Browsing Tag

australia

Interview: Melbourne’s One More Weekend relieves all pressure on Opportunity

Posted on 28 February 2023

We were lucky enough to have a chat with Connor from One More Weekend recently and he told us all about the new single Opportunity and more. Cruising us through the excellent Melbourne music scene and sourcing where those dirty but edgy local spots are really hiding, we are treated to a wild story about Aunty Meredith and a demon sheep.

Thanks so much for your time today One More Weekend.

Connor: Hi guys! You’re speaking with Connor today, the lead singer and yeah! Absolutely smashing today! Thanks for having me on!

How did you all get involved in this music industry?

Connor: We were all just flung into this industry really, all propelled by the same feeling… that playing live and putting on a killer show is a feeling like no other.

Please tell us more about your new release Opportunity. What was the idea behind the song and how did you know this was the next track?

Connor: Opportunity is about making tough decisions within a small timeframe and feeling that pressure. We essentially tried to reflect that with the music video and how the walls literally close in.

Melbourne is your hometown. What makes it so special and where would you recommend readers to go and watch epic live music in your city?

Connor: Go to all the dirty locals- Cherry Bar, The Tote, The Evelyn, Yah Yahs, The Bendigo, Revs.

Do you remember the first gig the band played and how has the progression developed since then?

Connor:  Yeah look, after 160 shows if we hadn’t improved I’d have called it quits a while ago!

What is your go-to meal before a gig?

Connor: Can’t say I often eat before a show, we do have a two-drink limit though before we play and for me, it’s generally a pineapple vodka followed by the strongest shot they’ve got on the shelf.

What’s the wildest festival story you can share with us?

Connor: The wildest? Let’s just say it involved a very real demon sheep being summoned in the tour bus and uncontrolled time travel back and forth between the medical tent and the dance floor… what a time, thank you, Aunty Meredith 😛

How is the local band scene going in Australia? Do you see it improving or going backwards?

Connor: Compared to what’s being played on the radio the local scene is actually buzzing! There’s some killer bands we’ve shared the stage with recently, go check Sledgehammer Honey, Tudor Club and Lipstereo.

Final question. Where can we find you live next and what are your goals for the rest of the year?

Connor: Ohhhhh we’ll be live next at Summerwave in Kerrang on the 4th Feb, then at Cherry Bar on the 25th Feb for our single launch.
As for goals? Work bloody hard, release two more killer tracks with killer music videos, make some sick merch and jump in the tour bus for a big ol trip around Aus, Yewwww!

Cheers for having us on! Sign up to our mailing list at www.onemoreweekend.com to hear more and stay in the loop for all things OMW!

–

Hear this fine single on Spotify.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Hooked On You: AARON ELVIS feels the fire burning deep within the soul on the sexy Supersonic

Posted on 22 February 2023

Chasing his lover around and enjoying each moment while it lasts, AARON ELVIS wants to trust the process but doesn’t want to lose this unbelievable heart on Supersonic.

AARON ELVIS is a Sydney, Australia-based Hawaii-born indie pop singer-songwriter who grew up with music in his veins due to his parent’s classic records.

Epic beyond previous levels of comprehension, AARON ELVIS demonstrates so much love and excitement on this ear-tingling track. On a beat so sexy it might cause blushes, Supersonic is the kind of song to kiss passionately with.

Supersonic from Sydney, Australia-based indie pop singer-songwriter AARON ELVIS is a superheated single which might cause lots of sweaty bodies to join together as one. With lyrics to be illuminated by and lots of stunning exuberance, this is a rather special performance of much substance.

When you know who you are into, keeping that fire alive is all that matters.

Listen up deeper on Spotify. See more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Interview: Chelsea Silva is superbly valiant as she takes us to the frontline

Posted on 29 January 2023

Ready for the big moment and waiting for the whistle to sound, Chelsea Silva urges us to be super careful of those dark days in her inspiring interview for her upcoming single ready for release on the 31st of January, frontline. After sparking our eyes up to complete revitalisation on Illegal Eyes, we find a hugely mesmerizing creative with so much to teach us.

