By Melbourne-based singer-songwriter Kinkora has released her latest track You Got Me, a sensuous song that offers an instant rush of warm blues trickling from a soft, muted guitar. Coupled with her gorgeous and smokey vocals, Kinkora has delivered a stunningly gentle serenade full of romantic notion and heartfelt gratitude.
TRACK: 2020 – Leonie Kingdom
While we’ve spent the last few months ducking and weaving through songs that seem to perfectly sum up the rollercoaster that is this year, none are quite as direct as 2020. Leonie Kingdom has bypassed the million metaphors to deliver one of the most honest appraisals of 2020.
FEATURE – KIRKLANDD
Canberra artist KIRKLANDD has completed his trilogy EP The Love Divide. The final single Too Late is another display of KIRKLANDD’s ability to play with genre, this time taking his signature rapping and mixing it with an exotic acoustic guitar melody. We take a look at the EP in full and hear from KIRKLANDD about his Top 5 Movie Soundtracks, celebrating the ability of composers in merging audio and aesthetic to create the ultimate emotive experience.
TRACK: Tremble – Chores, LÂLKA
The latest dance anthem from New Zealand-born, Melbourne-based duo Chores has pushed our pent up festival energy to the limits. Tremble is a huge track, and the zinging vocals of avant-garde artist LÂLKA kick it forward into another realm.
TRACK: Man – Quartz Pistol
Quartz Pistol are Melbourne’s latest answer to luscious late night luxury mixed with assertively bold lyricsm in an alt-pop/R&B blend. Their debut track Man is more than just a single, it’s a statement. It harbours bold messaging and melodic temptation in nearly 5 minutes of complete intoxication.
TRACK: Close – Woodes
Continuing to captivate us with her unique ability to combine fantasy, drama, and intricate musical flair, Woodes latest track is yet another display of her incredible versatility. From melodically masking pain to lyrically emphasising finality, Close creates an exquisitely haunting journey through grief and loss.
TRACK: SIA – Stevan
Wollongong-based producer Stevan has released his latest in laid-back, late-night jams ahead of his second mixtape of the year (Ontogeny, out Nov 20). SIA is full of R&B luxe and ambience. It’s melodically seductive and vocally enticing, while lyrically, it pushes someone away.
TRACK: Low – Chet Faker
Thank you, 2020. You’ve given us hell, but then you’ve given us back Chet Faker. We’re not calling it even yet, there’s still a long way to go. But while we’re sitting here reflecting, we’ll happily take Low on repeat, as Chet Faker (a.k.a Nick Murphy) reminds us that despite feeling like we’re running on empty, there’s still plenty left in the tank.
TRACK: You + Me – Joe Mungovan
A tenderly nurtured track three years in the making, Joe Mungovan’s first single release in 2020 is a cross between indie-rock and roots, filled with soothing slide guitar, dreamy love-filled lyrics, and a little grungy kick.
DOUBLE A-SIDE: Geminis/Merman – Elle Músa
Today, Brisbane pop singer Elle Músa releases a new dose of sunshine in her double A-side, Geminis / Merman. A beautiful tribute to summertime nostalgia, her lyrics are full of adventure and her melodies are refreshingly playful.
