Homegrown Fire: Five Local Artists We’re Bumping On Repeat
Back at it.
Music
Words by Amar Gera May 19, 2021

Burning all year…

How are we all going friends? We’re pretty stoked with the selection of tracks we’ve got for you today; ranging from R&B to hip hop with even a touch of grunge. It’s a solid bunch, and we’re just itching to share it with you; so we won’t waste any more time. Five fire tracks by local artists coming right up!

Check it below.

Miiesha – ‘Damaged’

Woorabinda songstress Miiesha tears down her walls (and consequently our own) with her heartbreaking new single ‘Damaged,’ exploring broken relationships with loved ones and the overall sense of loss it entails. Beginning with a tender guitar loop that’s warm but sombre, the ARIA winner totally bids us into her world, her old school R&B tone letting you know you’re in for three minutes of straight soul and confession.

The tune also features some mellow hats along with additional guitar licks and sultry keys, all working together to create that hazy, New York club type of vibe where the stars are born and the music comes first. That soft head voice on the hook is just the cherry on top as well, holding you right in the middle of all of the emotion with lines like ‘Nothing left for me to do/ when I can’t break your habits.’

One of her most moving and personal releases yet, we definitely back it hard. Check it below.

Pricie Ft. Genesis Owusu – ‘FRIENDZONE’

Melbourne-based rising star Pricie brings that good good on ‘FRIENDZONE,’ slowing things all the way down as she holds you in the pocket with relaxed flows and luscious melodies. Starting off with some bubbly synths and some cruisy vocalisations, the Nigerian-born sensation sets a playful but soulful mood, one that’s further explored and developed upon by the intricacies of that wavy sonic backing.

The verses see her rap with a laid-back flow that responds to the synths, rhythms and chordal inclinations, with riveting harmonies interspersed throughout that are ever so satisfying. They get their own time to shine as well, with the hook seeing Pricie go full songstress as she sings the tender ‘Why can’t we be friends’ over and over, each utterance increasing in magnitude and resonance. Genesis Owusu’s verse is exactly what you’d want on this type of instrumental as well, taking his time and revelling in the wonderful spirit of the tune; showing that the two stars are able to deliver fire tracks while just shooting the breeze and having fun.

Definitely a track you could build a rich and invigorating ‘Fun Soul Vibes’ playlist around, you gotta check it out.

Alice Skye – ‘Party Tricks’

Naarm-based Wergaia/Wemba Wemba woman Alice Skye radiates waves of gentle wonder and grit on ‘Party Tricks,’ the latest single off her upcoming second album I Feel Better But I Don’t Feel Good showcasing her range as both a songwriter and storyteller.

The tune sees her cross over all parts of the musical spectrum, starting with soft pianos and ballad-inspired synths, her songbird like vocals fluttering atop them both with a wickedly-precise delivery. That pre-chorus sees her build upon them with anticipation and momentous melodies, all of which are redeveloped and refined in that grungy chorus (which just burns with raw guitars). But Alice manages to still embody that gentle sweetness, standing strong against the tide of instrumental layers as she bares her soul about losing her sense of self in a bad relationship, whilst being completely aware that she deserves far more.

A track that’ll remind you of your worth while prompting some emotional head-bangs, definitely chuck it on this Wednesday morning. Check it below.

Matilda Pearl – ‘Linger’

18-year-old singer-songwriter Matilda Pearl is a burning disco of dreams on ‘Linger,’ following up her triple J Unearthed smash ‘Your Touch’ with a vibrant canvas of ocean aquas and dance-infused reds. The track sees her showcase her expansive range and tonal flare, emanating indie-like vocals that sit atop the various sonic textures with total comfortability.

It also features a pretty captivating breakdown at 2:30, with Matilda singing over a bubbly synth line that listens like a sonic collage. Then of course the various layers return for that final chorus, popping off as the Mornington Peninsula starlet fully sends it with larger than life vocals. The tune as a whole listens like an indie-rocker walked into a disco and automatically became the life of the party (and got a lifetime’s supply of Espresso Martinis as a reward). Definitely a track to put a spring in your step for your Wednesday morning, we’re keen for you to say the least. Check it below.

Kedus – ‘Sunset Dream’

Brisbane heartbreaker Kedus is a wealth of honey and drip in his debut tune ‘Sunset Dream,’ capturing the velvet fire inherent to the R&B, jazz and soul-driven soundscapes. Singing atop a slinky guitar-laden beat with subtle kicks and hats, the 20 year old merges the worlds of lo-fi and seductive-blues, maximising the minimalism of his sonic creations as he lets his vocals stand prominent for all to see. His vocals alternate between slow and measured to fast and fiery. They’re pretty damn addictive as well, with phrases like ‘I just need to grow’ and ‘My way’ featuring some wild runs that leave trails of soul; the Brissy rising star flexing his vocal chops he loses himself to the art of the serenade.

And we’d be going to music journalist hell if we didn’t mention that video, the surrealist visuals capturing the airy breeze of the track as he gets his inner heartthrob on; infusing the well-known format of the classic love song visual with his unique steeze. Definitely a track worth giving a go, we promise you’ll be more than satisfied. Check it below.

Editors Pick