Chakranegra – Chile – Carla Stuardo & Sebastin Mancilla make up Chakranegra, a highly experiemental synth project. https://www.instagram.com/chakranegra/
I.M. Yoni – Mexico – I.M YONI is a group of creative women from different parts of the world, based in Mexico City who got united to address gender equality throughout art. The collective was formed by a musical group that produces original songs in Spanish and English within the genres Funk, R&B, Dance, Pop amongst others. https://m.facebook.com/imyonimusic/?ref=page_internal&mt_nav=0
Lydmor – Denmark – Lydmor is Jenny Rossander. Lydmor is a Danish electronic songwriter, musician and multi-artist unlike any other. Her unique skillset creates an output where everything is possible. Every work of Lydmor’s is its own, developed with an intense artistic drive. Lydmor is also a feminist, a fighter for women’s rights and for equality in the music industry. She stands up to sexism and tries to redefine the general mindset that sexually objectifies female artists – e.g., by taking part in the public debate on feminism and through her weekly show on National Radio (DR). She recently released her 4th album Capacity. https://www.lydmor.dk/
Possimiste – Iceland – Leeni Laasfeld launched her career in 2011 with the song “The Flight of Lulu.” A decade later this artist will release her debut album Youniverse. https://www.possimiste.com/
Sopio T – Tsblisi, Georgia – Sopio Toroshelidze music has a grand quality influenced by her education in both music theory and as a choir conductor. She runs a school for music and choreography. Her latest project is Sopio T will the singles “Metamorphosis” and “Insomnia.” https://www.instagram.com/sopio_t/
Sutari – Warsaw, Poland – Sutari is a 3 piece all women folk band. They have played WOMEX and KEXP and have 3 albums out including their latest River Sisters. https://www.facebook.com/sutarisutari
Technoir – Milan, Italy – TECHNOIR explored darker electronica with their sophomore album Never Trust The Algorithm. This duo mixes soul, EDM and alternative is a beautiful blend. https://www.facebook.com/technoirofficial
The Heart Collectors – NSW, Australia – The Heart Collectors recently played the Isol-Aid Unlocked Showcase for Folk Alliance International. They have played SXSW. This 4 piece band mixes Celtic music with Fletwood Mac to make a unique Americana music. https://theheartcollectors.com/
Vero – Chile – Veronica Quezada and Sebastian Mancilla plays folk pop with Ukelele. They are working on a new LP Cartografia and and an EP of boleros called Otrxs Canciones, where she expresses, in an intimate and critic way, how it is to live in the 21st century as part of the LGBTIQ+ and feminist community. https://www.facebook.com/verocomomiro
Voice of Baceprot – Voice of Baceprot is a 3 piece hard rock act from Indonesia. It is an all women act. In 2018 they released “School Revolution.” They are working on new music now. https://twitter.com/baceprotvoices
Allydice – Mississauga, Ontario – This hip-hop group of twin sisters Kayla & Kayle Allydice graduated in 2018 with degrees in Criminology. Their single “White Tears” is a call to action in the age of Black Lives Matter. They are working on their first EP. https://www.instagram.com/allydicetwinz/
Dope Earth Alien – Toronto, Ontario – Kenisha Humber is Dope Earth Alien (DEA). DEA advocates for the representation of Black femininity in its multitudes, especially for the low-key and quirky girls who continue to seek mainstream visibility. DEA sings soulful songs wrapped in storytelling. https://www.instagram.com/dopeearthalien/
Flara K – Montreal, Quebec – This duo released their sophomore EP Anxious, Irrational, Fashionable in 2020. They have soul infused pop with addictive vocals. https://flarak.com/
Nova Rose – Montreal, Quebec – Nova Rose is an indie pop artist who has been releasing singles galore recently including “Need Me”, “G.L.I.T.R.”, and “Cause You Make Me Feel Like.” http://bynovarose.com/
Odreii – Montreal, Quebec – Audrey Laurencelle is Odreii. She has played SXSW and opened for Wyclef Jean. The single from her debut album Sweating Gold is called “Heat.” https://www.odreii.com/
Shawnee – Edmonton, Alberta – Shawnee Kish is a Canadian Mohawk Two Spirit singer/songwriter. She is driven to help her Indigenous community at the same time affirming her identity. Her songs include “Warrior Heart”, “Mirror Me”, and “Got It Bad.” https://www.instagram.com/shawneekish/
