound they seem to have been a bit confused as to which sound that is. However, it is still a very solid release that I can say I did indeed enjoy.</span><br />
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<embed src="https://rd.io/e/Qj5y6Ik/" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="500" height="250"></embed></object>Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-64931447330481828912013-09-02T21:29:00.000+10:002013-09-02T22:27:09.042+10:00WE ARE THE BRAVE - EP LAUNCH.<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Australian synth-pop act We Are The Brave will be launching their new EP on Wednesday 11 September at Good God Small Club in Sydney's Chinatown.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The act consists of singer-songwriter Jess Chalker (featured on recordings with Passenger) and underground hip-hop producer Ox Why. Their sound is quite Bat for Lashes, although at times it felt like a fresh Florence remix. They craft together the catchy nostalgia of the 80s with funky modern vibes, as seen in their first single 'All Good Things Must Come to an End'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Their debut EP 'Noctua', which was produced, mixed, written and performed by the pair entirely at their home studios, will be launched September 11. Come down and check out this fresh new act - but if you can't we'll still fill you in on the (hopefully) epic happenings of the night!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Get your tickets here at: </span><a href="http://www.wearethebrave.eventbrite.com/"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">www.wearethebrave.eventbrite.com</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Here is their first single, 'All Good Things Must Come to an End'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">In light of their exciting new launch we caught up with Ox Why for a Q & A.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: black;">What's in a band name? </span></b><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">Both Jess and I are really inspired by a lot of youth films from the '80s dealing with teenage angst. We wanted a name that sounded like one of those cheesy, but sort of life changing films you grow up watching and quote from your entire life. The Breakfast Club was a big inspiration - watching that final scene where Judd Nelson freezes in the air mid frame, We are the Brave felt like it could have been an ironic, alternative title. We both pissed ourselves laughing at first, but the name We Are the Brave kinda stuck.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: black;">How did the band start?</span></b><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jess was putting her studio together and came into Billy Hydes, where I was working at the time, to get some advice about gear. I always think it's cool when a girl knows her stuff. Once we started talking about Peter Gabriel and Fairchilds, I knew straight away this could be a great working relationship. Jess and I fight like siblings, but I think it's that wanting to kill each other kind of passion that helps us create our landscape musically.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: black;">Who are the members/music history?</span></b><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I've been a hip hop artist and producer in the Sydney underground scene for a while now. Jess had actually never sang in front of anyone until she posted some of her original tunes on Youtube a few years back, which went mental overnight. She started getting all these emails from around the world, from people like Norah Jones's manager. I think it freaked her out, as she stopped posting tunes, and went to uni instead. Jess has been in the Sydney folk scene a few years now, focusing a lot on playing/writing, with everyone from Passenger to Lior. We're also really lucky to have some amazing musos play live with us, including Pat Taylor on guitar, and James Hill on drums.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: black;">Who are your main influences? </span></b><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="color: black;">We're both into artists like Kate Bush, David Bowie, David Byrne, <span style="color: black;">Bjork, Bat for Lashes, Tears for Fears. I'm really into a lot of the old school hip hop stuff like <span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">P</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">harcyde, Hieroglyphics</span><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">, Wu Tang, DITC and Boot Camp.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Jess and I are also massive Prince fans, and Jess is also heavily into Springsteen, Dylan, Paul Simon, and Joni Mitchell.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: black;">What motivates you to make music? </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: black;"></span></b><span style="color: black;">There's a huge amount of potential in a single sound, so many ways you can tweak and manipulate and alter its original shape to create something new and exciting. We're both really fascinated by that, and the range of emotions that sounds can create.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b><span style="color: black;">Where to from here?</span></b><span style="color: black;"></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We're just about to release our debut EP, Noctua, and with it our sophomore track, Sparrow and a music video. We're also really excited to have been invited to join the incredible Ngaiire for some of her national Lamentations tour, so if you're in Sydney, Melbourne or Canberra, come and say hi at one of our shows in September!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">So catch We Are The Brave at any of their gigs and make sure to grab a copy of their EP!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-72962819190862434852013-08-26T21:23:00.002+10:002013-08-26T21:23:37.698+10:00CUB SPORT.<span style="font-family: Times;">I'm reeling from the shock news that one of my favourite bands are changing their name!</span><br />
