Tag Archives: Local Natives

Playlist: daysormay

Posted on July 22, 2020 by Indietronica Staff

daysormay by Jeff Bassett

Meet Vancouver-based three-piece daysormay comprised of twin brothers Carson and Nolan Bassett and Aidan Andrews. Their name is taken from the English phonetic of the French word “désormais,” meaning “from now on”.

They’ve put together a playlist for us, check it out below.

Charli XCX – enemy
Carson: The chords and the melody along with the production of this song really all work
together to elevate each other, one of our favourites right now. It was so mind-blowing to hear
that this whole album was made in a month.

Ricky Reed, Terrace Martin, St. Panther – Real Magic
Carson: This song just brings the mood from wherever it is to a happier place, a feel-good song.

Toro y Moi – Lissoms (Instrumental)
Nolan: Love how this song is chill but manages to still make you groove. Even though this song
is 10 years old, it still feels fresh.

Mk.gee – Isn’t It So Convenient
Nolan: The drums on this song sound SO good. It’s just full of really cool and organic sounds
and I love how straight up and honest the lyrics are.

Grady – Let’s Stay Inside
Carson: The beat switch at the end is legendary.

Post-Modern Connection – Drowning
Carson: Glad to call these guys our friends, from just outside our hometown. Great chords,
beautiful vocals and keeps you interested all the way through.

Gia Ford – Waterslide
Nolan: So funky and kind of sinister-sounding at the same time. Whoever played bass on this
song killed it.

HAIM – 3AM
Nolan: The chords are SO good and the chorus bangs. Rostam is also one of my favourite
producers at the moment so I was stoked to find out he worked on this album.

CHIKA – DESIGNER
Nolan: It drops in hard and not in a way you would expect and I love how this song just plays
with your expectations the whole time. CHIKA also has such a good voice.

The 1975 – I Like America & America Likes Me
Aidan: The 1975 helped me realize that you could be in a band and not make “band music”.
Realizing that I could make a song with whatever sounds I wanted, that it didn’t have to be
based around guitar, drums, bass, typical “band instruments”, that was a big deal for me. I love
how they used the hard autotune in this, and the production and lyrics are so good.

Baby Keem – MOSHPIT
Aidan: A legend. I’m always drawn towards artists that have a unique vocal style/delivery, and
almost every line of a Baby Keem song is quotable. So good.

Charli XCX – claws
Aidan: this song’s been in my head for weeks now. Charli is so cool, and I’ve been trying to find
the snare sample Dylan Brady used on this ever since I heard it. It’s currently my favourite
song.

Watch their energetic video for ‘Role Model’ with Tessa Violet below, which happened after she brought the band on tour and was blown away, signing them up to her label, T∆G Music.

Sounds like: Passion Pit, Sea Girls, Cold War Kids, Peach Pit, Walk Off The Earth, Chloe Lilac, Tessa Violet, Local Natives, Phoenix, Tokyo Police Club

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daysormay · Role Model Ft. Tessa Violet

Weekly Gems 92

Posted on December 10, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Younger Hunger – Second Best

Younger Hunger

Younger Hunger is making waves with new single ‘Second Best’.

Inspired by 90’s indie-rock guitars, chart-topping pop hooks, and emo lyricism, their sound is quite difficult to pin down, especially when they refuse to make the same song twice.

Musically sitting somewhere between APRE and Sea Girls, the Orange Country-based upstarts present us with a perfect contradiction.

Sounds like: APRE, Sea Girls, Low Island

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Urchin – Without No Fear

Urchin - Without No Fear

Blog-house promoter Urchin (aka London-based producer Leo Appleyard) shares his new single, ‘Without No Fear’, out now on BonFire Records.

‘Without No Fear’ is the third track from the jazz-turned-indietronica musician’s sophomore EP, due out in January 2020, and features luxurious R&B vocals from Black Rose.

Sounds like: Kudu Blue, Kllo, Two Door Cinema Club, Von Sell, Ratatat

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Birthh – Yello / Concrete

Birthh - Yello / Concrete

Jazz and neo-soul musician Birthh (real name Alice Bisi) was raised in Florence on a diet of Tom Waits and Bob Dylan.

The new video for her single ‘Yello / Concrete’ was filmed between the Tuscan countryside and Milan and, as the visuals suggest, merge two unconventional sounds

Sounds like: Mallrat

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I AM KARATE – Hey Love

I AM KARATE

Swedish duo I AM KARATE (aka producer and songwriters, Marta Pettersson and Erika Ahlström) shares new single, ‘Hey Love’.

Speaking about insecurity, the girls explain,

“The song is about insecurity and not feeling sure you’re being honest with your love. Like he’s got a secret world when he’s dreaming that you’re not a part of, and you wonder if it’s more than just dreams.”

Sounds like: Ralph, Say Lou Lou, MIYNT, Doe Paoro, Sirena, Susanne Sundfør, Shura, Kyla La Grange

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NoMBe – Paint California

NoMBe

German born, Los Angeles-based artist NoMBe shares his vibrant new single, ‘Paint California’, the first single from his sophomore breakup album, ‘Chromotopia’.

The leftfield leaning pop single perfectly encapsulates NoMBe’s butter-smooth vocals over the intricately created arrangement.

Sounds like: Du Tonc, Friendly Fires, Jungle, Vampire Weekend, Local Natives

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Ronika – Solitaire

Ronika - Solitaire

Nottingham-born singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist Ronika is back and sounding distinctively disco-noir.

Continuing Ronika’s inclination for all things funk and dream pop, the track features spoken-word contribution from Lee-Ann Curren (a French female pro-surfer and fellow musician) whilst also forming part of Ronika’s latest longer-form project.

Sounds like: ABBA, Chaka Khan, Aeroplane, Breakbot, Ballet School, Ladyhawke, Color War, The Human League, Little Boots, Bananarama, Annie

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George Eve – One Track Mind

George Eve - One Track Mind

George Eve‘s music is quite frankly a melting pot of different sounds and rhythms.

From bold, expansive and inventive melodies to candid lyrics touching on love, heartbreak and isolation, it’s clear Eve will be forming his own path in the industry.

He has teamed up with Sam Duckworth as co-producer for the brooding single, ‘One track Mind’.

Sounds like: Metronomy, Glass Animals

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Constance – Work Hard

Constance - Work Hard

Canadian singer/songwriter Constance shares her effervescent sophomore single, ‘Work Hard’.

With smooth electronic production and lush vocals, her music continues to shed light through her raw and emotional lyricism exploring heartbreak, love, and loss.

Sounds like: Lorde, NEONHEART, Billie Eilish

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Nina Chuba – Lips Shut

Nina Chuba

20 year old Berlin-based artist Nina Chuba shares her most vulnerable release to date.

Written about treating herself better and muting those negative voices in her head, ‘Lips Shut’ is another urban leaning pop hymn from the unique artist.

Sounds like: Lorde, Billie Eilish, Lauren Sanderson

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KOKO – Freak (Acoustic)

KOKO - Freak

Bristol-born pop three-piece KOKO have a natural wall of energy which they call the “KOKO traingle”.

They’ve just dropped the acoustic version of their debut single, ‘Freak’. Stripping back the electro-tinged original of their debut singl, it’s all about embracing individuality – “It’s a FU to the man!”

Sounds like: Everyone You Know, 10 O’Clock Chemical, Travis Scott, Kendrick Lamar

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Gigi Rowe – Promises

Gigi Rowe by Chase Leonard

Has Gigi Rowe travelled from the 80’s just to release ‘Promises’? We think so.

The bright and eclectic artist brings the retro/futuristic sounds of that decade to life in the new single, as she boldly showcases her hot pink characteristics.

Sounds like: Ralph, Great Good Fine Ok, LANY

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Future Thieves – Get Up

Posted on October 24, 2019 by Indietronica Staff

Future Thieves

Basement band Future Thieves is comprised of Nashville-based Elliot Collett (vocals, guitar, keys), Austin McCool (guitar), and Nick Goss (bass).

To say these guys have had a tough year is an understatement, yet they come back with the same pop ambition and handcrafted grit as before.

This musical strength is clear in new single ‘Get Up’.

Live
^ with The Weeks

Oct 15 New Orleans, LA @ Gasa Gasa ^
Oct 16 Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall ^
Oct 17 Austin, TX @ Antone’s Nightclub ^
Oct 18 San Antonio, TX @ The Rustic ^
Oct 19 Dallas, TX @ The Rustic ^
Oct 22 Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theater ^
Oct 24 Phoenix, AZ @ The Rebel Lounge ^
Oct 25 San Diego, CA @ The Irenic ^
Oct 26 Los Angeles, CA @ The Hi Hat ^
Oct 29 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge ^
Oct 30 Boise, ID @ The Olympic Venue ^
Nov 1 Seattle, WA @ Columbia City Theater ^
Nov 3 Billings, MT @ Pub Station Taproom ^
Nov 5 Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court ^
Nov 7 Wichita, KS @ Wave – Indoor ^
Nov 9 St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway ^

Expect the band’s upcoming EP, ‘Emotional Cost’, out on 22 November.

Sounds like: XY&O, Sea Girls, Brett, The Weeks, Hardcastle, Night Traveler, Local Natives, Hardcastle

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Yoke Lore – Fake You

Posted on March 15, 2018 by Indietronica Staff

Yoke Lore - Fake You

We’ll let you into a little secret. We have a huge crush on Yoke Lore.

Based in New York, the pure and heartfelt music created by multi-instrumentalist, dancer, and visual artist Adrian Galvin can effortlessly translate miles across oceans to reach us here in the UK, hitting our heartstrings harder and harder upon every listen.

There is nothing fake about this artist.

Sounds like: Band of Horses, Yellerkin, Yeasayer, Local Natives

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Weekly SubmitHub Gems 11

Posted on September 22, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Marble Empire – OMEGA

UK artist Marble Empire (aka Matt Berry) has been making music since 13. You’d therefore expect his new single ‘OMEGA’ to be relatively complex, despite Marble Empire being reasonably new to the music scene, and you wouldn’t be wrong.

The song – written about progressing from adolescence into adulthood and the future of young people – was actually written two years ago, but despite the nostalgia, it is evermore relevant today than ever.

Omega by Marble Empire on VEVO.

Sounds like: Ben Khan

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Teen Ravine – Hall of Horrors

Teen Ravine

Toronto’s Teen Ravine (Nick Rose and Dan Griffin) share ‘Hall Of Horrors’, a melancholic track about feeling lost and reaching out for someone who’s no longer there.

Running around in circles, trapped in a “mirrored hall of horrors”, the song is highly dramatic, yet magnificent in both its vocal and production techniques.

‘Hall Of Horrors’ is the first single release from their upcoming album, out in October.

Sounds like: The Carpenters, The Avalanches, Chet Faker, The Japanese House

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MILKK – IDWK

MILKK

MILKK is the latest project from Nashville singer/songwriter Pat Kiloran, Minneapolis producer/musician Jack Vondrachek, and touring/session drummer John Ogelby.

Hot on the toes of LANY and The 1975, MILKK offer catchy pop hooks and bittersweet lyrics about lost love.

Listen to ‘IDWK’ below.

It’s out now via Good Time Records.

Sounds like: The 1975, LANY

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Wilderness Shout – For Another Night

Wilderness Shout

Wilderness Shout share ‘For Another Night’.

It’s a ballsy debut from the Australian-based four-piece – brooding soulful vocals and guitar riffs with a rock edge.

Listen below.

Sounds like: ASTR, Imagine Dragons

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Belle Mt. – Hollow

Mt Belle.

The sad tone continues in this SubmitHub feature with Belle Mt.‘s new single ‘Hollow’.

Belle Mt. (pronounced ‘Belle Mont’) will definitely tug at your heartstrings with this one – sky-high vocals and scene-setting strings.

Belle Mt. explain, “There’s the impression of a fork in the road for this woman and ultimately she takes the tragic path, as she can’t accept the intimacy or love that this man is committed to giving. Hollow is as much about her loneliness as his eventual emptiness…”

‘Hollow’ is out now on LV Music.

Sounds like: Local Natives, Ray LaMontagne

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Sorcha Richardson – Waking Life

Sorcha Richardson shares the reflective ‘Waking Life’, as she considers how reality is often different to dreams you hold onto in your head.

Sorcha’s clever lyrics really do shine through here.

Sounds like: Poema, Bo Rocha, First Aid Kit

Weekly SubmitHub Gems 1

Posted on July 20, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

We receive a huge amount of submissions via SubmitHub, and unfortunately cannot review all of the tracks, so we have decided to compile those tracks into a weekly segment of gems we’ve particularly enjoyed.

Dream Lake – Midnight Sun

Swedish electro-pop duo Dream Lake share the dreamy ‘Midnight Sun’.

This song perfectly encapsulates the airy, long days of light during the summer in Sweden, with dreamy vocals and romantic keys.

Sounds like: Summer Heart, Beach House, M83

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Vanguards – Rosie & The Blackheart

Vanguards are a indie pop focused four-piece from Brighton.

‘Rosie & The Blackheart’ is a bittersweet love song that echoes 80’s guitar legends. The track was recorded live and produced by Steve Harris (Kodaline, Dave Matthews, Kaiser Chiefs).

Sounds like: INXS, Kings Of Leon, The 1975, Kodaline

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Tigers and Thieves – Change Your Mind

US-based Tigers and Thieves share ‘Change Your Mind’, an indie rock track that has all the markings of a hit, despite being recorded in their garage studio. It’s been mixed by Brian McTear (The War on Drugs, Sharon Van Etten, Local Natives).

Sounds like: Local Natives, Foster the People, The Neighbourhood, alt-J, Surfer Blood, The Temper Trap, Nick Mulvey

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Gold Fir – Night Walk

Gold Fir - Night Walk

Despite what the name suggests, London duo Gold Fir (aka James and Mabel) play funky tracks for our immediate pleasure, day or night.

Their music is full of sass n soul, and is definitely bold.

Sounds like: Madonna, Little Dragon, Goldfrapp

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Someone – Say Something

Someone

Songstress, Someone is shaking off her cutesy appeal with a more earthy sound on ‘Say Something’.

Jangling beats sway nicely alongside upbeat guitar riffs and catchy vocal leads.

Sounds like: Few Bits, Bryde

SoundCloud

ALKE – Without You

ALKE

Los Angeles-based pop duo ALKE release ‘Without You’.

There is no denying the obvious chemistry shown between Jameson Flood (production, guitar, keys) and AK Karrasch (vocals) on the track as it explores love versus independence.

Sounds like: Monogem, Phantogram, Shura

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Vox Eagle – Sweet Temptations

Australian/US duo Vox Eagle share the glistening ‘Sweet Temptations’.

It’s a song about late nights out on the town and those sweet temptations that you may (or may not) encounter.

Expect their EP to arrive next week.

Sounds like: Cut Copy, Joe Goddard, Roosevelt, Goldroom, Tame Impala, LCD Soundsystem

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DVWEZ – Giving Into Us

DVWEZ

DVWEZ (pronounced “Dames”) is making a stand for independence, all the while giving into strong desires.

Lush R&B melodies breathe over unique alt-electro soundscapes in ‘Giving Into Us’.

Listen below.

Sounds like: Salt Ashes, Aaliyah

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Saro – Eyelids

Saro

Newcomer Saro continues to produce dark pop music.

His new track ‘Eyelids’ is delicately produced with its brooding falsetto vocals and a soft touch of melancholy.

