Music

“Welcome to the show that’s not really a show,” laughs Dan Sultan as he casually walks on to the stage and takes a seat at his piano. “This is me just kinda playing songs, so yeah, no refunds,” he jokes. The Memo Music Hall in St Kilda is filled with people eagerly waiting to hear…

With Koi Child‘s Down South by South West tour wrapping up in Perth and Margaret River next weekend, we were able to check in with the band recently to find out how they had been anticipating the tour and what’s coming next. Have you spent much time performing in the South West region in the past and what’s…

Coming straight out of his studio, Melbourne artist Yeo is showing off his skills in his latest single “Never Wanted That”, a catchy pop song mixed with the typical electronic flair and indie notes that he makes his own. The simple, split screen, almost 70’s style video has been shot by Bonita Carzino and adds humour to…

Some of Adelaide’s best emerging talent will be put front in centre for national industry to get a taste of with the newly announced Scouted showcase series, announced by MusicSA this week. To be unveiled in conjunction with this year’s AIR Awards and the music industry conference that has also been confirmed for Adelaide this July, Scouted…

Another great week for new music – we look back on what our writers have been digging recently; from the new chaotic fire from WAAX, to the new vibes from Nick Murphy (and KAYTRANADA), there’s plenty to revisit. Hit play on the playlist below! ———- This content has recently been ported from its original home on The AU…

While at Coachella last month, I caught up with Denver husband-wife duo Tennis, who in spite of releasing four breathtaking albums (their latest, Yours Conditionally, is out now), have never made many waves down here in Australia. We here at the AU think it’s about time they made some waves, so join us as we…

Talk about bursting onto the scene. Melbourne’s very new and very, very good Press Club are a force to be reckoned with, the small handful of gigs that they’ve played bringing glowing praise from all sides. They’ve only just released their first single, and my god. Wow. The four Brunswick locals deliver frenetic and commanding punk, ‘Headwreck’…

Using his ancestors’ compositions as the basis for their music, Israel-based band Dudu Tassa & The Kuwaitis are earning new fans all over as they join Radiohead across their extensive 2017 US tour – personally chosen by the group to do so. While at Coachella, where they helped open the festival, I sat down with…

Sampa the Great‘s reputation precedes her now. The Sydney-based artist recently found herself at the Red Bull Sound Select Studios in Paris laying down the brilliant touches on her highly anticipated HERoes Act 2 EP with LA producer Rahki. Also collaborating with the Grammy winning songwriter and artist Estelle, Sampa has channeled some effortless groove and and maturity within her…

The Sounds Australia crew return to the UK for The Great Escape this year and once more, they have curated some incredibly showcases for the British to see what the Australians have going. Two showcases have been planned for Brighton – the Sound Gallery returns to Komedia on Thursday, May 18th, while the Aussie BBQ hits…

Hitting the road today on their national “Deficiency” single tour, the criminally underrated Sydney quintet Bad Pony were recently over on the other side of the world in Toronto, Canada for the annual music festival and conference Canadian Music Week. While there, I sat down with Jarred and Sam from the group to talk about…

Our very own Larry Heath had a one-on-one backstage at Coachella 2017 with emerging superstar Bishop Briggs to reflect on her amazing year, look ahead to her Australian debut for Splendour in the Grass this July, talk about her new tattoos and much more… You can watch our chat here: Don’t miss Bishop Briggs when…

The BIGSOUND programming announcements have kicked off for yet another year, with some Aussie legends being announced as keynote speakers for the September music conference. Leading the announcement today, Archie Roach and Tina Arena will both be appearing in Brisbane for BIGSOUND – the two Australian music icons set to open up about their acclaimed and extensive careers. Says…

Bendigo’s Jack & The Kids have made their impression well and truly known with their single, “Your Eyes”, premiering today on the AU. In a music climate where pockets of Australian music is reliant more than ever on soaring indie pop choruses and hooks, it can be hard to stand out, especially if you’re making your…

It’s no surprise that D.D Dumbo has been having one hell of a ride since album Utopia Defeated was released. He’s got an APRA Song of the Year behind him as well as an extensive national tour kicking off next month but today, today, we want you to check out this special little nugget of new music out…

