DREAMS: Daniel Johns + Luke Steele (of Empire of the Sun)

So this is a new band/project with Daniel Johns of Silverchair, The Dissociatives and most recently a solo career.

I am unsure exactly how I feel about their music from hearing these 1st 2 tracks, "No One Defeats Us" certainly is catchy and energetic while being a bit electronic. And "Silence" also uses a lot of atmosphere and electronics.

I only stumbled on this per looking for information about The Dissociatives.

I guess No One Defeats Us vocally is quite different for Daniel Johns, assuming he's singing. The vocals almost remind me of some of the college rock from the 2000's. Or Capital Cities in a way.

"Silence" we hear vocals from Daniel Johns that is more familiar sounding, but still different.

I suppose this is a wait-and-see, and it is nice that he is making music regardless. The Dissociatives EP that was mentioned 3 or 4 years back from Paul Mac may never happen. And Daniel's solo record unfortunately didn't do a ton for me sadly with his Pop/Soul/R and B direction.

Empire of the Sun I know the name and the movie, but can't claim to have heard a lot of their music. If I enjoy this, I may have to look into it.

There's an interview they did when they played at Coachella, which I will check out likely tomorrow. I guess they mention something about a debut album.




***Disclaimer is included per the visuals and seizures.**** Blurry images, etc. I only watched a few seconds, and just listened.



https://www.facebook.com/noonedefeatsus/

Daniel Johns: Brief Video on leaving Silverchair

Not really a lot of info, or surprising reason why, but I suppose it's good to hear him answer the question.

I wish the interviewer asked him about The Dissociatives though.

The bit about 200 songs/song ideas lost in an old phone is a little unsettling, but woulda, coulda, shoulda, fate, etc.

I'm only luke warm about Talk at this point.

Daniel Johns 2014: Solo Record and more

1/16/14 10:44PM

Here's the track "Impossible (Ft Daniel Johns)" from Hip-Hop artist 360.

I'm a bit torn; on 1 hand, the dubstep can be at times rather repulsive, and even some of the rapping. But overall, the piece kind of works, namely the parts with Daniel and the layering. It kind of reminds me of "Queen (ft. Erykah Badu)" by Janelle Monae. Combining hip-hop with rock and other instrumentation can work, if you get talented people doing it.

Am I excited to hear more from 360 and this, especially compared to his solo record and The Dissociatives? of course not. But just on 1st impression, this isn't too bad.



11/20/13 5:40PM
Thanks to a user on the Incubus Fans forum, a couple of stories were shared and it provides some more about how 2014 looks to be a pretty big year for Daniel Johns.



News source/story

“Daniel’s making a solo record, it’s looking extremely likely that it’ll be out next year.”

2nd story, which includes a lot about Lorde, lol

The debut solo outing for the rock frontman was first flagged back in 2011 around the time the group decided to call it quits. It was suggested at the time by a number of sources close to the band that Daniel Johns may release a solo album using material that was intended for the next Silverchair album, which the three-piece had been working on before the group fell apart.

“Johns was doing nearly all of the recording with bassist Chris Joannou and drummer Ben Gillies only present in the studio when called upon by Johns to lay down tracks,” a source told The Daily SPA at the time. “With the material, dictated almost wholly by Johns, moving in a new direction—reportedly both more thematic and stripped back in parts—at one point there were enough tracks to release a double album, an idea that was being considered by the Silvechair parties.”

So for 2014 is appears Daniel Johns will potentially be:

1) Releasing his 1st? solo record
2) The Dissociatives comeback single/ep (or LP? even)
3) Appearing on Kimbra's new record along many other guests
4) Appearing on 360's new album

But it sounds like Silverchair getting together is still unlikely next year or anytime soon.

His career/Silverchair is starting to remind me of Steven Wilson/Porcupine Tree a bit.

The Return of The Dissociatives in 2014?

