Top 116 Songs of 2016, #116 - 101

December. The last month of the year and that magical time when all of the internet music blogs start busting out their 'best of' lists and handing out awards and highlighting all of the fun times we had over the past 11ish months. We are no exception to this and so we arrive at our seventh annual Scene Awards. First up, we have our biggest songs of the year countdown ever and we only get to say that because we add one song on each year to match up with the corresponding year we're in now. That's right... over the next eleven days we get to look back at 116 songs that made 2016 an amazing year for music. So less chat and more music that will have some more chat to go along with the music. Enjoy!

TOP 116 SONGS OF 2016:

#116. HANDCLAP

by Fitz and The Tantrums

I can make your hands clap

*clap clap clap clap clap*

Ah, what a nice little way to start our favourite songs list for 2016. So I've been loving Fitz and his Tantrums since I saw them a lifetime ago at Splendour, but this seems to be the track that's hit the commercial radio and internet world and now everyone is everywhere clapping their hands and talking about this new Fitz and the Tantrums band. Ok, maybe everyone everywhere is a slight exaggeration, but what's not exaggerated is my documented love of a song featuring the hand clap, which means I'm really glad this is the song that's given F and the T a much wider audience, for now. (Jo Michelmore)

Hey now… why would you hate on a song that makes you clap your hands? That would be crazy. Direct your hate to something useful. Alternatively, listen to ‘HandClap’ and you’ll have no hate at all. This is as catchy as any other pop gem released this year and likely the commercial peak of a band that’s been bubbling away at the brink of superstardom for some time now. So yeah, we might never hear Fitz and The Tantrums on the radio again, but we can enjoy this moment until they’ve played it so many times we never want to hear it again. Yay? (Matt Bond)

#115. THOUGHTS

by Winters End





I know in life that all things end
But I wish I could pretend...

We’ve loved Winters End for a couple of years now, but none of their songs kicked us in the feels quite like ‘Thoughts’ was able to. Hitting all the right emotional notes, this 80s-influenced rock ballad stands as another showcase for Marissa Pinto’s vocal abilities. Her reflection on the end of a relationship comes packed with lines ready made to break your heart, before a stellar guitar solo leads us to the hopefully hopeful lines, “it’s my life, I need to find my way now.” The Sydney brother/sister combo (Marissa is joined by Chris on the drums) has been building up an awesome collection of tracks and we can’t wait to hear what comes next from them in 2017. (Matt Bond)


Winters End keep writing and releasing strong little numbers like 'Thoughts'; filled with keys and drums and emotion, Marisa's vocal offering a tinge of the 80s and Chris' instrumentation giving a nod to everything I've always loved about the strength of a good power ballad, as soon as I hit play I was reminded of why I've liked writing all these words all these years, what a great excuse this is to listen to songs like this one, over and over again. (Jo Michelmore) 

#114. 10 POUNDS

by Mwansa





Where's the change you promised?

There's all these words and acronyms about electronic music that seem to get thrown about all the time that probably all mean something important, but I pretty much switch off when I start reading words like dubstep and trap, not because I don't care, but because words like powerful and unique and honest and compelling mean more to me than any genre can. Mwansa is all of those words, so you just choose which one you relate to most, he can just keep writing the music and we'll all be friends and fans anyway. (Jo Michelmore)

I want to hear more songs from Mwansa. It’s as simple as that. Based in Perth, this emerging electronic artist blends stories of the differences and similarities of the two different societies he’s been part of to great effect. The delivery of his lines is as poetic as it is powerful and you’ll only need one listen of ’10 Pounds’ to understand exactly what I mean. “You grew up in the city, I grew up in the streets.” Themes of race, wealth and an examination of life in two very different parts of the world abound in ’10 Pounds’. Like I said, it’s powerful and leaves you wanting to hear a whole lot more form Mwansa. (Matt Bond) 

#113. CAN'T BE

by JP Klipspringer





My baby comes for me
I'll say that I'm fine. 

When I wrote about this song earlier in the year I spoke about how JP Klipspringer had become, over the last few years, an artist that I popped on when I needed a little calmness in my life, which is kind of funny, because I was anything but calm when he released his debut album only like, a week ago, desperate to hear what it was he had put together in a collection of ten tracks. One of those tracks was this one, released mid way through the year and perfectly placed almost midway through a beautiful collection of sounds in Brutal Politic, it's everything I love about JPK; sweet, honest, lost and found and perfectly grounded in his always alluring sounds. (Jo Michelmore) 

#112. YOU WHO'S GUIDING ME

by Lossy 





Yes, I know where I'm going
I don't know where I'm going
I know what I'm doing
Now I think I hate it. 

I found this song only weeks ago and as soon as I hit play I remembered that as I was writing about it I had to find thesaurus.com to guide me and find words other than 'sweet' to describe the sounds in this sweet little pop tune from a sweet girl from Lord Howe Island. See what I'm saying? The sing song rhythm and the bouncy keys sound like they belong in a sweet short animation about some kind of sweet little forest creatures. I think that's just my vision, so maybe I should keep my thoughts to myself and stick to adjectives and settle for the one that describes it all. Sweet. And there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. (Jo Michelmore)   

#111. SMALL VOICES

by Matt Gresham





I can feel your heart from behind these bars. 

Ok, so here's something I don't think I ever knew about the man who sits at 111 on our countdown. Apparently he walked off the set of The X Factor Australia in 2013, citing artistic restrictions as his reason for leaving. Now, I know this is probably old news, but I guess that shows I should google as well as listen, because I've been much more interested in his music than his history, but this history only makes me like him a little bit more. His artistic direction need never be questioned with a track like 'Small Voices', the driving beat telling a story of solidarity with Matt's determined vocal making it a song and a voice that is anything but small. (Jo Michelmore) 

#110. JOHNNY

by Tanzer





He's the one all the girls paint their face for
So fast and wild, eyes that flash baby blue.

First things first, everyone that was involved in the creation of the ‘Johnny’ video deserves high fives for days. The boys play their lady counterparts to perfection (especially the fella/lady with the mo, bravo sir/madam) and the clip perfectly complements the song. And as for Tanzer and her song ‘Johnny’, it’s just another top notch track from her that you won’t be able to help humming along to in your head for a long time to come. The 60s revival sounds of the track might seem like a departure from the mysterious synths of ‘That’s Why Darling’, but Tanzer’s voice is perfectly suited to both and proves she’s an artist who can wear many musical hats. How she reinvents herself next is guaranteed to leave just as much of an impression as what’s come before. (Matt Bond) 


Oh Tanzer. I loved this song for all its 60s inspired goodness and I loved this clip for all its swag and what is it the kids say? Hashtag squad goals? I saw that written on a water bottle in Typo so it must mean something important. More important, that gold sequinned catsuit and that squad member on Tanzer's right, who has more sass in their eyelashes than I could ever dream of owning. It made me want to find a squad, my favourite neck scarf and cardigan and find a man with a face full of glitter, which is something no other song inspired this year, so that's got to be a good thing. (Jo Michelmore) 

#109. CAN'T STOP MOVING

by Sans Parents





I don't wanna talk 'cause they don't know my name
I just can't stop moving.

