Launching Pad artists previously featured:

Drawn From Bees
July 2010

 

The career of Brisbane art-rockers Drawn from Bees is a measured exercise in the art of contrast and contradiction. Formed in early 2008, the band’s brief career has been consistently defined by an ongoing negotiation between breathtaking ambition and unpretentious humility.

The band’s four members (vocalist/guitarist Dan James, bassist/vocalist Stew Riddle, guitarist/vocalist Raven Jones and drummer/vocalist Matt Wedmaier) came together over a mutual distaste for the direction of their then-current outfit, veteran prog-rockers Glasshouse. The group opted to independently write, record and release four records within two years on their own record label Bonefinger Records – releasing The Boy and the Ocean EP in September 2008, mini-album And The Blind Shall Lead the Way in March 2009 and The Sky is Falling EP in October 2009 – with debut album Fear Not the Footsteps of the Departed due for release in May 2010.

While presenting some of the most multi-faceted pop music Brisbane has ever produced, Drawn from Bees have been embraced by tastemakers like Richard Kingsmill, had their releases endorsed by respected publications (Rave and Time Off Magazine), performed at mainstream festivals (V Fest and Sounds of Spring), as well as enjoying a showcase at the recent Big Sound conference.

Fear Not the Footsteps of the Departed finds Drawn from Bees stretch the limitations of their defining contradiction almost to breaking point. The band’s most multi-layered and complex release thus far, the album juxtaposes Drawn from Bees’ most heartbreakingly beautiful songs with their most intellectual concepts and most experimental soundscapes – sampled choirs and iPhones swirling magnetically around almost spiritual laments of loss and love.

’Run Away’ and ’Stand Against The Storm’ was featured on Indie 1007 (digital audio).
’The East Wood Fox’ and ‘Lights On’ was featured on Easy Rock 1007 (digital audio).

For further information, please visit the following website:
Artist Myspace: www.myspace.com/drawnfrombees

 

Cloud Control
June 2010

  

Cloud Control came together during the warmest winter on record. They were four folk from the Blue Mountains (Australia) - school friends, brother and sister. Inspired by the great melody makers of our time, Cloud Control embrace the alt-folk tradition, with Neil Young-inspired vocals, inventive pop melodies and old-time girl/boy harmonies from an era when pop music was pure and – well – just made you smile.
In 2007 Cloud Control released their critically acclaimed debut EP (4.5 stars, Sydney Morning Herald) and attracted radio airplay nationally while picking up a couple of credible accolades on the way (Triple J's 'Next Crop Artist' and one of Sydney Morning Herald ''Next Big Things').

Two year on and after months of anticipation, Cloud Control’s debut album ‘Bliss Release’ hit stores on the 14th may 2010.

‘Bliss Release’ heralds a surprising and exciting new direction for the band, making it worthy of international recognition. ‘Gold Canary’ was chosen by UK voters as Single Of The Week on BBC6’s Rebel Playlist and influential British music website Drowned In Sound awarded Gold Canary ‘Single of the week’.

The band has also evolved into a triumphant live music beast supporting high profile acts such as Supergrass and Josh Pyke, as well as numerous national tours with the likes of The John Steel Singers, Leader Cheetah and Yves Klein Blue.

Cloud Control will be touring right throughout June with fellow psych pop compatriots Richard In Your Mind joining in on all dates.

’Vintage Books’ and ‘Buffalo Country’ was featured on Indie 1006 (digital audio).

For further information, please visit the following website:
Artist Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cloudcontrol

 

Direct Influence
May 2010

 

With two countries so close it was only a matter of time before NZ and OZ developed a cross-Tasman sound. Now, after a year in the lab, Direct Influence deliver just that on their long awaited first studio album, War in My Kitchen!

Direct Influence have been bringing their unique sound to audiences across Australia for the last 4 years, breaking through with their first official EP, Herbal Ninja in 2006,
followed by the Better Day EP in 2008. Front-men Dylan Smith and Marcus Ross have been writing and performing together since their high school days in Bunyip in regional Victoria almost a decade ago. Since then, the pair has grown into one
of Melbourne’s fore-front acts.

