AUSSIE HIP HOP LEGENDS BUTTERFINGERS ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE ‘DANCING (TO THE BEAT OF MY OWN DRUM)’ OUT TODAY + NEW ALBUM ‘BAD NEWS’ OUT MARCH 30 + MASSIVE NATIONAL ALBUM TOUR
Australias favourite musical misfits and auteurs of Aussie hip hop, Butterfingers are back, breaking hearts and bones (mostly their own) with a killer new single, Dancing (To The Beat Of My Own Drum), out today, January 30. Confident and with more ecstatic energy and sharp lyrical wit than ever before, Dancing (To The Beat Of My Own Drum) is classic Butterfingers. After a fourteen-year long album release cycle, this hectic new track is the first taste of a brand new Butterfingers album, Bad News, set for release on March 30. The beloved group will be celebrating the new record with a monumental national tour across April, May and June of 2020, kicking off in Fremantle at Mojo’s Bar on April 20, then moving through Perth, Scarborough, Bunbury, Burleigh Heads, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Hobart, Launceston, Melbourne, Frankston, Canberra, Sydney, Newcastle, Mt Gambier, Adelaide, Townsville, and wrapping up in Cairns at Gilligans on June 6.
With typical rhythmic brilliance and clever, incisive lyrics, Butterfingers’ new single Dancing (To The Beat Of My Own Drum) will delight dedicated fans and will appeal to the masses too. This track is rocky, powerful, and there’s no holds barred here – from start to finish, Dancing (To The Beat Of My Own Drum) is like lightening in a bottle. Speaking on the song’s inspiration, band leader and frontman Evil Eddie Jacobson explains, “We’ve drawn from a lot of different artists and genres over the years but this new track and album is born from our most recent influences, which range from alternative rock to grime and trap. Of course we’ve put our twist on all of it and it’s still definitely Butterfingers! Dancing (To The Beat Of My Own Drum) is that scene in the film when the protagonist slays the dragon, if you know what I mean. It’s just about that feeling when you’re absolutely sure and confident with who you are and what you’re doing, that no one else’s opinion matters anymore.”
With a new found vigor and a swag of new material, Butterfingers are officially back in the saddle and continuing to bend genres and the boundaries of good taste with a rare blend of obscenity, wit and charm. True to form, the new album Bad News encompasses hip hop, punk, reggae, drum & bass, stoner rock, electronica and just about anything that makes you want to shake your bones, into a cohesive mash-up all of their own creation. From potty-mouthed gutter rhymes to heartfelt crooning odes to love lost, this is an album that will keep old fans happy and will entice new followers at an alarming rate.
With a host of industry awards, multiple ARIA award noms, a bunch of features in Hottest 100 countdowns, and playing just about every major festival on the Australian circuit over the years, Butterfingers have continued to develop their unique and supremely high energy and fun sound throughout their career. And Bad News is testament to this dedication to growth. As Eddie enthuses, “The whole album is one complete story and it’s about where we’ve been and what’s happened in the last 14 years since our last album. It’s not as literal as a regular concept album, but each song represents a scene. The story within the album covers everything from self loathing, facing bankruptcy, battling drug addiction, failed friendships/betrayal, heartbreak – and then overcoming all that to make a rad album!”
During the break, Evil Eddie released a solo album, Welcome To Flavour Country (2010), spawning standout track Queensland that received great critical acclaim and charted in the triple j Hottest 100. Taking a step back from the limelight, he joined and released an album with Brisbane thrash punk outfit Spitfireliar as lead guitarist. Now bringing Spitfireliar bass player Bradzilla back with him, along with ex-Wolfmother drummer Tony McCall, 2020 looks to be the year that propels Butterfingers back into the Australian consciousness with fresh zest and their greatest material to date.
As ever, there’s a lot for fans to look forward to at the upcoming shows, as Eddie reveals, “We all know how hard it can be to win a crowd over with new material, no matter how awesome it is, so even though we’ll be playing a fair chunk of this new stuff we obviously aren’t going to ignore the back catalogue either. It’ll be a nice blend and the energy will be pretty hectic!”
Butterfingers is Evil Eddie (vocals, guitar), Olly Thomas (keys, samples, percussion), Bradzilla Cochrane (bass) and Tony McCall (drums).
Dancing (to the beat of my own drum) is available now
Bad News is set for release on March 30 through Bewilderbeats
Tickets to the Bad News Tour will be available for a fan presale on Thursday January 30 and will go on sale to the general public on Monday February 3. Hit up the band’s website for more information: http://butterfingers.info
BUTTERFINGERS – BAD NEWS TOUR
THU, 16 APR 20 | MOJO’S BAR, FREMANTLE, WA (18+)
Tickets available from http://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/?Event=113224
FRI, 17 APR 20 | BADLANDS BAR, PERTH, WA (18+)
Tickets available from https://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/Default.aspx?Event=113225
SAT, 18 APR 20 | INDIAN OCEAN HOTEL, SCARBOROUGH, WA (18+)
Tickets available from http://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/?Event=113227
SUN, 19 APR 20 | PRINCE OF WALES HOTEL, BUNBURY, WA (18+)
Tickets available from http://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/?Event=113228
FRI, 24 APR 20 | MO’S DESERT CLUBHOUSE, BURLEIGH HEADS, QLD (18+)
Tickets available from http://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/?Event=113229
SAT, 25 APR 20 | THE TRIFFID, NEWSTEAD, QLD (18+)
Tickets available from https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/butterfingers-album-tour/119387
SAT, 02 MAY 20 | NIGHTQUARTER SUNSHINE COAST, QLD (18+)
Tickets available from http://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/?Event=113231
FRI, 08 MAY 20 | ALTAR, HOBART, TAS (18+)
Tickets available from http://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/?Event=113232
SAT, 09 MAY 20 | ROYAL OAK HOTEL, LAUNCESTON, TAS (18+)
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/a2d551f0-8f52-417a-a258-3e8ef8578227
FRI, 15 MAY 20 | HOWLER BAR, BRUNSWICK, VIC (18+)
Tickets available from https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/butterfingers/119276?skin=4406
SAT, 16 MAY 20 | PELLY BAR, FRANKSTON, VIC (18+)
Tickets available from http://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/?Event=113234
THU, 21 MAY 20 | UC HUB, BRUCE, ACT (18+)
Tickets available from https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/butterfingers-album-tour-2020-canberra/119409?skin=UCLive2019
FRI, 22 MAY 20 | THE LANSDOWNE HOTEL, CHIPPENDALE, NSW (18+)
Tickets available from https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/butterfingers-album-tour-2020/119288?skin=thelansdowne
SAT, 23 MAY 20 | CAMBRIDGE SIDEROOM, NEWCASTLE, NSW (18+)
Tickets available from http://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/?Event=113237
FRI, 29 MAY 20 | SHADOWS, MT GAMBIER, SA (18+)
Tickets available from https://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/Default.aspx?Event=113238
SAT, 30 MAY 20 | CROWN AND ANCHOR, ADELAIDE, SA (18+)
Tickets available from http://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/?Event=113239
FRI, 05 JUN 20 | OTHERWISE, TOWNSVILLE, QLD (18+)
Tickets available from https://moshtix.com.au/v2/event/butterfingers-townsville/119419
SAT, 06 JUN 20 | GILLIGANS BACKPACKERS HOTEL & RESORT, CAIRNS, QLD (18+)
Tickets available from http://butterfingers.oztix.com.au/?Event=113243
DISCOGRAPHY
2003 – Everytime EP
2004 – Breakfast at Fatboys
2006 – Deeper You Dig
2010 – Welcome To Flavour Country (Evil Eddie solo release)
BOBBY MAGUIRE SHARES NEW SINGLE & VIDEO MOVING TO THE CITY
Queensland-based singer songwriter Bobby Maguire has today announced his new single Moving to the City, a sweet song written to inspire self-confidence in the young artist before a big life change, out now. The song is also accompanied by a charming clip, and reflects a hilarious, whimsical journey from the country to the city. Moving to the City is the first taste of Bobby Maguire’s debut self-titled album, released on November 29.
Moving to the City is a poppy, chirpy track, and it’s pretty hard not to smile as the honest, uplifting lyrics play out. It’s refreshing to allow this acoustic guitar-driven track to wash over and perhaps reminisce about moving from a childhood home to a college dorm or first sharehouse. It’s sentimental, but fun, and exudes enthusiasm and anticipation, as Bobby explains, “Moving to the City was inspired by bands like The Cure and The Kooks, it deals with the loss of a past life as well as growth and a need to move forward with a new chapter. I wrote this song as a form of encouragement for myself to embrace this new journey.”
The clip for Moving to the City is delightful in its lofi nature, and a truly funny watch, particularly to anyone who has been a victim to the often-disastrous search for the right rental property. Entirely self-made, with the help of good friends and family, the clip has a lovable, quirky edge, and showcases a comedic side to this talented young artist. Speaking on the making of the clip, Bobby says, “The video clip is raw and fun, it doesn’t take itself too seriously in order to reflect the sunny, lively feel of the song. It features me playing multiple characters and was shot with a minimal budget, and the aim of the clip is to connect with the audience on a down-to-earth level, so that they don’t get lost in gloss and feel more connected to the song.”
Bobby’s debut self-titled album is a heartwarming, painstakingly curated collection of brilliant, sharp songwriting. Upbeat, yet emotive, listeners will be buoyed by the sweet lyricism in Black Dog and Get What You Take, and compelled to the dancefloor by tracks Ifs and Maybes and Outta My Head. Recorded with Cairns-based Kris Hutchinson, with a sound evocative of Thirsty Merc and Bernard Fanning, the album is a coming of age story, as Bobby describes, “The album follows my musical journey so far, beginning with uplifting tracks Moving to the City and Home which I began writing when I was fifteen. As the album progresses, a more punk rock feel emerges through songs Fight the Fear, Game and The Messenger which mirror battles with identity, dependence and anger. Introspection is also woven through the album with songs like Black Dog which speaks of mental health issues from a friend’s perspective, as well as Get What You Take which is about accountability for your actions, as well as self acceptance and love.” Sharing more insight into the recording process, he says, “ Before production began I already had ten self produced demos with all the instruments and arrangements finalised. These complete demos helped me secure a Regional Arts Development Fund grant, which enabled me to begin recording with Kris Hutchinson. Kris had great advice, amazing patience and even played bass on a few tracks.”