I wish I could come up with something more descriptive to say about this track from Sans Parents, but they've pretty much done all the work for me. I mean, what more do you want me to say about a song that does to me exactly what it's title describes? Don't believe me? Press play and tell me how you manage to sit still. (Jo Michelmore)

Sunny indie pop sounds oh so good when it’s coming from Brisbane four-piece, Sans Parents. And of course it’s going to sounds sunny when the band’s from Brisbane. Why wouldn’t it? It’s like 38 degrees here today, mate. All we know is sunshine and sweat and did I mention the sweating? Anyway, you’ll be sweating to this song too, regardless of where you live, because the title lives up to its name and you won’t be able to stop moving. So sucks for you if you live in Queensland because it’s double the sweat for you! (Matt Bond) 

#108. GOLDEN TICKET

by Highasakite





Love, I'm on your side
But we were never good, no.

If we went back to last year's countdown, or the year before or whenever we've written about Highasakite in the past, you're going to find something about how dreamy their music is and how Norway must be a magical place full of magical people and you know what? It is. It's magical and dreamy, far away and full of people still worshiping the Norse gods. Okay, the last point might be inaccurate, but I'm sure I can find a group of Norwegians that worship the Norse gods. Highasakite probably worship them. So yeah, how about that 'Golden Ticket'? Magical and dreamy and made by a band that probably worships the Norse gods. (Matt Bond)


There's so many electronic pop acts that manage to do this, but Highasakite seem to sit right at the top of the pile of those that do it well. It's something I adore, the ability to take a seriously sober subject matter and turn in into a sparkly shiny pop tune, one that makes you want to simultaneously dance and cry all and Highasakite manage to make me feel super happy and super sad all at the same time. Luckily for them and even more so for me, we all know dancing and crying and happy and sad and Norway are all one and the same thing. Aren't they? (Jo Michelmore)   

#107. WAKING UP EASY

by Lime Cordiale





I remember last night and it still feels good in the daylight
No running or hiding, that is so suddenly surprising. 

Quintessentially Australian, I feel like if this was thirty years ago, like the mid 80s, this would be a song Daryl Braithwaite would sing, one people would know the words to for years to come and one that would get played on classic radio stations thirty years from now. Which means now. Or then. I think. Whenever, Lime Cordiale keep telling genuine stories through their brand of indie folksy pop and they do it in a way that's totally relatable, which makes them a band I hope I hear on one of those classic stations thirty years from now. Or then. I don't know. (Jo Michelmore) 

#106. SPECIMEN

by Moreton 





So come on and ask me if I'm happy
And I'll tell you I've been leaning on the edge again. 

You can go ahead and add Moreton to your list of artists to keep a very close eye on in 2017. With the just released Specimen EP earning rave reviews, you've got to believe there's very big things coming their way very soon. It was the title track of the previously mentioned EP that had us wanting to hear so much more from the indie three-piece. The opening guitar lines are enough to grab your attention, leading to vocalist Georgia Potter subtly wrapping herself completely around you. I'm really intrigued with where Moreton will go from here. The performance and songwriting are all kinds of amazing, so I'm going to stand by that opening line and say keep your eyes on them in 2017. I've got to see them live some time soon too. (Matt Bond)   

#105. SLEEP IN

by Take Your Time





I've been taking you for granted a little again...

When I first heard this song I thought it was a super chilled cafe soundtrack type tune, something I'd here in a cafe with plants hanging off the walls and coffee served by the ounce. Then I listened again and thought it was a song I'd be bouncing out the door to on a weekend night, making me want to move my feet and nod my head in an awkward way only I seem to be able to. Now, listening again, I hear it's a song about friendship and supporting those you love, and now I don't know whether to invite one my besties out for a coffee or a a dance. All of these things are good things, so that must mean 'Sleep In' is also a good thing. It is. (Jo Michelmore) 

#104. CAVING

by Seavera





Hold me down, so that I can feel the heat
So that I can feel a different kind of sadness... 

More gorgeousness from an emerging Australian act and this time it's coming from the uber talented duo, Seavera. 'Caving' had me in love with their music from the first listen. There's been A LOT of subsequent listens and I still love hearing it. When it gets to that chorus? Get out of here, it's perfection. I'm genuinely surprised I haven't heard 'Caving' on a television show about vampires or doctors or vampires that are doctors that definitely doesn't exist (but I wish it did), but there's still time. And hopefully a whole lot more to come from Seavera. I see they're heading out on tour with Jack River in December, so I might have to look into seeing if there's a Brisbane show as part of said tour. I've got a feeling Seavera's Toni Zietsch and Daniel Pinkerton would be most excellent live. (Matt Bond) 

#103. MY BONES

by Landings





There's one of us in the way
I'm tired of knowing where I haven't been. 

Brisbane's best known for The Veronicas the garage rock sound that Brissie bands manage to do better than anyone. But Landings are no garage rockers. Nay, they dance to the beat of their own glitter filled pop drums and we wouldn't have it any other way. 'My Bones' is polished, but not too polished, and has found the band favourably compared to the likes of Phoenix. And hey, that's a pretty good place to find yourself in with your debut single. They describe themselves as purveyors of 'sad dance music' and as someone who likes sad music and dancing, I'm really cool with this. Shine on, Landings. Keep on delivering the goods like you did with 'My Bones' and the dance floors of the world will be filled with salty, delicious tears. Get excited! (Matt Bond) 

#102. OUTLINES

by Hot Spoke





So many worries on my mind
Is this the way to pay for my crimes? 

This is super cute. But more than being just 'super cute', 'Outlines' is a very well put together song by a band that could release a really brilliant collection of tunes if they've got more of this up their sleeves. Ness Muir's vocals are blissfully chilled out, with some unexpected melodies throughout really making you stop and take notice. There's one guitar line that immediately had me thinking of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, which would seem totally random in a relaxed pop tune, but it's working for Hot Spoke. Everything's working for Hot Spoke. Where's the next song at guys? We'd like to hear more please. (Matt Bond)   

#101. NUMB
by Lupa J





Look into your self
What do you not know?

Lupa J isn't one to disappoint. Quickly establishing herself as one of the brightest young electronic artists Australia has to offer since she was only 15, Imogen Jones has stepped it up once more with her most immediately engaging track yet. 'Numb' holds a haunting quality you wouldn't expect on an otherwise dance-y jam. It's cool, but I'm not sure you're supposed to say something's cool anymore because the kids are using all these words like lit and woke and I don't know what any of them mean, so I'm just going to stick with cool. This is one track I can say I got to see live this year and it was just as fascinating a performance as the recorded version. (Matt Bond)

Top 25 - 3 September, 2016

TKAY!

