With the release of the forth studio album 'Until The Quiet Comes' from LA's multi-genre experimental producer Flying Lotus comes his short film of the same name, directed by Kahlil Joseph.
Stream FlyLo's whole album, featuring Thom Yorke and Erykah Badu, over at the Guardian.
Ah gigs, they're just one of the many benefits of the hotter months. And with all the good music entering our Australian shores in the coming months - we sit patiently, palms sweaty with anticipation!
American producer Floating Points will be performing as apart of Melbourne Music Week's 'Espionage feat..' night. Yet he's certainly not the only act.
Brace yourself.
Floating Points (Eglo/UK)
Alexander Nut (Eglo/UK)
Teebs (Brainfeeder/USA)
Africa Hitech (Warp/UK)
Fatima (Eglo/Sweden)
Sean Deans (The Operatives)
JPS (The Operatives)
Nam (The Operatives)
Edd Fisher (The Operatives)
With Melbourne Music Week emerging from the shadows this November I sit down with Face the Music guest and speaker Almudena Heredero.
The Spanish native is one of the founders of highly successful music conference, the PrimaveraPro conference in Barcelona and that's just the tip of the ice cold San Miguel.
I'm looking forward to speaking to the European entrepreneur tonight!
To buy tickets to her Melbourne events click here.
Portable's 2012 Melbourne Curators Conference was a heady mix of music maestros, terrific techs, editorial-enigmas, media magnets et al. The Fitzroy Town Hall hosted a whole day of stories, experiences and lessons - a truly great day by the Portable staff.
One of the talks that really resonated with me was by Violent Femmes co-founder and bassist Brian Ritchie. Although originally from Milwaukee he now resides in Hobart where he curates annual festival Mona Foma. Every January Ritchie pushes the boundaries and in turn people's expectations of themselves and what they think they like.
January 2013 sees Former Talking Heads frontman David Byrne and St. Vincent as headliners.
I sat down with Ritchie on his last day in Melbourne and talked about everything from the delicacies of his hometown to the Violent Femmes adoration of the Beatles.
George Michael has cancelled his November concert tour of Australia, claiming to be suffering from lingering ‘‘anxiety’’ in the wake of a major health scare late last year.
In a statement issued via his website, the controversial English singer announced the cancellation of his forthcoming Australian shows, adding that to do so ‘‘breaks my heart’’.
The 49-year-old singer cancelled a concert in Vienna scheduled for November 21 last year due to what was initially reported as ‘‘a chest infection’’. At the time, his management believed he would be able to recover in time for a show two days later in Strasbourg.
In less than a year, this is the second artist toured by Dainty Group that has cancelled. The first being Janet Jackson in early Nov 2011.
Renaissance man James Franco has teamed up with musician Tim O'Keefe to release an EP of original music under the name "Daddy". Named MotorCity, the EP is inspiredby Franco's trip to Detroit to film Oz: The Great and Powerful. It has an old school, Motown feel to it with the first single, "Love In The Old Days", being mostly spoken-word.
"Drowning in debauchery is a rather misleading turn of phrase. It could lend itself to a situation full of hedonistic zest or one of a downward spiral whose end is met by pit of regret and bone-shivering comedowns. Brandon Block can relate to both – over the last 3 decades the veteran house music producer has journeyed through the eras that we merely hear about...But this isn’t the obituary of one of Ibiza’s lauded players; it is the story of his return from abyss." Full interview here.
Spray & Wipe are hosting a party of epic proportions. On 21 Sep St Kilda's The Espy will be heaving with music-heads and party animals. With Northeast Party House as the headliner and Oscar+Martin, Dune Rats and Drunk Mums all on board - this is sure to sell out. Ten days later, Dune Rats and Drunk Mums come together once more for the I Oh You Halloween party.
The boys from record label/ party machine I OH YOU are never one to sit back and smell the flowers - their reputation is one of loud, raucous fun and it's what has made them so successful. As a Melbourne-based collective the 20-somethings have worked hard and along the way signed Dune Rats and most recently Melbourne's City Calm Down.
To get a taste of what the boys have to offer check out their Halloween party!
I struggle to keep my eyes open while my ears work on over-drive. They are my tools and the XX's sophomore studio album is l'objet d'amour. Though after spending a little over half an hour listening to the post-dubstep, surly, electro-rock offering I'm not convinced. Elements of their debut weave throughout but nothing captures me. Nothing arrests my attention - interrupting my train of thought.
It's disappointing but I'm not surprised. There's a reason why the crowd loves a soul singer - we love to see the strain in their face because we want to see the music as much as we want to hear it. Watch an XX liveshow and you'll get little more than pursed-lips between verses.
