Daniel Johns is back, baby. Making his first live appearance in quite some time at the Beat the Drum concert in Sydney a few weeks ago, news of new music from the Silverchair frontman surfaced shortly after. Today, after 8 years, "Aerial Love" has made it's way to those who've been waiting long enough for new tunes from the artist. A total shift in sonic direction, the song showcases Johns' vocal range while delving into some slick and rather sexy R&B-pop production.

The Smith Street Band released the music video for their latest Throw Me in the River track, "Get High, See No One", yesterday and true to band form, it's one for the books. Filmed in Footscray, you get a look into the band's home, Wil with clown make up on and general Smith Street antics.

Ahead of their performance at Twilight at Taronga to celebrate their fifteen years together as a band, Lance Ferguson from The Bamboos talks to Scott Aitken about opening up the archives, ARIA nominations, Katalyst and zoo animals.

Rustie played a tight set featuring tracks from his latest album Green Language at the Oxford Art Factory last night. Hats off to Oneman too, who supported with a blistering opening set. Photos by Dan Turner.

This past weekend, we had the pleasure of catching up with Mac DeMarco at St Jermone's Laneway Festival 2015 in Singapore. In part one of this two part interview, Mac and bassist Pierce McGarry talk about being the crowned prince of indie rock & roll, the world-saving vibe that iPhone users give off in their crowds, and more.

San Fransisco's Watsky, a viral and vocally vivid sensation, released his third studio album All You Can Do earlier last year. It's not surprising that the realm of slam poetry is not as far from rap as one may think; the idea of rhyme and rhythm, often improvised with the pulse of one voice could describe either of the two mediums. Watsky, in either a ploy of passion or genius, has combined the two expertly and it makes for one very compelling package.

Having filmmakers venturing overseas for vibrant locations is not uncommon in Indonesian screen culture. Their efforts often compliment the narrative producing exceptional international and best-selling standard many of us are proud of. However, simply replicating the success formula of Hollywood unfortunately emphasizes the lack of identity in Indonesian films. With more talents exploring the beauty of the archipelago, embracing and celebrating the local traditions, cuisines and cultures in recent years, my faith in the Indonesian screen culture is restored.

It's massive times for Australian bands around the world right now - and in our new weekly series we bring you dates from just some of the artists touring and conquering the world. Here are five Aussies you can catch around the globe in the coming months:

The latest EP from Australian-born, LA based artist Clockwise, Dancing World, is an unlikely arrangement. I say unlikely, because despite being labelled “Indie-Pop” on the ol’ Wikipages, if you listened to their collection here you would immediately peg the outfit as electro or synth-pop or another of those new-aged genres that continue to pop up in the wave of innovative, non-traditional acts that spout keys, synths and digital effects as the main feature in their musical arsenal. There’s a tinge of traditional indie or folk that shines through what is predominantly a dance record. It’s unique enough to earn it a tip of the cap, and a cheeky tag to keep tabs on as they continue to develop into a powerhouse act in years to come.

On the green grass of Birrarung Marr sits an otherworldly village guarded by two giant croquet playing giants. As you cross the threshold into ‘The Royal Croquet Club’ you are transported into another world. The wind is warm and people sit leisurely sipping cool drinks and eating delicious delicacies. Games are being played, music can be heard, and the general atmosphere is that of relaxed bliss. We approach the Yulumba container where our secret tasting event will soon begin, and are relieved to find a shaded table out of the hot sun. Cups full of ice cold Pimms travel towards us and we gulp them down enthusiastically. Groups of people casually play croquet as others watch nonchalantly from high seats.

Mixing up EDM and house music into hip hop is nothing new, it's a genre-blend that's has been attempted since the days of "Planet Rock"; results have always been mixed. The "hip house" label died off a bit for more than a few years after the end of the 90's, with only a few managing to get the formula just right, pushing both styles of music forward and coming up with something that sounds innovative and fresh. Vic Mensa has been the most successful of new-gen rappers to concoct this potent mix, with monstrous track "Down On My Luck" putting his name forth around the globe as one of the most versatile young emcees around, fitting nicely beside his more traditional hip hop material. To celebrate Vic touring Australia with St Jermone's Laneway Festival we thought it best to track the greatest hip-house songs, trying to place the incredible "Down On My Luck" into it's rightful place near the top of the relatively short lineage of hip house.

Over the weekend we had the pleasure of interviewing American synth-pop band, Future Islands at St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2015 in Singapore. In part one of this two part interview, we talk about Future’s recent tour and the band let’s us in on what they love to check out in every new city they visit.

CD Projekt Red have released a brand new trailer for The Witcher 3 that shows off a huge amount of gameplay footage! If you're craving after more Geralt following our hands-on article this week, then feast your eyes.

In This Issue: Artists back from hiatus and one collab that promises to be a killah! (pun bell). The press releases are well and truly rolling in so take a look at the list of goods coming your way.

Shonen Knife has earned themselves a truly robust worldwide cult following; legions of male and female fans, sold out gigs, and a brand new album of tunes in tow, the three-member all-girl Japanese rock outfit are among the world’s most famous rock groups. Touring across Japan, the United Kingdom, Europe, and America, the widely acclaimed trio finally arrived in Australia after six years!