ISOL-AID returns for the final edition of it’s Homegrown series on Wednesday October 20th. Having served up the freshest local talent over the past few weeks we’re up to the last dish and it’s never been better. Going out with a bang the 62nd week sees everything from bubblegum pop to infectious indie rock gracing our screens.
Since teaming up with 99DESIGNS BY VISTAPRINT for the Homegrown series to offer creative and financial support to emerging local artists, Isol-Aid has featured the brightest bunch of Australian and New Zealand talent. With a whopping total of 975 nominations received from artists, friends and fans, Isol-Aid has presented us all with a chance to get to know some of our best homegrown acts and in turn has supported them on their journey with creative support for their next merch, poster or artwork needs.
Sweet and savoury Sydney outfit THE BUOYS kick things off this week. A combination of a fizzled out tinder date, gumtree ad and a million mutual friends, the band have been churning out infectious tracks since 2019. Inspired by workplace feuds, people who walk slowly in front of you and a tonne of bad dates, The Buoys explore themes of uncertainty, disappointment, curiosity, determination and the everyday. @thebuoys
VETTA BORNE melds elements of RnB, soul and pop into one as a vehicle to authentically explore Melbourne producer, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Maribelle’s creative capabilities. Cutting her teeth working with some of the country’s best producers such as Djemba Djemba and Styalz Fuego, Maribelle combines her production mastery with world-class vocals, staking her claim as one of Australia’s most impassioned artists. @vettaborne
Rounding out the night is iconic queer bubblegum punk duo CRY CLUB. As gentle in spirit as they are ferocious on stage, the pair’s empowering, danceable anthems have seen them play stages across Splendour In The Grass and Gaytimes and tour with the likes of Waax and Bec Sandridge. Exploring their vulnerabilities through spectacle and the weaving of pure pop and noise rock, Cry Club have won the hearts of many, and are set to claim more this Wednesday. @cryclubmusic
Digital marketing platform PROPELLER works at the crossroads of culture and social good and have teamed up with NOISE FOR NOW to launch a large-scale fundraising and awareness-raising campaign in support of Reproductive Rights. The campaign features artists offering one-of-a-kind prizes to incentivize fans to stand up and take action including Bon Iver, Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear, Demi Lovato, IDLES, St. Vincent, Tove Lo and Yeah Yeah Yeahs, with additional artists to be added in the coming weeks.
NOISE FOR NOW’s Reproductive Freedom campaign will raise money for the already overburdened heroes on the ground: Independent Reproductive Healthcare / Abortion Clinics (Keep Our Clinics –https://keepourclinics.org ) and Abortion Funds (National Network of Abortion Funds –https://abortionfunds.org ), as well as the Center For Reproductive Rights – https://reproductiverights.org who will be the legal defense in the Supreme Court case challenging Roe v. Wade this fall.
The artists participating in the campaign have generously offered prizes including:
Daniel Rossen of Grizzly Bear: Signed guitar played on the Grizzly Bear “Painted Ruins” tour
Demi Lovato: Select clothing items from their closet
St. Vincent: Two music man signed guitars
Tove Lo: Two signed copies of rare Blue Lips vinyl
Yeah Yeah Yeahs: Six signed original photo proofs from an early and classic Spin shoot by Danielle Levitt
Look for additional artists and items to be added in the coming weeks. In addition to artist prizes, music fans can support Noise for Now by purchasing one of their signature 1973 Pro Roe Tee for Reproductive Freedom –https://propeller.la/rewards/18903/1973-pro-roe-tee-for-reproductive-freedom All proceeds benefit Noise For Now’s Reproductive Freedom Campaign with the organization retaining 10% of proceeds to help cover operational costs.
ISOL-AID is back with more fresh tunes streaming straight to your screens on Wednesday October 6th. The 61st edition is in full bloom with an abundance of silky soul vocals and bunches of songs straight from the heart, a true mixed seed packet sprouting bright musical goodness. We’re in for a treat!
Since teaming up with 99DESIGNS BY VISTAPRINT to offer creative and financial support to emerging Aus and NZ artists, Isol-Aid has featured a whole bunch of sweet local talent. With a staggering total of 975 nominations received over the past few weeks, Isol-Aid has presented a primo opportunity to get to know some of our best homegrown acts all while supporting them on their creative journeys.