Still Eighteen – Toronto, Ontario – Still Eighteen includes former Platinum Blonde and Trixie Goes Hollywood frontman, Joey, as the lead vocalist and guitarist, alongside his wife Karen on drums and their daughter Samantha on bass and vocals. Still Eighteen was fortunate to be able to finish their European tour just before the borders closed in March 2020. They performed in Italy, Switzerland, and Austria, headlining at some awesome venues! Since the pandemic, the band has been actively writing and recording new music and also had the exciting opportunity to be actors in a major Hollywood movie, (“Shotgun Wedding”) acting alongside Jennifer Lopez, Josh Duhamel, Lenny Kravitz, Cheech Marin & more! They have released 2 singles based on the pandemic: “I’m Finding It Hard to Believe in Something”, and “Tomorrow.” https://stilleighteen.com/
The Manic Boys and Girls Club – Toronto, Ontario – Siblings Bela and Fernando Ferreira are The Manic Boys and Girls Club (MBG Club). They play indie rock and their EP is layered with lush synthesizers with overdriven guitars. https://www.facebook.com/themanicboysandgirlsclub
Velours – Saskatoon, Saskatchewan – velours released her EP Identity last year. She has worked with Ryan Stewart and was nominated for 2 Saskatchwan Music Awards. https://www.veloursartist.com/
Yarro – Toronto, Ontario – Eliza Bronte graduated from the National Theatre School of Canada’s acting program. She has worked in theatre and film. It was songwriting that got her through dark times. Her debut EP Reset came out in March 2020. https://www.instagram.com/_yarro/channel/?hl=en
Applications for the Summer 2021 Virtual Internship Program are now open! The program is open to women (transgender or cisgender) and gender expansive individuals over the age of 18.
Our internship program is widely recognized in the audio and music production industries for the caliber of training, range of activities, overall experience, as well as job placement opportunities. Past interns have gone on to positions with such companies as Dolby, Pixar, Apple, Sony, Google, and Pandora, as well as most of the premier venues for music and performance in the San Francisco Bay Area.
May 5, 2021: Application Deadline
May 19, 2021: Interns notified
May 24, 2021: Start date
August 11, 2021: End of internship
Kicking off ISOL-AID 54 is KUČKA who is serving up autobiographical stories of love and growth supported by the melding together of RnB, jazz, new age and electro influences. Having collaborated with everyone from A$AP ROCKY and Kendrick Lamar, to Flume and SOPHIE, she has cemented herself as a force to be reckoned with and this new introspective turn proves that more than ever.
Get ready to fall in sync with MEMPHIS LK who is fusing her early pop, soul and RnB influences with a love of underground dance music. Paired with her intimate vocals and powerful lyricism Memphis LK has established an irresistible sound that’s sure to get you up and dancing.
RUNNING TOUCH is up next moulding heavy rock experimentalism with fragments of electronica and pop. As a founding member of Ocean Grove and a silent member of Adult Art Club, Running Touch is a chance to stretch beyond limits creating entire multi-sensory universes that provide a chance to flex his songwriting and producing and space to create art that sounds unlike anything else.
ODETTE has spent the last few years wracking up a list of achievements, charting at #1 on the Apple Music Charts, a couple of ARIA noms, and over 55 million streams – no big deal! Now we’re treated to an intimate performance of her latest album Herald, a true coming-of-age exploration. With her own brand of experimental pop Odette delves into the theatrical, expansive and overly dramatic with her poetic prowess on full display just for us.
Soccer Mommy — a.k.a. Nashville native Sophie Allison – released her critically-acclaimed sophomore album color theory last year. Today she has announced her long delayed US headline tour in support of the record. Starting in September 2021 the tour stops at some of the biggest venues Allison has headlined to date, including New York’s Brooklyn Steel on September 21 and Los Angeles’ Fonda Theatre on October 28. With the exception of a few venue changes and new additions many of the shows were postponed from March 2020 and all previously purchased tickets will be honored. Squirrel Flower will provide support on the first leg and Emily Reo will support the second. Tickets go on sale Friday (4/30) at 12pm ET.
