RADICAL SON RELEASES POWERFUL NEW ALBUM BILAMBIYAL (THE LEARNING)
A stirring and powerful celebration of cultural connection alongside masterful performances, Kamilaroi and Tongan artist Radical Son unveils his sophomore album Bilambiyal (The Learning), out now via Wantok Musik. Boasting 13 tracks that swell with dynamic meaning and gripping arrangements, Bilambiyal (The Learning) also offers a deeply powerful statement of devotion to country, armed with harmonious traditional and modern sonic hues.
Releasing via Wantok Musik, and following on from his debut release Cause ‘N Affect, Bilambiyal (The Learning) was also crafted alongside a powerhouse team, including Full Circle Audio, Marcus Longfoot, Andy Robinson, David Bridie, Frank Yamma, Emma Donovan and many more lending their magic to the end result. Heralded by its lead singles Elder, Until You Call My Name, and Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming), Bilambiyal (The Learning) delves deep into Radical Son’s passion and advocacy for culture and connection in the modern age alongside themes of reflection, growth and, ultimately, learning. “I remember how much it meant to me to finally have a voice,” shares Radical Son of his new album. “I am so grateful to be releasing our album Bilambiyal” (The Learning). I am very proud of this work, and I am so grateful to those who have collaborated with me to bring it to life. I believe we have created a work that we can all be proud of. I absolutely love the songs on this album, and I know you will too. Even though I wish I’d had a stronger connection to Culture and Country. Even though there was a real disconnect and Culture and Country was not something I had a deep understanding of, still so much of my music is about my mob, my culture, my heritage. With almost 20 years now as an artist, I’ve stayed true to the game. I’ve stayed true to my mob. I’ve stayed true to myself. I really do hope that that message comes through in my songs.”
Opening with the starkly intimate Elder Reprise, Radical Son instantly conjures goosebumps as his almighty vocals soar, akin to standing on a mountaintop proclaiming: “I wish to be an Elder”. A short yet instantly gripping introduction to the power lying in wait throughout Bilambiyal (The Learning), Elder Reprise transitions seamlessly into How Long Must I Wait, a warm blend of soul and urgency, followed by the glowing ambience and captivating vocals lying in wait on All My Life. From a magnetic reflection on gratitude (Until You Call My Name) to a striking spoken word interlude (Cultural Contract), Bilambiyal (The Learning) rises to even greater heights via the commanding Elder; a spellbinding outing that also pays tribute to Radical Son’s cultural legacy seeking to inspire potential future Elders of this land. And journeying between elements of reggae (the buoyant Only One Life), moody and glossy ambience laden with vulnerability (The Learning (Bilambiyal), aka the album’s hypnotic title track), and potent lyricism fused with driving delivery (Yuluwirri Wandabaa (The Rainbow Dreaming) featuring Emma Donovan and Frank Yamma), Bilambiyal (The Learning) closes out with heady swoon (Dhuwan Baraay Yuligi), another haunting spoken word interlude (The Same Game), sleek soul complete with intermittent strings and layered harmonies (A Golden Age), and, ultimately, a track that simultaneously dazzles with Radical Son’s honeyed delivery and potent yet sparse instrumentation on The Fall. Declaring “I’m looking for a change, I’m ready for a change”, The Fall closes Bilambiyal (The Learning) on a pensive yet uplifting note, showcasing Radical Son’s stunning craftsmanship alongside his own personal and creative learning, as well as his unwavering connection to culture and country.
One of the most compelling artists in the Australian cultural scene, Radical Son, the son of an Aboriginal woman and Tongan man, channels his experiences from his past into immense power and resolve, with his trademark sound pulsing with the urgency of hip hop and emotionally charged soul. A festival favourite, cemented by his show-stopping cover of his mentor Uncle Archie Roach’s Walking Into Doors in 2022, Radical Son has performed to standing ovations at Bluesfest, St Kilda Festival, VIVID, the AFL Dreamtime 2022 game, and the official Uncle Archie Roach memorial in Melbourne and Sydney.
