Category: music

Brand New Festival Announced for Sydney in 2021

Posted on by Matthew Wotherspoon

Sydney-siders, if you’re fiending for live music in 2021, you’re in luck – because a brand new outdoor music festival is coming to The Domain this January/February.

Running from Friday 29 January until Sunday 21 February 2021, Summer In The Domain will feature Ball Park Music, Vera Blue, Client Liaison, Hayden James, Bjorn Again and more.

Vera Blue and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra will debut her Everything Is Wonderful show. As she puts it, she will showcase some of “your favourite songs and more with a yummy hybrid of electronics and lush orchestral sonics while you kick back on a picnic rug on the grass with your peeps.”

Tickets for Summer in the Domain go on sale 12 noon on Boxing Day. Full lineup and ticket info below.

Summer In The Domain 2021

Royal Botanic Garden & Domain – Sydney, NSW

  • Friday 29 January – Vera Blue & The Sydney Symphony Orchestra ‘Everything Is Wonderful’
  • Friday 5 February – Björn Again
  • Saturday 6 February – Client Liaison, Confidence Man and Touch Sensitive
  • Friday 12 February – Hayden James, Mallrat and Sycco
  • Friday 19 February- Sampa The Great, Kaiit, Genesis Owusu, Barkaa, Ebony Boadu
  • Saturday 20 February – Ball Park Music and Thelma Plum

Halsey, The Weeknd Call Out Grammys After Nominations Snub

Posted on by Matthew Wotherspoon

A number of high-profile artists, including The Weeknd and Halsey, have taken to social media to accuse the Grammys voting membership of shady behind-the-scenes practises.

Halsey, whose 2020 album Manic failed to receive any nominations, has come out to say:

“The Grammys are an elusive process,” she wrote in an Insta story.

“It can often be about private, behind the scenes performances, knowing the right people, campaigning through the grapevine, with the right handshakes and ‘bribes’ that can be just ambiguous enough to pass as ‘not-bribes’.”

She also suggested that in order for artists to be considered for a nomination, they must commit to performing to “help the Academy make their millions in advertising.”

“Perhaps its unbecoming of me to say so but I can’t care anymore,” Halsey continued.

“While I am THRILLED for my talented friends who were recognised this year, I am hoping for more transparency or reform.”

She concluding her post by saying that she expects to be blacklisted. She also made mention to the backlash regarding The Weeknd being excluded, writing he “deserved better.”

After Hours, The Weeknd’s 2020 album that broke records by holding the #1 spot on the US charts for a month, also failed to receive a single nomination.

In response to not being nominated, he took to Twitter to accuse the Grammys of being “corrupt”.

Drake, Kid Cudi, Elton John and Charlie Puth have all sided with The Weeknd. Drake wrote in an Instagram story:

“I think we should stop allowing ourselves to be shocked every year by the disconnect between impactful music and these awards and just accept that what once was the highest form of recognition may no longer matter to the artists that exist now and the ones that come after,”

“It’s like a relative you keep expecting to fix up but they just can’t change their ways.”

This year marks the first time that women have been included in all five nominations for best rock song, and for best country album.

Ice Nine Kills Unveil Spine-Chilling Trailer for Upcoming Event, “The Silver Stream”

Posted on by Matthew Wotherspoon

Hold onto your jocks and socks because metalcore pioneers Ice Nine Kills have just unveiled a freaky new trailer for their upcoming interactive horror experience, “The Silver Stream“.

Hosted by the band and cult horror icon, Bill Moseley (“House of 1000 Corpses”, “The Devil’s Rejects”, “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”), “The Silver Stream” will launch fans into a spine-chilling interactive experience that will feature concert footage from their upcoming live album, “I Heard They KILL Live!!“.

Speaking on this groundbreaking interactive horror experience, Ice Nine Kills frontman Spencer Charnas says:

“The only thing scarier than the horror that has been 2020 will be “The Silver Stream.’” Don’t miss THE event of the spooky season hosted by the one and only Bill Moseley.”

Renowned for his roles in cult horror films like “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2”, “House Of 1000 Corpses”, “The Devil’s Rejects”, and “Three From Hell“, Moseley has solidified himself as one of the most prolific actors to ever grace the horror genre.

He has received numerous honours and awards since he first stepped into the limelight, including Guest of Honor at the 2006 World Horror Convention; two Spike Awards, two Fangoria Chainsaw Awards, an Eyegore Award, the 2010 Song of the Year Award from the RockSolidPressure radio show for “Stupid Life of A Mom Eater” from Bill’s Spider Mountain album “No Way Down,” the 2011 SyFy/NBC/Universal Fantasy Horror Award for Career Achievement and the 2011 Crypt Icon Award. He is also a member of the Fangoria Magazine Horror Hall of Fame.

