Best of the Best This Week

Dear Trespassers,

Welcome to what we hope will be your new fave weekly music fix. As this is my first week, first issue, and first attempt at being a music editor, I best introduce myself. My name is Alyssar…and that is pronounced Alice- R not Alissa. Most people, however, call me Dee. So for the purposes of not confusing everyone, you can all call me Dee too. I am a fan of all things music, am an Aquarius, prefer dogs over cats and I wish I sung, looked and moved like Beyonce…however I don’t come close. I have a degree in Psychology and a (soon to be finished) Diploma in Marketing majoring in Entertainment and Music Management. My ultimate dream would be to own a large record label and be responsible for the unearthing of fresh talent. In manner of a mini version of that dream, this section will aim to alert you all to the latest, greatest and current Trespass music obsessions. We are not biased or genre-ists and we will endeavour to showcase a cross section of different styles and genres. If you would like to share your latest obsession with us, whether it be a song, album, a gig review, or you know a band or artist that should be thrust onto the Trespass stage – please get in contact. Music is meant to be shared!

Local CD on High Rotation – Curiouser by Kate Miller-Heidke

Kate Miller Heidke is a prime example of some of the cool, quirky talent in our own backyard. Her second studio album, Curiouser is a collection of playful, witty and emotional songs, each with their own individual message and sound. Her classically trained vocals are dazzling and she showcases her range by tip-toeing into an almost operatic sound at times. Lucky enough to see her perform live, I have witnessed the effect she has on a rowdy music crowd – people become mesmerised by her unique sound and endearing personality. This album has it all and is Trespass’s fave local album of the week.  

Stand out tracks -

Can’t Shake It

Caught in the Crowd

God’s Gift to Women

Local Single on High Rotation – Coca Cola by Little Red

Love it because of its old school feel, its killer harmonies and bouncing bass lines. Beach Boys for Gen Y anyone?

International CD on High Rotation – Hope for the Hopeless by Brett Dennen

Self confessed fan John Mayer sums it up perfectly…Brett “paints gorgeous pictures, musically’. You will not be disappointed with Dennen’s third studio album, released on the back of his recent Australian tour. Hope for the Hopeless draws you in with Brett’s earnest lyrics and distinctive vocals. This super tall red head has a unique ability to put words to indescribable emotions. Hope for the Hopeless has a timeless quality and everyone will relate to at least one track, whether it is about love, heartbreak or the pursuit of peace.

Stand out tracks –

Make you Crazy ft Femi Kuti

Closer to You

Wrong About Me

International Single on High Rotation – Maybe I’m Wrong by BC Jean

Love it because this modern day Janis Joplin strikes the perfect balance between raspy and smooth vocals. And it’s hard to resist a song that captures the essence of crushing.

We interviewed BC Jean, check it out here.

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If you’re stuck for something to do, or hanging out for some quality live music, here is a handful of great gigs happening Australia-wide this week.

Gigs to Catch

Sydney – Tim Freedman, 5th December, The Vanguard

Melbourne – Greasers, 4th December, The Evelyn

Brisbane – The Rooftops, 5th December, Queensland Performing Arts Centre

Perth – MGMT, 6th December, Belvoir Valley Amphitheatre

Adelaide – Jayne-Anne Power, 4th December, Higher Ground

So that’s me for the week. Album and gig reviews will pop up throughout the week from our wonderful contributors, and I’ll be back next week with more top picks. I want to encourage all the music writers out there to get in touch with me if you are interested in writing for Trespass, or even if you’ve just got a tip you want to pass my way.

Until next time,

Dee.

About Alyssar Helweh

Alyssar Helweh works in a music booking agency, spent time as our Music Editor and has done a stint as a band manager. She has a background in Psychology and a wealth of knowledge regarding the human race. Whether this is because of her Psychology degree or her years spent in retail, is unknown. With a Diploma in Marketing, majoring in Entertainment and Music Management, she is fully equipped to unearth fresh sounds on the music scene, something she takes great delight in doing. A proud Newcastle Knights supporter and obsessive fragrance collector, she plans on retiring early and trotting the globe…a plan that may require inventing something or robbing a bank. Either one. She has a soft spot for bad reality TV, enjoys red wine, is an Earl Grey tea fan, owns a ridiculous amount of dresses and would like to be fluent in five languages by the time she's forty.