A highly skilled concert artist, with performances alongside classical ensembles and high-profile collaborations under his belt, Radical Son’s artistry also expands to film and TV, with credits including Defining Moments, a six-part NITV documentary exploring life-defining experiences, and theatre work, including the lead role of Pemulwuy in I am Eora at the 2012 Sydney Festival.
Studying as a musician at The Eora Centre for Visual and Performing Arts in Redfern, as well completing a Bachelor of Music from Newcastle Conservatorium, Radical Son’s creative prowess and steadfast substance is only matched by his otherworldly stage presence that repeatedly transfixes; and this fact is only set to heighten with an upcoming performance in later this month as part of QPAC’s Warriors Concert for 2024’s Clancestry Festival in Brisbane armed with Bilambiyal (The Learning).
“This record is something I can be proud of,” shares Radical Son. “It’s an example to me of how I’ve grown and done better in my creative work. It’s my favourite album of mine so far.”
“Music has made me a better person. We hold the key. Within ourselves we can change things for ourselves and make the lives of others better in the process. I hope my songs have a positive impact on you.”
Bilambiyal (The Learning) is out now, via Wantok Musik.
RADICAL SON – UPCOMING SHOWS:
WED 31 JULY | QPAC, BRISBANE QLD| ALL AGES
Tickets available from https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2024/clancestry-warriors
QUINNY SHARES ABSORBING NEW SINGLE + VIDEO SETTLERS
Scottish-born, Melbourne-based artist Quinny weaves warmth into wistful, driving indie folk via his brand new single Settlers out in the world today. Previously renowned for his tongue-in-cheek Christmas sonic creations, as well as strangers frequently mistaking him for Ed Sheeran in public, Quinny’s brand new single showcases his absorbing creative flair, as does the accompanying video for Settlers also out today.
Penned in rural Maine in America during 2022 alongside friends Marie Collins (The Vegan Leather) and Hannah Daman, Settlers was given its finishing touches courtesy of Graham McCusker, a composer for BBC’s His Dark Materials and lead artist in Glasgow/Manchester bands KAZE and Marouli. Recording in Scotland with Robin Evans (Dodgy & The View), Settlers embraced many of Quinny’s musical muses while also capturing the poignant heartache that accompanies disappointment, as Quinny elaborates, “This song is about confronting those you rely on most when they have let you down. There’s a sort of stadium-folk feel to it. I wanted to have big chords, but also some delicate verses. If you listen to the piano, you’ll hear a bit of Sigur Rós influence, and I like to think I go a bit Billy Corgan at the end too.”
Featuring Quinny himself, aka Peter Quinn, on vocals, guitar and bass, Settlers also incorporates Graham McCusker on piano and vocals, Martin Tormey on drums and vocals, Marie Collins on vocals, Hannah Daman on vocals, Martin Quinnon vocals, and additional production by Nathan Cable. Also amplifying the track’s compelling subject matter and instrumentation, the visual accompaniment for Settlers features a relatable narrative, with director and filmmaker Conor Reilly working alongside Quinny and the clip’s actors Martin Quinn and Stephan Buchanan to bring the Settlers creative vision to life, along with some stunning landscape visuals shot in Quinny’s home country. “The video is about anxiety,” sharesQuinny. “It features a young man going about his daily business, constantly being interrupted by someone else – a manifestation of his woes. He tries to just ignore it, until finally starting to take some action and getting out and about in the Scottish Highlands. Because of the nature of the sound, I thought some wide shots of Scottish mountains would be quite fitting, and it’s worked really well. Martin and I workshopped the concept and story with a few people before landing where it did. After a point, I left Martin to it as he was on a roll! Originally, the video was set to a different song from the album, No Place to Die, but after a few edits, it was clear Settlers was the right choice.”
