pharrell@
features

Why you need to be friends with Pharrell

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

Turning 41 just last week, Pharrell Williams is a multi-Grammy award-winning, Oscar-nominated, TIME’s most influential people, chart topping superstar producer, singer and songwriter and the most popular guy in school music. Showing no signs of slowing down, this mega-producer is hot property and if it is not already hideously obvious, here a few reasons why we all need to get chummy with Pharrell.

He has seen Daft Punk without their helmets.

Actually, let us rephrase that. He has seen Daft Punk, period. Which is more than most of us will be able to say in our lifetime. Plus he has bragging rights to some of the French duo’s best new hits, “Lose Yourself to Dance” and that relatively minor sensation, 'Get Lucky'.

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

His fashion sense is out of this world.

With his own signature Vivienne Westwood hat, Pharrell’s style evolution has been fearless and effortlessly trendsetting (and adorably goofy) over the years. He is also the co-founder of two clothing brands, and has his own Louis Vuitton jewellery line.

You can’t say the guy hasn’t got game, wearing this to the Oscars.

Picture 2 - Pharrell

He is 41 years old, and we are totally cool with that.

This Benjamin Button of the music world truly gets better with age. No really, this guy is immortal. He doesn’t look a day past 25.

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

If he had a party, everyone would come.

Pharrell has worked with literally everyone in the industry, whether it is singing for Daft Punk or Robin Thicke, or producing for Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Beyoncé, Kelis, Britney, Lupe Fiasco, Justin Timberlake, Usher or Frank Ocean.

Coachella 2014 saw Pharrell bring the largest posse on stage, both weekends. Gwen Stefani, Nelly, Snoop Dogg, Diplo, Tyler the Creator, Usher, Busta Rhymes, Rapper T.I, Pusher T and Jay-Z! Heck, even Lorde and Haim were up there dancing at one point with Beyoncé cheering fiercely on the sidelines.

As it seems his peers, just like his fans, genuinely admire and adore him.

He probably owned most of your high school iTunes library.

Recognise any of these babies? Pharrell produced, wrote, co-wrote or featured in all of them.… and they were fricken' awesome.

I’m a slave 4 U (Britney Spears), Rockstar (N.E.R.D), Work it out (Beyoncé), Senorita (Justin Timberlake), Hot in Herre (Nelly), Milkshake (Kelis), Hollaback Girl (Gwen Stefani), Drop it like it’s hot (Snoop Dog)…..the list goes on.

His second solo album, 'Girl' was released this year. His first in eight years!

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

“Women are a phenomenal force in my life and in my career" and "the cornerstone of existence",  Pharrell spoke in media conference earlier this year. He went on to envisage a future world in which "75% of it is run by women … and I want to be on the right side of it."

So the general consensus is that Pharrell has a perfectly healthy, un-creepy appreciation for girls.

Whether it's the charming jungle beat of 'Lost Queen', the cheeky disco groove of 'Hunter' or the punchy opener 'Marilyn Monroe', this album definitely offers up a little somethin’ somethin’ for everyone. He has even enlisted friends (more friends!!), Miley Cyrus, Kelly Osbourne, Hollywood’s hottest composer Hans Zimmer, Justin Timberlake, Timberland and vocals from Daft Punk to lend a hand, just because he can - marking an exciting step forward for the producer in 2014.

And I dare you not to dance to this.

Then there’s this…

Oprah. Pharrell crying. It’s all too much.

What a guy.

 Oh, and this…

Picture 5 - Pharrell.jpg

sideshows2
features

The best of the Splendour in the Grass sideshows

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

Making the trek to Splendour in the Grass is not often feasible for everyone- taking a sickie around that time is never easy to pull off and a cool $500 doesn't always fall in front of you. Luckily there's the sideshows. Those gigs in the comfort of a roofed venue with shorter bar queues, less gumboots and no sudden dust storms.

You could easily spend as much as a Splendour ticket on the sideshows so we've put together a few sideshows that are unmissable. While a few of the big acts, namely Outkast, are only playing their festival set in Byron, there's a plethora of acts to wash away those Splendour blues.

London Grammar

The British trio was last in the country for Falls Festival where they impressed with their brooding, melancholic sound. Since then, they have stormed the charts with their single, Strong, and as a result will play some huge shows when they're here in July. The first thing that will capture your attention is front woman Hannah Reid's mammoth voice, then you'll be drawn in by the humble, starry night feeling of the live show.

"A completely assured and quite remarkable vocal. It is as unusual as it is impressive, and warm lower registers are married with piercing high notes with maturity beyond young years." - The Line of Best Fit

Tuesday, 22 July – Festival Hall, Melbourne

Thursday, 24 July – Horden Pavilion, Sydney

Kelis

Kelis is the chameleon of music. Her latest album, Food, is a huge departure from the dance sound of her previous album, Flesh Tones. It's brassy, soulful and most of all full of Kelis' big, raspy voice. It's unlikely you'll hear anything about Milkshakes but there will be Jerk Ribs and Fried Chicken aplenty. She's been driving around the US serving signature dishes from a food truck in support of her new album so let's hope we get the same service here in Aus.

