Mix Tape Volume 19
We love a good mix tape at Hi Fi Way, have a look to see who made Volume Nineteen:
K-Pop group BLACKPINK earned their first debut #1 single on the ARIA chart with PINK VENOM on Friday August 26. This marks the first #1 single debut from any K-Pop artist on the ARIA charts. PINK VENOM has made global waves since its release, amassing over 228M views on the official video, and over 75M streams worldwide.
PINK VENOM is the first single from the group’s highly anticipated sophomore album ‘BORN PINK’ out September 16. BLACKPINK will return to Australia in June 2023, on their BORN PINK world tour, that’s expected to draw over 1.5M audience members worldwide.
Charming indie-folk duo The Dreggs reveal their inviting new single Hold Me Closer. Sonically warm with waves of oceanic-like soundscapes and flowing harmonies, Hold Me Closer is a preview of new music on the horizon from the pair.
Emotive in their storytelling, the wholesome folksters stay true to their sentimental roots in Hold Me Closer. An ode to their loved ones, the uplifting track radiates joy and reminds us the importance of human connection. They reflect on the single, “It’s such an upbeat and energetic track of ours and a first look into new music we’ve been working on recently.”
“It’s all about holding the ones you love close.”
ARIA Hall of Fame inductees and Australian legends The Church make an epic return with retro-futuristic single The Hypnogogue. Capturing the band’s trademark psychedelia-tinged and dream pop sound, the new track transports listeners to another realm with a striking science fiction storyline and is the first taste from their 26th studio album, due for release early next year.
A cinematic blend of indie rock and shimmering textures, the mix was heightened by the renowned Darrell Thorpe (Radiohead, Air, Beck). Bassist, vocalist and founder Steve Kilbey dives into the track’s fictional themes; “’The Hypnogogue’ is set in 2054, a dystopian and broken down future. Invented by Sun Kim Jong, a North Korean scientist and occult dabbler, it is a machine and a process that pulls music straight of dreams.”
Revolving around a protagonist, Steve says, “The song is about Eros Zeta the biggest rock star of 2054 who has traveled from his home in Antarctica (against his manager’s advice) to use the Hypnogogue to help him revive his flagging fortunes. In the midst of the toxic process, he also falls in love with Sun Kim and it all ends tragically (of course…as these thing often do).”
Elton John and Britney Spears release their highly anticipated song collaboration, Hold Me Closer. The track is available worldwide now across all streaming platforms.
A joyous dance future-anthem dripping with summer abandon, Hold Me Closer sees two of the most iconic artists of all time come together for the first time ever on record. The seeds of the collaboration were sown in 2014 when the pair first met at the 22nd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party. A subsequent tweet in 2015 from Britney Spears professing her love of Elton’s 1971 classic Tiny Dancer sparked the idea for the collaboration with Elton, and the stars finally aligned this summer. After hearing the first cut of the single earlier this summer, Elton John knew that Britney’s instantly recognizable vocals were the perfect touch to bring the song to life. Reaching out to her directly, Britney immediately said yes, and the result, Hold me Closer holds promise to be the song of the summer. The release of Hold Me Closer also marks the first new music from Britney Spears since 2016.
Elton John says: “I am absolutely thrilled to have had the chance to work with Britney Spears; She truly is an icon, one of the all-time great pop stars and she sounds amazing on this record. I love her dearly and am delighted with what we’ve created together.”
Britney Spears says: “I was so honoured when the incredible Sir Elton John asked me to join him on one his most iconic songs. We are so excited for the fans to hear it! Thank you, Elton, for having me! I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to work with you and your legendary mind.”
HILLTOP HOODS release brand new single A Whole Day’s Night which features the welcome return of friends and previous collaborators Montaigne and Tom Thum. This new single is the follow up to Show Business Feat. Eamon, and drops as the band hits the road on what’s shaping up to be yet another national sold-out Arena tour.
