By Cairns-based artist Jelly Oshen has added his own personal reflection to the growing list of pandemic-inspired tracks. The 21-year-old’s self-described genre of ‘island-flava’ – a mix of indie-pop and R&B – is on full display in Bordalonely as he bottles up a mix of lockdown misery and blissful music.
TRACK: Like Falling – Matthew Young
New Zealand’s own Matthew Young has released a sparkling new alt-pop track that tackles the hard realities and consequences of substance abuse contrasted against a bright and euphoric tune. ‘Like Falling’ looks at good times gone too far in a song that’s wrapped up in teen-nostalgia, instantly creating an emotional connection.
TRACK: Waiting – Bri Clark
In less than two and half minutes, Bri Clark will draw you into an cavernous spiral that bleeds with overwhelming intensity. ‘Waiting’ simultaneously explores the torturous mindsets of love, heartache and living with chronic illness, weaving through a tumultuous journey and cleverly culminating in a sense of frustrating incompleteness.
TRACK: Garden of Eden – Ny Oh
NZ-raised, LA-based musician Ny Oh has released her latest enchanting track, ‘Garden of Eden’. With her delicate vocals dancing around a captivating folk melody, Ny Oh continues to awe us with her spellbinding songwriting ahead of her forthcoming EP ‘Ny Oh’s Garden of Eden’ (due 11 March). Exploring the complexities of life while reveling in the simplicity of having love amongst the chaos, Garden of Eden is a stunning song that delves deeply into trying to understand the world around us.
TRACK: Dreamworld – Andy Martin
‘Dreamworld’ is a track that oozes with a familiarity that you want to chase down and hold onto tightly. Andy Martin’s pop-rock songwriting is just as nostalgic as it is exciting and new. He continues to deliver surprises as his rhythmic progression travels between vibrant and punchy, and his latest track Dreamworld is no exception. With his energy never dwindling, any heartbreak or angst addressed by Andy resonates musically through unifying lyricism and feel-good melodies.
TRACK: Garage Full of Dreams – LAURA MAC
LAURA MAC, a loved-up duo living in the hinterlands, are creating fun, vibrant, tongue-in-cheek tunes. Laura Maclachlan and Zac Connely refuse to conform to genre-norms. Instead they’re throwing out the energy that they want to see and crafting music that exists completely in its own space. ‘Garage Full of Dreams’ will leave you sifting through all the music influences that come swarming into your mind, but it’s LAURA MAC’s vision of taking it a little further that sets them apart from the masses.
PREMIERE: I’m So Broke – Taylor B-W
Taylor B-W’s latest track ‘I’m So Broke’ is a conversational song primed with a plucky bassline, melodic R&B swagger and a signature West Coast whistle. Continuing her dedication to the ’90s revival – as we saw in previous track ‘Nunchucks’ – Taylor B-W is combining modern electro-pop influences with the nostalgia of ’90s hip hop and R&B to create bouncy, playful tunes that speak to you on both a physical and emotional level. Read on to stream Taylor B-W’s brand new single ‘I’m So Broke’ before its official release on 9 July.
TRACK: Hard To Say – Jiordy
‘Hard To Say’, the latest track from Jiordy, is a spellbinding song that simply stops you in your tracks and lays its hands on your heart. As the first song lifted from her upcoming EP ‘A Sprig of Wattle’ (due for release in August), the delicate lyrical reflection creates the slight sense of discomfort required in order to grow and move on. The simplicity of this track is heartbreakingly beautiful, as the rhetorical questions are left swirling around in your mind against the stunning melodic ambience.
FEATURE: Isotopes on their Top 5 Self Care Tips
Sydney-based post-hardcore group Isotopes recently released their latest track ‘WYWFM’. The modern-emo track is full of heavy-hitting melodies and bright pop-punk vocals, harking back to the best of the noughties’ heavy power ballads while also sweetly capturing the tender moments too. We had a chat with drummer Hamish Gibson about his Top 5 Self-Care Tips to get you through the tough times.
The Weekly Rewind Playlist
With so much new music and so little time, we’ve decided to put together a playlist of some of the best releases from the past week. Featuring a series of mini reviews, we’re offering a little deep dive into some new music, all in one place. Take some time for yourself this weekend with LIKE VELVET Music’s Weekly Rewind Playlist. This week, we’re featuring Bootleg Rascal, Liyah Knight, ekkstacy, Robert DeLong, SILT, Witching Hour and Catherine Aria.