Following the release of color theory, Allison earned mass acclaim, with performances opening for Bernie Sanders, numerous upcoming headline dates sold-out months in advance, confirmed festival slots at the likes of Glastonbury, and her late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The album made it’s AAA Top 20 debut after release, was #1 NACC Top 200 for 4-weeks running, and debuted on the following Billboard charts: #1 Top New Artist Albums, #1 Alternative New Artist Albums, #4 Current Alternative Albums, #4 LP Vinyl Albums, #6 Current Rock Albums, #16
Top Current Albums and in the Billboard Top 200.
Additionally, with touring at a halt for the entire music industry, Soccer Mommy found remarkably inventive ways to stay busy during quarantine. She released a deluxe binder version of color theory which you can get HERE along with a demos EP of selected album tracks which you can listen to HERE. Last summer, raising money for National Bail Out & Oxfam’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, Allison released the Soccer Mommy & Friends Singles Series featuring Jay Som, Beabadoobee, SASAMI and MGMT’s Andrew VanWyngarden/Gentle Dom. She also joined forces with Actress & Unknown Mortal Orchestra, who remixed two color theory tracks. Listen to “crawling in my skin (Actress Remix)” HERE + “circle the drain (UMO Remix)” HERE. She shared an interview and performance via GRAMMY Museum® which can be seen HERE. Combining her love of video games and performing, Soccer Mommy held a digital concert on the online gaming platform Club Penguin Rewritten, with 10,000+ attendees (who all had to make their own penguin avatars to attend). So many fans logged on originally that the game’s server *literally* crashed and the event had to be rescheduled. Soccer Mommy also kicked off the NPR Tiny Desk At Home Series, performed on Pitchfork’s IG Live series, and released her very own Zoom backgrounds images. Soccer Mommy then embarked on another tour, of sorts: an 8-bit music video tour, hitting some of the cities she was meant to perform in on tour prior to lockdown.
HATCHIE starts the night off with a hypnotic mix of soaring vocals and hazy guitar tones, weaving together layers of woozy rhythms. The Brisbane based musician is truly the dream pop idol of tomorrow, expertly creating heartfelt ear-worms that will stay with you for weeks and crafting live shows that’ll keep you glued to your screen.
Up next is PRICIE who is most definitely one to watch. A singer, songwriter and rapper – PRICIE’S got it all, and with the release of her first ever single, ‘too dang good,’ earlier this year, everyone else knows it too. PRICIE’s ISOL-AID set comes right off the back of four nights supporting Genesis Owusu at the Corner Hotel so you know she’s gonna be at the top of her game.
Crafting captivating songs from his Aunt’s spare room, FERGUS JAMES has taken local audiences by storm, (and racked up a whole handful of most played songs on Triple J). Jumping in head first, Fergus played his first show supporting Ed Sheeran and has since gone on to support Meg Mac and open the main stage at Splendour in the Grass – which means no one is more primed to bring a blistering ISOL-AID set this Sunday.
Ending the night on a high is BTS approved CHYMES. With ethereal vocals and hypnotic beats, Chymes infuses her playful pop music with intricate and in-depth concepts giving space to her voice in the most dreamy way possible.
In honor of 30 years of great live music paired with social and environmental programming, Colorado’s beloved radio show and multimedia nonprofit eTown is throwing a party for the ages, honoring both its 30th birthday and eTown’s induction into Colorado Music Hall of Fame.
Today, eTown announced the addition of Black Pumas, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Sarah Jarosz, to an already stacked lineup of performers for its 30th b’Earthday Celebration on April 22nd—Earth Day 2021. The free-to-attend live stream will feature performances from the aforementioned artists as well as previously announced performers: Lyle Lovett, Bob Weir, Los Lobos, Sam Bush, City and Colour, The War and Treaty, and Raquel Garcia. Former U.S. Senator and environmental advocate Tim Wirth and U.S. Congressman Joe Neguse will join for the conversation portion of the livestream. For more information on the b’Earthday Celebration, how to become a supporter of eTown, or to check out past shows and performances, please visit eTown.org.
eTown was conceived by Nick Forster while on tour in Eastern Europe with Sam Bush & Friends in 1990. Nick, a veteran touring musician with the band Hot Rize and others, fell in love with live radio after being a guest on A Prairie Home Companion, the Grand Ole Opry, and the WWVA Jamboree. After seeing how live music could draw disparate groups together in Eastern Europe only months after the fall of the Soviet Union—and witnessing environmental degradation—Nick was convinced that there could be a radio show that combined live music with conversation about how we live together on this increasingly fragile planet.
