CROOKED COLOURS ANNOUNCE NEW SINGLE HOLD ON OUT TODAY + NEW ALBUM LANGATA OUT MAY 17 – PRE-ORDER NOW
Ahead of their highly anticipated second album Langata, electronic dance trio Crooked Colours have released another cut from the record, Hold On, out now. The simmering track follows previous hit singles I’ll Be There and Do It Like You, and is another piece of the enigmatic puzzle that is Langata. The trio, consisting of members Philip Slabber, Leon De Baughn and Liam Merrett-Park, have revealed that the album will be out on May 17, with preorders available now. The group have also announced the tracklist for the record, available below. Tickets to the upcoming Langata national tour are moving quickly, with a second Melbourne show being announced for May 26 after the first sold out within days, and shows added for Canberra, Wollongong and Newcastle. Joining Crooked Colours on the headline dates will be fellow triple j faves Nyxen and Kayex.
Hold On opens with a dreamy, swirling synthesiser, then blossoms into a hook-laden electronic dance pop jam, buoyed by percolating rhythms and sharp synthesisers. It feels like a love song, but there’s a darkness there; as Philip Slabber’s gentle vocal dives smartly in and out of the layers of the track, it’s impossible not to feel moved. Speaking about the track, Leon De Baughn says“I remember the idea for this track first came to me while I was driving home from the beach. We had just got back from touring in the US and getting back to our summer inspired this track. It started with the chords and the floating vocal line that ended up building into a club beat with the bouncing bass line.”
On Langata, Crooked Colours have created a new world; atmospheric beats, soft vocals, synths and guitars that move harmoniously throughout – it’s addictive bliss. Singles I’ll Be There, Do It Like You and Hold On are highlights, but there is so much more to this record – Never Dance Alone featuring the fabulous Ladyhawke is meditative, tender, and soft, while I C Light is deep and heavy. Written, recorded, and produced entirely by Crooked Colours, and mixed by Tim Watts and David Wrench (Frank Ocean, The XX, Caribou, FKA twigs), Langata contains multitudes and is a masterclass in the ecstatic simplicity of electronic dance music. Speaking about the album Philip Slabber says “Langata carries forward what we created with Vera while including what we learnt connects with fans while touring around the world. We’re incredibly excited to release this record and even more excited to perform it live.”
After taking Australia by storm with their ambitious and impressive new live show, Crooked Colours will be heading overseas to perform at some of the hottest festivals in the world, including Bonnaroo and Firefly festivals, plus more. Thrilled to be hitting the road, Liam Merrett-Park enthuses, “The response to the tour so far has been crazy. We never thought we would be able to headline the Forum Theatre and now we’re doing two. Also, we’re very excited to be heading to New Zealand for our first ever headline tour there.”
Crooked Colours have established themselves as one of the hottest rising acts with the debut Vera. Now they are on track to become one of our biggest electronic exports with this superb sophomore release.
LANGATA OFFICIAL TRACKLIST
I’ll Be There
Do It Like You
Heart String
Just Breathe
I C Light
Hold On
Langata
Mirror Ball
Never Dance Alone (featuring Ladyhawke)
Lose Someone
CROOKED COLOURS LANGATA NATIONAL TOUR
Presented by Falcona, Select Music, Sweat It Out and triple j
FRI 26 APR | GROOVIN THE MOO, WAYVILLE SA | 16+
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
SAT 27 APR | GROOVIN THE MOO, MAITLAND NSW | 16+ *SOLD OUT
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
SUN 28 APR | GROOVIN THE MOO, CANBERRA VIC | 16+ *SOLD OUT
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
FRI 03 MAY | UNI BAR, HOBART TAS | 18+ | *WITH SPECIAL GUEST KAYEX
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
SAT 04 MAY | GROOVIN THE MOO, BENDIGO VIC | 16+ *SOLD OUT
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
SUN 05 MAY | GROOVIN THE MOO, TOWNSVILLE QLD | 16+
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
FRI 17 MAY | METROPOLIS, FREMANTLE WA | 18+ | *WITH SPECIAL GUESTS NYXEN AND KAYEX
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
SAT 18 MAY | THE TIVOLI, BRISBANE QLD | 18+ | *WITH SPECIAL GUEST KAYEX
Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au
SUN 19 MAY | COOLANGATTA HOTEL, COOLANGATTA QLD | 18+ | *WITH SPECIAL GUESTS NYXEN AND KAYEX
