Pages

Tuesday, 3 June 2014

Friday, 9 May 2014

「A Tale of Outer Suburbia」– Hands Like Houses' out-of-the-box music video released



 

On May 8th, Aussie band, Hands Like Houses (my favourite band), via Rise Records, released the music video (directed by Joshua Aylett) for their song (my favourite song): “A Tale of Outer Suburbia”. The song is from their 2013 album Unimagine – the whole album is perfect (in my biased opinion), however it is this particular song that resonates strongest with me.





So, perceiving the video having initially known what the story behind the song is, I was expecting…well, not what they had produced. The meaning behind the song is anxiety:

(From here.

Comprehending that and in watching the video depicting an everyday housewife doing laundry - yes, you can see that there is anxiety, definitely tension, and clearly she’s feeling something. But it’s just so different than what I expected. And because of that, Hands Like Houses lives up to being my favourite band.



From the music video, her intense interpretive dance which means some people won’t understand it. I don’t even understand it but she seems stressed enough. Overall, there were some people who just didn’t get it. You don’t have to get it.


(Full article here.




But for those who could interpret it for themselves, they shared their thoughts with others.





And as expected, there are positive, neutral and negative comments (and reception) in the youtube comment section. Some include:

My one complaint is that I had to hear her singing over (or under?) the original audio. Which was pretty annoying to listen to but for the music video itself, it adds to the overall feel and I think it worked well.
agree



They definitely delivered a music video that challenged people.


Music video gets a 3.5/5 stars from me!


Check Hands Like Houses out through their social media!
 
HLH Channel
Rise Records


- Jewel




References:
http://puregrainaudio.com/videos/hands-like-houses-a-tale-of-outer-suburbia-music-video

Tuesday, 6 May 2014

Double J proclaimed a success!


As promised, TripleJ's extensive six month market research and planning period has brought us a new station that has hit the mark in terms of listener satisfaction.

Double J been going for just one week now and is spearheaded by Myf Warhurst's lunchtime show from 11am to 3pm.

It's got just the right mix of new music and old, local and overseas.

Myf you should be very proud.  5 STARS.

Checkout this informative graphic characterising the first 24 hours of airtime...




- Tim


References:
http://doublej.net.au/
http://themusic.com.au/news/all/2014/04/09/triple-j-new-station-double-j-to-be-lead-by-myf-warhurst/
http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/musicnews/s3981481.htm

Monday, 5 May 2014

Splendour Ripoff WILL be refunded

Splendour in the Grass tickets went on sale from Moshtix on Friday 2-May, but many punters were ripped off, incurring additional charges on their credit cards - possibly thousands of dollars.

But don't worry, Harley Evans from Moshtix has reassured the public that all additional fees will be refunded ASAP.  Also, they have an independent fraud team investigating and there appears to be no suggestion that credit card details have been stolen.  Harley also claims the money has not gone missing, so it is a simple matter to provide refunds.

There was apparently an unauthorised access to their system, resulting in some presets like ticket prices and credit card fees being altered.  But credit card details are stored in a separate secure area and so should not be at risk.

I hope they catch those darn spoilsports.



- Tim


Reference: ABC Triple J.  http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/musicnews/s3996858.htm

Sunday, 4 May 2014

NEW album, Foxes "Glorious"

Louisa Rose Allen, mid twenty, better known by her stage name Foxes, is a British singer-song writer based in London. 

"Glorious" is her first album, even though she is already best known for her featured vocals on Zedd's song "Clarity", which peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and at number one on the US Hot Dance Club Songs, and "Let Go for Tonight" which entered the UK Singles Chart at number seven on 8 March 2014. On 26 January 2014, she won her first Grammy Award: Best Dance Recording at the 56th Grammy Awards for "Clarity".


Listening to full album 

Glorious, her first album is filled with rousing numbers, many with the potential to e alternative club-bangers or radio favourites. (there's an orchestral version of Youth though) It does follow a lot of the same formula at times though, but the deluxe edition breathes further life into the album, providing a few extra memorable moments in Beauty Queen, In Her Arms and a live version of her breakthrough collaboration with Zedd, Clarity.  

and here's my favourite orchestral version of Youth, quite a year back since this song released though. 