A Whole Day’s Night is a response to our own song, What a Great Night. It’s a reflection on how we look at the same situation 15 years later. How what we considered a celebration back in the day, could be considered a regret in the present. The song had a real 1955 feel to it, so we decided to get the line-up of Hoods, Montaigne, Tom Thum and One Above back together. And it feels like we found that same chemistry again.’ Hilltop Hoods
Both Montaigne and Tom Thum featured on 1955, one of Hilltop Hoods’ most successful singles to date.
‘One of my creative resolutions for this year was to collaborate with my friends more so it is good timing that Suffa asked if I wanted to be on another Hoods track! Very grateful to share light from their star once again, and to be able to contribute my voice again. It feels like documenting a friendship as well as who we are as artists so many years later.’ Montaigne.
Having made her triumphant return at the top of 2022, Meg Mac offers another sublime taste of her forthcoming album with the reveal of her sky-reaching new single, Understand.
Co-written and produced by Jesse Shatkin (Sia), Understand showcases the world class vocal tones of Meg Mac over a more dance floor ready arrangement. Arriving with a video directed by Ash Lim, the track is an exciting bridge to Meg’s new album Matter of Time, set for release on September 16 and available to pre-order here now.
“I think if you put yourself in anyone’s shoes, even your worst enemy you would understand where they’re coming from. We’re all misunderstood and at the same time I think we all need to be more understanding.” says Meg of the track.
Felix Riebl echoes the life of a touring artist on his latest offering Barcelona Beers, featuring French artist Joe Bel. The latest release speaks of a touring pattern played on repeat, drawing on evocative and colourfully haunting imagery from a previous place and time.
“I think that’s one of the most amazing things about music for me, that there is something of a waking dream to it. You sort of forget how good it is until you’re back in it again”
Discussing the new single, Felix says “In many ways this album is set between polar worlds – an International kaleidoscopic one, full of colour, romance, chaos, and a domestic one, full of similar excess, but in a more subtle, everyday way. This song, based on many years of travel and tour is set in Barcelona, a city I’ve performed in many times. It starts with tasting beer in the street, then spirals into an imaginary night that chases its own wildness.”
Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi on new single Forget Me…
“‘Forget Me’ is a song that’s so dear to my heart and I definitely feel like it’s my best tune yet. It’s about a break up I went through where after a year, the only real contact I had with my ex was seeing her ‘post-me’ life play out on her Instagram. I was at a point where I was feeling pretty miserable and she seemed like she was moving on and having the best time, thriving, and I hated it. It seemed unfair to me that she appeared happy while I was hurting, and I was fearful she might have forgotten about me completely, so I wrote a song about it.”
Dean Lewis unveils his emotional new video for current single How Do I Say Goodbye. The single will appear on Dean’s forthcoming second album, The Hardest Love.
The official video is a moving tribute to his father, currently in remission from cancer and is produced and directed by his brother Sean in collaboration with Mick Jones from Filthy Films. Mick previously worked with Dean on his Falling Up & Down documentary and music videos for Need You Now, Chemicals and breakthrough single Waves all lifted from his award-winning, multi-platinum accredited, debut album A Place We Knew.
The How Do I Say Goodbye video includes never seen before home footage of Dean growing up alongside his father.
The National have been playing a number of new songs live since returning to the road this May, and the group releases one of them as a new single through 4AD / Remote Control Records, Weird Goodbyes feat. Bon Iver. The single continues the tradition of Justin Vernon’s collaborations with the band in the studio and on stage.
“It’s about letting go of the past and moving on, then later being overwhelmed by second thoughts,” says The National lead singer Matt Berninger of the song, which also features strings by the London Contemporary Orchestra as orchestrated by The National’s Bryce Dessner.
On the process of making the single, Aaron Dessner says, “‘Weird Goodbyes’ was one of the first new songs we made. I was misusing drum machines, as usual, and stumbled onto this beat that got stuck in my head — it felt like something only Bryan could naturally play. We built the song around the beat. Matt’s melody and words felt so elegant and moving from the beginning — mourning a loss of innocence and motivation, holding onto memories and feelings that inevitably slip away and the grief we all suffer in weird goodbyes.”
Dessner also explains how Bon Iver came to be featured on the track, “I somehow could hear our friend Justin’s voice and heart in this song from the beginning. We sent it to him and it moved him – he then sang with Matt so powerfully.”
