Summer playlist suggestions and my Aussiest post to date

For us Aussies summer is coming and it's damn exciting. For me, Summer entails lots of beer, beach and BBQs, so having a great summer playlist is a must! There is nothing better than sitting back in the sun and listening to some great tunes. What I look for in a Summer playlist is that easy chilled out feel with a beat that flows and makes you feel like there isn't a care in the world. I've always believed that certain music can be classified into certain seasons. For example Jack Johnson in my opinion can only be classified as a Summer type artist whilst Adele's music is something that I would listen to on a cold Winters day rugged up by the fire with a glass of red wine. Just me?

Anyway I have two new artists that you may want to add to your Summer playlist if you're keen. 

First artist that you may consider is newly signed Brizzy born, Kita Alexander. She's young, surfy and has a sonic aesthetic with catchy chorus that will leave you wanting to jump into the waves. She has made a few waves on Triple J with her two singles and has just been signed to Atlantic Records. I first heard about her when I brought my ticket for the Jarryd James and Meg Mac gig that is later on in December, which Alexander is the support. After checking her out I found myself singing her songs in my head over and over again. She is a perfect addition to a Summer playlist and I can't wait to see her live next month!

Check out her two singles here

You can also download her EP here

The second artist that I would like to put on the table for your playlist is Dan Kelly. Been active in music since 2003, Kelly has released lots of material under alias names and with other bands/artists but has recently released his second solo album called Leisure Panic. It's great! Full of twisty, wacky but smart lyrics, plenty of bass guitar and feel good moments. I first discovered Dan when he released his single Bindi Irwin Apocalypse ( 2010) and was very impressed. But I only found out whilst writing this piece that he is the nephew of Aussie icon Paul Kelly. Dan's accent, style of singing and lyrics in some songs do remind of a male Courtney Barnett, but his music flows easier through the ears. If you want to feel even Aussier during your fam BBQ add Dan to your playlist.

Check out his lead single here 

Download his Album here 

My sad song.. 

'Let It Be Me' by Ray LaMontagne

Adele's Hello has got me thinking. The song is sad and people have posted their crying reactions to the song. People still dig a emotional belter! Whilst 'Hello' doesn't give me the tears ( I still like to belt it though), I wanted to share my favourite sad song. My go to song when I feel like shit. What I put on to match my emotions but also uplift me enough to get out of my drizzly mood. It's great to have that song that you can always turn to and no matter what will deliver the goods that you are looking for. I've shared this song with close friends that have been down in the dumps and its allowed them to cry their hearts out, then they have said that the song makes them feel happy after the tears have gone. Music is therapy, and now I'm sharing it with you, thank me later.  

The therapist is Ray LaMontagne. He is an American singer/songwriter who has been in the game since 1999 and has released 5 studio albums. His music is brilliant and you will often hear his music in touching scenes on both film and TV. 

LaMontagne's song that really gets me is 'Let It Be Me'. Listen below-

Verse 1, just sums up the feeling of being shut down, stomped on and spat out. Feeling completely helpless. Which is a feeling that everyone goes through from time to time. It's like this verse speaks to you and can relate to what you are going through. It's nice when someone(thing) just gets you. Then the chorus comes in just when the tears are flowing and wraps it's big cuddly arms around you. “If it's a friend you need, let it be me”. The chorus is like a loving mum that tells you it will all be ok. Its comforting and I love it. But just when you start to feel a little bit better, verse 2 comes in and helps you release that last bit of the sookies.

This song is so powerful to me, and it will always be. I hold it close to me when I need it. Now you can adopt it as your own or feel free to post below your cry song.  

'Everybody wants'  Half Moon Run   

That song that stops you in your tracks and speaks your actually thoughts. As a young dude in this crazy world, I have been thinking a lot about the impact social media has on us all. Sometimes, it's easier to display that you're something through social media when in fact you're not. It seems in this day and age people often self promote through various social media platforms, the type of person they want others to think they are. We are all guilty of it, as we often only offer the positives in our lives rather than the negatives. Only natural to make others think your life is full of fun adventures.

Well, while I was having all these thoughts I was scrolling through my Instagram account and my good friend Tom Odell had posted a picture that he labeled as his 'new favourite album'. The album was 'Sun Leads Me On' by Half Moon Run. Because Tom said it's his fav, I instantly downloaded it on Itunes. After a listen I was blown away, a diverse album full of rocky beats and mellow storytelling. The lead singer's voice was bloody beautiful! Canadian band, Half Moon Run have been around since 2010 releasing two albums, one mid this year. Why have I only heard about them now?

