Somehow it’s October already; and we’ve added another ten tracks to our Discovery Playlist on Spotify and Apple Music. Our Track of the Week is “Yes”, the timely and uncompromising new track from award winning Black activist group A.B. Original.
“Yes” is a mission statement from the duo – Yorta Yorta man Briggs, and Ngarrindjeri man trials. It’s nothing short of a fierce endorsement of the YES vote in the upcoming Indigenous Voice Referendum. The duo, alongside guest artist and Tiwi Islander man Marlon and renowned turntablist DJ Total Eclipse, set out to tackle the rampant disinformation, muddying of facts and counter arguments that are gaining some traction as the vote draws closer.
Speaking about the motivations behind the track Briggs said: “It’s important that we continue to work towards better outcomes for Blackfullas. With this referendum we stand to make a gain towards those better outcomes. We won’t see the big effects of a YES vote the next day, but we’re going to see it in 5 years down the track… This is what we are supposed to do as hip hop artists. If we didn’t do this, there’s a big piece missing. Hip Hop is all about voice, and all about community rallying together. This is what Hip Hop is for. This is exactly what we’re meant to be doing.“
The powerful track, which was released yesterday, is the precursor to the Now & Forever 2023 concert event which takes place in Shepparton later today. The event will see A.B. Original joined by headlining Indigenous artists Baker Boy, Barkaa, Emma Donovan and Mo’ju alongside a selection of Australian music icons. Tickets are still available HERE, so if you’re in the area, make sure you head along and throw your support behind the community and the Yes campaign.
Multi-platinum and ARIA award-winning Illy has collaborated with Los Angeles-based singer, actress and model Indiana Massara in the gorgeous “Hopeless”, a track chronicling the hopelessness of falling in love with the wrong person. Their vocals are beautifully paired, it has a sweet melody, and we can see this one getting plenty of air-play.
Illy is currently on a 25-date regional tour of Australia. Head HERE for more details.
“Until You Call My Name” is the new single from Kamilaroi artist Radical Son. The track, which is produced by Andrew Robinson, is a further taste of Radical Son’s much anticipated sophomore album Biliyambil (The Learning) that’s set to be released in early 2024. It’s a truly beautiful track, with Radical Son’s powerful, soulful and poignant vocals allowed to soar and shine. You’ll get a chance to hear the track, and others from the forthcoming album, brought to life later this month when he takes to the Sydney Opera House stage supporting Emma Donovan. Tickets are available HERE.
Gold Coast’s Chavez Cartel bring their hazy guitars and lush soundscapes to their latest single, the epic “No One’s Watching Over”. It’s lush, warm and just a little bit dreamy. They supported the UK buzz band The Reytons earlier in the year, played at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton, and will be heading to the USA next March for the New Colossus Festival in NYC. A band on the move….
Sometimes, we all need a reminder to live our best life, appreciate the here and now, and not get stressed about the small stuff. Pop duo Just A Leo encapsulates this perfectly in their latest feel-good banger, “22. This Might Only Be A Phase”. In an era when it’s so easy to compare against other people’s perfect digital worlds, this is a neat electronic slice of feel-good pop, encouraging us to stay sunny-side up.
“Bliss” is the latest single from Cheery, the Gloomy Art Pop project of Liverpool-via-Kansas artist Katlyn Conroy. The quirky track is a reflection on the meaning of bliss — what it means, how it’s felt and how you make your own. So it’s perhaps not surprising there’s not much gloomy about this one; rather it’s a quirky upbeat gem, with some wonderful vocals on show from Conroy.
Also added to the playlist is “Care Too Much” the new single from Geelong artist BELLA DEER and “Ring For My Baby”, the opening track from Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish‘s new album Sick-N-Tired.
Finally, we have two premieres this week from Fresh Violet and Jovi Skyler.
Catch the new music updated every Friday on Apple Music:
and on Spotify:
Here’s the complete list of new additions this week:
A.B. Original “YES (Ft. DJ Total Eclipse & Marlon)”
Illy “Hopeless (Ft. Indiana Massara)”
Radical Son “Until You Call My Name”
Bella Deer “Care Too Much”
Just a Leo – “22. This Might Only Be A Phase”
Chavez Cartel “No One’s Watching Over”
Cheery “Bliss”
Jesse Ray and the Carolina Catfish “Ring For My Baby”
Fresh Violet “Easy To Say” [Exclusive Album Premiere]
Jovi Skyler “Nervosa” [Exclusive Single Premiere]
Header Image by trials