LIVE STREAM EVENT WILL BE HELD THIS FRIDAY OCTOBER 30.

TICKETS HERE.

Tickets for “The Silver Stream” are available now from iheardtheykilllive.com. Watch the new trailer here.

For more information, head to http://iceninekills.com/.

Kill The Lights Announce Debut Album, ‘The Sinner’

Posted on by Andrew Sorensen

Having signed up to Fearless Records, Kill The Lights have released the song “Through the Night” in anticipation of their debut album, “The Sinner”.

“The Sinner” will be available on all major streaming platforms on August 21.

Singer James Clark speaks on the origins of the song, saying it personally speaks to him.

“I have struggled for the longest time with anxiety and depression and ‘Through the Night’ is a snapshot of what is going through the mind of someone struggling with these types of mental health issues.

“The song takes you on a roller coaster ride and captures the ups and downs of someone carrying the weight of the world on their shoulders,” Mr Clark says.

He admits that he found the strength to seek help, but admits it is difficult being open about his problems and feelings.

“Sharing my struggles through my lyrics is a form of rehab for me – it allows me to be honest and open while still being able to hide behind the music.

“I hope that this song truly connects with listeners who feel trapped and alone with these types of feelings and that it empowers them to reach out and get the help they might need.” Mr Clarks says.

Kill The Lights features an all-star line-up consisting of former Throw the Fight vocalist James Clark, still remains guitarist Jordan Whelan, ex-Bullet For My Valentine drummer Michael Thomas and former Threat Signal guitarist Thomas Montgomery.

Kill The Lights debut album “The Sinner” is available on all major streaming services and in-store August 21.

Miiesha, Baker Boy lead National Indigenous Music Awards finalists

Posted on by Andrew Sorensen

On August 8, the National Indigenous Music Awards will be streamed on National Indigenous Television, Double J, National Indigenous Radio Services, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.

Produced in partnership with NITV, the music awards will display the many different artists and musicians to all of Australia.

Hosted by Elaine Coombe and Steven Oliver, the night will bring a fun and family program to all screens and viewers.

The finalists for this year’s awards include Mieesha, Baker Boy and Jessica Mauboy.

Speaking on the awards, Ben Graetz said that “we are able to showcase many more of our first nation artists and musicians through the virtual platform.”

Mr Graetz is excited to connect many throughout regional Australia saying that “this year is so exciting,”

Adding to this, the NIMAs will have a 100% first nations camera crew for the production and production crew.

Head of Indigenous Content at SBS and NITV Channel Manager, Tanya Oman, said that “NIMA’s always hold a special spot on our events calendar.

“In a year that has been particularly challenging, we can’t wait to celebrate the biggest and brightest talents in the first nations music community and share the experience Australia wide.”

The NIMAs will be live from Larrakia Country (Darwin), with artists joining in from around the country, performing live, accepting awards and joining in the national celebration of indigenous music.

The National Indigenous Music Awards airs at 7pm on August 8 across NITIV, Double J, National Indigenous Radio Services, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Fit For A King announce new album “The Path”

Posted on by Andrew Sorensen

Dallas based metalcore band, Fit For A King, is slated to release their sixth album “The Path” on September 18, through Solid State Records via Spotify and Apple Music.

Placing a greater emphasis on guitar solos and choruses, they are focusing more on what fans loved most about their previous albums.

Frontman Ryan Kirby says the band was inspired by their struggles with mental health, saying that this album is focusing on them fighting their way out.

“With ‘the path’ we find our way out, and claim victory over our demons we have faced and are currently facing.

“This album is made to be the soundtrack for your victory over what mentally and physically holds us back,” says Mr Kirby.

Releasing a single from their album, “Breaking the Mirror”, the single gained close to two million streams in just a month over release.

The main focus of the song is about moving on from the past, rather than just simply ignoring it.

“In the past, we dove into some pretty dark areas of life, with Dark Skies being the pinnacle of hopelessness,” says Mr. Kirby.

Fit For A King’s sixth album “The Path” will be released on September 18 and can be pre-ordered at ffak.ffm.to/thepath.

Family of Australian Artist Harry Hains’ Releases First Posthumous Single

Posted on by Andrew Sorensen

Following the death of Australian Actor, Harry Hains, his family has released his single “Good Enough” on June 26 in honour of his life and legacy.

Having passed away in January of this year, the Melbourne born artist’s song “Good Enough” is the first track from the upcoming EP “A Glitch in Paradise”, which will be released later this year.

“Good Enough” (also known as Antiboy) offers a portal into a world where there is freedom to live without labels.

“Antiboy represents the idea that most things that we are taught to believe in are an illusion,” said Mr Hains.