Perth power pop trio Rinehearts, who comprise former members of Screwtop Detonators and Snowman, are set to release Powerlines, the first single to be lifted from Rinehearts’ forthcoming, second album, Full Bloom, through Cheersquad Records & Tapes. The band has been lucky enough to work with none other than legendary musician/songwriter/producer Dom Mariani (The Stems/DM3/The Some Loves/ Datura4) on production duties. It is a dream come true for the band and an exciting time in their career.
Powerlines explores the feeling of moving around from place to place only to realise what you’re chasing might not be there. The grass ain’t always greener, ya know….
In suburbia, the powerlines are always there to remind you of where you are, and your problems still tag along for the ride. Musically, Powerlines is fun and tough all at once, thumping drums, hooks for days. With a signature Rinehearts sound that has been absolutely encapsulated and embellished by Mariani. Think Blondie/Buzzcocks/The Who.
Internationally renowned British singer-songwriter Emeli Sandé shares her latest single, a gloriously upbeat, disco-tinged jam featuring the multiple GRAMMY®-winning composer, producer, arranger and guitarist Nile Rodgers.
Speaking on her latest collaboration, Sandé shares, “I feel greatly privileged to have created with Nile Rodgers. He’s such a legendary musician and producer, a true icon in music. His humility and passion inspired me so much in the making of the music and I feel that the excitement and positivity in the studio transmits through the song. I’m very proud of “When Someone Loves You” and I hope it brings joy to each listener.”
Rodgers added, “I’ve loved working with Emeli over the years as she is such a special talent, but I’ve never seen her as happy and full of life as she is right now. She has found herself and it’s beautiful to behold”.
Louis Tomlinson triumphantly returns with the first single Bigger Than Me, taken from his forthcoming second album, Faith In The Future that will be released on 11th November 2022.
The record is the first new music from Louis since the release of his million selling debut solo album Walls in 2020. Written by Louis, Rob Harvey, and Red Triangle, and produced by Mike Crossey (The 1975 and Wolf Alice), Bigger Than Me is an impassioned pop song with a gargantuan and emotional chorus.
“It was my first moment of excitement making this record, and where it felt we were on to something which honours the live show” Louis says.
“I’ve always strived to be a very normal, humble person in this life, but there’s a line to that and a responsibility that comes from being in this position. I realised from doing those live shows what it means to my fans and how everything I do is bigger than me. It’s almost a coming of age for myself and putting opinions about myself to the back of my mind and thinking about what it potentially means for other people.”
Hold onto your hair and your hats, Aussie singer-songwriter and beatbox extraordinaire Joel Turner is back with his first new material in well over a decade; and he’s celebrating the iconic mullet itself with a brand new track Mullet out now featuring Macca the Rappa. And while the track also comes primed with a brand new video.
Mullet fuses comedy, rap and an undeniable Aussie spirit with guest vocalist Macca the Rappa firing off mullet-friendly lyrics like, “I’m going back to Queensland / Yeah, XXXX is my brand” alongside some 90s hip hop elements and driving beatboxing from Joel himself. Recorded with MC Preechwith mixing by Steve Scanlon, Mullet re-announces Joel and his skills that first turned heads as the surprise standout of Australian Idol’s inaugural season back in 2003 in fun and tongue-in-cheek fashion. Of the inspiration to pen an ode to the hairstyle dubbed “business up front, party down the back”, Joel shares, “We’ve had this idea for a while now, but it felt like the right time to bring the song out since mullets have made a comeback. We kept noticing that heaps of everyone from kids to adults to celebrities and even athletes were rockin’ mullets, so we thought: it’s time.”
Melbourne upstarts Sick Visor have launched into the world with their debut single Happy Pessimistic People Person Introvert. Born out of lock-down jam sessions between Alex Moses (Columbus) and Katie Lovelock (Baby Shower), their debut single is a feel-alright bouncy-rock anthem for the out-going homebodies whose glass of lemonade is half empty.
Sick Visor’s mission statement is to bring childlike joy back to being grown-ups says singer Alex Moses “We don’t feel like we’re adults yet – when we’re having the most fun, we’re usually acting like stupid children.”
