Studio Backpack Rap.

If you haven't yet heard of Speech Debelle, here's what you have missed out on.

In 2009, she won The Mercury Prize; one of the most prestigious music awards, for her debut album Speech Therapy - beating the likes of Kasabian, Florence and the Machine, and Friendly Fires. However, since winning the award, album sales of 'Speech Therapy' were not nearly as high as previous winners. Which is a shame really, because the album is truly amazing. Also a little fun fact to share: the album was mostly recorded in our city of Melbourne and produced by Wayne Lotek.

So after two years, Speech is set to release her sophomore album, namely, 'Freedom Of Speech'. After the riots in her hometown of London, Speech leaked a song from her album called 'Blaze Up A Fire' which features Roots Manuva and Realism. The song is mostly about political revolution but also "of the frustration of many young people who took part in the rioting and the consequent looting over London and areas of the UK." With the song, Speech has attempted to create "a voice of understanding," and "acknowledge there must be something wrong with us as a society." In the beginning of the song, I am mesmerised by the subtle piano, and then the heavy beats and electric guitars follow with Speech doing what she does best over the many layers of sound. A nice little taste from the new album.

On Friday, Speech released her first offical single from the new album, a track named 'Studio Backpack Rap', and with a name like that, you know that it is going to be fucking brilliant. Her lyrics are, as usual, catchy, creative, and witty. Speech describes the song as being "all about virtual instrumentation and an ode to Kwes the producer." She also recalls that in the recording process "he would take out his laptop and midi-USB keyboard and that would be it. We’d start working and I couldn’t believe what we could do with so little equipment.”

Speech again captures my attention with the lyrical content of her songs. One line that stood out when I first listened was "He rocking hard, neck breaking to the beat, head phones, head down, like a lesbian." Firstly, my ears pricked up when I heard the word Lesbian, as it is not often a word you would hear in a song, and especially as Speech put particular emphasis on the word. Personally, I don't think Speech is trying to offend; she is merely drawing on the general stereotype of a lesbian, and as she said herself "I thought it was funny...Lesbian's are great, get wid it folks looool."

In 'Studio Backpack Rap', Speech is effectively talking about the "high-tech, low-gloss DIY attitude which has relevance far beyond just creating music," and with these lyrics she has crafted a song that is funny, and one that will have you tapping along to the beat and trying to learn all of the words. A very strong comeback from an amazing artist; I cannot wait to hear more of the album.

Check out 'Studio Backpack Rap' below:




Also, check out 'Blaze Up A Fire Feat. Roots Manuva and Realism' below:

  BLAZE UP A FIRE by Speech Debelle (featuring Roots Manuva and Realism) by Speech Debelle

You can download 'Studio Backpack Rap' for free here:
bigdada.com/speechdebelle

You can also pre-order Speech's new album, 'Freedom of Speech' here:
http://ninjatune.net/release/speech-debelle/freedom-of-speech

And you can find out more about Speech Debelle here:
http://www.speechdebelle.com
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Speech-Debelle/98757126739
http://twitter.com/speechdebelle

#FALLENFORSPEECH

xo

Vacation.

The first time I witnessed Big Scary perform was back in 2009 at the Corner Hotel in Melbourne. They were supporting British India, and after the gig I just remember thinking, "I actually enjoyed that supporting band better." For a band with only two members, I was surprised by their 'big' sound.

The Melbourne duo, Tom Iansek and Jo Syme, have seen a steady rise in the music scene; from their early beginnings in 2008 with 'The Apple Song', to a four track EP, 'The Mini', where their song 'This Weight' did rounds on Triple J.
In 2010, Big Scary released four seasonal EP's; with it, culminating into a full length LP, namely, 'The Big Scary Four Seasons'. The album is an eclectic mix of sounds and emotions, from distorted guitar jams like 'Tuesday is Rent Day', acoustic tracks like 'Home' and even the melancholy piano of 'The Deep Freeze'.

This year sees Big Scary's release of 'Vacation', and what an amazing debut it is by the band. Tom's dreamy vocals throughout are really a stand out from the album; he hits his falsetto with apparent ease. From seeing them play live, I remember Jo being a ball of energy on the drums, and she has definitely brought this to the album..