Anyone who loved 'Fire In Cairo' off Digitalism's Idealism should hope the German electro-house duo gave thanks The Cure before pressing finish. The track is a re-edit of The Cure's Fire in Cairo and one of the stand-out tracks on the 2007 debut.
Digitalism's re-edit:
Mr. Wasalu Muhammad Jaco aka Lupe Fiasco has decided to close the door to the world of music and open a book.
Today the rapper well known for hits like 'Kick Push', 'Superstar' and most recent 'The Show Goes On' declared, via Twitter, that he was ready to embrace his long-life passion of literature.
Perhaps this recent collab with Guy Sebastian had something to do with his change of heart?
Ah the early 90s. A time of big hair, big eyebrows, slow jams and smooth r 'n' b!
With a bevy of charming love operators, it was all about heartthrobs and a capellas... and Boyz II Men were in their prime!
So what better way to relive those light-hearted fluttering feelings than by purchasing a ticket to their up-coming Australian tour this November.
Their 2011 album, Twenty, celebrates the two decades the group has spent in the industry since releasing their genre-defining debut, Cooleyhigharmony back in 1991. Twenty features some of the group’s first original material in almost ten years, as well as remastered versions of their classic '90s hits like Motownphilly and I’ll Make Love To You.
So we already know RiRi will be gracing the stage at the VMA's but what about the Paralympics?
I mean why not? If not for the money (she's already got enough of that), the fame (I think she's pretty popular) then why not for the sake of good-will?
Entitled Festival of the Flame the 9 September event is said to feature Coldplay, Jay-Z and now, bad girl herself, Rihanna.
The festival is based around the five elements: earth, fire, wind, ice and water and will mark the end of the 2012 Paralympics.. And with that sort of line of I will most definitely be tuning in.
Michael Clarke Duncan was most famously known as the burly prison inmate in Tom Hanks' Green Mile. It's the movie that bought him to fame and the one that lead to staring roles in The Whole Nine Yards, Sin City, Planet of the Apes and Kung Fu Panda.
Clarke died today after being treated at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, for a heart-attack. Condolences have flooded the Internet with many tweets coming from celebrity pals, including: Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnston.
A lot of people don't know that the industrial-size actor first came under the spotlight as Notorious B.I.G's body guard. It was the fateful night of the shooting that led him to quit his job and pursue his life-long dream of acting. He also worked as a body-guard for Will Smith and Jamie Foxx.
He leaves behind his fiancee Reverend Omarosa Manigault.
In the short while since '212', Harlem rapper Azealia Banks has embraced a complete dress change. For the new '1991' Banks channels '90s Vogue - a black two piece suit, maroon lipstick, slick wavy hair..
It's hello Janet Jackson a la Rhythm Nation and Naomi Campbell a la EVERY 90s magazine cover.
The Justin Mitchell-directed video also shows a dash of Crystal Water's "100% Pure Love" for good measure.
Sound: think M-People.
The 22 century 90s diva continues to ride the wave with the Rankin-directed follow-up 'Vogue'.
British India's newie 'I Can Make You Love Me' is a foot stomping, show-stopper and it's the perfectly infectious song to help them get back into the game.
Although a polished and a mature song from the Melbourne boys it's also radio-friendly - without sacrificing its sincerity. YEA!
Directed by Melbourne's OH YEAH WOW.
Also responsible for:
- Gotye's Easy Way Out.
I'll also be interview Director Darcy P from Oh Yea Wow over at Profile Pub.
++ You'll like this if you like: Foals - Spanish Sahara.
Why not take photos of the location where a photo was taken?
What may have once seemed STUPIDLY insincere is now not so, thanks to technology.
Sarcasm aside, taking a photo of the location where an album cover was shot, is a pretty novel idea.. It had me hooked for at least 3 mins. 3 mins on 1 web-page? That's pretty good for the Internet.
Recently saw Labyrinth while on a week long holiday in Tasmania. A friend had bought it for the bargain price of $10 from the local Safeway and after watching it I was no longer confused by its price-tag.
True I'm not a fan of musicals or mullets BUT the only way I can take this late 80s movie seriously is by believing that it is a complete and utter joke. Yes, it made its way into the pop-cult dictionary with references peppered throughout my Facebook timeline but I don't see what all the fuss is about.
It's one of those things that you have to of least say that you've seen.
So I've seen it.
Anyway, David Bowie as an actor -maybe not. David Bowie as the curator of this album: 'Let's Dance'. YES PLEASE.
As an opportunity to embrace the works of emerging artists and designers alike,Design:Made:Trade saw Melbourne’s Royal Exhibition centre abuzz with curious observers and makers.... more after the jump.
It looks like everyone's favourite girl from the block is FINALLY making her to Australia. After more than a decade in the music business I actually cannot believe that this will be J.Lo's first visit??
Her acclaimed Dance the World tour will see her visit all the capital cities this December!
