CHARLES MAIMAROSIA UNVEILS CAPTIVATING NEW ALBUM HOTE’ HOTE’ – OUT NOW
An immersive fusion of tradition and contemporary artistry, celebrating cultural heritage and global connection, acclaimed Solomon Islands-born, Melbourne-based artist Charles Maimarosia today releases his highly anticipated sophomore album, Hote’ Hote’, via Wantok Musik.
At the heart of *Hote’ Hote’* lies Maimarosia’s unwavering commitment to honoring and sharing the musical traditions of his Are’ Are’ heritage. Featuring 12 meticulously crafted tracks, the album invites listeners on a profound sonic journey, from the rumbling percussion of opener “Parani O’o” to the ethereal panpipes of “Manu Ki” and the raw emotion of “Nanaratana Tetemanu”. Each composition is steeped in heritage, yet brimming with modern energy, ensuring its resonance across cultures and generations.
Charles shares, “(the album) celebrates the beauty of the Pacific, the strength of community, and the stories of my ancestors. It’s also a call for unity and respect across all cultures and generations. And it reflects my own journey—from my small village of Pi Pi Su in Malaita, Solomon Islands, to Australia, to touring the world, following and sharing my culture and music since the age of 17.”
Produced and arranged in collaboration with Andrew Robinson, Hote’ Hote’ is a masterclass in balancing authenticity with innovation. The album was shaped by immersive creative experiences, including Maimarosia’s physical journeys to remote villages to find inspiration and his deep connection to the landscapes and sounds of his homeland.
Hote’ Hote’ allows Charles to offer his most compelling work yet—one that not only preserves history but actively shapes the future of Pacific music.
Alongside the album release, Maimarosia will soon bring his electrifying live show to audiences, fusing Are’ Are’ drums, panpipes, and rhythms with contemporary instrumentation for an unmissable musical experience.
“Fans can expect an immersive journey—one that transports them to the Solomon Islands, celebrates the power of storytelling, and unites people through the joy of music.”
CHARLES MAIMAROSIA – UPCOMING SHOWS:
SAT 8 FEB | ODESSA AT LEAVER’S HOTEL, CRESWICK VIC
Tickets available from: https://events.humanitix.com/charles-maimarosia-hote-hote-album-launch
SAT 15 FEB | GEORGE LANE, ST KILDA VIC
with special guest Pirritu
Tickets available from: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1301782
FRI 21 FEB | WAUCHOPE ARTS HALL, WAUCHOPE NSW
Tickets available in January 2025 from: https://wauchopearts.org.au/
SAT 22 FEB | RED RATTLER, MARRICKVILLE NSW
with special guest Zippy Anu
Tickets available from: https://events.humanitix.com/charles-maimarosia-hote-hote-album-launch-with-special-guests
SUN 23 FEB | SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE, CANBERRA ACT
with special guests Dean Abbott Band
Tickets available from: https://www.smithsalternative.com/events/charles-maimarosia-88669
ATLAS FRANKLIN ALEXANDER SHARES EFFERVESCENT NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘NEW REMEDY’ TAKEN FROM UPCOMING NEW EP ‘FLEXIBLE NEW REPLICA’ OUT MARCH 13
An ethereal exploration into vulnerability, atmospheric whimsy and psych pop elements, the brand-new track New Remedy out today from Newcastle artist Atlas Franklin Alexander wields nostalgic modernity, while also offering glossy insight into what lies in wait at the core of his impending new EP, Flexible New Replica, due March 13, and celebrating its release with an east coast tour, set to hit Wollongong, Sydney and Melbourne in March.
A raw yet resplendent outing that glimmers with touches of Peter Gabriel’s experimental 80s side, Radiohead’s atmospheric dreaminess, Tame Impala’s synth-meets-psych-pop sensibilities and a dash of Kurt Vile’s vulnerability, New Remedy also firmly showcases Atlas Franklin Alexander’s ability to balance modern hues with throwback tendencies, while also traversing extremely relatable lyrical fare in an open-veined fashion, as Atlas Franklin Alexander shares, “New Remedy is about finding clarity in the middle of confusion. It’s that feeling of wanting to fix something that feels broken, but not knowing exactly how. There’s a vulnerability in wanting to make things right, and this song explores that tension. It’s a mix of personal reflection and a kind of quiet desperation for resolution. I think it’s a universal feeling—wanting a “remedy” for what ails you, whether it’s a relationship or just your own inner struggle. In terms of inspiration, it came from a combination of personal experience and the way those emotions often feel heightened in moments of uncertainty. There’s a bit of that ‘80s energy where everything felt bigger—more dramatic—but also something modern, like trying to capture those feelings in today’s world. It’s kind of like a snapshot of a moment when you’re searching for something that feels like it could fix everything, even if you don’t know exactly what that is.”