Tickets available from www.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
FRI 24 MAY| ENMORE THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW | LIC/AA | *WITH SPECIAL GUESTS NYXEN AND KAYEX
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets
SAT 25 MAY | THE FORUM THEATRE, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+ | *WITH SPECIAL GUESTS NYXEN AND KAYEX *SOLD OUT
Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au
SUN 26 MAY | THE FORUM THEATRE, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+ | *WITH SPECIAL GUESTS NYXEN AND KAYEX
Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au
FRI 31 MAY | MEOW, WELLINGTON NZ | 18+ | *WITH SPECIAL GUESTS CLAYE AND JOISE MOON
Tickets available from https://www.eventbrite.com.au
SAT 1 JUNE | GALATOS, AUCKLAND NZ | 18+ | *WITH SPECIAL GUESTS CLAYE AND IMUGI
Tickets available from https://www.eventbrite.com.au
FRI 7 JUNE | UC REFECTORY, CANBERRA ACT | 18+ | *WITH SPECIAL GUESTS NYXEN AND KAYEX
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
SAT 8 JUNE | UNI BAR, WOLLONGONG NSW | 18+ | *WITH SPECIAL GUESTS NYXEN AND KAYEX
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
SUN 9 JUNE | CAMBRIDGE HOTEL, NEWCASTLE NSW | 18+ | *WITH SPECIAL GUESTS NYXEN AND KAYEX
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
CROOKED COLOURS LANGATA INTERNATIONAL DATES
Friday, June 14 Bonnaroo Festival Manchester TE
Friday, June 21 Firefly Festival Dover DE
Saturday, June 22 Bonanza Campout Herber City UT
Friday, June 28 Electric Forest Festival Rothbury MI
Saturday, June 29 Westword Music Showcase Denver CO
Friday, July 19 Capitol Hill Bloc Party Seattle WA
Saturday, July 20 Northern Nights Festival CA
EXCITING DARK POP NEWCOMER MARTIKA ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE ‘HOW DID I GET HERE’
The enigmatic Martika has today announced her debut single How Did I Get Here, a thoughtful, soulful track that explores the difficulties of chasing dreams, out March 15.
How Did I Get Here is a mellow, contemplative track, with an undeniable groove and stunning, eclectic vocals. The chorus refrain, ‘How did I get here? Am I coming, or going?’ is sung so earnestly; it’s impossible to ignore the pleading in Martika’s voice. Gentle yet driving percussion percolates underneath a constant, melodic bassline, as organ and synthesisers swirl together with unexpected and satisfying harmony. Fans of Aurora and Massive Attack will love Martika’s incisive style.
How Did I Get Here tackles the complexities of turning a passion into a career, as Martika explains, “This song explores the emotional journey of an artist; that lost feeling of being at a crossroads in life. I was unsure of which way to go. I found myself reflecting on my life and where I was, thinking that music should have brought me success at this point – and was it all worth it? It was then the decision of whether to keep on walking down the hard road, striving to make my passion a career, or to take the easy road and find stability. This song has helped me vent the frustration of what a struggling artist goes through, and has helped me find the strength to carry on.”
Martika is set to perform How Did I Get Here for a hometown crowd in Melbourne on Thursday April 11 at The Toff in Town. Thrilled to be showcasing new music as well as her exciting new single, Martika gives fans an insight into what to expect at her shows, as she says, “Audiences can expect something entertaining and amazing, yet a show that makes everyone feel equal and at home – a family. I myself love going to a show where, as an audience member, you feel like a part of a community and united, rather than fighting for a spot in a crowd.”
Martika is a natural-born performer; first discovering her passion for singing as a young child, dancing around the house to Disney soundtracks. Highly disciplined and passionate about performing, she spent most weeknights during childhood at singing lessons, piano lessons, dance classes spanning a wide variety of genres – and she even completed a degree in musical theatre upon finishing high school. Since her move to Melbourne from her country home town, Martika began gigging professionally and working alongside local label True Music (Shelley Segal, MAYA) and producer/composer Rob Upward. She spends her days in the studio, writing and growing creatively as a songwriter and artist. With so much talent to share, Martika is surely one new artist to watch.
How Did I Get Here is out March 15.
