Art vs. Science

Art vs. Science

Art vs. Science in 2014
Background information
Origin Sydney, Australia
Genres Electro house, dance-punk
Years active 2008–present
Labels Magellanic, Green, MGM, San City High, Kobalt
Associated acts Roger Explosion, Philadelphia Grand Jury, Vydamo
Members Jim Finn
Dan McNamee
Dan Williams

Art vs. Science are an Australian electronic dance band based in Sydney, New South Wales. Formed in February 2008, the three-piece consists of James Finn (styled as Jim) on vocals and keyboards; Daniel McNamee (styled as Dan Mac) on vocals, guitars and keyboards; and Daniel Williams (styled as Dan W.) on drums and vocals.

In 2010, the group toured the United Kingdom in support of La Roux in March and then Groove Armada in May. The trio received three nominations at the ARIA Music Awards of 2010 for their independent extended play release, Magic Fountain and, in 2011, the group won "Best Independent Release" for their debut album The Experiment. The album peaked at No. 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart.

History

In February 2008 Art vs. Science formed in Sydney as an electro-pop dance band, after Dan McNamee attended a Daft Punk concert in 2007. He convinced his former high school friends, Jim Finn and Dan Williams to join.[1][2] The trio were ex-members of Roger Explosion, a rock-punk band, which had formed in 2003 and included Finn's brother Tom on bass guitar. By 2007 Roger Explosion had released two extended plays and an album.[3] Art vs. Science has Finn on vocals and keyboards; McNamee on vocals, guitars and keyboards; and Williams (who, at the time, was also a member of Philadelphia Grand Jury) on drums and vocals. The band were booked to play gigs before they had created any songs.[1]

We started jamming for Art vs. Science in February last year. We didn’t have any specific songs, we had a loose idea for a few tracks, and our mate asked us to play. We weren’t ready but we said yes; wrote seven songs in 48 hours. We tend to work well under pressure.
—Dan Williams, 2009.[4]

In July 2009, the band gained wider recognition after winning radio station, Triple J's Unearthed competition earning a gig at Splendour in the Grass.[5][6][7] After playing gigs and festivals, including the Parklife Festival, Falls Festival, Good Vibrations and touring nationally with The Galvatrons, Art vs. Science received a 2008 Unearthed J Award nomination.[8] Their songs, "Flippers" and "Hollywood" received significant airplay, with "Flippers" listed at No. 44 on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2008.[2]

Art vs. Science performing live at the 2009 Parklife Festival.

Art vs. Science's debut self-titled extended play was recorded at Big Jesus Burger studios in Surry Hills with producer Simon 'Berkfinger' Berckelman (Philadelphia Grand Jury) and was released in May on the Green label.

We recorded it all in one day, in one session, one mad day; locked ourselves in, with a lot of coffee and a lot of wine. We were set up in a room: it was all very minimal, no metronomes; just the producer screaming at us till we got it right.
—Dan Williams, 2009.[4]

The EP peaked at No. 32 on the ARIA Singles Chart,[9] and, in December, it was accredited gold record status by ARIA.[10] The band undertook its first headline national tour in May 2009, which was sold out.[11] In August, the group embarked on The Eiffel Tour across Australia.[12][13][14] At the ARIA Music Awards of 2009 the EP was nominated for 'Breakthrough Artist – Single'.[15][16] They also received two AIR Award nominations for 'Best Independent Single' and 'Breakthrough New Independent Artist' and won 'Best Independent Dance Album'.[17][18] With their colourful mix of pop, French electro, and rock they won the Fasterlouder Festival Award for 'Best Local Act' in 2009.[19]

The band's track, "Parlez Vous Francais?", was added to rotation at community radio, Triple J and Nova 96.9.[20] The song was listed at No. 2 on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2009.[2][21][22] The video for "Parlez Vous Francais?", directed by Alex Roberts, was nominated for 'Australian Music Video of the Year' at the 2009 J Awards.[23] By the end of the year Williams had to give up playing drums in his other Sydney band, Philadelphia Grand Jury, in order to concentrate full-time on Art vs. Science.[1]

Art vs. Science started to gain international recognition, following the inclusion of "Parlez Vous Francais?" on BBC 1 DJ Kissy Sell Out’s cover-mount compilation on UK taste-making magazine Mixmag, airplay on John Kennedy’s XFM’s show and blog attention, courtesy of a remix package including tracks by Bumblebeez and Nadastrom. XFM also named the band one of the 20 Bands to Watch in 2010.[24] In 2010, the group toured the United Kingdom in support of La Roux in March and then Groove Armada in May.[25] Their track, "Hollywood", appears on the soundtrack of the basketball video game NBA 2K11.[26] The band released its second EP, Magic Fountain, in August 2010, which reached No. 14 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[9] The title track reached No. 9 on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2010.[27] At the ARIA Music Awards of 2010 the band received three nominations, 'Best Dance Release', 'Best Independent Release' and 'Best Video' for "Magic Fountain".[15] In October, Art vs. Science started recording their debut album, The Experiment, in Queensland with producer Magoo.[28]

'Magic Fountain' was very fittingly played by the group in a set that took place directly adjacent to the large mushroom shaped fountain at the 11th annual Bonnaroo on 8 June 2012.