A talented singer and songwriter hailing from Scotland, Quinny’s musical endeavours has seen him fuse his burgeoning flair alongside his four influential B’s, namely Biffy Clyro, Blink-182, The Beatles and Bombay Bicycle driving behind Quinny’s ultimate trademark sound. With tours in the UK and North America under his belt, the multifaceted creative shifted to Melbourne in early 2020, with his newfound hometown sparking creative excitement in true rock’n’roll fashion. “I love it, honestly,” says Quinny of the Melbourne music scene. “Compared to Glasgow and London, Melbourne has remained rock’n’roll through and through. Less bands with backing tracks and more bass players jumping into the crowd at a packed out 100 cap show.”
Alongside performances headlining shows at The Gaso, Last Chance, Retreat and Fitzroy Pinnacle in Melbourne, Quinnyalso won the 2020 Darebin Songwriters’ People’s Choice Award shortly after moving down under for his single Found & Lost. Described by Tenement TV as “an enthralling mix of the raucous and sentimental with witty lyricism and poppy charm”, Quinny had spent the past few years releasing older material and flippant Christmas songs, with One Foot In The Grave’s Richard Wilson making an appearance in one of Quinny’s Christmas videos.
Set to perform next week at Fitzroy Pinnacle armed with his latest track, the brand new Quinny chapter is already shaping up to be one to remember. “Generally, at my live shows I talk too much! I saw Georgia Knight at the Forum supporting Blonde Redhead recently and she hardly talks…I aspire to be that cool,” Quinny concludes. “No one can understand what I’m saying anyway. This will be the first outing for a few of the songs of my upcoming album, so I’m looking forward to starting to get them on their feet with the full band. If nothing else, the backing vocals will be amazing, Estelle and Naomi always do such a great job.”
Settlers is out now.
QUINNY – UPCOMING SHOW:
THU 18 JUL | FITZROY PINNACLE, FITZROY NORTH VIC | 18+
Tickets available from Oztix
PALM TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL RETURNS TO SYDNEY, BRISBANE & MELBOURNE IN DECEMBER 2024 FEATURING THE CHAINSMOKERS, ALESSO, GRYFFIN, AUSTIN MILLZ, DAYA & MORE
TEG Live is thrilled to announce the return of Palm Tree Music Festival in December 2024. Following a non-stop tour of international installments, the intercontinental tropical party is back for the second year running with a stacked lineup featuring The Chainsmokers, alongside Alesso, Gryffin, Austin Millz, Daya, and more.
The iconic global event will set up paradise at Sydney Showground on December 6, Sandstone Point on December 7 and Sidney Myer Music Bowl on December 8.
A Telstra Plus pre-sale starts Monday 8 July, 12:00 noon local time and runs until Wednesday 10 July, 2:00 pm local time followed by a TEG Live pre-sale, starting Wednesday 10 July, 3:00 pm local time and ending Friday 12 July, 2:00 pm local time. Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday 12 July, 3:00 pm local time. For tickets, VIP packages and info visit www.teglive.com.au.
The inaugural Aussie edition, headlined by TIËSTO and KYGO in 2023, was a slam dunk for this universal brand which has become known for chasing down the hottest locations around the world, with Australia joining the fray alongside Hawaii, The Hamptons, Mexico, Croatia and more. Developed by KYGO, the Palm Tree branded events are inspired by the bonds and memories forged with musical friends from years of touring around the world. Now heading into its second year, Palm Tree Music Festival is fast becoming an annual calendar fave in Australia, so ready your crew and get set to make your own memories with this one-of-a-kind music event.
There is no more fitting headliner for Palm Tree Music Festival 2024 than global hitmakers The Chainsmokers, with the GRAMMY® winning duo Drew Taggart and Alex Pall set to head back to Aus for the first time in five years. The band have set the cultural tempo and delivered some of the biggest songs in the world, hosting a historic multi-year Las Vegas residency, packing arenas on multiple continents, launching first-of-its-kind games in the metaverse, and selling tens of millions of singles along the way, scoring three Diamond singles, namely the Billboard Hot 100 #1 ‘Closer’ [feat. Halsey], ‘Something Just Like This’ [with Coldplay], and ‘Don’t Let Me Down’ [feat. Daya].
