CHRISTIAN RUIZ SHARES NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘MISS YOU’
Glossy artist and producer Christian Ruiz has shared Miss You; an effervescent slice of soothing electronic pop released today, June 15. A track detailing unexpected connections alongside calm hooks and airy vocals, as well as Christian’s debut single as a solo artist, Miss You is also accompanied by a music video to dynamically transport you into Christian’s magnetic creative world.
Miss You bubbles with warm electronic instrumentation, hypnotic rhythmics and Christian’s buoyant delivery throughout, morphing hints of The Weeknd, Ryan Tedder and Justin Bieber beneath Christian’s fresh charm; a fact made even more cohesive with mastering on the single by Colin Leonard who has previously worked alongside Justin Bieber, as well as Beyonce, Paul McCartney and Migos. Equally melodic, sentimental and irresistibly passionate, Miss You also showcases a resounding narrative, centred around accidental meetings, apprehension and, finally, acceptance, as Christian elaborates, “It’s about finding someone you didn’t expect to come across, knowing you have a strong connection with them, but being too afraid to admit it and then denying it.”
The film clip for Miss You enhances the delicate subject matter and swooning arrangements, with Christian editing, co-producing and co-directing the video alongside cinematographer Joshua Menzel. Perfectly reflecting the shift in mood and lyrics throughout the glistening tune, from gnawing negativity to ultimate acceptance, the clip places Christian firmly on display as he personally moves through the emotive journey towards an optimistic conclusion, as he elaborates, “The basic concept of the clip is me being in a desolate place, struggling to get through life and being transported to a dark place with a build up of thoughts. But it has a positive ending which brings authenticity to the song’s honest meaning.”
Mixed by Liam Quinn (Rita Ora, Ruel, Illy), Miss You may mark the first official chapter in Christian’s solo artistic adventure, but he’s certainly no stranger to the musical realms, starting from a young age when he was drawn to teaching himself how to record and produce, before moving on to work as a producer and, finally, arriving at his dream pathway in 2022: creating and releasing his own music. Prior to unveiling Miss You, Christian produced hip hop music, and had travelled to Los Angeles and Atlanta to work with artists and producers, leading to him being offered a contract with the godfather of trap music Zaytoven (Usher, The Weeknd, Drake, Young Thug, 21 Savage). But with a door unexpectedly closing, having to return back home to Australia due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some soul-searching ultimately revealed to Christian an open and extremely ready creative window; and one he is ready to share with the world, as he explains, “It feels exciting and scary at the same time to release something so close to my heart. I hope that people will relate and resonate with what I have created.”
Miss You is out today, June 15.
LOCAL THE NEIGHBOUR ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE + VIDEO ‘POINT GUARD’
Melbourne-via-Darwin artist Local the Neighbour returns today with a shimmering new single Point Guard. An affably effortless outing from a seasoned musician, Point Guard pays tribute to loved ones and connections as Local the Neighbour, aka jazz-drummer-turned-indie-rock-connoisseur David Quested, explores personal thematics and jangly melodics with nimble flair. Amping up the optimism and wholesome feels, Local the Neighbour has also today released a Super 8 charmer, with the track’s accompanying music video perfectly capturing Point Guard’s endearing themes and vibes.
Point Guard bustles with plush reverb, driving beats and creamy vocals courtesy of David himself, calling to mind the effortless ease of Gang of Youths while also deftly showcasing David’s soft gravelled croon. Entirely self-produced with mastering courtesy of Huntley Miller, who has also mastered albums for some of David’s heroes Hippo Campus and Bon Iver, Point Guard is a glistening blend of congenial modernity and measured laidback ease as David continues to sharpen his blossoming adoration and innate knack for indie music. Infusing glowing sincerity stemming directly from David’s own experiences, Point Guard takes the lead as a fun, friendly and frothy offering that is equal parts relatable and irresistible. Of the track’s personal exploration into relationships and vulnerability, “Point Guard is about the gratitude and hopes you have for your loved one. To me it’s about my girlfriend, but at the end of the day it’s about anyone you love and find comfort in being vulnerable with – whether it be a friend, partner, family, or stranger on the street. For me it’s tough to do that, so I’m glad I have someone I can do that with!”
