Ayla rockets to #1 on the Amrap Regional Chart

Community radio shows a huge amount of support for Australian music, with almost 40% of music played coming from local artists. Taste-making presenters excel at giving airtime to an incredible spread of what Aussie artists have to offer. The Amrap Metro and Amrap Regional Charts provide insight into what’s getting airplay and attention on community radio each week. Here’s the lowdown on some tunes charting this week.

Ayla – #1 Amrap Regional (pictured above)

Ayla showcases her stunning vocal capabilities on latest offering ‘Small Talk’, an emotionally charged rumination of a sad goodbye. No stranger to acclaim, Ayla’s had a huge couple of years since her breakout in 2014 and has been honing her craft in front of audiences here and abroad ever since. The Queensland songstress returns to reveal the maturation of her sound with a heartbreaking farewell. Her storytelling capabilities take centre stage on this one – yearning lyrics are highlighted by minimal production as low key drums and guitar act as vessels for her voice. Reminisce with Ayla by switching to Noosa FM in Queensland, Bay FM in Byron Bay, NSW and Fleurieu FM in SA.

Miss Blanks ft. Dugong Jr – #10 Amrap Metro

Here comes Miss Blanks, throwing some shade on your summer with ‘This Bitch’. The Brisbane artists oozes deliberate pettiness offset with overt charm, ably assisted by Dugong Jr on the beat. Devilish in its dismissal of the haters, the G-Funk laden tune might come across as a simple diss-track, but upon closer inspection, becomes Blanks’ affirmation of self and reclamation of language often used against her. ‘This Bitch’ is arguably Miss Blanks’ best material yet, riddled with audible eye rolls and spicy lyrics, most of which she freestyles straight into the mic. Hear what else Miss Blanks has to say by tuning into 4ZZZ in Brisbane, FBi Radio in Sydney and RTR FM in Perth.

Girl York – #6 Amrap Metro

Hailing from Perth, Girl York are another fine addition to the steady stream of fine indie-esque acts coming out of Western Australia over the last year. The three-piece distinguish themselves with an ever increasing sense of hope in their existential sound. ‘Lost At Sea’ is the latest teaser from their forthcoming project, Dreaming In 505, and sets the tone for what’s to come: a summer we might already be nostalgic for. Girl York combine the best parts of 90s grunge and dreamy shoegaze to explore themes of isolation and loss of connection while offering a comforting warmth and reassuring light amongst the fuzz. It’s not particularly surf-like but somehow reflects the immensity of the ocean with the shore just in sight. Dive in and float away on Radio Adelaide in SA, Nambucca Valley Radio in NSW and Perth’s RTR FM.

Montaigne – #8 Amrap Regional

Brutally personal, vulnerable, and at the same time fiercely bold, Jessica Cerro, AKA Montaigne, continues to establish herself as one of Australia’s most distinctive lyricists. ‘For Our Love’ is a stark and intimate example of what to expect from the Sydney star’s upcoming sophomore album set for release in 2019. The track has lyrical ties to the dysfunctional relationship documented in her 2016 breakthrough hit ‘Because I Love You’. This time around, Montaigne is experimenting with sound, bringing forward chiming 80’s synth-pop and stripping away all the niceties with clever, defiant song writing. The result is something far darker than her previous work tied together with a catchy, melodic chorus. Montaigne has been striking chords with presenters at Radio Adelaide in SA, Sydney’s FBi Radio and 2EAR in Eurobodalla, NSW.

Dirt Hand – #8 Amrap Metro

Melbourne’s Dirt Hand (Arun Robert) delves headfirst into the improvisational band process that defines his sound with something reminiscent of multiple beating hearts, over paced and off kilter to make for one moody tapestry. ‘LION’ is a treat for those who steer towards the swampy gothic ends of Nick Cave or Leonard Cohen. There’s a hypnotic poetry in Robert’s baritone delivery, backed by chaotic percussion, bass and brass. All the rhythmic elements gain momentum in a crazed fashion, pulling together at the appropriate moments to form a fierce yet solemn eulogy. This is one for the backroads, the alleyways and the dimly lit bars. Hunker down in the dark and turn the dial to Hobart’s Edge Radio, BBB FM in the Barossa Valley, SA and Perth Hill’s KCR FM.

See the full Amrap Charts at www.airit.org.au.

The Amrap Charts show the Top 10 tracks ordered for airplay by community broadcasters through the Amrap’s AirIt music distribution service. Amrap is an initiative of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia which distributes new Australian music to community radio stations nationwide & empowers broadcasters to promote new Australian music on air & online.