Tag: Conscious

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Zion Garcia Releases Epic Single “Film Star Prelude”

Campbelltown Art Centre’s Conscious Program has been elevating talent from Western Eora/Sydney for more than a year now. I’ve relished hearing the diverse acts nurtured by this program, including Zion Garcia. Through the program, Zion worked with Conscious and producer Chelsea Warner (BOY SODA, Emalia) on his epic track, “Film Star Prelude.”

“Before letting everyone in on my next era as an artist, I wanted to launch myself into the frame of mind of: ‘How can I make the biggest thing sonically that I possibly can, while still staying grounded in who I am right now?’” Zion explained.

Big is one word to describe this track. Bold and trailblazing are just a couple more. Trust me, you need to hear this.

“This was my first time really collaborating like this and Chelsea really gave me the space to explore ideas. She’s such a wizard at her craft, and I trusted her ear,” Zion recalled. “We kept going back and forth until we finished up the song you hear now. A prelude to my next body of work- Inspired by lots of ambition, and in unison, lots of delusion.”

Zion’s done some big things, such as performing at the Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid and sharing the stage with Lil Uzi Vert and Ice Spice as part of the Listen Out Sydney line-up. And surely there’s more to come. Keep an eye on Zion, because he’s definitely got a big future ahead.

Photo credit: Justin Cueno

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruu. and Chelle Tamika Team Up for “WORTH”

“WORTH”, an exciting new collaboration from African-Australian hip hop artist Ruu. and R&B act Chelle Tamika, is this year’s first release from Campbelltown Art Centre’s Conscious program. This professional development program first came to my attention when P.Smid released “WESSIDE” in 2022. It’s fabulous to hear it’s still supporting and elevating local artists.

“This song is about my experience growing up Black in South-West Sydney, being (and feeling like) the only Black person in my area and experiences on Black culture and how it has been perceived and taken advantage of as I continue to live life,” Ruu. explained. “I hope the song allows the African-Australian community to embrace their culture stronger, and brings more internal discussion and support for each other, as it is needed as the music scene in Australia continues to grow.”

If you like what he does, make sure you catch Ruu. at one of his gigs this month:

3 May 2024 – 4INTHECUT Release Party @ Burdekin Hotel, Gadigal Country/Darlinghurst
25 May 2024 – PULSE @ Botany View Hotel, Gadigal Country/Newtown

Photo credit: Jay Patel

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

P.Smid Drops Awesome New Single, “WESSIDE”

Campbelltown Art Centre’s Conscious program is delivering the goods, nurturing fresh talents like P.Smid. Otherwise known as Perrie Florian E’E’, P.Smid is a proud Polynesian artist who hopes her music will inspire other Pacific Islander youth. Her latest track “WESSIDE” articulates her hope that the Polynesian community of Western Sydney can come together and live in harmony.

“A Polynesian being by the shore is a Polynesian being in their element, and unfortunately in Australia living close to beaches is a luxury not many can afford,” she explained. “Being by the shore seemed to be the only place many of my people – who live by a postcode – set down differences and realise they are one and the same. I want my people to feel this moment and understand the violence that revolves around postcode wars and area beef is unnecessary, especially when looking at the bigger picture in life.”

While P.Smid hopes her music will inspire the next generation, she’s inspired by fellow Conscious artist A.GIRL.

“Having witnessed A.GIRL’s strong work ethic and drive, I’m inspired by her vision of Western Sydney,” P.Smid added. “I am also driven by the trials and tribulations that I have had to overcome in my life to get to where I am now.”

The Conscious program is bringing some great Western Sydney artists to the fore. I can’t wait to see who the program unearths next.

Image used with permission from Habit Music Co.; credit: Jade D’Amico

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Guy Sebastian Drops Real New Single

I was so amused by Hamish and Andy’s latest stunt, where they wrote a song in 10 minutes and handed it over to Guy Sebastian to pass it off as his latest single. Most of the radio execs fell for the ruse hook, line, and sinker, despite the song’s woeful lyrics, because frankly Guy could sing the phonebook and it’d sell. Thankfully for us all though, his new single “Bloodstone” is a whole lot better than the phonebook or Hamish and Andy’s song.

“Bloodstone” is the latest cut from Guy’s album Conscious, set for release on November 3. It hooked me in with its piano introduction and didn’t let go. Its lyrics are emotionally charged, and it’s got a great soul-pop sensibility. Guy’s vocals are also on point, but that’s nothing new.

“It’s kind of a desperate song,” Guy explained. “You’re in a relationship where you feel like everything is coming to an end and you’re just pleading to your other half.”

With quality tracks like this, you can expect Conscious to do big things on its release next week!