Ivona Rose -New Album Review from Bernard Zuel

July 31, 2018 Marshall Cullen

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. “

News and Touring

Jessie May Kitchen – QnA with Foghorn

July 26, 2018 Marshall Cullen

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.

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

Spotify: open.spotify.com/album/482ZHNGOxrofpoItZaq1la

News and Touring

The Vegas Nerves – New Single – A List As Long As Your Arm

July 4, 2018 Marshall Cullen

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:

News and Touring

Rachel LaFond – New Album – Encounters of the Beautiful Kind

June 14, 2018 Marshall Cullen

Rachel LaFond – New Album – Encounters of the Beautiful Kind

Come along on a powerful musical journey inspired by Rachel LaFond’s experience, of being a stranger in a new country. New Zealand to be precise where she now calls home.

This beautiful solo Piano Album was recorded in high resolution audio at her home and mastered by the golden ears of Mike Bloemendahl.

The music explores universal human experiences: feelings of loneliness, worries about not being good enough, and the evolution we undergo as existing friendships change or fade while new connections spring to life.

This journey culminates in the realisation that as we bear each other up and connect with one another, we make the world a more beautiful place for all of us.

About Rachel LaFond:

Rachel LaFond is an American composer and pianist now residing in New Zealand who has been steeped in musicality her entire life. Her appreciation of the piano began when she was a toddler as her mother (a piano teacher) played with a young Rachel on her lap. She began formal lessons at age five, and by the time Rachel was eleven, she began teaching lessons herself. She lived in Vienna and studied piano performance there as a teenager, then returned home to major in piano at the University of Washington. After university, she continued to teach and perform professionally, but for years Rachel didn’t realise she had a talent for writing music hidden inside herself until David.

David she had met just weeks ago. Rachel couldn’t stop thinking about him on one rainy autumn afternoon, everything changed. Gazing out the window of her teaching studio, Distraction transformed into inspiration, and by the end of that evening she had finished her first original piece, Loving in the Rain. This first piece stood alone for a while as Rachel got swept up in life’s adventures: Rachel and David got married, quit their jobs, and embarked on a year of long-term travel around the world.

Rachel’s music is inspired by, and engages with, the full depth of human experience. Whether she’s capturing the heady wooziness of falling in love or responding to the chest-cracking pain of Barcelonans who suffered in the terror attack of summer 2017, her pieces are unflinching and compel the listener to lean into the feeling of the song for just a moment more. Rachel’s drive to bring beauty, light, and kindness to dark places through her music lends a striking sense of purpose to her creative work. And she’s just getting started.

All recorded in Auckland, New Zealand in Rachel’s home.

Mastering by Mike Bloemendahl

Connect with Rachel LaFond

News and Touring

Medusa’s Wake – Debut Album – Rascals & Rogues

June 12, 2018 Marshall Cullen

Medusa’s Wake – Debut Album – Rascals & Rogues

With the recent release (1 June) of Sydney Celtic Folk Rockers Medusa’s Wake’s debut album ‘Rascals & Rogues’ with a very uptempo and energetic style of music that will have you raising your beer glasses and showing off your skills on the dance floor. Rooted very much in a Celtic Rock style based on Australian and Old Ireland folklore, Medusa’s Wake has been described as a love child of The Pogues and Australia’s own Roaring Jack.

Their debut album portrays lots of characters of time past who in fact where Rascals and Rogues hence with the naming of the album. The band spent quality time in Damien Gerrard Studio’s in Balmain with the brilliant Russell Pilling adding his magical touch to the recording.

The debut single: ‘Seldom Sober’ was a late inclusion to the album. It is an ode to, lead vocalist Eddie Lawlor’s, love of whiskey. It is a hard and fast lively drinking tune to get you in the mood for a party! With band members John, Zane, Ben, Ron and Frank all fond of a drop of whiskey this song certainly shows the fun-loving high energy that this band is all about.

