Discover the Duality: Vermilion Records Vinyl Showcases Emerging Brisbane Musicians
Written by Madeleine Litchfield & Taj GardnerMark November 1st on your calendar for our record fair, in collaboration with Suitcase Records! At QUT’s very own Z9 block at Kelvin Grove campus, the day will be filled with performances from emerging musicians, giveaways, DJ sets, and food and beverages. Most importantly, it’s where you can get your hands on Vermilion Records’ first ever vinyl!
Founded by Neil and Kathy Wilson, Suitcase Records is Brisbane's first pressing plant. They are dedicated to innovating both in artistry and sustainability of physical media to support the future of music. This release is a celebration of locality and emerging talent.
Featuring one song from all nine of our dynamic musicians, side A of the vinyl exhibits a mellow, acoustic atmosphere, and side B serves more amplified tracks.
The Acoustic Side: Unplugged and Intimate
Side A features the artists: Samichoux, Georgia Scarlett, milliepede, Ollie Schwerin and deni. It offers a variety of soft pop, jazz and folk but is consistent in the raw, unfiltered talent.
In her review, Vermilion writer Samara Louise describes the listening experience of deni's featured track ‘slow down’ as ethereal, quoting: “if you would like to feel as if you have just been told by your grandmother that you are the princess of Genovia, this is the song for you.”
Get ready for your main character moment with Georgia Scarlett’s ‘Cursive,’ or imagine setting off on a beach holiday to the sounds of Samichoux’s ‘My New Getaway.’ Whether you're writing your manuscript at your local café with Ollie Schwerin’s ‘if you knew’ or just soaking up some acoustic gems on a moody drive, there's a track for every scene.
The Amplified Side: Electrified and Dynamic
Lose sleep with side B, collated with all intent of pushing sound to the max. Listen to the artists FevaDreams and KAMI as well as the grungier The Graveyard Club and strayfold. Expect pulse and unrefined energy - showcasing not just the vocal and instrumental talent of our Vermilion prodigy, but also highlighting the artistry behind the production work.
For a teaser, lead singer of The Graveyard Club, Aria Daniels, describes the band as “this group of dirtbag teenagers running around a graveyard, at odd hours, and they're just being shitheads.” If you want to recreate this scene, their featured track ‘Strictly Business’ is for you.
Other side B tracks don’t fall short of playing your creative chords. The addition of strayfold’s debut single ‘heartstrings’ won’t fail to confuse you in the best way possible, making you feel like you exist in limbo. You may also picture yourself staring in your own angsty musical, with KAMI’s ‘RENDEZVOUS’, or catch a late-night burst of energy with FevaDreams’ ‘LOSE SLEEP’.
Two Sides, One Vibe: Your Soundtrack for Every Mood
This vinyl isn't just a playlist - it's a clash of vibes that somehow just works. It’s got something for every mood, and every taste, pulling together genres that make our artists tick. Whether you're feeling like something lowkey or ready to crank it up a notch, this compilation’s got you covered. Who knows, you might even find the song that you didn't know you needed?
Purchase the vinyl from our merch shop.
Meet the Musos: Samichoux - Famously Full of Strange Chords
In Conversation with Madeleine LitchfieldWhy hello there, Verminions, it’s been a while! We’re pulling our Vermilion blog back out of the depths of our gig bag to give you everything you need to know about our artists, as well as Vermilion projects and events.
But first, let’s re-introduce you to the Vermilion musos themselves! In the upcoming weeks we’ll be sitting down with them and learning insights into their music backgrounds and revealing some quirks - some of which may even be a shock to their fans!
First up, Vermilion writer, Madeleine, chats with Samuel Rety, A.K.A Samichoux, whose music is best described as a mixture of funk, jazz and rock elements. His conglomeration of genres gives him a unique clean groove sound, striving for imaginative nostalgic instrumentals with smooth vocals.
Samichoux’s band is made up of other Vermilion gems: Harper Wren on keys and backing vocals, Jack Lestone on bass, and Patrick McClement on drums and percussion. Currently released is his vibrantly soothing single “My New Getaway” - a welcome addition to any study or focus playlist. Or, if you’re up for some study with an aesthetic backdrop, check out his Big Chair Concert where he performs this and an unreleased track, on our YouTube!
Now, let’s hand Samichoux the mic.
Madeleine Litchfield: What is your music background?
Samuel Rety: I think throughout my life, music has always been present. Like many people, as a young kid I took instrumental lessons. I was always a part of ensembles in school. My Father has played music all his life, so it’s always been around in our family. He was never a “pro” with continuous gigs on the go, but I can say for sure that both my parents are avid music fans.
As a young boy I listened to a lot of rock music - stuff of the time. I really liked artists like Jet, Grinspoon, ACDC, and The Police. Sting and The Police have certainly stuck around as influences and I’m sure my friends and bandmates are getting sick of me playing those songs in rehearsal. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve definitely had more of an influence from Funk music, Jazz, Soul, and a strong flavour of J-Pop and jazz fusion.
