MELA-D drops killer new single ‘State of Mind’

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Dynamic duo​ MELA-D ​releases a hard-hitting new single & video ​‘State Of Mind’,​ ​produced by the prolific HAZY (JK47, Boy of Many Colours, MELA-D, Boomalli and many more) released through Desert Pea Media (DPM) Records.

Thesoulfultonesofvocalist,​SHAVINAH​andtherazor-sharpflow&deliveryofS​ ARI​makeupM​ ELA-D.​ The name, ‘MELA-D’ represents Shavinah and Sari’s rich and proud Melanesian (MELA) and Indigenous Darumbal (D) heritage, MELA-D. 


‘State Of Mind’ is the debut release from brand new group MELA-D. The genre-bending track represents their broad musical tastes, a modern deep trap/electronic dubstep inspired production is fuelled with energy and mad vocal deliveries by Sari and Shavinah. 
Lyrically MELA-D found the zone exploring a focussed and elevated State Of Mind.

The DPM team brought in a studio to a small Air B&B in Byron Bay to record ’State Of Mind’.

“We were already a few days deep into a creative lockdown session with the team before we started writing State of Mind. The beat is produced by Hazy, such a dope beat and mad producer, we instantly knew we had to write to it when he brought it to us. After 2 hours of working up ideas something finally clicked and before we knew it, we were 10 hours deep into the writing and recording process. Everything was flowing.“ – MELA-D

It’s a personal song for the duo, emphasising their vision for success, the mindset required to get there and a “no one left behind” attitude.

“If you are with us now, then you will be with us then” the duo state. “The song reflects the ideal that it is important to always start within yourself and to have your state of mind set on what you want before you begin to achieve it, vision it, then execute the vision. This is what we’re constantly working on for ourselves. It’s a continuous process really.” MELA-D concluded.

The vibrant, high energy ‘State Of Mind’ Video, produced by DPM Records, was shot in multiple locations in the Byron Bay region during an intensive creative session with MELA-D and features special guest dancers Waangenga Blanco, Jaymen Drahm & Coedie Ochre Warrah.

Shavinah and Sari first captivated audiences around Australia and the world via the enigmatic ‘B-Town Warriors’ debut – ‘People of The Red Sunset’, which was a community workshop outcome, run by progressive media organisation, Desert Pea Media with Bourke High School in Western NSW. The track was added to Triple J in 2016.

B-Town Warriors went on to develop five productions, including the song ‘Thundercloud’, which went on to win a National Indigenous Music Award for ‘Community Music Clip of the Year’ in 2018 and was featured on Channel 10’s ‘The Project’ and ABC’s ‘Q&A’.



“We were blessed to work with the super creative DPM Records team in Byron Bay for a full on focussed week of creative output, it was epic. We recorded tracks, shot videos, did photoshoots, workshopped ideas, engaged with the local community & generally just fully immersed ourselves in our art, collaborating with an epically talented group of people. We’re super grateful to be working with DPM Records on our debut release! They’ve been such a huge part of our journey.” Says MELA-D

DPM Records is a brand new initiative for Desert Pea Media, who are about to celebrate 2 decades of operation. It’s an innovative and progressive Social Enterprise / Hybrid Record Label, inspired by Original Nations young people and artists such as MELA-D. DPM Records is visionary, future-focused and committed to positive long term outcomes.

Missingno. Drops Fresh New Single ‘Dirty Beach’

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Alt-Hip-Hop artist Missingno. gets nostalgic on new infectious Hip-Hop/Pop single ‘Dirty Beach,’an ode to his childhood visits to Coney Island and the feels of being by nature. 

The emerging artist is slowly shaping up to be tomorrow’s torchbearer as his new song explores the feeling of enjoying the beach, even if it’s not the cleanest. Missingno. also delves into an environmentalist perspective, where he sings about grease being in the water and plastic/bottles/cans being either on the fish or in the sand. 

On the single, Missingno. said, “The single brings forth my childhood memories and the love I have for nature and music, with a focus on how we treat the world at its current state’, 

The smooth production on the single was made up of wonky guitars and catchy synths (a whiny-high pitch synth and some mid-range 80’s sounding ones), but it also features popular hip-hop drum elements. 

‘Dirty Beach’ is an inoffensive beach/summer oriented song which showcases the artist’s alluring, enigmatic, yet playful characteristics. The single also has an accompanying video which may remind listeners of songs like ‘Watermelon Sugar’ by Harry Styles.

The humble but adventurous artist was born in Brooklyn, NY, raised in Dallas, TX, and currently residing in Akron, OH. Missingno. adapts his name from a “glitch” in the original Pokémon game, which is interpreted as “missing number.” 

As the origins of his name would suggest, Missingno.’s music heavily incorporates game-like sounds that are reminiscent of many classic Nintendo games and combines them with elements of today’s Pop and Hip-hop / R&B. Since COVID-19 hit, Missingno. has released two music videos, an EP, and virtually performed for the ‘LAUNCH Music Conference 2020’ (which usually takes place in Lancaster, PA). He also recorded a performance in his bedroom for the “Dayton Art In The City” festival. 

Links: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Soundcloud

Headlines Drops Killer New Single ‘Stepped On’

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Hip Hop group Headlines ups the levels to extraordinary heights as they deliver a new single ‘Stepped On,’ a single that faces all forms of discouragement, and uses that energy to fuel the fire of motivation.

The single was inspired behind by an artist’s journey in the music world and the surrounding issues of trying to establish yourself in the music scene. The journey is tough as sometimes it it can be hard and thankless work.

Headlines’ rapper/musician Aye One goes on to say that initially he thought it would be a song about receiving the reaction he wanted from his artistry. It then developed into a song that they could adapt to a lot of situations in life, not just for artists’ but for any occupation.

On what they want people to take away from the single, Aye One simply said, “I want people to blow off some steam, and use that energy when people doubt you, ignore you or say you can’t do something,”

“You can hold me down but I’m a get up!”.

Over the years the group cleverly built a body of work which makes Headlines a name to remember.  Headlines is made up of rapper/musician Aye One, rapper/producer Dstnce and rapper/vocalist Teepz. Together they’ve been writing tunes and rocking shows. Last year saw them release their debut self titled E.P, along with a solo record from Dstnce. The duo have also played across Australia, in cities such as the Gold Coast, Sydney  and Melbourne supporting the likes of P Smurf, Krown and Pang Productions.

Links:

Spotify | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram

Thierry Wone & Maggie Tra Rediscover Their Roots On New Lo-Fi Single ‘Le Poids D’une Larme’

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Thierry Wone and Maggie Tra

Mixing his Senegal/Vietnamese roots with a multi-cultured French up-bringing rapper Thierry Wone teams up with Australian born Cambodian/Vietnamese DJ/Producer Maggie Tra for ‘Le Poids D’une Larme’. The single is a collaborative effort, produced by Maggie Tra along with Thierry Wone which features stunning French lyrics that resonate without translation.

Oozing with emotive feels, and wobbly lo-fi production, ‘Le Poids D’une Larme’ translates to “The weight of a tear”. Collaborating online, across continents and time zones, the song is about the contradiction of love and why we stay in situations/relationships that aren’t good for us.

Speaking on the release Thierry Wone goes on to say “It’s a song about why we still love what makes us cry. That’s what I am asking myself and everybody: what is the real weight of tears? But also, is it love without the heart? Is it even better when it hurts? It makes us feel alive”.

Thierry reached out to hotbed of talent Maggie Tra, which has lead her to make her debut as a producer. “Thierry and I both have Vietnamese heritage, despite him being in France and me in Hanoi – Vietnam, during lock-down we connected with our backgrounds,”

The single identifies as unity, the artists’ feed off each other’s energy as they both are on a journey of self-discovery of their roots through music whilst also supporting POC and Asian POC in the music industry.

 

Kazi A releases colourful visuals for ‘Low Way’

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Following the recent drop of his album ‘Trappelation’, Kazi A returns with visuals for
‘Low Way’ which we are excited to premiere.

The captivating clip was shot by Jackson Speed and is coupled with a cut-throat beat produced by Haan topped off by Kazi’s savage lyrical wordplay. The clip shows bright lights that contrast the heavy lyrics whilst the vivid colours add high impact visuals to Kazi’s stand-alone presence.

Kazi notes that his solo take on the video symbolises his independence. “I would never
back down, even when I was out-numbered. Hence why in the video it shows it’s just
me without having a crew present.”

The Bangladesh-born but now a Sydney local rapper said the beat had a gangster feel
to it that took him down memory lane.

“It took me back to a lot of memories from my high school years. Not many smart choices were made then. It was rough around that time and we were consumed by anger, rage, revenge. This track brings out my side which I even struggle with now, backing down”

The track showcases Kazi’s individual style, yet exemplifies solid musical groundwork,
typical of the Sydney rap scene. His records give insight into his experiences and add to
his signature story-telling magnetism.
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The Ted Noffs Foundation’s Street Universities are excited to announce the official launch of ‘Street University LIVE’, an online platform linking young artists to professionals in a collaborative, virtual setting.

On Sunday 21st June from 12pm, the Street University LIVE livestream will feature artist interviews, video premieres and performances by some of the region’s finest Hip-hop and R&B artists including Youngn Lipz, NME, 21 District, Barkaa, Lisi, Cult Shotta, A.Girl, Wierdogvng, Jessica Jade, Sparrow, Pioneers Dance Crew and more. Since Covid-19 restrictions, face-to-face engagement with young people has been significantly reduced.

Adjusting to the restrictions while continuing to provide vital youth services, The Ted Noffs Foundation has been developing an online space to provide a safe, inclusive, youth-inspired environment for young people. Street University LIVE is jam-packed with music programs, graffiti workshops and its very own radio station which is beaming out across the globe. At the same time, we are ensuring that therapeutic and counselling services are also accessible.

The platform is being used to provide clinical services provided via LIVE chat, messaging and video conferencing. Some of this would come as no surprise to those who know the history of the Ted Noffs Foundation.

Ted Noffs himself co-founded LifeLine over half a century ago as a way to connect remotely with those needing counselling. The Street University is a program co-founded by Ted’s grandson Matt Noffs and was launched by Chuck D of Public Enemy just over a decade ago. There are now 8 Street Universities around NSW, ACT and Qld. The program is aimed at disadvantaged young people aged 12-25 and works as both a non-residential drug treatment service and also more broadly as a therapeutic space for young people.

Ted Noffs Foundation will continue to develop the new virtual community over the coming months and use it as a way to link young people with its services post-lockdown.

The online launch event is open to all ages. Street University Live – Official Launch Sunday 21 June, 2020 | 5:00pm – 9:00pm Free tickets for the event available at http://www.humanitix.com

Mitchos Da Menace Releases Highly Anticipated Album ‘Pray For Them’

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Have been consistently hitting out head turning music, Mitchos Da Menace returns with his highly anticipated album ‘Pray For Them’ alongside visuals for ‘Dxckheads’.

Coming in like a mission statement, Mitchos’ new album is a personal journey, highlighting domestic violence, trust, abuse and toxic relationships.

Tackling the game head on by carving out his very own sound, the album features Kerser and vocals supplied by LDS, Joanna Turner and Jacqueline Maree.

Taking you straight into the emotions, ’Still No Trust’ is the second track that Kerser and Mitchos have collaborated on, heavy-hitting and emotionally captivating, the track is about having friends and the harsh reality that they might have their own intentions of sticking around. ‘Dxckheads’ flips the script and turns into a Drill track, calling out all the phoney rappers, to the smooth ‘No Good For You,’ a track about love and toxic relationships.

On the importance of the album, Mitchos says, “The album means heaps to me as it’s my thoughts and my life into lyrics and music. Half the album is very personal & deep and other is the rough shit that needs to be said,”

2020 will be his most groundbreaking year to date, as this album further cements his name into the industry as a constantly evolving artist.

Stepping in from Sydney’s West, Mitchos Da Menace reels you in to his records with his accounts of life, dreams and hustles with his rhythmic flows. His lyrical finesse and seasoned flow mixed with his rapping ability has become unquestionable. Menace has developed into one of the only artists who can lay claim to having collaborated with a largely who’s who of hip hop artists in Australia over the last few years including That Kid Kearve, Nter, Flowz,, Alex Jones, Triple One, ChillinIT, Young Buck (G Unit)  and many more.

Links: Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Spotify | iTunes | Soundcloud | Website

Alt-Urban Pop Artist SULLS Releases Coming Of Age EP ‘Revelations’

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On the come up from Queens, New York, Alt-Urban Pop artist SULLS gets vulnerable in a coming-of-age EP ‘Revelations’.

‘Revelations’ sees SULLS unfold layers of himself through-out each track, whether it’s going through a broken down perspective of relationships, battles brought on by signs of depression, or facing fears brought on by self-doubts, there is no filter from SULLS within this EP.

The 5-track EP is a snappy, smooth and uplifting delivery of styles. The artist uses his voice as an anchor, as well as a vehicle whilst effortlessly fusing R&B and Dance alongside influential hints of Hip Hop.

