Triple J has rebranded Dig Music, the latest addition to its roster, which will officially launch as Double J from Wednesday 30th April.
Helping lead the Double J launch is a familiar face, former Spicks & Specks and Triple J host Myf Warhust, who will present the digital station’s new roster of presenters and programming in a live broadcast from 12 midday. She will then host a regular music show from 11am – 3pm weekdays, with new releases, interviews, and archive material.
The Double J rebrand follows a six month period of audience and industry consultation after Triple J first took over the ABC digital radio station last October, presenting Dig Music radio as a “diverse and unique offering aimed at the 30+ discerning music lover” who is “ready for something beyond Triple J.”
Maintaining that focus in consultation with audience feedback, Double J will extend the flagships station’s spotlight on new music – with 10% of programming to mirror Triple J’s own broadcasting – but the station has acknowledged listeners’ cries for more ‘old favourites’ by celebrating “the iconic music you grew up with” as well as access to Triple J’s vast interview and sound archives (think more specials like the Kurt Cobain retrospective from the weekend).
“We recognise people want to stay connected to music and discover new artists as they go through life – that’s the simple aim of Double J,” says ABC Director of Radio Kate Dundas, who commended the input of “an extensive public engagement campaign… This new ABC service has been built on the views of people who love music, along with the expertise [of] Triple J.”
Triple J Manager Chris Scaddan says “we have wanted to build a station like this for a number of years.” Though named in honour of Triple J’s origins as a youth station in Sydney in 1975, the digital station “won’t be a throwback to the music of the original Double J,” Scaddan explains, “it will be a station that takes the best elements of Triple J’s past – a name, a presenter and the incredible archives, thrown headlong into the future with the best new sounds around.”
Double J officially launches on air and online, with a brand new website, on Wednesday 30th April. Listeners can tune in via the ABC Radio mobile app, digital radio or TV, or online at www.doublej.net.au.
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This Week’s New Tracks On Triple J
Adds:
All We Are – Feel Safe [Domino/EMI]
Bad//Dreems – Dumb Ideas [Ivy League]
Dune Rats – Funny Guy [Ratbag Records]
Grimm – Electrify {Ft. Father Dude} [triplejunearthed.com]
Kool A.D. – Hickory {Ft. Talib Kweli/Boots Riley} [Independent]
L-FRESH The LION – Survive {Ft. MK-1} [Independent]
Milky Chance – Stolen Dance {Edit} [Universal]
Wolf Alice – Moaning Lisa Smile [Sony]
Spots:
Astronomy Class – Four Barang In A Tuk-Tuk [Elefant Traks/Inertia]
Client Liason – Free Of Fear [triplejunearthed.com]
Courtney Barnett – Bein’ Around [Milk! Records/Remote Control]
Elliphant – Revolusion [Sony]
Liars – Mess On A Mission [Mute/Create Control]
Industry News
Skrillex Launches Free-Release Record Label
Dubstep mainstay Skrillex has launched a new label, run separately from his co-founded OWSLA label, which has an interesting new spin: all releases will be available for free. Named Nest, the free-release label will be operated by Skrillex through his own Nest HQ blog, launched in May as a window into “a global network of like-minded people who love to share their passions for music and art.” A new post describing the label reads: “Working with both rising and established talent, the goal of Nest is to increase awareness for talent through direct download releases from the website while also providing visibility on major retailers and streaming services.” The first Nest freebie will be DJ AC Slater’s Back To The Floor EP. (via Digital Music News)
$1.2m Is Pledged To Kickstarter Per Day
Crowdfunding platform Kickstarter has revealed some statistics for the first financial quarter of 2014, demonstrating that $US 1.24 million was pledged, on average, each day in 2014 so far. A total of over $US 112 million has been kicked towards projects this year leading to 4,497 projects successfully reaching their funding goals. While there isn’t a specific break down on music projects, the pool of successful projects includes Neil Young’s audiophile Pono player, which raised over $2 million in its first 48 hours, and two Grammy-award winning projects: one from Latin band Pacific Mambo Orchestra and Classical music release, Roomful Of Teeth. Kickstarter also plucks Oscar nominees and winners in its ‘by the numbers’ report and reveals that over $US 1 billion dollars has been pledged in total since its launch in 2009. (via The Music Network)
MusicNSW Moves, Announces Partnership With Alberts
MusicNSW has moved into new offices, thanks to a new arrangement with leading Australian independent music publisher Alberts. The initiative involves a new “creative and music related co-working space” in Alberts’ own HQ in Neutral Bay, where MusicNSW will now operate with access to increased office space, utilities, and “to connect the industry to a broader network of contacts and opportunities.” (via MusicNSW)
Showbiz Ticketing Agency Enters Into Administration
Australian music and events ticketing company Showbiz has entered into voluntary administration as of last week. As a statement on the official Showbiz website reads, “Brad Tonks and John Vouris of the Business Recovery & Insolvency team at PKF Lawler were appointed Voluntary Administrators of Showbiz.” The agency has sold tickets for tours by Bon Jovi, Eminem, Steel Panther, Lionel Ritchie and events such as Vivid LIVE, Soulfest, and many more. The statement adds that “administrators are working with the support of producers, promoters and venues and are currently liaising with a number of interested parties that may result in a restructure or sale.” (via The Music)
Artist Signings
TSUN Join Smack Face Records Roster
Brisbane-based record label Smack Face Records have signed psychedelic Gold Coast rock n soul band TSUN to their management roster. Following support slots with the likes of Pond, Babe Rainbow, and Major Leagues, TSUN are set to release their debut single ‘Marmalade‘ on 7” vinyl this May, followed by a national tour. (via Smack Face Records)
Epitaph Sign This Wild Life
Californian duo This Wild Life have signed to Epitaph for the release of their debut album Clouded, out 23rd May following the band touring throughout Australia the same month. Hailing from the tightknit DIY punk scene in Long Beach, This Wild Life’s Kevin Jordan and Anthony Del Grosso will open for Jonny Craig next month. Dates and details here.