M: Describe your music style in 5 words?
S: Famously full of strange chords… No, in all seriousness probably, bright, groovy, diverse and strident.
M: What is your creative process like from writing, to drafting, to producing a song?
S: Often, of course, I need some kind of starting point whether that be a melody, a chord sequence, or a riff - just something to hook your ear onto. Something that is consistent for me throughout every song I’ve written is that I need to visualise a scene from a short piece of a story. I need to watch a character and take a lyric from it, or let it provoke a sound that I can show through harmony. I need something like that to catch my imagination. There’s a song I wrote that the band and I affectionately refer to as ‘Noir’. I wrote that after visualising a man walking on a path next to a river having a mental breakdown because he suspects that his wife is cheating on him. How I got there, I don’t know, but it sure was an inspiring scene to imagine.
M: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music that might surprise your fans?
S: I like to cook and play video games, but those things people might suspect. Maybe not a hobby anymore but it might be surprising to people - before I wanted to be a musician, I had aspirations to become a Blacksmith. Crazy.
M: What are the main tools you use in your music making?
S: Firstly, the normal array of instruments. As I’ve started playing guitar in my own band I bought an old Japanese Fender Telecaster from 1989. I really love that thing, I’d like to make some modifications to get it set up in better playing shape, but I’ve come to appreciate it compared to some others that I’ve played. As a bass player primarily, I’ve got two basses that I regularly use. Both Jazz Bass style instruments, a 4 and a 5 string, which have served all the bass playing purposes I’ve encountered so far. A while ago a friend gifted me a fretless bass which I’ve been wanting to use but haven’t found a place for. In terms of production, I use Ableton Live primarily myself. I like the interface and the intuitiveness of it. I often use Keyscape by Spectrasonics for my piano and keyboard sounds.
M: What are some songs/artists that match your music's vibe?
S: It’s a running joke but there’s some truth in it - Stevie Wonder. I take a lot of inspiration from him and people tell me it shows. I think some of my lyrics recently are a bit Sting-esque. Also, I have one very Laufey-like song called “My Little Baby”. For modern artists, I love ones who are inspired by Japanese ‘City Pop’, like Ginger Root. If you like Olivia Dean and Tom Misch, you might like my music.
M: If you could collaborate with any artist or band, who would it be and what kind of music would you want to create together?
S: If we count artists who aren’t with us anymore, probably someone with a really moving voice, like Chris Cornell, Bobby Caldwell or maybe Ella Fitzgerald or Billie Holiday.
Living artists who come to mind are Rina Sawayama, The Foo Fighters, Victoria Monet, Olivia Dean, Laufey… I’d love to be a PinkPanthress sample… Just being part of any Joe Hisaishi creation. There’s a lot! I’d also love to write with any of these people.
One thing I’ve always thought about is arranging a big fusion style piece with a rapper fronting it. I think that it’d be a really fine line of how much you can do.
M: What is an important life lesson someone gave you regarding your music?
S: I’m still relatively new to the scene but one thing I’ve learnt is that you have to be a decent person, regardless of the style you play or anything, otherwise people will just forgo you for someone else.
M: What gigs or new music do you have coming up?
S: We’re currently in the process of recording single two. It’s called ‘Rainy Feeling’ and if you’ve been to a live show you’ll know roughly what it sounds like. I promise it’ll be quite a bit more adventurous after we’re done with it though.
I’m also experimenting with making alternate versions of my songs. For example, ‘Rainy Feeling’ will have a ‘Sunny version’ that I’d love to record if we have time. I like to fantasise about people conversing over which one is their favourite, in a heated discussion about music like my friends and I do.
M: One thing you always have in a dressing room?
S: If I have the privilege of a dressing room, a space for peace before a gig; I’ll try and have a water for sure, a microfibre cloth for wiping down strings, a notebook and a pen, my satchel, and a couple of spare picks. I know my drummer likes to have a sports drink during and after the performance, so we’d have some stocked up as well.
M: What’s the story behind your stage name?
S: It’s a simple story really. Samichoux is my childhood nickname. My Father is French and calling someone “mon petit choux” is a kind of cute nickname. It means little cabbage and it’s something you’d say to a kid or a sweetheart. It’s something I’ve been called my whole life by family and close friends, so I thought there was nothing better to represent myself. Now most people who know me think my name is Samuel Choux which I’ve always thought was quite funny.
For more of Samichoux’s music, head to his Spotify and Apple Music and Vermilion’s Soundcloud.
Some more from us
Stay tuned for more get-to-know-you’s in the upcoming weeks! In other news, Vermilion’s print magazine issue 2 2024 is currently in the works! We’re so excited to bring you this edition, jam packed with exclusive insight on our Vermilion roster, as well as a special feature for our Vermilion High musicians, merch gift guides and more!
Cover image credit to @kyonosukes_photos.