After a few more listens one song screamed out louder for love than the others. It's not the heaviest song on the album but it is a builder. 'Everybody wants' starts off slow with a lyric that instantly speaks to me, 'Everybody wants to be someone else. Everyone needs to be somewhere else. To fit right in, to be ordinary but not the same'. The song then builds perfectly with added instruments and echoing backing vocals.

This song is magic and can really make you think, which I always love from a song. 'Everybody wants' is not a single and it's presence isn't really online for me to show you. That's the gift you sometimes get from exploring a full album, you may fall in love with a track that may not get noticed at all by others.

You can download the album here or stream it here

Chris Watts and the power of the indie

Anyone that has known my music taste over the years would know that I love a 'story telling acoustic song'. I love the personal feel, the way the artist can build a story through their lyrics whilst adding a neat melody that makes you tap along. A lot of my friends use to always ask me "doesn't it all sound the same?". I would always reply with "no way, each song is telling a different story and its beautiful shhh." Back then, that's the only real genre of music I use to listen too. My music spectrum has broaden now that I'm technically an adult, but I still love to chill out and listen to a sweet voice, a personal story and that twang of a guitar.

So when I come across an artist like Chris Watts I get all excited. He is full of the stuff I love and gives me this happy rush when I hear his music. And the best thing is, he is from Melbourne so the chances of me seeing him live are very possible (already checked out his gig list and yes very possible). I first heard his track Broken Bones, which is still in my head a week later. It is a perfect mix of chilled out vibes with plenty of heart. I guess its a song about a past lover that you just can't get out of your head. Once I heard this track accompanied by the self made music video, I was madly searching for more.

Luckily my good friend Triple J Unearthed was there to calm me down with three tracks that are available to download for free. Honey, which is much more upbeat and makes you knee slap, and Back Down, a track that is like the middle ground between the other tracks. You can download these tracks by clicking here. Chris Watts has released an album which I have recently downloaded on iTunes and I have to say its my go to album after a busy day of work. From what I have gathered online, Chris is touring locally, making touches to a yet released possible single called Let It Go and working on a new album.

Chris is unsigned, and is a 'do it yourself' type artist. With the changes in the music industry, how people listen to music and the advances in technology, artists' like Chris don't necessary need a record deal to smash it and to be noticed. The labels use to have a tight grip on the steering wheel, with the artist in the passenger seat. However over the last few years, the independents have grabbed the wheel and are co-steering. An indie can record their music from their home, release it to many platforms on the internet where it can be accessed by anyone who has a smart phone, can turn on a computer and has internet. This allowing the indie to build their own fan base up from scratch. When the labels start to notice, the indie has some power, as they now have a brand that is appetising to the label. With the right fit, this could be a beautiful relationship, but a 'do it yourself' artist will always want two hands on the wheel and will wait to the right fit because the music matters not the money.

Chris has found other ways to get noticed and allow his tunes to be heard by a wider audience, without a label backing him. Chris teamed up with Ditto Music, an online distribute service who got his music out to the right people and platforms. This sparked Chris to be noticed by a new comp at MTV OZ called 'Brand New' where he was the only indie against other signed acts. Although Chris didn't win, he still got heaps of publicity including a spot on Channel Nine's Today and feature videos on Vevo.

The game is changing, and its an exciting time to be a wanting to create a future in music. I honestly believe if you have the talent, the songs and the presence you will be heard. You may not get global success and fly around on jets stuffed with $100 bills but people will notice and jump behind you.

VELCRO MARY

Jason Erb is behind the smooth indie rock that is Velcro Mary. Written, preformed, recorded, mixed and mastered by this one man band, who comes from the cool scene  that is coming out of North Carolina, USA. A love of babes dancing on camera and mid 90s alt rock, is what this band is all about. I was luckily enough to have a listen Velcro Mary's new album Leave A Light On before it's release on the 6^th of Nov (STATES TIME). What I loved about this album is that it's varied. There is that sexy bass and drum, which creates that feeling of closing your eyes and letting your body move freely. That soft rock story telling feel. That heavy electric guitar that drives the song. And that voice which doesn't take away from the music nor does it dominate it.  

Stand out tracks for me is One and Done~ the most acoustic track on the album, something you could roll down the windows in your car and cruise on a summer day to. Whilst the breeziness of the melody is enjoyable, the lyrics for me tell a serious story about judgement and the power of a drink.