First up this week is LARA ANDALLO who while being a relatively new member of Australia’s swelling R&B renaissance has already established herself as one of the country’s pivotal performers. Reminiscent of the golden era of early 2000s R&B, Lara has a keen ability to write emotive, club-ready tracks that translate her energy and own dance floor skills expertly. Combined with the play between her rapid-fire and honeyed soul vocals, Lara weaves catchy trap-influenced beats that will get you up and dancing.
@laraandallo
In egoless yet unapologetic discourse, BLESSED seeks to break the pattern and provoke the most powerful form of human expression: honesty. After kickstarting the careers of some of the country’s biggest rappers, including The Kid Laroi, Blessed has stepped out on his own with an amalgamation of RnB, Punk and a little lo-fi Rock sprinkled in for good measure. @blessedtunes
BOOKA NILE rounds out the night with her jointly heartfelt and satirical tunes. When not playing in metalcore band Make Them Suffer (or appearing on Married at First Sight) Booka’s stripped back and straight to the point solo music is infused with humour, charming each and every one of us. @bookanile
Mipso is a 4 piece band originally from North Carolina. The band is Jacob Sharp on mandolin, Libby Rodenbough on fiddle, Wood Robinson on bass and Joseph Terrell on guitar. In 2020 Mipso released their self-titled, and sixth album found the band working with a new label, Rounder Records and producer Sandro Perri. Their latest single is “Every Drop.”
Mipso, the album marks a statement of being. With finely layered vocal harmonies and spacious arrangements that gently illuminate the idiosyncratic details and refined musicianship at the heart of every song, Mipso furthers the band’s ever-growing reputation as a potent musical force.
Levitate Events presents High Ground Music & Arts Experience, Denver’s first one-day festival that centers on melodic, live-performed electronic music and the natural beauty of the Colorado outdoors. The inaugural 18+ event takes place on October 2nd, 2021 in the grass amphitheater of Levitt Pavilion at Ruby Hill Park, minutes away from the heart of Denver. Attendees (referred to as “Revelers”) will enjoy two stages with local and international musical performers, as well as installations and activations to highlight Colorado’s culture, food, cannabis, and art.
On the High Ground Stage, headliners Snakehips and Kasbo will join acts like Louis Futon, Haywyre, Chet Porter, and Pluko alongside Colorado favorites Bass Physics, JackLNDN, Lucy Daydream, Shae District, and Who’s Calling. The Levitate Stage will feature 12 additional entertainers including Kid Astronaut, Laszewo, w/out, and more, with the majority of performances to be live. With 23 acts playing, High Ground Music & Arts Experience is set to be Colorado’s largest single-day independent music festival this year.
Created by Noah Levinson of Levitate Events, High Ground Music & Arts Experience is a culmination of his extensive and varied background as a music industry entrepreneur. A recent graduate of NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, Levinson honed his skills as a promoter and event producer at Insomniac Events. Together with his business partner (and mother) Jobi Halper, he developed the idea for an outdoor music festival that celebrates his love for the environment and chill electronic music.
Come out to Fort Greene on Thursday, September 23rd to celebrate Women in Music Denver’s Official Launch Party! This informal professional & free networking event is intended to bring people together – in person! – for a fun evening with like-minded music industry professionals.
The Women in Music Denver Official Launch Party will feature music from DJ Simone Says, as well as delicious eats from women-owned food truck ‘Maiz‘ (included for all who attend). RSVP now for FREE and don’t miss out on the door prize offerings filled with some much-needed items to make you feel your best. Plus! All attendees will receive one comp drink ticket provided upon entry (must be 21+ and provide ID for proof of age).
Attendees will…
Enjoy making meaningful new connections
Meet people in their broader music community and
Connect with others they might not typically cross paths in an engaging, relaxed environment.
Established in 2020,Women in Music Denveris a chapter of WIM that is dedicated to fostering equality in the music industry through the support and advancement of women. Providingknowledge, strategy & solutionsto our members and the greater community is our driving purpose.
If you’re looking to expand your local music community network, or simply need a WFH break and the opportunity to connect with new faces, then this event is for you. Register for FREE now to confirm your attendance. Plus, don’t forget to refer a friend to bring your favorite #womeninmusic out!
