All posts by Marshall Cullen

News and Touring

The Sheyana Band Release Single ‘Wet’

‘Shey spent many years living off grid under the lush, mossy canopy of the magic Takayna rainforest in North West Tasmania. Wet braves the unknown. Emotions run deeper than waterfalls on the ancient forest floor. ‘Wet’ features the sublime vocals of Sheyana’s songbird daughter Mahlah Wing and the super talented Randal Muir on keys’.

‘Wet’ is a cinematic song/music video about first love, first desire, and the dangerous beauty of giving in to feelings you can no longer hide. Set against the lush, rain-soaked forests and streams of Tasmania, the video captures the vulnerability, tension, and emotional heat of two people drawn together by something deeper than attraction. Water becomes the symbol of surrender — desire, fear, innocence, longing, and the moment love turns physical. With intimate forest imagery, soft natural light, and a dreamlike romantic atmosphere, ‘Wet’ explores the fragile line between holding back and letting go.

Watch the Music Video Below

From the moment you hear the first song from the Sheyana Band, you will be impressed. This very talented, celebrated band, influenced by the classics, draw inspiration from their deep Tasmanian roots. The Sheyana Band was honoured with the prestigious 2018 Chris Wilson Award for ‘Emerging Act of the Year’ from the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society. Sheyana’s songwriting has scored national and international awards and previous and current singles have reached top 10 on the charts on YESFM Sri Lanka radio in 2015 & 2023.

Receiving national & international recognition & airplay, their captivating live shows have seen them share the stage with Australia’s finest including Mark Seymour & The Undertow, Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks, Joe Camelleri & The Black Sorrows, Deborah Conway, Hoodoo Gurus, Neil Finn, Meg Mac, Superjesus, Mojo Juju, Gang of Youths, Diesel, Renee Geyer, The Angels, Kevin Borich, Ian Moss, Bill Chambers & Fanny Lumsden.

London born, Tasmanian based singer-songwriter Sheyana has been hooked on music since her early childhood. The soulful Celtic/Sri Lankan storyteller is perfectly complimented by her stellar band, featuring Tassie’s finest musicians, with respected guitarist/vocalist Wayne Rand, seasoned, rock solid bassist Dan Jeffrey, and the mighty Leigh Hill on drums/vocals. Together they deliver passion, powerhouse vocals and brilliant musicianship. 

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News and Touring

Lecia Louise Releases Single ‘Saturday Night’

“Saturday Night” is a swampy blues stomper about the grind of everyday life, working hard, and often feeling like you’re getting nowhere. It captures that feeling of letting go, where the struggles of everyday life fade away, even if only for one night. 

Written by Lecia Louise and 8 Ball Aitken, the track was produced by 8 Ball Aitken, Lecia Louise, and Michael Flanders, with additional engineering by Rick Hollis and Jasper Jolley. The recording features guest Newcastle vocalist Justin Ngariki, along with additional guitar work from Blues Music Victoria People’s Choice Blues Legend Award recipient Shannon Bourne. The song was mixed by three-time ARIA Award winner Jeff Lang and mastered by award winning mastering engineer, Matthew Gray.

“Clean, elegant, tasty playing!!! I watched 3 times!!! Shred on!!!!!” – Nita Strauss, Alice Cooper’s guitarist 

2025 People’s Choice Award winner, twice #1 on the Triple J Unearthed online charts, #2 on the AMRAP Regional Charts, and #1 position on the Alternative Chart three times in 2025. Lecia Louise’s musical journey has seen her perform around the globe and through Australia.   

Lecia has continued to mesmerise audiences and has been featured at many festivals including Blues on Broadbeach, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Woodford Folk Festival, Mullumbimby festival, Agnes Blues & Roots Festival, Airlie Beach Music Festival, Adelaide Guitar Festival and more.  

An award-winning songwriter and performer, Lecia’s music has been featured on cable TV, and radio stations nationally and internationally.  

  She has a loyal fan base which has seen her support grow as a result of years of hard touring and blistering performances at a number of Rock and Blues festivals around Australia. Lecia has shared the stage with The Black Sorrows, Ross Wilson, James Morrison, The Baby Animals, Jon Stevens, Grinspoon, Phil Emmanuel, Daryl Braithwaite and many more.  

Lecia continues to mesmerise audiences nationwide, having recently completed a successful 3 State Tour April/May 2026 and the new album due for release in July. 