Standouts include 'Mixtape', 'Gladiator', a new version of their old track 'Falling Away', and 'Bad Friends'. 'Bad Friends is an acoustic song that says "bad friends are looking for something new, bad friends aren't looking for you." In the song, Tom's vocals are softer and have a more vulnerable tone, which adds to the sombre message of the track. The acoustic picking definitely isn't perfect (their are a few twangs noticeable), but I think it again adds to the effect of the song. And if you have heard any of their older stuff, you'll understand that Big Scary's imperfection is what makes them such an interesting band to listen to.

Check out 'Bad Friends' below:



You can purchase 'Vacation' on iTunes here:
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/vacation/id466411464

Or if you a little short on coin, you can stream the album in full on Big Scary's Soundcloud:
http://soundcloud.com/bigscary

You can also find out more about Big Scary here:
http://www.bigscary.net/
http://www.facebook.com/bigscaryband
http://twitter.com/#!/bigscarymusic

#FALLENFORBIGSCARY

xo

Gotye is Making Mirrors.

Wally De Backer, or better known by his stage name, Gotye, is in my opinion, one of the best singer-songwriters to ever come out of this country.

His 2006 sophomore album 'Like Drawing Blood' has earnt him an ARIA award for best Independent release in 06, and for best male artist in 2007. The album re-entered the charts in 2011, having now being certified platinum and reaching as high as #13 on the ARIA albums chart.

The release of the single 'Somebody That I Used To Know' featuring none other than New Zealand beauty, Kimbra Johnson, has been a commercial success here in Australia.
The single is now at the #1 spot for the second week in a row.

And last Friday saw the release of his highly anticipated third album 'Making Mirrors'. It was recorded in a barn on his parents block of land on the Mornington Peninsula.

The album is an eclectic mix of acoustic instruments all performed and recorded by Gotye himself; the bass guitar was however performed by Gotye's old band mate, Lucas Taranto.

The first time I listened to the album, I lost myself in the melodies and layers of sound that Gotye is so good at creating...it really is worth a listen.

Probably my favourite song on the album is little number called 'Save Me'. It includes an acoustic auto-harp that has been recorded one note at a time, stored into a computer, and played back from a Midi keyboard. The overall effect combined with Gotye's elegant vocals is utterly beautiful.

Check out 'Save Me' below:




 Also if you're interested in the recording process of Gotye's new album check this video out:




You can purchase Making Mirrors on iTunes here:
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/making-mirrors/id449134521
Or the deluxe version:
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/making-mirrors-deluxe-version/id449901963

#FALLENFORGOTYE

xo

Holy Moses.

In the space of a few short years, Megan Washington has gone from musicial obscurity, to an ARIA award winner.

Another artist to garner the attention of youth radio station Triple J, Megan and her band Washington went on to perform at the 2009 Big Day Out, having won Triple J's Unearthed competition. Since then, she released a string of successful EP's and last year saw the release of her debut studio album, 'I Believe You Liar', which went to #3 in Australia.

Three songs from 'I Believe You Liar' made it into Triple J's Hottest 100 countdown, with 'Sunday Best' coming in at #20.

August 2011, sees the release of Washington's new song, 'Holy Moses', and on the first listen, Megan again branches out with her musical style.
The kazoo is notable in the introduction (it even gets a solo!), and the floor drums give the song a very tribal feel; especially combined with the visuals from the music video.

For me, I just love her voice. I could basically listen to any song of hers even it the overall song was not very good.

Check out 'Holy Moses' below:



You can buy 'Holy Moses' on iTunes here:
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/holy-moses/id452520943?i=452520944&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

And if you want to find out more about Megan Washington:

http://www.washingtonmusic.com.au
http://www.facebook.com/washingtonmusic
http://www.myspace.com/meganwashington
http://www.twitter.com/washingtonx
http://www.youtube.com/onepeachtwopeach

#FALLENFORMEGANWASHINGTON

xo

Beat Of My Drum.