Happy Pessimistic People Person Introvert is an honest diary entry about embracing who you are. “I wrote Happy Pessimistic People Person Introvert about the weirdness of our personalities, like a Myers-Briggs test of who I really am,” says Alex.
Drummer Katie Lovelock holds the same sentiments about the song, in stepping out of her comfort zone to sing on a track for the first time. “Singing [on a track] is something I’ve always wanted to do but never had the guts. In hindsight I think that suits the whole message of the song perfectly, about growing into and being okay with who you are.”
After the 2017 critically acclaimed 5th studio album release, Wolves, touring, playing festivals and more… Story Of The Year are back and released a scorching and melodic new single called Real Life after signing with SharpTone Records. The new song highlights everything that fans have grown to love about Story Of The Year over their impressive career – addictive instrumentals, powerful vocals, and a story that listeners can relate to.
“Real Life is the sound of four lifelong friends re-lighting the torch and deciding they want to be a full time band again,” says guitarist Ryan Phillips.
He continues, “Real Life is one of those special songs that just kind of happened. We didn’t sit around for months consciously trying to write a song like this. It just kind of came out. The songs that fight you the whole way are always duds. It’s the ones that come from out of nowhere and almost write themselves that are the best.”
“Real Life is a return to form for Story Of The Year,” adds vocalist Dan Marsala. “It evokes the same emotion and energy of Page Avenue but with a brand new and exciting feel. It’s a song about the constant struggle of making a relationship work. The ups and downs of being in love. Not every day is full of sunshine, but if you fight through the pain together, you can make it out alive with a smile on your face.”
Grammy-nominated UK electronic artist Elderbrook releases the stunningly emotive, highly danceable new single, Howl, with fellow UK electronic musician and songwriter Tourist, out today via Big Beat Records. Steeped in poignance and restrained euphoria, the track combines rousing piano chords with spine-tingling breakdowns and Elderbrook’s flawless vocals.
Tender lyrics illuminate the depth of the song’s inspiration, as Elderbrook details below:
“‘Howl’ is written about my daughter, Adaline. How she would find it difficult to sleep and how it has been difficult to leave her.”
Global superstars David Guetta and Bebe Rexha join forces on anticipated new single I’m Good (Blue).
I’m Good (Blue) combines Bebe’s soulful vocals with euphoric piano chords and infectious dancefloor energy. Already a TikTok smash, the sound has amassed 130,000 total creations and over 500 million views, as well as being a hit with YouTube recreations. Rexha and Guetta first began working on this song five years ago, and after generating this serious online buzz it is finally now ready for an official release.
Yorke has dropped her latest single i’ll keep driving , as she announces her next EP ten feet tall, due out November. Kicking off a massive end to 2022, the Melbourne-based singer’s new single arrives as she is confirmed as special guest for Peach PRC’s first ever headline show.
On the energetic yet graceful i’ll keep driving, there are no signs of Yorke stopping, “[it’s] the realisation that the concept of home can be whatever you want it to be, even a person. I was constantly on the move and craving stability so it took me some time to realise that a healthy relationship can also ground you in a similar way.”
The track sees Yorke’s trademark vulnerable vocals and plucked guitar soar over a pulsating breakbeat rhythm. It’s a sonic palate that is now second-nature to Yorke and her collaborator Jim Alxndr, “This is another track James and I wrote in one afternoon. There’s a big theme of driving throughout the EP so we wanted the ultimate driving, windows down song to compliment that.” Looking towards her EP, the singer teases that there is much more to come on this songwriting journey, “Whilst the production remains in a similar world to ‘next life’, it’s definitely a couple of chapters further in the story. The rest will make more sense as the EP comes to light.”
One of the most successful bands to emerge from the UK in recent years, You Me At Six, release a brand new single titled No Future? Yeah Right via Underdog Records / AWAL Recordings.
Complete with a soaring, defiant chorus, the track – featuring Rou Reynolds of Enter Shikari – is an anthemic ode to taking a stand for yourself.
“‘No Future? Yeah Right’ is a song that focuses in on breaking the chain of a negative cycle,” vocalist Josh Franceschi adds.
