The Chameleons are widely regarded as unsung pioneers of the post punk variety, having influenced countless bands who are wildly successful to this day. But like many accomplished musicians who’ve been around the block more than a few times and continue to prove their instinctive need to create, lead singer and main songwriter Vox is fervently humble, and his processes have remained largely the same as they were some 40 years ago. On September 12, the band will release “Arctic Moon,” their first album in 24 years. Even after a full career in music, Vox was happy to entertain this interview.
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Radio Free Alice
Dissatisfied with what their home country had to offer, Radio Free Alice packed up and moved to the northern hemisphere. But leaving their home country wasn’t a choice for them — it was simply the necessary next step in becoming a global force. If you dig, you’ll find countless phenomenal Australian bands. But you have to dig. Radio Free Alice is taking your shovel away from you and saving you the work. Their third EP, “Empty Words,” came out Wednesday, and their debut album is already on the way. They’re also touring through Europe and North America through mid-October, but vocalist Noah Learmonth and guitarist Jules Paradiso managed to find some time before all that to have a chat with me first.
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Earth to Josh
About a month ago, I sat down with Earth to Josh, a young artist from Lismore who just self-produced his debut album — but don’t confuse “young” with “new.” Josh has been making music for years, honing his craft and quietly building up a repertoire for the ages. His album, inventively titled “Josh To Earth,” is the product of this long stretch of creative exploration and is just as experimental as it is thematically secure. Equal parts succinct and meaningful, his debut stands as a decisive response to the world’s cryptic call.
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Hinds
To Hinds, challenge and opportunity are synonymous. In the face of adversity, the duo never even stopped to wonder if they would continue — the question was how. And last month, we found our answer in VIVA HINDS.
Hinds is currently touring North America through the end of October. Then, they return to their home country of Spain, where they’ll pick things back up early next year before heading off to the UK and other parts of Europe for more and more shows. Stay tuned for more Hinds!
Many thanks to Tim Hampson of Youth Artists, tour manager Lisa for making it all happen, and of course, Ana and Carlotta of Hinds.
Hinds logo and font by Alberto de Santos
Songs used:
“Boom Boom Back” — Hinds
“Superstar” — Hinds
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Been Stellar
The first three dates of their North American tour supporting Fontaines D.C. were cancelled due to illness. But at a time when most other bands might have cut their losses, Been Stellar got to work and made their own shows, playing songs from their debut album for anyone who cared to listen. I saw them a few stops after the official start of the tour, and their drive is unmistakable. When Fontaines took the stage, they dedicated “Big” — an anthem of unbridled ambition and the opening track on their own first album — to the members of Been Stellar. And that says more than I ever could.
MAJOR thanks to Sam Slocum for the chat and Lauren Khalfayan for setting it up.
Songs used:
“Passing Judgement" - Been Stellar
“Pumpkin” - Been Stellar
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