If you are a keen follower of Pop music, then this one is for you.
Now don't get me wrong, there is alot of music that is just utter rubbish out there in the Top 40; and personally, the only thing that makes me like a pop song from the beginning is, if it has a catchy beat.

And here is no exception, with the release of Nicola Robert's single 'Beat Of My Drum'; notably, her first solo effort after being apart of the British girl band, Girls Aloud.

If you have a vague idea of who Girls Aloud are, then you might know they are probably one of the most successful girls bands to come out of Britain; well apart from the Spice Girls.
And with over 20 singles reaching the Top 10 in Britain, including four #1's, the singers have established themselves as credible pop stars with actual real, un-autotuned voices.

So, the first time I heard 'Beat of My Drum', there were definately some 'what the hell is this?!' type moments. But after listening to the song a few more times, I cannot get the song out of my head. Even with it being the second song in as many months sampling Major Lazer's 'Pon De Floor', the beat differs to that of Beyonce's 'Run The World', which makes the beat a major part of the song.

The chant like chorus of 'L.O.V.E' is the main thing that gets you in this song; but the marching band beat in the bridge is just as amazing.

Check out 'Beat of My Drum' below:



You can find also out more about Nicola Roberts here:
http://www.nicolarobertsmusic.com/
http://www.facebook.com/nicolarobertsmusic
http://twitter.com/#!/nicolaroberts
http://www.myspace.com/nicolarobertsmusic

#FallingForNicolaRoberts

xo

Cosmo, The new Vogue.

You might have already heard of Cosmo Jarvis from his first single 'Gay Pirates'; a tale of the forbidden love of two men on a pirates ship. The song was in high rotation on Triple J earlier this year, and lyrically, it is a ground breaking song that is a statement to the struggles of homosexuals in society and cultural life.

In Cosmo's newest offering, 'Sure As Hell Not Jesus', he again pushes the boundaries with the lyrical meaning of the song. According to Cosmo, the song is about "sexual abuse scandals that have involved the followers and preachers of the Catholic faith and its leaders' frequent insidious dealings with them". The video pokes fun at priests who seem to get away with their misconduct, and justify their actions "through the use the faith of their victims and victims' families".

Musically, the song is again catchy with its melodies, and Cosmo's voice is a dream to listen to.

For listeners, it hits a nerve; and through humour, it effectively purveys what struggles are felt by victims and their families.

At only 21 years old, I'm excited to see what Cosmo Jarvis can come up with next.

Check out 'Sure As Hell Not Jesus' below:




You can purchase the 'Sure As Hell Not Jesus' 4 track EP on iTunes:
http://itunes.apple.com/album/sure-as-hell-not-jesus-ep/id431589297


And find out more about Cosmo Jarvis' music here:
http://cosmojarvis.com/
http://www.facebook.com/cosmojarvis
http://twitter.com/#!/CosmoJarvis
http://www.myspace.com/CosmoJarvis

#FallingForCosmoJarvis

xo

My Head Is A Jungle.

Emma Louise is another new amazing talent on the Australian music scene.
After putting her song 'Jungle' up on Triple J Unearthed, it has garnered generous airplay by the radio station, and has received kudos from Triple J's music director, Richard Kingsmill.

However, this is not the first breakthrough for Emma. Back in 2008, she was awarded the Best Adult Contemporary song in the New Artists to Radio Competition (NA2R).

Emma has now scored a support in sold out Boy & Bear Autumn 2011 national tour, appearing alongside Jinja Safari. The tour is now coming to a close, with one more show in Sydney tonight, and finishing in Emma's hometown, Brisbane, tomorrow night.

Her debut EP 'Full Hearts and Empty Rooms' is also now available to purchase on iTunes and BandCamp.

With its release today, you can check out the music video for 'Jungle' below:

You can purchase Emma Louise's music here:
http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/full-hearts-and-empty-rooms-ep/id431785951?uo=4
http://emmalouise.bandcamp.com/album/full-hearts-empty-rooms


#FallingForEmmaLouise

xo

Gone Wylde.