The band's next single, "Finally See Our Way", premiered on Triple J's The Breakfast Show with Tom & Alex on 22 November 2010[29] and made available on iTunes on 26 November.[30] In March 2011 the group supported The Chemical Brothers' Australian tour.[29] Art vs. Science signed with Kobalt Music Australia, the label's first local signing.[31] Their album was released in Australia on 25 February 2011.[32]

In early 2014, the band released a single entitled "Create/Destroy", as well as releasing a music video for a new song entitled "I Was A Child Once". "I Was A Child Once" is the result of an experimental collaboration and recording project open to the public, dubbed a world first. The project, named "Open Studio" was presented by Pedestrian TV and Ben Sherman, who opened a recording studio at Ben Sherman's Sydney Arcade flagship store for five days in February 2014.[33] The completed video and song was published to YouTube on March 23, 2014.[34]

Critical reception

Art vs. Science are supported by nationally syndicated radio station, Triple J, and are acknowledged as one of Australia's best live acts though the band's album reviews have been mixed. Rolling Stone awarded the album 4 out of 5 stars, saying that the "debut album from festival favourites perfectly captures their intense, slightly crazy live spirit".[35] Polaroids of Androids blog were less positive[36] Website, The Vine praised the band and the album, saying its "packed from top to toe with fist-pumping, bass-throbbing anthems, the cheek of Art vs. Science might be the only thing saving the kids from utter blandness".[37] Music review website Mess and Noise gave the record a poor review saying, "The album could be easily dismissed as a one-note act making hay while the sun still shines on their blissfully brainless patch of land".[38] Sydney's The Daily Telegraph proclaimed "this is Australian pop music to be proud of".[39] Australian street press was unified in its praise of the album, with The Brag, Drum Media, Beat and Time Off all awarding the band 4 out of 5 and Album of the Week status.[40][41]

Members

Discography

Albums

Studio albums

EPs

Compilation albums

Singles

Public collaborations

Awards and nominations

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters".[45] Art vs. Science have received two nominations, both for Dance Work of the Year.

Year Recipient Award Result
2011 "Magic Fountain" (James Finn, Daniel McNamee, Daniel Williams) Dance Work of the Year[46] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2012 "Finally See Our Way" (James Finn, Daniel McNamee, Daniel Williams) Dance Work of the Year[47] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated

ARIA Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are presented annually from 1987 by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Art vs. Science have won a single award from five nominations.

Year Recipient Award Result
2009 "Art vs. Science" Breakthrough Artist – Single[48] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2010 "Magic Fountain" Best Independent Release[49] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
Best Dance Release[49] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
"Magic Fountain" – Alex Roberts Best Video[49] style="background: #FDD; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="no table-no2"|Nominated
2011 The Experiment Best Independent Release[50] style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won