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

July 18 – Folk and Blues @188, Ipswich, QLD https://www.ipswichciviccentre.com.au/event/folk__and_blues_at_188/

July 23 – Welder’s Dog, Armidale, NSW

July 25 – The Press Basement Bar, Tamworth, NSW

August 1 – International Blues Day, Sydney Blues Society, Marrickville Bowlo, NSW https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1576606

August 2 – Reub Goldberg Brewing Machine, Tarrawanna, NSW

August 2 – Blues Guitar Road Show, Factory Theatre, Sydney https://www.factorytheatre.com.au/event/blues-guitar-roadshow/

August 8 – Stag and Hunter, Newcastle, NSW https://stagandhunter.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/2030d7d0-7d76-4854-80c3-36e8823c9b0d?

August 9 – Flow Bar – Old Bar, NSW 12:30 – 2:30pm, solo free

August 14-16 – Mackay Blues Festival, QLD https://events.humanitix.com/mackay-blues-fest

August 21 – Flametree Gathering, Proserpine, QLD https://airlieevents.com.au/events/flametree-gathering-2026/

August 23 – Lefty’s Music Hall, QLD

August 30 – Gympie Muster, QLD https://www.muster.com.au

STREAM THE SINGLE BELOW

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News and Touring

Gareth Koch & Jan Daxner Release Single ‘La Volta’

From his massive 1612 dance collection Terpsichore, Michael Praetorius’ La Volta is a high-energy Renaissance party-starter that practically demands you jump around. Modelled after the favourite dance of Queen Elizabeth I, this short and snappy tune is characterized by a ‘scandalous’ rhythm—shifting between 6/8 and 3/4 time—designed to make courtly couples leap and turn in a dizzying, joyous blur. This cheerful, brisk piece of musical sunshine proves 17th-century Germany definitely knew how to have a good time.

In this version Gareth is joined by Viennese flute virtuoso Jan Daxner. The duo creates an imaginative interpretation brimming with embellishments & whimsy, emulating the colourful character of La Volta.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded an extensive catalogue across multiple genres for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, ambient music, rock & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Gareth was born in Milan Italy into an artistic family. His father is the Australian novelist Christopher Koch, and his Lithuanian-born mother Irene is a piano graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. His early musical education began with piano and clarinet before entering the gifted youth music programme at the Mozarteum in Salzburg Austria. When his family moved to Spain Gareth fell under the spell of the guitar.

After graduation from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Gareth won scholarships to the Royal Conservatorium of Madrid and the Academy of Music in Vienna under Professor Konrad Ragossnig. From this point his career developed to include music teaching, recording, publishing and performing. His recent classical album ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 Star review from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Gareth’s current projects have a world music and contemporary bias with classical overtones. His writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music. Recent collaborations include ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church) with whom he has released three albums.

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News and Touring

The DK Effect Release Single ‘Somebody’

“…The DK Effect are an eight-piece funk-soul monster… saucy, delectable helping of groove-licious, horn-rich rhythms and melodies plus fierce vocals” – Gareth Bryant 

‘Somebody’ embodies all of our ‘heathen gospel’ values in a funky romp, pitting delusion against critical thinking. It looks at how multi-national faith corporations control and coerce the vulnerable and gullible with threats and extortion. When performed live, this track has been mistaken for a real gospel song, so perhaps we should issue an ‘advisory warning’ to listen carefully to the lyrics. 
 
The recording features lovely B3 by Ruby and a fabulous sax solo by Mitch which leads us perfectly into the final chorus where the vocals absolutely soar. It is one of our early songs and has been through various incarnations, with this ‘final’ version being the closest to our original vision.

The DK Effect are an original 9-piece soul, funk and RnB band known for their four powerhouse vocalists, rich storytelling, melodic harmonies, and the passionate, polyrhythmic ‘call and response’ vocal synchronicity inspired by gospel music. 

Their debut album, ‘Moving Time’, showcased their diverse repertoire. The album spent two months in the TOP 10 of the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Charts. 

Recording at the iconic Frying Pan Studio was a unique and amazing experience for the band. The studio offers stunning views of Berriedale Bay and Kunanyi (Mount Wellington), creating a relaxing and inspiring environment. There is a viewing window into the studio, allowing museum visitors to watch and listen (via headphones) to the recording process. For the band, it was fun being an ‘exhibition / performance artist’ during the recording process – almost like a live recording. 

