NUSSY ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE + VIDEO HARD AS DIAMONDS AND SYDNEY + MELBOURNE SHOWS
The vibrant and unstoppable NUSSY has today announced her new single Hard As Diamonds, an exploration of the human reaction to hurt and turmoil, out Jan 30. The thrilling synth-pop artist has also announced a lustrous clip to accompany the track, produced in collaboration with Dan Smith of Head On Media (Gorman, Jo Mercer) and she’ll be performing a string of shows in Melbourne and Sydney throughout February and March 2017, kicking off at Gaytimes Festival at Lake Mountain Alpine Resort on February 18, then moving through to Howler in Melbourne, Marley Bar in Sydney and finishing the run at Oxford Art Factory of March 17.
A song that would fit perfectly on the Stranger Things (Netflix) soundtrack, Hard As Diamonds opens with a solo, glitchy synthesiser, easing the listener into the secure sinewave wonderland of the track like a slow dive to the bottom of a cool, still pool. The track builds and reaches an intriguing climax as a distorted guitar solo sits eccentrically atop the electronic atmosphere, all the while, as unphased and disarming as ever, NUSSY sings intimately, wooing the listener with unique sincerity. NUSSY reflects on the track, “Hard As Diamonds is about a person who has become jaded and built up walls to protect themselves from being hurt. It’s about trying to unlock the beauty that is still evident within their soul.”
Modern and on-trend, the clip for Hard As Diamonds is a testament to NUSSY and her ever-present finger on the pulse. Drawing upon strong, feminine themes explored in previous videos such as that of My Heroin, the Hard As Diamonds clip represents NUSSY as thrilling, genuine yet mysterious as her songs would have audiences expect. Speaking on the conception of the video, NUSSY says, “Coming up with the concept for the video clip was a collaborative effort between myself, my management and Dan Smith who directed the clip. The story centres around a tough chick who drives around the city to embark on a mysterious mission. We drew a lot of influence from the film Drive and TV series Stranger Things.”
An effervescent performer such as NUSSY cannot be kept from the stage for long, and audiences would be foolish to miss these upcoming performances from the outstanding pop vocalist. Thrilled to be getting back on the road and into venues, NUSSY looks back on the last 12 months and ahead to the upcoming year, “I had a really great year in 2016, putting out three singles and can’t wait to continue to release more music in 2017. I have been writing new tunes so I’m definitely keen to get it all out into the world!”
NUSSY ‘HARD AS DIAMONDS’ SHOWS
SAT 18 FEB | GAYTIMES FESTIVAL, LAKE MOUNTAIN ALPINE RESORT VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.eventbrite.com.au
SAT 25 FEB | HOWLER, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+ | FT. TIGERTOWN DJ SET, LANKS DJ SET, OWEN RABBIT, NATIVE SPIRIT, JEBU
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au
THUR 16 MARCH | MARLEY BAR, SYDNEY NSW | 18+
Free Entry
FRI 17 MARCH | OXFARD ART FACTORY, SYDNEY NSW | 18+
Free Entry
HOLY HOLY UNVEIL VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE ‘ELEVATOR’
Holy Holy have today unveiled the video for their latest single, ‘Elevator’, and have recently revealed details of their highly anticipated sophomore LP. The new album, ‘Paint’, is set for release on February 24, 2017, and is available for pre-order now.
The video was directed by ARIA nominated writer/director, Charlie Ford, (Courtney Barnett, Vance Joy), who also directed the clip for You Cannot Call For Love Like A Dog. Filmed in Sydney, Ford comments, “The film was inspired by the key themes of memory, history and the undying connection that lovers share”. Timothy Carroll from Holy Holy adds, “The song has a story built into it so for this clip we wanted to just tell that story. So this clip is like a short film based on one night in the lives of two people who are ex-lovers seeing each other for the first time in a couple of years.”
‘Elevator’ propels the band’s sonic development into a new exploratory territory, with driving guitar lines, arpeggiated synths and a chorus that will not leave your head. It is the second single to be lifted off the forthcoming record, and an electrifying follow up to first single ‘Darwinism’, which reached #1 Most Played on Triple J.
It has been a remarkably eventful year for Holy Holy, who in November finished up an international tour in support of ‘Darwinism’ which included sold out shows all over the world, packed showcases at Reeperbahn festival in Germany, their third sold out London show, and an intimate performance of Darwinism for the world renowned Mahogany Sessions/Distiller Music in the UK and a performance on the DIY stage in Hamburg. Throughout the year the band have also been writing and recording their new LP, eagerly anticipated by both press and fans alike, which will be released in February 2017. Holy Holy’s debut album came in at #11 on the ARIA Chart, and the last few years have seen the band play steadily growing venues to packed out, adoring fans, and has also seen an exciting, much discussed development in the band’s songwriting and direction.