"She is unafraid to let the cracks show in her signature husk, conveying a calming intimacy on Floyd and an awe-inspiring grandeur on the mariachi-tinged Change." - The Guardian

Tuesday, 22 July – Prince Bandroom, Melbourne

Wednesday, 23 July – HIFI, Sydney

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

Future Islands

Baltimore band, Future Islands, have been floating around for a while but they have only made headlines recently with their new album Singles and by becoming David Letterman's favourite new band. Lead-singer Samuel T. Herring is the focal point. He sings like Morrisey and dances somewhere in between Peter Garrett and Paul Simon and is unlikely to leave you without a strong opinion on the aesthetic of the show.

The verdict:

"The band’s new album Singles turns its synth-rock throb into something stickier and friendlier than it’s been on previous records, and on the evidence of last night, those songs sound amazing live." - Stereogum

Sunday, 27 July – OAF, Sydney

Monday, 28 July – Corner Hotel, Melbourne

Sky Ferreira

Ferreira made a quick trip to Australia in March for a small, sell-out show in Sydney. The calls for a return were made loud and clear following that show and she's delivered. Expect euphoric pop, delivered in a gothic, grungy and industrial guise. Based off recent reviews, she's delivering one of the best live shows around at the moment and may well take the crown of Sheezus (aka. Lily Allen) as queen of Splendour in the Grass 2014.

"On stage, she’s personable, committed and raw, and while her songs carry just the right amount of sugary melody to appease those with a penchant for pop, the grinding guitars and rollicking drums suggest that, in Ferreira’s world at least, pop is a dirty word." - Music Feeds

Wednesday, 23 July – Prince Bandroom, Melbourne

Friday, 25 July – Metro Theatre, Sydney

Jungle

You won't see many photos of Jungle hanging around the internet. They're as enigmatic as they come but the mysterious British duo is making some serious waves with their funk-induced sound. Jungle have mostly performed under a thick smoke-machine induced smog, but apparently most people are so busy grooving that there is barely time to notice. This may be one of the only times to see them live in a small venue before shit gets real (ie. the word spreads).

"All their soul and swagger translated to the live setting, particularly thanks to a sumptuous drum sound and some gospel-like backing vocals." - Line of Best Fit

Tuesday, 29 July – The Corner, Melbourne

Wednesday, 30 July – Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney

Tune-Yards

With just three albums under her belt it's difficult to call Merrill Garbus a veteran of her trade but such is her competence. Her live-shows are known for being experimental, built on live-vocal layering and drum-heavy sounds and are bound to be one of the most interesting sideshows. Her new album Nikki Nack features a few RnB flavours alongside her usual chanting-soul, so a few grinds may be in order if that's your kind of thing.

"It’s weird music, for sure. But it’s also one of the best live shows out there." - CMJ

Thursday, 24 July – Howler, Melbourne

Monday, 28 July 2014 – OAF, Sydney

 

Tickets go on sale Friday, May 9 at 9am.

 

lizzierose
interviews

Elizabeth Rose on New York, Lady Gaga comparisons and the new album

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

At just 22, Australia's own Elizabeth Rose is as audacious as they come. Making her headline debut in New York, she took to the stage at the Mercury Lounge, just down the road to the iconic Katz's Deli. Unlike the mammoth pastrami sandwiches Katz's is so famous for, Rose is a petite performer. Petite, however, is no description of her show.

Playing in front of a small but highly receptive crowd, Rose was a valiant performer. Working her way through songs from the EP, she had the crowd dancing in seconds. At just 2 EPs, it's a testament to the young artist that she was able to hold the attention of a crowd largely unbeknownst to her music.

The triple hit of Sensibility, her cover of Rhythm of the Night and The Good Life, proved the strength of her back catalogue. The best part about watching her is it looks like she knows it too. She often moves away from her keyboard to face the crowd front-on and throws some dance moves Solange would be proud of.

While her stage demeanour is confident, off-stage Elizabeth Rose presents a different side. She's softly-spoken and polite yet talks knowledgeably about modern RnB and the sound she's channelling.

the interns sat down with Rose in a dodgy Mexican cafe in the Lower East Side just before her New York headline to chat Lady Gaga comparisons, YouTube comments and the impending album.

I saw that you were working with Sinden and TokiMonsta. How did those sessions go?

Elizabeth Rose: Yeah they went well. That was in LA last week. The session with TokiMonsta was really good. I met up with her last time. She recently did a remix for me for my single Sensibility. The session with Sinden went well as well. It's still very early stages.

Is the album starting to take shape?

Yeah. I've written about 3/5 of it. I know what sound I want.

Are you finding its a different process from writing the two EPs?

Yeah definitely. It's a lot more rushed, doing it all while the EPs still doing well. This time around I'm focussing on getting melody and chord progression down rather than worrying too much about details of production. It's kind of helping- we get through the demos quicker. It's hard because I usually do the instrumentation first- I do the whole song and then I do the bass-line and then I come back and write the melody and lyrics. But it's been really refreshing to do it the other way.

Have you found after the good life did so well that you were surprised and thought, oh wow, now I have to get back to work?

Yeah it was really surprising. I was really shocked at how well received The Good Life was. Mostly from Triple J. They really supported it. It's been great. Since that single everything's just been gradually building.