We loved her in Maid in Manhattan, we supported her during her Ben Affleck 'phase' we congratulated her on her twins with Marc Anthony and bemoaned their break-up. But the girl from the Bronx kept climbing, first to American Idol and now onto a plane destined for down-under.
Fancy a meet-and-greet with the latin lady herself? $850 will get you there! I'd pay it.
Janet Jackson's 'Up Close & Personal' tour is in limbo. After weeks of waiting, after days of prepping and after losing out by minutes - I finally nab 3 gold seated tix to the second Melbourne show in November 2011.
And then the unexpected occurs - the youngest Jackson sibling postpones the tour and moves it from the intimate setting of the Arts Centre to the oversized space-ship that is Rod Laver Arena.
They could have at least changed the name to: 'No longer So Up Close & Intimate Suckers'. And then when you think life can't get any worse - yet more apologies.
Tickets are refunded and a tour that was, is no longer.
Janet Jackson does a well-below par performance at the first Melbourne show and is flown back to the States to be with her family during Michael Jackson's court case.
Sometimes we forget that celebrities are 'real', human-beings experiencing 'similar' trials and tribulations to the rest of us.
Reviewing Feist's new album Metals for JB HIFI mag. Not a massive fan of most of her stuff.. so this could be a rather interesting / or not so interesting activity.
Listen to a stream here!
Currently writing an interview for Scroobius Pip. The UK spoken word artist most recently released the solo album Distraction Piece, a much darker departure from his collaborative work with Dan Le Sac. With Danny Lohner, of Nine Inch Nails' fame, in the production chair it seems Pip was able to delve deep beneath the cavities for something quite thought-provoking.
Check out the opening track 'Introdiction'. The video is incredibly intense!
As the third biggest city in Texas, Dallas’ economy is primarily based on banking, commerce and telecommunications. It’s music scene, at the best of times, revels in country rock, where plectrums pluck strings and sticks beat drums, and no one knows this better than Gina Star... I talk to Texan born dance music DJ Gina Star right here!
Kissy Sell Out talks about graphic design, podcasts and new album ‘Wild Romance’ ahead of his return to Sankeys this month. Check out my full Q&A with Kissy here.
I speak to British producer/DJ Krafty Kuts, a musical mind, who's not afraid to announce the outlandish. Go to a KK gig and expect to hear tracks you've never heard before, and you can quote him on that.
Twin Sisters' debut 'In Heaven' is just that. Wow, listening to it makes me regress to a childlike state where innocence paves my every way. Where wrongdoing is only out of naivety and not malicious intent. When you close your eyes the corners of your mouth curve, without warning, without instruction. Your mouth smiles because you ears tell it to..
Playbutton, the circle with might, has finally come into fruition. It grew little arms and made it's way to our Australian shores. What the hell am I talking about? The Playbutton is quite literally a button which when connected to headphones plays an album in its whole glory. It's about reverting to the days when people appreciated the album from start to finish, there was none of this skipping business, or worse still downloading just this song or that.
Melbourne store Third Drawer Down now have them in stock for $30 a pop. They currently stock three albums by: The XX, Bow Ribbons and Dirty Three.
Head over to the Opening Ceremony blog to read an interview with the Spanish creator Nick Dangerfield.
Produced by the one and only BONOBO, this Andreya Triana track remixed by Flying Lotus! The track isn't new but it's certainly a precursor to the full album. With Bonobo on board expectations are, naturally, high.
The Ed Banger crew have dug up a mixtape made by the late DJ Mehdi in tribute to J Dilla. It dates back to 2002 and properly does both artists justice. RIP.
DJ MEHDI "Loukoums" by edbangerrecords
Ever the beat inspector Austrian hip hop, funk, electronic sampler Dorian Concept releases the full version of Hug Her Elbow. Get ready for some glitchy computer sounds. Dorian Concept - Hug Her Elbow - FULL by Dorian Concept
A babin' mix by the super hyped James Blake. He's currently the UK's number 1 export, depending on who you're talking to, and this BBC Essential Mix is a pretty apt portrayal of his musical range. From experimental to classical he reaches many peaks and I would even go as far as saying it trumps his debut.
Not a die hard James Blake fan, of course he has his winning tracks but I'd rather listen to Mount Kimbie or Joy Orbison any day. Nevertheless this is 2 hours that'll fly by.
Love Blood Orange aka Dev Hynes. Other monikers he goes by include Lightspeed Champion and Test Icicles. Don't love the last two so much but the former appeases my angst-ridden soul. Who knew mixing acoustics and funk could sound so good. Who knew the boy with the cowboy hat could deliver such varied soundscapes.
He even knows B-B-Beyonce!
Check his Blood Orange Tumbler and check his 2011 album 'Coastal Grooves'. One of the best albums thus far. Interviewing him for LeCool London was a bloody nightmare but all has been forgiven now that ''Coastal Grooves' has come into play.