Both “Elevator” and “Darwinism” are eligible for voting in this year’s Triple J Hottest 100. You can vote here – http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/hottest100/16/
Praise for Elevator & reviews from their recent international Darwinism tour
“A driving relentless rock banger” – WILD N FREE
“The band’s 2015 debut When The Storms Would Come was one of the most mature, well-crafted releases of the year. If new single Elevator is anything to go by, it sounds like the band is backing it up with another sensational release. The track slowly ascends to the heavens with a joyous guitar solo erupting out of the chorus, providing the song with the fuel needed to shoot onwards to a triumphant finish.” – HOWL & ECHOES
“Elevator is crammed with arpeggiated synth complimented perfectly by strong guitar riffs and a chorus that hasn’t left my head since I first heard it… Like an elevator, this band is ascending into one of the best bands around at the minute.” – MOJO 20, UK
“It’s another stellar slice of indie rock, with shimmery guitars and a chorus that should have you punching your fist in the air.” – SOUNDS OF OZ
“Elevator” is a classic upbeat burner that features swells of guitars and Timothy Carroll’s beautifully rich vocals…. The chorus will ring true of melancholy shoe-gaze rockers The War of Drugs- a substantial progression from Holy Holy’s earlier pastoral-rock sound. (Elevator) – THE AU REVIEW
“Last year saw Holy Holy gain worldwide success with a collection of songs showing raw power and songwriting talent. This talent continues to shine through in their live shows” – CREATION PRESS, UK
“Holy Holy put on a rock performance of biblical proportions. Oscar Dawson’s guitar skills won the night, receiving monumental praise from the bewildered punters with every riff. Holy Holy treated attendants to a lengthy set, energetically orchestrated by lead singer Timothy Carroll.” – THE MUSIC
“In a modern, music industry that is a perpetual fight for life and survival, Holy Holy are armed with adaptations that ensure they stand out from the pack.” – SCENESTR
“The guitar-driven track, filled with exuberant synths and meticulous drum-work, easily serves the rich upbeat chorus which will immediately get you up on your feet. One or two hip sways to the catchy rhythms and smooth vocals, and you’re being left with a joyous sensation before even realising it.” – GIG GOER
ALEX L’ESTRANGE ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE NOTHING TO HIDE AND DEBUT EP AUCHENFLOWER
Exceptional young songwriter, producer & multi-instrumentalist Alex L’Estrange has today announced his new single Nothing To Hide, a gritty mystery of a track lifted from his debut EP, Auchenflower, both set for release on December 16. Following several vibrant singles which have gained the attention from a bunch of large tastemaker blogs including DIY (UK) and Hilly Dilly (US), L’Estrange’s debut EP Auchenflower is a clear, confident collection of songs, named for the sleepy Brisbane suburb in which they were written. L’Estrange has just finished traveling around the country supporting Holy Holy on their Darwinism national tour and will launch his EP with a hometown show at Black Bear Lodge’s Last Party Before Lockout on January 28.
Nothing To Hide is hazy, evoking a nebulous feeling of early Tame Impala, or even The Beatles of Revolver times. L’Estrange’s voice sits defiantly atop an intoxicating, guitar-driven instrumental that pulls towards the magnetic, soaring chorus. L’Estrange reflects on the track, “It was written on one of those strange days that felt more like a dream. I’d been working away at this tune, I knew it had something about it that I’d never felt before, but I didn’t find out about what that really meant until later that night. That evening, a stranger visited me at the house I was living at in Auchenflower. I ended up going back to her mansion that she lived at alone. She divulged her life story. When I finally got back home, the song made sense. It was for her.”
The video for Nothing To Hide is a delicate gem, framing the track with finesse. Directed by Corey Donaldson (Cloudfall), the clip depicts a young woman living in a lifeless world, inhabited by mannequins. Eventually conforming, she transforms into a mannequin herself, leaving the audience to wonder whether she can maintain a sense of individuality in a world where everyone looks the same. Of the clip, L’Estrange says, “It’s clear that deep within her mind there is an original voice struggling to get out, she’s questioning her environment, and trying to understand why she feels so disconnected…(Lead actor) Cecilia Griffiths’ incredible expression really created the atmosphere of the clip and brought an air of mystery to the role. She has an innocence that is both charming and devastating.”
L’Estrange has arrived at a conclusive new juncture with the upcoming release of his debut EP, Auchenflower. The thoughtful collection of songs is natural, personal; the result of years of practice, years of listening, writing, and learning. Lurching guitars thread themselves around towering choruses, while quieter moments are buoyed by oblique acoustic arrangements and introspective lyricism. For the most part, Auchenflower was self-produced, however Australian music industry veterans Matt Redlich (Holy Holy, Ball Park Music, Ainslie Wills) and Andy Aubin (MTNS) both played a part in the production of the stunning debut. Reflecting on the ideas explored on Auchenflower, L’Estrange says, “Each song tackles a different thing. Some of the themes are focused inwards and concern feelings of fleeting love. Some of them concern others around me, like troubled relationships or exciting, enigmatic people. I’m often more interested in the listener’s interpretation of a song – A song like Nothing to Hide evokes a whole range of different moods and atmospheres within different people.”
L’Estrange has been on the road with Holy Holy on their Darwinism national tour this month, wrapping up at The Triffid in Brisbane on the weekend. Excited to be on the road playing live, L’Estrange enthuses, “Playing live has shed a whole new light onto the songs. I’m lucky enough to have some of my best friends (and some of the best musicians), play on stage with me. My line up at the moment usually consists of Sam Cromack and Dean Hanson (Ball Park Music) on guitar and bass, and Zac Moynihan (Mid Ayr) on drums. We try and recreate the feeling and atmospheres of the songs in a live setting without just replicating the recordings. We change stuff up and play off the crowd. Each show is different and unique.”
Auchenflower will be out December 16
SAT JAN 28 | ‘LAST PARTY BEFORE LOCK OUT’ BLACK BEAR LODGE, BRIS | 18+ | TICKETS http://blackbearlodge.oztix.com.au/?Event=68822