-soy


references: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3pHO2yesN4
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxes_(singer)
http://lyrics-video-music.blogspot.com.au/2014/01/foxes-glorious-lyrics-and-video.html
http://blog.naver.com/tmauema?Redirect=Log&logNo=100206876501
http://themusic.com.au/reviews/album/2014/05/09/foxes-glorious-sally-anne-hurley/


Thursday, 1 May 2014

Sprung Hip Hop Festival 2014

Who is the big fan of Hip Hop? Who felt down for cancellation of this big festival last year? Here's the Sprung Hip Hop Festival returns :) 

One of the largest gatherings of homegrown hip hop in the country, the Sprung Hip Hop Festival has dusted off the disappointment from the cancellation of last year’s Melbourne leg and announced its triumphant return for 2014 in Brisbane, today dropping the date and venue for the annual bash.
After Sprung’s attempt at expansion in Melbourne last year met with licensing and venue issues, leading to its unfortunate cancellation, the Sprung Hip Hop crew have wisely decided to put an all-in effort into continuing to make Sprung Brisbane the hip hop calendar event that it has been for the past 3 years.
The 2014 Sprung Hip Hop Festival will be held on Saturday, September 20th in its brand new home of the Eatons Hill Hotel and Entertainment Centre, with festival organisers promising to unleash another cracking all Aussie Hip Hop lineup later this month.
Image for Sprung Hip Hop Festival 2014 Date And New Venue Announced
“This year the format is going to be very much that of the original one in 2011 with some nice surprises to come,” explains organiser Josh Taylor of Cassette Entertainment. “We are very excited for 2014 and looking forward to bringing the All Australian Hip Hop festival back for its 4th year in Brisbane.”
And here's the link to it's FB https://www.facebook.com/sprunghiphop You can check out all the Hip Hop news and reviews as well as clips 
Sprung Hip Hop Festival 2014: Saturday, 20th September: Eatons Hill Hotel and Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
Reference: http://musicfeeds.com.au/news/sprung-hip-hop-festival-2014-date-and-new-venue-announced/
- Soy

Tuesday, 29 April 2014

Big Pineapple Music Festival 2014

Here's one we haven't mentioned yet - Saturday May 17 is this year's Big Pineapple Music Festival on the Sunshine Coast.  If you haven't already got your tickets you'd better hurry.  There are three massive stages and onsite camping.  The big names appearing include The Living End, Spiderbait, Art vs. Science and Dead Letter Circus.  And of course the usual plethora of local and international acts.
Jasti is one I haven't heard of - named after us perhaps?  Perhaps not.

The line-up.


If it's anything like last year it's going to be massive.



Tickets are available from $75 plus a booking fee.  
Visit the Big Pineapple Music Festival website for more information.


- Tim


References

Monday, 28 April 2014

「Problem」– Ariana Grande ft. Iggy Azalea

Problem (ft. Iggy Azalea) has hit the ears of every Arianator and fan out there, and before we knew it, it shoved its way to the top of the iTunes chart list at #1, beating out Pharrell’s Happy and John Legend’s All of Me. So wow, but it was actually no surprise. Ariana’s fans do not waste any time.



Grab the single, available now on iTunes! (“Problem” is the first single from Ariana’s new and upcoming album titled, “Sophomore.”)

Alternatively, here’s the full audio, courtesy of Youtube:




Now moving on to reviewing the actual song…

The song is catchy and fun with a jazzy uptempo beat but it’s nothing spectacular, in my opinion. Also, the lyrics are complete crap. According to her wikia"Problem" is "about knowing you'd be better off without someone but you can't resist them and need them no matter what." Well, I can’t expect anything else from pop stars.

I do love Ariana’s voice overall; she has a real and strong voice, meanwhile however, I'm not a fan of Iggy Azalea. I know rapping has a certain style to it, one that Iggy obviously showcases, but in all honestly it just sounds incongruous to the rest of the song. Then again, without Iggy's part the song would be too repetitive and boring. And also it's like a trend that pop stars ought to have a rapper in their songs... Problem also has Big Sean whispering the lyrics in the chorus (but he didn’t make the cut for being a featured artist - lol).

Anyway, for the majority, the song has been received positively – it is fun and all that jazz, but I give Problem a neutral 3/5 stars.


In any case, check her out through her social media:

       



- Jewel



References:
http://arianagrande.wikia.com/wiki/Problem

Sunday, 27 April 2014

Music festivals in 2014

Hey hey, guys here's the 14 music festivals that are recommended by the Times you must check out in this year, 2014! all of them are NOT in Australia though XD

It says 2014 is Christmastime for music fans because fans can see Eminem, Skrillex, Arctic Monkeys, Pixies, Nine Inch Nails, Outkast, Arcade Fire, Kings of Leon, Calvin Harris and Foster the People — all in one place. 