Back in Boulder, Nick enlisted his fiancé, Helen, to help get eTown started. Helen, a veteran performer, and singer (and former partner in the Telluride Bluegrass Festival) jumped right in, and the first eTown show was recorded on Earth Day in 1991. Just a few short months later, eTown was launched on NPR, and fans all across the country discovered this one-of-a-kind program.
In the 30 years since then, eTown has evolved and expanded into a full-blown nonprofit, unmatched in its contribution to both music and the environment. Through their radio shows, listeners discover world-class musicians and see and hear once-in-a-lifetime collaborations, and through programs like eTown’s eChievement Award, the same listeners are entertained and educated on the “who, what, why, and how” of preserving our planet for generations to come. Recently, Bruce Joss, president of Surface Creek Animal Shelter in Cedaredge, Colorado, was listening in when RE-volv—a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits go solar—was given the eChievement Award.
“We reached out to RE-volv,” says Joss. “Thanks to the RE-volv program, [a] solar system was installed at no cost to the Animal Shelter. The system is offsetting 296,000 lbs of CO2, the equivalent of planting 2,200 trees or taking 5,900 cars off the road— all while helping the 330+ animals that come through our shelter yearly.”
eTown supporters share stories like Joss’ all the time, a small token of appreciation for the literal building that Nick and Helen—and countless eTown employees and volunteers—built. So, after 30 years, a celebration for the ages is in order, and all are invited. To read more about April 22nd’s 30th b’Earthday Celebration, please visit etown.org/30.
THE ROSE MUSIC FESTIVAL” makes an official unveil with the announcement of its massive, inaugural lineup for the first covid-compliant state-of-the-art festival of 2021, taking place in Orange County, California, on April 24, 2021. Set to be a momentous experience with the perfect mix of star-studded performances from established artists and up-and-coming artists who are set to be next, attenders will have the chance to enjoy entertainment from some of their favorite artists while discovering music from soon-to-be-favorite rising stars. “The Rose Music Festival” originally came into fruition over one year ago by founder’s creative director Phillip Riaan and rising artists, entertainers Ry & Kendyx to create a platform for emerging musicians to showcase their bubbling stardom on a main stage with appeal compared to music festivals alike. Today, the experience now includes some of the hottest entertainers in music now making it the most unparalleled music festival that caters to something for everyone.
Featuring some of the biggest names in music and next up emerging acts, attenders will see performances from Mozzy, Stunna Girl, Eric Bellinger, Day Sulan, 1TakeJay, Asian Doll, Black Fortuna, Jaddah Blue, 777 God, Kendyx, Ry, Abbey Nicole, Float Lord, Rizz, and more special guests! Hosted by Philon, the benefit event will also see guest appearances from J Mulan and Manuel Antonio with music/ sounds by DJ Skyhighbaby & Power 106 FM’s own DJ Carisma.
100% of proceeds from “The Rose Festival will the donated to Avalon Carver Community Center, a network center located in South Los Angeles that provides education services, home improvement services, and substance abuse services for people who live in Los Angeles County. Built on the vision of community leader Mary B. Henry, the agency has become a centerpiece of the diverse community fabric of the neighborhood and met the needs of its growing and ever-changing community.
“We’re really excited to create this moment for California because our community needs this beam of light during these unusual times,” says Phillip Riaan, Co-Founder of The Rose Music Festival. It has been a tough year, a year that has shed light on the health and economic disparities in Black and Brown communities, so I’m happy we’re able to make this experience that looks out for many communities. Not only was the concert essential to us because of the cause, but it also provides a platform for up-and-coming artists to be able to see their name in lights and not have to wait on someone to allow them to because they are trending on social media.”
Kendyx, Co-Founder of “The Rose Music Festival,” shared, “music is healing, and it’s a beautiful moment to see emerging musicians, like myself, have this moment of coming together in a unique way that gives back to the community that has supported us all in more ways than one.”
Ry, p.k.a. Rydope, Co-Founder of “The Rose Music Festival and a rising artist herself, echoed similar sentiments by saying, “This festival will show that betters days is approaching for the world, not only for our community here in California.”
