5 UNDER 500: March Edition

A lot of acts that you read about on music websites - the hot/upcoming/buzz-worthy articles - come from a press release, with the authors sent a lot of awesome new music and having to sift through for the good stuff. With that in mind we thought we'd go on a little hunt through the online realm to try and find a few acts that haven't broken over the 500-Like mark (because like it or not, the number of FB likes you've accrued can play a role in the amount of online love you'll receive). So we hope 5 UNDER 500 will bring to your attention a few emerging acts, who are under 500 likes on Facebook, and whose sounds we are very much digging.

Mel Jackson - Gone

Mel Jackson has been releasing a steady stream of songs from her own solo career but Gone is her most striking to date. Her vocals don't so much as hide behind her instruments but rather lays themselves bare. In a way it calls to mind the striking vocals of Liana La Havas because regardless of the differing instruments Jackson and Havas use they both have the ability to put their voice to the front. Which may seem in itself something obvious to do but it's rarely done and when it is it grabs your attention much like Gone does. 

Follow Mel Jackson: FACEBOOK

Cherry - Refuge For Millions

Cherry's Refuge For Millions might not capture you in the first minute or so with it's spoken word aspect preaching about happiness, and if that isn't your thing then keep listening anyway because it gradually morphs into an experimental-techo based track that loops on. It's actually rather soothing and can help you gently relax. furthermore, Cherry is a co-founder of a collective called SG Syndicate which is based in Singapore, I accidentally came across while at Laneway and was intrigued by the presence of local acts over the predominate American / British line-up. Syndicate describe themselves as, "Singapore's foremost forward-thinking audiovisual collective and independent record label. With an ethos focused on experimentation and self-expression..." And to take a moment I'd also like to highlight the problematic issue of little is known about South-East Asian music scene in Australia because it's abundantly clear there is one. Now sure the language barrier is an issue but it alone shouldn't prevent a greater development of relations with the South-East Asian music scene. So if you've enjoyed Cherry's work then I really recommend checking out the rest of Syndicate. 

Follow Cherry: WEBSITE / VIMEO

Al Kelly - Indecision

Al Kelly, based in Denver has been slowly dropping out trap-orientated tracks and with the release of his debut EP The Gate the sonic direction has changed slightly. If anything the EP as a whole is more reminiscent of Sable but far more happy and playful. For me the standout track is  Indecision which is centred around a flute and a vocal sample initially that seems as light as plump clouds blowing in the wind. Over time the track is gradually layered over but it never loses its lightness even when the bass kicks in. 

Follow Al Kelly: FACEBOOK 

Mack Harrison - Do Without

House music as a whole is often stacked with highly repetitive album artworks, which isn't to say they're bad in as such just not very refreshing, Mack Harrison has bucked the trend of this by creating rough, almost deconstructed drawings to reflect the minimalist nature of his music. The track that stood out to me was Do Without, a raw, progressive track that is littered with vocal samples that waft in and out and a thumping bass. If anything the stripped back nature of it, the lack of pretence makes it so much easier to enjoy. If you're interested in Harrison's artworks alongside his music then I'd definitely recommend scrolling through his IG which is linked below...

Follow Mack Harrison: INSTAGRAM

Balki x joe b. - The Rose

And to wrap up the month I've got some Hip-Hop for you out of a collab between joe b. and Balki, we don't have enough Hip-Hop on the 5 under column as it is so I'm happy to include this. Particularly if you're a fan of Goldlink but you like a little extra oomppph with your raps. The Rose opens with an off-kilter beat but because it breathes for long enough it eases you into the feel of the song, fitting the relaxed atmosphere. Then joe b. comes in to reflect on change in his life and, surprisingly, instead of just wrapping there's a refreshing aspect of singing too it. 

Follow Balki: FACEBOOK

Follow joe b.: FACEBOOK

Mel Jackson has been releasing a steady stream of songs from her own solo career but Gone is her most striking to date. Her vocals don't so much as hide behind her instruments but rather lays themselves bare. In a way it calls to mind the striking vocals of Liana La Havas because regardless of the differing instruments Jackson and Havas use they both have the ability to put their voice to the front. Which may seem in itself something obvious to do but it's rarely done and when it is it grabs your attention much like Gone does.