Flow with their self titled Debut Album

Link March 14, 2018 Marshall Cullen

FLOW: A DYNAMIC NEW AGE IN MUSIC

Will Ackerman, Fiona Joy Hawkins, Lawrence Blatt and Jeff Oster Take a Open Approach to Musical Discovery, Embracing Friendship While Building Organic Songs for their eponymous new release–FLOW.

Forty years after Windham Hill became a catalyst for the global musical phenomenon, its bountiful legacy of best-selling solo works (George Winston, Liz Story, Alex DeGrassi, Michael Hedges) and Grammy-winning ensembles (Shadowfax)–extends into a truly new age with FLOW–a new four-piece ensemble comprised of Ackerman and three of today’s most acclaimed independent artists, Australian pianist Fiona Joy Hawkins, acoustic guitarist Lawrence Blatt and flugelhorn master Jeff Oster. All in, FLOW members have accumulated literally dozens of accolades, from GRAMMY® Awards, ZMRs, IMAs, IAMAs and a catalog of #1 albums in the genre.

FLOW, on Blatt’s LMB Music label, came together to record deep in the West River Valley in Southern Vermont, at Imaginary Road Studios, the longtime creative home base of legendary Grammy-winning acoustic guitarist Will Ackerman, the original founder of Windham Hill; the 282-acre property in Windham County has become a hotbed of acoustic excellence over the past 25 years.

Ackerman shared his thoughts on the process of recording with FLOW, saying – “There was a moment in the process of making FLOW with Fiona, Lawrence and Jeff when I felt a hint of panic that my pieces were being altered and transformed into something very different from what I would have done with them on a Will Ackerman record. It was in the moment just after this thought that I realized that FLOW was actually working… that I was experiencing real synergy. The group had become a creative entity unto itself and four dear friends had gathered to create something beyond anything they could have created on their own.Experiments don’t always work. This one worked!?”

As officially announced, the concept of FLOW had its origins in 2015, when Blatt invited Fiona and Oster to join him at Imaginary Road to create an album inspired by the iconic Windham Hill sound and ensembles. Ackerman had already produced several of Fiona Joy Hawkin’s and Oster’s albums plus Blatt’s recordings The Color of Sunshine, Emergence, and Latitudes and Longitudes featuring Oster on horn; Blatt and Fiona met while recording a special project on Blue Coast Music.

Oster remembers that each of them brought two or three songs to the project to which they added their parts under the guidance of Ackerman’s longtime production partner at Imaginary Road, Tom Eaton. The group likens Eaton’s multi-faceted role in the success of the project as that of The Fifth Beatle.

Reflecting on FLOW’s debut project, Oster says, “If you look back into any time of human existence, this need for peaceful breathing and listening has always and will always be deeply important. It’s not only New Age music, it is EVERY AGE music!”

FLOW made their official debut with an album release celebration at Carnegie Hall’s Weill Recital Hall on October 6, 2017. The group is booking concert dates this Spring, including a featured performance at the Zone Music Awards on Saturday May 12th at Roussell Hall in New Orleans; they are nominated for both Album of the Year and Best Contemporary Instrumental Album.

AXS Review

“By Sari Cohen”

“These are four musicians who are all self-sufficient in their talents. They’re brilliant at making albums that are unique and musically successful as soloists. The lovely surprise is that they, we, all managed with grace and ease to come together and create something new and different from anything any of us had ever done before,” Grammy-winner Will Ackerman explains.

World Music Central Review

“By Angel Romero”

Flow is a supergroup of musicians who have been involved with New Age music for many years. The term New Age is used to describe a wide range of genres, from easy listening acoustic music to electronic meditation music. In this case, Flow performs peaceful and ethereal instrumental music with smooth jazz, folk, gliding ambient sounds and classical music elements.

Website Link

https://www.flowthegroup.com/

Link to USA Tour Dates and Tickets

FLOW hope to tour Australia at select locations in 2019

News and Touring

Hussy Hicks: Ten Things You Never Knew About the Band and New Tour Dates

February 20, 2018 Marshall Cullen

Just announced Byron Bay Blues fest performance on the

31 March & 1 April

The new single Silence Creeping is Due out March 2nd but you can checkout the stunning new video right now as it was premiered recently on Whatsmyscene.com

With the girls already on tour here’s some little known facts the girls have recently divulged….