Don’t miss Swedish DJ and producer Alesso’s legendary dance anthems that have seen him own stages at Coachella, Electric Daisy Carnival, Creamfields, Tomorrowland and more. Excited to be heading back to Australia, Alesso said, “Can’t express how excited I am to come back to one of my favorite countries in the world. Every time I get invited back, it’s always a highlight of the year. Aussie crowds are no question one of the best and craziest crowds. I love audiences that aren’t shy to show their enthusiasm and ready to have a good time, plus, one of the funniest people I know is from Australia, and the seafood is awesome!”
Get swept away by classically trained multi-instrumentalist Gryffin’s captivating soundscapes that have seen him gain recognition across the globe for iconic remixes of Tove Lo’s ‘Talking Body’, Maroon 5’s ‘Animals’ and more. Upon returning to Australia for Palm Tree Music Festival, Dan Gryffin said “So excited to be coming to Australia for my very first time.”
Jump into the world of genre-bending Harlem hero Austin Millz. Hailing from New York’s vibrant boroughs to taking center stage at international music festivals, Austin Millz’ innovative beats and electrifying sets have established him as a pioneering force in the global music scene. Even prior to his viral Boiler Room moment in August 2023, he is applauded industry-wide for his fusion of soul, electronic and dance music, carving out a special niche between the genres. Millz’ returns to Australia after his first headline tour in 2024 which cemented his status as a favourite on the scene.
Prepare to be dazzled by synth-pop innovator Daya. Earning a Grammy award before she was twenty, Daya’s debut single was written while she was still in high school and went double Platinum, her dance anthem with The Chainsmokers, Don’t Let Me Down sold more than 10 million copies in America alone. “I’m so excited to play the Palm Tree Fest!! It’ll be my first time ever performing in Australia and to do it alongside so many old friends will be a dream,” beams Daya.
Repping Australia proudly is one of the country’s most exciting emerging artists, Darley. From triple j rotation, to performing on mainstage at Ultra, Darley’s ascent in the music industry has not gone unnoticed, and her gratitude is real, saying, “I can’t wait to be playing on one of the world’s biggest festivals with artists I’ve looked up to my whole career”.
Sunsets, good vibes, and epic beats. Palm Tree Music Festival returns in 2024 to provide the soundtrack to your perfect summer.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Friday 12 July, 3:00 pm local time. For ticket and info visit www.teglive.com.au.
PALM TREE MUSIC FESTIVAL
FRIDAY 6 DECEMBER | SYDNEY SHOWGROUND | SYDNEY, NSW | TICKETS
SATURDAY 7 DECEMBER | SANDSTONE POINT HOTEL | BRISBANE, QLD | TICKETS
SUNDAY 8 DECEMBER | SIDNEY MYER MUSIC BOWL | MELBOURNE, VIC | TICKETS
FIND US ONLINE
TEG Live: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Palm Tree Crew: Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Chainsmokers: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Alesso: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Gryffin: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Austin Millz: Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube
Daya: Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube
Darley: Instagram | Facebook | Tik Tok| YouTube
ABOUT PALM TREE CREW:
Palm Tree Crew, originally founded by Kygo (Kyrre Gorvell Dahll) and his manager Myles Shear, is a diversified holding company that owns and operates a consumer brand, a global live events business and a multi-product investment platform, all under one unified ecosystem. Palm Tree Crew harnesses the power of business builders, investors, strategic advisors and celebrities who know how to build global brands.
For more information, please visit https://palmtreecrew.com/
ABOUT TEG LIVE
TEG Live is one of Australia’s largest presenters of live music and entertainment events. TEG Live is owned by TEG, a leading global live entertainment, ticketing and technology business. TEG operates globally and includes TEG Live, TEG Sport, TEG Experiences, TEG Dainty, TEG Van Egmond, TEG MJR, Laneway Festival, Handsome Tours, TEG Europe, TEG Asia, TEG USA, Qudos Bank Arena, Ticketek, Ovation and SXSW Sydney.