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Indie five-piece Cub Scouts from Brisbane have changed their name to Cub Sport over some legal dispute from Scouts Australia.<br />
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While this is kind of hilarious I guess it would be better for the band in the long run to switch to Cub Sport, although I don't think it has the same ring to it.<br />
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I probably won't change the articles on the blog to the new name though - it seems that even the band themselves haven't fully adjusted to the change!<br />
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I guess to console you all we can just listen to their new EP, 'Paradise'.<br />
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<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Fusers%2F7944365&show_artwork=true" width="100%"></iframe><br />Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-79522582481864738512013-08-26T21:00:00.000+10:002013-12-04T11:52:28.177+11:00SWEET NOTHINGS - INTERVIEW.<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">There is such promising Aussie music talent out there to be discovered, and today we're lucky enough to have a short Q & A with psych rock band 'Sweet Nothings'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">'Sweet Nothings' are a psychedelic dream pop band from Sydney, made up of dynamic duo JC Murray and Katie B. They draw inspiration from an eclectic assortment of influences - from Pixies to My Bloody Valentine to Jesus and the Mary Chain - leading to a delicious variety of electronic music from swirling, heady pop to dark moody psych rock.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Their track 'Bad Boyfriend' is a heavy song with aggressive, loaded guitar and wafty, ethereal vocals. We're absolutely loving the exciting juxtaposition of hardcore guitar with shoegaze and synth pop. In fact, when the track begins the forward motion of the guitars actually catch you a bit off guard - I was expecting more of a Tame Impala-esque sound - but it oddly meshes rather well with the shoegaze. Definitely a hot track to rock out to.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We were very lucky to get an interview with these guys, so here we go:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>What's in a name?</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Katie and I used to play in a band called Bang! Bang! Rock n Roll. She always wanted to sing with us but we always felt that her voice was too sweet sounding for our brand of garage punk rock. When the band broke up we were feeling despondent and useless, we felt like we were nothing, nobodies, etc. Eventually Katie and I started making songs together again and decided to call it Sweet Nothings. Pretty lame huh?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>How did you guys start playing music (together as well as alone)?</strong> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Katie has been playing guitar and singing since she was 14, and was always a massive fan of PJ Harvey, Queens of the Stone Age and Nine Inch Nails. I've been playing guitar since I was 19 when I first saw the White Stripes on the MTV music video awards and knew that's what I wanted to do. We met on New Years Eve 2005 and bonded straight away. We started our first band 'The Vignettes', put out 2 EP's and a Vinyl album, then formed 'Bang! Bang! Rock n Roll' a few years later, and now this! This is the first time we've worked together on songs from start to finish and it's pretty amazing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Who are your major influences?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Pixies are definitely a major one. Their mix of genius pop and dark, crazy rock is utterly sublime. We used to be very influenced by garage bands like Ty Segall, The White Stripes, Jay Reatard, et al, but at the moment we really love a lot of spacey stuff: Pink Floyd, My Bloody Valentine, Jesus and the Mary Chain, Boards of Canada just to name a few.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Who writes the songs and what influences them?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We both contribute to songwriting. 'Bad Boyfriend' was inspired by a few situations. We had some friends who were all in relationships with controlling, selfish boyfriends; and we had these horrible next door neighbours who had massive domestic fights every night, so that's where that came from. We wrote 'Feeling Better' after both of us went through massive phases of depression, and thought we'd try and write a pop song about getting through it. Usually one of us will come up with a riff, then another will do some lyrics, then we'll pull ideas together and structure it and voila!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Where to from here?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well we just started! At the moment we're just writing more songs and putting them up as they're completed. If we get popular enough we'll tour them and sell EP's and such, but in the meantime it's just free music we're putting out there for people to enjoy. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Why do you love making music (if you do!)?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Music is self expression at it's finest. Creating something that's yours is an amazing and fun process, and having it validated by people always helps. Even if we never go anywhere we'll always make music to vent, to have fun, and just to express ourselves as music lovers.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Any final questions, comments, pearls of wisdom or random trivia?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We once played with party animal Andrew WK and stole all his liquor from the green room... and we once got drunk with the saxophonist from INXS (Kirk Pangelli, legend!) at Luna Park, which we got kicked out of for being too drunk. We were party animals, but I think those days are behind us now... maybe...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Check out this edgy duo on <a href="http://triplejunearthed.com/sweetnothings" target="_blank">Triple J Unearthed</a> and their <a href="http://facebook.com/sweetnothingsAU" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.</span></div>
Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-38796114120918163132013-08-22T22:30:00.000+10:002013-12-04T11:53:26.198+11:00IMOGEN JONES/LUPA - INTERVIEW.<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>UPDATE - IMOGEN'S ACT IS NOW KNOWN AS LUPA.</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We're very excited to be bringing fresh new indie artist Imogen Jones to the blog!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Imogen is a young fifteen-year-old musician from Sydney (don't you just love good Australian music?) who crafts delicate melodies with thoughtful composition. She comes from a 'classical' music background - she is currently studying at the Conservatorium High School in Sydney - and combines formulaic structure with artful indie vigour.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Her newest song,'Numb', is intricately crafted with catchy electronic chords and short punchy percussion. Her airy vocals elegantly waft over the accompaniment, which lilted back and forth under a deliciously adventurous quintuple meter. It is a clean, crisp song executed with a certain intimacy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">We were extremely lucky to catch up with this talented young girl! Read our interview while you listen to 'Numb'.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I got into music when I was in 7 years old in primary school- there was a "junior violin group" that a couple of my friends were in, and I begged and begged my parents until they agreed to let me start learning violin. After a few weeks of playing in that group, I began to find it boring having to play the same simple pieces over and over again, so my mum sent me to a real violin teacher. It was she who really got me into violin and music, and ended up helping me get into the Conservatorium High School (a selective music high school in Sydney). </span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">How did you begin songwriting?</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I had my first attempts at songwriting about 2 years ago, shortly after I had started listening to more 'alternative' pop/rock music obsessively. After learning how to play the songs I loved, I wanted to have a go at writing my own. However, it's only this year that I started writing songs seriously.</span></div>
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<strong><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Who are your main influences and musical heroes?</span></strong></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, to be honest, I don't have just a few musical heroes, there's a huge variety- I'd be lying if I didn't include my favorite classical composers such as Beethoven, Bach, Stravinsky, Debussy, Shostakovitch <em>(sic) </em>(and the list goes on)- but in terms of pop/rock music, I'd say Radiohead, Grimes and Florence + the Machine are my current 'heroes'. Florence + the Machine is the first artist I listened to that began to really shape my personal taste in music. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">The artists I'm currently listening to the most that are having the strongest influence on my own music are Grimes, Sarah Blasko, Radiohead, Alt-J, Daughter, and Alpine. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>What do you think of all the younger musicians nowadays?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well I go to a school full of young musicians, and the majority of them are pretty great people with their own unique way of being passionate about music. However, we're a very classical-music focused school, so that doesn't speak for the majority of young musicians. I'm actually pretty disappointed with the direction the most popular, mainstream music is heading in (don't get me started on One Direction and Nicki Minaj) but when I found Triple J Unearthed, I was really impressed at the huge number of young people on there making good, interesting music- especially how good some of the other high school kids were. Then again, this is just my personal taste in music.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Where do you want to go with your music in the future?</strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">My ultimate dream is to play in an orchestra like the Sydney Symphony, and on the side release my own songs and do gigs around the place. I'm really keen on learning how to perform in the style of Grimes - using equipment such as a looping pedal and a sampler to create a huge range of layered sounds live. My next current goal is to record and upload a few more songs, and eventually make my own music video.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Check out Imogen's music at triple j unearthed <a href="http://triplejunearthed.com/Artists/View.aspx?artistid=68496" target="_blank">here,</a> visit her on Youtube and keep your eyes peeled for new releases!</span></div>
Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com2Sydney NSW, Australia-33.8674869 151.20699020000006-34.711976400000005 149.91609670000005 -33.0229974 152.49788370000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8284588594159734179.post-19605427101885311512013-08-22T19:42:00.000+10:002013-12-04T11:52:51.113+11:00COLORSTARR - INTERVIEW.<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;">To start off I am extremely sorry my lovely readers for abandoning you for two weeks (!!) but all I can say is that I've been rather busy.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">But not to worry! We're very lucky to have had a little chat with the fabulous indie dance-pop act Colorstarr.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Colorstarr are an infectious, summery band from both Sydney and L.A., consisting of Sydney based singer/songwriter Wilson O, L.A. based bass player/producer Kristian Attard as well as drummer Paris Jeffree and guitarist Marc Mallouf. Their music has been featured on hit TV drama Offspring and MTV UK's 'In The Crowd'. They actually have a gig tomorrow at the Oxford Art Factory in Sydney, spreading their sunny vibes and promising some very good dancing.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeRlPAos52i8j7gob-71uB3geln9MUS_izLvYSkogb5dcZ6ib4MSXaoS_pGFCeJRSKxa6qtLn00Cypcx4d4S8LmOmE6em11KkVu22IMjQNst5-ewImIl3bG4l6lEgFc7pFOWIQ08GT9c0/s1600/Colorstarr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOeRlPAos52i8j7gob-71uB3geln9MUS_izLvYSkogb5dcZ6ib4MSXaoS_pGFCeJRSKxa6qtLn00Cypcx4d4S8LmOmE6em11KkVu22IMjQNst5-ewImIl3bG4l6lEgFc7pFOWIQ08GT9c0/s320/Colorstarr.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;">We're very pleased have had the wonderful opportunity of having a Q & A with Wilson from Colorstarr! Here is the transcript:</span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: black;">What's in a band name? - tell us where your band's name came from?</span></strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;">The band name came from a fairly interesting kooky friend of our</span></span>s. He is quite the character & he has this project called Slicker Cities where it's a graphic novel about a Stock broker who time travels with this rock that looks like a star! It's a time traveling device called the "Colorstarr" & I jumped at the opportunity to ask him if we could use that name as it's dope & he agreed. Slicker Cities also has a remix on this EP, so we are all connected through this time traveling device!! We like to time travel a lot you see (lol).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Tell us who the members of the band are and how you came together:</span></strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">The members are Kristian (Bass & producer), Marc (Guitars), Paris(drums) & myself on the vox & songwriting duties. Kristian & I have been friends for many many years, been through a lot and were signed in a rock band in LA 6 or 7 years ago... When that fell through we had a little bit of a falling out for a few years, then re-connected as we both valued our friendship (obviously) and then started getting back to what we do best which is writing and creating. Marc we have known for some time as well and played in a few bands together in the circuit over the years & knew that he is the only guy in the country for this band - and our prayers were answered when he said yes to joining us! Paris I met on a gig when she came to fill in for another drummer - and man, as soon as I heard her, I was like "this girl is special!!!" She knows hows to lay it down... and that's basically how Colorstarr was formed!</span></span> The other drummer did get fired by the way ha ha...</span><br /><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Do you have any artists or bands that inspire you? Why?</span></strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;">We are definitely inspired by a lot of genres and artists. Kristian and I both came up in the Sydney music scene playing in Soul/R&B bands. We eventually started experimenting with rock, dance and French electronic music especially - that's how I think the sound of Colorstarr was created. Some of those artists that we are inspired by would have to be Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley, Terence Trent D'Arby, Donny Hathaway, The Beatles, Beck, Friendly Fires, Phoenix, Justice, Jamaica & Daft Punk.</span></span><span style="color: black;"><strong> </strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Who writes your songs?</strong></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;">Kristian & I wrote the material up till now. But on the next EP we will be getting the rest of the guys involved in the process as Marc is a fully fledged writer in his own right & it will be good to create some new music from the ground up with all of us jamming it out in the studio. Sometimes I find this process can also deliver some amazing songs that you never knew you could create!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><span style="color: black;">Where do you want Colorstarr to go in the future?</span></strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;">I see Colorstarr doing a lot of touring, as that's what we love to do - it's one thing to create music in a studio and be locked away for ages, but man the feeling on the stage... you can never begin to comprehend how amazing it is! Lots of touring, lot's of record sales & lot's of happiness is what I see for us for the coming future!</span><br /><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="color: black;"><strong>Any last comments you'd like to leave us with...?</strong></span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="color: black;">Yes thank you so much for having us & giving us the opportunity to share our new music through your channels - we are pretty much ready for you now world!!! So come in & join us for the ride, it's going to be one hell of a time travel!!<span class="Lt"><span class="Ia"><span class="ia_c"> </span></span></span></span><br /><br />Colorstarr's eponymous EP is available on iTunes now.<br /><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://img.youtube.com/vi/NmZY6uVo_s8/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/NmZY6uVo_s8&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://youtube.googleapis.com/v/NmZY6uVo_s8&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="color: black;"><img class="ia_i_p_1" src="https://bay167.mail.live.com/clear.gif" title="Keep this message at the top of your inbox" /></span></span><br />
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Naomiehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01900203535617929142noreply@blogger.com0Sydney NSW, Australia-33.8674869 151.20699020000006-34.711976400000005 149.91609670000005 -33.0229974 152.49788370000007