Rekorderlig Sauna Sounds are all about embracing the unique, quirky and innovative – we’ve teamed up to present some of the country’s most trailblazing up and comers, getting them sweaty and ready to show off what makes them so special.
For as long as people have played music together, side projects have been the norm. While many musicians love to spend their time focusing their attention on one specific sound, a side-project has always provided them with the freedom and creativity to explore other avenues that would usually have remained unexplored otherwise.
While there have been plenty of famous side-projects in the past (A Perfect Circle, Them Crooked Vultures, The Breeders, all come to mind), it’s worth considering those Aussie side-projects that have possibly flown under your radar, leaving you unaware of the great tunes you’re missing out on.
With Sydney-based group Sunscreen joining the ranks of Rekorderlig’s Sauna Sounds, we’ve decided to take a look at some the best Aussie acts that have formed out of a desire for their artists to go out and try something different and exciting in the world of music.
Sunscreen
For the last few years, Aussie music fans have had the time of their lives enjoying the luscious tunes delivered by Sydney indie-rockers Flowertruck. With the group slowly gaining a rabid following overseas as well, they delivered their debut album, Mostly Sunny, earlier this year to critical acclaim. However, it was in late 2016 that fans were also introduced to the likes of Sunscreen.
Luscious indie-pop darlings Sunscreen are Sarah Sykes of Flowetruck’s side project, also consisting of Hugo Levingstone on drums, Jett Thomson on bass, and Alex McDonald on guitars, the quartet have quickly become one of the most endearing groups on the Aussie music scene. With dreamy, indie-pop style of playing, they mix Cocteau Twins-esque melodies with post-punk influences that will leave you hungry for more with every song you hear.
Check out Sunscreen tear it up for Rekorderlig Sauna Sounds:
Stella Donnelly
Stella Donnelly has undoubtedly been one of the biggest rising stars in the world of Aussie music in recent times. With tracks like ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ striking a chord around the world, Donnelly has also managed to take home the inaugural Levi’s Music Prize at BIGSOUND 2017, making her one amazing success story.
However, it turns out this solo career is indeed a solo project for this stunning muso, with Stella Donnelly having played with Perth bands Bells Rapids and Boat Show (incidentally, not the same Boat Show that is in fact a side-project for members of Custard and Regurgitator). Since she went solo though, Stella Donnelly has proven herself to be one of the most vital musicians on the Aussie music scene, and we can’t wait to see what comes next for the performer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hHgVY0x8uUs
Phantastic Ferniture
Back in 2014, Julia Jacklin uploaded her first tracks as a solo artist to triple j Unearthed, kicking off a chain of events that would see her becoming an in-demand artists the world over. However, while Jacklin had already been performing with Liz Hughes in the band Salta, it was another side-project, Phantastic Ferniture, that well and truly caught the eye of music lovers.
Featuring Julia Jacklin, Liz Hughes, and Ryan Brennan, Phantastic Ferniture is a playful little trio that delivers a mixture of indie rock and pop with a sense of humour. Performing critically-acclaimed live shows since 2014 (including their annual Phantastic Ferniture’s Christmas Extravaganza), the group have been a well-kept secret for some time now. However, with their self-titled debut dropping recently, it won’t be long before the whole world starts paying attention to this intriguing little Sydney trio.
Hatchie
Over the last year, the US has fallen in love with Brisbane musician Hatchie. With ‘Sugar & Spice’ scoring a favourable review from Pitchfork, and a series of international tour dates being very warmly received, this local muso is well on her way to global success.
However, a solo career probably wasn’t something that Harriette Pilbeam was considering when she first entered the world of music earlier this decade. Having played with the likes of The Go Violets, it was as a member of Babaganouj that Hatchie first rose to fame. Joining the group as a founding member, Hatchie still spends her time playing with Babaganouj when she’s not too busy touring the world with her new solo career.
No Mono
Big Scary’s Tom Iansek is undoubtedly a pretty busy guy. Having first formed Big Scary with Joanna Syme back in 2006, fans received something special when Iansek announced his new side-project #1 Dads. Following a pair of brilliant albums, Iansek shelved the project, and returned to Big Scary. Now, he’s got another side-project on the go.
Teaming up with Tom Snowden (who guested on #1 Dads’ ‘Return To’), the pair formed No Mono last year. Delivering minimal electronic tunes fronted by Tom Iansek’s gorgeous vocals, the pair released their debut album, Islands Part 1, earlier this year. With a new single, ‘Fever Highs’, following in July, it’s clear that No Mono are gearing up for some pretty exciting things.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oL_gG43D1Vs