1. Tkay Maidza ft. Killer Mike - Carry On (NEW)





Last week was huge for Tkay Maidza fans, as our fave rap dynamo announced that her highly anticipated debut album TKAY will be released on October 28! If that wasn't exciting enough, she'll be heading out on a headline tour in November (in addition to performing at this week's BIGSOUND!!!) and we got this absolute banger of a lead track, 'Carry On'. Killer Mike delivers the goods as only he can with his guest verse, but 'Carry On' is another Tkay tour de force of slay, which makes us want to hear that full TKAY album all the more. You can chant along to carefree lines like, "they say they're coming for ya, but I don't want none, 'cause I really don't care and I'm still kinda young." And then you can feel old when you remember that Tkay is only like 19/20 and you're nearly 30 so you're definitely not kinda young because you're not about that life anymore because you are now, in the eyes of the youths, old. But moving right along, 'Carry On' is THE jam of the moment, ready for the dancefloor and totally appropriate for following up the amazing collab with Martin Solveig, 'Do It Right'. Maidza has been working like crazy since she stomped her feet into our lives, so she's never really left, but it sure feels good to welcome her back anyway. Bring on TKAY! (Matt Bond)  


2. Amy Shark - Adore





3. Chet Porter ft. Chelsea Cutler - Stay (NEW)





Jo's Pick of the Week: There I was, driving along in my car, peacefully looking forward to the fourth (today) milky take away coffee goodness awaiting me ahead, which was going to see me through a night of listening to some tunes and watching some clips in search of what was going to be the greatest song I had ever heard (this week), which was going to result in a collection of the greatest words I have ever written (this month), when straight from the radio came the sounds of someone I've never heard of (until today) and some of the greatest sounds I think I'm likely to hear (this year), which resulted in me rushing home, googling and typing quicker than I ever have (slight exaggeration) and pressing play a hundred times (so far) because this gorgeous song is one that is going to be stuck in my head forever (at least this week) and I'm going to love every second of it. And I could tell you all sorts of things aout who Chet Porter is (not the other Chet) and the things I discovered after googling his name (Porter's, not the other's) but you know, you're going to be finding out those things for yourself soon anyway because this song has such a sweet, warm sound you're (hopefully) going to be hearing a lot of it, with or without my (small) influence. Now here's my name in brackets. (Jo Michelmore)


4. Hot Spoke - Outlines





5. Remi ft. Jordan Rakei - Lose Sleep (NEW)





6. Ayla - Like The Other Kids (NEW)





7. Ali Barter - Girlie Bits (NEW)





8. Montaigne - Till It Kills Me





9. PASSERINE - White Shadows and Grey Noise (NEW)





10. Holy Holy - Darwinism





11. Florence and The Machine - Wish That You Were Here (NEW)





12. Airling - Move Me (NEW)





13. Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds - Jesus Alone (NEW)





14. Abbe May ft. Joni Hogan and Odette Mercy - Doomsday Clock (NEW)





15. Crystal Fighters - All Night (NEW)





16. WAAX - This Everything





17. Winters End - Afterthought (NEW)





18. Gang of Youths - The Good Fight





19. Katy Steele - Where Is The Laughter





20. Empire of the Sun - High and Low (NEW)





21. Lisa Mitchell - The Boys





22. Fractures - Alchemy





23. Sans Parents - Dead End





24. Sarah Belkner - Time





25. Mwansa - 10 Pounds

Top 25 - 2 May, 2016

OKENYO!

1. OKENYO - 10 Feet Tall (NEW)





Matt's Pick of the Week: We've been wanting to hear a whole lot more from OKENYO since we were treated to her booming single 'Just A Story'. That track quickly became one of our favourite songs of 2015 and it looks like OKENYO will feature prominently in our 2016 soundtrack with '10 Feet Tall'. The only fault I can find in it is that it ends. Seriously, I could listen to OKENYO all day. So I'll be repeating this just-over-three minute gem for quite some time. There's a lot to digest in a relatively short time. The story turns from a woman lost ("Every time she wants to see the stars, she's looking but she can't see further") to something far more empowering ("Had enough, can't see it, you blink and you'll miss it, but the thing is, she's not the kind to use her time lost inside"). Badcop's production is top notch, which is no surprise given his recent work alongside Tkay Maidza. And then there's Josh Harris' killer clip that stands with his best work for Gang of Youths. The ladies represented are cooler than cool, strong and unique. Which can definitely be said about '10 Feet Tall' and OKENYO herself. (Matt Bond)  


2. Little Earthquake - Honest





3. The Raffaellas - Control (Had It, Lost It)





4. Garbage - Empty





5. Gallery Circus - Holland On Fire (NEW)





Jo's Pick of the Week: Admittedly, I only started listening to this track because the band’s name was Gallery Circus and something about those two words together intrigued me. I love a good gallery, not so much a circus, but maybe I would love a circus if it was in a gallery. Who can say? What I do love is a good guitar based song and something with a punch of sound, like a drumbeat that hits you in the guts and this song, ‘Holland On Fire’, taken from their soon to be released EP Chi-Town Dogs, certainly achieves all of those things. Identical twin brothers Daniel and Graeme Ross are the ones responsible for the smashing sounds, managing to make themselves sound more like four or five of each other than a simple pair. The backward and forward clip makes me feel a little bit of motion sickness, which is much more interesting than uncomfortable and overall it seems Gallery Circus are more than just intriguing and definitely much more awesome than your average gallery, or circus for that matter. (Jo Michelmore) 


6. Phebe Starr- Feel My Love





7. George Maple ft. GoldLink - Sticks and Horses (NEW)





8. Hayden Calnin - Ultra-Beast (NEW)





9. Gordi - Wanting





10. Winters End - Thoughts (NEW)





11. Alex Watts - Hopeful





12. Youngsmith - Red




13. Client Liaison - World of our Love (NEW)





14. Sara Hartman - Monster Lead Me Home





15. Landings - My Bones





16. The Paper Kites - Renegade (NEW)





17. The Tambourine Girls - Police (NEW)





18. Auguste - Kingdom





19. Sarah Blasko - I Wanna Be Your Man





20. Seavera - Caving





21. Sun Sap - Mexico





22. Emily Wurramara - Ngerraberrakernama (Wake Up)





23. The Temper Trap - Fall Together





24. Juke Jaxon - Memory Man





25. Alex Lahey - You Don't Think You Like People Like Me

Top 115 Songs of 2015, #80 - 71

The Weeknd, The Septembers, Tired Lion + Florence and The Machine!

#115 - 101

#100 - 91

#90 - 81

#80. THE HILLS

by The Weeknd





I only call you when it's half past five
The only time that I'll be by your side. 

A little something about me... I don't listen to the radio very much. Sure, I listen to the Hottest 100 on 'Straya Day and B105 Hit 105 in Brisbane have these great R'n'B Fridays that I tune into when I can. Other than that, there's not a lot of radio in my life. It's not because I'm too cool for commercial tunes or anything like that. I'm really not (love you, T-baby Swift!). What I can't stand is the chat from the presenters. Like, the dumbest chat in the world must be on Australian FM radio. Nova is pretty much the Jerry Springer show in the morning. Gross. Anyway, what does this have to do with The Weeknd and 'The Hills'? It means I was a bit late getting around to hearing this one and if I had been listening to literally any radio station I would have heard it. Even the j's are backing the Canadian artist born Abel Makkonen Tesfaye. Which also isn't surprising, because they've been doing that for a while now. You can understand the universal appeal 'The Hills' has going for it. It's cooler than cool, the beats are what some would call 'sick' and once it's stuck in your head there's no getting it out. Some of the lyrics are pretty blurgh, but that doesn't take too much away from a song that spent six weeks on top of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. The Weeknd became one of the defining artists of 2015 and 'The Hills' one of the year's most outstanding songs. I only wish I had heard it sooner. (Matt Bond)


Here’s one of those ones I find totally fascinating, because while this one is all drugs and sex and bad decisions and “fucking two bitches ‘fore I saw you”, it’s also been played on high rotation on commercial radio for the last couple of months, right in between Swift and One Direction, who are known more for their fashion choices than their ‘lifestyle’ choices. How does a song like this become so commonly popular, with the same people who would ridicule all these decisions made by The Weeknd should they appear on an episode of their favourite current affairs show? It’s those catchy hip hop beats I guess. I don’t think it’s a concept I’ll ever understand or a question I’ll ever really be able to answer, but what I’d really like to know is, what does your average commercial radio listener think The Weeknd is talking about when he’s “(censored) someone at half past five” or “when I’m (censor)ed up that’s the real me babe”? Suggestions welcome. Your guess is as good as mine.  (Jo Michelmore) 

#79. SHIP TO WRECK

by Florence + The Machine





And oh, my love remind me, what was it that I said?
I can't help but pull the earth around me to make my bed. 

