December is just around the corner, and another ten tracks have been added to our Discovery playlist on Spotify and Apple Music this week; amongst them are two tracks we had exclusive premieres for earlier in the week. Our track of the week is “Two Many Reds” from Gumbaynggirr man Tasman Keith and his father, Will Grilla.
Yet again, Tasman has shown his versatility with “TOO MANY REDS” being punk through to its core. About the track, Tasman writes: “‘TOO MANY REDS’ is a song my father had written in the 90’s, in January this year we revisited it as it’s always been one of my favourite demos of his. The song speaks on redneck Australia & the experience of living amongst that as Gumbaynggirr men. Using metaphorical characters and a punk sound to help deliver the message, TOO MANY REDS embodies the feeling of generational frustration. TOO MANY REDS is dads first official release in over 15 years and our first collaboration, an important moment.”
So, yes, it might have a nostalgic punk-rock sound to it, but the message, unfortunately, couldn’t be more urgent and highlights how little has changed in many ways since it was first written.
“Slow This Down” is the new single from AU favourite Riley Pearce. It’s been a busy few years for Pearce, with the Perth singer-songwriter juggling the release of his debut album The Water & The Rough alongside life as a new father. As we move towards album number two; it’s fatherhood that is providing the inspiration; on new single “Slow This Down” at least. The track is all about trying to control the speed of life to find the space and time to enjoy those little moments. It has all the hallmarks of a Riley Peace classic: introspective lyricism, emotive and organic guitar, and hushed vocals.
“Spacetime Walk” is the debut single from Danish comedian-turned-musician HYRLAND. The track is an engaging slice of 80’s inspired electro pop that plays with ideas of artificial intelligence and futurism alongside very human emotions and desires. As HYRLAND describes it: “I’m deeply fascinated by AI and technology, yet at the core of ‘SpaceTime Walk’ lies a story of love and emotions. It’s about bridging the human experience with a robot’s quest to understand these feelings.” It’s a really enjoyable listen; and it also features a wonderful 2D arcade game inspired music video that you really should check out too.
Tasmania’s Claire Ann Taylor has released “Keep On Truckin’”, the first track from her forthcoming third album Giving It Away, due to be released in 2024. The track is reminiscent of Renée Gayer and Janis Joplin at their finest. Her rasping vocals are gorgeous, as she sings a tale of a trucker picking up a larrikin hitchhiker. She has a great band behind her, there are some sweet guitars and to top it off, Nkechi Anele adds the backing vocals.
“I’m Gonna Fly” is the debut single from Ngarrindjeri singer-songwriter Ellie Lovegrove. And in quite the coup for Lovegrove the track also features some special guest vocals from the late great Uncle Archie Roach AO. It’s a soulful, stirring and empowering track; and Lovegrove and Roach’s vocals combine beautifully. It’s also a recording long in the making, with Lovegrove spending time touring with Roach, and eventually collaborating on the song. The two also performed the track live in person together at the Adelaide Festival back in 2015. The single is a wonderful (re)introduction to Lovegrove who has collaborated with a host of Australian talent and marks the start of a new creative chapter.
The release of the single also coincides with the release of Songs from the Kitchen Table, a new illustrated book which commemorates the work of Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter. The book, which was compiled and curated by Archie Roach’s manger and friend Jill Shelton, feature illustrations, lyrics, stories and artwork from across the duo’s careers. It also features forewords from the duo’s friends and musical collaborators, including Emma Donovan, Paul Kelly and Jack Latimore. The book is available now from Simon & Schuster Australia. You can grab a copy from Booktopia HERE.
For most, a track about anxiety would probably be a little laidback. Not so when it’s from Andy Martin. His track “I Don’t Wanna Go Out” is a total bop, and he tackles the conflicting emotions of staying home versus going out with this upbeat banger. The talented singer/songwriter has already cracked half a million streams for his debut album, as he continues to find new fans.
Andy has announced a headline tour to launch the single playing at Solbar, The Triffid, and Hotel Brunswick. Head to his Facebook page for all the dates.
Finally, we have two exclusive premieres from earlier in the week, from Pastures (“The Garden”) and Acchy (“when i met you”).
Catch the new music updated every Friday on Apple Music:
and on Spotify:
Here’s the complete list of new additions this week:
Tasman Keith & Will Grilla “TOO MANY REDS” [Track of the Week]
Riley Pearce “Slow This Down”
Slow Coast “Walk with Your Shadow”
Hyrland “Spacetime Walk”
Claire Anne Taylor “Keep On Truckin’”
Angus Legg “Spaceship”
Ellie Lovegrove “I’m Gonna Fly” Feat. Archie Roach
Andy Martin “I Don’t Wanna Go Out”
Pastures “The Garden” [Single Premiere]
Acchy “when i met you” [Single Premiere]
More to Explore on the AU:
