Burning baby…

Well, we’re in the thick of it now. It’s safe to say this is one of the craziest times we’ve experienced since all of this fuckery started last year. I don’t know anyone that isn’t struggling at the moment. It’s just a wild time for all, but like earlier this year and even two months ago, we’ll ultimately get to a place where we’re looking back on this all like a bad dream. When that time comes is anyone’s guess, but all we can do in the meantime is support each other, and while we’re at it, support local artists.

So we won’t waste any time. Five fire tracks by local artists, coming right up. Check it below.

Julia Lostrom – ‘Want It All Back’

Melbourne/Naarm-based singer-songwriter Julia Lostrom flutters with melodic thrill in her latest sonic spell ‘Want It All Back,’ seducing you with sugary vocals and syncopated rhythms that transcend you into the next plane of existence.

The tracks sees the Zambian-raised starlet immersed in sultry baselines and intricate instrumental layers, her vocals hushing over every layer as she emanates waves of warmth and elegance. The repetition of ‘Want it all’ on the hook meshes lovingly with the emotive chords, the interplay between the two striking a sensual balance between slow jam and nu-sol as she sings about the importance of looking after ourselves, about taking care to nurture what’s within.

It’ll entrance you into the moonlight and leave you steaming for more, wanting it all back and forward, forward and back.

Phil Fresh – ‘Never Know’.

Sydney/Eora MC Phil Fresh is blasting into the mesmerising unknown in his latest single ‘Never Know,’ armed with a wealth of sonic emotion that overwhelms you three times over. The track sees the ‘IG Luv’ rapper switch things from past singles, fully exploring his singing voice atop moody snares and visceral synths that listen like a candle-lit sermon for a forgotten hero. The autotuned adlibs interspersed throughout really communicate the heartbreak that results from a broken relationship as well, Phil’s introspective lyrics finding that sweet spot in his heartbreak while maintaining his unequivocal air of steeze.

Even though it’s his most vulnerable, its also his most powerful, intimate lyrics like ‘You got me on your high and I can’t get off if I tried, no lie’ hitting you right in the gut. It just goes to show the range inherent to the rising star, each release keeping you on your toes as to what he’s gonna do next.

First Beige – ‘Sudden Weight’ ft. Allysha Joy

Brisbane/Meeanjin groove wizards First Beige fire up your soul with their latest single ‘Sudden Weight’ featuring Allysha Joy, their new offering finding a lush midway between jazzy-thrill and retro-pop. Crafted about the mundane nature of routine and the need to embrace the spontaneity in one’s life, the funk outfit emerge with an auditory embodiment of liveliness and invigoration. The meteor shower of synths in the hook really drive the message home, listening as if the band are losing themselves to the rhythms without a care in the world.

Allysha Joy fits perfectly on the track as well, bringing an added wave of sensuality with a lush huskiness. The reduction of various layers with only flickering hats remaining really sets the mood perfectly for her verse as well, allowing her vocal acrobatics in to shine in all of their luxury.

A track that demands you to pour yourself a dirty martini and engage in some good old fashioned self-care, it’s mandatory listening to bring your week to a close.

Mell Hall – ‘Knock Knock’ ft. Thandi Phoenix

Adelaide/ Tarntanya-based producer Mell Hall is flush with disco spirit in her debut single ‘Knock Knock’ ft. Thandi Phoenix, revitalising the soundscape with a new-age flavouring that feels both nostalgic and genre-pushing.

The track is set ablaze with floor to the floor guitar strums and stabby chord progressions; dark undertones permeating beneath in a juxtaposition of melodic allure. Mell’s cornucopia of influences really shine as well, drawing from the palettes of nu disco , funk and soul for a multi-faceted gem that’s totally bodacious.

Thandi Phoenix’s soulful vocals of course fit awesomely over the collage of instrumentation, her technical efficiency and wealth of spontaneity helping to enhance the transcendent nature of the fire-starter in spades. From Mell’s maestro-like gifts to Thandi’s lyrical blessings, the pair will get you up and busting a move before you know it, which is definitely more important than ever in these times.

Xela – ‘Just Because’

Sydney/Eora-based singer-songwriter Xela’s love for harmony and freedom flood off her being in ‘Just Because,’ trapping you in an embrace of bountiful boogie that arrests you to the power of her spirit. Signing about the societal held traditions of dating and her desire to exist outside in her own realm of affection, the New Zealand-born talent affirms the power of living ones truth through some good old medicinal groove, and it’s totally healing.

Her vocal tone really shines amongst the expanse of production, bubbling atop the flueorescent synths and baselines with dashes of sunrise and spirit. Her loves of jazz, R&B and dance come through in a major way as well, helping her pack the best of all genres into an impactful bop that makes you to pop and lock to your heart’s content.