The video for Point Guard perfectly complements this genial intent, with the single’s music video bringing nostalgic home movie visuals to the table. Made entirely by David and his girlfriend, and complete with karaoke-ready bouncing ball lyrics, the clip follows an adorable narrative complete with dogs, waterfalls, sun-drenched trees and David and his girlfriend living their best peaceful lives. With real-life love on full display, it’s impossible not to fall head over heels even more for Local the Neighbour’s new single and clip, which was inspired not only by relationships but also a passion for antiques, as David explains, “The song is about my girlfriend, and for my birthday and Christmas (they’re very close together) last year, she and some friends and family bought me a vintage Super 8 camera. I love old things and the history they have, so it felt really fitting to run a bunch of film through it and create a music video with that camera, documenting parts of our lives at the time.”
Originally growing up in Darwin before moving to Melbourne to study music, David’s significant background in jazz has seen him study at both the Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) and at UCLA in Los Angeles alongside the likes of Clayton Cameron (Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr) and George Bohanon (Earth, Wind & Fire), while also performing with ARIA award-winning jazz musicians and appearing as a feature artist in the 2021 Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Fusing his infatuation with the boundless creativity of jazz with his ultimate musical passion, indie rock, David brings a sharp execution to his expertly-crafted new material under the Local the Neighbour moniker; an effortless lesson in technicality with an everyman charm that offers a musical companion to those needing hope in life’s less-than-rosy moments.
Point Guard is out today.
EDGECLIFF SHARE NEW SINGLE ‘I’LL BE GONE’
Northern Beaches rockers Edgecliff are back today in toe-tappin’, riff-smashin’ fashion with a brand new single I’ll Be Gone. Laced with classic rock flavours and plenty of warm swagger, I’ll Be Gone embraces the group’s evolving hard edge aesthetics, while also perfectly setting the scene for what’s in store at the band’s impending show at Avalon RSL on Saturday June 11.
I’ll Be Gone marks an energetic jewel in the Edgecliff story so far, offering a modern amalgamation of the group’s classic and more recent rock and roll heroes, with its vocal melody inspired by Powderfinger, drum and basslines inspired by Foo Fighters, and some sparkling guitars and keys a là Wolfmother throughout the catchy track. Loaded with fresh licks and affable steeze, I’ll Be Gone kicks off with a fiery riff before bursting into some technicolour rock and roll; from splashy drum fills to bright organs and vocals with just the right amount of rasp, I’ll Be Gone also lyrically captures some of life’s more fiery moments, as frontman Will Howell explains, “The lyrics are about an argument. Whether it is internal or with another person, it is up to the listener to interpret their meaning. Basically, the battle of right and wrong. With the music, we just wanted a fierce, snappy song, and it all came together after many songwriting sessions and a contribution from us all.”
Recorded at The Grove Studios, I’ll Be Gone saw Edgecliff team up with the legendary Callum Howell, aka the renowned producer, engineer and mixer for Ocean Alley, with mastering for the new single courtesy of Mike Tucci in New York. And while I’ll Be Gone may mark the first single from the quintet in 2022, it certainly won’t be the last, as bass player Kai Stackhouse confirms, “We’ve been waiting to release this single for a few months and we are so keen that we also have a few other new tunes ready to dish out ASAP. We are stoked!”.
Comprising of high school mates Will Howell on vocals and lead guitar, Kai Stackhouse on bass, Jesse Calabrese on rhythm guitar, Nick Murace on keys and Jacob Lock on drums, Edgecliff is a band built firmly on a foundation of passionate songwriting and a desire to create original music (as well as actual building, with the band members currently completing apprenticeships in their respective trades). For Edgecliff, their shared creative passion is certainly a giant factor in propelling them forward; but it’s also the group’s internal connections that truly bolsters the end result, as guitarist Jesse says, “We think our good chemistry and friendship inspires our music. We can’t emphasise how important our friendship is to our band”.
From high school mates to bandmate brothers, Edgecliff bring their rich and varied musical upbringings and backgrounds into a hard-hitting coalescence of beats, chugs and rock and roll. And from emerging in 2021 with their first singles Waitless and Belong to the Crowd, to recently releasing Calling for More and, as of today, I’ll Be Gone, Edgecliff are hitting the throttle as they continue into 2022, with even more live shows and new tunes to come. But for now, on Saturday June 11, fans in the band’s local stomping ground can catch Edgecliff live in action at Avalon RSL – and it’s set to be a hell of a time, as guitarist Jesse explains, “Fans can expect a good rock and roll show and a good time. We really focus on live performance and making each show a bit of a journey”.
I’ll Be Gone is out today, May 12.