Canberra’s Genesis Owusu on top of 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.

Keeskea – #10 Amrap Metro

As Keeskea, Brisbane solo artist Vanessa Marousopoulos delivers something delicately poignant with her new offering ‘Forfeit’ and a perfect example of her talent. The track leaves plenty of room for contemplation, showcasing a tremendous use of space in its composition yet weaving together the quietude with Marousopoulos’s angelic vocal arrangements. Keeskea bares all on this one, being both reflective and reactionary and a gentle acknowledgement of the darkest moments that builds to a sweeping crescendo of resilience. Hear it for yourself by tuning into 4ZZZ in Brisbane, Mountain District Radio in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges and Sydney’s FBi Radio.

The Skelton Collective – #6 Amrap Regional

The Skelton Collective remind us to choose happy with their latest exploration of affirmation, ‘She’. The Perth-based family band are one of those rare contemporary acts that remain positive, upbeat and joyful in their sound without leaning on cliché or overproduced crescendos. ‘She’ is brimming with inspiration, stripped back in its arrangement and working on layered vocals with a boppy piano accompaniment. This is optimistic indie-pop at its purest, a singalong the whole family can enjoy that carries an important message. Smile along with the Skelton Collective on Tyga FM in the Derwent Valley, Tasmania, Voice of the Avon in WA and Bankstown’s 2BACR in Sydney.

Matt Hsu’s Obscure Orchestra – #6 Amrap Metro

Multi-instrumentalist Matt Hsu showcases his musical mastery with some help from some of the brightest and most relevant voices in Aussie hip hop for ‘In Colour’. It’s a timely exploration of intersectionality, being of mixed race and growing up in two worlds via Australia’s cultural borders. Hsu created the track using 15 folk instruments including accordion, clarinet, trombone, marimba and mandolin. The result is something earthy, quirky and upbeat complimented perfectly by some smooth, soulful vocals and slick verses from activist-poet Aurora Liddle-Christie and rap virtuosos Blaq Carrie, as well as Elijah Hadfield, AKA Mister E. Hear more from Matt Hsu’s Obscure Orchestra in his home town on 4ZZZ in Brisbane, Sydney’s FBi Radio and KCR FM in Perth.

Young Robin – #3 Amrap Regional

Young Robin continue to move at an exhilarating pace, surpassing anticipated expectations with each leap forward. The Perth-based five-piece have an innate knack for hooks, moving somewhere between dreamy indie-rock and dance floor anthems. ‘Spaces’ is the perfect reflection of their home town: a blissful, summery delight led by delay-soaked guitar and the effortlessly smooth vocals of Jed Begho and Ben Teune. If this isn’t the perfect tune for summer at the beach, we’re sure Young Robin will be able to serve up another in no time! Tune in and tune out on Radio Adelaide in SA, Bay FM in Byron Bay, NSW and Perth’s RTR FM.

Valentina Brave – #5 Amrap Regional

Valentina Brave serves up and unapologetic rock bomb, reminiscent of a 70’s Betty Davis-style cooker on her latest single, ‘I Met A Man’. It’s a heavy, crunchy war cry lead by tough distortion and Brave’s perfectly suited full-bodied vocals. Bold and soulful, Brave is no stranger to the spotlight, having shared the stage with the likes of Michael Franti, Jackson Browne and Juanes as a Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival favourite. Her commanding stage presence has been met with an overwhelming response from audiences and fellow artists alike. If ‘I Met a Man’ is anything to go by, there’s no doubt we’ll be hearing plenty more from the powerhouse vocalist very soon. Hitch a ride in Persepone’s Ute and switch the dial to Bellinger Valley’s 2BBB in NSW, Radio Adelaide in SA and Heritage FM in Gosnells, WA.

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