Our social guy Victor has been busy. He’s delivering the memes, he’s shouting out the best local music every Friday night, he’s keeping you informed with the headlines, and in between all that, he’s compiling his list of the best music from around Australia every month. We’ll let him take it from here with the nine tracks you’ll need to add to your 2022 playlists.
Complete, "Dutch Courage"
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Perth MC Complete pulls at your heartstrings with yet another deep track, “Dutch Courage”. There is no rapper on this land who can have listeners hanging on to every damn word, feeling every painful emotion and experiencing every struggle like Complete does. Delivered over a sample of the Black Eyed Peas “Just Can’t Get Enough”, we see Complete calling an addiction hotline to reveal more harrowing details of his own personal struggles. The strength it takes to do what Complete does, is what makes him one of the greatest artists we have, for his art is authentic, confronting and all too relatable.
Lara Andallo, "Head To Toe"
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Sydney R&B Artist Lara Andallo returns after a two-year hiatus to present her new single, “Head to Toe”. Firstly, Lara came to eat on this track, and she ate that shit up with a stunning vocal performance. On this track we see Lara explore the duality within her personality, as she utilises contrasting verses that display both masculinity & femininity which is reinforced by the visuals. The production on this cut screams early ‘00s R&B and the confidence that Lara brings to this one has her seemingly dripping in finesse from head to toe.
Blessed, "Sydney N****"
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After releasing his debut album AUSSIE BLACKSTAR Western Sydney’s BLESSED was the name in everyone’s mouth this month. Already featuring “TROUBLE” last month, I couldn’t help but pick another favourite from this project. “SYDNEY NIGGY” is the confidence-filled album closer, and what a way to go out, taking a peek into the life of one of Sydney’s flyest. BLESSED shows his cheeky, light-hearted side on this cut, using a distorted hyper-pop style of production which works effortlessly with his catchy rhythm. Make sure you listen to this on full volume, anything less and you’ll be doing yourself a great disservice.
ThatKidMaz, "Sheltered"
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Eritrean-Australian rapper ThatKidMaz returns to give us new music from his forthcoming debut EP Lil Eritrean Boy. Steaming hot off his recent Acclaim All-Stars appearance, Maz shows his pen game is endless with the captivating “Sheltered”. Over a modernised boom bap monster of a beat, Maz flexes his playful flows and razor-sharp wordplay. This introspective release explores the struggle creatives all too often face; to continue their dream, or to settle down. ‘Sheltered’ is a powerful track, and if it’s anything to go by, we can be confident that Maz’s debut EP is sure to launch him to the next level.
Vetta Borne, "Sad Girl"
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After a stellar 2021 for Vetta, we get the first taste of music this year from the Melbourne-based singer giving us the anthemic “Sad Girl”. This pick-me-up of a track is fuelled by heartbreak and dedicated to empowering those who for one reason or another are stuck in a negative mindset, and want out. On this cut, Vetta delivers her silky melodies over a funk-filled instrumental, creating a blissful and uplifting vibe from the jump. We’re only one month into winter, but with Vetta about, I just know it’s going to be a hot girl summer.
Manu Crooks, "Idols"
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In what seems like the month of returns, no return was more anticipated than that of Manu Crooks, who has kept his followers thirsty for the new-new for too long. Out of nowhere, Manu announced & then dropped A Crooks Mixtape exclusively to Soundcloud and Youtube. “IDOLS” is the track for me on the tape that really shows how captivating Manu is, and why good things come to people who wait. Flipping the classic “Cleaning Out My Closet” sample, slowing down his rhythm and adding in the flair & swagger that makes Manu one in a million makes this track a standout.
Taka Perry feat. BoySoda, "Lemonade"
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Now, I never thought I would have to do this but, when a local artist and a local artist vibe each other very much, they come together to make “LEMONADE”. In this sour-meets-sweet cut, we get the perfect combination of Taka’s electric production – filled with unpredictable twists and turns – and Soda’s soulful vocals. One thing is clear, these artists had a lot of fun making this one, from the infectious groove they created to the imaginative accompanying visuals. Sit back, sip some lemonade and enjoy this rollercoaster of a track, it’ll have you on cloud 9.
Yaz, "Northside Stepper"
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Brisbane’s Yaz flips Kanye, ups the tempo and adds a sense of freshness to the local drill scene with his banger of a release, “Northside Stepper”. Firstly, I’ve heard many a Kanye sample get completely butchered. However, with Yaz, this is not the case. Over an incredibly cold flip of Kanye’s “Stronger”, Yaz produces octane-fuelled verses and an infectious hook which seamlessly transition in and out of each other. The flow is tight, the vibes are right and it’s only a matter of time before this track blows the fuck up. Don’t sleep on this one, chuck it on and get sturdy to it.
Sailor Goon feat. Donell Lewis, "Unholy"
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Sydney R&B artist Sailor Goon lures us all in with her latest release, “Unholy” featuring fellow R&B powerhouse Donell Lewis. The title of this track says it all, as Sailor states she’s not here to play emotional games, instead opting to leave things strictly physical. The track’s feature, Donell Lewis, comes in to reinforce this message, almost in disguise as the vocals he’s producing are nothing but holy. Sailor’s swagger-fuelled hook, delivered over a bouncy beat, is incredibly sticky, and delivered with such confidence you can’t help but rewind it time and time again.