Jacob Wylde is an aspiring young musician who I recently discovered on Triple J's Unearthed site; you never know what you will come across on Unearthed, and that's why the site is so amazing.

Jacob is only 14 years old, and originates from Perth. Last year, Jacob won the Western Australian Music Industry Association (WAM) song of the year for the under 14's category, and his prize was a day in a recording studio.

His song 'My Soul' is currently #3 on the Unearthed Roots charts, and has even been reviewed by Triple J's 'Roots 'N All' presenter, Sarah Howells.

The song starts with the acoustic guitar, and when Jacob's vocals come in, they are easily recognised as vocal cords of a teenager that have recently 'broken'. However it adds to the vulnerable quality and theme of the song. The percussion is simple; mainly handclaps, bass drum and tambourine; but the overall tone is effective.

Check out the studio version of 'My Soul' below:



And also check out Jacob performing 'My Soul' live, below:

You can download 'My Soul' for free here:
http://www.triplejunearthed.com/JacobWylde
And find out more about Jacob Wylde here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jacob-Wylde-Music/203866972978588


#FallingForJacobWylde

xo

Tomorrow: McMorrow.

James Vincent McMorrow is an artist that I was only introduced to the other day, from one of my best friends.

On closer inspection, J. V. McMorrow could be said to be the Irish equivalent to Bon Iver; McMorrow wrote and self recorded his debut record 'Early in the Morning' for 5 months in an isolated house by the sea. Iver having done the same thing with his debut 'For Emma, Forever Ago', but in an isolated cabin in Wisconsin.
McMorrow's voice is also similar to Bon Iver; beautiful falsetto is heard throughout his music...they resemble each other with that beard!

But having heavily comparing McMorrow to Iver, above; his music is amazing in his own right. Artists are so heavily compared to other artists way too much by fans, like they are copying them. What utter bullshit.
Music is to the interpretation by each individual, and everyone is different. Similarities cannot be said to be plagiarising another artist.

But getting back to McMorrow, a song that stood out is 'We Don't Eat'. Beginning with James' fragile, yet beautiful falsetto, and then a slow beat comes in, featuring subtle tambourine. The song is simple, yet layers are added throughout the song perfectly.

It is a song that brings sad emotions to the surface, a testament to the quality of McMorrow's voice and his song writing.

Check out 'We Don't Eat' below:

Download Early in the Morning from iTunes: http://bit.ly/jvmm-earlyinthemorning

You can also find out more about James Vincent McMorrow here:
http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com/
http://www.facebook.com/jamesvincentmcmorrow
http://soundcloud.com/jvmcmorrow
http://www.myspace.com/jamesvmcmorrow

#FallingForJVMcMorrow

xo

Perfect Pala.

Friendly Fires new offering 'Pala' is a wonderous collection of dance pop music that is infectious to anyone listening.

Pala, the follow up to Friendly Fire's 2008 self titled debut, shows a more polished sound, with the ever present beat Friendly Fires are known for, but mixed with almost euphoric synths for total emotional connection.

Laying on my bed listening to this album, put me in a trance, as Pala whisked me away to a dream world of amazing shit.

A track that stands out, titled 'Blue Cassette', starts with a whiny off-key synth that is more profound in the chorus; combined with Ed Macfarlane's dreamy falsetto breezing easily of the top of the numerous layers of sound. The beat is infectious, and the lyrics 'As I hear your voice, it sets my heart on fire', will be stuck in your head all day.

Check out Blue Cassette below:

'Pala' is out now on iTunes and can be found in your local record store.

Check out the boys from Herfortshire here:
http://www.wearefriendlyfires.com/
http://www.facebook.com/FriendlyFires
http://www.myspace.com/friendlyfires

#FALLENFORFRIENDLYFIRES

xo

Not Just Talk.

Strange Talk, a Melbourne based four piece, had a whirlwind 2010.
Their first song 'Climbing Walls' was a hit on Triple J and earned them a DJ set at Parklife.

2011 sees the release of Strange Talk's self titled debut EP, and it is quite the beauty.

The EP contains four songs; Climbing Walls, the song that got them noticed, 'Eskimo Boy', 'We Can Pretend' and 'Is It Real?'