The absolute beautiful simplicity of the words of the chorus of Florence and her Machine's second single from How Big How Blue How Beautiful are more than enough for me, but apparently there’s a whole song here I need to write about. It's everything Florence + The Machine have always been; dramatic, sweet, insular, loud and fabulous. Seeing it live only a few weeks ago was a live music highlight of my year and hearing it in my headphones as I write this reminds me of everything I love about everything Florence. And then I hear that chorus again and get a little reflective and get stuck in a Florence-a-thon which isn’t a bad place to get stuck. Except I’ve got 78 other songs to write about yet. Next! (Jo Michelmore)

"What's with the long face, do you want more?" I'll always want to hear more from Florence and her machine. With the release of the LP How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful we found Ms Welch reflecting on some pretty crappy times. Nothing new from one of the UK's biggest music exports. But their was more of a light at the end of the tunnel this time around. It wasn't all dramatic imagery of death, war and the notion that life was slowly dragging our leading lady down. Nope, this time you could actually believe that things were looking up, with the album ending in the most positive fashion yet for Florence + The Machine. For the most part, gone too was the supposedly overbearing (to some, not I) orchestration of Ceremonials. With a more grounded sound, the music became far more relatable and you only have to listen to 'Ship To Wreck' to understand why. A more classic British rock sound with one of the most powerful voices in the world. How you could not love this, I'll never understand. (Matt Bond)

#78. STALLIN'

by Airling





And when you wanna call, don't call
How can you love me from the pay phone? 

At the start of the year, I wasn't expecting the smoothest R'n'B jam to come out of Brisbane, let alone from a young, blonde (occasionally pink) haired singer who goes by the name of Airling. Here at the end of the year I have no hesitation in saying 'Stallin' is just that. It's smooth. So smooth. Smoother than that extra smooth peanut butter I ate too much of over the past twelve months. And that was pretty fucking smooth. If this was the 90s, Airling would be sitting alongside TLC at the top of the charts, maybe even collaborating with them on what would be the greatest slowjam of all time. I'm dying just thinking of it. Anyway, it's only up and up for Airling going forward. If there's a new EP or a debut LP coming in 2016, you know it's going to rock your world. I think I saw an Instagram video of Airling and Thelma Plum doing some writing together. Now if they were to do a song together I may actually die for real. (Matt Bond)


Ah little Airling. How good is she? Not only is she a regular feature of the Instagram account of Thelma Plum’s, she also writes and records some pretty sweet tunes. I saw her at BIGSOUND one year, she was very good and very popular, which makes me wonder why more people don’t know of her glorious sounds. Must be all the self-important types at BIGSOUND, busy looking at themselves and each other instead of the talents of people like Hannah, AKA Airling. The important part here are those beats and Airling’s glorious vocal, the sweet, simple synths and mid-tempo grooves that make you dance in weird ways in the dark. Unless you’re a self-important type. But how good is she? (Jo Michelmore)

#77. HANGING UPSIDE DOWN

by Lime Cordiale





Hang me up the right way
Right way round. 

A couple of songs back I might have said a little something about me not listening to radio. Do you know what would make me listen to the radio a bit more? Hearing songs like 'Hanging Upside Down' getting some play. It's got a great vibe, it's super catchy, you can sing along to it. Are you not entertained? Did you read that in the Gladiator voice? Ten points to you if you did. Lime Cordiale have been churning out hits I'd love to be hearing more over the airwaves and 'Hanging Upside Down' could be their best effort yet. Here's to the Sydney outfit getting the attention they deserve in 2016. I'd even listen to those wankers on the Nova breakfast show if I got to hear more music like this. (Matt Bond) 

#76. WORK

by Saux x The Septembers





And I saw the world, yeah, when my spirit died
I started to cry... 

There’s a comment on the Soundcloud account of Saux x The Septembers that sums up in four words what I’m about to say in 100 or so words. Suave and saucy (no pun intended) the slow groove is a little too catchy to cope with, the vocals as perfect as they get, there’s a sass about this track that is undeniable, it’s a rainy day and a sweet summer afternoon all at once and as that comment said so simply “this is actually brilliant guys”. Yep dear commenter, that exactly. (Jo Michelmore)  

We heard a fair bit from one half of The Septembers throughout 2015. That would be James Chatburn and his slew of excellent jams, slow or otherwise. I was hoping we'd get to hear the gorgeous tones of Donna Arendse too and in a sign that dreams do indeed come true, The Septembers released 'Work', a collaboration with Dutch producer, Saux. Chatburn and Arendse's voices fit so perfectly together, complimenting each other in every aspect. I'm pretty much convinced they could sing anything together and I'd be on board. But they haven't given me a chance to find that out as yet, because everything they've released is 10/10 goodness, with 'Work' being no exception. More. Please and thank you. (Matt Bond) 

#75. MAYFAIR

by Winters End





And I wonder what it's like, when you look into my eyes
You see nothing there at all. 

Sister/brother duo, Winters End are no strangers to our songs of the year countdown. Last year they made the cut with the first song of theirs we heard, 'Walls'. Marissa and Christopher Pinto outdid themselves in 2015 with the single 'Mayfair', a quality track that grows on you more and more with each listen. And you're going to want to listen to it a lot. Marissa's voice stands out with just the right amount of emotion bubbling under the surface, while the rolling drums and guitar lines seal the deal on this song truly being one of the year's best. As a side note, anytime I play Monopoly from now on and get Mayfair and people have to pay me money, I'll sing to them that they're leaving me with no other choice to make. (Matt Bond)


Winters End are made up of a brother sister duo, Chris and Marissa Pinto, which I think is an achievement in itself. My brothers and I have such varying tastes in music I’m not sure what kind of sounds our band would make, should we start a band. It wouldn’t be pretty, I don’t think. And unless either of them have been hiding some secret musical skills from me, it might just be an acapella group. An acapella group that argues more than harmonises. Still, Chris and Marissa seem to have worked something out, this song being some evidence of that. Those drums at the beginning are scarily solid and the surprising vocal of Marissa’s keeps me intrigued the entire way through. Somehow both dramatic and light, Mayfair is such a great piece of music I really hope Winters End keep making music like it so they can appear in our countdown next year, which would then make it countdown appearances three years in a row. (Jo Michelmore)

#74. SUCK

by Tired Lion





Oh, no, I cannot do this without you
Want to suck me up and throw me away. 

Please remind yourself it’s not 1995, that was twenty years ago, but thankfully that's now long enough to make everything that sounded cool then sound cool again now, which means bands like Tired Lion have appeared this year sounding oh so indie and oh so grungy, that one would be forgiven for going to a Tired Lion gig wearing doc martens, a floral skater dress, ripped jeans and flannel checks. Wait. What are the kids wearing these days? Everything that was old is new again, but new in a good way, not new in an “it’s been done before way”. Tired Lion are making their own brand of rock, albeit so very 90s inspired, but they’re very good at it. So much so I’m almost convinced it’s never been done before. (Jo Michelmore)

Perth is a strong contender for being the home of Australia's best emerging rock acts. A hard point to argue when you've got Tired Lion on your team. Sophie Hopes, Matt Tanner, Ethan Darnell and Nick Vasey stormed through 2015 with tracks from their second EP, Figurine. For my money (and I paid for it, so literally for my money) that EP was the best pure rock release of the year. It was the collection of songs I was desperately waiting for, speaking to the person that's still hiding somewhere inside of me that wishes he could have been cool enough to become a rock star like Hopes and the lads. Because they are rock stars, in every single way. After seeing them twice in Brisbane, I can say they 100% do not suck. Or blow. 'Suck' breezes by with blazing guitars and Hopes' contrasting sweet and soaring vocals. Best Australian rock act in 2015? You can't beat Tired Lion. (Matt Bond)

#73. PERFECT PICTURE

by I Know Leopard





Darling I saw you laughing
Never I, was the same. 