How did you find the Australian tour last month?

Yeah the tour was really good. It sold out in Melbourne, Adelaide and Sydney. I've never done that before so it's really exciting. Now it's this next phase where I think “ok I've gotta buckle down and put some hard work in for this album”.

Did you enjoy the response to your cover of Rhythm of the Night?

It was really cool. I was worried because so many people say the nastiest things on YouTube. If they don't like it they'll rip it apart. But yeah most of it has been positive. The only negative comment was that I need to get more sun.

Do you read most of those comments?

Yeah. I'm sensitive. But someone wrote as a reply to that person, "it's called a studio tan you arsehole" [laughs]

How was the show in LA?

Yeah it was good. We had a few technical problems but the crowd was into it. People were calling out for me to play Sensibility which was really cool. I thought no one would know that song at the show but it was a really good turn-out. I'm looking forward to tonight [in New York].

Seeing you’re now in a huge music hub, What's your classic New York song?

I'd say something by Frank Sinatra.

What sort of expectation do you have when you play a show overseas?

I think when I'm overseas that nobody will turn up. It's starting all over again, you feel like you're all the way back at the bottom but it's good to be surprised.

Did it seem like the road of starting out in Australia to selling-out venues was slow or quick?

Yeah it was slow. Slow and gradual. I'm happy that it took time thought because a lot has happened over the last few years- experiencing playing a festival for the first time, releasing an EP for the first time. It felt like the right pace for me. I feel quite comfortable with the way everything's panned out. If it was happening too quickly i think I'd be quite anxious about it.

How did recording and writing change between the two EPs?

It changed quite drastically. I was in a totally different headspace for my first EP. It wasn't really me having a solid concept it was more "here's a bunch of songs I wrote, I wanna release something, let's do this". That one sounds a lot different to the second one because I didn't really put much thought into it. With the second EP, I had a sound and a concept for it, so it felt like this one had a stronger feel to it. But also my writing has developed as well. Constantly writing has really strengthened that muscle. I've found the sound that I like now.

What about the live shows, do you enjoy having more material to play with?

Yeah, I love playing gigs now. I'm going to try and start playing some new new stuff soon so I'm really excited about that. Hopefully when I get back maybe I'll play some shows with new songs, maybe if I get them ready in time. It's really exciting to play new stuff and go "what do you think of this?"

Is there anything that's influenced the direction you've gone in with your new material?

Nothing really new. It's a progression on from the EP where I've taken on a bit more RnB. I always am inspired by the music I've grown up to like Brandy and Missy Elliot and all those really cool RnB artists. That's always going to stay with me. Recently, I've been listening to some more experimental electronic music, some minimal techno.

I've noticed FKA twigs as well. Are you trying to find your own niche inside the RnB genre?

Yeah. I'm not consciously striving for it. I don't really try and write anything, it's just what I would like to listen to. I don't have a sound in mind that I want to make it sound like. It's just if it sounds good to me in the studio, I'll go with.

Have you had any songs that you love in the studio and then listen to it with a collection of others and think it doesn't fit?

Yeah that happened recently with a demo I wrote. It kind of has more of that '90s pop feel with melody. It reminds me of that song by Olive. I was like, "shit, I've written something that doesn't fit".

How was your last trip to America?

It was good. I played six shows. It was a bit rushed and hit n miss every show. The venues were just like one fold-back speaker. But I got good feedback from it. I did a club show at the end which was great. I feel like I fit a club scene rather than a live band venue. This time around it's going to be different. That time was really to get the word out about my music and this time I have the single out and plenty of remixes have been done which helps spread the word.

Have you found that international blogs have helped you overseas?

Definitely. I can't believe this little trail that you leave. The internet is weird.

Do you like releasing a song and seeing how it's received and where it's taken?

Yeah. The TokiMonsta remix of Sensibility actually helped a lot. It's created a lot of hype.

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/elizabethrose/sensibility-tokimonsta-remix[/soundcloud]

Do you ever read a review of somebody writing about your music that says it sounds like something that you disagree with?

Everybody compares everything to anything these days. Like Spotify says listen to this, if you like that. I've read things in the past where Lady Gaga was mentioned and I was like "I don't think so, you were at the wrong show".

Are you writing with any Australian producers for the album?

I'd like to and I have a lot of people I can think of but nothing's locked down yet.

Do you have a release date in mind?

I don't know yet. I'd say sometime next year.

Do you have any writing sessions set for London?

Yeah. I'm trying to get in contact with Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs.

What's the thought process behind choosing to go overseas?

I don't feel like this year would be appropriate to move overseas but I've already started to think about next year. You can only do so much in Australia. After coming back from America last year, to see how big the market is and how many radio stations there are, it's just so much bigger. I'm sure in Europe I'll find that too. You've got to go where the music is buzzing, you can't stay at home when there's stuff happening overseas. I want to be there to be in it. Collaborations are so much easier overseas.

 

After America, Elizabeth Rose heads to Canada and then onwards to Europe. For all the details, click here. 