Ten Things You Never Knew About Hussy Hicks

Hussy Hicks started out as a three piece, playing a residency in a bar in the Middle East with Julz, Leesa, and Leesa’s sister, Kristy
The original three members of Hussy hicks, Julz, Leesa, and Kristy, recently got the band back together to feature in ABC for Kid’s TV series “Get Grubby TV” as Dirt Girls’ all girl band, encouraging kids to get outside, be creative, gros things, and be less wasteful.
Both Leesa and Julz started playing music as tweens, playing a similar circuit of pub venues around NSW and SE Qld from the ages of 11 and 13, yet never crossed paths until they were in their early 20’s.
Aside from music, Hussy Hicks’ current obsessions are:
1. Julz – Astronomy, cheese, and crypto currencies
2. Leesa – fermenting, fermenting, fermenting
Julz and Leesa did a stint as “artists in residence” for five months in Dachau, Germany where the only phrase they managed to learn in Bavarian dialect directly translates as “Hello old sausage skin”
Leesa was a signed country music starlet with a record contract with ABC Country and a songwriting deal with Warner/Chappell Publishing at age 17. When she was 18, she appeared in a Rolling Stone feature on the rising stars of Australian country music.
Sinead O’Connor once said, “This is Julz – She’s the funniest f*cker you’ll ever meet,”
While touring in australia, Hussy Hicks usually trip around in their old Hiace camper van, and often still choose parking out under the stars over posh hotel rooms. On their first tour of the USA in 2006 they hired a Ford F250 van and drove it thousands of miles ending up in situations that certainly can’t be condensed into a point form article!
The infamous Hussy Hicks bass player “Tracy Bassy” has been playing with Julz and Leesa since well before the band got together, though doesn’t like photo shoots, video shoots, or any kind of extra publicity.
Out of Julz and Leesa’s combined 6 siblings, 4 have been gigging members of Hussy Hicks at some stage.

Although they’ve been playing together since 2005, February 2018 marks ten years since Gold Coast act Hussy Hicks released their first album and undertook their first National Tour. It’s been an amazing decade with the release of five full length albums, many circumnavigations of the globe, playing countless gigs in the US and Europe as well as pretty much every festival and town in Australia.

To celebrate this landmark the girls are starting their National Single Release Tour in WA and then across the East Coast for a string of gigs from February and stretching all the way into June.

Complete Australian dates
17-18 Feb Boyup Brook Country Music Festival WA
20 Feb – Perth Blues Club WA
21 Feb – Mojo’s Fremantle WA
22 Feb – Settlers Tavern Margaret River WA
23 Feb – Karma Rottnest WA
24 Feb – South West Blues Club WA
25 Feb – Redcliffe on the Murray, Pinjarra WA
1 March – Live at the Backlot, Perth WA
2 and 3 March – Nannup Music Festival WA
4 March – Clancy’s Fish Pub Dunsborough WA
9,10,11 March Port Fairy Folk Festival VIC
14 March – Open Studio Northcote VIC
15 March – Republic Br Hobart TAS
16, 17 March – Forth Festival TAS
23rd March Currumbin Soundlounge QLD
25th March – Stag and Hunter, Newcastle NSW

31 March & 1 April -Bluesfest Byron Bay, NSW
6 April – Royal Mail Goodna QLD
15 April – Bleach Festival – Gold Coast QLD
May 3 – Surfers Paradise Live Festival (Gold Coast Music Awards)
May 6 – Surfers Paradise Live Festival
8-10 June Peak Festival Perisher NSW

See Full Tour Press Release Here

Current Album ‘On The Boundaries’

Social media links
https://www.facebook.com/hussyhicks/
https://twitter.com/hussyhicks?lang=en

-Official site
http://www.hussyhicks.com/en/news

YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBEJG9RXjBiENJNWFeM–eg

News and Touring

The Sheyana Band – New Single BIG LOVE and a chat with singer Sheyana

February 17, 2018 Marshall Cullen

With their first single BIG LOVE just released from the forthcoming album of the same name due out mid March we managed to get hold of the bands singer and founder Sheyana all the way down in the deep south of Australia – Tasmania to be exact. The interview reveals theres a lot more to this rocking blues band and Sheyana’s influences than you may think – London, Sri Lanka and even Keith Richards earn a mention……

What inspired you to become an artist and who are your early influences?