I wish hadn’t, but I’ll be honest and say I actually forgot about this little track from Sydney’s I Know Leopard, which is really embarrassing now that I’ve pressed play again and realised how very good they are. It’s just so, incredibly, perfectly happy. They describe themselves as making 70s inspired tunes, but I beg to differ, because the 70s were responsible for Justin Bieber’s parents and look where they've got us. Not everything from the 70s were good. No, I have not jumped on the Bieber loving bandwagon. But I digress. Everything about I Know Leopard is everything Bieber is not. Good. More in 2016 please Leopard friends! Thanking you in advance. (Jo Michelmore)

#72. UNDERFLOW

by Emma Louise





And we miss each other in the dark
Like ships in the night. 

You know just when Matt and I had almost finalised the songs we wanted to appear in this long list of songs, I received a message from Matt that said something along the lines of “people won’t stop releasing amazing music…like, fuck off Emma Louise!” which, you know, was a total compliment to Emma Louise because let’s face it, this song of hers is amazing and couldn’t possibly be ignored in a wrap up of our favourite songs of the year. It’s gloriously obvious, smooth and an exceptional addition to the already impressive catalogue of one of our faves. Don’t fuck off Emma Louise, we like you far too much. (Jo Michelmore)


All of the feels. When you listen to Emma Louise's music, you're going to get all of the feels. We learned this way back when with songs like '1000 Sundowns' and, well, everything on her debut Vs Head Vs Heart. 'Underflow', which previews Louise's sophomore album Supercry (due early 2016) doesn't buck the trend of providing you with an all-inclusive 'feels' delight. It's a tale of love being sent all the way across the seas, with the bulk of the emotional weight resting solely on Emma's stunning voice, which I really wasn't expecting to hear in 2015. It was just *BAM* single dropped, listen and love. Listen and love. What else do I need to say? (Matt Bond)

#71. ONE IN A MILLION

by Jessie Frye





We can't count the stars, but we know
Who we are.

Jessie Frye is one of our favourite people. Not only can she craft a mighty fine pop/rock tune, but we're convinced she's actually a bonafide superhero. If you need something to support that theory, you only need to check out the clip for 'One In A Million'. But back to the crafting of mighty fine tunes bit. 'One In A Million' works its way into your head and refuses to budge. This is a good thing. A very good thing. Frye gets to show off her impressive vocal range, while also playing up her strong pop sensibilities. With any luck, Jessie will be breaking out of Texas over the next year and taking on the world. We already know she's enough of a badass to handle anything the world can throw at her. Again, if you need something to support that theory, check out the clip for 'One In A Million'. Jessie Frye ain't the lady to mess with. (Matt Bond)


Every time she has appeared in our top 25 I remember to think, who is this Jessie Frye and how did Matt even find her? And why hasn’t someone else found her? Like, hello people who play music on radio stations and you over there, this is Jessie Frye! She sings these super catchy part pop, part kind of rock, part kind of awesome songs and she makes words like million sound like mill-yun and it’s super cute and she’s probably one in a million. Sorry, had to do that. But it’s true and I’m hoping she keeps making music so more people start asking; “who is this Jessie Frye?” so I can answer “I have no idea but she’s really, really good.” (Jo Michelmore) 

Like 2015, this countdown is going way too fast. Time flies when you're having fun, right? See you tomorrow for #70 - #61!

  

It's My Kind Of Interview - Winters End

We've been big fans of Sydney's sister-brother combo, Winters End since we heard their track 'Walls' last year. Now they're out touring the most excellent follow-up single 'Mayfair', with a stop in Brisbane at Rics Bar planned for this coming Saturday, November 14! Tonight, Winters End (aka Marissa and Christopher Pinto) drop by to chat about 'Mayfair', life on the road and a whole lot more. Enjoy! 

WINTERS END'S

MARISSA and CHRISTOPHER PINTO

Interview by Matt Bond

Hey hey, Winters End! Thanks for stopping by for a chat. How are you on this fine day and what have you been getting up to?

Marissa: Hey guys! We are well and very excited to be speaking to you! Currently we're on tour in Melbourne for our Mayfair Single Tour.

As an emerging band, you're going to have a lot of people trying to define your sound. So tell us a little bit about Winters End. You're a sister/brother combo, but when did you decide to start making music together and how would you define your own music?

Christopher: We started Winters End in 2011, both coming from vastly different tastes in music, with a common tendency towards music of the 80s. Due to our differing backgrounds, our music is really a combination of dance grooves, and highly emotive melodies and soaring vocals.

'Mayfair' is your latest single and the follow-up to 2014's 'Walls'. Opening with rolling drums from Chris and highlighted by Marissa's striking vocals, it's easy to understand why it's been winning you so many new fans. What's the story behind the song?

Marissa: The story behind Mayfair is that it is a song for all the people who feel trapped, and feel as though what they want is constantly just out of their reach, like Mayfair in monopoly.

You're touring 'Mayfair' through the end of the year, with upcoming stops in Brisbane (woo!) and Adelaide. For unfamiliar punters, what is the Winters End live experience like?

Christopher: During a Winters End live set we aim to take our listeners on a journey, where the only place they need to be at that moment is in the room with us. So that the outside world becomes completely irrelevant at least for the duration of the show that is.

What's on the agenda once the tour has finished? Will you be recording more music for release in 2016? Maybe a debut album or EP?

Marissa: The agenda for future recording is to get back into the studio early 2016 to record some more music. At this stage we're deciding on whether we will do another EP or record another single. We'll keep you posted!

How do you approach your songwriting? Do you find inspiration in the world around you, the make believe or your own life? Who are some of your favourite songwriters? 

Christopher: The process of our songwriting is that Marissa will compose a melody/idea and then bring it to our rehearsal studio where we will work on it and that is where the magic happens. I think there are many influences on our songwriting and it really does often reflect what is happening in our lives at that point in time. We actually have a very special song we play live which was written after we lost a very close friend. Favourite songwriters of ours would be: Beach House, The Jezabels, Paul Kelly, Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac.

THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE HAS HAPPENED! Don't freak out too much, you survived. Before you were forced to evacuate to... Tasmania... you had enough time to pick out five CD's that are incredibly important to you (and they'll possibly be the only five CD's remaining in... Tasmania). Which CD's did you grab and why?

Marissa: Beach House's Devotion, because it takes you away to the cobwebs and creaks of a haunted house.

Tame Impala's Lonerism, because it lifts me up and mellows me out at the same time.

Radiohead's OK Computer, because the tracks opened my mind to what music could be

HAIM's Days are Gone, as it is an 80s revival that keeps my feet tapping,

Beach House's Depression Cherry, their best album, and an album that didn't let me down in 2015.

