Trusty Chords

• Episode 77: JP Jakonen – Cliff Barnes

  I'm going to go out on a limb here and say this – the chances are very good that you do not know my guest today. In fact, I hadn't even heard about my guest until just a few months ago.That all changed back in June when I played a show in Ruovesi, Finland, on whose line-up the band Cliff Barnes could also be found.Also hailing from the gorgeous country that is Finland, Cliff Barnes is the sort of band that any self-respecting lover of '90s rock should familiarise themselves with immediately. Fuzzy, raucous, and energetic, fans of Dinosaur Jr. will undoubtedly recognise some parallels with their sound, while folks who enjoy their music loud and laden with hooks will be well-catered to.When I caught Cliff Barnes live, I left with a copy of their debut album, 'Free Flyin',' which arrived in 2023 – roughly 25 years since the group had first formed and begun making music. Truly, you'd do well to check them out, especially given that I've been unable to stop recommending them to friends since I heard them.I also left that show with a definite need to chat to JP Jakonen, the founder, guitarist, and vocalist of Cliff Barnes, who – away from his time in the music world – should be called Dr JP Jakonen, with his professional career seeing him serve as a prolific author due to his specialties in the fields of philosophy, psychology, and religion.So that's exactly what I did recently. I called up JP to have a chat about his myriad musical projects, the work of Cliff Barnes, and to gain a bit of an insight into what he does for a day job.Anyway, have a listen to Cliff Barnes' 'Free Flyin',' have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

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• Episode 76: Daniel Devlin – The Belair Lip Bombs

  There's a very good chance that one of Australia's next big rock bands is going to be The Belair Lip Bombs.Hailing from Frankston in Victoria, The Belair Lip Bombs aren't exactly from a massive musical metropolis, but that hasn't stopped them thriving.First formed in 2017, the quartet issued a pair of EPs ahead of their 2023 debut album, 'Lush Life,' which arrived to widespread acclaim. Since then, things have been looking up even more for the group, with an appearance at the South By Southwest music conference garnering the attention of Jack White's Third Man Records label, and seeing the group become the first Australian outfit signed to the iconic stable.Since then, their profile has only grown, and with the release of last week's 'Again' album, it's clear The Belair Lip Bombs are well on their way to global prominence.This week, I was lucky enough to chat with drummer Daniel Devlin, who joined to discuss the group's rise to fame and the sounds and influences of their latest album.Anyway, have a listen to The Belair Lip Bombs' 'Again,' buy a ticket to their upcoming tour, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

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• Episode 75: Georgia Knight

  If you're not yet a card-carrying member of the Georgia Knight club, then you're in prime position to change your life.Originally from Melbourne, Georgia Knight has been part of the music world for some years now, having made a public debut with her solo material back around 2019.As she continued to write and record, Georgia shared more music until the release of her 'Hell On Bent Street' EP, showcasing a truly stellar approach to her musical craft which is probably best described as indie rock with elements of folk thrown in.Since then, things have been a bit quiet. While Georgia recorded a full album around 2023, and while she's played plenty of shows since, we've been waiting to hear new music for some time, with that drought set to end this week with the release of 'Beanpole.'A truly gorgeous album which shows a darker vibe to her already-impressive music, Beanpole is one of those albums you can't just listen to once, with its cinematic vibes and elements of trip-hop and avant-garde instrumentation enticing you to pop the headphones on and give it more of your time.I was lucky enough to catch Georgia a few times at BIGSOUND in Brisbane this year, and it's become crystal clear she's well on her way to becoming one of the country's most exciting musical exports.That's exactly why I made sure that I needed to have a chat with her for the podcast this week, which I did when she called in from her car in New Zealand for a lengthy discussion on music, social anxiety, and a love of great songwriters.Anyway, have a listen to Georgia Knight's 'Beanpole,' buy a ticket to her upcoming launch show, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

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• Bonus Episode 6: Our Carlson

  If you've been paying attention to the Australian music scene in recent years, there's a good chance you may have come across the enigmatic majesty that is Our Carlson.Having got his start in the hardcore world over two decades ago, Carlson has spent the past few years cementing himself as a commanding figure within the world of electronic music, describing his work as "trauma doof from The Peoples Poet."In 2021, his 'A Bit Much' EP gave punters a taste of what was to come, with passionate lyricism and stellar compositions fast winning over audiences. Meanwhile, 2023's follow-up, 'A Bit 2 Much,' continued the trend, and gave us a further taste of what was still to come.This year, he's released the full-length record, 'OC Spray,' a collection of nine tracks that showcase his musical diversity and myriad lyrical focuses. Alongside doof beats and eclectic production, you can even find elements of hyperpop and raw, stark vulnerability. It's a hell of a record, and one you definitely need to hear.Alongside the recorded music, however, Carlson also uses his position to champion the causes that matter. Whether it's the likes of calling out strobes at shows, or campaigning for Indigenous rights, a free Palestine, or the rights of the LGBTQI+ community, Carlson is a man with many focuses at any given time.This week, I was lucky enough to catch up with him again and have a chat about the new record, and everything that's gone on over these past few years.Anyway, have a listen to Our Carlson's 'OC Spray,' have a listen to our chat, buy a ticket to his current tour, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

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• Episode 74: Gareth Liddiard – The Drones, Tropical Fuck Storm

  Ask anyone, and there's a good chance that many Australian music fans will describe Gareth Liddiard as one of the pillars of this country's music scene.For Liddiard, his musical career began back in the '90s, entering this creative world alongside the formation of The Drones, who are often regarded one of Australia's most revered bands. Alongside numerous albums and myriad live performances, The Drones took home awards like the inaugural Australian Music Prize, while 'Shark Fin Blues' was voted the best Australian song by contemporary songwriters.While The Drones would enter a hiatus of sorts in 2016, Liddiard has kept at it, forming Tropical Fuck Storm the following year. Since then, that's been his main project, though he's also dabbled with Springtime alongside luminaries Chris Abrahams and Jim White.Weird, discordant, and ever-arresting, Tropical Fuck Storm this year released 'Fairyland Codex,' their fourth studio album, and first full-length record since 2021. It's a stellar album, and one they're about to head out on the road to support with an Australian tour.This week, I was lucky enough to speak to Gareth Liddiard once again, funnily enough, just a day after 'Fairyland Codex' nabbed a spot as a finalist for the Australian Music Prize.Anyway, have a listen to Tropical Fuck Storm's 'Fairyland Codex,' buy a ticket to their upcoming tour, have a listen to our chat, and I’ll see you at the end of the episode for some general housekeeping.

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