“Born in the UK, I was inspired by the British 70’s era. Raised in London, watching “Top of the Pops” and listening to music by David Bowie, Jimmy Hendrix & The Jackson 5, we would often go to concerts at Hyde Park to see our favourite band, The Rolling Stones. The feeling was overwhelming and I knew back then, I wanted to write songs and play music. I come from a musical family. My Nan was a mezzo soprano champion and my Pop hand-crafted acoustic guitars. After my Pop passed away and my Mum & Dad separated, we migrated from the UK to Tasmania and I found inspiration in our local chapel listening to the beautiful harmonies from my mother’s family choir. David Bowie, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, Bonnie Raitt, Renee Geyer, The Beach Boys, AC/DC & Alice Cooper, and Kiss were all constant on my record player.”

Your Bio Mentions Keith, tell us the story?

“My Tasmanian mother and my Sri Lankan father met in the late 60’s on a ship bound for England. I was born in the UK, living in London in the early 70’s. We were living in an apartment at Ivor Court in London, two doors down from The Rolling Stones. I used to ride my tricycle up and down the hallway, and Keith Richards took a shine to me. He used to always take the time to talk to me and pat me on the head as I rode by, learning to ride my first bike. I have early memories of being drawn to him, often talking with him as they were going in and out of their apartment. This is a memory I will never forget. I went on to begin my music career in the late 90’s, with my song “Wash me in the Water” being selected to feature on “Bloomers One” – Australian Women’s Singer Songwriter’s Album. Following with my debut album “Firehorse” in 2002, and EP “Sweet Honesty in 2010, which received an International songwriting award. During this time, my Dad who was now living in Sri lanka reconnected with me after all these years and we set up a Sri lankan tour with a promoter in Columbo, which included MTV appearances, live shows, radio interviews and airplay, and I made my first video clip for the single “Undone”. It was a successful, exciting, emotional time for us all. The missing piece in the puzzle was found. I also found a new fanbase for my music and a second island home. The 2nd EP release, “Keep the Change” ( first release with The Sheyana Band), hit the charts in Columbo at Number 6, and The Sheyana Band were nominated in the Top 5 Band’s in Sri Lanka 2015. We were invited to their awards night, so I headed to Sri lanka to make my second video clip, along with TV & Radio appearances and some shows. This has been the journey, which has brought me to the release of the latest album “Big Love”. I’m hoping that my Father will be around to see my new music, as he is battling with cancer. Im planning to meet him in the UK later this year and play some shows. So it has come full circle, as I will return to the UK for the first time since I was a child meeting Keith.”

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

“Meg Mac, Gang of Youths – I recently saw both when I performed at Party in The Paddock. They have become favourites. I love their stage presences. Both send clear messages with great vocals, loads of soul, with catchy riffs and good hook lines.”

“Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age – these International acts have been a huge inspiration for me, with their clever songwriting, high energy & big guitar sounds, and I”m really inspired by the way they have always done what they believed in without wavering or selling their soul, much like Tom Petty did throughout his career ”

Tell us a little about your music and what a crowd can expect at a live show?

“The songs and our live shows are exciting, edgy & accessible. Featuring great musicianship from my band, there is something for everyone in our music, From heart wrenching acoustic ballads, to rocking dance songs and catchy riffs, rooted in the blues, we cross over into rock, country and pop.”

Whats your favourite Place?

” Laurel Creek – in the midst of a NW Tasmanian rainforest by a babbling brook. This is my property with 50 acres of wilderness. Its a magic healing place with naturally formed hexagonal sandstone rocks and crystals, which I built my house from.”

What are your future plans for 2018/2019?

“Developing songwriting skills and collaborating with other artists. Going back to my roots to Perform in the UK & Sri Lanka. Going back into the studio to record some new material with The Sheyana Band & to record a stripped back solo album.”