The venue ‘Fort Greene‘ has been chosen in part for its covered outdoor patio, and this event will run in accordance with all City and County of Denver COVID-19 local guidelines. Given the ever-changing nature of the pandemic, we will continue to update our community on such guidelines as we move closer to the event.
The 60th edition of ISOL-AID takes place Wednesday September 22nd and sixty has never looked so good. Full of the best homegrown talent it’s an extra special way to break up the week, especially for those of us stuck at home. This week’s lineup is in fine form, sashaying from psych rock to folk to pop and hitting all the right notes.
Isol-Aid have teamed up with 99DESIGNS BY VISTAPRINT to offer creative and financial support to emerging Aus and NZ artists. With a staggering total of 975 nominations received, Isol-Aid has a whole bunch of super talented homegrown acts set to play in the coming weeks.
THE LAZY EYES have cemented themselves as a key emerging act in the Australian psychedelic scene. In what was supposed to be a breakout year for the band, with slots at Splendour in the Grass, SXSW and The Great Escape, 2020 saw The Lazy Eyes instead retreat to the studio, delivering their hypnotic EP2 to the world. Hailing from Sydney their tracks touch on themes of growing up and escapism, a dreamy glimpse into the unabashedly unkempt minds of one of the country’s most exciting psych rock [email protected]
With a name coming from the Wik people meaning to dance, to sing, to play, KEE’AHN aims to honour her name and her ancestors through her music. Releasing her first single ‘Better Things’ in 2020 Kee’ahn has already played at St Kilda Festival, Laneway and Yirramboi First Nations Festival, plus has worked as a feature artist alongside DRMNGNOW. Crafting lush melodies reminiscent of heartbreak and healing, the soulful tones provide the perfect backdrop to her mastery as a lyricist. @kee.ahn
Melbourne producer, singer and songwriter EILISH GILLIGAN’s unwavering love for pop shines through on every track she has. Her innate and reflective songwriting coupled with the play of delicate synth melodies creates intoxicating spectral pop that will have you hanging onto every word. Supporting everyone from Alex Lahey and E^st to Confidence Man and Woodes, Eilish has cemented herself as a mesmerising performer, reflected in the praise she has received from the likes of triple j, NME and Rolling Stone. @EilishGilligan
Mackenzie Scott is TORRES. In July she released Thirstier, her latest album. Recorded in the fall of 2020 at Middle Farm Studios in the UK and co-produced by Scott, Rob Ellis and Peter Miles, Thirstier marks a turn towards a bigger, more bombastic sound for TORRES. The anxious hush that fell over much of Scott’s previous music gets turned inside-out in songs tailored for post-plague celebration. The album features the singles “Hug From A Dinosaur”, “Don’t Go Putting Wishes in My Head”, and the title track.
Thirstier is Torres’ 5th studio album. She has opened for Brandi Carlile, Garbage and Tegan and Sara. Torres has a blunt humanity to her music. It leaves her vulnerable and exposed. Reaching for new heights with Thirstier, Torres roars. Torres is on a nationwide tour now through October 21. She will finish at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC.