Okay, here's the full list of those and let's get it started 
Moogfest 2014  When: April 23-27 Where: Asheville, NC

Moogfest 2011 - Day 2
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage When: April 25-27 and May 1-4 Where: New Orleans, LA
Sasquatch! When: May 23-25 Where: The Gorge, Quincy, WA
Sled Island Music and Arts Festival  When: June 18-22 Where: Calgary, Alberta
Secret Solstice Festival  When: June 20-22 Where: Reykjavik, Iceland
Hangout Music Fest  When: May 16-18 Where: Gulf Shores, Ala.
Bonnaroo  When: June 12-15 Where: Manchester, TN
Glastonbury When: June 25-29 Where: Glastonbury, UK
Summerfest  When: June 25-29 and July 1-6 Where: Milwaukee, WI www.summerfest.com
2014 Lineup Highlights: Usher, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Dave Matthews Band, Outkast, New Order, Brad Paisley, Darius Rucker, Motley Crue, Zac Brown Band, Fall Out Boy, Paramore and Gary Clark Jr.
Here's the clip of Summerfest 2013
EXIT Festival When: July 10 – 14, 2014 Where: Novi Sad, Serbia
Osheaga Music Festival When: August 1 – 3 Where: Montreal, Canada
2014 Lineup Highlights: OutKast, Jack White, Arctic Monkeys, Skrillex, Lorde, the Replacements, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Modest Mouse, J. Cole, Awolnation, Lykke Li, Childish Gambino, Chromeo, Chvrches, Band of Horses, Haim, Pusha T, Tiga
Pickathon  When: August 1-3 Where: Happy Valley, Ore.
Pickathon 2013
OFF Festival When: August 2 – 4 Where: Katowice, Poland
Øya When: August 5-9 Where: Oslo, Norway
It also mentioned that "For those looking for even more bang for their buck, international festivals allow travelers to combine global tourism with incredible music, like at the World DJ Festival held on May 4-5 in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi, South Korea; or Gothenberg, Sweden’s Way Out West Festival; or Melt! Festival, which brings Le1f, Little Dragon, Jagwar Ma, Haim and Chromeo to Germany’s famed iron city. For those looking to travel within the United States, there’s Georgia’s electro-fest TomorrowWorld, San Francisco’s Outside Lands, which bills itself as a “gourmet music festival,” or Kentucky’s Forecastle Festival, which combines a killer lineup with all the sites of Louisville." 
The two which I mentioned about the lineup for 2014, so tempting! 

- Soy


reference: http://time.com/52061/best-music-festivals-2014/

“Problem” is coming

Ariana Grande and fans excitedly await the official release of her newest single, “Problem” (feat. Iggy Azalea). The single is due to be released tomorrow night, although Ariana has expressed her hopes that iTunes releases it earlier. The wait is literally torture for her extreme fans, the "Arianators".

It has been a 10 day countdown since April 18th (although Ariana excitedly started it at 11 days – April 17th instead), according to Ariana’s social media updates (see end of post), with snippets of photo shoots and teasers of the song.

Pre-orders are available HERE. 

Sneak peaks of the lyrics video + official audio:






For those who simply can’t wait, Ariana Grande actually performed “Problem” live at RDMA.





Check out Ariana Grande’s social media:
   
   


Stay tuned for a review blog entry when the single actually gets released!


- Jewel



References:
http://www.inquisitr.com/1226530/ariana-grande-continues-to-tease-problem-with-sassy-instagram-videos/

Friday, 25 April 2014

Review: Second Storey Window 'Trip The Wire' EP


Sydney based 6 piece Second Storey Window set a new low with their disappointing sophomore EP 'Trip TheWire'.

If somebody locked a flock of seagulls in a wind-chime store and set it alight while recording, the result would be more enjoyable. The singer and songwriter Andrew Feeney has the personality of a diseased camel, to which he also bears a slight resemblance. The guitar riffs evoke a rusty wire fence being struck at random with a cricket bat. Combined in the title track and first single 'Trip The Wire', the result sounds exactly like somebody sawing a cat in half, with a dog.

If you are considering buying the EP I'd recommend flushing your money down the toilet instead. It will be a much better investment, and certainly more entertaining. If somebody forces you to buy it at gunpoint, perhaps then it might be worthwhile doing so. If they also forced to listen, however, take it from me: you'd be much better off taking the bullet ...