5fashioncollabs2
fashion

Top 5 Music & Fashion Collabs

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

Fashion and music often collide, sometimes with great success, sometimes with well, none at all. Cue, Tiesto and Guess’ collaboration. With the news Solange Knowles is following in Zoe Kravitz’s footsteps as the covergirl for ASOS’s June magazine, we decided to have a look at our top five music X fashion collaborations that leave the rest for fashion dead. Yes, Kanye and his t-shirt made the cut. Yes, we’re not sure how to feel about that either.

 

Amy Winehouse X Fred Perry

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

The late soul songstress released a total of four collections with iconic Brit-boy label Fred Perry that featured argyle sweaters, short-shorts and polo tops inspired by the singers personal style. Notably, the fourth and final collection was released mere months after the singers passing with all profits being donated to the Amy Winehouse Foundation, a charity for at-risk youth.

 

Rihanna X River Island

Give me a piece o’dat Ri Ri! Not only did Rihanna’s 3 season strong (Spring, Autumn, Winter 2013) collaboration with the British fashion house mean fans had direct access to the starlet's flamboyant style, it also demonstrated to the family-run business that expansion into Australasia and the US is definitely on the cards. Good news all round, right? The collections included over-sized everythings alongside barely-there nothings in a range of floral, tartan, metallic and camouflage prints. Check out her winter collection if you’re in the market for a ball gown or two.

 

A.P.C X Kanye West

Proving to the fashion industry that he has more to give than that one very white very t-shirt-like t-shirt, Kanye West announced his second collaboration with French brand A.P.C at their capsule collection party in January this year. Featuring military inspired trench coats, American denim-on-denim and a casual blanket or two, West’s latest designs will be available in september this year. Hooray for blanket fashions!

 

PUMA x Solange Disc Collection

My desire to be Solange has just sky-rocketed to new heights. Recently named as Puma’s Creative Consultant, her first undertaking was the “Girls of Blaze” project that saw three New York Designers reinterpret the brand's iconic Disc System, a tightening system that did away with traditional shoelaces in the 1990s in favour of a rotating dial, via the vibrant street life of Brazil.

 

Adidas X Pharell

Look this is neither here nor there, and we don’t really know what to expect from the collaboration other than it will be gooooood. And probably feature an oversized hat or two.

michelleobama
features

Couples that need to tour together

Beyonce and Jay Z have announced their On The Run tour which will see the two travel the US together for the first time since they got together and became the tour de force of the music industry. Crazy and Drunk in love, the self-proclaimed Bonnie and Clyde ‘03 will likely deliver shows that make everybody feel that their current and future relationships are not worthwhile.

Following a well-trodden path laid out by Sonny and Cher and Ike and Tina Turner, Mr and Mrs. Carter are not the first couple to tour together and won't be the last. We've compiled a list of a few couples we believe would make just as worthy tour buddies- for better or worse.

Barack and Michelle Obama

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

Who better to rival the first couple of music than the President and the First Lady of the USA. While the pair are not specifically known for their music, each of them have proven ability. Barack infamously sang Let's Stay Together before his 2012 re-election while Michelle is an avid dancer. Alongside Beyonce, she's shaken her booty around the country with her Move Your Body fitness campaign and would be the perfect candidate to accompany Mr. President's soulful crooning. With Barack's final term in office coming to an end, they will need something else to do. George Bush turned to painting, the Obama's can turn to Arena RnB.

Kanye West and Kim Kardashian

kimkanye

Kimye on tour = dollar signs. West is a formidable, stadium rapper and Kim is, well, anything but. In 2011, she released a heavily auto-tuned debut called Jam but nothing has followed since. It's time she re-lit that flare for music on stage with Yeezus. There would be a live rendition of Bound 2 while she would have to dance alongside Kanye rapping "My trophy on that Bound bike, I gave you only pipe / If people don't hate then it won't be right" in I Won. It would be awkward, arrogant and feature plenty of booty. Get me my Gold Meet ‘n’ Greet ticket now.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

If we can't get a live duet of Something Stupid between Nicole and Robbie Williams then this will have to do. Nicole's performance in Moulin Rouge had her belting from Parisian rooftops while Keith’s polite country tang caters for the daggy Mum in everybody. We imagine the Urban Nicole tour being produced by Baz Luhrmann and landing somewhere between a country hoedown and Bewitched. If it didn't end with an encore including Islands in the Stream, then everyone would be handed refunds.

EDIT: Our prayers were answered. Amazing.

Rihanna and Drake

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

We haven't read Perez Hilton of late but last we heard these two were dating. Rihanna has already toured with Chris Brown so a joint tour would be the best way to consummate their new found love. They've already featured alongside each other on Take Care and What's My Name, so a joint set list wouldn't be a stretch. Rihanna could stand next to Drake during his set and hand him tissues as he wallows in self-pity about how he started from the bottom AKA. Degrassi.

Calvin Harris and Rita Ora

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

This is very scarily a possibility. The dance king and pop princess worked together on Rita's latest single, I Will Never Let You Down, which would probably be the name of the tour, just to reassure people that they're committed. Harris would pump out pulsating beats while Rita would try her best to sing Rihanna's part in We Found Love before realising that she's still a good girl, caught in the awkward phase before the good girl goes bad. #badgalriri

Matt Bellamy and Kate Hudson

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

Muse frontman, Bellamy, is no stranger to Arena rock. Kate however, although used to the bright lights, is a less than competent musician. That's exactly why this has to happen. She last tried her hand at singing in the film, How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days, proving that she'd be perfect for screeching the guitar riff of Knights of Cydonia or humming the piano line of Starlight. Given Muse's self-indulgent Coachella performance, her version of You're So Vein would be a perfect addition to the set.