Another stand out is Freezing to death- Love the riff and the clip are both weird but brilliant!

Velcro Mary just released a new clip for Smoke the other day just before the album release. Its not my favourite song on the album and the film clip is a little awkward to watch, but give it a listen as it shows another tone of the album.

It just shows you how far technology has come with this whole album being made from one man DIY style! Check out the album Leave A Light On by Velcro Mary that is released on 6^th of Nov here   

The Aria Awards are just around the corner!

With Aussie music's night of nights coming up on the 26th of November I thought I would create a post on who I think will win in most of the category.


Australian music rocks at the moment and the world is paying full attention. Award nights are great for showcasing the talent that we have in this country and for discovering new artists to listen to. However remember that these nominees are only a small pinch of the talent that we have, so don't forget to support the acts that are still climbing the music ladder. Who knows they might be the next big thing at the 2016 Arias!




Telstra Album Of The Year


Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit (Milk! Records/Remote Control)

Flight Facilities - Down To Earth (Future Classic)

Hermitude - Dark Night Sweet Light (Elefant Traks)

Tame Impala – Currents (Modular / Universal Music Australia)

Vance Joy - Dream Your Life Away (Liberation Music)




Best Female Artist


Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit (Milk! Records / Remote Control)

Jessica Mauboy - Can I Get A Moment? (Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Meg Mac - MEGMAC EP (littleBIGMAN / Inertia)

Megan Washington - There There (Mercury Australia / Universal Music Australia)

Sia - Elastic Heart (Inertia Recordings)




Best Male Artist


#1 Dads – Nominal (Pieater / Inertia) Daniel Johns – Talk (Eleven / EMI)

Guy Sebastian - Tonight Again (Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Jarryd James - Do You Remember (Jarryd James Music / Dryden Street Limited)

Vance Joy - Dream Your Life Away (Liberation Music)




Best Group


5 Seconds of Summer – LiveSOS (EMI)

AC/DC - Rock Or Bust (Alberts / Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Hermitude - Dark Night Sweet Light (Elefant Traks / Inertia Music)

Tame Impala – Currents (Modular / Universal Music Australia)

The Preatures - Blue Planet Eyes (Mercury Australia / Universal Music Australia)




Breakthrough Artist presented by PPCA


Conrad Sewell - Start Again (300 Entertainment / Warner Music Australia)

Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit (Milk! Records / Remote Control)

Gang of Youths - The Positions (Verge / Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Jarryd James - Do You Remember (Jarryd James Music / Dryden Street Limited)

Meg Mac - Never Be (littleBIGMAN / Inertia)




Best Pop Release


Conrad Sewell - Start Again (300 Entertainment / Warner Music Australia)  

Jarryd James - Do You Remember (Jarryd James Music / Dryden Street Limited)

Sia - Elastic Heart (Inertia Recordings)

Tame Impala - Let It Happen (Modular / Universal Music Australia)

Vance Joy - Dream Your Life Away (Liberation Music)




Best Independent Release


Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit (Milk! Records / Remote Control)

Hermitude - Dark Night Sweet Light (Elefant Traks / Inertia Music)

Jarryd James - Do You Remember (Jarryd James Music / Dryden Street Limited)

Paul Kelly presents The Merri Soul Sessions - Paul Kelly presents The Merri Soul Sessions (Gawd Aggie Recordings)

Vance Joy - Dream Your Life Away (Liberation Music)




Best Rock Album


Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit (Milk! Records / Remote Control)

Dead Letter Circus – Aesthesis (UNFD)

Gang of Youths - The Positions (Verge / Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Tame Impala – Currents (Modular / Universal Music Australia)

The Preatures - Blue Planet Eyes (Mercury Australia / Universal Music Australia)




Best Adult Contemporary Album


John Farnham & Olivia Newton-John - Two Strong Hearts (Sony Music Entertainment Australia) 

Megan Washington - There There (Mercury Australia / Universal Music Australia)

Oh Mercy - When We Talk About Love (EMI)

Paul Kelly presents The Merri Soul Sessions - Paul Kelly presents The Merri Soul Sessions (Gawd Aggie Recordings / Universal Music Australia)

Szymon –Tigersapp (EMI / Eloper Music)




Best Blues And Roots Album


C.W. Stoneking - Gon’ Boogaloo (King Hokum Records / Caroline Australia)

Marlon Williams - Marlon Williams (Caroline Australia)

The Black Sorrows - Endless Sleep (Head Records)