Seldom Sober (video) In the bands own words ‘It’s fairly lively as all good Irish Whiskey drinking songs should be’, and we heartily concur, with full band backing and great production this one will have ‘ye dancin’ a jig’ in no time at all. Band quote word for word “1. Seldom Sober. This is a song wrote as an ode for my love of whiskey with the origins being a young boy drinking with a friend up till my adult years. It’s fairly lively as “all good drinking songs should be”

Link to Scenestr Article with Seldom Sober video

Band Questions; Eddie Lawlor lead frontman

1. Your bio mentions your sound is a “lovechild of The Pogues and Australian’s own Roaring Jack” High praise indeed.

It is a comparison and I think that’s where it stops! We have a similar edge but In my view, if we were to be half of what both those bands where we would be doing alright. I think the Irish/Celtic influence is there. I have gotten to know Steph Miller who used play in Roaring Jack and he truly is one of the most gifted musician’s and performer’s I have ever seen. Big boots to fill! We can only stay doing what we do and see how we go.

2. Favourite artists of all time?

Did I mention The Pogues! Luke Kelly Folk singer with The Dubliners and Paul Kelly.

3. What current Australian acts inspire you and why? What international acts?

I also play with The Handsome Young Strangers Driza, Looch, Adam, Dave and Na na are really top muso’s and have been doing it so well for such a long time. International acts always have been and will always be The Pogues!

Medusa’s Wake launch ‘Rascals And Rogues’ at Norton’s Irish Pub in Leichardht (Sydney) 16 June.

Album Out Now

Connect with Medusa’s Wake
-Website
http://medusaswake.com/
-Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/medusaswake/

News and Touring

BiG MERiNO – Debut album Suburban Wildlife

May 30, 2018 Marshall Cullen

BiG MERiNO – Debut album Suburban Wildlife

Sydney based Alt-Country/ Rock/ Soul band Big Merino released their debut album Suburban Wildlife on the 13th of May 2018, all recorded and engineered by Russell Pilling over three weeks at Damian Gerard Studios.

Big Merino songwriters Alex and Stuart write socially and politically-charged song lyrics that are sometimes gentle and nostalgic and at other times nothing less than a fierce cry for revolution.

Big Merino’s music has a handmade quality to it, they try to blur the lines between Rock, Country, Blues, Roots, Soul, Funk, Grunge occasionally and make their way into lesser known genres. Stuart’s passion for New Orleans second lane and Cuban music has its influences in the bass lines and rhythms of several songs.

How did the Big Merino start Alex?

It just grew like topsy, at first it was Stuart and I we went to school together and we played in bands together for years. It was just two old friends jamming and making up tunes then suddenly there was a bass player and finally we found a drummer (We did manage to explode another drummer along the way) and my wife had a birthday coming up so we played a few songs and after that we just kept going.

What was the first record you bought? And what drove you to make music Alex?

My first record I think it was “Night at the Opera”. It was awesome but I remember ABBA being on high rotation a lot back then or it may have been something deeply uncool.

It’s hard to walk past something as beautiful as a guitar and not want to pick it up. I was your regular earnest, spotty, undateable 15 year old when I first started playing the guitar. I never lost the passion and my early influences were all those sixties and seventies bands.

What was the first record you bought? And what started your journey to make music Stuart?

My first record was The Monkees “Someday Man”. I loved that song! It was classic 60’s pop song written probably by Neil Diamond or some other great songwriter. The B side was a Mike Nesmith song called ‘Listen to The Band’.

In my early 20’s I lived in London with a friend who introduced me to the infamous 100 Club. At that stage it was a Jazz/ Blues venue and I was lucky enough to see several old Blues legends like Memphis Slim, Nina Simone and Slim Gaillard. The night I saw Memphis Slim my whole world changed and I was going to be a performer.

My other big influence is Black Gospel Music. I spent years listening to the great Gospel groups like The Soul Stirrers and The Swan Silvertones – trying to emulate that sometimes ferocious, sometimes tender vocal delivery.

What are the future plans for Big Merino?

Get our album done and out there, get some gigs at festivals and play to bigger audiences, more travelling and playing & singing!

Other cameos on the album include:

Featuring guest performances from the creme de la creme of Australia’s musical talent, including:

Musician of the Year at Tamworth Music Festival Clare O-Meara, player extraordinaire Jonathan Zwartz double bass, Johnny G from Johnny G and the E-Types on piano, organ and accordion, Australia’s most sought after percussionist Jess Ciampa, Living legend James Greening on trombone, sousaphone, euphonium, trumpet, flugelhorn and pocket cornet, the pedal steel player of choice for Australia’s leading country performers Michel Rose from the band The Catholics, a string quartet from the Sydney Chamber Orchestra. Stuart’s wife Alice is featured on 2 songs for vocals.