Chad Kroeger and Avril Lavigne

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

If this prediction comes true, then the(in)terns were the first to break the news of an impending apocalypse. Imagine Chad Kroeger’s concrete laden vocals alongside Avril's bratty chanting and then imagine the two of them serenading each other at a piano to a lounge version of Sk8er Boi. It would be the worst thing to happen to audiences since Ke$ha toured with Pitbull, made even worse by the fact that there would be possible canoodling.

 

freelistening2
new music

Stream new albums from Lily Allen, Lykke Li and Tune-Yards

Kermit Cintron vs Walter Mathysse

There was a time when avid fans of an artist would wait outside a record store on the release day to be the first to listen. Well now thanks to the internet, everybody wants everything free, apart from when they don't know they want it and it falls on their lap (#Beyonce). To cater for Generation Now, albums are streamed to stop people downloading illegally, or on the downside, convince people the album is good enough to download illegally. Today, the album streams for some of the most anticipated artists have dropped and we've presented them below for your disposal.

Lily Allen- Sheezus

So far the songs released off Sheezus have taught us it's hard out here for a bitch, that we all get periods and that it's far more peaceful in an air balloon than on earth. With that in mind, Sheezus will naturally be a pretty educational listen. It's her first album since her short-lived retirement and venture into vintage clothing and is full of Lily's trademark quick wit and smut. It seems like all we've spoke about in the past week is Ms. Allen and we're sure to be talking about it a whole lot more following a quick listen to Sheezus.

Listen on iTunes radio.

Read our lessons learnt from Sheezus here.

Lykke Li- I Never Learn

Poor Lykke Li is a bit down in the ditches. Previous to the creation of the album Li said, "I've immersed myself in trying to figure out what actually is going on inside of me when the lights go out and the music stops". What has emerged from that soul searching is a collection of nine ballads featuring a seemingly troubled Lykke Li. It's not guaranteed to be an easy listen but given Li's track record it's not likely to disappoint.

Listen on NPR.

Tune-Yards- Nikki Nack

Merrill Garbus is pushing the boundaries on her third albums. Her first two albums, Bird-Brains and whokill were critical darlings but it looks as if Nikki Nack will push her forth to a wider audience. Speaking of the album, Garbus told Fact that she had to "push myself in new directions and trust that my audience would come with me. And that was a terrifying leap.” That has been seen so far on the colourful Water Fountain and the RnB flavoured, Wait For A Minute. If you're feeling a little down after listening to Lykke Li, pop on this one for a colour explosion of loops, experimental instruments and playful melodies.

Listen on NPR.

Read our review of Wait For A Minute in Musical Speed Dating here.

Movement- Movement EP

If you're strapped for time, listen to this shortie from Aussie boys, Movement. The trio is signed to Modular (Cut Copy, The Presets, Tame Impala) and have been a real hot topic overseas of late. Their song, Us, was labelled best new music by Pitchfork as was their latest, Like Lust. If you're looking for some steamy, after dark music there isn't a better place to look than right here.

Listen on Soundcloud.

Read our review of EP track Ivory here.

musicalspeeddating2
first impressions / reviews

Musical Speed Dating 25 April

musicalspeeddating4

Another week, another bunch of unsolicited attacks on unsuspecting musicians in the form of the Musical Speed Date. The selection this week is a hot and sweaty mix of RnB, electronica and rock spiced up with some hands-in-the-air 80's nostalgia. Sit back and we'll take you on a cosmic journey through the week's best (and worst)- just remember to scroll.

Jamie xx- Girl

Sam: The vocal sample is super nice but I feel like the rest just plods along unambitiously...until the end when the drums kick in. I like that. A lot. 3.5

Bianca: More like Jamie XXX. Dayuuumm Girl, that was smooth. 4

Lizzie: Bit too slow for me. The start grabs you but then I feel it slipped away very quickly. Vocals are echoey and cool but not his best. 3

Hannah: The walking bass runs through this track at that perfect, effortlessly cool tempo. It's a deeper, darker, offering from the DJ and in many ways more concise, dare I say even more predictable than what we're used to receiving from him.  With its big brass samples and tongue-in-cheek play with soulful blues rhythms it has me even more excited to hear what's in store from his forthcoming release. 4   HANNAH'S PICK

Movement- Ivory

Sam: Movement are just the most exciting thing in Australia right now. Not only is the voice unbelievable, but the music is also dark, creeping and alluring. When the piano kicks in and the vocals take it up a notch, I get a little bit clammy. And then that guitar. Someone get me water. 4.5   SAM'S PICK

Bianca: Haunting and breathy vocals transport me to the dark, tattooed alleys of NYC. In a good, non-rapey kind of way. The guitar riff is an interesting touch to the finale. 4  BIANCA'S PICK