The Rose Festival marks one of the first live music events in the United States in over a year.
Genre-defying, mainstream-disrupting cultural institution AFROPUNK is thrilled to announce this year’s virtual initiative: “Black Spring” on April 23, 2021 at 4 pm ET. “Black Spring” combines AFROPUNK’s legacy of inclusion, activism, and highlighting the best new talent in the world with a focus on Afro-Latine and Afro-Caribbean artists and culture for 2021. Performers include Rico Nasty, Seu Jorge, Seafoam Walls, DAWERXDAMPER, Black Pantera, ChocQuibTown, Projexx, and JUP DO BAIRRO, with the entire festival being hosted by Santana Caress Benitez.
This year, for the first time, AFROPUNK will team up with NPR Music to present the kick-off video performance Tiny Desk Meets AFROPUNK on https://www.npr.org/music
Since NPR Music launched the Tiny Desk concert series in 2008 more than 1000 performances have been recorded and they attract more than 57 million viewers each month unifying a passionate community around the love of music discovery. This year NPR Music has been producing Tiny Desk (home) concerts; the latest iteration of Tiny Desk concerts in response to ongoing social-distancing measures. The series curates performances from around the world, with the same Tiny Desk spirit — stripped-down sets in an intimate setting — just in a different space. The Tiny Desk Meets AFROPUNK program will include performances by ChocQuibTown, Calma Carmona, Luedji Luna, and Nenny, and will be hosted by AFROPUNK vet Jorge “Gitoo” Wright.”
“’Black Spring’ is a moment to celebrate our African lineage and not allow the exploits of colonialism to further separate us whether we speak Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, or Dutch. We are Black.” says Tina Farris, producer of AFROPUNK’s “Black Spring.” “Celebrating with Tiny Desk is the perfect partner for this expansion in highlighting Afro-Latine and Afro-Caribbean voices. NPR has always been a purveyor of world music, and we are excited about expanding the AFROPUNK tenants with their audience.”
“NPR Music is thrilled to bring a collaboration with Afropunk and Tiny Desk to our audience, specifically in joining their ‘Black Spring’ festival to celebrate and amplify Afro-Latinx and Afro-Caribbean artists,” said Abby O’Neill, NPR Music’s producer of the collaboration. “Afropunk has excelled at artist curation and lifting up new voices throughout their global community. With our combined reach, we can expand the impact and celebration for this special edition of the Tiny Desk.”
“Black Spring,” like its name, is set to be an experience of revitalization, reclamation, revolution, and renewal. Inspired by the idea of claiming one’s freedom, as well as the change in season, the vibrancy of the Afro-Latin musical community, “Black Spring” will be a virtual festival like no other this year. “Black Spring” is AFROPUNK’s clarion call to the Afro-Latine and Afro-Caribbean communities to claim, revel, and celebrate in their Blackness without shame or fear; to be seen without the lens of “Otherness” and to fully, wholly embrace the intersectionality of existence and identity. The festival will be an evolving, cultural space from which to inspire and create discourse, and will focus on the tenets of AFROPUNK’s ongoing core mission: to propel, support, affirm, and learn from these communities at large.
“Black Spring” is produced by industry veterans Anthony Maddox, Tina Farris, and Dominic Pearson in conjunction with Cyrus Dennis, Allen T. Lamb, Sango Amoda, Shauna Gray, and Anita Asante.
Forget the regular Sunday sports, it’s time for music.
Kicking it off will be CHARLEY – a Perth based soulful powerhouse whose dynamic vocal range and timbre haunt and allure all at the same time. Intensely authentic and powerful, this journey begins through Charley’s eyes for us.
Up next is KAIA KINGSLEY, an indie R&B artist born and raised in Melbourne, Australia who is redefining the world of modern music. Having grown up with music from an early age, her love and inspiration from music stems from genres all over, combining sounds of authentic soul like vibe, with touches of electronic and contemporary music. After recently performing at diverse events such as the NBL/WNBL finals and various festivals, it is clear that she is about to take the music world by storm.
LARISSA LAMBERT started in Ballarat – ironically a town that found gold. Larissa is on a journey of a similar nature – a golden voice that is leading to stardom. American artist Jeremih caught wind of her talent and she joined his tour in 2019 which lead to a growing profile and a cover of Weak by SWV of hers going viral. Stay tuned for this artist to hit the sky.
