Perth, one of the most isolated capital cities on the planet, is also a melting pot of talent.
So many of Australia’s greatest finds have been unearthed in Western Australia, thousands of clicks away from the industry’s east coast power base. Think INXS and Empire of the Sun’s Luke Steele, Baby Animals, Pendulum and, of course, Tame Impala, winners of a Brit Award for best international act in 2016, when they beat U2 to the title.
Maybe it’s all that room to move. Maybe it’s in the water, or the WA soil, or the abundant sunshine. Whatever it is, there’s more where they came from.
Launching back in 2013, the GRID Series (Grass Roots Indie Development), is a collaborative project which nurtures hotly-tipped young artists from the city suburbs, uniting them with experienced music industry mentors.
This year, GRID expanded into a national programme, with the support of telecommunications provider Belong. Artists from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane took part and, for the first time, four artists from outer Perth got the call.
In the Perth development round, Flewnt, a Koreng Noongar rapper from the south of Western Australia, was joined by Tina Muzondo, a Zimbabwe-born songwriter with smooth vocals; singer and songwriter Bellamore; and Betr In Black, a producer, rapper and storyteller.
The four GRID Outer Perth artists joined in a series of intensive song development workshops with mentors including Jamilla and Beni Bjah and managers Hayley Ayres and Matt Johnson.
Out of those sessions, came something tangible: they produced brand new material, which Tone Deaf premieres today.
In August, the foursome are heading to Rada Studios to have their new tracks produced by Anna Laverty (Courtney Barnett, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds) and Ariel Blum (St.Ives, Daniel Elia).
Tone Deaf pours over the GRID Out Perth cuts, ahead of Saturday night’s (Sept. 21) launch show for GRID Outer Perth, taking place at Grumpy’s in Mount Lawley, Perth.
Bellamore, ‘You Got It’
As rhythmic hand claps layer a haunting synth flow, Bellamore’s ‘You Got It’ has the elements of a Warp Records fave. That is, until her double-tracked vocals punch through.
Lyrically, Bellamore leaves nothing in the tank. “The system really let us down,” she despairs, as the beat drops and synths swirl.
The rising artist shows her freestyle chops with the rally cry “you are bigger… do it anyway…you’ve got it in your heart … keep on going the universe is watching”. It’s an impressive opener for an artist who mixes rhythms with a fresh, upbeat message of empowerment.
Tina Muzondo, ‘Midnight’
Tina Muzondo takes us to a funky place at ‘Midnight,’ a tune that’s drops us in the sunshine, sometime in the ‘90s.
‘Midnight’ is a showcase of Muzondo’s vocal talents, which come at us from multiple angles. Everything about this track seems effortless and natural, Muzondo’s vocals are a tonic. It’s a slice of soul from another time.
Betr In Black, ‘Love You Later’
‘Love You Later’ is a song that doesn’t work on paper. But it absolutely works as a recording.
A subtle waltz beat, George Benson-eque chords and plinky keys form the bedrock on which Betr In Black lays down his laconic rapping style.
“I just need some time, just to cleanse my mind,” raps our man, who’s never really uptight and doesn’t get overworked about anything. It’s more chill than the deep-freezer in your parents’ garage.
Flewnt, ‘Children Of The Files’
Bent loops, trap beats, jazz horns and a wicked freestyle are the weapons of Flewnt’s ‘Children Of The Files,’ which tells the story about the first generation of Noongah people to thrive after the stolen generation.
With production stalwart Anna Laverty at the boards and additional production by Jamilla, ‘Children Of The Files’ explores grief and renewal. Jamilla balances Flewnt’s raw raps with her smokey vocals, and a sax pays an overdue visit in what is an impressive and slick debut.
For more on Saturday’s special GRID Series Perth Single Launch, visit the official Facebook page.
