THE WITCHY DJYPSIES SHARE WHIMISCAL NEW SINGLE ‘IN MY MIND’ + SINGLE LAUNCH PARTY IN FREMANTLE ON JULY 12
A jubilant and bustling cinematic explosion of gypsy ska and western hues arrive today via In My Mind, the new single from Perth-based international six-piece collective The Witchy Djypsies. A masterful upbeat sonic spell, In My Mind will also be celebrated live onstage next week when The Witchy Djypsies descend on Mojo’s Bar in North Fremantle for their single launch on Saturday 12 July.
Instantly erupting with pulsing beats and prowling basslines, In My Mind careens into moody yet mischievous terrain as it balances smoky western backdrops against punchy brass, deep harmonies and a sprinkle of string shedding (“I’m surprised we didn’t melt the strings,” shares drummer Jimmy Marelich). Drawing inspiration from prominent yeo-tone ska act Madness, as well as the likes of Strangely Arousing, The Cat Empire, Doe Maari, Zoufris Maracs and Mano Negra, In My Mind is a euphoric and eclectic immersion for the senses that defies time and genres; something The Witchy Djypsies are fluent in, with the fever dream qualities in the track also stemming from some real-world experiences. “I wanted to write a song about overthinking and feeling everything all at once,” says vocalist and instrumentalist Joana Lavole. “I was sitting outside at about 2am in a dead silent night witnessing the endless train of thoughts and overwhelming feelings that come with it. I wrote the intro then and had a bit of a concept. I brought it to the band, and we shaped it together! We actually worked on that track while touring up north in 2022. We had just done our last gig in Exmouth and we all got COVID. We were stuck on a campsite and I do believe the fever brought out the best of us!”
Teaming up with some of Perth’s finest, The Witchy Djypsies recorded In My Mind at Hopping Mouse Studio with Hunter Percy (Saturated Analog) and Stu McLaughlan, with mixing by Nathan Bell (Bell Acoustics) and mastering by Rob Grant at Poons Head Studios. “We always bounce ideas with our long-time friend and FOH engineer Zak Johnson too!” adds Joana. “The track was produced by us in-house, but especially by Dennis, our bassman, who poured a lot of energy in this whole process!”
Bringing together six talented artists and their musical backgrounds, with members hailing from France, Guadeloupe, The Netherlands and Australia, The Witchy Djypsies have been casting musical spells since vocalist and instrumentalist Joana Lavole first crossed paths with guitarist Sam Ukkola in 2018, leading to jamming, busking and, ultimately, a makeshift band of travellers settling in Western Australia and turning their gaze to writing songs together – and they’ve never looked back. Now consisting of Joana and Sam as well as backing vocalist and bassist Dennis Kooij, backing vocalist and saxophonist Christopher Best, drummer James Marelich and guitarist Leo Ollivier, The Witchy Djypsies fuse Latin beats, cheeky gypsy jazz and brass-infused ska rhythms with refreshing ease, also armed with a potent live presence that has seen them charm at Nannup Music Festival and Blossom Festival, as well at their own headline shows – and fans can definitely expect a party when the group’s In My Mind single launch takes over in Fremantle next week.
“Expect the usual shenanigans,” shares Joana of what fans can expect from the In My Mind single launch on July 12. “A pumping dancefloor, a super fun night, some sexy new merch and a lineup of local talents! Jamie David will open the night with his hilarious storytelling and songwriting. Loose Carrot will then take over with their infectious blend of funk soul and jazz. We will do our thing, firing up the souls in your hearts and shoes. And Loose Springsteen will close the night with his hybrid live electro set. Expect house, funk, disco, beats and brass. Thoughts?”
While In My Mind takes centre stage today, there’s still a whole lot more in store for The Witchy Djypsies in the near future, with even more new music and live shows on the horizon – get your dancing shoes at the ready!
“We’ve had In My Mind in our pockets for a while!” reveals Joana. “We’ve worked hard on this track and it’s been a pretty long process. We’re excited to put it out there in the world! We’ve got more tracks in the bank that we are hoping to release in the next few years. If you haven’t seen us yet, you’re in for a wild surprise. And if you live on the East Coast, start stretching now coz we’re coming in hot!”
In My Mind is out today.