Thanks Sheyana , finally what shows have you coming up ?

“We’ve just been asked to do a big sports event -

Sat February 24 – It’s an AFL Match with North Melbourne and Carlton, at Twin Ovals in Kingston, Hobart.

I’ll be appearing on Roots of Rhythm

PBS 106.7FM in Melbourne with Helen Jennings on

Wednesday Feb 21 at 10.15am talking about the Album.

We also have a couple of smaller Tassy gigs:

Fri Feb 23 Prickly Mos Wineries Eugenia, TAS

March 10 Cradle Forest Inn – Moina, TAS

Then we’ll be launching the album on

March 16/17 at the Fabulous Forth Valley Blues Festival “

Checkout the Official Video for BIG LOVE-

Stream, buy, connect –

News and Touring

Hussy Hicks Are Back – New Album On The Boundaries

November 6, 2017 Marshall Cullen

New Review Just In – 16 November

“Review of Hussy Hicks new album On The Boundaries . Another brilliant release for 2017.This great scorched land has birthed 3 remarkable albums this year & we are now joined by a 4th.Hussy Hicks join the elite company of Charles Jenkins , 19Twenty & Woodland Hunters with the delivery of On The Boundaries. You don’t lose sheer talent like you lose the flavour of chewing gum , and Leesa Gentz & Julz Parker are blossoming & blooming from album to album. Leesa’s soaring voice of evocative, volcanic velvet is like honey for your soul & the fretwork of Julz is fire & brimstone one minute & yet the epitome of controlled restraint the next. Co-conspirator Raph White adds the sonic soundtrack like an idiosyncratic Daniel Lanois or Mitchell Froom , and his brushstrokes are an embellishment to be revered.I first saw these ladies support Turin Brakes in Fremantle & my ears were converted & prised wonderfully wide open.Are they a cult secret ? I’m not certain , but we should all join hands , buy this stunning offering and make these ladies wealthy. It would only be justice for the riches this album conveys.

Cheers Duncan Smith Top Shelf Music 89.7FM So much music so little time.”

With their new single Mutiny recently Premiered with repeat plays on Triple J Roots N All the Hussy Hicks are well pleased with their collaborative efforts on the new album. Teaming up with long time friend London based Producer Raphael White the girls have created a stunning new album that will surprise some but still maintains their folk and blues roots.They are currently on tour in the USA and head home this month to drop the record and head out for their Australian dates starting in WA (listed below)

Almost 10 years after the release of their debut album Hussy Hicks

are back with their fifth full length offering, On the Boundaries. A

departure from their trademark live recordings, this album sees the

Hussy Hicks experiment with their sound and production to create

something familiar yet fresh. It’s the Hussy Hicks embracing a

creative approach and the results are nothing short of stunning.

The Gold Coast based band has made a name for themselves locally

and on the international stages the old fashioned way – not through a

Youtube video gone viral or a Facebook post shared thousands of

times, but by playing their music and connecting with audiences

one passionate performance at a time.

Julz Parker and Leesa Gentz possess a special connection and an

innate understanding of each other musically. Their unique sound

spans many genres from boisterous blues and roots, to

contemporary folk, alt country and power ballads.

For this album they joined forces with long time friend and musical

collaborator Raphael White. Their trust in him as a producer allowed

them to expand on their live sound and conduct some sonic

experiments in his London studio.

“Stylistically I guess the biggest difference between this and our

last albums would be the layering; more vocals, more guitars, more

time spent on production” says Julz. ““We tried not to be beholden to our live

sound, to keep the tracks open to be able to grow in any direction.

The way we found was best for that was to start each song by

Leesa laying down a couple of shaker tracks (as we do live) so that

we all had a solid foundation groove that we were all comfortable to build upon. We then sang

and played all the different ideas we had for each song and left

Raph with a bit of a sonic smorgasboard to play with.

It’s not a folk album, its not a blues album, its

not an alt-country album but it still has bits of all our influences

wrapped up in there and we’re super happy with the result.”

