TALENT ON TAP // NEW MUSIC OCTOBER
BROUGHT TO YOU BY BURLEIGH BREWING CO.
Words by Samantha Morris
Crank up your speakers and dive in to this month’s roundup of new tunes from local artists, proudly brought to you by the legends at Burleigh Brewing Co. This month’s Talent On Tap uncovers a smorgasbord of musical gems, from indie rock and psych pop to blues, punk, world music and even a classic industrial track. Let’s get into it…
Almaty single for Mark Easton
Genre-defying multi-instrumentalist Mark Easton has released a new single (and video), ‘Almaty’, written during a recent visit to Kazakhstan. For those who don’t know, Almaty is the largest city in Kazakhstan, with a population of around 2 million people. The track sees Mark shred on a Dombra, purchased while there. ‘Almaty’ is a world music foot-stomping number that demonstrates Mark’s versatility as a musician and composer. Now, I don’t know enough about traditional Kazakh music or the ins and outs of the dombra to do this track justice. But I will tell you that I’ve seen Mark perform on countless instruments and the Kazakh / Middle Eastern / Mongolian elements he’s brought to life in this song will leave other world music fans in awe.
Meet Stupid Dave
Our favourite condi-rockers – Chutney – are back with new single ‘Stupid Dave’. I don’t know what Dave ever did to the Chutney lads, but it was enough to warrant a song about Dave’s penchant for a ciggie and a tinnie. Apparently he’s also “dumb as doornails” and “a bit dim”. The song, though, is anything but. ‘Stupid Dave’ is a beautiful slice of indie-rock, perfectly crafted, melodic with a smattering of psych guitar, very clever lyrics and a singalong chorus. ‘Stupid Dave’ is the first single off their soon-to-be-released EP ‘Lick a Little’ and to say we’re a little excited is an understatement.
She will not suppress this industrial mess
A local force in industrial music, RIVET has unleashed their latest single ‘She Will Not Suppress this Industrial Mess’. RIVET is a Gold Coast based industrial producer, channeling raw intensity and relentless energy – and this track is totally on-brand. Gritty and abrasive, ‘She Will Not Suppress’ is a powerful sonic assault with distorted rhythms and aggressive synths, bringing a contemporary edge to the classic industrial sound. It’s visceral and new and if you’re a fan, you can keep your eyes peeled for a video to accompany its intense energy real soon.
It’s March Madness for Liquid Contours
Gold Coast x Byron Bay outfit Liquid Contours has returned with a dreamy, psych-infused single ‘March Madness’. The track is a hypnotic psych-pop song with ethereal vocals and haunting instrumentation. There are echoey call-and-response type vocals, repetitious and pulsating bass and drum grooves, reverbed flute, guitar licks and synths. It’s the kind of music you don’t have to think too deeply about, although the band does capture an element of raw emotion and yearning in the ‘March Madness’, which they say is a tale of unrequited pursuit and desire.
The News according to Birds are Fake
Post-punksters Birds are Fake have just dropped their second single, ‘The News’, following in the footsteps of their stunning debut ‘Pictures (of a Third World)’. ‘The News’ is a fast-paced punk number that really demonstrates the band’s ability to write clever lyrics – like their debut, again profiling social injustices, the role of the media and unjust power imbalances. Birds are Fake are great songwriters and great musicians and ‘The News’ reinforces both those talents. Looking forward to hearing more!
Dropics tease new EP
Five-piece indie-alt-rock darlings Dropics have dropped the first single off their debut EP. The new track ‘Picture Frame’ is a sunny, buoyant offering, with classic indie guitars, catchy vocals and a polished sound. Despite its themes of being on the outside looking in – always behind the camera, it has a sense of positivity and uplift. The lyrics tell a story but leave the listener hopeful. And who doesn’t love a bass-driven melody! The upcoming EP ‘Lucked Out’ is due for release in November and if this teaser is anything to go by, we’re pretty excited.
He Knows Hussy Hicks
Soulful, folksy and bluesy, ‘He Knows’ is the new track from Hussy Hicks. Fresh from taking out Live Act of the Year (and Musician of the Year for Julz Parker), this band are still creating fresh sounds for their growing global fanbase. With a remarkable use of modulation (Leesa is excited about the three key-changes), the Hussies bring beautiful harmonies, twangy guitars and timely lyricism to the track. It captures the frustration of dealing with someone who insists they have all the answers – a storyline particularly poignant in the critical global election atmosphere we’re in right now. ‘He Knows’ is another track off their chart-topping album ‘Swimming in Uncertainty’.
Another War for Dawn of Dusk
Dark and dramatic, ‘Another War’ – the latest track from prolific Gold Coast artist Dawn of Dusk – is an epic sonic journey. Coming in at more than six minutes, the track tells of preparing to fight another war, with torches alight. With blistering energy and raw power, heavy guitar riffs, wailing vocals and deep emotion, Dawn of Dusk has delivered another brutal take on his vagabond style of rock ‘n’ roll.
Lyric drops much-anticipated EP Nostalgia
Indie-pop songstress Lyric has released her much-anticipated debut EP ‘Nostalgia’. Featuring viral track ‘Gravity’ as well as new release ‘Nostalgia Is My Enemy’, the release has already amassed more than 600,000 streams and really sets this 20 year old artist up for big things to come. With lyrics that tell stories of love lost and love found, childhood memories, and musicianship mature beyond her years, Lyric is an astoundingly talented artist, building a huge fan base by doing the hard yards but also by creating quality and relatable music.
Timeline for Super Fun Down Under
‘Timeline’ is another super fun song from Super Fun Down Under. Fresh from another tour of Japan, picking up hardcore fans with shows growing in size and gigs already booked for a return in 2025, this outfit have pitched themselves as delivering a tight performance in a loose way. ‘Timeline’ has strange sounds, smart lyrics and an upbeat vibe that encourages the listener to move. It’s a little bit pop, a little bit electronic and a whole lotta fun.
Sunny Luwe drops Upside Down
Another soulful pop number from Sunny Luwe has found its way into our earholes. Sunny is fresh from performing at BIGSOUND, Gold Coast Music Awards and the Australian Women in Music Awards – wowing audiences wherever she goes. ‘Upside Down’, written by Sunny and her partner Matt Collins (Wharves), is about living your weird, wonderful life, just the way you’d like. Sunny created the song in New Zealand on a one-off Maton made exclusively for Neil Finn, and Brad Hosking plays (of all things), a coffee mug in the intro (he also produced the song). It’s another uplifting, positive and rainbow-filled offering from Sunny Luwe and she’ll be launching it at The Beach Hotel on 18 October, supporting Peach Fur.
TALENT ON TAP PLAYLIST: STREAM IT NOW!
The Gold Coast Music Network’s Talent On Tap is brought to you by Burleigh Brewing.
ARE YOU A GOLD COAST ARTIST WITH NEW MUSIC ON THE HORIZON?
We want to hear it! If you’ve released new music or have something due for release next month, shoot us the details for the chance to be considered for the next ‘Talent On Tap’ column. Email our new music guru Sam Morris on newmusic@gcmusicnetwork.com.au with a link to the song (Spotify preferred), an artist press shot and a few words/media release about the track or album being released.