Teaming up with long-time collaborators Harri Gilbert and Dave Fulham, the accompanying video for New Remedy perfectly encapsulates the single’s otherworldly sonics, while also channelling its lyrical content through abstract yet entirely fitting visuals. “I came up with the concept and directed the video myself with the help of two pals Harri Gilbert and Dave Fulham,” Atlas Franklin Alexander explains. “The video is a bit of an abstract reflection of the song’s themes—like an exploration of the different facets of human experience. You’ve got the green man dancing in the kitchen—he’s kind of a symbol for something that’s “other,” something outside the typical norm. There’s the girl who is in love with a robot—representing that strange tension between human connection and the things we create, I’d say in 5-10 years these kind of relationships with robots will become our reality. Then we have the fortune teller, predicting what is all about to unfold, and finally we got the gang of youths and I’m there, singing the song, trying to make sense of it all. It’s about navigating confusion and finding that piece of clarity, even in the midst of chaos.”
An immersive and holistically DIY labour of love, both New Remedy and its overarching body of work, Flexible New Replica, was written, recorded and produced entirely by Atlas Franklin Alexander, with the six tracks all simultaneously standing alone as separate creative journeys, and carrying a sharp yet cohesive creative thread. From its buoyant opener, New Remedy, Flexible New Replica unfurls into percolating 80s synth wave (Firebird), modern ambience (Crave), lolling atmospheric bliss (Dolphins), ethereal haze built for driving down dark highways at night with the windows rolled down (Young Love) and, ultimately, an uplifting cloud of smooth textures and languid-yet-driving beats via closing track Brighter Days. A deeply engaging collection of tracks that collectively celebrate a retro-future aesthetic, Flexible New Replica is also firmly helmed from start to finish by this talented artist, with the entirely solo endeavour a soaring reflection of catharsis and self-exploration, as he elaborates, “It is a true DIY project—everything from the writing to the recording to the production came from my home studio, where I’ve always felt most connected to the work. I think there’s something deeply personal and reflective in making music this way. It’s not about perfection; it’s about honesty. Each instrument is played by me, each decision made with a purpose, even if it’s an imperfect one. In a way, the song becomes an extension of my environment, my mindset. There’s a certain beauty in the DIY process, in shaping everything from the ground up, even if it’s a little rough around the edges. That’s where the real magic lies for me.”
Hailing from Mulubinba/Newcastle, Atlas Alexander Franklin has dazzled with his post-punk and indie pop wiles over the years, layering lashings of imagination across ambient synths and immersive beats in a way that is both fresh and familiar; and entirely fascinating. Releasing his debut EP ENTER ECHO in 2021, Alexander blends raw emotion into his sonic dreamscapes, offering uplifting messaging and relatability along with resplendent catharsis. And, for Alexander, his musical output is as much a therapy for himself as it is for any of his listeners who venture into his spellbinding creations. “It’s almost like writing music is my form of self-therapy,” shares Alexander. “The drive to understand, to express what’s inside through writing & recording. My song writing came from wanting to create something that was completely real & honest with no outside influences. So yes, it’s definitely like I’m counselling myself through my music lol. I just have always had and will always have this strange impulse to create stuff. Sounds a bit hippie-dippie but music’s always been my way of navigating life, and this project came from wanting to make something completely on my own terms.”
With the imminent release of Flexible New Replica, Atlas Franklin Alexander is also set to embark on a special run of shows in support of the new EP, with the Flexible New Replica Tour visiting Wollongong on March 7, Sydney on March 13 and Melbourne on March 21.
New Remedy is out today.
Flexible New Replica is due out March 13.
ATLAS FRANKLIN ALEXANDER – UPCOMING SHOWS:
Tickets available from https://linktr.ee/atlasfranklinalexander
FRI 7 MAR | TBH, WOLLONGONG NSW | 18+
THURS 13 MAR | HOLLYWOOD HOTEL, SYDNEY NSW | 18+
FRI 21 MAR | LULIES TAVERN, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
JACK PANTHER CAPTURES STIRRING EUPHORIA VIA NEW SINGLE JUST A DOG NEW EP WHEN I’M FEELING BETTER WE COULD DREAM TOGETHER DUE OUT MARCH 14
Rapidly approaching the release of his hotly-anticipated third EP, when i’m feeling better we could dream together due out next month, New Zealand-born, London-based queer alt pop alchemist Jack Panther returns today with a heart-rending yet soaring new single, Just a Dog, ahead of his debut Australian performance also locked in for May.
With stylistic nods to Mitski and Lana Del Rey, Just a Dog also brushes with influences from Portishead, Caroline Polachek, Ryan Beatty, Mk.geeand Dijon, with its lush textural climax also recalling the powerful serenity of Coldplaymerged with Jack Panther’s inescapable charm. “This single I view as a part two to Why Won’t We, the sophomore single from the EP, which featured a video directed by David J East (Foals, The Japanese House),” shares Jack of Just a Dog. “Just a Dog is a little more metaphorical and harrowing in its approach to its lyrics and melodies. I wrote it during my first winter here in London, it was cold, the sun was setting so early and I feel that you can really hear the longing in my vocals and the sound.”