On The Boundaries (Funk/Fauna)
Release Date November 10 All Platforms
Radio Amrap/AiritALBUM PRE ORDER LINK-
https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/on-the-boundaries/id1293275790
The Hussy Hicks are also pleased to announce their upcoming Tour DatesNov 8 – WA Redcliffe on the Murray
Nov 9 – WA Settlers Tavern
Nov 10-12 – WA Bridgetown Blues Festival
Nov 14 – WA Perth Blues Club
Nov 15 – WA Clancy’s Fremantle
Nov 17-19 – NSW Mullum Music Festival
Nov 25-27 – VIC Queenscliff Music Festival
Dec 1-3 – NSW – Sydney Blues and Roots Festival Windsor
Dec 8 – NSW Tintenbar Hall
Dec 9 – QLD House with No Walls Eumundi
Dec 15 QLD Summertime Sessions in the Village – Gold Coast

Jan 19-21 – NSW Thredbo Blues Festival

Checkout the stripped back version of current single Mutiny (premiered on Triple J) captured live in the European Winter for Youtube

Fearlessly independent, Hussy Hicks are making their own way in

the musical landscape. This album cements their reputation as

musicians who are dedicated passion, courage, creativity and a

distinct refusal to compromise their vision.

While the band have a tried and true formula for making amazing

music, they’re not afraid to change it up, challenge themselves and

try new things. Like the best artists, they are always looking for

ways to grow and this album represents a new and exciting chapter

in the good book of Hussy Hicks.

-Social media links
https://www.facebook.com/hussyhicks/
https://twitter.com/hussyhicks?lang=en-Official site
http://www.hussyhicks.com/en/newsYouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBEJG9RXjBiENJNWFeM–eg

News and Touring

Aussie Blues Guitarist James Southwell close to a Grammy Nomination

November 6, 2017 Marshall Cullen

NEWS FLASH! Aussie Blues Guitarist within a whisker of Grammy Nomination

Recorded in Dockside Studios in Maurice, Louisiana with bass player and producer Charlie Wooton of Royal Southern Brotherhood fame, it’s just been announced that Australia’s own premier blues guitarist James Southwell’s latest album, The Dockside Sessions (Where The Wind Blows) is a strong contender for nomination in the forthcoming 60th Grammy Awards in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category!

Featuring some of America’s finest sidemen, among them keyboards player Michael Lemmler from the George Porter Jr Band, harmonica player Jason Ricci, Prince Percussionist Rafael Pereira and Doug Belote from The Eric Clapton and Tedeschi Trucks bands and mastered by six-time Grammy Award-winning engineer David Farrell, the album debuted at #1 on the Australian Blues Airplay Charts and has sat within the top 25 ever since.

Not bad for an album that Southwell, a finalist in both the 2014 and 2015 Memphis Blues Challenge, hadn’t even expected to make. He’d first met Wooton at the Narooma Blues Festival back in 2015 and immediately felt they’d found kindred musical spirits in each other. A few months later Wooton invited Southwell to come on over to record in the US.

“I was shocked and surprised and didn’t expect them to follow it up,” Wooton admits, “but they rang to say they’d booked the flight, Originally just to record a couple of songs that turned into a whole album. From nothing it went to being a full album in Dockside Studios”

“Best album I’ve ever been a part of,” is Wooton’s opinion, while on the subject of Southwell himself,
Riotact reckons “James is not afraid to push his music past all previously existing boundaries and well past what most musicians consider the limits of what is safe.”

The Dockside Sessions(Where The Wind Blows)

OUT NOW(MGM) All Platforms
Itunes
Spotify

Released in June 2017, The Dockside Sessions (Where The Wind Blows) could just become the first album by an Australian blues musician to score a Grammy. The Recording Academy has added the album to the Contemporary Blues Album Category that voting members can vote for Grammy Award Nomination. So let’s all get behind it in whatever way we can and bring in the gold for Australia!

