It’s been 11 years since the release of Kanye West’s third studio album, Graduation. Featuring tracks like ‘Stronger’, ‘Touch The Sky’ and ‘Flashing Lights’, it arguably sits as one of the most iconic Kanye albums of all time. An interesting fact fans can reminisce about is the story behind Graduation’s background vocals, provided by Connie Mitchell from Australian dance group, Sneaky Sound System. Mr. West asked Sneaky band member Angus McDonald for inspiration, which lead to an invitation, where Mitchell went into the studio and sang over a vocal track. She impressed Kanye with her vocal stylings, so much so, that she ended up on six tracks from the 2007 album. So next time you’re nestled in a music circa-2000 conversation, here’s a friendly fun fact you can bring up about one of our most beloved Australian bands.
Listen Out is just around the corner, and punters are getting ready for the likes of A$AP Rocky, Kira Puru, Noname and Skepta. But one act at this year’s festival will be performing straight off the back of a brand new album. Brockhampton are releasing their new album Iridescence – the first in a new trilogy called The Best Years Of Our Lives. Recorded in the UK at London’s Abbey Road Studios, the new record was first announced in August. Iridescence will serve as the follow-up to SATURATION III, which came out in December 2017. Expected to be released Friday September 21, their fourth studio album will feature the song ‘Tonya’, but not recently released tracks ‘1997 DIANA’, ‘1998 TRUMAN’ and ‘1999 WILDFIRE’.
One of Australia’s latest favourites is Brisbane-based songwriter Carmouflage Rose. His latest release, ‘Let Me Down’ is a tropical-flavoured hit that deals with the trials and tribulations of love, featuring LA-based artist George Maple. The duo most recently covered Kanye West’s ‘Heartless’. ‘Let Me Down’ is a taste of what to expect from his upcoming EP, called TASTE, which he’ll be touring in November with support from Sydney songwriter and producer, CXLOE. Just recently, the musician has been supporting the likes of Hayden James, Tkay Maizda, What So Not, and will be making an appearance at FOMO Festival in early 2019. With more support acts to be announced, Carmouflague Rose will be at Northcote Social Club on Friday November 2.