Last but not least this week is CAP CARTER — Philippines-born, Western Sydney-based musician whose empowering songwriting is bound to blow up 2021. Cap’s style is R&B soul with an edge and grit that is unique and refreshing.
This year, National Geographic will offer multiple ways for people to celebrate Earth Day with a lineup of activities that will meet people wherever they are, kicking off with an Earth Day Eve virtual celebration. The lineup of musical artists from places of importance to them around the world and appearances by National Geographic Explorers will take viewers on a virtual journey when it’s needed most. Hosted by travel expert Jessica Nabongo, Nat Geo’s Earth Day Eve 2021 will feature performances from Angélique Kidjo, AURORA, José González, Maggie Rogers, Rostam, Valerie June, Willie Nelson, Yo-Yo Ma and Ziggy Marley, as well as a world premiere new music video from My Morning Jacket.
As viewers join in the musical event remotely from around the world, they will be introduced to extraordinary National Geographic Explorers, including world-renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, carnivore ecologist Dr. Rae Wynn Grant, environmental journalist Lillygol Sedaghat and biologist Dr. Lucy Hawkes. A highlight of the event will include National Geographic Explorer and photographer Brian Skerry, one of the world’s leading marine photographers, as he previews the new four-part Disney+ original series, “Secrets of the Whales,” from Academy Award®-winning filmmaker and National Geographic Explorer at Large James Cameron. Narrated by award-winning actress and conservationist Sigourney Weaver, the series from National Geographic takes viewers deep within the epicenter of whale culture to experience the extraordinary communication skills and intricate social structures of whales. The series will anchor National Geographic’s activities on Earth Day and becomes available on Disney+ at 12 a.m. PDT on April 22.
The event will also include a number of exciting announcements by the brand and be followed by a virtual afterparty on the new National Geographic TikTok account at 10 p.m. EDT
“For over 133 years, National Geographic has strived to inspire people to care more deeply for the planet. This Earth Day, we hope to provide that inspiration with a one-of-a-kind celebration that invites audiences everywhere to unite around the power of music,” said National Geographic Chairman Gary Knell. “Our Earth Day Eve event — virtual and accessible to everyone — will showcase environmentally passionate artists from around the world together with some of National Geographic’s most extraordinary Explorers. From AURORA’s forest performance in Bergen, Norway, to Jane Goodall’s greeting from her home in England, the celebration will give us even more of a reason to fall in love with the place we all call home — and empower us to act to protect it.”
After taking Easter weekend off, Isol-Aid is back with 4 new artists.
Kicking off this week’s lineup is WAFIA – a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who magnifies identifiable and idiosyncratic experiences in the form of alternative pop anthems. Wafia was Netherlands born but bases herself in Australia. She is an Iraqi-Syrian queer songwriter who’s keen sense of observation and sharp pen allows her to catalog the world in real time. The uncanny valley of inspiration. She has clocked over 300 million cumulative streams and her praises have been sung by both audiences and media outlets like The Fader and Refinery29. Wafia is willing to take risks and makes music you’ll treasure like an unforgettable memory.
If you are a TikTok fan like us you’ve probably seen the next artist KEENAN TE pop up – Keenan has quickly become a social media sensation with over 877,000 followers regularly tuning in to his ‘Tok to hear him sing. After finding a love for singing early in his life, this young gun has been performing around Melbourne since the age of 15. You may have seen Keenan pop up on Australian television and his talents have been recognised by celebrities and industry heavyweights who have described him as a “definite star of the future”. Pop, R&B and a side of youth – lets get it!
Next up is the newest shining star in the musical sky, CARLA WEHBE – a singer/songwriter whose creative energy extends beyond her musical musings and into every interesting outlet- a skateboarder who rides horses? We’re listening. Carla’s musical output takes on an edgy 80s nostalgia – purple pop vocals matched with vintage synth bass sounds and gated snares. But this isn’t an artist LARPing in the dayglo era of the 80s, Carla finds inspo from genres of music all the way back from the 50s through to now by mixing live instruments with more electronic sounds in a wholly fresh manner.