Hello Chelsea. We appreciate you joining us again. Please let us know where in the world you are and what your favourite meal in the world is.

Chelsea: Thank you so much for having me back! I’m Chelsea Silva and I’m from Sydney, Australia. My favourite meal would have to be a good meat lovers pizza. The only acceptable answer for me is a BBQ base. Tomato just isn’t the same.

How do you stay sane on this rather wild planet?

Chelsea: That’s quite a wild question, wow! Honestly, I try my hardest to take it one day at a time. Focus on what I can control rather than what I can’t and remember what the end goal is. For me, it’s to find happiness where I am and who I am with while trying my best to achieve the music career I have been dreaming of since I was a kid!

After sizzling our ears with Illegal Eyes, please tell us more about frontline? What was the process like and what is the inspiration behind the track?

Chelsea: Thank you! I hope the song didn’t burn your ears too much haha! Well, Frontline was written at a darker point in my life. My depression and anxiety were at an all-time low and I wasn’t getting the help I needed at the time. I can thankfully say that has drastically improved over the years. When I wrote that song, I was writing it from the perspective of someone who was in the middle of a battle within their inner self. The metaphor of being in a war or a battlefield is sung a lot. It showcases the negative thoughts and self-deprecation of a person and how hard it is to get out of a life-long pattern of self-hatred. It’s my way to say that even though you might be at an all-time low, you are not alone and it does get better.

Who inspires you most in the world?

Chelsea: At the moment, it would have to be other musicians like Alec Benjamin and Dodie Clark. They have had their fair share of mental illness issues as well as writing their experiences of it. Seeing how vulnerable other artists can be, especially those you have looked up to for so long can help you feel at ease when opening up about yourself. The more people open up, the fewer people are afraid to do so. That is truly inspiring to me.

When did you first realize you were going to become a musician?

Chelsea: Ever since I was born! My mum knew I was going to be a performer of some kind because when she was pregnant with me, I’d have a little dance near her bladder every time music played. A lot of fun for baby me, a lot less fun for mum! She knew it was something I needed to do as the music never left my side not once since then! My mum always believed in me and that’s why she is one of the main support systems when it comes to my career.

They say music heals the soul from all wounds. What does music mean to you when you close your eyes and imagine each note?

Chelsea: It means a new world much better and bigger than your own. It’s your moment to imagine, create and discover new possibilities, dreams and aspirations. Music has the ability to change one’s emotions and outlook on life just by changing genre and style. You can escape for three to four minutes to a place that is safe for you. That’s what I want to give to my audience. To ship them off to their safe place until they have the courage to continue on with their day-to-day life.

Last, where do you see yourself in ten years?

Chelsea: I see myself touring, selling my music, performing to massive crowds where everyone in the room feels safe together, a loving life partner, maybe a kid (who knows!) Definitely a cat in my own apartment somewhere in that future, haha! And finding true happiness with where I end up. I just realised while answering that I’ll be 32 then… Oh god…

–

Follow her music on Spotify. View more on her socials.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

Crossed The Line: Blacktown’s finest Sergio Tachini is the underdog hero the world needed on the hauntingly beautiful Back To You

Posted on 17 January 2023

Transported from his latest spellbinding new project called Physically Here, Mentally Not, Sergio Tachini feels the burning bones inside his fiery soul in the extremely memorable mental health struggle that is life on Back To You.

Sergio Tachini is a Sydney, Australia-based indie hip hop artist who is heavily fused in with the underground graffiti scene in his multicultural home of Blacktown.

”My music is deep, raw and honest. I hope people can relate and feel these lyrics. Everybody has their story.. so here’s mine.” ~ Sergio Tachini

There is a rare occasion when a song really hits the middle of the heart and is suddenly on repeat. Each line is thoroughly explored and everything changes. Sergio Tachini’s Back To You might be the most important single to hear in 2023. This is monumental stuff made with only genuine intentions. The underdog shall reign.