9th December NSW -The Day On The Grass – Wombat

19th-21st January NSW – with special guest Gail Page playing three full band shows, plus two solo acoustic shows at the 2018 Thredbo Blues Festival

26th January NSW – SS & A Club Albury
28th January NSW – Waves – Towradgi Beach Hotel

10th February ACT – A Beer Day Out Rocks The George Canberra

-Social Media
https://www.facebook.com/JamesSouthwellMusic/

-Official site
https://www.jamessouthwell.com/

YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6gnAD0a8PgLSj51H2_Xh3w

News and Touring

Carol Albert – New Album and a chat

November 6, 2017 Marshall Cullen

Carol Albert releases her new album ‘ Fly Away Butterfly, a Jazzy, Soulful offering with some modern twists and talks to us about her early influences-

Tell us about the moment you decided to become a Songwriter and Performer?

It was never a conscious decision . I grew up with music in my church playing the Organ for Worship Services and Singing with the Oldschool southern “Singing Schools” of the South where we learned Solfege (shape-Do-Re-Mi ) notes which we sang to the music instead of lyrics to Gospel Songs. I took piano lessons as well while I was growing up. I didn’t decide to major in music/piano until my Sophomore year of College. It was after I graduated from College that I decided to play Pop Music in Clubs, Bars and Private Events as well as teaching private Piano Lessons.

How did my family feel about it?

My Dad publicly announced at a family gathering that he would give me 10 cents when I graduated from College because that is all my Degree would be worth. He always thought I should just be a school-teacher.

Tell us a little about your music and what a crowd can expect at a live show?

My music is a combination of Smooth Jazz, Ambient World and New Age Music. I intersperse Instrumental Piano and Vocals with other instruments like Saxophone, Guitar, Bass , Drums . With some really upbeat tunes mixed with more introspective Ballads that are Piano driven.

What is the first record you bought and why?

I bought the Album “Close To The Edge” by Yes because it was my 1st Concert to ever attend. I was blown away and listened to the record until the Grooves were worn down. Then Emerson, Lake and Palmer, The Moody Blues and Pink Floyd. The keyboards were so over my head I just listened over and over trying to figure it all out.

You are on stage with Hans Zimmer. What do you say?

i would be awkward and speechless but, having seen him this summer in Atlanta, I think he would be very earthy and friendly. I wouldn’t know what to say except “ I’m in awe of your work! “

What is the one thing you want/need that you think will make you a successful artist? Why?

What is success? is it making enough money to retire and travel around the World or is it having the ability to create music that is so intrinsically satisfying that it doesn’t matter if you ever do anything else? Success for me is reaching as many ears as possible and have people contact me saying “Your music is beautiful . it really touched my soul. We want to hear more.” Of course , making it monetarily feasible is always a challenge and some people equate success with how much money you make/made. Recognition is always a nice validation that your work is successful with monetary rewards.

Click images below for more info

Stream or Buy

News and Touring

Yhan Leal – National Tour Dates

October 7, 2017 Marshall Cullen

Update: The full length self titled album, featuring the singles Up On The Mountain, Venice and By the Wayside is available NOW and you can get it here: http://yhanleal.com

Yhan is currently on a massive National Tour to promote the album

see dates here

http://yhanleal.com

Watch the videos here

Listen to the new tune Venice right here

Heres a recent Interview

Yhan Leal walks the line with light feet. The Colombian born, now Bellingen based singer songwriter dedicates his waking hours to honing his artistic craft. After 20 years of performing Yhan, a truly gifted guitarist and angelic singer, has found his musical identity. Yhan Leal represents a new direction of Folk.

When did you settle in the Bellingen Shire?

I’m sure this is my 6th year, It’s flown by but I’ve had had such a wondrous time here.

Can you describe your earlier life in Colombia?

Well I was only in Colombia until age 5 so the memories are very dreamlike, enormous white houses, wild rivers, and I remember leaving for Australia in a confused state in the middle of the night.

Have you always had music in your life?

Yes, my mother sang to me, spanish love songs and nursery rhymes. My three older brothers had very diverse taste in music, from Opera to Metal, and we always had the record player going.

Are you musically trained?

Yes, I started in a Classic Guitar school at age eight for a few years then started learning electric guitar at my local music shop, I loved hanging around in that shop, ended up teaching there myself.

I also started singing pop songs naturally with the guitar at age 8, then took singing lessons at around 17 for many years. I loved learning everything I could about music, I bought countless books and videos and had many teachers, but my high school music teacher will always be my most revered.

Would you describe your music as ‘folk’ based?