“Sometimes we find ourselves under the spell of others’ insecurities & if you let people hurt you, they will. Nothing is more disappointing than discovering someone’s true colours and them being dark. Getting our long time friend Rou to lend his skills to our angst and defiance made the song that much more profound.”
Henry Wagons is back!
He’s the Godfather…the Pioneer…Australia’s Titan of Americana…and he’s soon to release his first solo album since 2016 through his new home at Cheatin’ Hearts Records (a country imprint of Wagon’s longtime home, Spunk Records).
And in this spirit of new beginnings and/or rebirth and renewal, (Don’t Be) Down And Out – the lead single from Henry Wagons forthcoming album – is released today, the first day of Spring. It’s classic Henry Wagons, but with a little more twang and a whole lot more swagger… and while we’re talkin’ swagger, check out the accompanying cosmic country video clip featuring Wagons and his outlaw country sidekick The Harry Morrissey Official bustin’ the moves, and you’ll know what we’re talking about.
International iconDolly Parton and global superstar Kelly Clarkson collaborate on a compellingly inspired duet version of 9 to 5, arriving via SMACKSongs/Atlantic Records ahead of the highly anticipated Still Working 9 to 5 documentary (premiering in select cinemas on September 16th). The GRAMMY Award-winning artists teamed up with the film’s executive producer Shane McAnally, Sasha Sloan and King Henry to reimagine the classic song into a melancholic yet inspirational anthem over 40 years after the original’s release as the fight for workplace equality persists.
Written and recorded by Dolly Parton and produced by Gregg Berry, the original 9 to 5 debuted in 1980 in tandem with the film of the same name starring Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. The song went on to receive an Academy Award nomination for Original Song and four GRAMMY Award nominations – winning two of the latter for Best Country Song and Best Female Country Vocal Performance.
“Nobody sings like Kelly Clarkson. She makes any song come alive. I love her voice on 9 to 5 and I am so proud I got to sing with her on it. I’m equally as proud of the wonderful arrangement and production by Shane McAnally.” – Dolly Parton
“I am so honoured that Dolly asked me to reimagine this iconic song, ‘9 to 5,’ with her! She is so talented, an inspiration to all women, and one of the sweetest people you will ever meet! I hope y’all like what we did, but even if you don’t, remember I got to sing a duet with the magical Dolly Parton and now have bragging rights til the end of time!” – Kelly Clarkson
Bold, compelling and ardently forward-facing, Gold Coast singer-songwriter Jacob Lee’s latest single Jealousy turns the green-eyed monster into breathtaking new sonic territory for the trailblazing artist. Coming hot on the heels of Jacob’s recent ambient-filled track Drift, Jealousy builds on the previously wielded electronic and synth prowess, emerging as a melodic and modern masterpiece that comes complete with a slick accompanying dystopian music video.
Jealousy sonically embellishes on the pop, indie folk and contemporary leanings seen on vivid display in much of Jacob’s earlier works, with the new track infectiously weaving dark synths, percolating beats and cogent hip hop production alongside Jacob’s polished and emphatic vocals. A glistening amalgamation of Jacob’s recent immersion into artists like Russ, Chase Atlantic, J Cole, Diamond Construct, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar and XXXTENTACION, Jealousy also thematically breaks away from the traditionally introspective artist’s reflective lyrical fare; and the end result is one coated with resolute relatability, glistening execution and deep-seated modernity, as Jacob elaborates, “Alongside other genres, I’m heavily inspired by modern hip hop, and I’ve most likely injected some of that subconsciously into this song with the 808’s and darker synth melodies. Lyrically, Jealousy is probably the most forward single I’ve ever put out. Usually my songs lean more toward philosophical, reflective and contemplative topics. This song, however, is egotistical and self-centred. When writing, I often like to paint pictures of relatable archetypes. The person in this song honestly couldn’t care less about the feelings of others, and is only thinking of himself and his own lustful interests – which, if we’re real, is a pretty common archetype in modern society. The melody hits hard, especially in the chorus and bridge”.
For more music news and info follow Hi Fi Way