Emerging MC from Melbourne, Sinks, has won the 2017 Hilltop Hoods Initiative! Having already come through the ranks over the last few years and an artist to watch, the rapper and producer impressed the judging panel and has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Hoods and APRA AMCOS. The prize money will be put towards…

FINALLY. The National have re-emerged with details of their long-awaited new album, Sleep Well Beast, due for release this September 8th. To be released through 4AD/Remote Control Records, Sleep Well Beast is the seventh studio record for The National and saw the Dessner brothers on production duties. Also revealed today was the first taste of the new album from…

Sydney four piece The Wildbloods today premiere their new music video for “Red Box” ahead of their Australian east coast tour in support of their album All The Adversity! The tune itself sticks out as one of the heavier tracks on the band’s latest record, and draws influences from some of our favourite indie rock bands like Arctic…

If you’re even a passing fan of New Zealand soul music, the name Ladi6 is one you’ll know carries much gravitas. Their new single “Guru” has been born out of recent sessions for their forthcoming Royal Blue 3000 EP and man, does it go in. Minimal production opens the way for Ladi’s incredible voice to shine, as it…

Mate. If you haven’t listened to WAAX, then you’ve been depriving your ear holes of one of Australia’s best up-and-coming acts. Fronted by the slightly manic and immensely talented Marie De Vita, the group melds raw energy with potent lyrical themes. The Brisbane five-piece have dropped a third taste of their upcoming EP, this time the title track…

FBI Radio’s new Music Director, the wonderful Amelia Jenner, presents her first line up for Red Bull Sound Select on May 26th, with the curated event coming to Ricardo’s in Marrickville. Set to perform on the night is a diverse trio of artists from Melbourne and Sydney: dancehall guru SK Simeon, the devilishly chaotic Friendships and Sydney’s own Cassius Select. From…

Nick Murphy has emerged from the studio with a brand new EP in Missing Link – the first proper collection of material fans have gotten since he began making the musical transition from Chet Faker to work under his actual name. Two songs have been dropped from the EP for us to get around, as a huge world tour…

New Slowly Slowly – that is all. Take a look at the music video for the band’s new single, “Ivy on the Fence Line” – another absolute jam from the guys who’ve brought us “Dinosaurs” and of course, 2016’s Chamomile. As another taste of Slowly Slowly’s sophomore record, “Ivy on the Fence Line” is a moody and introspective…

It’s a chilly night when I sit down with The Wombats frontman Murph, as Groovin The Moo continued to roll on around us. It’s perhaps the third time I’ve sat down with Murph, testament to the long-running relationship the British band have had with Australia – we can’t remember how long it’s been since their last tour or…

Backstage at a sweaty second weekend of Coachella, we meet Koen van de Wardt of Dutch indie group, Klangstof. Their presence at the American music festival was one of large significance, with Klangstof stepping up to being the first Dutch band to ever appear at Coachella in the history of the event. Speaking with Koen, we find out more…

MS MR have long held a love-love relationship with Australia but when we catch up with one half of the band, Lizzy Plapinger, we’re in a different environment altogether. She’s at Coachella and as the world is getting to know her new music project, LPX, the vocalist and songwriter tells us about her new sounds and what’s in store…

Sydney’s Winston Surfshirt have doled out their new single this week in “Ali D” as their debut national tour beckons – we’re here for it. If you were a fan of their first tune “Be About You”, chances are you’ll be warmed to “Ali D” too – there’s a great groove driving this new single that…

We all know how much damage ex-Tropical Cyclone Debbie left strewn down the east coast only months ago and to help those who needed it, the crew behind Splendour in the Grass announced a fundraiser to get some much-needed funds together. The initiative saw a limited amount – fifty, to be exact – specially made…

Meet one of our new favourites, Meklit. The Ethiopian-American artist has been making waves for a minute now and this week, she has shared some visuals for her latest track, “I Want To Sing For Them All”. The song itself is lush and melodic, instantly drawing you in. There’s an honesty about “I Want To Sing…

Polish Club have just dropped another visually delightful little chunk of awesome, straight from their debut album Alright Already. Their latest single, “Divided”, is sure to pull you firmly into the Polish Club fan camp, set to motivate you through any task you happen to be running at this week. Backed by the epic slow…