The Waifs - Beautiful You (Jarrah Records / MGM)

Tim Rogers & The Bamboos - The Rules of Attraction (Warner Music Australia)




Best Country Album


Catherine Britt – Boneshaker (Lost Highway Australia / Universal Music Australia)

Lee Kernaghan - Spirit Of The Anzacs (ABC Music / Universal Music Australia)

Mustered Courage - White Lies and Melodies (Lost Highway Australia / Universal Music Australia)

Shane Nicholson - Hell Breaks Loose (Lost Highway Australia / Universal Music Australia)

Troy Cassar-Daley - Freedom Ride (Liberation Music)




Best Dance Release


Alison Wonderland – Run (EMI)

Flight Facilities - Down To Earth (Future Classic)

Hayden James - Something About You (Future Classic)

Peking Duk - Take Me Over feat. SAFIA (Vicious Bitch / Universal Music Australia)

Rüfüs - You Were Right (Sweat It Out / Sony Music Entertainment Australia)




Best Hard Rock/Heavy Metal Album


Born Lion - Final Words (FOUR|FOUR / Universal Music Australia)

In Hearts Wake – Skydancer (UNFD)

King Parrot - Dead Set (EVP Recordings / Rocket Distribution)

Northlane – Node (UNFD)

Thy Art Is Murder - Holy War (UNFD) 




Best Urban Album


Citizen Kay – Demokracy (Asphalt Records / MGM)

Hiatus Kaiyote - Choose Your Weapon (Flying Buddha / Sony Music Masterworks)

Seth Sentry - Strange New Past (High Score Records / Inertia)

The Meeting Tree - R U A Cop (Verge / Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Tuka - Life Death Time Eternal (EMI)



You can also get involved as these categories are voted by US!
 Click Here to vote



Best Australian Live Act


5 Seconds Of Summer - Rock Out With Your Socks Out Tour (EMI)

Courtney Barnett - Sometimes I Sit and Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit Album Tour (Milk! Records / Remote Control)

Gang of Youths - Gang of Youths National Tour (Verge / Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Hermitude - Dark Night Sweet Light Tour (Elefant Traks / Inertia Music)

Hilltop Hoods - Cosby Sweater Australian Tour (Golden Era Records / Universal Music Australia)

Nick Cave - Nick Cave Australian Tour (Bad Seed / Kobalt Label Services)

Paul Kelly presents The Merri Soul Sessions - Paul Kelly Presents The Merri Soul Sessions Tour (Gawd Aggie Recordings / Universal Music Australia)

Sheppard - The Bombs Away Tour (Chugg Music & Empire Of Song / MGM Distribution)

The Preatures - The Cruel Tour (Mercury Australia / Universal Music Australia)

Vance Joy - Dream Your Life Away Tour (Liberation Music)


Best Video

Prad Senanayake for Alison Wonderland - U Don’t Know feat. Wayne Coyne (EMI)

Charlie Ford for Courtney Barnett - Pedestrian At Best (Milk! Records / Remote Control)

Lorin Askill for Daniel Johns - Aerial Love (Eleven / EMI)

Anthony Rose for Delta Goodrem – Wings (Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Clemens Habicht for Flume - Some Minds feat. Andrew Wyatt (Future Classic)

Kess Broekman-Dattner for Hermitude - Through The Roof feat. Young Tapz (Elefant Traks / Inertia Music)

Duncan Toombs for Lee Kernaghan - Spirit Of The Anzacs (ABC Music / Universal Music Australia)

Filmery for Shane Nicholson - Secondhand Man (Lost Highway Australia)

Luci Schroder for Vance Joy – Georgia (Liberation Music)

Matt Sharp & Daniel James for The Veronicas - You Ruin Me (Sony Music Entertainment Australia)


Song Of The Year


Conrad Sewell - Start Again (300 Entertainment / Warner Music Australia)

Grace - You Don’t Own Me feat. G-Eazy (RCA / Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Iggy Azalea - Trouble feat. Jennifer Hudson (Mercury Australia / Universal Music Australia)

Jarryd James - Do You Remember (Jarryd James Music / Dryden Street Limited)

Marlisa - Stand By You (Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Nathaniel - Live Louder (Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Peking Duk - Take Me Over feat. SAFIA (Vicious Bitch/Universal Music Australia)

Sia - Elastic Heart (Inertia Recordings)

The Veronicas - You Ruin Me (Sony Music Entertainment Australia)

Vance Joy – Georgia (Liberation Music)