Live Review: Genesis Owusu, Sycco, Tasman Keith: Best Songs of The Week

20 November 2020 | 12:19 pm | Emma Jones

A whole stack of new tunes for you to sink your teeth into including fresh singles from Genesis Owusu, Sycco, Tasman Keith, Alice Skye and more.

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!

Genesis Owusu - The Other Black Dog

There is no one doing it like Genesis Owusu. He continually elevates not only his own craft but that of everyone else around him with his forward-thinking, progressive and conscious brand of hip hop, and continues to prove he's not just on a different wavelength to his peers, he's on his own planet completely. 'The Other Black Dog' is yet another slam dunk for the creative, and is one of his finest releases yet. He said of the single, "The track explores the internal struggle between a hopeful spirit of endurance, and a gnashing black hole of ugliness. One is me, and the other is also me." Taken from his forthcoming album out in March 2021, this single is a real moment for the rising artist, kicking off Genesis Owusu season with style.

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Sycco - Germs

Off the back of one of this year's best Like A Version's, Sycco continues her brilliant run this year with another new single titled 'Germs'. Released alongside the news she's now signed to Future Classic, there's clearly even bigger things to come from this rising star and we cannot wait. 'Germs' is another switch up again for her stylistically, exploring new sonic territory while still maintaining those now quintessential Sycco hallmarks including an insatiable groove and her striking vocals. It's a total winner from one of our favourites of this year!

Tasman Keith - Confident

Off the back of two sold-out shows in Sydney and the 2020 J Award for Best Australian Music Video Of The Year, Tasman Keith returns with a muscular and self-assured new single, aptly titled 'Confident'. Showing he's well and truly found his feet after an impressive rise with his 2018 EP, Mission FamousKeith is back for more with the announcement of a new mixtape on the way due out December 11. Evoking that of Kendrick LamarTasman Keith leaves it all out on the table with one of his most ambitious releases yet, and pulls it off in true style.

Alice Skye - Stay In Bed

Naarm-based Wergaia / Wemba Wemba woman Alice Skye releases her eagerly anticipated follow up to her earlier single 'Grand Ideas' with 'Stay In Bed'. Once again working with Jen Cloher, 'Stay In Bed' is one of Skye's most intimate songs yet, taking a genuine and gentle look at times she and a friend were both struggling with depression. Steadily evolving into an uplifting anthem of support, this song is a testament to Skye's ability as a storyteller and songwriter, positioning her as one of Australia's brightest names.

Kymie - Name Ft. Kwame

Kymie is one of the most underrated artists in the country, but hopefully with this latest release that changes. Linking up with frequent collaborator and good pal Kwame (who is also at the top of his game right now with his own exceptional record), 'Name' is a seductive, refined, and wholly impressive release from an artist who continues to shine so bright. Kymie's relentless work ethic and ambition make for a formidable combo, and when paired with downtempo and silky smooth RnB sounds like this, its also a winning one.

Nyxen - Nightmare

Right in time for summer, Nyxen makes a triumphant return with 'Nightmare'. A fusion of her indie roots and her love of electronic and dance music, it's a propulsive, racing and powerful new single which unveils more and more of itself with each listen. It's the first single from her forthcoming album and also celebrates the launch of her newly minted record label “Tank Top Records”, so we can't wait to hear what's still to come.

The Vision - Satisfy Ft. Ben Westbeech, Honey Dijon & Andreya Triana

If there is one song we will have on repeat this summer, it's this one. The Vision recruit Ben Westbeech, Honey Dijon and Andreya Triana for 'Satisfy', a total jam which touches on disco, classic house and funk. It's taken from their self-titled new album which is jam packed with good vibes, escapist dance bliss and lots and lots of fun to take us right through the warmer months ahead. Dancing's back on for some of us, and this song is the way.

Ali Barter - Twisted Up

It's been about a year since the release of her second album, and this week Ali Barter returns with more so-relatable-it-hurts indie pop goodness for us to laugh and cry to. Titled 'Twisted Up', it's an anthem for all of us making stupid decisions and rocking out anyway despite them. Barter's fusion of her sickly-sweet vocals and confessional, punk lyrics have always struck a nerve with her fans and this latest single all about feeling weird af in a weird af time couldn't have come at a better time.

Mildlife - Automatic (Jono Ma Descend Mix)

Jagwar Ma's Jono Ma has been tapped alongside cosmic troubadors Psychemagik for a special remix package of the title track from Mildlife's recent album, Automatic. Turning it into a 7+ minute odyssey, Ma's take sees a considered and measured approach to the rework, venturing further into outer space for a mind-bending journey we don't want to end. The forward thinking mind of Jono Ma combined with the intergalactic jazz-infused foundations of Mildlife was always going to be a pairing we could get down with, and this does not disappoint.

Romero - Troublemaker

Coming in the form of some cathartic power-pop, Melbourne's Romero kick down the door with 'Troublemaker'. Sitting somewhere between 70s/80s pop punk like Blondie and early 00s/10s electro thrash pop like Gossip or Le Tigre, it's electric, punchy, soulful and anthemic. The band also announced proceeds from 'Troublemaker' Bandcamp purchases will go towards Pay the Rent, so even more reason to support this rising act worth keeping an eye on.

Stevie Jean - Graduation

Darwin singer-songwriter Stevie Jean has dropped a new anthem for the strangest of senior years, ‘Graduation’. Penned by Stevie after reflecting on her own experiences moving out of high school just two short years ago, it's a no-holds-barred, gritty and relatable song which examines the fine line between fun and taking things too far. Stevie's incredible vocals are on full display here, taking the song's message to a whole new level with her passionate delivery and really bringing things home in the final hook.

Words by Emma Jones

Images: Genesis Owusu by Bec Parsons, Sycco - Supplied, Tasman Keith by Shanks

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