Category: 1/2/3/4

We continue our celebration of Ausmusic Month, showcasing seven top artists from across the country. Over a period of 20+ years Adam Gibson has forged a unique career, his blend of spoken word songs with music gaining him a deeply reverent following for his tales of love, longing and the wide open road. His words are like a time machine, taking you back to your youth, bringing laughter and tears. We feature a track from his recent album as well as his brother Simon Robert Gibson’s debut solo release. As well, legends Ups and Downs tackle some essential new wave/post punk tunes on their latest release, the brilliant new album from Caitlin Harnett and the Pony Boys and South Australian Folk Artist of the Year, Naomi Keyte in session.

Cold Hands Warm Heart are a wonderful Melbourne collective, a part of the creative Eastmint collective. They are back with Quartz, the tranquil yet uniquely grounding and present new single from their upcoming second album. Written on a train between Castlemaine and Melbourne, Quartz reflects on the beautiful but disrupted Dja Dja Wurrung Country around the Maldon area, and main songwriter Genevieve Fry’s local family connection to the ancient volcanic region. We’re celebrating the incredible talents from across the country as a part of AUSmusic month, this is a must listen to episode with tracks from Paige Valentine, Sweet Whirl and Tim Shiel’s wonderful collaboration with Lucy Roleff.

Formed in Melbourne in 1992, Icecream Hands are expert craftsmen with a knack for delivering harmony drenched, classic guitar driven melodic rock. They returned this year with their first new album in thirteen years. No Weapon But Love is a masterclass in power pop creation, with songs that will stay in your head for a long time. For AUSmusic Month, I’ll be looking at some of the excellent releases over the last couple of years with a focus on 2020. Also featuring Sydney’s Sawmill, Melbourne’s Pop Filter and much more.

One half of Sydney’s Jep & Dep, Jessica has released her triumphant solo debut, a shimmering beautiful album that the Rolling Stone dubbed a “Masterclass of Ethereal Brilliance”. Rightly so, this is a gorgeous listen from start to finish, produced by partner Darren Cross. One of the highlight’s of 2020 and will be high in my end of year list. Equally beguiling is Brona McVittie’s Man in the Mountain, sublime folk from a unique artist who has a pristine voice. As well, stunning new singles from luscious baroque pop from The Apartments and Jello 64 and The Maes and Monique Clare.

On A Dark Murmuration of Words, Australian/UK based folk singer Emily Barker searches out the invisible connections that shape a rapidly shifting modern world. Her excellent sixth album is a timely exploration of climate change, racism, sexism, and myths of economic progress through the lens of what it means to return “home.” As well, brilliant new releases from On Diamond, Buddy Glass, Knot and much more….