Back To You from Sydney, Australia-based indie hip hop artist Sergio Tachini is such an incredibly honest anthem for anyone who has dealt with heartbreak which is fused with mental health struggles. Urging his pain to go away, we find the truth inside a lyrically excellent track to cement into the minds of those who need something to believe in.

Hear this fine new single on Spotify. See more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Quick reload and it’s all G: Andre Bugatti drops sharpshooter single MY BAD, LEGIT (prod. AB)

Posted on 15 January 2023

Showing us his hustle mentality needed to get what you want in life, Andre Bugatti isn’t in the mood to play around and raps with diamond-fueled energy to get the party rocking on MY BAD, LEGIT (prod. AB).

Andre Bugatti is a hugely progressive Sydney, Australia-based indie hip-hop artist and music producer who grew up in beautiful New Zealand.

After impressing us with 2021’s realness anthem, Tell Me Your Lies, Andre Bugatti is brimming with total confidence in this quite outstanding sizzler to feel the heat with. Powerful and never lacking intention, this is one of those party tracks which shall surely never get old.

MY BAD, LEGIT (prod. AB) from Sydney, Australia-based indie hip-hop artist Andre Bugatti is one of those street-like tracks which is so hard to get out of the mind. Swirling with so much to get excited about and keeping it raw all the way, we find a mega-motivated track which might cause speakers to shudder in shock.

This is what real rap is all about. Turn it up.

Hear this new single on Spotify. See more on his socials.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Felt This Way: Lucy Chan hopes for the perfect romance on Mr Apologetic

Posted on 12 January 2023

Waiting for that warm embrace and many kisses to make up for everything, Lucy Chan finds that her soul desires a proper soulmate who can make everything better on her stunning new single Mr Apologetic.

Lucy Chan is a Sydney, Australia-based indie pop singer-songwriter and student who loves the sound of the 80s and 90s and comes from an extraordinary musical family.

After recently sitting down with us for an incredibly honest interview filled with inspiration for all aspiring creatives, Lucy Chan shall heal all hearts with this superb single of significance. From calming our broken hearts on Love Motion Picture, this is a rather marvellous effort to hold hands with all evening long.

Mr Apologetic from Sydney, Australia-based indie pop singer-songwriter Lucy Chan is a truly transcendent release. We find a rather breathtaking effort which has been made with a crisp class which seems to be missing from our current world. This is a young musician with that extra motivation, to prove herself right and further cement her proud family’s creative heritage.

Turn this up on Spotify. See more via IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Lucy Chan Interview on A&R Factory: Mr Apologetic and letting us into her vulnerable new release

Posted on 10 January 2023

The A&R Factory Team recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the ultra-talented 19-year-old singer-songwriter and actress, Lucy Chan. Showing us deeply into her young music career so far, her debut album, and her love of film, we find a truly focused creative who is ready for world domination.

Hello there Lucy Chan. We truly appreciate you taking the time to speak with us. How are you doing today and please let us know where you are in the world as we speak?

Lucy: Hi!! Thank you so much for having me! I’m currently based in Sydney, Australia. I’m doing alright, hope you are too!

Mr Apologetic is your latest single and this is an absolute anthem. What does this song mean to you and what should listeners take from this experience?

Lucy: Thank you so much! This song is super close to my heart. I wrote this song about a person that meant a lot to me. It’s definitely my most vulnerable and honest song that I’ve released so far. I truly believe that everyone has a person in their love life that floats in and out, but it never really is the end of your story with them. It’s often that same person that you constantly forgive, even after everything that’s happened. So, I wrote this for that person in my life. This song is the second single from a project that I’ve been working on for a while – my debut album. I’m super excited to put it out there sometime this year, I feel like it’s definitely a lot more mature than my EP. The rest of the album also comes from a very honest place, which isn’t something that I really explored on my EP. It’s a scary thing to face your true emotions, but it’s also super important.

