The September edition of Sounds Australian is two things: firstly, a treasure chest of some fantastic Australian releases, and secondly, late. Apologies for getting this one up halfway through October, but I promise you the wait has been worth it.
Some of the highlights from Australian music in September include the fresh new single “Raffled Roses” from Sydney-based soul singer Wallace, who won our hearts and minds with her single “Is It You” earlier this year. She’s back with her intoxicating vocals and groovy electro beats (and keep an ear out for the steel drums, too).
Melbourne’s Planète (producer/musician Dion Tartaglione) has been flying under the radar for the past few years, but I think his latest release “Nightcrawler” is going to call him into the spotlight. It starts off as a muffled mix of shuffling house beats, but melodic phrases slowly claw their way to the front, turning the track into a slice of slow-burning minimalist electronica. Planète is launching the single on October 31 at Gasometer Hotel in Melbourne (tickets here), before hitting the road to play live shows in Newcastle and The Wildlands.
Do you remember Melbourne funk outfit The Vaudeville Smash? Their smash-hit single “Zinedine Zidane” has been given a futuristic re-work by Tasmanian duo Close Counters (Allan McConnell and Finn Rees). Filled with Close Counters’ classic wonky beats and simmering synths, this remix is everything you’d expect from the duo that keep lifting the bar with their polished, dance-worthy releases.
And last but certainly not least, Melbourne’s LANKS (aka Wil Cuming) with his new single “Holla”. LANKS has had an absolutely stellar 2016 – he’s collaborated with the likes of Woodes and Just A Gent, supported Vera Blue on a national tour, and released a few singles that have sent the internet into a frenzy. “Holla” breaks out into a smorgasbord of clattering beats and sinking synths, with some gorgeous heartfelt vocals to boot. This is one of my favorite releases from LANKS (at this point in time – I’m sure there’ll be competition for this title when his upcoming EP is released later this month).
Image: Planète (Facebook)