Last year they released their 3rd studio album, Free Love on Loma Vista Recordings. They’ve been featured everywhere from Stephen Colbert to NPR. They are an exciting live act. Get your tix now before they sell out. Watch “Numb”
The 59th edition gets off to a roaring start with some silky rhythmic grooves from New Zealand local MUROKI. Having grown up by the water, the laid back surfing and skating community he’s always been part of has imbued his music with an effortlessness that mesmerises all, including Benee who played his track on Elton John’s radio show. His smooth vocals and gliding melodies will melt even the toughest of us. @murokimusic
ALICE SKYE is a singer-songwriter, Wergaia/Wemba Wemba woman and universal little sister. Releasing her second album I Feel Better But I Don’t Feel Good in July this year Alice continues to look inwards, finding staunchness in softness. Alice’s emotional transparency targets the push-pull of the relationships we keep with ourselves and others, instilling a healing ode to life and getting by. This past year has seen Alice join Midnight Oil on their Makarrata Live Tour, feature on Moby’s latest album and take to the triple j airwaves with a Like A Version, proving she is truly rising to meteoric heights. @aliceskye
Wrapping up the night is Melbourne based rockers BAKERS EDDY. Bringing rollicking live shows and infectious melodies that will be stuck in your head for days to come the band have cemented themselves as a staple of the local scene. They’ve supported everyone from The Rubens, Gang of Youths and WAAX and have become festival favourites, playing Falls, NYE On The Hill and Party in the Paddock. Loud, fast and dirty Bakers Eddy’s raucous energy has been winning over crowds nationwide. @bakerseddy
Butcher Babies began their headlining tour on August 28 and won’t stop until October. The ‘Butcher Babies Vs. Goliath’ tour will see the band perform their 2013 debut album GOLIATH (Century Media) in its entirety along with fan-favorites and new previously unheard music. The fully female-fronted lineup will include support from Infected Rain and Stitched Up Heart, with Kaleido also appearing on select dates. The band is working on an upcoming self-released EP which includes the singles “It’s Killin’ Time, Baby”, “Last Dance”, “Sleeping With the Enemy”, “Bottom of the Bottle” and “Yorktown”
For over a decade, BUTCHER BABIES have been crushing stages worldwide with their vicious live performance and explosive energy. Their stage presence is a hypnotic spectacle that leaves audiences hungry for more as they’ve displayed on tours among the likes of Megadeth, Rob Zombie, Marilyn Manson, Five Finger Death Punch, Danzig, In This Moment, Hollywood Undead, Cradle of Filth, Black Label Society and many more.
Hailing from the City of Angels, BUTCHER BABIES aided in the jubilant revival of the metal scene on LA’s iconic Sunset Strip, landing the band a record deal with Century Media Records.
Australian musicians are banding together and taking to Instagram to play tunes and raise funds. This Thursday, a line-up of the country’s best artists are set to stream live from their homes for 8 hours to raise money to aid the people of Afghanistan.
Australian musicians are banding together and taking to Instagram to play tunes and raise funds. This Thursday, a line-up of the country’s best artists are set to stream live from their homes for 8 hours to raise money to aid the people of Afghanistan.
The folks behind Isol-Aid have teamed up with Didirri, Greg Carey and Michael Ridgeway (Grow Yourself Up) to schedule a mega lineup of artists all playing direct to your screens. Running from 3pm to 11pm on Thursday 2nd of September artists will play live from their Instagram accounts, with all donations directed to Mahboba’s Promise Afghan Relief Fund.
Mahboba’s Promise has been helping the most vulnerable in Afghanistan for over 25 years and it’s staff and volunteers, made up of local Afghani people, have an established on ground presence. Donations will ensure the organisation can provide emergency shelter, food, water, medical and hygiene essentials as well as help their efforts to relocate people from Kabul to safer regions. Our support will help them to scale up their operations as the situation worsens.
This Thursday is also a reminder of how important live music is and its capacity to bring people together, even when a whole swathe of the country is being kept apart. While much of the music industry has been at a standstill, these musicians are sharing their talents and performing, all for a greater cause.
Starting at 2:50pm with an introduction from Shabnam Safa, a member of the Afghan Australian Advocacy Network, 24 artists will be playing 8 hours of tunes live to their Instagram accounts.