Songwriting is the one place where I can truly be myself, and completely face what I’m feeling and dealing with. Every song off my album comes from either a place of heartbreak or true happiness. As for what listeners should take from this experience, I really hope that everyone can relate to it on some level. I know everyone has that person in their life, so hopefully, this song can remind them of that person. If it provides some sort of escapism for listeners, then I’d be very content.

What is it like being the niece of the legendary band manager Leslie Chan? Does it add extra pressure on you or has it helped with your career instead?

Lucy: Honestly, coming from such a musical family, and being the niece of Leslie Chan has definitely helped with my career and goals a lot. My uncle is a very helpful and honest person when it comes to me and my career. Because of this, I am able to constantly improve my songwriting, and performing. I’m super grateful to have been guided by his advice so far in my career. It allows me to have greater expectations of myself as an artist so I’m definitely very grateful.

My mum has been a super helpful person in my life as well. She’s a Chinese classical musician, so her guidance has always been very appreciated. I am also classically trained – I began piano lessons at the age of 4, so having that kind of background has been a really great influence on my pop music. I definitely do acknowledge my privilege, and I’m super grateful for it. But I also feel that without hard work, nothing will work out. So even though there is that connection, there is a lot of hard work that comes after it.

Besides music, what else are you most passionate about at the moment?

Lucy: I’ve always been very passionate about film and acting, along with my music! During the pandemic, my dad managed to write a few short films, that are currently in the making. I got to be a part of it, so I’m super grateful for that. I’m currently on my uni break, so I’ve been working on a lot of my own scriptwriting and acting on the side as well. Fingers crossed that one day they’ll take off and become real films!

Please tell us more about your experiences at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and how the studies advanced your songwriting process and skillset in general.

Lucy: The con (which is the nickname for the Sydney Conservatorium of Music) is an incredible place. I just finished up my second year there, so I’m going into my third year this year! I study musicology at the con, which is so different from what I’m doing with my career, but it’s definitely helped a lot. Studying classical music, alongside theory subjects and music history has definitely shaped the way I compose my pop songs. When you study classical music, you’re essentially studying the basis for all music. It’s fundamental to any musician.

For example, when I sit down at my piano in my room to write songs, I always consider adding classical elements to my pop songs, even if it is a small factor. Most of the time, it’ll be a chord progression. Studying at the con is an amazing experience. You’re surrounded by the most talented musicians in the country, which gives you a lot of motivation to constantly improve your art. On the other hand, it gives you chances to work with other incredibly talented musicians.

What advice would you give to young artists trying to make it in this fickle business?

Lucy: I think that if you truly want to succeed in this industry, you have got to have a strong mindset, and the ability to deal with pressure and constant failure. You’ve got to focus on yourself and career, and not get distracted by anything that comes your way. In this industry, you’ll constantly be put down again and again, but if you’re able to grow and learn from those failures, and still keep trying, then you’re on the right road. It’s also important to remember that not everyone will like you, so if you’re ready to put up with all of that, and spend most of your time on your craft, then you’ll get somewhere.

Last question. What are your long-term goals in music and where do you see everything headed creative-wise?

Lucy: I’ve had the same goals in music for as long as I can remember. I’ve always wanted to sing and write songs and perform them. I just want to keep making music and keep doing what I love and see where that takes me. I have so many dreams and goals – I’d love to move to Los Angeles after graduation. I have got a lot of improvement to do in my art, and a lot to learn, so I’m keen for that. As an artist, it’s crucial to constantly set new goals and try to improve yourself. There’s a lot of space for improvement in my music. Hopefully, in the next 10 years, I’ll be able to achieve my goals and aspirations for my career!

–

Listen up to this fine song on Spotify. View more news on her IG.

Interview by Llewelyn Screen

All Those Times: Melevo knows that the past love is harder to see now on I Wish

Posted on 4 January 2023

Reminiscing about a relationship that sadly faded away in the wind, William Melevo hopes for his ex to be truly happy with her new lover on I Wish.

William Melevo is a Sydney, Australia-based indie singer-songwriter and music teacher who started performing when he was just 13 years old.

