Nathan Cavaleri debuts at the 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.

Immigrant Union – #5 Amrap Metro

Immigrant Union have steered further away from their Americana sound on ‘New Win’, the first taste of their forthcoming album Judas. There’s still a country twang and road-trip feel caught in its hazy rhythm, but ‘New Win’ definitely leans more on a psychedelic feel. The track is laced with a hint of sepia toned nostalgia in its songwriting. ‘Judas’ has already been described as ‘some weird ass rock album’ by the band members and if the lead single is anything to go by, we’re ready to weird out. Catch ‘New Win’ on Sydney’s FBi Radio, Radio Adelaide in SA and 4ZZZ in Brisbane.

Yibby – #10 Amrap Metro

Yibby has arrived. ‘Woah’ is the debut single from the Sydney-based hip hop artist and the title sums it up. Accompanied by some slick production full of spooky synths from snappy production duo Clockwork Odyssey, Yibby spits chaotic verses with equal parts ease and infectiousness. His rap is racing and relentless, sitting somewhere between Isiah Rashad and Andre 3000 with brash, youthful reckless abandonment. It’s overflowing with wit, observation and cheeky one-two punches. Yibby is on the forefront of something big here and community radio is representing with Sydney’s FBi Radio, Hobart’s Edge Radio and  Brisbane’s 4ZZZ all bumping ‘Woah’.

Hat Fitz and Cara – #2 Amrap Regional

High-energy duo Hat Fitz and Cara are one of Australia’s most enduring and talented roots acts. With over 10 years of festivals, touring and songwriting under their belts, the husband and wife team show no signs of slowing down. ‘Hold On’ is the lead track from their fifth studio album Hand It Over, clearing the way for what might be their most dynamic release yet. It comes in sudden and loud, its guitar-fired blues dominated by Cara’s stunning vocal range. There’s palpable electricity between the two as they belt out a folksy ballad of longing balanced with moments of ferocity and tenderness. Catch them out on the road this summer or on Triple Z in the Fleurieu Peninsula SA, Bellingen’s 2BBB in NSW and 979 FM in Melton Victoria.

Time For Dreams/Dream Kit – #2 Amrap Metro

Combining the experience and talent of celebrated Aussie artists Amanda Roff and Tom Carlyon – aka Time For Dreams – has produced something otherworldly, intelligent and brimming with hypnotic pop sounds. A little over a year out from the release of their debut album In Time, Time For Dreams have just dropped the In Time Remix EP featuring remixes of tracks from the original album by Melbourne’s most exciting electronic artists. Dream Kit, AKA producer Declan Kelly, takes on ‘Come With Me’ and warps the tune into a minimal dub jam. Roff’s ethereal vocals float amid crunchy synths and wobbly bass on this one, echoing like some lost soul in a neon abyss. Tune in and fade away on Brisbane’s 4ZZZ, Triple R in Melbourne and Mount Gambier’s 5GTR FM in SA.

Liza Ohlback – #9 Amrap Regional

Liza Ohlback brings the spirit of the south to Sydney with her romping new single ‘Mercy Train’, a showcase of her commanding stage presence and stylistic authenticity. ‘Mercy Train’ riffs on a New Orleans-inspired sound with no shortage of brass, carried along brilliantly by Ohlback’s impressive vocals and soulful harmonies. There’s a message here too, a call to help each other out and recognise that we’re all in it together. Though the track borders on gospel, it’s never preachy. Hop aboard the Mercy Train with Fraser Coast FM in Hervey Bay QLD, Bay FM in Byron Bay NSW and Radio Adelaide in SA.

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