Grizzlee Train & Angie stay atop the Amrap Charts

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.

changoTRee – #6 Amrap Regional

Ree Liddell and Ian Treloar rise from Mornington Peninsular swamps as changoTRee, to deliver their latest piece of eclectic roots-rock titled, ‘Tomorrow’. Self-described as “…hypnotic and lilting, then hitting with traces of Hendrix and shades of other guitar greats. Ian’s songs visit themes of space-junk, love, third-world rip-offs, rusted cars, politics, fun, environment; Ree’s songs ring sceptical, ironic, thoughtful, satirical, sassy, playful, humorous and compassionate”. The pair weave sounds and styles into unexpected song snaps and ‘Tomorrow’ is no exception – a spaghetti western brimming with mythos, darkness and attitude. Written and recorded in the UK, the track deals with living in the present while the ghosts of the past and even the future spin webs across your mind. Fraser Coast FM in QLD, 5GTR FM in SA and Perth’s RTR FM are all on board.

Benny Allen – #5 Amrap Regional

Based in the mountains of Melbourne’s Dandenong Ranges, Benny Allen is a seasoned performer, spending the bulk of his time in the alternative rock and indie scene – but a chance conversation with a friend recently led to an interest in country music. Known for his custom stage piano, Allen has played all kinds of stages from festivals and pubs to the back of a ute. Written after a conversation with his children about ANZAC Day, ‘We Will Remember’ is a reflection on the sacrifices made by those who have served on behalf of Australia and New Zealand in past and ongoing conflicts. Solemn and moody, the track has the feel of an old folk ballad weaved with contemporary country sounds. 3Way FM and 3MDR in Vic along with Tassie’s Tyga FM are ahead of the curve on this one.

Meg Mac – #3 Amrap Regional

Following sell out shows in the US, UK and Europe, Meg Mac is back in Australia with her new single ‘I’m Not Coming Back’. Drawn from her forthcoming album, HOPE, the track raises Mac’s gorgeous vocals over bass percussion and building keys, leading to an anthemic crescendo. Offering an insight into the song Meg says, “Everyone has a person in their life that’s only around when they need something. You only hear from them when they need you; they only call you when they’re down. So you pick them up and try to take a little pain away. But when you need them, they’re never around”. The relatable premise is heightened by Mac’s powerful song writing and some excellent production. Community stations like SA’s Fleurieu FM, Sydney’s Koori Radio and Radio Adelaide in SA are already giving this one plenty of airplay.

Atom – #9 Amrap Metro

Atom is a newish collaboration between a trio of Melbourne post-punk heavyweights including Harry Howard (Crime & The City Solution, These Immortal Souls, Pink Stainless Tail, Harry Howard & The NDE), Edwina Preston (The Moll Flanders Band, Harry Howard & The NDE) and Ben Hepworth (Repairs, Eastlink). ‘Run Out’ is the first track from their debut album, In Every Dream Home, and is an attitude driven mix of new wave and swamp punk with plenty of synthy crunch along the way. The sketchy harmonies created by the duel vocalists sets the band apart as they sit somewhere between Chrome and The Cramps, Suicide and the B52’s amid a haze of Hawkwind. As an edgy yet slick piece of true Melbourne swamp, it’s sure to be an instant classic. Brisbane’s 4ZZZ, Perth’s RTR FM and Hobart’s Edge Radio are already giving this one plenty of spins.

Leanne Tennant – #8 Amrap Metro

‘Cherry Cola’ is the latest tune from celebrated alt-blues songstress, Leanne Tennant. Poppy and expertly produced with the help of Konstantin Kersting, the track stomps out electronic percussion under Tennant’s honeyed vocals to establish something immediately unique, uplifting and bold. This is the perfect combination of old and new sounds carried by gorgeous song writing and loud, slick beats. As a recent recipient of the Carol Lloyd award, Tennant’s talents have already been recognised but rather than becoming comfortable or complacent with her sound she has stepped up and continues to push genre boundaries. ‘Cherry Cola’ is getting attention from Brisbane’s 4ZZZ, Yass FM in NSW and Hobart’s Edge Radio to name a few.

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