“It’s about falling in love with a friend and instead of telling him how I felt, I wrote this song,” Jack adds. “A lot of songs I write about things left unsaid, and this might be the most intimate one of mine yet.”
Written and produced by Jack Panther himself, along with UK pop-producer and writer duo Rhys Fletcher and Lucan Mills (Gia Lily, Matt Terry), Just a Dog and the broader when i’m feeling better we could dream together EP also features additional production from Will McGillivray, who co-produced every track on the project, with mixing courtesy of the Grammy Award-nominated Andrew Maury (Kacy Musgraves, Shawn Mendes, Lizzo), and mastering by the Grammy Award-nominated Emily Lazar (Jacob Collier, Lady Gaga, Coldplay). And across four tracks, Jack paints a vivid sonic portrait of empowerment and introspection, with each song on when i’m feeling better we could dream together reflecting real-world emotions and/or moments in Jack’s life over the past three and a half years in exceedingly relatable fashion.
A moving, vulnerable and blissful journey throughout, when i’m feeling better we could dream together opens with Changes; an uplifting and airy alt-pop outing that balances tranquil instrumentation, flowing melodics and Jack’s hypnotic vocals as he muses on the trepidation and also hope that accompanies life’s many changes. And fluctuating between acoustic tenderness and oscillating euphoria (Just A Dog), through to melancholia threaded with dreamy reverb and tranquil pulsations (Why Won’t We) and, ultimately, swaggering and modern ambience (closing track Breathe), when i’m feeling better we could dream together also balances raw intimacy with stylistic diversity that retains a powerful and cohesive thread from start to finish. “I feel as though my artist voice is the strongest it’s been,” shares Jack of the upcoming EP. “Even if a track is sad in its theme, there is still an ‘outburst’; a big emphasis in the project was to create a journey. I want the audience to feel like each song encompasses its own emotion and journey. In a way, it’s a celebration of feeling that emotion. And I think a lot of the tracks within the EP still cling to a lot of hope. I started writing the project during COVID lockdown, and I wanted to write about things with a more positive or hopeful outlook.”
Hailing from New Zealand and now based in London, Jack Panther has seamlessly cultivated a reputation for his raw, emotional storytelling, and his unique blend of indie, alt and pop since first announcing himself to the world in 2020 with his debut single This Dream. From there, Jack has gone on to release two EPs, most recently showcasing his insatiable creative flair with his 2022 sophomore EP, why don’t you come over?, which saw Rolling Stone Australia declare its lead single, SKI LIFT 001, to be “one of the most hard-hitting tracks you’ll hear all year”. Securing chart success in New Zealand and international airplay, 2022 also saw Jack generate 250,000 streams, sell out a homecoming show in Auckland, and catch the attention of Tone Deaf, with the latter featuring Jack to their Class of 2022 roundup. In 2024, Jack’s vibrant music video for the single WEEKEND AT BERNIES won Best Directing (NZ) at the Clipped Music Video Festival, with last year also finding Jack signing a distribution deal with Mahogany Songs, unveiling new material, and selling out his first ever international headline show in London.
“New Zealand is such a supporting scene for independent artists, but London is great,” Jack shares of his current locale in the UK. “It’s such an incredible place to grow as an artist and discover new scenes. London is a very up and down city, the highs are amazing and the lows can be tough. In the UK you need to be able to prove yourself a little more. I think I forgot that when you move to the other side of the world you need to reintroduce yourself to fans. I’m very lucky to have such supportive friends and partner. The support of new types of music and art is amazing. I love how each artist supports one another and we all just want to grow and share out skillsets.”
In 2025, the sky is barely the limit for Jack Panther, with his sublime third EP due out on March 14, as well as an international tour that will see Jackhead to London, Auckland and also tick off a career first in Melbourne imminently, set to perform his first ever show on Australian soil at The Evelyn Hotel on May 3. “I’m HUGELY excited to play my first Australian show in Melbourne,” Jack enthuses. “I’m a massive fan of the Melbourne music scene and I just love the venue The Evelyn Hotel, it’s been a goal of mine to play there for years! Previously selling out headline shows in both London and Auckland, this marks my second headline in London which is so exciting, and marks my homecoming show in Auckland. I’m very excited to play some of these songs LIVE for the very first time and to play a special cover my band and I have been working on!”
Just a Dog is out today.
when i’m feeling better we could dream together is due out, Friday March 14.
JACK PANTHER – UPCOMING SHOWS:
Tickets available from jackpanthermusic.com
SAT 3 MAY | THE EVELYN HOTEL, MELBOURNE VIC