Everything
There is a sense of normality permeating through our everyday lives. The traffic has returned to roar past my house every morning, the bars are full (or at least as full as is legal) and a return to the workplace, albeit part time, has allowed a reconnection of a pre-pandemic era. But of course, an anxiety looms over a second wave. I feel I repeat myself each month, but a sense of escapism is needed. Alas, we’re not out of the woods yet but thanks to our creative industries, we can at least cope with what is thrown at us.
I experienced my first live gig in over six months this past week and if anything, it showed me how much live art feeds my soul. As part of the 15 person live audience, I viewed a comedy set and live performance from legendary Australian artist, Ngaiire, as part of Inside Sets. For the greater public, Inside Sets will livestream an interactive gig series through Zoom on Thursday August 20 and Saturday August 22, featuring massive Australian acts who will make their big return to the stage this week. For more information, you can head to the website here.
READ: IS THIS THE FUTURE OF LIVE MUSIC?
As for the virtual sound waves, this month has been huge for young talent. 16-year-old Australian artist, The Kid Laroi made waves in the U.S. following the release of his mixtape F*CK LOVE, which reached the top 10 on the Billboard Charts and 24-year-old, Florida-native Dominic Fike released his highly-anticipated debut album, What Could Possibly Go Wrong.
Scroll below for what ICON is listening to in August. And if you’re looking for more artists to discover, check out last month’s picks.
‘F*CK LOVE’ BY The Kid Laroi
If you don’t know the name of Redfern local, The Kid Laroi, then after his release of F*CK LOVE you certainly would have. After reaching the top 10 in the U.S. Billboard chart, the young artist also reached #3 on the ARIA album charts and #12 on the UK charts. With sounds reminiscent to superstar, Post Malone, we can expect a huge career from the Aussie.
‘WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG’ BY DOMINIC FIKE
At just 24-years-old, Florida native Dominic Fike has taken the world by storm with his blend of alternative hip-hop and pop sounds. The artist has seen huge global success this year, amassing 1 billion streams worldwide and 100M+ combined video views thanks to breakout hit, ‘3 Nights’. Following up from this success, Fike has released his highly-anticipated debut album, What Could Possibly Go Wrong. Both an apt musing for 2020 and escapist tune alike.
‘Caught In The Middle’ By Alexander 23
Alexander Glantz is the sole creative force behind Alexander 23: he writes, records, and produces everything in his self-built Los Angeles studio. On July 31, the Chicago-born creative released his new single ‘Caught In The Middle’, a heart wrenching albeit, relaxed track which spotlights an estranged love. In March 2019, he made his debut with ‘Dirty AF1s’, which premiered as Apple Music’s Bop of the Week and landed on Spotify’s highly-coveted New Music Friday playlist. His buttery tunes and sweet vocals are an all-round crowd pleaser.
‘Dreamland’ by Glass Animals
In music’s biggest comeback this year, alternative pop band Glass Animals hit the sound waves this month with funky and electronic tunes from its latest album Dreamland. Speaking to Dave Bayley on the album, he told ICON, “All the previous stuff has been about other people and kind of made up shit and now it’s just done a full 180. Heart on your sleeve, everything.”