Reviews:

Beach sloth – “Big Merino goes for a powerful, heartfelt sound on the symphonic folk musings of Suburban Wildlife.”

http://www.beachsloth.com/big-merino-suburban-wildlife.html

Dancing About Architecture (by Dave Franklin) – “The art of pinning down a band in just a few generic descriptions or a handy soundbite is the stock-in-trade of the music reviewer but I have to admit that it will take a better man than me to concisely pin down Big Merino.”

https://dancingaboutarchitecture.info/2018/05/19/suburban-wildlife-big-merino-reviewed-by-dave-franklin/

Middle Tennessee Music.com (by Joshua (J.Smo) Smotherman) – “Comprising of a team of seasoned music makers, Big Merino is the culmination of various musical styles, years of various experiences and the talented personalities which have come together like Voltron to form an appealing, soul-infused rock record that can be listened to from beginning to end…multiple times…without getting old.”

https://www.midtnmusic.com/big-merino-suburban-wildlife/

Links:

News and Touring

Loren Evarts- Newest album Home Again

May 15, 2018 Marshall Cullen

Loren Evarts newest album Home Again

Home Again is the 6th original album, of this amazing contemporary pianist. It revisits several pieces previously recorded by Loren in the 1980’s, and eight new ones. It was produced by Grammy award winner Will Ackerman (Windham Hill Records) at his Imaginary Road studio in West River valley, Windham County, Vermont and was engineered by Tom Eaton.

Featuring Grammy-winning artists and Grammy-nominated Artists Eugene Friesen on cello (Paul Winter, Trio Globo), Rhonda Larson on many types of flutes (Paul Winter, Ventus) and Jeff Haynes on percussion (Pat Metheny, Pete Seeger), bassist Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel and King Crimson).

Besides Piano, Loren Evarts has been known to perform by singing, trombone, hammered dulcimer and organ.

Loren has performed professionally in the Connecticut area of USA in a variety of musical situations for over 40 years. He has been grateful to have been involved in performances with artists such as Dave Weckl (Chick Corea), Gerry Neiwood (Chuck Mangione), Everett Silver (Chuck Mangione), Mike Davis (Rolling Stones), Danny Stiles (Bill Watrous), Fred Vigdor (Average White Band), Rhonda Larson (Paul Winter Consort).

About Loren Evarts:

I was in first grade when I heard a fellow classmate play the piano, and I said, “Hey, I want to do that, too.” Of course, I had no idea that you had to practice, which made me think twice about my choice. But due to frequent beatings from my mom, I persisted, Partially kidding!

I started playing classical piano at age 7, but like a lot of kids, I started listening to pop radio in middle school. Fortunately, I was allowed to stick in a few popular tunes in my lessons along with the serious music. In high school I started to get influenced by jazz. My biggest influences were bands like Chicago and Tower of Power, Elton John, James Taylor, Carole King, Jazz singer Al Jarreau, and jazz pianists like Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock and Liz Story.

What can a crowd expect at a live show?

My music is probably best described as a mix of new age, jazz, classical and world. It’s piano-based but sometimes I will add a percussionist, bassist or woodwind player for concerts.

What are your future plans for 2018/2019?

Well, I am an American so, like many of my fellow citizens, I am looking to survive until 2020(enough on politics). But otherwise, At my stage of the game, I just want to put out a good product, and I hope to write some new material now that my newest album has been released. And that means I have to sit down at the piano and start! I am always gratified when people enjoy my music. I no longer crave being a big star. It’s nice being in this place.

Spotify Link:

Facebook Link:

Website Link:

News and Touring

Joel Leffler – New EP – Strip Me Bare

May 3, 2018 Marshall Cullen

Joel Leffler – New EP – Strip Me Bare

Following on from his ‘Run With The Wolves’ EP and tour Joel Leffler has released a stunning new EP “Strip Me Bare”, produced by long-time collaborator and ARIA winning Producer Peter Holz (Peking Duk, Gang of Youths).