After 13 years the Titwrench Collective continues with a mini festival at an outdoor stage. Food Trucks and an artisan market led by Witch Collective are also part of the day’s activities. The artists playing this year are:
Nacha Mendez – guitarist and award-winning singer/songwriter Nacha Mendez is based in Santa Fe, New Mexico. She will perform her singular style of Latin World music with a trio featuring oud, cajon, congas, guitar, and her unique vocal stylings. https://nachamendez.com/home
Saturday lineup: Lazaus Horse, Shadow Work, An Antiquated Bluff, Bluebook (solo), Brianna Straut, Brother Saturn, Desert Atlas, Emerald Siam, The Get Together, Luke Schmaltz, Mainland Break, Pale Sun, Pleasure Prince, Tesoro, Wave Decay, Zealot, DJ Afterparty, Desert Atlas, Cipriano, Tesero
Sunday lineup: Stone Riot, Star Hotel, Cheap Perfume, Retrofettes, Brother Saturn, Pink Hawks, Church Fire, The Dollhouse Thieves, The Dutch Treats, Jacy James Anderson, Kerrie Joy, Machu Linea, Molly Growler, New Ben Franklins, The Patient Zeros, Quits, Rowboat, Spyderland, Stone Riot, DJ Afterparty, The Nightshift DJs
Monday (Labor Day) lineup: Astral Planes, Joy Subtraction, Married A Dead Man, The Mssng, Shwarma, Tokyo Rodeo, Venus Cruz, Dayton Stone and the Undertones, We Are Not A Glum Lot, DJ Ginger Perry, Machu Linea, DJ Kaybay, Funk Hunk
The Song Summit is the brainchild of Ben Anderson, Park City resident and lifetime musician/founding member of the jamband Aiko. He started the Song Summit to celebrate his passion for music and his personal mission to bring clarity and normalcy to the struggles musicians, artists and music lovers alike face around mental health and dependency. Song Summit is proud to partner with three local charities who are in the trenches every day addressing mental health, suicide prevention and addiction recovery: Communities that Care, Jewish Family Service and Summit Clubhouse.
The Song Summit is a decidedly sideways move away from mass music festivals and the dilution of intimate connections where scale numbs engagement between artists and fans. It seeks to create a retreat for artists where they play their songs and create conversations with audiences around both proven and inspired practices for bolstering creativity and success in music and beyond. September 8-12 in Park City, Utah.
Artist Performances by: Adia Victoria, Anders Osborne, Andrew Bird & Jimbo Mathus, Bonny Light Horseman, Brad Walker, Cedric Burnside, Celisse, Chad Cromwell, Craig Finn & The Uptown Controllers, David Ramirez, Devon Gilfillian, Father John Misty, Fruit Bats, Gary Clark Jr., Iron & Wine, Ivan Neville, Joe Pug, John Craigie, John Doe, Jonathan Russell of The Head And The Heart, Jonathan Wilson, Josh Kelley, Josh Ritter, Joy Oladokun, Kamasi Washington, Keller Williams’ Grateful Gospel, Langhorne Slim, Lori McKenna, Lucius, Mavis Staples, Mike Dillon, Natalie Hemby, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rising Appalachia, Ryan Bingham, Tank and the Bangas, and Tré Burt.
Lab Conversations with: Alison Mosshart, Mark Borden, Rich Roll, Jason Isbell, Dopey Live, Langhorne Slim, Celisse, Jay Sweet, Tarriona Tank Ball, John Doe, Josh Ritter, Tré Burt, Eric D. Johnson, Devon Gilfillian, Lori McKenna, Natalie Hemby, Jonathan Russell, Sam Beam, Ben Jaffe, Joe Pug, Andrew Bird, Jimbo Mathus, Cedric Burnside, Fred Armisen, Rob Bleetstein, Jonathan Wilson, Josh Kaufman, Lucius, John Craigie, Craig Finn, Jay Blakesberg, Leslie Jordan, and Shaun White.
Songwriters-in-the-Round lineup: Aaron Barker, Aaron Benward, Angaleena Presley, Bill Luther, Blake Bollinger, Blessing Offor, Charles Esten, Curt Chambers, Daniel Donato, Danny Myrick, Dave Pahanish, David Ryan Harris, Dean Alexander, Earl Bud Lee, Emily Shackelton, Eric Van Houten, Even Stevens, Gable Bradley, Garrison Starr, Hailey Steele, Jace Everett, Jaida Dreyer, Josh Kelley, Kalie Shorr, Keith Stegall, Kelly Archer, Kent Blazy, Kylie Morgan, Kylie Sackley, Leslie Jordan, Liz Huett, Matt Warren, Megan Linville, Pher, Reyna Roberts, Rick Brantley, Sarah Darling, Sean McConnell, Sheena Brook, Shelly Fairchild, Sonia Leigh, Steve Seskin, Tim James, Travis Howard, and Waylon Payne. Some names may be new to Summit attendees, but their timeless songs certainly won’t be. This group represents the very best in publishing across all musical formats and genres. Come for the songs, take home the stories.
