Community radio music directors often have an encyclopaedic knowledge of local music and an insatiable thirst to keep their ears ahead of the curve. So in this Tone Deaf series, the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (Amrap) invites music directors to highlight new Aussie tunes that you might have missed.
In this edition, Miri Carter & Luke Warlow from SYN FM in Melbourne contributes with a selection of tracks currently making their way to community radio through Amrap’s music distribution service ‘AirIt’.
Check out Miri and Luke’s selections below and if you’re a musician you can apply here to have your music distributed for free to community radio on Amrap’s AirIt.
This week’s 8 best Australian artists
Bringing back synth-pop and post punk is exactly what this wonderful band is doing with their new single, ‘Lovely’! Hailing from South Australia, this band only formed back in 2017 but already have blown up in the South Australian music scene. An emotional, lyrically beautiful song that ticks all the boxes for a wonderfully put together track. (Miri)
Oscar Key Sung – ‘No Disguise’
Oscar Key Sung’s new album, No Disguise, is in a sonic dream-state. The title track is no exception, providing ethereal harmonies and flowing, languid production in support. I can’t get enough of the sparse synth chord progression that comes in during the first minute. This album reminds me of Cub Sport and Drake, yet is still clearly Oscar Key Sung. (Luke)
Oaks – ‘Never Care, Never Try’
Oaks are back! These Sydneysiders are putting their mark on pop punk in the Australian music scene, and have put out this incredible track that oozes all the punk goodness! This single combines all the wonderful elements of punk, that being catchy middle section, hectic riffs, but most of all, a tune that you can have a good boogie and mosh to! Keep an eye out for these guys this year, they are truly going places! (Miri)
‘swell’ is a personal and vulnerable track that will still get you moving. imbi the girl opens up about their swells of emotion, inner thoughts and avoidances. They execute this with a casual humour and frankness – “One night I thought I lost my pen / One time I thought this was the end.” Pair this with a soulful instrumental that brings down the verses and elevates the choruses and you have one of the nicer R&B/soul songs at the moment. (Luke)
https://soundcloud.com/imbithegirl/swell
Eliza & The Delusionals – ‘Half Empty Girl’
The Gold Coast’s finest indie rockers, Eliza & The Delusionals, are back with another stunning track! As soon as Eliza’s vocals come in you are instantly blown away by the force and energy of those opening lyrics! Every element of this track is super well-polished, and I cannot wait to see where the rest of 2018 takes them! (Miri)
Hannah Cameron – ‘What Remains’
I Lay Where You Lie is the first I’ve heard of Hannah Cameron, and I’m instantly intrigued. Reminiscent of Simon & Garfunkel and Fleet Foxes, her voice has an effortless clarity and tone that carries each track. ‘What Remains’ talks about losing what was, encapsulated in a melodious folk instrumental of picked-guitar, strings and powerful bass. (Luke)
The Melbourne electronic duo return following their excellent 2017 album, Backwater, with a beautiful down-tempo tune. The detuned-piano riff provides the backbone where Chloe’s vocals embellish the track, pouring over the chorus with rich harmonies. The straight drum beat ties the groove together that errs towards R&B. You’re served with an emotive track on the frustrations of an uncertain, insecure relationship and what could have been. (Luke)
Sweater Curse – ‘Can’t See You Anymore’
Those dreamy guitars and vocals just warms the heart so much! These Brissy locals are bringing it, with this super punchy track that instantly pulls you in from the get-go! (Miri)