The first single “In My Sights” from the new EP is the song which features a guest vocal from Melissa Jane. Joel and Melissa shared a house together and have worked together on numerous recordings. This poppy anthemic tune hits home and you can’t help but sing and dance along to this great party song.

Melissa: ‘Joel and I have always written and played together. Our voices blend & complement each other really well. I think this track is just one of those feel-good anthems. The chorus is super catchy, you’ve been warned.’

Joel: ‘I had this melody stuck in my head for weeks. I would wake up, drive to work & go to sleep all with the chorus sitting on the tip of my tongue. I have never been so haunted by a melodic idea as much as I have on “In My Sights”.

Pete Holz: ‘We’ve taken off from where the 1st EP left off and gone a little more into the synth and drum machine world - but still kept a lot of guitar and groove in there! A pleasure having Melissa Jade feature too - such a great singer and really bought another higher level of the track.’

Joel will be performing live at The Brass Monkey and other Sydney venues for the new release of Strip Me Bare.

Spotify Link

Facebook Link

Website Link

News and Touring

DAXTON – New Album – In Verses

April 28, 2018 Marshall Cullen

Intrepid Blues & Roots man Daxton releases new album “In Verses” and scores Amrap Chart Spot.

Review Update! Check out all these great reviews from all over the world

America to Germany everyone is loving Daxtons New album “In Verses”

Links to other reviews:

http://www.beachsloth.com/daxton-in-verses.html

http://www.nataliezworld.com/2018/04/daxton-in-verses.html

http://www.tunedloud.com/2018/05/10/daxton-in-verses-addicting-grown-up-alt-rock/

http://broadscreen.de/daxton-definiert-sich-zwischen-genres

https://stereostickman.com/reviews/daxton-daxton-monaghan-in-verses/

http://sleepingbagstudios.ca/daxton-monaghan-ball-chain/

“I Don’t Mind” Single from “In Verses”

The new album from NSW Central Coast Blues and Roots Songwriter and Performer Daxton has instantly struck a chord with National Community Radio with first single Sanctuary sitting at number two on the Amrap/Airit Regional Chart for April 27 .

In Verses starts off with a colourful up-tempo song track named ‘I Don’t Mind’ with high falsetto reminiscent of artist such as Marvin Gay or Eagles of Death Metal. As the album progresses further in you will notice some of the songs have a more psychedelic/grungy approach.

There are nine tracks on the album, all highlighting Daxton’s multitude of influences ranging from psychedelic blues and alternative rock with a little Spanish guitar. As always with ‘Dax’, the sound of the south is a dominating force – a touch of delta blues working its’ way through the album.

Daxton will be playing local shows followed by a tour to support the release- see website below for dates.

https://www.facebook.com/Daxton6/app/208195102528120/

“It’s not that much of a stretch to think that a fan of bands like Kings of Leon or artists such as Ray LaMontagne or even John Mayer could easily find something to like here..the crossover exists for sure.” Sleeping Bag USA Review.

The Album is Out Now Via MGM.

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News and Touring

The Mezcaltones latest Album Second

April 16, 2018 Marshall Cullen

The Mezcaltones latest Album Second

Sydney is a long way from Mexico but The Mezcaltones still know a thing or two about sultry nights and dangerous days – not to mention sultry man and dangerous woman.

Inspired by tunes from Tito and Tarantula, Dick Dale, Link Wray, Los Lobos, Santana and other artists with a sizzling Mexican sound.

The Mezcaltones latest Album Second has sounds only described as Tex Mex, 60’s, cowboy rockabilly surf guitar style of twang and incorporating Mimi’s spellbinding dance moves they are hard to pigeonhole.

But one thing everyone does agree upon is The Mezcaltones are highly entertaining! It’s more than a band: it’s a show, a journey… with ATTITUDE!

2018

Tamworth Country Music Festival Recent completion of ‘Here’s to Love’ film clip Humble Pride clip due out April 5

2017

Tamworth Country Music Festival Sydney Winterfest Blues festival Sydney Blues & Roots Festival ‘Painted Lady’ film clip featured on Alt Country Segment of CMC.

2016

Tamworth Country Music Festival

‘Painted Lady’ featured in Amrap Regional Top 10 charts for 3 weeks

Self-titled EP voted #6 in the Top Ten CDs of 2016 by 100%

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