Sofia Valdes – Sofía Valdés is a singer is a singer/songwriter, born and raised in Panama, educated in the U.S. and Liverpool, UK. Sofía’s family is deeply musical, ranging from Panamanian folk music to Cubanismo. Her latest release is “Silhouette.” @sofiavaldes
Shannon + The Clams – Shannon & The Clams’ sixth studio album, Year Of The Spider, is out now via Easy Eye Sound. For the album, the band, fronted by bass player Shannon Shaw and guitarist Cody Blanchard on lead vocals with Will Sprott on keyboards and Nate Mahan on drums, returned to Dan Auerbach’s Nashville Easy Eye Sound Studio to craft a mature, reflective and ebullient album built for the current times, on which they have perfected their signature blend of garage psych, doo-wop, classic R&B, and surf rock. The album features singles including “All of My Cryin’” and “Midnight Wine.” @shannonandtheclams
Zembu – ZEMBU is an indie-pop electronic producer and artist based out of Colorado. She combines ethereal, warm production with layers of soulful vocals and reflective lyricism centered around the intersection of her identities, mental health, and social issues. @zembumusic
Jelie – Denver rapper Jelie (pronounced “jell-eye”) is a music savant. Between her beats, production, sound engineering, songwriting and a recording arts degree received from the University of Colorado Denver, she lives and breathes her craft. @jelie303
DEADLUV – DEADLUV is a newly formed synth-pop duo from Denver, Colorado. Their music is the juxtaposition of dark and light with heavy synthesizers and ethereal vocals colliding effortlessly. Chris Nugen creates a soundscape of house beats and gnarling synth voices while Emma Henry sings hypnotic melodies on top. @deadluvmusic
Saturday
The Grand Alliance – The Grand Alliance is Crl Crrll, Sur EllZ and Kayla Marque. Each amazing musicians. Together a Colorado supergroup. @legrandalliance
Lnlygrl – Perhaps the most interesting story of UMS. Originally from California this artist started music while still in college. She went to medical school in San Diego while still continuing music. Since moving to Denver and starting her career as a physician, LNLYGRL hopes to continue sharing her funky grooves with others on the dancefloor (when not on call). @_lnlygrl
Remi Wolf – Remi Wolf will cement her status as one of pop music’s brightest young stars when her debut album Juno lands on October 15th. With her eclectic sound and style and magnetic personality, Remi has developed an avid fan base – to which she affectionately refers to as “Remjobs” – that has made her a trailblazer of the emerging Gen Z pop scene. She has garnered a cult following of peers and fellow artists along the way, boasting collaborations with Dominic Fike, Beck, and Nile Rodgers and Instagram cosigns from John Mayer, Khalid and Camila Cabello. @remiwolf
Messiahvore – Formed in 2019 By guitarist/vocalist Bart McCrorey & bassist Jenn McCrorey. Kevin Disney on baritone guitar and Brokk Dagaz on drums. Messiahvore have a new full length record to be released early in 2022, but for now the plan is to keep writing, perform and get back on the road. @messiahvore
Pink Fuzz – The big news this year is The Velveteers new album produced by Dan Auerbach. The other half of the Velveteers family is in Pink Fuzz with John & LuLu. Pink Fuzz mixes harmonies with hard driving guitar. Pink Fuzz has been an extensive touring band for about 4 years. They have played with bands including Thee Oh Sees, LA Witch, Reignwolf, The Yawpers, Slowcaves, Black Pistol Fire and Heart. @pinkfuzzband
Esther Rose – As much as she’s a songwriter, Esther Rose is a scene setter, a crystallizer of moments, and a full time inhabitant of the dimly-lit world depicted in her songs. Rose found her voice over the course of years spent regularly performing and recording in New Orleans, combining her DIY work ethic with an affinity for traditional country arrangements. Though still dressed with the dreamy lap steel, fiddle, and string bass accompaniment of earlier material, sophomore album You Made It This Far took on a far more personal tone. The songs were at times cuttingly direct, with storytelling lyrics culled straight from lived experiences both stormy and revelatory. @therealestherrose
Lolita – Lolita is a latin pop artist. Her latest release is called, “Toda Mi Gente (Remix),[ft. Big Samir of The Reminders].” It’s a Spanglish pop song about gun violence and police brutality. The song weaponizes joy through pop music and puts it to use in the fight for social justice. @lolitaworldwide
Sunday
Down Time – Led by Alyssa Maunders Down Time has made a mark with their debut album Hurts Being Alive produced by Patrick Riley and Alaina Moore of Tennis. @downtimeforever
The Andersons – Couples bass therapy. The Andersons is DJs Yololo and Nasty Nachos, a powerful partnership that have provided the city with grooves for all occasions. @perpetualjoyyy
Claire Heywood – After playing solo sets for small listening audiences alongside poets, comedians, and writers for several years, Heywood self-released an EP of original songs titled The Wind, It Howls in March 2019. In 2020, Heywood released three singles: “Python,” “Letter Day,” and “I Won’t Resign My Love For That Old Dream.” Her latest release is “Crushed Lemons” @claireaheywood
Royal and the Serpent is the band name and the personas of Ryan Santiago.