What if I told you The Dissociatives had just got out of the studio? A special one off is coming your way. Stand by!
https://twitter.com/thepaulmac/status/394290351176814592
http://criticalwave.co.uk/paul-mac-announced-new-the-dissociatives-song-with-daniel-johns/

That's a post from Paul Mac's twitter last weekend.

Hell Fucking Yeah I say! The Dissociatives, the electronic-power-pop duo who made a really refreshing Self-Titled debut record that was released in 2004, with a new record, it'll be sort of a decade-reunion record of sorts.

The hipsters can pine for their Neutral Milk Hotel and The Postal Service reunion records (they both got live reunions anyway), and of course the short-lived ass-kissing of the return of My Bloody Valentine earlier this year.

But sorry, this reunion/return (whether a song or 2, an EP, or more) will hopefully mean a lot to many because for one, Daniel Johns activity has been only spotty since Silverchair's extended hibernation (although he should show up somehow on Kimbra's next LP at least). And Paul Mac, I have no clue actually, what he has done. I thought he may have done some solo work of his own, or session stuff.

But I remember in 2007 when I discovered Silverchair and this album from the help of Frank, from Fair to Midland's management, hoping, almost expecting more music coming soon. And I even recall on Myspace and their or Paul's forum, some rumors/mention.

Anyway, The Dissociatives are to me, 1 of the best examples of blending Power-Pop with other styles, since Jellyfish really. I'd put them with The New Pornographers as my favorite acts to come out in the last 10-15 years. And I always have felt they could expand, improve, extend more of what they did on that 2004 LP. Even when you listen to both Silverchair records between it, you can hear some areas where Daniel Johns may have taken them (while still being distinguishable from Silverchair).

But, this is awesome news, and another big return/reunion coming in 2014, along with Subterranean Masquerade, Kaddisfly (if not 2013), and some others.

Silverchair on "Indefinite Hibernation"

facebook note

We formed Silverchair nearly 20 years ago when we were just 12 years old. Today we stand by the same rules now as we did back then ... if the band stops being fun and if it's no longer fulfilling creatively, then we need to stop.Therefore after much soul searching we wanted to let you know that we're putting Silverchair into "indefinite hibernation" and we've decided to each do our own thing for the foreseeable future.We assure you that this decision has not been taken lightly. In fact we've been struggling with it for quite a while now.Back in 2009 we went into the studio to start work on a record. Initially things were going well and as a result we did some shows in 2010 to maintain creative momentum. However, over the months that followed in the studio it became clear to us that we were moving in different directions. Despite our best efforts over the last year or so, it's become increasingly clear that the spark simply isn't there between the three of us at the moment.As a result we've decided to put the band into 'a deep sleep' while we all do other things that we find more inspiring right now. This means that Silverchair won't be making music together or playing shows any time soon. It also means that the three of us won't be working together unless and until it feels right again.We understand some of you may be disappointed by this news but we really see it as a liberating and positive step for us at this point in our lives.We also want to make it really clear that this decision has been made with the best possible intentions. We've always tried our hearts out to make the best music we could possibly make at the time - regardless of commercial consequences.The three of us still truly care about each other. At the moment Ben’s busy in the studio recording his own music, Chris is working on various business, musical and charitable ventures while Daniel is creating a film soundtrack and working on other musical projects. We hope you'll continue to take an interest in our individual work over the years ahead.In closing we'd like to acknowledge all the people 'behind the scenes' who've helped us keep this train on the tracks since we first started playing in a garage. There are too many to name but they know who they are and we truly appreciate all their love and hard work.Above all though we want to thank you for all your support in good times and bad. You've put up with our long breaks between albums, our constantly changing musical styles and lots more. The unbelievable loyalty we've been shown by you our audience, and our friends, has never gone unnoticed or unappreciated. That’s why we wanted to tell you first.
With Sincere Thanks For Your Understanding.
Sweet Dreams.
Daniel, Ben and Chris



I wonder if this will mean Daniel and Paul Mac will work together on another The Dissociatives album?

I'm not shocked by this, but it still sucks as Young Modern was an album I really enjoyed much of a few years ago.

more to add later perhaps..