'Eskimo Boy' has been released as their new single, and this was surprising as 'We Can Pretend' seemed like a better option.
However, Eskimo Boy is still amazing.

The song starts with an amazing little synth, accompanied by the hard hitting drums, and then Stephen Docker comes in with his very distinctive vocals. Vocals that I think set Strange Talk apart from the other up and coming bands, as they are very noticeable, and easily remembered.

The repetitive chorus of 'like a jigsaw, like a jigsaw' works quite well, and all in all, the song is very good.

Check out 'Eskimo Boy' below:

And why you are here, you might as well check out their song 'We Can Pretend'.
You wont regret listening, I promise.

 We Can Pretend by Strange Talk

The Strange Talk EP is now out and can be purchased here:
iTunes: http://itunes.apple.com/au/album/strange-talk-ep/id425263190
or
CD and vinyl: http://neongoldrecords.blogspot.com/2011/04/gold025-strange-talk.html

#FallingForStrangeTalk

xo

Mad Madeon Mix.

Madeon has become an instant hit overnight.

The 16 year old French producer has probably mixed one of my favourite songs for this year so far!

Remixing Yelle's song 'Que Veux Tu', Madeon has created a song that has its own soul and thumping beat, and with that he has marked his own style, that will only be seen more of in the coming years.

For a teenager of such talent, personally, I cant wait to see what this kid can come up with next.

Have a listen to Madeon's remix of Yelle's Que Veux Tu below :

 Yelle - Que Veux Tu (Madeon Remix) by Madeon 

 Check out the rest of Madeon's remixes on his soundcloud site: http://soundcloud.com/madeon

#FallingForMadeon

xo

Gender Bender.

Okay, so when it comes to all these gender bending gay boys giving music a go, I can be quite critical on the subject. They usually just get into music for the hell of it, mixing their trashy autotuned voices with trashy lyrics. But you know what, the second single by Lucas Brenton is the fucking shit.

'Riders of the Night' has a thumping beat, and catchy lyrics that you wont be able to get out of your head. For now its my guilty pleasure, and I cannot stop listening to it. The song has already made it to #46 on the Australian iTunes Dance Charts, and #27 in New Zealand.

A fine job by one of our own androgynous Aussie boys, giving Jeffree Star and Chris Crocker a run for their money. Kudos to you Lucas, and much luck on your future successes.

Check out 'Riders of the Night' below:

#FallingForLucasB

xo

A Cameo for Kimbra.

Kimbra is fast becoming one of the most talked about newcomer on the music scene, here in Australia, and in her native New Zealand.

In 2010, her first single 'Settle Down' received alot of airplay on Triple J, and music reviewers from all over the blogging world have been raving about her talent; even Perez Hilton had all but good things to say for once.

'Cameo Lover' is her new single, and its a beauty.
Kimbra's voice glides confidently through the whole song, and this is testament to her amazing vocal range. The bridge even sees Kimbra go into a her own falsetto, which is vulnerable yet strong at the same time. The merging of genres culminates in a so called 'pop' song, that you wont be able to stop listening to.

Kimbra's debut album 'Vows' is out this year, and is being produced by herself and none other than M-Phazes.

Check out 'Cameo Lover' below:


 Cameo Lover by Kimbra


#FALLENFORKIMBRA

xo

Vivacious Vixen, Vanbot.

The blogging world has been raving about the newest electro pop gem to come out of the musical land that is Sweden.

Introducing: Vanbot and her alta ego, Vanessa.

At the reigns of both personas is Ester Ideskog.

Her first single 'Make Me, Break Me' has been on repeat for the past week!

The pulsating synths and beats heard throughout, culminated with her 'cutesy' voice is spellbinding, and a dream to listen to.


You can download 'Make Me, Break Me', her newly released single 'Lost Without You' and listen to the entirety of her self titled debut album at Vanbot's soundcloud page: http://soundcloud.com/vanbot


Check out 'Make Me, Break Me' below:

 Make Me, Break Me by Vanbot

#FallingForVanbot.

xo