MARTIKA HOW DID I GET HERE LAUNCH SHOW
THURSDAY 11 APRIL | THE TOFF, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.thetoffintown.com
THOMAS KEATING ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO TODAY I’M STAYING HOME + PETE MURRAY NSW SUPPORT
Troubadour Thomas Keating has today announced his introverted new single Today I’m Staying Home, a comforting ode to self-care during times of stress and uncertainty, out February 1 Thomas has also announced a lovely clip to accompany the track, filmed during the recording process of the single, offering rare insight into the private world of an artist in the studio. Thomas will be celebrating the release of the single with launch gigs in Sydney at The Newsagency on February 8, and Melbourne at Red Betty on February 9. To cap it off, Thomas has also been announced as the main support act on a very special run of NSW shows with one of Australia’s most loved songwriters, Pete Murray, kicking off at Bateman’s Bay Soldier’s Club on January 16, then moving though Merimbula, Narrabeen, Newcastle, Miranda, and wrapping up in Wollongong at Waves on February 2.
As vulnerable and open as a diary entry, Today I’m Staying Home is musically reminiscent of Matt Corby’s acoustic textures, or even Vance Joy’s vivid lyrical imagery – yet Thomas still manages to craft a world that’s completely his own. Gentle guitar pulses atop a bed of driving percussion, as Thomas’ one-of-a-kind vocals take centrestage. Thrilled to be releasing this special track, Thomas explains the inspiration behind the track, “Today I’m Staying Home is inspired by one of those mornings where you wake up with the ‘f*ck its’, and you decide instead of leaving your bed or home to face your life and all the responsibilities that come with being an adult in this world, you just stay in. I’ve always struggled with bouts of depression and anxiety around the uncertainties and pressures of everyday life, and I guess at the time I wrote the song I was going through such a phase. I think it’s important to remember that at times it’s okay just to feel like shit – it’s okay to put your hand up and say ‘I’m not dealing with this very well. I need help’. Mental health is extremely self-alienating, and I’d like to think that we are moving past the stigma of shame that has hung around such ailments for far too long.”
The clip for Today I’m Staying Home feels like a private performance, straight from the artist to the listener. The studio is warm, and there’s something refreshing about seeing Thomas is his element, skillfully and candidly playing guitar, singing the track and listening back to his work. Describing the reason for the studio-centric clip, Thomas explains, “I’ve always struggled with being comfortable shooting typical music videos, you know, pretending to sing into the camera as the song plays, for example. So we just decided to bring the cameras and lighting into the recording sessions, and my friend Kieran Gilfeather shot and directed it for us over a couple of days. He followed the band and myself around the studio as we put the song together, so the clip is real – what you are seeing is actual takes of us putting the song down. It was such a comfortable way to make a video.”
In light of the new single, Thomas is set to wow audiences with two very special, very intimate headline shows in February, and an exclusive run of solo shows alongside Pete Murray in NSW. “I’ve worked really hard on the live show this year and I’m really happy with where it’s at,” enthuses Thomas. “From a young age I was really inspired by the type of guitar playing made popular by Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel and Mark Knopfler…I like to do solo sets and also playing with the band. Both have their challenges. A lot of time and effort goes into creating even just one song, so having the opportunity to share your efforts with others is really something special. It feels fantastic to be releasing new music.”
Today I’m Staying Home is out February 1.
THOMAS KEATING SHOWS JAN/FEB 2019
WED JANUARY 16 | BATEMANS BAY SOLDIERS CLUB, BATEMANS BAY, NSW | 18+ *WITH PETE MURRAY
Tickets available from https://www.petemurray.com/
THURS JANUARY 17 | CLUB SAPPHIRE, MERIMBULA, NSW | 18+ *WITH PETE MURRAY
Tickets available from https://www.petemurray.com/
WED JANUARY 30 | NARRABEEN RSL, NARRABEEN, NSW | 18+ *WITH PETE MURRAY
Tickets available from https://www.petemurray.com/
THURS JANUARY 31 | HONEYSUCKLE HOTEL, NEWCASTLE, NSW | 18+ *WITH PETE MURRAY
Tickets available from https://www.petemurray.com/
FRI FEBRUARY 1 | MIRANDA HOTEL, MIRANDA, NSW | 18+ *WITH PETE MURRAY
Tickets available from https://www.petemurray.com/
SAT FEBRUARY 2 | WAVES, WOLLONGONG, NSW | 18+ *WITH PETE MURRAY
Tickets available from https://www.petemurray.com/
FRI FEBRUARY 8 | THE NEWSAGENCY, SYDNEY | 18+
Tickets available from https://www.stickytickets.com.au/79159/thomas_keating.aspx
SAT FEBRUARY 9 | RED BETTY, MELBOURNE | 18+
Tickets available from https://www.stickytickets.com.au/79155/thomas_keating.aspx