A question I'm asking in all our interviews now, stolen from "Almost Famous", that's been getting some amazing responses is something that might seem simple, but it's really not. So... what do you love about music? 

Christopher: For me I love that music can do so many things. It can cheer you up, relax you, make you cry, make you dance and the list could go on. I know that we are so thankful to be able to create music that makes people feel a range of ways and playing it live really is something so special.

Quick Hits:

The first album you ever bought was... 

Marissa: Spandau Ballet's Greatest Hits.

If you could collaborate with any artist it would be... 

Marissa: Stevie Nicks.

Your music guilty pleasures include... 

Marissa: Miguel, Madonna.

When you're not making music, you could be found doing... 

Marissa: Surfing.

It's been a huge year for Australian music and people are going to have to start getting ready to vote for the next triple J Hottest 100. If I was to ask you today what songs you'll be voting for, what would you say?

Christopher: For me I would have to vote for Rufus' 'You Were Right'. I saw these guys in a small nightclub in Toronto last year and was just blown away. As for a couple of internationals I can’t go past 'Criminals' by MSMR as it is just so full of power. The second would be 'Mountain at my Gates' by Foals. Hell of a song.

When they air the MTV Behind The Music Winter's End special in forty-five years time, what will they say about you? 

Marissa: The thing you could be guaranteed of when dealing with Winters End was that while their musical success was huge on a global scale, they maintained the utmost respect for everyone that they worked with. They were just so stoked about their music reaching so many different people and allowing them to travel to play for people worldwide, that they developed quite a reputation for professionalism and gratitude, and I think that this was integral to the extent of their success. 

Professionalism and gratitude. I knew there was a reason we liked these two. A big thanks to Marissa and Christopher for the chat! If you're in the Valley on Saturday night, Brisbane friends, make sure you head to Rics to check out Winters End. They'll be hitting up Mt Victoria and Adelaide next, details below... 

Top 25 - 16 August, 2015

FKA Twigs

1. FKA Twigs - Figure 8 (M3LL155X Film) (NEW)


 


2. Chvrches - Never Ending Circles (NEW)


 


3. Gang of Youths - Magnolia





4. Ngaiire - Once





5. Meg Mac - Never Be





6. Bec Sandridge - In The Fog, In The Flame





7. Winters End - Mayfair (NEW)


 

8. Oh Wonder - Drive (NEW)


 


9. Arctic Maps - Let Me In





10. Vance Joy - Fire and The Flood





11. Little Shock - Tinkerbell (NEW)


 

12. JOY. - About Us





13. BATTS - For That, I'm Sorry (NEW)


 

14. Atlas Genius - A Perfect End (NEW)


 

15. Lucy Neville - On My Own





16. Actor - Baby Cries (NEW)


 

17. Chvrches - Leave A Trace





18. Bad Pony - Down To You





19. Girl Band - Paul (NEW)


 


20. Patrick James - Bugs





21. The Bulls - Rumors (NEW)


 

22. Half Moon Run - Trust (NEW)


 

23. Kimberly Anne - Bury It There





24. Big Smoke - Lately





25. Pillars - You Got This

Winter Is Coming

WINTERS END BRING THE HEAT TO BALCONY TV

Announce upcoming single 'Mayfair'

We became big fans of Sydney's Winters End last year when the two-piece released the brilliant single 'Walls'. Comprised of sister-brother duo, Marissa and Chris Pinto, Winters End earned a place in our music loving hearts with big hooks, driving percussion and Marissa's gorgeous, rocking voice. So it was nice to see them playing a new track and tearing it up with the good people from Balcony TV last week and having a chat about their recent overseas shows and what they've got coming up for the rest of 2015. 

Balcony TV have given us some of our favourite live performances and 'Waking Dream' is definitely one of them. There's a lot to love; those guitar lines, the full sound the two-piece are able to create and then there's the chorus where Marissa let's loose, showing off that previously mentioned gorgeous, rocking voice. The news that Winters End are heading back into the studio to record their next single 'Mayfair' is certainly welcome and you know we'll be featuring it right here on the blog as soon as it's out. They'll be working with Lachlan Mitchell on recording the new single and his history with the likes of The Jezabels and The Whitlams makes him a perfect fit.

The live performance of 'Waking Dream' shows us exactly why the band has been building a stellar reputation for fun, memorable gigs and Winters End have some gigs coming up in Sydney that you should check out if you're going to be around. There's one at the Oxford Art Factory on July 3 and August 27 sees them take the stage at The Vanguard. We'll just keep on hoping for a Brisbane show sometime soon!

Top 114 Songs of 2014, #114 - 101

Megan Washington, Client Liaison, Kingswood + Chelsea Wolfe!

We've listened to hundreds and hundreds of songs this year and loved oh so many of them. Cutting through all the goodness to select our favourite 114 was no easy task, but it's done and over the next eleven days we'll be counting down the Top 114 Songs of 2014! So let's not waste any time, let's listen to some excellent music. Enjoy!

#114. Walls

by Winters End

With eyes too soft to see,

The jagged edges, that are surrounding me. 

By saying this, I may or may not be giving something away very early about our top 114 songs countdown, but it must be said anyway. I’m really, really happy that we’re kicking off the 114 with an Australian artist and I’m really, really happy it’s with a pair as talented as Winters End. After releasing their debut EP in 2012, it was nice to hear a new single from this brother sister duo, but even nicer when it was a track as strong as ‘Walls’. Marissa’s vocal is solid from the very beginning and Chris’ percussion skills drive the track from the start to the end. It’s no wonder these two have recently been playing across the US because if they keep making these kind of sounds hopefully Winters End have a lot of playing, recording and touring ahead of them. (Jo Michelmore)


Sydney's sibling duo, Marissa and Christopher Pinto make up Winters End and they make quite the team. 'Walls' makes an immediate impact with the opening lines and there's so much to love about what comes after. The story packs an emotional punch and the music is top notch with some great hooks, but for me it's Marissa's voice that has me really loving 'Walls'. The delivery walks a fine line between showing strength and vulnerability in a truly impressive effort. I'm not sure what comes next for the Pintos, but I'm definitely looking forward to it. (Matt Bond)

#113. Feral Love

by Chelsea Wolfe

Crossing the water,

Lead them to die. 

Here’s where I have to make a confession and it’s not going to be a popular one amongst some. Even some of my fellow bloggers don’t like this one. I don’t watch Game Of Thrones and the facts are, I don’t watch it because I don’t like it. Eeeeeek. Don’t hate me. I don’t watch a lot of TV. But ‘Feral Love’; one of the tracks featured in one of the trailers for GOT’s fourth season has so much angst, drama and experimental noise that I don’t even need to watch the TV show. The angsty, dramatic, experimental and noisy nineteen year old me (who doesn’t appear so much these days) comes out to play as soon as the first notes are heard and she really likes what she hears. (Jo Michelmore)


There is a dark, brooding anticipation to this song that appeals to my gothic wannabe tendencies. It feels desperate and grim, and gives me the urge to burn all coloured clothing I own (because using a bin is so passé), dress in my blackest black and linger around the Hungry Jack's in Brisbane Queen Street Mall. (Katie Langley)


Game of Thrones 4 Eva, winter is coming etc. etc. Yeah. I'm in the GOT obsessed camp and I'm more than ok with that. If I wasn't, I likely wouldn't have heard Chelsea Wolfe's 'Feral Love' in the first trailer for the 2014 season. I'm glad I did though, because Chelsea Wolfe is all the right kinds of alternative cool for me and 'Feral Love' is one mighty fine song. The accompanying clip will have you thinking Wolfe is the heir apparent to Marilyn Manson's 90s shock-rock-alternative throne. Which is actually a compliment. Manson was great back then. 'Feral Love' creates some captivating imagery in the clip, with the most captivating creature being Wolfe herself. (Matt Bond)

#112. Just Like Normal

by Jim Lawrie

We don't need to dream no more...
 