”In 2022, he gradually made preparation for releasing a debut single as a solo artist. He spent time refining the production of his song, hiring session musicians who’ve played with one of his musical heroes, John Mayer and having his song mixed and mastered by Grammy-nominated audio engineer, Beau Vallis.” ~ William Melevo

Exhibiting so much care and self-reflection, William Melevo has made a thought-provoking song for the ages. Brushing away the heartbreak and showing how humanity should act in times of disappointment, this is a superbly created gem of a song.

I Wish from Sydney, Australia-based indie singer-songwriter William Melevo is a truly emotional soundtrack designed to heal his wounds and open up love again. Showing us how to be gracious despite the pain, we find a truly inspiring song to close the door and open up a new path to romance.

Moving on from a past love will always set you free once again.

Listen to this top song on Spotify. See more via Facebook.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Like A Prisoner: ZUSO longs for that touch all night on Take Me (feat. Jaki Nelson)

Posted on 21 December 2022

After last paralyzing our minds on the much-loved release Lost In Time, ZUSO desires so much more than the average romance on the body-sliding sizzler to cook your dinner with called Take Me (feat. Jaki Nelson).

Born with the name Gabriel Cuenca, ZUSO is a Southside Sydney, Australia-based indie music producer and DJ who is certainly one of the most talented electronic artists around.

”Burning his light bright in 2022, Zuso has seen consistent support across his releases this year from industry and fans alike, With additions to Just Chill (357k) and Sunday Sessions (104k) on Spotify and endorsement from tastemakers across the globe, he is primed to be one of Australia’s best electronic exports in 2023.” ~ ZUSO

Projected with so much crisp excellence and spectacular vocals from the dynamically charged American electronic vocalist Jaki Nelson, ZUSO thunders in with a superb single which shall heal lonely spirits into believing in love again.

Take Me (feat. Jaki Nelson) from Sydney, Australia-based indie music producer/DJ ZUSO is an ear-tingling new release to be enthralled by. Packed with pure energy and so much sensual heart-hugging romance, this is a special release from an artist at the top of his game.

This is the type of song to put on repeat all night, when two souls need each other right now.

Listen up to this new single on SoundCloud. View more on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Chelsea Silva Interview: Leading us into the moment those Illegal Eyes sparkle

Posted on 17 November 2022

Seducing us in with her classy mindset and gorgeously clear vocals, we were lucky enough to speak with the lovely Australian singer-songwriter Chelsea Silva. She tells us all about her hot new single Illegal Eyes and also has some inspirational words for anyone who has struggled with anxiety and depression. A courageous young artist awaits, who isn’t ever going to give up on reaching her goals.

Hello there Chelsea Silva. Thank you for chatting with us today and we appreciate your time.
Chelsea: Thank you so much for having me! It’s so cool to be interviewed by A&R Factory!

First, do you recall your favorite memory about being on stage so far?
Chelsea: Oh absolutely! It’s the memory that keeps me going! I remember performing at the Native Rose Hotel on the 13th of November 2021. I was fresh out of university with a music bachelor’s degree, just escaped a mentally and emotionally abusive relationship, gaining new friends with my newfound freedom and figuring out how to make it in the music industry. Honestly, I wasn’t expecting the overwhelming amount of support. My whole family and friends from all over Sydney came! Even friends from the Blue Mountains drove over 2 hours to come see me perform! It was a breathtaking experience. The crowd was so interactive and enthusiastic about my performance. Even strangers came up to me, wishing me the best of luck in my career. It was the best experience I’ve had since starting my career.

Illegal Eyes is your latest single, and we love it. Please lead us into the vision for the sizzling track and what went behind the process?
Chelsea: Ah yes, the song that started it all. I’ve been writing songs since I was thirteen, but honestly, nothing prepared me for this song. The vision I had for Illegal Eyes was this. Sometimes we have to be the one to do the right thing, even if other people, especially the ones you love and admire, think it’s wrong. It’s about a person being put on blast and being ridiculed for trying to do right by people, and expressing one’s frustration when others try to make you feel ashamed for placing someone’s best intentions in their hearts. This can be said for any and all discriminated and marginalised groups in society.