THE WITCHY DJYPSIES – UPCOMING SHOWS:
SAT 12 JUL | MOJO’S BAR, FREMANTLE WA | 18+
Tickets available from www.moshtix.com.au | 1300 GET TIX | All Moshtix Outlets
TILLY FENTON SHARES BUOYANT NEW SINGLE VALENTINE
A dreamy collision of upbeat pop and lush melodies, the new single Valentine out today from Melbourne singer-songwriter Tilly Fenton is equally jubilant and vulnerable, showcasing Tilly’s effortless charm and sharp sensibilities.
Opening with billowing bliss, Valentine blossoms as acoustic guitars underpin Tilly’s honeyed vocals before crisp beats and ethereal elements propel the track into an upbeat dreamy pop wonderland. Nodding to the likes of Lizzy McAlpine’s intimate and conversational songwriting, Lexi Jayde’s charismatic stylings, and the energy of boygenius in the bridge, Valentine also, at its core, gently tugs at the heartstrings with Tilly lyrically detailing a resounding universal theme. “Valentine is about craving the simplest kind of love—the kind that doesn’t take much, just presence, care, and honesty,” shares Tilly. “I wrote it during a time where I felt like my needs weren’t really being met in a relationship, and all I wanted was for that person to just show up for me, even in the smallest ways. It’s a reminder that even the bare minimum can mean a lot when it comes to love, and that those little moments can make all the difference.”
For her sophomore single, following on from her debut The Secret which released earlier this year, Tilly joined forces with producer and mixer Michael Belsar, as well as drummer Ben Ellingworth and mastering by Dale Becker, with Belsar and Ellingworth in particular playing key roles in unlocking Tilly’s vision for Valentine. “I worked on this song with my producer Michael Belsar, and drummer Ben Ellingworth,” explains Tilly. “It was actually the first full song the three of us made together, and we had so much fun bringing it to life. Valentine is me at my most confident – it’s slinky, cheeky, and the poppiest song I’ve written so far! It is more upbeat than my last single The Secret, with punchy drums and plucky dreamy guitars that drive the song.”
Starting her musical journey at the age of seven while learning classical piano at school, Tilly Fenton went on to spend time during the COVID lockdowns teaching herself guitar and writing songs; “it quickly became my little safe space,” Tilly reveals. But after keeping her creative pursuits largely private, it would be after finishing school that Tilly went on to study music, which quickly gave way to unlocking the pathway to the release of two sparkling singles to date in 2025; and, as Tilly concludes, it’s via her latest track, Valentine, that her artistic vision takes full flight.
“It feels amazing and so freeing to be releasing Valentine,” says Tilly. “It was the first song that really captured the vision and sound I had in my head for the whole project, so it feels really special. I’m really proud of this one, and I’m just so excited for everyone to finally hear it.”
Valentine is out today.
CHUCK SICS SHIFTS GEARS ON NEW SINGLE ‘M.A.D’
Bouncing out of the gate with a swaggering bassline, 90s flair and a fearless falsetto, Sydney multi-instrumentalist CHUCK SICS returns with M.A.D, the high-octane follow-up to his debut track REDO. Written, performed, produced and mixed entirely by CHUCK SICS in his bedroom studio, M.A.D finds the artist flirting with a Britpop influence while continuing to carve his own path as one of the most exciting DIY acts in Australia’s indie scene.
If REDO wavered between dreamy psych and introspective alt-rock, M.A.D punches straight into the fast lane – a driving, upbeat anthem that feels like Blur if Damon Albarn had grown up making demos in Western Sydney. Synths shimmer, bass grooves bounce with authority, and a solo midway through the track showcases CHUCK SICS’ mastery of his first love – the bass guitar. “Bass was always my main instrument,” he says, “so I always try to give it its own voice in the song. I love when it’s not just holding the rhythm, but actually talking.”
Alongside its gritty charm and undeniable groove, M.A.D also gives room for CHUCK SICS’ striking falsetto to soar, further highlighting his evolution as a vocalist and producer. “I wanted this one to feel a bit manic – like you’re spiralling but having fun while you do it,” he shares. “Everything’s a bit messy and over-the-top, but that’s kind of the point.”
As with REDO, every inch of M.A.D was tracked and built in CHUCK SICS’ home studio, continuing his lo-fi, high-impact approach to music-making. The synths pulse with attitude, the hooks are instant, and even the instrumental breakdowns carry the mark of a musician who grew up steeped in music.
From trumpet in primary school, to piano, guitar, bass, drums and finally singing, CHUCK SICS has been a student of music his whole life. Now, with M.A.D, he’s embracing the chaos and confidence of a new chapter – one where he’s not just crafting great songs but kicking down the door with them.
M.A.D is out today Tuesday July 1.