The band has performed at numerous Tasmanian venues such as MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), Altar, The Moonah Arts Centre, Kickstart Arts, Salamanca Arts Centre, The Clarence Jazz Festival, The Playhouse Theatre, The Taste of Tasmania Festival, Rektango, the Uni Bar, Street Eats Franko, and the Republic Bar. 

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News and Touring

Dirty Suits Release Single ‘She Won’t Fall’

“Rock driven essence with a touch of blues. I really love the powerful, raw vocals paired with gritty, mesmerizing guitars along with a drum performance full of punch.“ – NoEs FM Radio 

‘She Won’t Fall’ is a strong, motivated, defiant song written about a strong, motivated, defiant woman.  

Guitar, Piano, Drums and Bass. 4 to the floor. Straight down the line.  

The band’s recent releases on Foghorn/MGM have lifted them to a new level and live shows have been coming thick and fast.  And now they have an entire album in the final stages, the first single is ‘She Won’t Fall’. 

After surfing together for over a decade , Matt Ayliffe and Peter Cunnington started jamming in 2020. The click was immediate. 

Coming from different musical backgrounds seems to help, not hinder the writing process. From Blues, Alternative, Punk and Rock’n’Roll the songs dictate themselves. Demographics and egos, all checked at the door. 

Dirty Suits is creativity for its own sake. 

And as of Feb 2023, Luke Brooks has joined the ‘Dirty Suits’ family on drums and any out there suitable piece of equipment he can whack a sound out of to get this trio rockin’ any venue down.  

Upcoming NSW Tour Dates

Ryans Hotel, Thirroul – June 13 

Marlin Hotel, Ulludulla – June 19 

La La Las, Wollongong – August 13 

Link and Pin, Woy Woy – August 22 

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News and Touring

Kalen Hogan Releases Single ‘Gone’

Ever keen to break out new tracks each year, Kalen Hogan headed back into the studio to create “Gone” as his latest single release for 2026. “Gone” is a track that delves into the complexity of love, distance, and the struggle to move on. The song has a laid-back, cruisy feel and introduces a female backing vocal to the chorus, adding a richness to the track.     

“This song is about that impossible moment when you know someone has to go, and life will go on regardless of how you feel,” Kalen shares. “It’s honest, raw, and something I think a lot of people have experienced—trying to protect yourself from heartbreak, even as you hope for more time together.” Each verse captures a guy’s attempt to talk himself out of loving his partner, even as he wishes she would stay just a little longer. 

Recorded over a couple of days at Damien Gerard Studios, Kalen was inspired to add in some female vocal backing in the pre-chorus and chorus. Not pre-planned and with no one around to call, he asked his younger sister, a talented vocalist in her own right, to help. With only that afternoon left in the studio, his sister came straight after school. “Normally, opera is her jam, but my sister is a versatile singer and great at harmonies. Time is money when recording, and given the short notice, I was super grateful she was able to put down the vocals like a pro.” 

Kalen debuted onto the local Central Coast music scene in late 2022. He quickly captivated audiences through his evocative songwriting and unique sound. Kalen’s beginnings reached an early milestone with the release of his first album, Isolation, in May 2023, at just 17 years of age. Exploring themes of introspection and the human experience, Isolation embodies the solitude experienced during its creation amidst pandemic lockdowns. Songs such as “It’s you” and “Stoned and Cold” highlight Kalen’s talent for merging melancholic lyrics with engaging melodies. His pure vocal quality has drawn parallels to Thom Yorke of Radiohead and the late Jeff Buckley, while his musical style pays tribute to the 1990s grunge era, reflecting influences from bands like Nirvana and Alice in Chains.   

In 2024, Kalen continued to expand his music, releasing three singles that solidified his reputation as creative songwriter. “On the Phone,” released in April, singing of a culture engrossed in dating apps and disconnected individuals. The June 2024 release, “Right There,” contemplates the transient nature of time and the human inclination to take the present for granted until it has passed. Following this, November 2024’s “Mindless” courageously delves into the complexities of mental illness. In 2025, Kalen released the two new upbeat singles “Love is Out” and “Ratio”, adding a more lively spin on his usual songwriting process.   

Coupled with his growing live presence, this prolific young songwriter is an emerging talent that is certainly worth watching out for. You can catch Kalen performing live at varying venues and events across Australia in 2026.   