“I definitely feel like I’m two people living in one body, where I can just slip at the drop of dime and become a totally different person,” notes Santiago, who equally identifies as a “sweet sunshine angel” (i.e., the Royal persona) and a “freaky devil maniac” (the Serpent).
Santiago was a competitive dancer and into musical theater. She credits Donna Missal for teaching her guitar.
The band released the Searching for Nirvana EP in June which features singles “I can’t get high”, “girls (ft Phem)”, and “Phuck U”
The band’s 2020 EP Get A Grip featured the hit single “Overwhelmed.” Royal and the Serpent (RATS) has had a rapid rise from “Overwhelmed.” They were part of a live stream tour for Yungblud in 2020. They have been releasing edgy videos to their gripping music on a regular basis. Now they are finishing their first tour opening for PVRIS. RATS is a visceral experience mixing raspy vocals with a blunt force. They mix the ferocity of Halestorm with the theatrics of Garbage. FEMMUSIC was honored to have an e-mail interview with Santiago about the band and tour. For info visit @royalandtheserpent
FEMMUSIC: What was the biggest challenge making the Searching for Nirvana EP?
RS: Honestly releasing it was the hardest part. I couldn’t stop second guessing myself and I was so nervous until it was finally out. It was like a huge weight was lifted from me. Shoutout to my team for helping me get it across the finish line.
FEMMUSIC: What were your goals for the EP?
RS: It was the first “full” body of work I had ever put out – so I think cohesion was my number 1 goal. I really wanted to make something that was meant to be listened to front to back. I wanted it to tell a story – a little introduction into my world and brain.
FEMMUSIC: What changed in your approach to making Searching for Nirvana vs Get A Grip?
RS: I think stylistic choices. We really leaned into the rock space a little further than we had before. I also had a bit of a heavier hand in the production than before. Marky and I got to spend almost a whole month polishing it up before it was ready to be heard.
FEMMUSIC: Tell me about working with Phem & Yoshi Flower. What do you look for in collaborators?
RS: Gosh two of some of my favorite people on earth. Yoshi is a longtime friend and collaborator. Phem and I met for the first time the day we wrote “Girls” – and we immediately hit it off and are now still very close. I think vibe is key when it comes to working with others. It’s all energy – when the vibe is right the music speaks for itself.
FEMMUSIC: You’re signed to Atlantic Records. What made you sign to Atlantic? What do you look for in a label?
RS: Atlantic was the first major that showed interest in the project – and I knew immediately that they were the ones for me. They were so welcoming, so warm, it felt like home the first time I walked in the doors. I think most importantly the #1 thing I was looking for in a label was a team that cared about the project, the music, the vision, etc. I knew from the first meeting I took that they had real interest in what I was doing and that meant more to me than anything.
FEMMUSIC: You’re touring with PVRIS. I’ve read you’ve had social anxiety in the past. How do you manage touring? What do you most like about it?
RS: Ooooof. Hahaha. We’re still in the midst of it and we’re almost halfway through. I’m not gonna lie – it’s been an adjustment! I’m also HIGHLY claustrophobic so that’s probably been the toughest part. Sometimes I get random panic attacks in the van. But for the most part we’re staying out of the crowds and staying safe with covid and all. Aside from some of the smaller hurdles – I love everything about touring. It’s my first tour and I can’t even begin to tell you how grateful I am to be getting to play shows every night with my best friends. I wouldn’t trade this life for the world.