As for the process, it was so random! There was an amazing Audio Engineering student I collaborated with at university, whose goal was to be a producer. I had a lyrical epiphany at around 11:30pm one night and he had a musical epiphany at the same time, that same night! I was in my university’s student lounge talking to my friends about my newly found epiphany when he overheard the conversation. He started playing his musical epiphany on his laptop and I started singing my lyrical epiphany from my notebook. Students from all over the room started to gather around us to listen! Everyone begged us to put both ideas together, so we produced the song that very week! We have been strangers turned friends since then. Thank you to the producer who gave me this song and made it all happen! A true legend!

Your vocals are crystal clear and so enchanting. Have you been singing since school days or when did everything begin creatively?
Chelsea: Thank you so much! That’s really sweet of you to say!

My mother said that when she was pregnant with me that as soon as music started playing, I would kick and dance in her belly without fail every single time. I was the sleeping, calm baby listening to the radio while all the others in the hospital’s nursery would cry and scream like there was no tomorrow. She knew before I did that I was brought into the world to do music. She has honestly been my number one supporter my whole life. I have been humming to myself without realizing it, singing in choirs, performing in musicals and signing up for school performances since I was five years old. I have never stopped since then! I even went straight from high school and into early acceptance into university. I knew music and singing were something that always gave me comfort during rough times and I knew I wanted to return the favour by writing songs to help others in their dark place.

If you could tour live in any country of your choosing, which one would it be and why?
Chelsea: It would have to be the United States. It’s the go-to place for upcoming artists and the music scene is absolutely massive there! If I’m allowed to dream big here for a second, my dream would be to tour all of their states! I’d absolutely love to meet my online fan family and see the US faces of those who have supported me since I started my journey. Of course, I’d love to tour all around Australia as well since I live in Sydney and I would just love to see more of the country I was born into.

What’s the best and worst thing about being a musician?
Chelsea: The best thing in the world is that feeling of finishing a song, coming off stage after a gig, seeing the faces of the people who comment and share your content with their friends, meeting new people and growing in your personal journey alongside the community you’ve built. Seeing the support of the people who genuinely believe in me has been the highlight of my life as a musician.

The worst thing would have to be the mental strain this career can give and the doubts that can be placed in one’s head. Will I ever make it? Is this work going to make something bigger in the future? What if I’m just kidding myself? My god, having these questions does not make them true in the slightest. But as someone who is diagnosed with an anxiety and depressive disorder outside of the music industry, it would be silly of me to think that these questions don’t add even a little to that strain. It’s definitely a growing improvement over the years! I have gotten so much better with it all, thanks to the overwhelming support I receive.

As you open your eyes in this strange world as a 22-year-old, what do you see and hope for humanity?
Chelsea: I truly hope for a wider acceptance and open-mindedness towards the LGBTQIA+ community, awareness and abolishment of violence against women and more mental health awareness. There is no doubt that there has been a massive improvement over the years, which is great! However, there is still more work to be done. My songs have, but are not limited to, these topics and I truly hope to spread more awareness. If not for me and our society in the now, but for the children in our tomorrow.

Last of all, do you have any upcoming live shows you’d like to tell us about or anything percolating in the kitchen for 2023?
Chelsea: Yes, of course! I have my official debut single coming out on the 30th of November 2022. I do have some new tricks up my sleeve to reveal in early January 2023. Please follow along on my social media to follow along on my music journey and to find out what this new project in January might be! If I could leave you with one thing, it’s this. It honestly doesn’t matter how long it will take, I’ll never stop trying to reach where I want to be in the music industry as it was my born passion and my life’s ambition.

Chelsea: Thank you so much to the A&R Factory for taking the time to get to know me! I truly appreciate it and I hope you all would love to join me on my journey on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and all available streaming services under Chelsea Silva Music!

See this wonderful video on YouTube and view more on her IG music page.

–

Interview by Llewelyn Screen