Lizzie: Great pace in this song. Simple, beautiful voice, and love the rocky guitar solo! 4.5   LIZZIE's PICK

Hannah: It's 3am and the throbbing bass is the highway that stretches infinitely in front of you while the world around you changes, throwing up new towns and strange characters. The only speed bump is that god awful guitar solo, but other than that it's smooth sailing to dawn. 3.5

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/modularpeople/movement-ivory-2[/soundcloud]

Twin Shadow- To The Top

Sam: It's so explicitly ‘80s that it falls into Simply Red territory and I'm not sure that's a good thing. When he pulls it back a bit in the verses I follow, but the chorus is OTT. Add black cat, wind and a smoke machine for full effect. 3

Bianca: The chorus is too John Farnham on his fifth (and final) comeback tour. He’s the voice and I’m trying to understand it. 1.5

Lizzie: Errgggh. Not my style at all. Go back to the ‘90s Baywatch film set. 2

Hannah: This just in: Twin Shadow announces John Farnham collaboration. 2.5

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/twin-shadow/to-the-top[/soundcloud]

TALA- Serbia

Sam: A tribal expedition through R&B, TÃLàpulls all the tricks on this one. The percussion hits hard, the vocal manipulation tugs at the ears and the brassy synths rattle the bones. It's a melting pot of all the right sounds. 4

Bianca: The intro gets straight into it and sets the scene for good things to come. Energetic drums and poppy vocals ensure that dance, tribal and R&B lines are blurred harder than Robin Thicke. 4

Lizzie: I like the layering in this song - not too much to irritate the ears, just enough to keep you bopping. I like the male/female dynamic in the vocals, really works for this track. 4

Hannah: I don't know what this is? Vaguely drum and bass, electronica, indie? I initially thought it was going in Lykke Li direction before it took what was the first of many turns and left me stumped again. Whatever it is, I like what TÃLÃ Is doing here. 3

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/talaofficial/serbia[/soundcloud]

Chromeo- Ezra's interlude

Sam: There's a lot to be said for a simple piano and vocal line. Ezra's falsetto is like honey and is complimented beautifully by Chromeo's subtle guitar stabs. My only problem: I want more. It's like buying anything under a king-sized Cadbury bar. You're always gonna want the extra inch. 4

Bianca: From the get-go, Ezra’s voice melts in my ears. Chromeo adds a groovy touch to his chocolatey falsetto. Short & sweet. 4

Lizzie: A little too corny for me. Yeah, ok, his voice is sweet. Sickeningly sweet. 3

Hannah: Chromeo do Chromeo so well their obsession with the sweet sound of the ‘80s can be forgiven. Happy memories from Coachella may have me a little biased. 3

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/chromeo/ezras-interlude[/soundcloud]

The Black Keys- Turn Blue

Sam: It's nice and polite. My problem is the Black Keys are seemingly on the Kings of Leon path to rock n roll beige. RIP. 2

Bianca: Would probably press ‘next’ on iTunes Shuffle. 2

Lizzie: Not what I am used to from the Black Keys, but I am pleasantly surprised. This belongs in a smokey downtown Jazz club, but not something to go and rave about. 3.5

Hannah: Psychedelic surf rock. Been there done that. 2

FASHION2
fashion

Fashion on the Field - Coachella Edition

Coachella is the festival of fame, fashion and fortune. However, many took the arid landscape as an excuse to temporarily hang up their yuppie status in order to express their inner freedoms and undying love for dear old Mother Earth. Not simply concerned with music (well that's a lie), the(in)terns witnessed a plethora of questionable fashion choices over the three days, from Kimonos and Indian Head dresses to boot-scooting boots teamed with tropical bikinis. With little care for the accessory's heritage, it seemed fashion was truly a cultural peace maker amongst musos this weekend.

Want to try out some desert-inspired fashion and bring out the #freespirit in you? Click the image below to download your very own Festival Paper Doll to cut and fold into your favourite fashion attire.

 

Fashion on the Field - Coachella Edition

Fashion on the Field - Coachella Edition

lily2
albums, songs, eps / new music

Lily Allen - Sheezus

lily_listenup

Lily Allen has been running her mouth a lot lately about how her latest material is not up to scratch and that her record label has prevented her from releasing the real stuff. After the polite Air Balloon and the party-anthem Our Time, it was looking unlikely that Lily's quick wit and spite was ever going to make a reappearance. Thankfully, the title track to her forthcoming album, Sheezus, dispels that fear. The song is littered with Allen gold, but we've fished for five of the best nugs.

"RiRi isn't scared of Katy Perry's roaring"

Lily's astute observations of the celebrity world are insightful, but is anyone scared of Katy Perry's roaring? Isn't it more like a cat’s meow? Badgal RiRi once proclaimed that she was "yeah, yeah, yeah, so hard" so surely she'd be even geared up to take on Perry's new beau Diplo.

"Lorde smells blood, yeah she's about to slay you. Kid ain't one to fuck with when she's only on her debut"

Out of all the divas mentioned on Sheezus, it looks as if Lily wants to recruit Lorde as her 2IC. She's obviously impressed by her post-goth look and badass teen vibe, but we're not sure Lorde would be too keen to be associated with the 'queen' given her sentiments in a little ditty called Royals.