Meet The Musos: Putting Milliepede Under The Microscope
In Conversation with Madeleine LitchfieldResident Vermilion writer, Madeleine, is back interviewing our artists for our second blog. Today we’re zooming in on singer/songwriter, Millie Tagney, who goes by the stage name, Milliepede! An advocate for mental health, Millie loves exploring her personal experiences with anxiety and depression, with vulnerability and truth being a central theme in her craft.
Keeping reading to gain insights on the behind the scenes of her music, as well as what drives her.
Madeleine Litchfield: What is your music background?
Millie Tagney: I've always been interested in music and did choir from primary school up until high school, but it was sort of on and off in the later years of school, as I also took up drama. I've done a couple of years of guitar, piano and vocal lessons. I even tried to learn the cello at one point but it only lasted a couple of months, but I would definitely get back into it if I had the time and money. My mum's encouragement has always helped with my musical endeavours, not to mention her funding for the aforementioned lessons and my music taste being predominantly a mix of stuff she listens to. One time I recommended Phoebe Bridgers to her, to find out she already listens to her, haha!
L: Describe your music style in 5 words?
M: Gentle, moon, tears, questions and soft.
L: What is your creative process like from writing, to drafting, to producing a song?
M: It's sort of very similar to my overall vibe… Kind of all over the place and a bit messy, but eventually comes together into something (hopefully) meaningful and nice to listen to.
I do love my handy dandy Notes app but it contains an ungodly amount of word vomit. I try to experiment with different tactics because if I don't change it up, I’ll just be staring at an empty word doc. So sometimes I'll write lyrics first, sometimes build a melodic idea, or even random chord generators and those sorts of things can help me start.
The initial idea is the hardest part though. When I have a solid idea or start, I tend to write melody, lyrics and chords simultaneously, just on my guitar tinkering a little bit and writing down ideas as I find them. The production side of things is definitely not my strong suit. I'm really lucky to be with the Vermilion team - I've actually been able to go through that process and have a lot of creative ideas that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to achieve by myself.
L: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music that might surprise your fans?
M: I'm not sure if I have any proper fans yet besides my small circle of friends right now, but people that don't really know me might be surprised that I'm just a huge nerd. It's not actually that surprising, but through my partner I've recently gotten a bit obsessed with Magic: The Gathering. I was looking everywhere for this one specific deck that was a collaboration with Doctor Who, but when I found it, it was in a bundle with three others so I just ended up getting the whole set because I wanted the Tenth Doctor’s deck so badly, hahal.
I also grew up with a PS3, and got a PS4 mid-last year. One of my big favourites from my childhood was Portal 2 and recently I've started playing Elden Ring, despite my complete lack of ability in any combat games. I also love Stardew Valley, and even though I'm a bit late, I bought Stray recently because it’s about cats and how can I say no to that?
L: What are the main tools you use in your music making?
M: Really, just my guitar and voice.
When I sit down to write I find that's the most natural thing for me. It might sound a bit airy-fairy but there's one particular guitar I like to compose on because when I write, it feels like the song was already in the guitar, like it already existed and I just sort of found it.
I do love GarageBand as well, and use a bit of Ableton but mostly stick to GarageBand because the other DAWs scare me…
L: What are some songs/artists that match your music's vibe?
M: Leith Ross, who is more of an inspiration to me, has music that's definitely the vibe I try to go for. I really love the sort of whispery and airy sound for vocals; a great example is Keaton Henson. He has some really hard-hitting pieces, and his lyrics are so poetic and beautiful, I think he even has released a few poetry books. I think that vibe is really what I aim for with my songs - something you could listen to as you fall asleep.
L: If you could collaborate with any artist or band, who would it be and what kind of music would you want to create together?
M: If it was someone alive right now, I might have to say Keaton Henson again. If it could be absolutely anyone, alive or dead, I’d definitely say Nick Drake or maybe Jeff Buckley.
There’s too many talented people in the world to choose from. I would most likely let them have the lead for creative direction but if I could write a song in one of these hypothetical situations it’d probably still be quite similar to my genre already.
L: What is an important life lesson someone gave you regarding your music?
M: Probably just a general life thing, but it doesn’t always work out. I’ve rocked up to so many gigs and auditions and completely bombed but that’s just sort of the way it is. I feel like having others acknowledge that has been really helpful for me, especially as a perfectionist with an intense fear of failure.
L: What gigs or new music do you have coming up?
M: My debut single ‘Joke to you,’ is being released September 20th.
L: One thing you always have in a dressing room?
M: Snacks! Lolly Snakes and Pringles are where it’s at.
L: What is the story behind your stage name?
M: There’s not too much of a story! I just love bugs, especially those rollie pollie ones from when I was little. I find arthropods just really cool and fascinating, plus ‘millipede’ kind of sounds like my name so I thought it was cute to put them together.
Want more?
To be the first listener of Milliepede’s debut single, ‘Joke to you’, keep an eye on the Vermilion Instagram for updates, behind-the-scenes footage and information on release gigs!
Our magazine team is in full crunch mode, typing away in the lead up to the release of our second magazine issue for 2024! While you wait, check out what our amazing social media team has been cooking up on our TikTok - Brat references guaranteed!