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, Amelia Jenner from FBi Radio in Sydney contributes with a selection of tracks currently making their way to community radio through Amrap’s music distribution service ‘AirIt’.
Check out Amelia’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 5 best Australian artists
Shortwaved – ‘Multitudes (So Long)’
I have to admit I don’t know a lot about Shortwaved, the solo project of Melbourne based artist Danielle Gibbs (formally of Adelaide band Noceans). What I do know is that I like it, a lot! ‘Multitudes’ is a down-beat synth pop gem that will tantalise the tastebuds of any Beach House or Cat Power fans.
It was released relatively quietly as part of a two track EP via Gibbs’ personal YouTube channel and her first release in over three years. My hope is that she doesn’t wait this long to do it all over again.
CLYPSO – ‘Middle Ground feat. Kwame’
The Australian answer to Santigold we never knew we needed. Having followed CLYPSO’s career for a while now, it’s so exciting to see how she’s gone from strength to strength over such a short period of time.
‘Middle Ground’ sees CLYPSO teaming up with one of Australia’s most exciting hip-hop names, Kwame, and what results is a match made in heaven. Big things ahead for these two!
Air Max 97 – ‘Mirrored Gate’
‘Mirrored Gate’ is the first taste of prolific Melbourne producer Air Max 97’s debut album, Nacre, coming out June 1st through his own label, DECISIONS. I guarantee you won’t listen to anything like this for a long time, especially not coming out of Australia. This one is a huge vibe for any fans of Oneohtrix Point Never and Aphex Twin.
I dare you not to smile while listening to this song. Originally from Ghana and now based in Sydney, Mike Akox is taking the Australia Afrobeat community by storm and for good reason. ‘Love Me’ is an incredibly infectious tune that’s bound to keep you warm as winter sets in.
DJ Yoni – ‘For The Sex Havers’
DJ Yoni is the house music project of Sydney based artist Jonathan Hochman, member of acclaimed Aussie bands Holy Balm & Four Door. ‘For The Sex Havers’ is the pulsating first track from DJ Yoni’s debut EP Acid Sex Piano and if you’re wondering what the vibe of the EP is like, refer to the title! It’s his own words, ‘For The Sex Havers’ is crude upbeat treat for the club.