No stars.

- Andrew

References

http://www.secondstoreywindow.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yanS3gVRSaY


Thursday, 24 April 2014

「Shatter Me」- Lindsey Stirling ft. Lzzy Hale



"Shatter Me" is the newest song and music video released by violinist, Lindsey Stirling, which features vocals from Lzzy Hale (lead singer of Halestorm). It's portrayed beautifully and sounds absolutely amazing. Everything about this resonates within me.

I have been a fan of Lindsey Stirling for years – her talent and skills with the violin are incredible – while I have been a fan of Lzzy Hale (lead singer of Halestorm) for just about as long. The fact that these two have collaborated and created such an amazing song and music video is just something I must give praise too.

First off the bat, the costume design contrast of steampunk/Victorian versus ballet/doll attire within the music video corresponds with the sounds coming from Lzzy and Lindsey. Two different sounds, two different scenes are simultaneously occurring, intertwining and complimenting each other – despite the obvious differences, everything just works. Izzy’s vocals start off low followed by Lindsey’s smooth but sharp violin sounds which send shivers up my spines. The high notes of Lindsey’s violin complement Lzzy’s low and strong voice. As Lzzy’s crescendos into the chorus with Lindsey’s violin playing, my mind just can’t even take how wonderful everything is.

Generally, Lindsey does work in the electronic genre (also classical crossover and dubstep). Meanwhile, Lzzy and her band, Halestorm, are hard rock, alt. metal and post-grunge. If I had to describe the sound of this song overall for someone to imagine, I’d say: rock vocals + violin + dubstep = musical masterpiece.

Both ladies were amazing in their own right, which is what made the whole thing amazing. Lzzy’s voice definitely suits Lindsey’s violin. And yes, people are entitled to their own opinion, so since I think this is one of the best things I’ve heard, someone thinks a tad bit differently:

To which someone replied:

It’s just that this is one song in the album (that we've seen so far) which has a featured artist (feature vocals) collaborating with Lindsey. Lindsey is prone to experimenting and being innovative with her violin and what she and the her violin are capable of (which is why she is an amazing artist). So this collaboration is something I am very pleased with.

So, naturally, 5/5 for the song and the video.


Shatter Me is also the title of her new album, available for pre-purchase/pre-order from the following:
♪   iTunes   ♫   Target   ♫   Amazon   


Lindsey Stirling never fails to provide her audience with a piece of art, seen in both the visuals of the video, along with the song itself. In general, I love and enjoy her music.

Visit Lindsey Stirling's official website HERE or be sure to check out her social media if you like what you hear!

    


Also check out Lzzy Hale’s social media:

    


- Jewel






References:

Wednesday, 23 April 2014

Jinja Safari's Pepa Knight to release '10-12' songs this year



Fans of Sydney / Central Coast afro indie pop tour de force Jinja Safari will be interested to learn of singer Pepa Knight's new solo project.

According to Rolling Stone India's website, the vocalist and sitar player has taken his music in a new direction after a recent trip to India. If the the first single 'Rahh!' is anything to go by, this collection will be one to watch. There is a healthy dose of the lush ambient vibes from Jinja Safari's recent LP 'Jinja Safari', but with a new and different flavour; one heavily seasoned with sounds from the subcontinent.

Written during his travels across India, Knight is currently re-recording the songs in his home studio and plans to release '10-12' songs this year.

- Andrew

References 

http://rollingstoneindia.com/qa-jinja-safari-singer-cameron-pepa-knight-traveling-india-record-songs/
https://www.facebook.com/pepaknight‎
www.jinjasafari.com/

Tuesday, 22 April 2014

Coldplay to release new album: 'Ghost Stories'


According to a recent post on their website, Britain's Coldplay will be releasing their sixth studio album, entitled Ghost Stories, on Monday the 19th of May. Already they have released three singles from the upcoming LP, Midnight, Magic, and Oceans.

The second single from Ghost Stories 'Magic' has already hit the number one spot in the billboard.com charts only one week after release. This is the alternative rock four piece's eleventh number one single, bringing them into a tie with legendary rock band U2 in the category of 'Adult Alternative'.

Speaking to Radio 1's Zane Lowe, frontman Chris Martin hinted that the new album would address his recent split with wife Gwyneth Paltrow: "Everyone in their live goes through their challenges - whether it's love or money or kids or illness." The reference is a rare breach of silence. Martin and Paltrow have kept their marriage and family life notoriously quiet.