It's interesting that a song called 'Just Like Normal' is one of the most genuinely uplifting songs of the year. Jim Lawrie doesn't need to use a thousand different adjectives to tell you how extraordinary you are. All he needs to do is tell you that, "we don't need to dream no more," and you can feel absolutely normal. And there's nothing wrong with being normal. (Matt Bond) 


So I first heard the sounds of Jim Lawrie way back in 2013 with his track ‘Midnight Run’ and then his performance at BIGSOUND that year. Back then he was Grizzly Jim, but nowadays he’s a little less Grizzly and a little more Jim, whatever that means, but both Jims are ones I like so who cares anyway? Having evolved from the first Jim I knew, ‘Just Like Normal’ still held all the things I loved about Jim when he was grizzly; a little folky and a little indie, but now a little richer with a six piece band to help him out. It’s a fabulous track that made me feel all warm and fuzzy the first time I heard it and those same lyrics “we don’t need to dream no more…” create the same feelings now that made me feel so comfortable with an artist I hope to hear more and more from in 2015. (Jo Michelmore)

#111. That's Why Darling

by Tanzer

Careful, forever turning stones,

That's why darling, I've come back for you. 

When I say this, I say it in only the best way possible, because while some people may not understand this statement, those who do are the only ones who count anyway and those that know me will understand how much of a compliment this is when I say it. There’s something really Eurovision-esque about this, the debut track from Tanzer; it starts in one place and ends in another, it’s dramatic and begging for lights, pyrotechnics and choreography, its vocals are so strong and end up so surprising and it belongs on a soundtrack, in a theatre production and in my playlist all at once…and all of those things are what make it Eurovision-esque. I don’t know how anyone could find that anything but the most amazing compliment anyway. (Jo Michelmore)


Be still, my beating heart... I am in love with the enigmatic Tanzer. This Melbourne-based songstress is another ridiculously engaging artist to emerge in 2014 and have us looking forward to 2015 in anticipation of what will come next from them. 'That's Why Darling' is a moody, atmospheric slice of dark electronic pop that showcases Tanzer's incredible vocal range and power. It's dramatic without being overbearing and waltzes into performance art territory when you add in the striking black and white music video. And I'm pretty sure she drops into French while dropping some operatic vocal bombs on us. For all that and more, you should be loving Tanzer. That's why, darling. That's why. (Matt Bond)

#110. Oh Lover

by Ruby Boots

Take this one sided love, oh to the grave...

 

Ooh ooh ooh, from the very start, that country-twang-Americana-type thing that sends a sense of anticipation through my whole being, this is a super cute little number from the alter ego of Bex Chilcott, who happens to be Ruby Boots. Which reminds me, I need to get myself an alter-ego, except my alter ego would be much like Ruby herself, a little heartbroken and a big bit torn between right and wrong and a whole lot of banjo and a big portion of drama. Funnily enough, all of those things are what makes up ‘Oh Lover’, which is probably why I like it so much. Ruby Boots and my yet to be named alter ego? They’re going to get along so well. (Jo Michelmore)


Ruby Boots aka Bex Chilcott is another one of our favourite people to gift us with some sweet new music this year and we've spent a lot of time with 'Oh Lover'. It's all very 'heartbreak in the wild, wild west' and Ruby Boots and her alt-country leanings sells this so very well. Chilcott goes from strength to strength as a performer, with her vocal control putting you right where she wants to. A slight pause at just the right moment or a note held for a second longer than you'd expect... it's stellar work. But we've come to expect nothing less from Ruby Boots. (Matt Bond)

#109. Cupid

by Boyeur

You don't know, don't try understand,

Why this love lives inside my head. 

Boyeur made the most of their year. They made the finals of the Melbourne Music Bank competition and it didn't come as a big surprise when they've got tracks like 'Cupid' in the catalogue. It lets them show off how talented Hugh Middleton and Tom Ischia are as multi-talented musicians and as excellent creators of catchy pop music. The done in one take music video was also one of my favourites of the year. You haven't seen it? Do it. Do it now and it'll likely be one of your favourites too. (Matt Bond) 


The angsty, dramatic etc etc nineteen year old that loved Chelsea Wolfe back at number 113 doesn’t get along with the one who likes the song at number 109, but I’m such a sucker for strings that the current me can’t resist. Six instruments amongst two band members impresses every me and I’m also a sucker for a clip with an actual storyline and while I’m not totally sure what’s going on in that room full of vinyl, I do love my vinyl, so as far as current me is concerned, Boyeur are a duo I like and ‘Cupid’ is a track I love. (Jo Michelmore)

#108. Pray To God

by Calvin Harris ft. Haim

I pray to God, I just don't know anymore...

Haim can do no wrong. Like, nothing against Mr. Harris. He can make some bells and whistle-y noises to back up stellar talent who I imagine wrote the song to go with the music. A bit like most of the catchy stuff that Guetta fella comes up with when he's working with someone like Sia. What? Yeah... I should focus on some positives here, shouldn't I? Haim! Everything comes with a side of 'sunnier disposition' when the sisters Haim are around. With any luck, we'll be hearing more from them in 2015. But at least in 2014 we got a reminder of their fantastical-ness. Calvin, old chap? You're alright too I guess. I feel like I wrote something very similar when Calvin Harris roped Florence Welch into recording with him. Moving right along... (Matt Bond) 

#107. I Can Feel That You Don't Love Me

by Kingswood





And I know that you know I can feel your disease,
I can feel that you don't love me. 

I can’t even decide what this is. Is it 80s big hair rock? Is it 90s stoner rock? Is it 00s indie rock? It must be 2014s rock, because it was called ICFTYDLM, without a hashtag, which wouldn’t have made much sense in the 80s or 90s or even a lot of the 00s, but somehow Kingswood made sense of all those decades, threw them all together and came up with one of my fave Aus rock songs of the year. I love a good bit of depression with my guitars and I love a good bit of self-doubt with my grungy vocals and I also love a good Australian rock band. Here we have all of those things and a tiny bit of an Arctic Monkeys feel as well. I love it all. (Jo Michelmore)


Kingswood have shown they can pull off the larger than life, powerful rock jams. And with the release of their debut album Microscopic Wars this year, they were able to show there's a lot more to them than just being that really, ridiculously cool rock and or roll band. They have feelings, y'all. They can feel when you don't love them. Which is pretty darn silly, because when the music is as good as 'I Can Feel That You Don't Love Me', there's only going to be a whole lot of love. Bluesy rock goodness with layered vocal parts and a sudden, dramatic ending. Yep... there is only love. (Matt Bond)


Matt and Jo are going to try and convince you that I only like Kingswood because they have lovely beards. In all honesty, I would be lying if I said that wasn’t some of the original appeal. C’mon, can you blame me? But I soon discovered there is much more to these guys than facial hair – they are uber talented and this song quickly became one of my favourites of 2014. It may have something to do with the countless dead end dates that I went on and subsequent ice cream pity parties and tears with the realisation that I may indeed be forever alone. I cannot confirm or deny.  (Katie Langley)

#106. Free Again

by Passerine





The strength that I needed I had all along,
Now I'll make my own way. 