FEMMUSIC: What challenges, if any, have you faced as a woman in the music industry? And how did you overcome them?
RS: In the beginning of my career it was a lot harder to get people to listen to my ideas and suggestions. People would easily steamroll right over me. I’ve really learned how to own my voice in a room and keep my energy strong. As a woman you sometimes have to command the attention. A little spice never hurt anybody 😉
FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique?
RS: Sure! For the most part I co-write everything. So it usually looks like: showing up to a studio with another writer and a producer, hanging for a bit, jamming for a bit, and seeing what pours out. It’s always based on personal experience/emotion/whatever I’m feeling at the time. I think the best songs are written when we take our brains out of the equation and we just let the music come through us.
FEMMUSIC: What song, not your own, has has the biggest influence on you, and why?
RS: This is like such a tough question? Because SO much music has shaped me to be who I am today. I think if I had to pick one in this very moment it would have to be “Welcome to the Black Parade.” It’s a masterpiece in every sense of the word. A modern day Bohemian Rhapsody if you will. I could only dream to someday make something even half as iconic.
FEMMUSIC: What one thing would you like to change about the music industry?
RS: I guess if I could change one thing it might be the competitive edge a lot of people seem to have. I wanna believe there’s room for all of us to do what we love and still make it to the top.
LOUD WOMEN Fest 5 is now so close! 18 September 2021 at 229 London. The perfect antidote to male-heavy festival line-ups, the event will feature some 20 artists over two stages and the volume will be turned up higher than ever this year with a boost from an Arts Council project grant.
“The aim of the festival is to show how many incredible bands are out there powered by ABCD (anyone but cis dudes) – as a counter to every other festival, those that seem to struggle even to book 50% non-male acts.” – Cassie Fox, LOUD WOMEN’s founder
Spring has almost sprung and with all these flowers in bloom there’s no better time to tune into ISOL-AID #58. Take a break from the veggie patch and turn your attention to the abundant homegrown talent streaming straight to your screens on Wednesday August 25. From seedlings to metres tall trees this week is a mix of some of Australia’s best up-and-coming hip-hop acts and fan-favourite indie artists, truly something for everyone!
Keeping the good times rolling, ISOL-AID have teamed up with 99DESIGNS BY VISTAPRINT to offer creative and financial support to emerging homegrown acts. Nominations for Isol-Aid Homegrown have now closed with a staggering total of 975 nominations received. Thank you SO MUCH for nominating yourselves, your friends & your favourite artists and be sure to stay tuned for the fortnightly harvest of freshly-picked talent, sprouting from your screens in the weeks to come.
Kicking off this week’s ISOL-AID is none other than MANSIONAIR. Crafting anthemic and all encompassing indie tracks the Grammy nominated band have just released rousing new single ‘More’ off their soon to be released album. Through slots at Coachella, Splendour In The Grass and a whole Carly Rae Jepsen tour, Mansionair have drawn audiences in time and time again.
YOURBOYMARS is at the forefront of the young new-wave hip-hop scene bringing a clean mixture of Afro-beats, trap, soul and RnB. At only 19 years of age the African Australian singer, rapper and songwriter has cemented himself as one to watch. With his melodic chops setting him apart, he’s been steadily releasing tracks since 2020 and it’s clear he’s already on the path to take over Australia’s hip-hop scene.
Rounding out the night is Perth based band DULCIE. Made up of four childhood friends Dulcie abounds in sweet indie-pop music brimming with lush harmonies and opulent textures. Swapping lead vocal duties as they please their stirring lyrics cut straight to the bone and will have you hanging onto every word. They’ve supported everyone from G Flip to Spacey Jane and have enchanted audiences across Laneway and Groovin the Moo. This Wednesday sees them bringing their effortlessly cool energy to us all.
Held Monday 6 September to Wednesday 8 September, BLAKSOUND hosts a series of online workshops and discussions, designed to elevate, celebrate and represent the voices and perspectives of current and future First Nations artists and industry workers.
BLAKSOUND curators Sycco, Jem Cassar-Daley, DOBBY, and Loki Liddle will bring powerful conversations from some of so-called Australia’s most important, young First Nations voices. The curators are in turn mentored by Artistic Director and Founder of Digi Youth Arts, Alethea Beetson.
Spin Magazine