With a backlog of ground-breaking tunes to record, Direct Influence embarked on their debut album, drawing from a network of talented producers, collaborative artists and brilliant guests. Featuring collaborations with UK emcee EQ on first single ‘Final Word’, and the potent vocals of Dan Sultan on their powerful new single ‘For My People’, the album’s mix of love, fun and empowerment is sure to strike a chord with chart-gazers to reggae rude boys to club “stompers” and indie kids alike.

Don’t miss Direct Influence through April/May, combining their soulful New Zealand reggae and RnB with a mix of dirty Aussie rap/rock live around the country as they tour War In My Kitchen.

“Direct Influence have nothing but talent” - Beat Magazine

‘Carry On’ and ‘For My People’ was featured on Indie 1005 (digital audio).
‘Corner Boy’ and ‘Final Word’ was featured on Urban 1005 (audio CD).

For further information, please visit the following websites:
Artist Myspace: www.myspace.com/directinfluence1
Artist Website: www.directinfluencemusic.com

 

The Snowdroppers

April 2010

 


The Snowdroppers came together in the third quarter of 2007 with one thing in common: the desire to introduce the blues to a new generation of fans. Realising they were in fact four clean-limbed “honkeys”, they decided to mix things up a little, which seemed to work in their favour, as their first ever show drew 1300 paying audience members. Of the 1300, only half asked for their money back - thanks in part, to their ribald songs about fornication and intoxication, and by drawing inspiration from the old blues and country masters of the American south.

Consisting of four members (Johnny Wishbone on banjo/vocals, Pauly K on guitar, London on bass and Cougar Jones on drums), The Snowdroppers hit the scene armed with their “Bottom of the Trough” EP, comprised of original work and reworking of 1920’s blues classics (the ones out of copyright).

After releasing their debut album just 4 months ago, the Sydney four-piece have been confirmed to perform at the 21st Annual Byron Bay Bluesfest. They have also been selected to support US band The Avett Brothers on their tour of the east coast. On the back of this tour The Snowdroppers will head out on an extensive run of headline dates along the East Coast playing from Geelong to Toowoomba on the Do The Stomp Tour throughout April, May and June.

“These Snowdropper kids from Sydney could really be onto something with the high-energy rock infused blues styling’s of their debut Too Late To Pray”. Blunt Magazine (8 out of 10)

‘Do The Stomp’ was featured on Loaded 1004 (video).
‘Do The Stomp’ was featured on Rock 1004 (digital audio).

For further information, please visit the following websites:
Artist Myspace: www.myspace.com/snowdroppers
Artist Website: www.snowdroppers.com

 

Deep Sea
Arcade

March 2010

 


Sydney’s Deep Sea Arcade’s reverberated pop recalls The Kinks at their psychedelic peak, yet with a character and charm that is undeniably unique.

The group began as a song writing and home recording project for founding members and school mates Nic McKenzie and Nick Weaver when they were in their mid teens. After years developing a large catalogue of demo recordings, McKenzie and Weaver banded with guitarists Tim Chamberlain and Simon Relf and drummer Carlos Adura, giving the music an energy and scope that was previously out of reach.

The Triple J and supported single, ‘Crouch End’, gained enthusiastic interest from fans and critics in 2008, and their latest single -  ‘Lonely In Your Arms’ -  recently featured as the Itunes “Single Of The Week”.

Live, the Sydney five-piece is a force and continues to build a loyal following. As winners of the Hopetoun’s 2008 Homebake/EMI incentive and with appearances at Peat’s Ridge Festival and Playground Weekender, Deep Sea Arcade have also played shows with Aussie acts such as Bluejuice, Expatriate, Yves Klein Blue, Holly Throsby, Jack Ladder and Philadelphia Grand Jury.
Ethereal guitars and lyrical quirks will transport the listener to a dark, watery world of mystery and enchantment, and leave their heads swimming with unforgettable melodies.

"It’s a place of mystery and enchantment, a soundtrack to exploration. The more you become exposed to it, the harder it is to pull yourself away."
-Wireless Bollinger, 24/8/08

‘Lonely In Your Arms’ was featured on Loaded 1003 (video).
‘Lonely In Your Arms’ was featured on Indie 1003 (digital audio).

For further information, please visit the following websites:
Artist Myspace: www.myspace.com/deepseaarcade
Label Website: www.speaknspellmusic.com

 

The Jefferson
February 2010

 


Sydney-based indie rockers The Jefferson have stormed onto the scene and hit the ground, quite literally, ‘Running’ with their debut album.

The Jefferson are a four piece melodic rock band based in Sydney, Australia and while Jared King (bass), Dion O’Connor (drums) and Andrew Turner (guitar) are the grit and guts that drive the resonance and unison, it’s the unique caliber and honesty of singer/ songwriter Geoff Rana’s voice that makes them truly stand out.

Their debut single, ‘Running’ reached Number 3 in the pop charts on OurStage.com in March (2009), won the mysongcast.com.au Facebook campaign and also caught the eye – and ears – of US DJ Mike Cameo who featured the track throughout May on his Cincinnati, Ohio show, Indies’ Top 10. The first single has also received huge coverage on New Zealand biggest FM station ‘The Rock’.

Playing live gigs around Sydney and further developing their sound, The Jefferson’s breakthrough came when they caught the attention of renowned Australian ARIA-Award winning producer/ engineer, Craig Porteils (Cher, Terence Trent D’Arby, Billy Idol, Guns n Roses) and with Craig at the helm, The Jefferson went into the studio in June 2009 to record their EP.

Their debut album - to be released early 2010 - is a sweet prelude of things to come, with 13 tightly-crafted tracks showcasing the four-piece’s signature original sound.

“Big hooks, great production and a huge sound. The songs are destined for radio stations around the country. A band with loads of potential!"
Adrian Karvinen, A&R, Island Records Australia, Universal Records Australia.

‘Running’ was featured on Loaded 1002 (video).
‘Running’ and ‘Superstar’ was featured on Rock 1002 (digital).

For further information, please visit the following websites:
Artist Website: www.thejeffersonband.com
Artist Myspace: www.myspace.com/thejeffersonband 

 

Phatchance
January 2010

 


Phatchance is in motion and ready to make a lasting impression on the Australian hip hop scene. Phatchance, an independent hip hop artist from Sydney, creates a unique brand of hip hop utilising emotive and melancholy textures distinct from that of his contemporaries. He is widely regarded as one of the most progressive and entertaining new hip hop artists in the country.

Phatchance has already established a recognisable name amongst artists and fans of Australian hip hop on the back of multiple years of a non-stop and highly praised touring schedule, supporting the likes of De La Soul, Bliss N Eso, The Herd, The Potbelleez, and Phrase to name a few. From executively producing a score of releases and gaining a coveted Feature Artist spot on Triple J, Phatchance has laid the foundations for what promises to be a fantastically received debut, ‘Inkstains’.

Phatchance’s debut album, ‘Inkstains’, demonstrates the culmination of two years of dedicated independent work. The album is a cohesive, emotive and extremely personal album packed full of production from some of the best beatsmiths in the country. Sonically ‘Inkstains’ is a mash of hip hop drums, live instrumentation, acoustic and electronic influences. It moves away from the traditional boom-bap sound of Australian hip hop and has moments of eclectic layering more reminiscent of popular international indie bands.

‘Inkstains’ is arguably the most personally revealing release to emerge from the genre and fills a niche that has been missing from Australian hip hop for some time. The first single ‘Inkstains’ is already receiving regular national rotation on Triple J, and blogs across the country are raving about what’s to come.

‘Inkstains’ is available now on iTunes and at all good record stores.

‘Leaving the Nest’ was featured on Indie 1001 (digital only).
‘Inkstains’ was featured on Urban 1001.

For further information, please visit the following websites:
www.officialphatchance.com or www.myspace.com/mcphatchance

 

Bridezilla

December 2009

 


Boasting a unique blend of fragile folk, twisted jazz, and wandering pop, Bridezilla display why they are being heralded as one of the most compelling new Australian bands in years. One of the most appealing aspects about Bridezilla is that their sound is entirely their own, it is impossible to place them under a specific genre or style. The subtle vocal delivery, the effortless harmonies, string textures, and short stabs of saxophone give the band a wonderfully distinctive sound.  

Bridezilla first started to provoke excitement within the music scene over three years ago as a group of highly talented school kids with a mastery of their instruments and stage present that was already compelling. Now slightly older, though still very young, and with a recent tour of America under their belts Bridezilla offer up their debut album ‘The First Dance’.

Recorded in a barn by the Colo River the process saw the band face off against bats, rats, flies, lice, and African thorn bush. The delights of the country however came in the form of bird songs, trampolines, and burnt marshmallows. Living in such close quarters, isolated from society, suffering from numerous trivial trials and tribulations Bridezilla have created something they are truly proud of. ‘The First Dance’ is an album of intelligence, depth and genuine beauty.

‘The First Dance’ has been honoured with Album of the Week status on community radio stations across the country, including Sydney’s FBI and Melbourne’s 3RRR. Drum Media crowned the album their CD of the Week, Sydney Morning Herald hailed the album for its “mesmeric, circular patterns”, which work as “a web that snares intentions and momentum”, while Rolling Stone praised the album as “a near-flawless display of virtuosity”, “sublimely confident debut in a class of its own”.

‘The First Dance’ is available now at all good record stores.

Bridezilla’s Upcoming Shows:
8th January 2010: Enmore Theatre, Sydney (w/ The Temper Trap)
19th January 2010: Metro Theatre, Sydney (w/ The Decemberists)
20th January 2010: Beck’s Festival Bar, Sydney (w/ The Decemberists)
24th January 2010: Billboard, Melbourne (w/ The Decemberists)
25th January 2010: Billboard, Melbourne (w/ The Decemberists)

‘Beaches’, ‘Queen of Hearts’, and ‘Tailback’ was featured on Indie 0912 (digital only).

For further information, please visit the following websites:
Artist website: www.myspace.com/bridezilla
Label website: www.inertia-music.com

 

The Melodics

November 2009

 


It was during a self-imposed isolation in desolate country Victoria that five creatively charged musicians found themselves connecting within a realm of experimentation. They stumbled across something special; a driving punk-like shuffle with a rocking bass line and hard skanking synths. One of the band’s vocalists started rapping over the groove about outer space and the desire to re-unite with his half brother Chewbacca… This was part of the process of writing their debut album, ‘4d’.

Producing colourful music for a grey world, The Melodics have painted a fluorescent foundation across Australia. The Melodics have forged a unique style by taking inspiration from Ska, Punk, New Wave, and Post-Punk of the 70’s and 80’s. Mixing these influences with a love for modern Electro and Hip-Hop has resulted in an electric debut album, ‘4d’, full of bright drive and attitude, sharp quirky vocals and a lush production featuring strings, horns, synths, mandolin, recorders, and other obscure instrumentation.

The Rubik’s Cube city on the cover of ‘4d’ represents The Melodics balance of banging complex moments and slow n’ simple sounds, a visual representation of the multi coloured debut offering. “We wanted to make a partially conceptual album …to have an album with a particular spectrum to it. We feel it’s a very colourful record, whilst all fitting within the same palette.”

Receiving radio play from a wide range of community radio and national play on Triple J, and taking first, second and third place in the Triple J Unearthed Hip-Hop chart with single ‘Cash.Sex.Cool’, ‘Maple Leaf Rag’ and ‘Take Me Away’, it’s clear that The Melodics have something special at hand.

‘4d’ is available now at all good record stores.

The Melodics Upcoming Shows:
5-Dec: Stereosonic Festival, Melbourne
30-Dec: Pyramid Rock Festival, Phillip Island

‘Take Me Away’ was featured on Indie 0911 (digital only). ‘Pop Culture’ was featured on Urban 0911.

For further information, please visit the following website:
www.myspace.com/themelodics

 

October 2009

 

One of the most visible characters of the Australian hip hop scene, Urthboy is a key figure in the genre’s escalating success. Writing lyrics and graffiti lead Urthboy down the path into the music industry, with no formal music training he has been a tale of success within Australian music. In addition to his solo material, Urthboy is one of the main lyricists of The Herd, whose four albums have seen them build a huge fan-base in Australia.

His third solo release ‘Spitshine’ has already generated a huge buzz: most downloaded song on Triple J in 2009; sold out single launches; rotation on radio and TV. ‘Spitshine’ is an audacious record packed with punch and finesse, the beats and vocals swagger with breezy rhythm, allowing Urthboy to blaze a trail across a sunset of slamming drums. There is a definite optimism about it, everyone’s got a story and no one should stop it being told. ‘Spitshine’ not only consolidates every superlative sent Urthboy’s way, but gives numerous reasons to pile on more.

‘Spitshine’ is available now at all good record stores. The album is released through Elefant Traks, an independent hip hop based label from Sydney for which Urthboy himself is Label Manager. The album features the current single, ‘Ready to Go’, which is now playing on Nova, Channel [V], Video Hits, MTV, Rage, and Triple J. 

‘…Cements Urthboy’s position as the strongest individual force in Australian hip hop’ - Rave Mag

To launch the new album Urthboy embarks on his biggest tour to date. From late September to mid November the ‘Spitshine’ tour will cover over 25 dates nationwide, so get ready for an energetic and theatrical live show.

‘Ready to Go’ was featured on Indie 0910 (digital only). ‘Impossible Story’ was featured on Urban 0910.

For further information, please visit the following websites:
www.urthboy.com or www.myspace.com/urthboy

 

Philadelphia Grand Jury

September 2009

 

After a year of snowballing success, Sydney three piece PHILADELPHIA GRAND JURY announce the release of their debut album HOPE IS FOR HOPERS for September 25th 2009.

The album comes after the highly successful digital / vinyl EP, GOING TO THE CASINO EP in June of this year. The EP featured three Triple J hits including Going to the Casino (Tomorrow Night), Ready to Roll and current single – I’m Going to Kill You. All three tracks we’re also featured on popular TV show Underbelly: A Tale of Two Cities, with the title track also appearing on the soundtrack compilation of the same name.

The PHILLY JAYS, as they are affectionately known, have spent the last six months touring the country constantly – completing back-to-back national tours with Bluejuice, Yves Klein Blue and Manchester Orchestra (USA), and are currently on tour with Dappled Cities. In between these supports they also managed to sell out their own dates in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and put the finishing touches on their self-funded, self-produced debut album.
HOPE IS FOR HOPERS will be released on September 25th via the a joint venture between the band’s own label, NORMAL PEOPLE MAKING HITS, and indie label BOOMTOWN RECORDS. The album features 12 tracks including the forthcoming lead single THE GOOD NEWS – which will reach radio waves around the start of September.

TOUR INFORMATION:
WED 30 DEC – Falls Festival, MARION BAY, TAS
THUR 31 DEC – Falls Festival, LORNE, VIC

“Going to the Casino (Tomorrow Night)” and “I’m Going To Kill You” was featured in Indie 0909 (digital program only)

For further information, please visit the following websites:
www.philadelphiagrandjury.com or www.myspace.com/philadelphiagrandjury

 

Lucy Mason

August 2009

 

Meet Lucy Mason; With her younger years straddling both the UK and Australia, Lucy Mason’s musical voyage has Australia firmly entrenched. Insightful lyrics and haunting minor melodies suggest that there’s immense depth to this young songwriters work. Honest and poignant lyrics, together with powerful performances, have quickly become the trademark of Lucy’s body of work. Numerous local performances with her fellow musicians have been extremely well received in and around Sydney.
 
Her debut EP, produced in 2007 by music producer Steve James of Rocking Horse Studios fame, proved that tracks like “Diversity” and “Silencing” warrant the listeners’ attention. Comparisons to Amy Lee of Evanescence have been made with Lucy’s lyrical aptitude.
Although not commercially available via retail outlets Lucy’s Diversity EP was sold via her my space site garnering interest from thousands of fans.
Solid stints in the studio over the past twelve months have seen Lucy Mason continue her path into the world of the minor chord.
 
Lucy Mason’s latest track “I’m Left” is a reiteration of her powerful and emotive lyrics and melodies.  Soft yet haunting.
Lucy’s influences of Radiohead, Coldplay, Paramore, Alanis Morissette, No Doubt, Muse and The Cranberries are apparent with her blend of delicate verses, big rock choruses and powerful harmonies.
 
Currently busy in studio, recording additional album tracks, 2009/early 2010 will see the launch of Lucy’s debut album.

‘Silencing’ was featured on Rock 0908 (digital only) & ‘Diversity’ was featured on Home Grown 0908 (digital only).

For further information, please visit the following websites:
http://www.myspace.com/lucymasonmusic
http://lucymason.com.au/

  

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