Passerine always take me back to a special little time in the early 2000s when dance music made people happy. You weren't hearing about all this dubstep nonsense and it wasn't all lame sampling, auto-tuned vocals and a general vibe of skanky-ness. Think of like... Spiller's 'Groovejet (If This Ain't Love)' or Paulmac's 'Just The Thing'. Music that's a little bit funky with soulful vocals and when you listened to it, you just wanted to have some fun and a bit of a dance. Passerine are bringing back the fun and the criminally under-appreciated 'Free Again' is an excellent example of this. I'm a big fan of Phoebe Dubar's smooth vocal tones and they're the perfect match for the funk-infused guitars and horns that stand out as a welcome change from the standard bump and grind electronic noises that dominate so much of dance music today. The clip for the song is so full of win from the moment Dubar emerges from the ocean in her gold jacket and should have about seven 0's added to its view count to match the quality of its production. Anywho, with a recent lineup change, it looks like we'll be getting to hear more from Passerine in 2015 and that's putting a big smile on my face. (Matt Bond) 

I remember being really excited when I first saw the clip for ‘Free Again’ earlier this year, because it was filmed in one of my favourite parts of one of my favourite cities in Australia, which is kind of stupid, because it’s probably one of a lot of people’s favourite parts of their favourite city, but nevertheless, leave me be, it wasn’t the only thing I liked. I also liked the jacket she’s wearing, the headphones on her head and I really liked the chorus to this catchy little pop song, which should probably have received much more attention and acclaim than it did. You watch those talent TV shows and think Australia can produce some really, really good pop music and then you hear people like Passerine and realise you don’t always need a TV show. Love to hear more from Passerine in 2015. That rhymes. Why am I not writing pop songs? Don't answer that. (Jo Michelmore)

#105. Blazing Radio

by Gena Rose Bruce





I keep falling through the window,
I can feel you coming closer... 

I’m resisting a strong urge to comment on Gena’s choice of head-wear in the video clip. I’m resisting because it shouldn’t and doesn’t matter what she’s wearing on her head – she has an amazing voice! Her sound isn’t my usual musical choice, but after seeing her perform earlier in the year I couldn’t help be captivated by her sweet melodic sound. Although that was the initial lure I was pleased to discover that there’s much more to Gena than meets the eye – she has soul and she isn’t afraid to cover some interesting lyrical content. I was going to make a reference to Gena being the Australian Taylor Swift, but I foolishly told Matt I was going to do so, and I’m sure he’s plagiarised my idea already. (Katie Langley)


Let me just say, I had no idea what to expect from a song called ‘Blazing Radio’ when I first saw the title of Gena Rose Bruce’s song. Blazing Radio? This could be anything; a terrible dance number full of boring beats and repetitive lyrics, it could be a rock song gone terribly wrong full of air, or it could be exactly what I got - a fantastic rollicking indie pop song with a teeny tiny country twist to make it just that little bit interesting. I suppose if I’d bothered to do some research I would have predicted that last option, considering she spent some time in Nashville last year, but you know, sometimes it’s nice to be surprised with these things, isn’t it? (Jo Michelmore)


I'm not usually one to hit up the merch stand at a gig. It's not that I'm a jerk and don't want to support the artist or whatever. Like I'm at the gig supporting. Get out of my face about it. But when I was first introduced to the music of Gena Rose Bruce at Ella Hooper's Brisbane gig earlier in the year, I was won over to the point that I had to pick up one of her EP's. Swoon-worthy vocals? Check. Top-notch storytelling? Check. Fashionably on-trend as a crossover country star in the making? Check. She was ticking all the boxes for me. Bruce made mention of new music coming and sure enough, we got it in the form of 'Blazing Radio' and it did not disappoint. It's completely and utterly engaging, with Bruce building her own little world for the listener to take a quick three and a half minute wander through. She's got the right attitude shining through that unique and powerful voice that you can't help but love. And this is just the beginning for her. I can only imagine that the best is yet to come from this intriguing new act. (Matt Bond)

#104. Burn This House

by Mwansa





Picture me, dark as night and her, sitting China white,
Magic. 

I feel like 'Burn This House' is a song that everyone needs to experience. It's a shining example of how well an emotional and real story can be delivered in song form. Beginning with fairly sparse electronic touches and then slowly building up as the track progresses, Mwansa's voice and the story never get lost or pushed to the side. Mwansa's voice and the story make the song. And you'll want to hear a lot more from this emerging Perth-based artist as soon as possible. (Matt Bond)

#103. Free of Fear

by Client Liaison





I don't have time to be home,
To slow down when I'm told... 

This is just ridiculous. It’s absolutely ridiculous how much I like Client Liaison. No, really, it is. Ridiculous. There’s not another word to describe it. The beats are straight from the 80s, the vocals a little from the 90s, the synths just walked out of a Pet Shop Boys song, the percussion sits somewhere else altogether, the lyrics are insanely silly, the band member’s hairstyles belong on an Australian made for TV mini series and the clothes? Well some of them belong in my own closet, which could be what makes them so ridiculously good. All of this. That and the fact they put all of those things together with such finesse and such panache, I feel like I’m watching an ad in the middle of an episode of ‘East Of Eden’ (google it) which was taped on a VCR and all of these things make me cringe and make me laugh and all of these things make up ‘Free Of Fear’, which seems to sum up the philosophy of Client Liaison totally, right? (Jo Michelmore)

#102. Paranoia, Ghosts and Other Sounds

by SAFIA





All that I needed,
I need your love,
They said time isn't waiting for you. 

You listen to songs all the time and they’re just songs you know, something to bounce or sway along to and then they’re gone again. Safia did something really special with their brand of electronic pop with this song to make me hear it, sway to it and remember it. They made me feel like I could hear all the layers, every single piece of the puzzle individually, the track as sparse as it is full, each part as important as the other and each sounding delicious in its own right. But then somewhere midway through each listen, I realise how good everything sounds together, how all the pieces match and swap secrets with each other to make a perfect little piece of electro goodness. I don’t actually know how they did that, but whatever they did, they did it really well. (Jo Michelmore)

#101. Limitless

by Megan Washington





Won't you please remember to mention me to the ones who love you...

Oh, Megan Washington. It's so good to know you're not alone in the world. It's so good to know that someone else has felt that, "certain kind of lonely where you sleep in your jeans." Well, it's not good, it's kinda sad-o, but when it's being told to you in an incredibly catchy four minute Megan Washington number, it's easily digestible. 'Limitless' is a song I love just a little bit more each time I hear it. For a long time I couldn't get over how much I loved the lyrics. Then it was the yodel-ish section of, "oooOOOoooOOOooo," at the end. Then it was that hair in the clip, which you are pulling off lady. Where was I going with this? I don't know. But my love for this song has no limits. Ha! Yeah, I know. I'm hilarious. (Matt Bond) 

It’s bubblegummy and it’s poppy and it’s kind of cute with a dark cloud floating overhead and then it’s a little bit 80s and a little bit 00s and a little bit neon and I don’t even know what’s going on anymore. See, I never know what to expect from Megan Washington. One minute I think I know what she’s up to, then she goes and releases a song like ‘Limitless’, which is not the box I’d previously put her in and everything is turned upside down and round about and who the hell is Megan Washington anyway? I don’t know, I may never know, but I guess that’s why a song like ‘Limitless’ is perfect for her, right? (Jo Michelmore)