Live Review: Tiana Khasi, Raj Mahal, Laurel: Best Songs of The Week

Each week, we receive countless submissions of exciting new music, so we’ll be taking you through a weekly wrap up of all our favourite new tunes every Friday called #TrustedForTaste. Follow our Spotify playlist to never miss our updates!

Tiana Khasi - Whole Lotta Shine (Sampology Remix)

Two of Brisbane's finest (even though one has since moved to Melbourne) meet once again on a track, and once again deliver a slice of audible heaven. Tiana Khasi has today announced a new remix EP on the way, with a curated cast of producers and artists selected by Khasi herself to give her acclaimed 2019 EP, Meghalaya, a new life, and we have the first taste of this with a special remix by none other than Sampology. Given they're frequent collaborators and that he produced the EP in its original form, it should come as no surprise that Sampology's take on 'Whole Lotta Shine' is as glowing and joyful as it is. A masterclass in re-imagining an original and taking it to a new world entirely, Sampology delivers a percussive-led celebration of all that 'Whole Lotta Shine' is and we cannot get enough!

Raj Mahal - Glimpse (Ft. Dante.Knows)

Holding absolutely nothing back, Raj Mahal cements his reputation as a serious force in the new wave of hip hop coming out of Australia with the menacing, frenetic and booming 'Glimpse'. Teaming up with rising rapper Dante.Knows, it's a formidable cut from two artists worth keeping both eyes firmly planted on. He summed it up best in his own words when speaking about the new single, saying "Glimpse is raw and nasty, filled with authentic Carribean flavor that influenced my entire childhood, being that my parents are from Haiti and Jamaica. If you grew up as a West Indian in Boston or New York, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If this is what “commercial” Raj Mahal is capable of, then it’s not looking good for these other rappers." We completely agree.

Laurel - Scream Drive Faster

Teaming up with Chrome Sparks for this one, Laurel returns with a new alt-pop banger in 'Scream Drive Faster'. Sounding like an alt pop Stevie Nicks, its an urgent, pulsating four-to-the-floor tune bursting with energy. Laurel's vocals are bold, defiant and assertive, effortlessly meeting Chrome Sparks' production to create a driving, 80s tinged track that will give you a much-needed serotonin hit with its yearning hook. Heralding in a new era for the already globally-acclaimed star, we are very much here for this new direction.

Kapulet - Phone My Line ft Spenny

The latest rapper to emerge from Mount Druitt, Kapulet has exploded onto the scene this week with 'Phone My Line.' Tapping ONEFOUR's Spenny for an added verse, 'Phone My Line' has amassed over 140K views on YouTube in just a matter of days, proving the dancehall-infused beat and earworm hook coupled with drill is a winning combo indeed. We can't wait to hear more!

GAUCI - Heartbeat

Gadigal/Sydney based group GAUCI return with new single 'Heartbeat' and the news that their self-titled debut EP is finally on the way, due out October 16th. 'Heartbeat' is easily one of GAUCI's best songs yet, which is really saying something given how much we love them. It soundtracks that anticipation and pressure felt in the lead up to confessing your feelings to someone, and pairs heartfelt lyrics and pop-leaning vocals with GAUCI's now quintessential electronic sounds to create a total winner.

TEES - Collide

Following on from a two-year hiatus, TEES return with a sprawling, expansive 7-minute odyssey which instantly confirms the wait was more than worth it in 'Collide'. Coming alongside confirmation their debut album is on the way as well, the house-pop duo sound better than ever on this latest thumping epic, which details a carefully curated concept surrounding the end of a night out and the mystery of a chance first meeting with someone. It's captivating from the start, tapping back into the classic house sounds we've come to love from the duo while also showing the last two years have been spent hard at working refining and distilling their sound. We can't wait to hear more.

Dayliites - Diamonds

Forward-thinking producer Paces and emerging vocal talent Cloe Terare have joined forces to become Dayliites, a new duo with an aim to unite the best in lofi hip hop and modern pop. They arrive in style with 'Diamonds', a short, sweet and impressive introduction to their new project. Terare's vocals are the perfect complement to Paces' production, proving a sense of intimacy over the understated and refined beat to create a comforting, emotive listening experience. It's a promising start from these two!

Perto - I Miss You (Ft. Banoffee)

Sydney born-producer Perto and Melbourne-born LA based singer/songwriter and producer Banoffee team up for their new single ‘I Miss You’. The uplifting, off-kilter ballad was first conceived back when we weren't as confined in between Melbourne's lockdowns, and is like a glitchy, warm hug exploring a yearning for connection in these chaotic and confusing times. Banoffee's unique vocals are the perfect pairing for Perto's eclectic production with the pair bouncing off each other to create a harmonious and oh-so-fun track we all need right now.

Ex-Olympian - Penny In The Well

Melbourne's Ex-Olympian has shared a new funk-driven cut titled 'Penny In The Well', teaming up with Sam Lawrence for vocals. The song accompanies the news of Ex-Olympian's debut album set for release come October 16th, and while you may not be familiar with this particular moniker, chances are you've heard his work elsewhere. Ex-Olympian is the new project of Liam McGorry, songwriter and musician for bands such as Saskwatch and Dorsal Fins. With Ex-Olympian, he "reflects the times we all need to shift things forward into a new phase," which is something we can absolutely get behind right now.

Words by Emma Jones

Images - Tiana Khasi by Gavin Boyd (@djgavinboyd), Raj Mahal by Jordan Munns (@jordankmunns), Laurel - Supplied

LISTEN TO NEW MUSIC HERE

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