"Queen B's gone back to the drawing Lorde"

Lol. She replaced board with Lorde. Great use of poetic license. But seriously, don't mess with B. One minute, you're sitting comfortably on the throne and the next Yonce drops a surprise the size of an atomic bomb.

"Give me the crown bitch, I wanna be Sheezus"

Kim Kardashian may have something to say about this but we think Mr and Mrs Yeezus would make a great couple. Both have skipped any sort of media training and run their mouths as much as, well, Jesus. The only problem is, Kanye has his sights set on being a God, while Lily wants to be a queen. Surely at 88 years of age, Queen Lizzy would be an easy one to knock from the throne.

"Periods, we all get periods. Every month, that's what the theory is"

This is more than I could've ever learnt in sex ed. Thanks Lily. Got it.

spaceman
features

How the Brits won Coachella

spaceman

The Americans have always been traditionally cold on the Brits. While The Stone Roses and Blur headlined the festival last year, The Stone Roses pulled a paltry crowd proving that Americans just weren't that interested. A year has gone by and it seems that the US crowd have become infatuated by the artists from over the pond ever since.

Calvin Reigns Supreme

Of course, the prevalence of EDM in the US currently has a lot to do with it. Scottish DJ/producer (that's British really, isn't it?) Calvin Harris impressively pulled the second largest crowd in Coachella history. The sounds of Florence and the Machine and Ellie Goulding permeated his set, providing hands in the air sing-a-longs to songs that barely scratched the surface of the US charts only a little over a year ago. It was proof that while EDM may be losing its mainstream appeal elsewhere in the world, America is still well and truly in love with it.

It's quite an experience to see a field once filled by fans of Red hot Chilli Peppers, Arcade Fire and Tupac (albeit delivered by a hologram) being shredded by bass-heavy EDM sounds.

Ellie is queen of the desert

Ellie Goulding found success in the US with her track, Lights, which reached the top ten- a rare achievement for a British female artists in 2010 (apart from Adele). Goulding filled the famous polo grounds, providing a much-needed anthemic pop moment on the first day. As a well polished pop star, she surprisingly fit the Coachella mould well, thumping drums and sending the set home with an inspired guitar solo. The US may have Rihanna and Katy Perry but Goulding radiated an air of ability that the crowd lapped up. Finisher, Burn, was enough indication that despite not being born in the hosting country, Goulding has the goods to reach pop queen status in the US- perhaps the first female Brit in as long as we can remember.

Brits show-off their electronic music prowess

Countless British acts joined the Coachella line-up this year and the crowds flooded in. The most notable was Disclosure who mustered a mighty crowd on the Outdoor Stage both weekends. Their set was a star-studded affair, colliding a European aesthetic with US appeal. They were joined by Sam Smith, AlunaGeorge and Mary J. Blige. Blige was a timely example of the happy medium that has been met between American R&B and the British deep house dance culture. The two melted together, stirring the crowd into a mix of hip-hop induced grinds and EDM fuelled fist pumps. The energy garnered during the set made it hard to imagine the Disclosure brothers generating the same excitement at a British festival.

Rudimental have had mass exposure in both their homeland and in Australia, however, the US have not welcomed them into the mainstream quite as much. You wouldn't have known from their Coachella set. Their drum n bass-heavy rampage had the crowd in fits. In another example of the America/Britain meld, the Rudimental gang pulled out Lauryn Hill for a drum n bass twisted version of Ready Or Not.

AlunaGeorge also impressed with a set made up of a good portion of new material. The new tracks carried a heavier hip-hop weight seemingly tailored at an American audience. Given the crowds reaction, there was no reason for them to doubt the aesthetic of their previous work as it received just as an excited reaction. A bassed up version of Lost & Found was a particular treat, along with Disclosure's White Noise.

Muse's over-the-top Saturday night headline

Muse seemed to fit like a glove with an American audience. Their Global financial crisis-inspired set was anxious, speculative and dramatic, straight out of The Wolf of Wall Street. Actors on stage ate money, drank gasoline and contended with rampant flames that shot out. While many may have thought the theatrics were far too much, majority of the audience remained fixated. Songs like Time Is Running Out and Knights of Cydonia boded well for them as did the literal visual portrayal of Uprising which saw Matt Bellamy lifted on a forklift above the audience.

While the near two-hour set was seemingly a critique of America, the crowd was more interested in the howling vocals and screeching guitar riffs than their nationalistic pride. For their debut headline at Coachella, the band gathered a healthy cluster of screaming punters, proving that it wasn't just the Yanks creating vivid memories on the main stage.

2014 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival - Day 2

 

tunnels2
albums, songs, eps / new music

Tourist (feat. Lianne La Havas) - Patterns

tunnels

British producer Tourist has flooded the internet with remixes of HAIM, London Grammar and Chvrches over the past year, but now it seems he's ready to deliver some original material with the same pop-potential. Patterns is off his upcoming EP of the same name and features fellow Brit Lianne La Havas. It's everything you'd expect from an all-British affair. He lays La Havas' voice over a Disclosure-esque voice and peppers it with a choir-driven chorus. Despite the grandeur of the chorus, Patterns maintains a steady level of subtlety before ramping up the bass and subsequently taking it to the club.