Noted for his involvement in American Horror Story, Mr Hains was a talented musician, actor and model.

Growing up in Melbourne, he displayed a unique imagination as a child, where he often created horror films on his camcorder, wrote short stories and many poems inspired by Sylvia Plath and EE Cummings.

Sourcing inspiration from his mother, Jane Badler, Mr Hains lived, ate and breathed music, film and art creation.

“Good Enough” Imagines the world as a robot utopia where there is no inequality, prejudice or toxicity.

In the song, Mr Hains creates a world where humans and machines coexist and eventually conjoin together.

Using a robotic, neutral vocal delivery to remove any genders and labels, he opens the way for conversation about what the future of humanity should and could be.

“The idea of gender, sexuality and race are social constructs.

“The Surface doesn’t matter anymore. It’s really who we are, that’s what matters,” Mr Hains said.

An amalgamation of rock, electronica, and gothic pop, the songs in A Glitch in Paradise don’t conform to one genre.

Rather, the songs focus on topics such such as whether they are a good enough for a partner and feeling incapable of moving on.

The song “Good Enough” is available now and can be streamed through YouTube.

I Prevail drop VR video version of DOA, Collaborating with rapper Joyner Lucas

Posted on by Andrew Sorensen

Having released a VR version of their song, DOA, (featuring rapper Joyner Lucas) I Prevail wanted to take fans inside their world and show them the problems they face.

“The video will take you inside the world we built for ‘DOA’ and give you a front row seat to the problems we are facing.” I Prevail said in a statement.

Having generated over 200 million total streams on last years blockbuster, Trauma, the group has received nominations for two Grammy Awards in 2020: One awarded to Trauma for best rock album, another for best metal performance for the single, Bow Down.

The band managed to turn a mental health breakdown into a powerful body of work.

This resulted in 200 million streams, 100 million views, and a top 15 debut on the billboard top 200.

I Prevail went on to receive coverage from Variety, NPR and Psychology today for their accomplishments.

As such, they have become a prominent member of the rock genre and are now a favorite with their fans, boasting a strong relationship with them.

The VR video for DOA is available now and can be watched on YouTube.

I Prevail’s DOA featuring Joyner Lucas is out now through Fearless Records and Caroline Australia.

My Kid Brother shares new song “Ain’t that cool”

Posted on by Andrew Sorensen

Based out of Leesburg, Virignia, the band “My Kid Brother” have shared the video for their song, “Ain’t that cool”.

Singer/guitarist Christian Neonakis says he was obsessed with Jackie Wilson’s song Higher and Higher, which inspired him to write something in a similar style.

“It was difficult. I didn’t like anything I was making. So then I wrote a song about how frustrated I was with trying to write a song.” Mr Neonakis said.

The band fuses the piano with wistful psychedelic melodies, quirky guitars, hummable harmonies and male-female vocal interplay.

My Kid brother previously premiered the video for “Daydream”, which featured a clandestine dance party, parrots and dogs, at Alternative Press.

After three years of flaunting their scene and nostalgic tunes Across the USA, the band signed up to Fearless Records to help release some of their works.

The band stars Christian Neonakis as the vocalist/guitarist, Piano Whitman on the keyboard and as the vocalist, Sam Athanas on the drums, Dylan Savopolous on the guitar and Richard Smith on the Bass.

Further information on My Kid Brother’s fearless records debut will be announced soon.

“Ain’t that cool” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

Caiti Baker delivers on second album “Mary of the North”

Posted on by Andrew Sorensen

Hailing from the Northern Territory, singer/songwriter Caiti Baker has recently released her second album, Mary of the North.

Mary of the North was written as a tribute to her home state, the Northern Territory.

Originally starting off as a concept album, it has grown to become a lens that invites listeners to view the world through Mary’s eyes.

When asked about the album, Miss Baker says that Mary of the North is “the essence of the Northern Territory to me.”

“I wrote about what came naturally to me at the time, which was during some extremely sobering and emotional moments in Australia’s Environmental History.”

She was inspired by the many residents that make up the Northern Territory Community, where she wanted “listeners to hear the textures, colours and tones that make this place the incredibly unique and interesting home that it is to many.”

With Mary of the North being the second album released by Miss Baker, the album features songs such as Carry you, which lets Miss Bakers unique vocals take centre stage to highlight her heartfelt promise to those she loves.

The album features many songs that allow listeners to explore the full experience, which refuses to be defined by a genre.

Mary of the North features more creative exploration with producer (and long-term collaborator), James Mangohig, along with artwork being designed and printed by artist Frank Gohier.

Fiercely proud of her home, her accomplishments and where she comes from, Miss Baker continues to look to the future and where she is yet to go.

Mary of the North is out now via Settle down records.