Bobby Maguire’s self-titled album is out now
LONTALIUS SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘SWIM’ AHEAD OF NEW ALBUM ‘ALL I HAVE’ – SET FOR RELEASE OCTOBER 4 + NATIONAL TOUR SUPPORTING JAPANESE WALLPAPER IN OCTOBER & NOVEMBER
Enigmatic NZ electronic artist Lontalius, also known as Eddie Johnston, has today announced his glowing new single Swim, a comforting, honest track about accepting the ups and downs of life, out now. Swim is also accompanied by a stunning clip, made in collaboration with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou (Pacific Heights, Whim, Weird Together). The prolific young artist has also announced his new album, All I Have, set for release on October 4. Lontalius will be joining Japanese Wallpaper on the road for his first ever Australian shows in October and November this year, kicking off at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel on October 25, then moving through Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and wrapping up in Brisbane at The Brightside on November 9.
Swim is an endearing track, seemingly buoyed by pessimism and optimism at the same time. Reminiscent of indie pop giants The 1975 and Troye Sivan, Swim is driven by a pounding beat and intricate guitar lines (not to mention a killer solo towards the end) while Lontalius’ idiosyncratic vocal floats above it all. Speaking on the inspiration behind the track, Lontalius says, “Swim is about the acceptance that with all the heartbreak, anxiety and stress of being young, the universe is still leading you on the right path. You can have everything seemingly perfectly lined up in front of you, but sometimes it just won’t work out… it’s a song that i’m really proud of. It hit a lot of marks I had been trying to hit for the past few years. It’s energetic and it has a pace to it that I haven’t done before, all the while still living in the ‘lontalius’ world, I think.”
The clip for Swim zooms in on the self-reflection in the song in a figurative and literal sense. Lontalius sings alone, in the gorgeous Wellington wilderness, looking deep into a mirror suspended in mid-air. The clip is beautiful, dreamy; an appropriate visual representation of Swim, as Lontalius explains, “The video follows me singing the song into a mirror, walking along various locations in my home Wellington, NZ. With the song mostly being a dialogue with my own brain – a moment of self reflection, it made sense for me to sing it back to myself. This clip was a culmination of a few ideas we’d had in our minds for a while. The picturesque NZ landscape never fails to contrast the emotion in my music…I made it with Phoebe Gittins and Arty Papageorgiou. They’ve done all of my videos as well as a number of other NZ artists. We tend to have similar ideas around what will work, I’m not sure if I could work with anyone else.”
If Lontalius’ debut LP I’ll Forget 17 was a snapshot of his life as a teenager, All I Have documents the period in life when he was exiting adolescence and entering adulthood. Outgrowing one era but not yet ready, perhaps, for another. With a characteristic melancholic, yet beautiful temperment, paired with wistful synthesisers and soft, gentle guitar, All I Have is a superb collection of songs from this impressive artist. Working in LA alongside Grammy award winning producer Om’Mas Keith (Frank Ocean, John Legend, Jay Z), Jim Fairchild (Grandaddy, Modest Mouse), Roy Blair (Kevin Abstract) and Mr Hudson (Kanye West), Lontalius dove deep into a varied array of infuences for this second album, drawing inspiration from the artists he grew up listening to, such as U2 (circa Joshua Tree), REM, and Coldplay, alongside modern pop auters Kacey Musgraves and Lorde. Reflecting on the album, Lontalius enthuses, “The main themes on All I Have are love, youth and anxiety. I started writing it at 18 so it basically follows my own experiences with love, being away from home, new pressures and pleasures, as well as that general feeling of ‘coming of age’. Just trying to make sense of it all… It was my intention to add a little more energy and life into my music than I had done before. I had built up energy and I wanted to let it out! It was also important to me that it didn’t end up being a bloated, 20 song thing. I wanted to be able to grab it all with one hand.”
Lontalius will be playing his first Australian shows ever in October and November this year supporting Japanese Wallpaper on his Glow national tour. Thrilled to be hitting the road for what is set to be a beautiful, immersive experience for audiences, Lontalius says, “I’m really happy I’m finally making it to Australia! I’m doing solo sets, playing new and older music from even my soundcloud days. Trying to create a sound that people can get lost in for 30 minutes or so.”
Swim is out now. All I Have is set for release on October 4.
LONTALIUS NATIONAL TOUR (SUPPORTING JAPANESE WALLPAPER)
FRI OCT 25 | CORNER HOTEL, MELBOURNE VIC| 18+
SAT OCT 26 | SEWING ROOM, PERTH WA | 18+
FRI NOV 1 | LION ARTS FACTORY, ADELAIDE SA | 18+
FRI NOV 8 | OXFORD ART FACTORY, SYDNEY NSW| 18+
SAT NOV 9 | THE BRIGHTSIDE, BRISBANE QLD | 18+