Something beautifully authentic, a project that feels like a timeless, meaningful and honest collection of Folk to Americana songs – acoustically guided stories from a life-lived with passion and purpose. Australian songwriter and artist Kevin Johnson captures the very best of his lifelong commitment to music, with the 22 divine songs of Kevin Johnson the Classic Collection.
Australia
Regardless of your musical taste or generational placement across the eras, this Frank Sinatra classic will most likely have found its way into your life at some point. A melodic progression that’s iconic, and a subject matter that’s ever relatable, timeless, and comforting in its optimism and acceptance.
Completing the approach with an eighties-esque production tone and a fine fusion of metaphor and personal anecdote, Hate It Here counters the scorn of its implied topic, with an unignorably addictive drop into the resounding earworm of its title-line. The single makes for a quickly satisfying and unmistakable new addition to the autumn pop playlists.
Blissful acoustic softness with a warm, orchestral or church-like ambient backdrop, fronted by a smooth and soulful leading voice – Australian artist and songwriter Dan Cully unites natural imagery and hopeful metaphors, for the timeless and moving Changes.
Sweeping sonic landscapes bring drama and depth, to an otherwise intimate singer-songwriter approach to vulnerability and expression. Australian artist LACHYO captures a uniquely meaningful series of moments, for the five-track EP Tell Me No.
Funky indie bass and guitar lays out a strong groove for pop-fusion, as ALEXIS dives into a colourful and upbeat debut, for the catchy synth-pop single Blue Jeans.
Crisp acoustic guitar and boldly distinct, deep vocals, blending spoken and sung performance, throughout a heartfelt song that proudly celebrates the life-changing moment you meet your first child. Australian artist Simon Orton captures a sound both unique and classic, with The Next Me.
Australian duo My Inner Hyde keep things simple but striking, with the old-school distortion and anthemic, evocative writing of Eliminate.
Supremely unique alternative metal, a Gospel-like opening choir vocal and contrasting distortion promising a quickly catchy metal groove and set-up – Hope Seed capture a clear sense of personality and original flair, with the depth and intention of Non Believer.
Stunning production, performance and writing unite beautifully, as Davide Carbone and singer Kate Watts continue to ride the wave of their sensational Drum and Bass single Finding Myself.
Purposeful art, conceptual exploration that refuses to let history fade away. Zooloo and The Seaweeds collaborate for an immense musical project designed to pay tribute to the terrifying deportation and enslavement of black people.
Harry Carman wrote this song during his partner’s second pregnancy, and it has now rightfully found its place as a go-to comfort song and celebration for his children and family. The unique nature but also relatable vagueness of the lyrics helps that quality translate perfectly, making this an easy must for organic and optimistic folk fans; those who crave the same kind of comfort and embrace from live music.