Personal issues aside, the album is shaping up to be every bit as good as what we've come to expect from the well mannered rockers. The first single 'Midnight' has equal parts familiarity and freshness in a classic blend which has come to characterise Coldplay's releases. So what if they're the biggest band in the world, this reviewer shameless awaits this record with eagerness.

- Andrew

References

http://www.coldplay.com
http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/6041343/chart-highlights-coldplay-ties-u2-for-most-adult-alternative
http://www.mtv.co.uk/chris-martin/news/chris-martin-talks-one-direction-private-life-in-zane-lowe-interview
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/10673331/Coldplay-the-discreet-return-of-the-biggest-band-in-the-world.html

Monday, 21 April 2014

NEW ALBUM OF ISAAC DE HEER



Okay, I have pretty much no idea about music and the blogging and twittering so far, but am trying to hang on it! 
AND now just found this amazing indie musician, Melburnian Isaac De Heer. He will present his prog-folk stylings to the world with his new album Summer, and it's set to be released on Thursday 8 May.

 

here's what I've got Isaac de Heer's brief history from his webpage; he has supported some well known Australian and International acts including the Temper Trap, Luke Steele, Josh Pyke, FINK (UK) & Jamie Hutchings (Bluebottle Kiss). 

Currently live band ‘the River Tracks’ consists of David Gatica, Sol de Heer, Joel Lipson and Daniel Brates; who all bring their creative ideas to make the layered and expanding recorded material come to life. All albums have been crafted with the help of UK producer and friend Roger Mars.

With his new release, De Heer will also be touring Australia throughout May and June. Gigs will be played in Canberra on 15th of May, Central Coast on 17th of May, Sydney(156 Enmore Road Enmore, NSW 2000 on 18th of May; I actually really would like to go and listen to!), Byron Bay on 23rd of May, Brisbane on 25th of May, Adelaide (out of the point but Adelaide is my favo city) on 7th of June and Melbourne on 19th of June





here's the clip to listen to his songs on youtube from the past, 
haven't got the new release though! check this out :)) 

and

some more info is on his web 
http://www.isaacdeheer.com


-soy:)

Sunday, 20 April 2014

CMA – Creating Musical Art

One of the best music producers I’ve ever heard music from is produced by Connery Morgan Arendse.

A music-producing god (in my opinion) who is known as, simply, CMA.




This is my biased opinion: every song ever made or remixed by CMA or with CMA is amazing. Review over.

Nah, but seriously, with a passion for music, CMA started off producing at as early as the age of 13. Age 13! – At that age I was wondering what kind of hairstyle would make me look good...

If you don’t understand his talent and skill at producing musical gold, you need to get yourself educated.  The genre he works with predominantly is chillstep (and melodic dubstep), along with many more (eg. hip hop, indie and ambient) that he dabbles with, using FL studio (the software he uses). Now at age 18 and having come a long way with his talents to mesmerise and hypnotise listeners, his music has changed many people’s lives. It only makes sense because his artist influences include: Blackmill, Feint, MR FijiWiji, MitiS, Sacred, Kaj., nExow – all such producers working in similar genres (and they’re all amazing in their own right too).

Some of my favourites from CMA:


(You’re Free is from CMA’s Freedom EP – up for free download from soundcloud! Link below)



One of the best things about CMA is that he produces music with the intention of doing it for the people. Yes, his passion is evident in his music and of course he makes music because he loves it, but more than for himself, he does what he does for like-minded people who enjoy what he has to offer to the music world. They soak up his music and pour their love over him. He gives what he gets back and the cycle of music filled with pure soul is produced. Hence, CMA notes in his Facebook profile that his influences in general are majorly “The people who give me love.” That’s also a significant reason why he is amazing, as a producer, as a person – he realises that you shouldn’t have to pay to unwind or access music that will ease your body, mind and soul.  A top notch music producer he is, indeed.

There are just so many good things to say about CMA. So many feels. Honestly, his music and songs are remedial vibrations. So if you have not already heard his music, what are you waiting for? Stop over-thinking in life, take a chill pill, take a break from the fast-paced life, and just allow yourself to unwind as you step into CMA’s world where you’ll surely feel like doing nothing but be immersed in every song! Live and breathe in his music. Even if it’s not your type of genre, check his music out anyway!

And because this is/was a review, naturally, I give CMA and his music a 5/5.



Almost all of his songs are for free and downloadable (otherwise you can choose to buy and support him in his endeavours with music). Check him out: