All posts by Marshall Cullen
Diana Anaid – The Leaving Town Tour
Diana Anaid’s Leaving Home tour, presented by TheMusic, is now underway and the remaining dates are:
Nov Fri 2nd Nimbin, Nimbin Bush Theatre, NSWw/ Hannah & Cash, 7pm-9pm $10 https://nimbinbushtheatre.com/events
Nov Sat 3rd Bellingen, #5 Church St, NSW 7.15-9pm $20 Tickets at the venue.
Nov Fri 9th-11th Airlie Beach, Airlie Beach Music Festival, QLD (Diana Anaid set 3pm Friday 9th) http://www.airliebeachfestivalofmusic.com.au/
Nov Thurs 15th Sydney, The Brass Monkey, Cronulla, NSW w/Maxine E Kay 7-10.40pm $15 http://www.brassmonkley.com.au/
Nov Fri 16th Canberra, Smiths Alternative, ACT w/ Heya Gosper, 10pm-12 $15 Tickets at the venue
Nov Sat 17th Healesville Music Festival, VIC 3pm Uniting Church Womens Concert(solo unplugged) and 7pm main stage Monda Muse(duo) $90 https://www.trybooking.com/book/event?eid=340366&
Dec Sat 8th, Brisbane, The Milk Factory, QLD w/Brendan the Bard and Candice Long 7.30-11pm Tickets at the venue
Her single, Leaving Town is the third track from the My Queen album and has a fantastic video to accompany it.
Click on the video link below to check it out at The Music website, or you can also watch it at hellothematic.com.
Diana says, “The heartfelt music video by Northern Rivers artist Kerry Negus further highlights the emotive and courageous lyrical content of the album, focusing this time on climate change, the drought, corporate greed and personal inner peace. I am so humbled by the amazing creatives who have thrown their weight behind the new My Queen release, helping to make it one of my defining albums, emboldening and bolstering my personal and creative growth and inner strength.”
Leaving Town/My Queen Producer Steve James says,
“I’ve got a short list of 10 from the hundreds of records I have worked on, including The Screaming Jets, Monty Python, The Rutles, Toyah Wilcox, Weta, The Rumjacks and now My Queen has been added to that list. I would compare her to Alanis Morissette or Fiona Apple , more the attitude than the vocals.”
The Leaving Town Single is OUT NOW on All Digital Platforms via MGM and features 3 intimate Acoustic Bonus Tracks “Better Girl”, “Into Your Heart”, “Leaving The Country” recorded earlier this year live in the studio for an Aussie Music Weekly Radio Special.
The Single is also available on CD as part of the current My Queen Full Length CD LP available at all good music stores.
Co-written with longtime guitarist Nathan Correy, produced and mixed by Aria Award-winning Steve James and mastered at Metropolis London, the album has earned high praise such as,
“Anaid’s luscious and rich vocals are tones for the soul. The excellent production and mastering makes this record stand out from the crowd.” (FVReviews August 2018)
“A gorgeous mixture of pop, indie rock, blues and folk…A timeless classic. My Queen possesses an intense array of color to it, proving Diana to be a master storyteller.” (Beach Sloth 2018)
Fiona Joy Hawkins – Story of Ghosts(Official)
Fiona Joy (Hawkins) – New Album – Story of Ghosts
Fiona Joy (Hawkins) – New Album – Story of Ghosts
Having won many awards for her two previous solo piano albums, Fiona is destined to do the same with Story of Ghosts.
Fiona’s third solo piano album takes her fans on her journey of the past year of her life as she deals with a harrowing year in 2017 and makes no attempts to sugarcoat the emotional’s. The year included many friends and family members getting seriously sick, dying or going insane.!!
She bares it all over the course of these mostly grey-toned melancholy and vulnerable pieces, that draw on her classical background and impressionistic modern yet melodic composition.
‘There is a little madness in the music I write, it only pops out of the calmness momentarily, but enough to know that there is uncertainty in everything we hear, feel and experience. It’s much more classical and very connected to my roots” says Fiona .
“There’s a lot of emotion in it, that part was challenging. But when I get feedback from my fans that I’m touching their lives, and in some way making a difference, that makes it worthwhile.”
She uses the piano to weave interconnected tales with similar motifs – She opens the album with the uplifting and just whimsical enough “Song for Dunnie,” which she wrote for the funeral of Annette (Dunnie) Crossley, one of her best friends and business partner in her company Little Hartley Music. The lushly flowing piece represents a life full of vibrant brightness, good humour and joy.
“Story of Angels” moody hypnosis that leads to attempts to dance and then sudden dream-dashing stops into “Story of Ghosts” the deepest tale is told by the third story song. The contemplative “Story of Insanity” which alternates shards of light and night in a romp of anger tempered by gentle understanding. “Contemplating (Solo) which find Fiona deep in thought, seeking answers in the high notes as tension builds. “Blue Dream” whose high and low dynamics indicate mood swings that shift on a dime during crises. “The White Light” perhaps a place between worlds where high and low notes battle it out for our mortal hearts.
Fiona ‘s choice to work with producer Cookie Marenco reflects Fiona’s appreciation for high quality audio. “Even CD quality is unsatisfying when you’ve heard DSD or SACD, especially when played on a high-end system” says Fiona.
Fans of FLOW, the recently launched hit new age group featuring Fiona, Will Ackerman, Lawrence Blatt and Jeff Oster, will recognise the closing track “Before the Light” as the beautifully rendered foundation of “Arrival,” the opening track on FLOW’s self-titled debut. In the FLOW version, the darker edges of the piece get subsumed into a lighter hearted grooving vibe. Here it’s allowed to flourish in the shadows, exploring the heavy mysteries of life’s pain that occur before the healing – and wondering along the way if it will ever come.
Fiona recalls asking Ackerman once “What would happen if I ever got happy? Would the creativity dry up?” – since she’s built her artistry and fan base on her incredible musical embrace of sadness.
“No, Fiona, you will just start writing happier music.” He said, surprised at the answer “Maybe down the road, I’ll make a few happy songs”.
But for now, especially on Story of Ghosts we can enjoy the musical beauty and grace that she shares while working through the obstacles to make peace with the sorrow life has thrown her.
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The Vegas Nerves – An Act of Faith
The Vegas Nerves – An Act of Faith
The Vegas Nerves – New Video Premiere on Scenestr – An Act of Faith
The Vegas Nerves Debut Album “An Act of Faith”
Update!; Vegas Nerves are on Air on Triple M 104.9 FM nationally at HOMEGROWN 8-10PM SUNDAY
Drops 3/8/18 and the title track and New Video Premieres on Scenestr. Today August 1
After the success of their Single/ Video release “A List As Long As Your Arm” on the 5 of June. There are only good things coming to this Sydney based band, playing their music around the less salubrious parts of Sydney town.
They also have a radio interview lined up with Aussie Music Weekly playing on the air at the end of August.
About; Did you ever make a wish that only brought you trouble? Well then here are the band for you because they know that feeling well. Did you tell a secret and find out everyone already knows? Then let The Vegas Nerves talk you down because they understand. Their work has been compared to a consultation with a psychiatrist who could well be crazier than you are. They can’t make too many promises but if you come out of your safe spaces you could learn something new. You might remember how to celebrate both the sublime and the ridiculous in the everyday and avoid listening to bores who are afraid and offended by their own shadows.
Upcoming shows:
The Vegas Nerves Playing with Ariane Campbell (also recorded at Damien Gerard Studios) Album Launch “TH/EF SHOT TO THE HEART” on the August 9th @ The Valve Bar Sydney
The Vegas Nerves Playing with Ariane Campbell on October 11th @ Leadbelly
keep up to date with gigs with Vegas Nerves @
(https://www.thevegasnerves.com/gigs)
(https://www.facebook.com/pg/The-Vegas-Nerves-1139475662785359/events/?ref=page_internal)
Ivona Rose -New Album Review from Bernard Zuel
Ivona Rose
Update –
Following her successful launch at Django bar in September Ivona now has a fine review from renown music journalist Bernard Zuel
Ivan is now planning some local shows on Sydney’s Central Coast – Stay Tuned.
About –
Raw, evocative, honest and uncompromisingly unique. Dreamy, eccentric melody marries poetic song writing and something brave is born. Hand carved like insignia on pavement, her tales of suburban life are as being lead through an enchanted garden, by a haunting hymn.
Ivona has just released her debut album “So Modern”.
The record has already garnered early Airplay on ABC Local and 2ser, and will be launched at Django bar September 13.
Produced with Brian Campeau at “The Plex” recording studio, it is a collection of 10 carefully selected and crafted songs. Featuring Zoe Hauptmann on Bass (Paul Kelly, Missy Higgins, King Curly), Evan Mannell on Drums (Sarah Belkner, The Alcohotlicks, Self Titled Artist), Emily Palethorpe on Cello (Sarah Blasko, Accent Strings), Casey Nicholson on Trumpet (Ngarukuruwala, The NEO, The Boom Band Krewe) and Brian Campeau on Guitars and Synth (Self Titled Artist, The Green Mohair Suits, Jimmy Swouse and the Angry Darts).
Central Coast based Ivona Rose migrated to Australia, from Krakow Poland. Her passion for music arts was born at a primary school age.
Whilst honing her craft as a singer songwriter, she has performed in Sydney, Melbourne & Regional NSW as part of Peats Ridge Music Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Wharf 2 Loud at the Sydney Theatre Company and has performed at various venues, where there is a call for live acoustic music.
In 2006 she independently produced and released “SheHeIYouMeWe” her debut EP. It enjoyed strong CD sales and air play on Sydney based, FBi Radio, 2SER, Bondi FM and local Melbourne radio stations.
In 2012 she won Songs on Stage Songwriters and Performers award, the prize money of which, helped her get back into studio and record the single “Hoopla”. 2013 she was finalist in Music Oz Awards Singer Songwriter category for the song and top 100 of the People’s Choice across all genre’s in the country.
QnA
Tell us about the moment you decided to become a singer? What did your family/friends have to say about it?
For as long as I can remember I was writing poetry, singing and playing instruments. It was a natural progression that this nascent self expression would amount to a body of work that I am proud to share. My family and friends have aways been encouraging and supportive, saying I offer a very unique voice and musical quality, that is hard to pigeonhole.
What is the first record you bought and why?
It was Joni Mitchell “Hits and Misses” and it was a tape. Purchased to learn every word by heart.
Favourite artists of all time?
I have to say Bjork. It’s a hard question to answer and it doesn’t necessarily mean that my music is in the same genre or that I am aiming for a pop sphere but the truth is own all her albums, admire her creativity and boldness and when I feel that I’m just a bit too weird for the word, I take solace in Bjork.
Fave food or drink and is there a story associated with that?
My favourite food is Pierogi because I am Polish but as I am gluten intolerant, so only allow the indulgence every now and then.
You are backstage with Nick Cave what do you say?
I say “My great ambition as a songwriter is to collaborate a duet with you. It would be an incredible murder story to sit alongside “Henry Lee” and “Where The Wild Roses Grow”. (I think I need to work on my approach here!)
“So Modern” the Title Track to the album
“If we live our lives as an avatar of ourselves, what are we giving up of our true self to uphold that image and where do we go from there as a society?” (Ivona Rose) So Modern questions the impact of technology, how we are using it and what we are losing as a society in the process. A dance between Autoharp, Guitar and Zoe Hauptmann’s expert Double Bass licks, take us to a time reminiscent of 60’s Go Go. “
Jessie May Kitchen – QnA with Foghorn
Jessie May Kitchen is a 17 year old singer/songwriter who just released her debut single “Coffee Shop,” We got a chance to chat with Jessie about her start in the music industry and the new single.
Make sure to check out her self-produced video for “Coffee Shop” here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=HP_AUQL74F8
“I describe myself as confidently clumsy, confidently messy, confidently goofy, and confidently dreaming. I’ve never fit in with the crowd. I take this as a gift from life as uniqueness is good. Those adjectives are the best ways I can describe myself. I’m confidently clumsy. All ways have been – I can trip over air, knock and spill things like a champ! i’m confidently goofy – making other smile with my loud, silliness, and crazy shenanigans. I’m confidently messy – life’s too short to be perfect. My closet has three options. Clothes stained with dirt, stained with food, or stained with paint. I’m confidently dreaming – always. You can never dream too big or have too much imagination. I’ve been told my whole life I’ve got my ‘head int he clouds,’ people don’t realize that’s where you fly,” – Jessie May Kitchen
QnA with Jessie May Kitchen
Foghorn Records: Tell us about the moment you decided to become a singer/writer. What did your family have to say?
Jessie May Kitchen: I wanted to become a singer/songwriter when I was 5 years old. I remember seeign people singing on TV and thinking “Hey! That’s me,” My parents told me I could be anything I wanted as a young girl, but like most families panicked in my high school years telling me I “should find a plan B” or go for something, you know, is “easy, safe, or guaranteed money,” So, for a while i was lost and didn’t write for years. Until one day in 2016, I realized that I’m happiest in song writing and singing; that this is who I’m supposed to be. So, I picked up a guitar and was me again. My parents are much more supportive of me now that I’m older. And even if it’s not the “safest” road to travel, it sure is the sunniest.
FR: What inspired you to become an artist and whoa re your early influences?
JMK: I can’t remember a time that something had made me think, “ya know what? Let’s be an artist!” I always just was. I’ve forever created to express myself and because I love it. I did watch a lot of musical shows when I was small, such as The Wiggles, H.R Puff n Stuff, The Naked Brothers Band, and Hannah Montana, so I feel that probably influenced Younger Me.
FR: Tell us a little about your writing process. How does a song come along? What gets you going creatively?
JMK: I usually write songs about how I feel or my thoughts about life at the time. A good song comes from the heart. Sometimes I’ll be venting out a whole song. Other times I’ll be out and about busy when a lyric will come to be, so I crawl it down on a notepad or write it in my phone to put in a song later. I also write songs that are stories I’ve made up. I see or hear something I like then let my imagination run wild.
JMK: I usually write songs about how I feel or my thoughts about life at the time. A good song comes from the heart. Sometimes I’ll be venting out a whole song. Other times I’ll be out and about busy when a lyric will come to be, so I crawl it down on a notepad or write it in my phone to put in a song later. I also write songs that are stories I’ve made up. I see or hear something I like then let my imagination run wild.
FR: Your bio mentions growing up in a split family. Tell us what went on there.
JMK: I grew up in a truggling split family: when my parents were together they would abuse each other drunk. My father’s an alcoholic and my mother’s a party girl. They would bash each other up, leaving blood on the wall and police at our door frequently. They split up when I was 9. Me and my mum has a rough relationship. We got into fist fights because I was a troubled child and missed my dad, so one day she dropped me off at his house to live. Living with my dad for 7 years wasn’t a piece of cake because of his alcoholism. My dad tried his best to look after me, he is a good parent enslaved by his addiction. Some nights I had to look after him as if he were a moody cild, other nights he would get abusive. At 16, I got tired of it and repaired my relationship with my mother to move in and help my other siblings. My oldest sister by then had also become a bit of an alcoholic, her depression alongside our parents’ genes caused her to lash out violently when drunk. This eventually led to me calling the police after she threatened to murder me, and I believed her as we’ve had very violent arguments in the past. The police put an AVO against her for a year. We have recently resolved our conflict and repaired our relationship. Still struggling, my siblings and I, often let on our own, help pay for groceries with the money they get in their part time jobs, whilst I busk in the small-town streets with my guitar and the songs I write for money. The hardships and challenges I’ve had to face can give the wrong impression, I love my family no matter what and appreciate all the positive things they have done for me. I wouldn’t trade places with anyone ever, despite how wild we are. It’s just the luck of the draw, some people are sheltered and some aren’t.
FR: What is the first record you bought and why?
JMK: My first record was the Spongebob Squarepants Soundtrack I bought at 9 years old because I was a big fan of the show. I still am!
FR: What current Australian acts inspire you and why? What international acts?
JMK: I’m really into Russel Morris as an Australian artist because I feel like I really connect with his music. The uplifting music he plays often brightens your mood. Having the power to change the way someone feels through music is real magic to me. As for internationally, I’ve always been inspired by Miley Cyrus because she used her platform to speak up about society’s issues and fights for change. I also admire how she puts 100% of her energy into her shows and spreads the message of acceptance through her music.
FR: Tell us a little bit about your music and what a crowd can expect at a live show?
JMK: My music fits into the pop rock, rootsy, indie categories. It’s a way I express myself through lyrics and melodies. Each song has its own message or story to tell. My songs, to me, are my ultimate way of being myself. My live shows include positive energy, because performing’s all about the entertainer and audience collectively having a good time. And honesty because a lot of my songs have my authentic emotions and thoughts put into them.
FR: Favourite artists of all time?
JMK: Bob Dylan is a favourite singer/songwriter I’m highly enthusiastic about, because the lyrics to his songs are so wise. The first time I listened to Blowing in the Wind I fell in love with his music. He is a true artist and poet, expressing his understandings on the world around him through the medium of song. Cat Stevens has always written amazing songs that I grew up listening to. He’ll always have a special place in my heart because I’d practice singing to Moon Shadow and Father and Son when I was quite young. Bob Seger is another of my favourite artists. I’m a big fan of his music. i listen to him on long road trips or early morning to start the day right.
FR: Favourite film? Book? Place? Animal or pet and story is there is one?
JMK: My favourite film ever is The Greatest Showman because it’s inspiration, uplighting, and optimistic. It stand for everything I believe in, such as unity, the thrill of putting on a show, and celebrating differences. Plus, the soundtrack’s amazing! My favourite book series would be The Blood of Eden Trilogy by Julia Kagawa, it’s about a post-apocalyptic world overrun by vampires. My favourite place is high in a tree. I’ve always loved climbing trees because it makes me feel closer to nature and it’s nice to be up high, away from everything and everyone for a little while. Climbing is the closest thing humans have to flying. My favourite animals are bumble bees because they are cute, fluffy, yellow, and make me honey (which I drink in my cuppa tea every day).
FR: Favourite food or drink?
JMK: My favourite food is pancakes because they were the first thing I’d learnt to make as a 10 year old. They are so simple to make. I used to eat them at elast every day during school holidays whilst my dad was at work. They taste so good! Spread some butter, sprinkle some sugar and you’re in heaven! My favourite drink is tea. I can’t go a day without it! It warms your soul. The stronger the better. I double bag, even quadruple bag it. I first had a cuppa tea when I was 5 or 6 years old. It was at my next-door neighbour’s house. My little sister would waddle over there daily as a toddler by herself. A nice old lady with dementia, called Vi, lived next door and would let her in. If we couldn’t find Toot we knew she’d gone to visit Vi. I was sent to go fetch her back, when I got there they were drinking tea and having toast for breakfast. She offered me some and I loved it. Vi having dementia meant we would drink quite a LOT of tea at her house. You’d finish a pot and she’d forget we’d ever had any, so she’d ask, and to be cheeky we’d say we hadn’t to get more tea. Drinking teas probably somewhere in my blood anyway. My grandmother’s from Ireland – the number one tea drinking capital, and my dad’s from England – which comes a close second.
FR: You’re backstage with Miley Cyrus. What do you say?
JMK: “Hi! Oh my gosh, no way! NO. WAY. I’ve always been a MASSIVE fan of yours. Thank you so much for everything you’ve ever done. You and your music helped me growing up. Sorry if I’m over excited and too much of a fangirl, I just want you to know you have such a kind soul and help so many people in so many ways,”
FR: What’s the one thing you want/need that you think will make you a successful artists and why?
JMK: I want people to connect to my music. I’d love to attract my tribe of people because I feel we’d be a pretty fun, whacky bunch. I don’t feel I need anything to be a successful artist. The way I see it – there’s public eye successful which yes would be nice, or there’s success of the heart. Your success as an artist can’t be measured by anything or anyone else. THere’s no secret goals and lines you have to cross to become successful. As long as I can make others happy and create songs that I’m passionate about then I’m already successful.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/JessieMayKitchen
Youtube: www.youtube.com/channel/JessieMayKitchen
Instagram: @jessiemayk
iTunes: itunes.apple.com/au/album/coffee-shop-single/1404787478
Jessie-May Kitchen’s New Video ‘Coffee Shop’
Jessie-May Kitchen’s New Video ‘Coffee Shop’
The Vegas Nerves – New Single – A List As Long As Your Arm
The Vegas Nerves
- New Single from forthcoming album -
A List As Long As Your Arm
The Vegas Nerves are a four-piece band boasting the Latin beats of Alejo Alvarez, the rhythmic bass of Cameron McWilliams, the steadfast guitar of Jürgen Joader and the solid words and voice of Stephen Greenacre. Playing their music around the less salubrious parts of Sydney town.
Did you ever make a wish that only brought you trouble? Did you tell a secret and find out everyone already knows? Well then The Vegas Nerves are the band for you because they know that feeling well. They can’t make too many promises but if you come out of your safe spaces you could learn something new. You might remember how to celebrate both the sublime and the ridiculous in the everyday and avoid listening to bores who are afraid and offended by their own shadows.
The Vegas Nerves are releasing their debut album An Act Of Faith in August and are looking forward to getting as many people as humanly possible to hear it. Some fools may confuse telling the truth with pessimism, others know that only honesty can really set you free.
Questions for the frontman Stephen Greenacre
Q. Tell us about the moment you decided to become a singer/writer/band? What did your family/friends have to say about it?
A. I can’t remember ever not wanting to do this but wouldn’t dream of telling my family or friends.
Q.Who are your early influences?
A.Cole Porter and Jilted John.
Q.What is the first record you bought and why?
A.”So” by Peter Gabriel. Why? Because I’m an idiot.
Q.What current/new Artists/Bands inspire you and why?
A.DMAs, Jen Cloher, Just A Number, John Grant, The Arctic Monkeys, Royal Blood.
Q.Tell us a little about your writing process, how does a song come along? What gets you going creatively?
A.I’m always writing in my head which makes travelling by public transport a problem as I’m always getting off in the wrong places. I fall in love about 16 times a day which is good for the creative juices but nothing else.
Checkout the video on the right hand pane
Connect with The Vegas Nerves: