Wednesdays Genre Mash

American Pinup - Committed.

Background - Fronted by Lauren West, who combines sultry crooning with a raspy rock and roll growl, American Pinup draw from influences from across the spectrum of alternative music. The result is a blend of pop-savvy melody and punk rock attitude. The band is rounded out by Rob Peralta – guitar, Tim Robbins – bass and John Casale – drums.

Following two full-length albums and two EPs, multiple national tours, and countless appearances at festivals such as Vans Warped Tour, The Fest, and SXSW, American Pinup have carved out their own niche. A tireless, DIY work ethic has propelled the quartet from obscurity to a coveted spot on the Alternative Press list of “100 Bands You Need To Know” in 2014: They’re about to release a new collection of songs, “The Radio EP”—4 tracks that take the NY based indie rock quartet’s savvy power pop/punk sound to a new level.

A little rock swagger as punk meets pop, American Pinup just get on with playing their way, the results are fine with me.

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Saux x The Septembers - Work.

Background - Australian duo The Septembers and Amsterdam based producer Saux team up to produce woozy single Work, the product of a spontaneous jam session on a rainy day in Amsterdam. With a prominent beat, the multi-layered, warm soulful vocals weave in and out of the sparse instrumentation, lamenting a spiral towards a broken relationship, and the pain of love lost.

Saux has released a consistent stream of sultry, soulful remixes and originals, and this track is no exception. Recently having released a single featuring Jefferey James, stayed tuned for Saux's upcoming EP.

The Septembers: The Septembers are a uniquely soulful duo from Australia. Having just relocated to Berlin, the duo have been honing their sound, and creating music with both local Australian, and international acts. Having been 9 months since last hearing from the pair, they are finally ready to give a taste of some new music. The Septembers are produced by James Chatburn, who has had a slew of impressive releases over the past year.

Saux: Fully devoted to soulful sounds and sultry voices, producer Saux has a flair for swift transitions from warm electronic music to underground pop to tropical melodies. He combines soulful sounds with electronic precision and warmth, and has received recognition from BBC, Majestic Casual, FACT Mag and more.

Calming and quite majestic, sometimes 'less is more' or 'keeping it simple' can create a musical gem, this being a case in point.

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Oak Tree Suite - Lo Ammi.

Background - Oak Tree Suite admit that even they are surprised about the continuous string of achievements and opportunities this last couple of years have bought with them; but the 2014 J Music Award finalists are continuing to cause a stir both on the western coast and abroad. 

Two EP’s down, the band that has supported Evermore (2013), RAN (Indonesian Pop Artists, 2011), and written an Original Sound Track for indie film The Right One are busy working on their latest single, ‘Lo Ammi’, due to be released on the 18th of September. Produced and tracked live by James Newhouse at Real2Reel Studios, ‘Lo Ammi’ is the first track that, according to front man Matt Garrod, not only captures Oak Tree Suite’s live sound and energy but also pushes the band to new limits. 

Matt explained that, “‘Lo Ammi’ was born from the desire of wanting more and a lack of contentment with the present. The idea that not having the latest thing, or a nice house is a bad thing seems to be something of an illusion. Sometimes those that appear to go without are actually the most content and kind hearted people we know.” 

A soft beginning that builds into one fine song, both vocals and guitars work in harmony over a tight developing rhythm. Put simply 'it works'.

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Kayah Duen - Stay Alright.

Background: Kayah Duen is a 5 piece indie pop/rock band from Sydney. With a wide range of influences including Josh Pyke, Death Cab for Cutie and Bombay Bicycle Club, Kayah Duen create a satisfying blend of upbeat acoustic guitar, catchy hooks and funk filled bass lines. 

Starting out in high school, the band was originally a 4 piece with Jamie on vocals and guitar, Seen on lead guitar, Jesse on bass and Pete on the drums. The quintet was complete in 2014 when Nat filled the Nat-shaped hole in the band. Her delicate voice, keyboard and tambourine skills have undoubtedly added a new dimension. Comprising of your typical mix of Aussie, Chinese, Dutch and Scottish blood, the band have bonded over their mutual love and respect for cheap Thai food. 

The past year has been a busy yet exciting time for the group. They have gained immense performance experience in 2014 playing at Manning Bar, Hermann’s Bar and at Sydney Uni’s annual Verge Festival. The band were also guests on the Sydney Uni’s radio station SURG FM. This year has seen Kayah Duen work on their debut single ‘Stay Alright’ with renowned Sydney producer, Michael McGlynn, who has worked on the exciting projects of Little May and L- Fresh The Lion. 

‘Stay Alright’ was recorded, mixed and produced by Michael McGlynn at Vienna People Studios, Annandale NSW.

Light and breezy indie pop with a touch of rock. I am loving the whole thing from the brief harmonies that add so much, through to the whole band playing with such sparkle.

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