To round out this simply stunning lineup this week we have Brisbane raised and Sweden-based HAZLETT, a dreamy storyteller whose priority is emotion – stubborn, simple, romantic? He’s a fan of it all. Self described as Kings Of Leon on valium or Bon Iver without a falsetto, Hazlett manages to take masterful songwriting and bring it to life without remaining bound by genre. Hazlett has a voice for the ages – sandpaper dipped in honey and ready to beam down your screen.
This convention features Andrea Williams, Cam, Gena Johnson, Kazuri Arai, Leslie Richter, Rissi Palmer, Shani Gandhi as well as special guests and giveaways. Tix at:
Well be teeing off with YOUNG FRANCO – the coolest kid on the block who has been making a name for himself for a number of years since breaking through as a once-19 year old musician in Brisbane. Since then? He’s been traversing the globe and flying back from Australia to LA to bring magic to the dancefloor. He’s a multi-instrumentalist and the best way to describe his music is “make sure you tune in”.
KIRSTEN SALTY describes her music as “controlled chaos”. The irresistible sounds from this up and comer highlight a powerful voice and class that will differentiate her from the pack. Retro sounds and memorable hooks, we know this performance will be worth more than the price of admission (it’s free!)
JARROD JEREMIAH will keep our bodies moving with his intricate sounds that embrace pop sensibilities, delectable rhythms and dreamy sounding vocals. Think sparkling synths and slinky sparkling melodies. With his songs already being featured on Australian radio like Unearthed, RTR and Valley FM, this performance will continue the party.
Last on this week’s lineup but most certainly not least is HALLIE – a storyteller and force of heartfelt lyricism whose glorious sounds have us hooked. This future superstar creates commanding music that shines with undeniable charisma and energy. Winning Unearthed in 2019, Hallie has been on the up and up since and this legend is destined for the top.
Isol-Aid is an online music festival that raises money directly for artists. It features new artists every week and just hosted an Australian showcase at Folk Alliance Online. For the 1 year anniversary they have an impressive line-up:
JAGUAR JONZE – a Brisbane native who crafts cinematically produced tunes that send your wig..orbital! Smoky vocals that shift from fragile to forceful and ethereal pop sensibilities through subversive filters. What a perfect party starter!!
HOCKEY DAD are a band that has gone from grommets to garage rock royalty, riding the wave of their sound throughout their career as forces to be reckoned with in Sydney’s musical landscape. Windang’s favourite sons at one time charted at #2 on the AUS Aria Album chart and continue to unleash heat for the people! Catch Hockey Dad playing solo this Sunday. Goggles off for this one!
The party continues with wondrous talent and an artist who needs little introduction – JULIA STONE – one half of Angus & Julia Stone but more recently traded blue skies for red lights and red lips. Reimagined and reinvigorated, this current era for Stone replaces dirt under foot with wet pavements and sticky dancefloors. Step on us Julia, were ready!
Rounding out the party will be ISAIAH FIREBRACE, a former X Factor winner and top 10 Eurovision Australia placeholder, the young star continues to burn very bright. Isaiah has broken streaming records, toured outback Australia, gone Double Platinum and Gold in multiple countries and is now writing songs in Australia and the USA. Accolades are one thing but the true shining truth of this young artist is the integrity, talent and self actualisation of a young man achieving the future of his dreams into a reality. The perfect closer to our 1st birthday.
This year SXSW is online. The line-up is still impressive. Featured speakers include Queen Latifah, Chiquis, Mark Mothersbaugh, Wyclef Jean, Andrew Bird, Mary J. Blige, Carole King, Demi Lovato to name a few. Showcasing artists come range from K-Pop, punk rock, rap and more. Here are some of our recommendations.
Awich – Japanese Rapper Awich released her debut EP Partition in 2020. Her singles include “Bad Bad” and “Shook Shook”
Baby Queen – South African Born, London based pop singer Bella Latham released her Medicine EP last year. Singles include “These Drugs”, “Want Me”, and “Raw Thoughts.”
Belako – This Spanish band latest album is Plastic Drama. This quartet is a touring band playing everything from San Sebastian Jazz Fest to Sala Apollo. They are part of the Sounds of Spain showcase.
Ego Ella May – This London artist released her debut album Honey For Wounds in 2020. Her singles include “Girls Don’t Always Sing About Boys”, and “Give A Little.”