Sounds like: Aquilo, Jack Garratt, Draper, Clean Bandit, Years & Years

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The Born Love – Badlands

Posted on April 12, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Badlands by Sahir Khan

The Born Love is a duo who are ready to embrace the music scene with their modern anthems.

Their new radio-ready track, ‘Badlands’, is about mistakes that have led to a waning love.

Sounds like: The Temper Trap, Kings of Leon, Foreign Air, Portugal. The Man, Local Natives, Broken Bells, Grouplove

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Yoke Lore – World Wings

Posted on March 13, 2017 by Indietronica Staff

Yoke Lore by Wes & Alex lo res

Yoke Lore collects stories and sounds from the world around him, so it’s no wonder his music has an expansive nature to it.

His latest release is called ‘World Wings’, which Yoke says “is about starting to whip the wings you have to shake things up around you. If you sit still, you’ll be left behind; get up and don’t let anyone tell you to sit down. When things are hopeless, just keep moving.”

The track has Yoke Lore’s prominent off-balanced harmonies, intriguing lyrics, and a steady drum beat throughout. Another great release from an exciting artist.

He’ll be playing SXSW this week.

Sounds like: Band of Horses, Yellerkin, Yeasayer, Local Natives

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Playlist: Someday River

Posted on May 28, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Someday River

Someday River are a psych folk band from Florida, who have been together for just one year.

Greyson Charnock, the band’s primary songwriter and frontman, says that their new EP, ‘Sleeping Sideways’ is about “finding good in the face of an insane world” and notes “accepting mistakes and carrying on” as another key theme on the release.

The boys put together a playlist for us. Listen below.

TOPS – Way You Want To Be Loved
This song is an instant go-to for gatherings with friends. A real mood setter… sexy track! I recommend the song “Sleeptalker” from TOPS as well, among others.

Levek – Black Mold Grow
Another song chock full of vibezzz – show this song to someone and they will trust your musical judgment for eternity~~ also see “Look on the Bright Side”

Jude Shuma – Wandering
Up and comers from Chicago, this group just put out a three song EP in December and it is repeat-worthy to say the least. Lo-Fi basement grooves for days.

Local Natives – Past Lives
Most recent single from Local Natives has a massive-bassy presence making it a pure feel-good necessity.

SWIMM – All the Time
Atmospheric ethereality, this song paints a feeling.. it’s the one you’re looking for. Florida-born boys making waves in the Psych/folk/indie world.

Goldensuns – I Feel This Place
Salt Lake City/ LA Transplants, the new Goldensuns EP really holds water, and luckily so. It’s enough to get us through the heat of the summer.

The Shouting Matches – Gallup, NM
Nostalgia in a pure form, this song takes you back wherever you want to go. Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon flexing his artistic range with this band, auto-tune not included.

Pinegrove – Old Friends
Found this song on YouTube, immediately hooked.. Pinegrove has several really incredible arrangements. I also suggest “Aphasia” and “Cadmium” among others. Check out some acoustic renditions from this NJ group on-the-rise.

Chad VanGaalen – Peace on the Rise
This tune rolls slow and steady through an apathetic dreamworld.. There is so much subtlety and intentionality behind the arrangement, I think that’s what keeps me coming back.

Sego – Wicket Youth
Contemporary, Pop Sensible, Avant – Sego always delivers on the art-music.. Here’s one of their most catchy tunes. Their songs rise to a new level when you see the videos that accompany them, aaaand go!

Robert Cray – Do That For Me
After hearing this song nearly 15 years ago at a soup kitchen in Atlanta… It was stuck in my head until I more recently discovered who/what it was by Googling the lyrics. Thank goodness I found my way back to this song. The arrangement and musicianship are a ripe source of inspiration for me.

Van Morrison – I’m Not Feeling It Anymore
Van at his finest here. No introduction or explanation needed… an absolute classic, Sunday morning pick me up.

