Single Feature | Loose Content
On collective experience, a concussive opportunity and getting props from Blur.
Noah catches up with Loose Content (MiLLa, Sam & Aquila) to discuss their latest single Newsreader - including the making of it, inspirations, and upcoming launch.
You have just dropped the brand-new single Newsreader, which is a politically reflective track around being in a cycle of global crises, whilst taking aim at the media and their detachment to it. How does it feel to have it out in the world?
We are beyond thrilled to have finally unleashed Newsreader on the world. Having music out that not only feels current and urgent but is reflective of our collective experience regarding the state of humanity and of what we as a group are genuinely really passionate and furious about is so important to us.
The release of this track in particular definitely feels very timely in terms of the current state of things (within every realm) on this planet and more specifically how the media is actively ignoring/manipulating the truth in regards to so many global atrocities.
To be blessed with the privilege to utilise our art and platform to reflect and amplify this universally shared human experience is truly special and something we don’t take lightly.
I appreciate the jagged Britpop and punk energy that immediately is apparent and the melodic edge that draws you as you further discover the track. Can you tell us how this song came together?
The initial concept arose during MiLLa’s time spent bedridden whilst recovering from a severe concussion. M-
“I’m not a big breakfast news-watcher but when you’re stuck in a hotel with nothing but a guitar, a flat-screen TV and two weeks to kill, you start to really become disenfranchised by how bizarre and unironically detached from the real world the news and the way in which it is presented really is.”
It was in that hotel that MiLLa first discovered the riff and the melody for Newsreader. The rest came seamlessly, as we then fleshed out the form of the song over maybe one or two rehearsals before it promptly became a staple of our live show.
I am quite amazed by the production on the song. Can you tell us about working with Dan Luscombe (Courtney Barnett, Amyl & The Sniffers) and how he has complemented what you do?
Working with Dan was a real treat! We were all individually big fans of his previous work (and The Drones, of which he’s a member) and are definitely influenced in a significant way by artists like Amyl and Courtney Barnett, so to have the opportunity to work with the guy that in a sense shaped the songbook to our formative years as musicians was really surreal. He did a particularly great job at helping us to capture the live energy of the band in a natural way by having us focus on the overall feeling of the performances and the bigger picture rather than stressing too much on the ‘small’ stuff - whilst contributing some really tasteful arrangement and production ideas throughout the entire process.
You are fresh off a whirlwind year of festival showcases with the most notable one being BIGSOUND 2025. A really cool story from it was Dave Rowntree of Blur naming you his favourite band of the festival during his keynote speech. It must be a pretty nice feeling to be getting some awesome opportunities and attention.
This was pretty surreal and definitely quite unexpected! It was such a nice feeling to hear something so overwhelmingly positive and journey-affirming from someone apart of a band as influential and successful as Blur was. We’re immeasurably grateful for all of the insane opportunities we’ve been given over the past year! From being asked to tour with bands whom we idolised ask kids - Grinspoon, The Preatures & The Living End - to playing to our biggest crowds to date, in some of country’s most iconic venues. But it’s been the opportunity to meet incredibly interesting and likeminded new people that’s been the most genuine privilege of all.
You are launching Newsreader at The Gem with as a free entry show on Thursday December 18th with Planet: Pain. Do you have a special connection to the venue, and the support act?
We love The Gem! Admittedly we’ve never actually played there before but it’s definitely one of our favourite venues to frequent in Naarm - they always put on incredible free shows, book killer artists and everyone who works and runs the joint are such lovely people!
Likewise, we’ve never had the privilege of playing on the same bill as Planet Pain, but we have seen them live and still haven’t shut up about that set since…if that gives you any idea.
Finally, who are your favourite local Melbourne bands at the moment and who would you like to see interviewed for Tempo?
Oh, there’s too many! I think some of our current favourites would have to be:
Georgia Knight
The Belair Lip Bombs
Milly Strange
Shock Corridor
Folk Bitch Trio
Planet Pain
The Gnomes
Public Figures
Dumbhead
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