The UK's Ghost Poet is making his way to Melbourne this October! He'll be playing the Northcote Social on Oct 20! More info over at Beat.
This guy has his lyrics and rhythm down pat. 2010's 'The Sound of Strangers' was just the precursor to his Mercury prize nominated 'Peanut Butter Blues & Melancholy Jam'.
Oh wowzer. Here's a second helping from America's The Drums. Since their debut, members have come and gone, and the once quartet is now a trio fortunately their music is just as poppy and New Order inspired as ever.
Portamento is not as bright and chirpy as the debut but it's got just as many hooks and even more catchy tunes.
Enjoy, then go buy it :)
Geoffrey O'Connor is a Melbourne lad who makes you sway in your seat. His music is synth pop laced with emotive lyrics. Listen to his voice and it'll remind you of something, That something being Melbourne band Crayon Fields.
Now solo artist O'Connor, once the frontman for Crayon Fields, has ventured forth sans his counterparts and we're pretty damn excited.
See him support Lucky Dragons (US) at The Toff in Town on 12 Oct! Tix here.
Jonti - Hornet's Nest by stonesthrow
Dope new tune from Sydney-sider Jonti. Track is called Hornet's Nest and is released via mega label Stones Throw. Love it!
Ahead of their Trilogy show in November, I talk to Sigma about impending EPs, musical politics and their Life podcasts – an extension beyond the raised stages and audio peripherals. Interview here.
Electronica’s dark horse Steve Lawler talks about black holes, illegal motorway parties and why all DJs should have their own labels. View full interview here.
Leeds DJ and producer James Barnsely found music when he was merely 12. It was an elder brother’s friend that introduced him to a world that would one day become his own. He doesn’t feed the on-stage antic clichés, but instead all his energies are focused on the turntables in front of him.
A couple of weeks ago it was gig night at Melbourne's The Evelyn, curated by Fallopian Tunes. They're a Melbourne musical collective of the more experimental, electronica side. Even the organisers are in a band!
Introducing Yolke, it's a quartet of live instrumental; it's one hell of a hollistic ride.
Donny Benet "Don't Hold Back" from SPOD on Vimeo.
He's touring Aus. Signed to label Rice is Nice, Donny Benet does Italo electro disco! Can you believe this Sydney born beb used to have a residency at the Las Vegas Airport Hilton Entertainment Lounge! EPIC! He's playing Melbourne's Workers Club on 13 August! X
I talk to DJ Friction ahead of his Global Gathering slot about festival season, Shogun Audio, and why a laptop is the last thing you'll see at one of his shows. Click here to read the interview.
London duo Nero is Daniel Stephens and Joe Ray; signed to Chase & Status’ MTA imprint they’re currently readying their debut LP ‘Welcome Reality’ for the world at large. Click here for the full interview.
A certain body told me off for being slack. They weren't so much angry as they were disappointed. Guilt trip worked. Loving this 80s track. Hear that scream!
NY's experimental trio Battles talk about their recent release Gloss Drop and their collaboration with electronica master Gary Numan. Click here to see the interview.
Check out Melbourne quartet Isle Adore. Lovin' the Ariel Pink-esque-nes, echoed vocals and seemingly off-key notes, in all their tracks especially 'Lazy'.
Their Grace Darling residency will be finishing up this month, so get down and see them play on 21 April, with support from 'Milk Teddy', 'Towels' and 'The Fish'.
The best thing about being a music writer is discovering bands you would have never had batted an inch of an eyelash at, had it not been part of the job description.
I recently reviewed Kimbra at Melbourne's the Corner Hotel. I'm not a massive fan of her neo-soul, smokey-eyed reverberations but seeing her show did open my eyes to who she was and what she had on offer. A broad perspective of the what's going on around you is always a good thing. The crowd went nuts when 'Settle Down' escaped the collective on-stage peripherals but I'm pretty impressed at the calibre of impending single 'Cameo Lover' - it gives the well-known 'Settle Down' a run for its money.
Interviewed the Detroit born-and-bred Seth Troxler today. The producer spoke about his new collective Visionquest and reminisced to a childhood that greatly shaped who he has become today. It was a great interview though it did not go like this:
Check out the Footprintz 'Golden Dreams', the second release via the Visionquest imprint.
I am more than prone to monologues; however, this is solely due to the manner in which they compliment a witty anecdote and their ability to resemble concrete evidence when it is so obviously lacking.
I often wish I could emulate that aloof character who coolly stands in the corner smiling mysteriously as if she has a secret. However, I fear resisting the temptation to involve myself in other people’s conflicts and responding through body language rather than verbose banter may come across as contrived and arrogant. And, I am not willing to take that chance.