Following on from Part 3, I continue to preview the acts performing at the annual BIGSOUND conference…
Confidence Man
Ok, there’s not a lot of information on this duo. They appear on the BIGSOUND lineup with one single song that I can find? I figure they’re Brisbane locals so maybe their Uncle runs the thing? I really don’t know. Their first live gig from a few weeks ago at the EKKA. They’ve remixed a Jungle Giants track. Truly a mystery! Hey, they sound fun though 🙂
Heya Bar – Thursday, 8th September – 8:20 PM – 8:50 PM
CORIN
Producer Corin Ileto comes from a classical pianist and music choreographer background and melds that into some very unique electronic recordings. Atmospheric at times, esoteric at others, but very interesting. Her fingers dance over the keys to create music that feels physically alive. Beautifully textured between the bizarre and the delightful. Her debut EP, Virtuality, is coming soon from the Wondercore Island label.
Press Club – Wednesday, 7th September – 9:00 PM – 9:30 PM
Daniel Champagne
When you see someone described as a virtuoso, you sorta expect they’re pretty good at their craft. Daniel Champagne is more than pretty good, creating a music background to his vocals with masterful guitarwork that shifts from amazing tapping to finger picking to walking jazz bass lines under organic classical sounds. Already travelling around the globe with his talents he’s got a step up on most of the other acts at this conference and will surely deliver a masterclass at his show. Hypnotic to watch
Black Bear Lodge – Wednesday, 7th September – 9:10 PM – 9:40 PM
DEN
They’ve been kicking around Sydney’s inner-west for a little while now with their post-punk vibes accompanied by an organ. Yes, an organ. It’s rough and raw and sounds like it shouldn’t work, but it really does. Fun, frantic and probably watch watching live to really get an idea of who the fuck they are.
Empire Hotel – Thursday, 8th September – 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Diger Rokwell
Ash Hosken has created this ‘futuristic one-man band’ called Diger Rokwell and he brought out a couple of EPs last year, Seeds and Sprouts, that showcase his production style. Mind you, he’s been releasing music for 8 years on bandcamp, so he’s not exactly a freshy. Some interesting production here with nice psych vibes along with vocal sampling and live guitar. I dig it.
Heya Bar – Wednesday, 7th September – 9:10 PM – 9:40 PM
Dorsal Fins
Dorsal Fins return to BIGSOUND for another go after a big year building an audience and surely building up to a super new LP to be released later this year. Born out of Saskwatch’s Liam McGorry, Dorsal Fins wander between gorgeous vocals from The Bamboo’s Ella Thompson on My Love, to the fun catchy hooks of Sedated. I’m yet to see this troupe live, but if you can make it, hit the Newtown Social Club tonight, or wait for Ric’s at the conf.
Ric’s Big Backyard – Thursday, 8th September – 9:50 PM – 10:20 PM
DZ Deathrays
For a while I didn’t know if DZ Deathrays were a rock group or a DJ act as they seem to switch between the two on the regular, but make no mistake, these two make a whole lot of racket live in either format. Following the trend of rock duos that have been taking over the world lately, they make sure that when they play you want to party and throw yourself around like a maniac. They’re about to take on the UK and Europe with Dune Rats after already destroying Canada and the US (including SXSW). They seem unstoppable right now. Go see them and get fucked up whilst waiting for their third record.
The Zoo – Thursday, 8th September – 11:20 PM – 11:50 PM
Ecca Vandal
It’s no secret that I’m a huge Ecca fan. From the very first time I heard her on a Joelistics track, to her first single, White Flag, to her surprise End of Time EP of this year, I have loved everything she’s released. Her music is visceral and raw but also intelligent, clever and so very well written. I see a lot of planning and ambition in Ecca. She knows what she wants and how to get there and I have no doubt that she will. Her live show pulses with intensity and you get a glimpse of her great personality. A must see.
Coopers Brightside Outdoor Stage – Wednesday, 7th September – 11:40 PM – 12:10 AM
Emily Wurramara
The only artist I have ever heard of to come from Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory where I am certain there are many talented musicians, but it’s great that we are able to experience Emily’s fantastic talent first hand. Her songs feel innocent, raw and honest. There’s a sensitivity in her lyrics and her debut EP, Black Smoke, is half in English and half in her native tongue of Anindilyakwa. What a great insight into a beautiful person, location and culture that we all should appreciate more.
triple j Unearthed Stage @ Oh Hello! – Wednesday, 7th September – 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Empat Lima
Empat Lima translates to the numbers ‘four’ and ‘five’ in Indonesian and the band evoke being in south-east Asia, which makes sense seeing as thought we’re neighbours. Empat Lima play a genre of music that sounds unique and fresh as this all-female trio combine ‘Indonesian pop, psychedelic Thai and Japanese epics’ into a garage-pop sound that you can’t help but smile at. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but hey, what’s the point of going to a music conference if you’re just going to see acts that you know? Delightfully quirky.
The New Globe Theatre – Thursday, 8th September – 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM
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