Enno Cheng – Enno Cheng is an institution. She is an author, playwright, screenwriter, actress and singer-songwriter from Taiwan. She formed the band Chocolate Tiger. She is now known for her solo albums.
Jealous – Paz, Adi & Uri make up this German 3-piece who have a retro rock sound that is part lounge, and part psychedelia. Their single “What’s Your Damage” was released in 2019.
Kee’ahn –Kee’ahn is a proud Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal, Zenadth Kes song woman With a name coming from the Wik people, meaning to dance, to sing, to play. In 2020 she released her single “Better Things.” She is part of the Close Up: A Sounds Australia Showcase.
Otoboke Beaver – Otoboke Beaver is a punk rock band from Kyoto. Their latest album is Itekoma Hits. Their latest single is “Dirty Old Fart Is Waiting for My Reaction”
Paupière – This Montreal duo is Julia Daigle and Pierre-Luc Begin. They special is “neo romantic” songs that mix synth-pop with 60’s French style. “Coeur monarque” is their latest single.
Wavy The Creator – Jennifer Ejoke, professionally known as Wavy the Creator, is a recording artist, photographer, fashion designer and film-maker, born in Lagos, Southwest Nigeria and raised in the United States. She is best known for her song “H.I.G.H”
Kicking it off with a very exciting new force, HOODZY crafts unapologetic raps with a strong fisted ferocity. A young queer woman chasing the dream and knowing exactly what she’s doing along the way. Already tearing up the airways including strong play on Triple J Unearthed, we can’t wait to have Hoodzy unleashed onto our screens.
If you haven’t heard CLOWNS (acoustic) yet well perhaps you’re…just that. Hailing from the Bayside burbs of Melbourne, Clowns have built a reputation for fun hardcore full to the brim of energy and punk sounds. Speedy, trashy – the perfect wake up on your Sunday from these bloody nutters! This Sunday in acoustic form no less… go off!
LARA D is a vocal powerhouse and at 17, Lara is a sparkling example and influence for her younger peers. A healthy mix of RnB & pop feed her sound that she describes as the ultimate expression – a gateway into her story. Designed to make you happy and full of infectious truth – this young artist’s level-headed and positive approach makes us feel like you can do anything, and you can!
Rounding out the week will be POLISH CLUB (solo) who claim to be the sweatiest band in Sydney. They write fast songs that take cues from Motown and the garage rock scuzz of Detroit in the same breath. Raucous and rollin, a dynamite end to the week. Catch Novak from the band, this Sunday, closing out Isol-Aid #48.
Hitting your screens once again ISOL-AID is back for round 47. Just because we’re in autumn now doesn’t mean we’re not turning up the heat this week with a blazing lineup. Packed full with all your fave up and coming R&B stars this week’s a scorcher, so slap on some sunscreen and turn the volume all the way up this is gonna be a fun one!
Soon to be Eurovision darling MONTAIGNE starts the night off for us all. Having played shows opening for everyone from Cyndi Lauper to Blondie she clearly knows her way around a stage, mesmerising audiences as she goes with lyrics reminiscent of the philosopher who inspired her moniker. With melodies to get lost in, and the most energetic of live performances Montaigne represents the next generation of artists who march to the beat of their own drum.
Canberra native AVNEESHA. brings together a sweet mix of electro pop and R&B to create captivating melodies. Rising up the TikTok ranks in the last year Avneesha. is no stranger to playing to an audience having already gained one million followers. Her latest release ‘Too Many Feels’ is out March 4 just in time for her Isol-Aid debut.
Rising Australian R&B prodigy EMALIA plays next, showcasing her craft for creating slick, infectious melodies that ooze confidence well beyond her years. With nods to the glittering era of early 2000s R&B Emalia charts a thought provoking journey of lust and empowerment backed by bass heavy pop beats.
KYE’s modern take on neo-soul is fuelled by her formidable songwriting, effortless vocal and vast network of collaborators in Melbourne’s increasingly renowned community of creatives in R&B, hip-hop and future soul. Melbourne based, Zimbabwe born, and London raised, KYE has shared the stage with the likes of Sampa The Great, Meg Mac and Jessica Mauboy stirring up captivating performances that will keep you talking about her for years to come.
Spin Magazine