Other awards

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Art vs. Science: Full Biography". MTV Australia. Viacom. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Young, Kane (19 August 2010). "Simple plan works like magic". The Mercury (News Limited (News Corporation)). Retrieved 18 November 2010.
  3. ↑ "Triple J Unearthed: Roger Explosion". Unearthed. Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Retrieved 18 November 2010.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Mitchell, Thomas (24 March 2009). "Art vs. Science". Music News, Reviews, Interviews and Culture. Music Feeds. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  5. ↑ Tan, Sandy. "On the couch with Art vs. Science". Access All Areas. AAA Entertainment Pty Ltd. Archived from the original on 6 May 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  6. ↑ "Splendour in the Grass". Unearthed. Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Archived from the original on 29 November 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  7. ↑ "Art vs. Science". Monitor Online. University of Canberra. September 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  8. ↑ "Triple J: J Awards: Art vs. Science". J Award. Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 Hung, Steffen. "Discography: Art vs. Science". Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 31 October 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  10. ↑ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2010 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). 31 December 2010. Archived from the original on 15 November 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  11. ↑ "Art vs. Science 'The Eiffel Tour'". My Sunshine Coast Life. 3 July 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
  12. ↑ Seidler, Jonno (28 August 2009). "Art vs. Science Friday, August 28, 2009 @ Oxford Art Factory, Darlinghurst". The Dwarf (Naked Dwarf). Retrieved 23 November 2010.
  13. ↑ "Art Versus Science's Eiffel Tour... Launceston and Hobart shows!". Antonio's H.I.N.Y. Blog. 2 August 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
  14. ↑ "Art vs. Science - Perth 20 August 2009". Faster Louder. 24 August 2009. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 "ARIA Awards: History: Winners by Artist: Art vs. Science". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  16. ↑ "2009 ARIA Awards Nominees". The Age (Fairfax Media). 8 October 2009. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  17. ↑ "Air Awards". Air Awards. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  18. ↑ Cashmere, Paul (24 November 2009). "The Drones take home the major Air Award". Undercover.com.au (Undercover Network Pty Ltd). Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  19. ↑ "2009 Festival Awards winners". FasterLouder.com.au. FasterLouder Pty Ltd. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  20. ↑ Mac, Kate (May 2011). "MusicLoop: Groovin the Moo". Nova 96.9. DMG Radio Australia. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  21. ↑ "Art vs. Science take Hottest 100 by surprise". InTheMix.com.au (InTheMix Pty Ltd). 27 January 2010. Archived from the original on 5 December 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  22. ↑ Gregg, Natalie (27 January 2010). "Aussies rock in Triple J's Hottest 100". The Courier-Mail (News Limited (News Corporation)). Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  23. ↑ "Triple J: J Awards: Australian Music Video of the Year". J Award. Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  24. ↑ Xfm | artists | 20 Bands for 2010
  25. ↑ Australian Associated Press (AAP) (30 March 2010). "Art vs. Science wins over dancers and rockers". The Age (Fairfax Media). Retrieved 17 November 2010.
  26. ↑ "Workout Playlist of the Day- NBA2K11 Song Track List". Muscle Prodigy. 1 May 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  27. ↑ Hottest 100 | triple j
  28. ↑ "Art vs. Science". FasterLouder.com.au. FasterLouder Pty Ltd. 2 October 2010. Archived from the original on 4 October 2010. Retrieved 16 November 2010.
  29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "Art vs. Science: new single and Chemical Brothers supports". Music News. Triple J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). 22 November 2010. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
  30. ↑ Carr, Michael (23 November 2010). "Art vs. Science to release teaser track off new album". Music Feeds. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
  31. ↑ "Art vs. Science sign with Kobalt". The Music Network. Peer Group Media. 22 November 2010. Retrieved 23 November 2010.
  32. ↑ "Art vs. Science announce new album". Art vs. Science. 7 December 2010. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  33. ↑ "Pedestrian Open Studio, Presented by Ben Sherman feat. Art vs. Science". Pedestrian TV. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  34. ↑ "Art vs Science // I Was A Child Once". Art vs. Science. YouTube. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  35. ↑ AVS
  36. ↑ "Art vs. Science: The Experiment". Polaroids of Androids. Polaroids of Androids. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
  37. ↑ "Art vs. Science: The Experiment". The Vine. The Vine. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
  38. ↑ "Art vs. Science: The Experiment". Mess And Noise. Mess and Noise. Retrieved 30 March 2011.
  39. ↑ The kings of zeitgeist | thetelegraph.com.au
  40. ↑ Album Review: Art vs. Science – The Experiment - The Brag
  41. ↑ Art Vs Science : The Experiment | Beat Magazine
  42. ↑ "Art vs. Science announce new album". Art vs. Science via Twitter. 7 December 2010. Retrieved 7 December 2010.
  43. ↑ "Art vs Science - Parlez-Vous Francais / Flippers MP3 Downloads - 7digital". 7digital. 7digital. 25 October 2010. Archived from the original on 16 November 2010. Retrieved 4 December 2010.
  44. ↑ "Art vs. Science". Apple Inc. iTunes Store. Retrieved 13 June 2014.
  45. ↑ "APRA Music Awards 2012". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). Retrieved 2 June 2012.
  46. ↑ "Nominations > Dance Work of the Year – 2011". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  47. ↑ "Nominations > Dance Work of the Year – 2012". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). 2012. Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  48. ↑ "2009 ARIA Awards Nominees". The Age (Fairfax Media). 8 October 2009. Retrieved 9 October 2009.
  49. ↑ 49.0 49.1 49.2 Ferris, Rina; Brennan, Kristyn (28 September 2010). "2010 ARIA Awards Nominations & Artisan Award Winners Announced" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 3 June 2012.
  50. ↑ "The Countdown Begins....Nominations Announced". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). 11 October 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2012.

External links