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News and Touring

Kilbey Kennedy Release Album ‘Things We Did On Earth’

VINYL available in an Australian exclusive 180g splatter pressing of 150 with insert and stickers – RRP $50 

CDs also for sale in a jewel-case -?RRP $20 

“The album feels almost less like a collection of songs than a lingering emotional state. It’s immersive, transportive and remarkably cohesive from beginning to end. This is Kilbey and Kennedy at their very best. Where on earth they go to from here, who knows.” – Arun Kendall, Backseat Mafia review here

Steve Kilbey will be Featured on Alive 90.5 fm Australian Spectrum Radio Show 19th May

STEVE KILBEY BANDCAMP (Signed by SK)

https://stevekilbey.bandcamp.com/album/things-we-did-on-earth

SKRAM (SK’s exclusive merch channell on IG) (Signed by SK)

https://www.instagram.com/stevekilbeyrockartmerch

Listen worldwide live from 

https://www.alive905.com.au/ross-fear-australian-spectrum-show

Australian Spectrum Show Podcast Archive

https://omny.fm/shows/australian-spectrum-show

In 1981 a teenage Martin Kennedy watched Steve Kilbey and The Church play at a strange hippie festival in Australia. They were outliers at this festival and he fell in love with their look and sound. He recorded their set on a walkman, and the songs helped spark the beginning of his music career. Just a year before, an equally fresh-faced Steve Kilbey formed The Church in Sydney, the very beginning of their public life as accidental hit makers.? 

Forty five years later Martin and Steve find themselves working together on their ninth (add a bunch of side projects to this epic side project and they’re about 20 albums in) studio album ‘Things We Did On Earth.’ 

It’s always so simple: Steve calls Martin: Hey we’re touring Tassie got a few spare days to record an album? Martin: Heck yes.? 

And that’s it. Martin writes the music and Steve rocks ups to write and sings the words. No argument, no egos, just a matter of pressing record. 

They live in their own bubble, lost in a reverie, heads in the clouds. Martin doesn’t listen to any new music but his own. Steve enters his dream state and writes like there’s no tomorrow. ‘Things We Did On Earth’ is the culmination of everything that has lead up to this moment. It tells of mortality, dreams, other worlds, whatever you damn like. It could be their last album, but then they’ve been saying that for the last fifteen years. 

Indeed these are the things Steve Kilbey and Martin Kennedy do on earth.

Bio

Kilbey Kennedy is the long-standing collaborative project between Steve Kilbey (The Church – “Forty some years into their existence, these Aussie psych legends are making some of the most vital music of their careers” – Brooklyn Vegan) and Martin Kennedy (All India Radio – “Like Pink Floyd & The Flaming Lips at their most ethereal” – The Needle Drop). 
 
Since their first release in 2009, the duo has forged a singular sound – an “ultimate convergence of influences, that shimmers with a strange beauty accentuated by its dark and haunting undercurrents.” – The Music 


 
Drawing on Kilbey’s evocative lyrics and Kennedy’s atmospheric production, Kilbey Kennedy moves through ambient, psychedelic, and experimental spaces, favouring mood and emotional resonance over fixed genre lines.
“Neo-prog epic” – Prog magazine 
“Completely envelopes you, drawing you deep into its cosmic womb” – allmusic 
“For those of us who never really expected Kilbey/Kennedy to be much more than a one-off side project, their continued collaboration is a gift to all fans and one that keeps on giving.” – Volt & Volume

Steve’s Blurb for the Album

The end of a century of wonders 
Each glorious life engulfed by the Reverie Foundation 
A million memories at once 
All available to loved ones  
And for sale to strangers  
As things fell apart my daughter Serafina hiding forever in an imaginary darkened house in the woods 
Exotic holidays in Beautiful Places 
An encounter with an eel 
The wheel and whirl of karma  
The shadows of our lives in these songs 
Mornings of despair and evenings of deceit 
And lovely spirit from the otherworld she shines on a fragile flame 
An argument  
A marvellous view over a seaside city  
The machines that came to life 
And the plants that were harvested for cogs and filaments 
All the love and loathing  
All the bustle  
And the stillness of a Dawn Lake 
Thus are the things we did on earth  
 

Order Vinyl or CD’s Here

https://www.kilbeykennedy.com.au

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SCENESTR MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERE FOR SINGLE ‘SERAFINA’ BELOW

https://scenestr.com.au/music/premiere-watch-kilbey-kennedys-new-music-video-serafina-20260430

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