FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Clever References Announce New Album "All Good", will launch at famed Melbourne indie music venue The Old Bar on the 15th June 2023
Naarm (Melbourne, Australia) - April 29, 2023 - Melbourne-based independent band The Clever References are thrilled to announce the release of their highly anticipated powerpop album, "All Good," on June 15th, 2023 available on all streaming platforms and physical CDs. The album, which features 11 tracks of bubblegrunge-infused music, showcases the band's unique take on the 90s alternative spirit for modern times.
"All Good" explores themes of isolation in a digitally
connected world, the anxiety of living an online
public life, and the importance of real-world
connections. The Clever References' rise to fame began with their viral success on TikTok, amassing over 2 million views of the back of the undeniable hook of “Tell Ben Kate” while maintaining a relentless release schedule for both original music and content.
The album features a collaboration with Gallagath in his first-ever lead singing role for The Clever References, as well as a guest appearance from prog-poppers Black Dime Cabaret on the final track "Everything is Fine."
Proudly independent, The Clever References skyrocketed from the open mic scene in Naarm (Melbourne, Australia) to playing shows at legendary venues such as The Retreat Hotel and Workers Club, even touring in Adelaide.
The band is set to host a massive album launch party at the famed Fitzroy establishment The Old Bar on June 15th, 2023. The event will also introduce their new line of merch.
Band member Ababil "Ash" Ashari Winarizal (vox/guitar) shares his excitement about the album: "This is a long time coming, it's the culmination of a long dream of mine to release this batch of awesome music and more importantly, my friends."
Sam Beros (synth/vox) adds, "Ash is incredibly supportive of the rest of our musical styles and identities. I'm super appreciative of that, and I feel lucky to be in a band where everyone's really encouraged to bring their own thing to the table. In the beginning, it was pretty much Ash's melodies and chords, and we arranged around them. With the new album, we're all getting a chance to show off and take the lead at one point or another. We really do think this album is only the beginning of what we are capable of."
Although the band has been running with a new lineup since the end of 2022, with Mel taking a step back, she still actively provides input. Melisande Ricou (bass/vox) chimes in about the recording process: "The recording process was pretty easy, as we all recorded in our 'home studios' - if you can call a computer with a simple audio interface a studio, haha. It was very minimalist but gave us the freedom to record in our own time, without pressure."
Minh Huynh (bass sampler/vox) shares her perspective on joining the band as Mel's successor: "It feels like I joined at just the right time. I've always seen the band as having a positive outlook and a great care to engage with their listeners, and now that I'm on the inside... knowing how the sausage is made as it were... turns out it's not different at all. What you see is definitely what you get with this band, and that's me looking from the inside out now, haha."
Emma Keith (percussion) shares a light-hearted look back at the band's origin: "We've come a long way since forming in a music shitposting group. I remember when the band was just a cajon and an acoustic guitar, weird alt-folk thing."
Ash says, "Yeah, I'm really glad some songs from that era like Aesthetic Boys, Aesthetic Girls, and Naarm Song 1 survived till now; it really complements the newer stuff we're working with Sam and Minh really well."
Sam chimes in, "Like 'Send Me a Line?'"
Minh adds, "Don't forget 'Animal Crossing [and Literally Nothing Else -ed].'"
As The Clever References prepare for their album launch, fans and newcomers alike can look forward to a vibrant and powerful musical experience that demonstrates the band's versatility and commitment to their craft. "All Good" is a testament to the band's evolution, incorporating the unique talents of each member, and promising an exciting future for The Clever References.
To request an advance press copy of the album, details about the launch event, or to schedule an interview with the band, please contact Pranati at thecleverreferences@gmail.com
About The Clever References:
The Clever References are a Naarm (Melbourne, Australia) based independent band, consisting of Ash (vox/guitar), Sam (synth/vox), Minh (bass sampler/vox), Mel (bass/vox), and Emma (percussion). The band has gained viral fame on TikTok while maintaining exceptional musical quality. Their unique blend of powerpop and bubblegrunge captures the 90s spirit of alternative music for modern times.