Vulfpeck – Wait for the Moment
Sometimes you want the funk, sometimes you want the soul. Take both from Vulfpeck.. This band has some serious chops, and they do it all while having a damn good time. Positive vibrations are unavoidable on any track of theirs.

Fat Night – Someday
Orlando/Chicago boys really showing range with this track. Soul/Funk with pop sensibilities and a touch of Calypso combine for this unique song. Their live performance can border on Acid-Jazz. Look out for these guys; they are on the rise in a real way.

Julien Baker – Something
I am so enamoured with Julien Baker; her multiplicity of live recordings on you tube go to show that she is the real deal, voice and guitar work that you can rely on 100% every time. All of her songs are moving in their theory as well as delivery.

Nick Mulvey – Fever To The Form
A well know artist from England, Nick Mulvey doing what he does best with this song; potentially a perfect formula of restraint and production. Delivery and Control; this song has one hell of a progressive build for a folk tune.

Dustin Tebbutt – The Breach
Heard this song on some random indie playlist a couple years back. Dustin Tebbutt has his focus and his ideas in order. Beautiful and simple, this arrangement does it for me.

Suzanne Vega – Tom’s Diner
This is the original version of the song. Released in 1987, it was at the top of the pop charts as an A CAPPELLA SONG!! That blows my mind. Unconcerned with rhyming lyrics, its all about meter and imagery with this song.

Milo – Going No Place (feat. Elucid)
Milo is an intellectual rapper to rival all others… follow up this song by checking out some others of his. Along with some serious collabs, his lyricism is sharp witted and rich in symbolism as well as contemporary culture reference. Hip Hop at its finest.

Steely Dan – Reelin’ In The Years
Rounding out this playlist, arguably one of the best songs ever written.. Steely Dan was an obsessive band in the studio, and thank god, because we can enjoy this recording forever.

Sounds like: Day Wave, Summer Heart, Washed Out, The Drums, ROOSEVELT, Yellerkin, Night Drive, Carousel

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Interview: Bad Pony

Posted on May 23, 2016 by Indietronica Staff

Bad Pony

On a seaside coast far far away from Brighton, are a band called Bad Pony. They may offer similar sounds to those of Brighton-based bands, but will no doubt have better tans.

We caught up with the boys.

For those of you who don’t know you, tell us a bit more about Bad Pony and how you all got into music and where the name came from.

We are a 5 piece from Sydney, Australia. Sam and I (Jarred) used to play in a bluesy rock band. I was the drummer and we started writing songs as a side-project so I could have a fang at singing. We sent the tunes around and got asked to do a 20 date tour so we put together a band of former lead singers and multi-instrumentalists to cover all the parts. That was in 2013, so since then we’ve lost a drummer and cover our percussion parts by splitting a drum kit amongst us.

The name came from our guitarist Cron. Back in his motherland of South Africa he was a Shetland trainer. The night we met him he told us this really long winded joke that won us over. I can’t really remember it but the punchline was ‘Bad Pony’.

Describe your sound in three words.

Hurdling. Gyration. Jiu-jitsu.

What’s your current single, ‘Sideways’ all about?

Sideways is about celebrating the diffusion a potentially volatile situation.

Are there any plans to tour further afield than Australia, in the near future?

Not at the moment. We’re pretty keen to get something happening in New Zealand and the UK next year.

Where do you cite your musical influences from?

We’re all over the place. I grew up listening to a lot of Michael Jackson but I think I’ve learned a lot & taken on influences playing with different bands in different genres over the years. In recent times my favourite artists have been Manchester Orchestra, Closure in Moscow & Swim Season. As a collective I think we lean towards music that is clever, catchy and interesting.

We love new music at Indietronica. What new music are you listening to?

Middle Kids ‘Edge of Town’
Swim Season ‘Gold Cloak City’

Sounds like: High Tyde, Dive In, Two Door Cinema Club, The Island Club, Ivy Nations, Swim Season, Local Natives, Phoenix, Prides

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