[soundcloud]https://soundcloud.com/soulblime/tourist-patterns-feat-lianne-la-havas[/soundcloud]

 

dosanddonts2
features

Coachella Dos and Don'ts

dosanddonts

Coachella Weekend Two is upon us and those who are lucky enough to get their hands on the hottest festival tickets of the season are gearing up to face the best weekend of their lives. Notoriously cursed Weekend One turned out sun, sandstorms, Gwen Stefani, Beyoncé, the epic headliners Arcade Fire and comeback kids Outkast. So, with Weekend One done and dusted relatively injury free, let’s learn from their mistakes and don’t fuck it up.

dont2

Do: Ooooh and Ahhhhh at the celebrities

This is one of the only festivals where celebrities brave it to walk amongst us plebs in the light of day (minus the epic security entourage). Best advice, buy VIP tickets. Worth the price if you want to rub shoulders with the rich, famous and D-class celebs. Alternatively, you could just go and enjoy the music and not fork out the $1000 in a celeb-spotting fueled moment of spontaneity.

Don’t: Go and talk to them

What do you expect? They are going to turn around and hug you and say, “Hey Jimmy-Jo, so nice to see you! Thanks so much for coming up and disturbing me while I’m with my actual friends, whom I know. Good on you!”  It’s not going to happen. Leave them in peace and respect that they have been paid $20,000 plus, to just be awesome and eat cheeseburgers (cough, Vanessa Hudgens).

Do: Take photos

What the heck. Memories! You may never be there again. We all know that how good would the X-pro filter look with the backdrop of the desert and the Ferris Wheel. Take photos with due care and remember phone batteries do not last these days!

Don’t: Video your favourite artist’s entire set on your phone

A) YOU ARE MISSING YOUR FAVOURITE ARTIST

B) When you try and show it to your mates back home it’s 95% of the time going to turn out fuzzy and inaudible. Plus they don’t give a shit, they weren’t there.

Watch, listen and feel what’s going on around you. That’s what sticks in your memory more than anything.

Do: Show the Love!

This is a new and exciting environment- New people, new vibes and a place where everyone shares the same undying passion…MUSIC. Chat to people in the toilet line, dance with the random next to you because you never know what cool and interesting people you might meet.

Don’t: Mack face in front of everyone

There’s love and then there’s love. No one ones to see you and your boyfriend consummate your relationship on the dance floor. Leave it to the confines of your 1-man tent, quietly. Please, for everyone’s sake.

Do: Make a memorable meeting spot

No matter how hard you may do the “chicken hands”, “Alan….Steve, Alan” or stack on each other shoulders to find your friends, no one wants to lose a mate on the field. Agree on a solid meeting spot as soon as you enter the festival day one.

Don’t: Make your “memorable meeting spot” the Giant Astronaut

Do not be fooled by his size, you are not spacing out - what would appear to be the crème-de-la-crème hotspot, the inescapable Giant Astronaut, makes out to be a hilariously bad meeting spot. Spoiler: This wise guy slowly roams the grounds of Coachella, so it’s best to choose a better stationary giant intimate object.

Do: Make a plan

Ohhhh the clashes! The almighty clashes! It may seem a little over whelming when the set times come out: Muse is clashing with Skrillex, and Pharrell Williams. And oh god! You have to see Flume, you have to see Fluuummmmeee! Print out the timetable, fight it out with your mates, best of three wins. Get over it.

Don’t: Stick to your plan

With more artists, surprise artists and side attractions than ever before, go explore!! Stick to your essentials *cough* OUTKAST, ARCADE FIRE, GIRL TALK *cough cough,* but make leave room for frolicking around the polo grounds of Coachella. Our pick: the Heineken dome. They are churning out some exciting surprise sets, over the whole weekend.

Do: Dress for the occasion

It’s a festival. Be festive. Hats, bohemian dresses, sandals, whatever floats your boat BUT remember it is also in a desert. Warm days and cold nights. Try and pack a bandana, just for the potential of dust storms.

Don’t: Dress like a skank

Do not be fooled into thinking that covering your private parts with a flap of material and two stickers on your nips is acceptable. This is not a trailer park; Coachella is one of the classiest festivals on the circuit and you need to treat it with respect.

Those girls who want to sit shoulders - great for the Coachella after movie – but sheer misery for everyone behind you. Cover your “hoo-haa” please, is that too much to ask?

Do: Flag your tent

There are 90,000 odd people attending Coachella this year, and many of them will be sharing the cosy camping grounds with you. And believe it or not, they may have the same discount green two-man tent you bought from Walmart last week. Flag your tent with fluro, flags, fury toys, whatever floats your boat really or else risk wandering the campsite until next Tuesday.

Don’t: Pass out just anywhere

Do not assume that any piece of unclaimed land, tent or tee-pee is yours to claim. No one wants to come back to the big bad, beer-faced wolf and sleeping in their bed. Do what you can to make it home. Skip, crawl, roll.

Do: Bring Toilet Paper

Trust Us.

Don’t: Hate Girl Talk for stealing all the toilet paper for his set

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