On the importance of this EP, SULLS expresses that, “I feel that this project was a way to address some of these personal issues felt, in the hopes that it may uplift other artist’s such as myself as well as listeners that may be dealing with similar issues,”

‘Defining’ is a stand alone single from the EP, as it focuses on people facing insecurities and struggles through life changing events, as well as rediscovering strength’s which carry on towards bettering ourselves. SULLS reiterates that, “Imperfections are what make us who we are, and learning to accept them defines us,”

This EP is a journey of self-discovery that has seen SULLS pushing  more boundaries by taking chances musically in order to hone his craft by showcasing his own vulnerability’s  and strength‘s throughout his music.

Born in 1981, this future inspired singer/songwriter was raised in a mixed race household in Queens, NY. Having a Puerto Rican mother and an Irish father, music would be a melting pot of styles and rhythms that would ignite a creative drive as you get to know this artist’s music.

Links: Facebook | Stream/Download here | Instagram | YouTube

SULLS Drops Killer EP ‘Revelations’

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On the come up from Queens, New York, Alt-Urban Pop artist SULLS gets vulnerable in a coming-of-age EP ‘Revelations’.

‘Revelations’ sees SULLS unfold layers of himself through-out each track, whether it’s going through a broken down perspective of relationships, battles brought on by signs of depression, or facing fears brought on by self-doubts, there is no filter from SULLS within this EP.

The 5-track EP is a snappy, smooth and uplifting delivery of styles. The artist uses his voice as an anchor, as well as a vehicle whilst effortlessly fusing R&B and Dance alongside influential hints of Hip Hop.

On the importance of this EP, SULLS expresses that, “I feel that this project was a way to address some of these personal issues felt, in the hopes that it may uplift other artist’s such as myself as well as listeners that may be dealing with similar issues,”

‘Defining’ is a stand alone single from the EP, as it focuses on people facing insecurities and struggles through life changing events, as well as rediscovering strength’s which carry on towards bettering ourselves. SULLS reiterates that, “Imperfections are what make us who we are, and learning to accept them defines us,”

This EP is a journey of self-discovery that has seen SULLS pushing  more boundaries by taking chances musically in order to hone his craft by showcasing his own vulnerability’s  and strength‘s throughout his music.

Born in 1981, this future inspired singer/songwriter was raised in a mixed race household in Queens, NY. Having a Puerto Rican mother and an Irish father, music would be a melting pot of styles and rhythms that would ignite a creative drive as you get to know this artist’s music.

Links: Facebook | Stream/Download here | Instagram | YouTube

Me2 Pushes The Boundaries with ‘420’ Single Featuring KraziNoyze

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me2 band picture

Indie-pop girl band Me2’s latest offering ’420,’ featuring rapper KraziNoyze shines a light on pushing the boundaries in Vietnam’s current youth culture released by SYS Sister Sounds Label.

Produced by Huy Ngo, ‘420’ has an underlying message of embracing and honouring themselves by being courageous and fearless. The track not only heralds a touching feeling of nostalgia, but also serves as a hard-hitting reminder to Vietnam’s youth, that they shouldn’t be confined by their own limitations.

The playful single oozes with lush vocals and hard-hitting rhymes, coupled with old school hip hop jazzy lo-fi undertones.

‘420’ intertwines the musical and personal journeys of the band and KraziNoyze, showcasing that there is no stopping the new wave of Vietnamese artists’ pushing the boundaries whilst also celebrating their culture.

On the single, lead singer Tu said, “What we want people to take away from this single is that it’s ok to make mistakes, what matters is the courage to try, feel the fear and live your truth,”

Me2 are leading the way of millennial woman in Vietnam in a stirringly raw, unadulterated and authentic way.

Hanoi-based all empowering female indie-pop Vietnamese band Me2 add their own twist, style and flavour on the current landscape of pop music. The band consists of vocalist/songwriter Twinkly Tus who supplies incredible vocals and spellbinding sounds. Whilst keyboardist Miuw, bassist LING and drummer Pen Nichov create an effortless dynamic and vibrant pastiche of sounds infused with the heart and soul. 

Together they are on a journey of self-discovery by experimenting and flawlessly flaunting a variety of genres to form their musical identity. With soulful, romantic yet empowering songs and story telling lyrics, the band strive to connect people and advocate freedom of self-expression, personal identity and acceptance of eccentricity. Further inspiring their listeners to find strength and empowerment in vulnerability. Me2 will undoubtedly shape the future of pop.

Links

Instagram: @me2band | Facebook | YouTube | Soundcould