Yes, folk means ‘people’ and my ideas for songs are always about the experience of the individual. Intimacy and an acoustic guitar is also very folk, but I also embrace modern sounds like samples and effects, so I call my genre ‘modern folk’.

You can hear those kind of sounds on my new single and video ‘Up On The Mountain.’(premiered on Triple J Monday October 2nd)

You are performing at the Dorrigo Folk and Bluegrass Festival. Is this the first year you have performed for this festival? Can you describe what you are expecting?

Yes this is my first time performing at the festival, I’m excited to play to an audience who appreciate that less is more! I’m going to play as stripped back as possible but give my songs everything I’ve got.

Have you got any exciting plans for your music into the future?

Yes, I will be launching a brand new album this November 11 at the Bellingen Memorial Hall. I’ll be performing the entire album and recreating it;s production with the support of mostly local musicians, including an electronic score. Tix are on sale now via my website www.yhanleal.com and from Roots Records in Bellingen.

I also have a bunch more shows

-Social media
https://www.facebook.com/yhanlealmusic/

Official site
http://yhanleal.com/

News and Touring

Andy Iorio -USA Classical Crossover Pianist and Composer talks about his early influences and new album II

October 7, 2017 Marshall Cullen

Hi Andy Iorio,
Tell us about the moment you decided to become a composer. What did your family have to say about it?

When I was very young, the moment that I really connected with music was when I saw the film “The Neverending Story”. I fell in love with the movie instantly and more importantly I was drawn into the music that went with the moving images. Shortly after seeing that movie, my parents bought me a keyboard – my state of the art Casio SK-1, (equivelent to a Fisher-Price “plunk and plop”) and I started creating my own little pieces and experimenting with sounds. I would set up my keyboard in front of my tv and mute the sound and create my own music for what I was watching. It was in that moment that I knew I wanted to be a composer and score a film of my own one day.

Who are your early influences?

There are so many artists that have inspired me throughout my life! I was around 10 years old when I found my parents vinyl collection and started listening to the records I thought had the most interresting artwork on their album covers. Early influences included Pink Floyd, Billy Joel, Elton John and George Winston. As I got older, Ludovico Einaudi, Max Richter, Philip Glass, Yann Tiersen, Abel Korzeniowski and Hans Zimmer were at the forefront of my most inspirational composers. Simple tonality, beautiful melodies and soaring strings made for some of my strongest musical influences.

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

I really like Sia; I think she has a great voice. I have been a fan ever since I heard her track “Breathe Me” in the final scene of the HBO show “Six Feet Under.” I have always been drawn to instrumental music most. So when I think of international artists, Ludovico Einaudi and Max Richter are the first two that come to mind. Both have unique musical signatures unlike any others.

What is the first record you bought and why?

The first album I bought was Counting Crows “August and Everything After”. I loved Adam Duritz’s lyrics and the organic sound of the band. The instrumention was so unique for the early 90’s. The phrasing of Adam’s voice was also very different from anything else I had heard up to that point. I still listen to that album in it’s entirety today.

Favourite artists of all time?

Billy Joel, Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, Ludovcio Einaudi, Max Richter, Philip Glass, Yann Tiersen, George Winston, Abel Korzeniowski and Hans Zimmer.

Fave food or drink and is there a story associated with that?

I would have to say my favorite drink is tea. Hot or cold, it is the best to calm and relax me. I can’t pick a favorite one, but there is nothing I enjoy drinking more. I actually have a 5′ long tea station at home with over a dozen international artisan teas, tea sets and tea accessories displayed on it.

Tell us a little about the new record and what a crowd can expect at a live show?

My music is mainly piano driven, with a cinematic and lush vibrant string section. It carries simple tonality with controlled harmony. Recently, I have been playing all of my concerts as solo piano performances. I feel it is more intimate this way and the audience can really connect with the music the way I composed each piece – always on the piano first, then with orchestrations built around the piano. Over the next year, I want to add a string quartet to bring the pieces to the live audiences the way they hear them on the album. My performances will then be a mix of piano and strings along with the intimate setting of solo piano.

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/album/6ECPEnAYFEFb4KuGjFsYSE
Official
http://andyiorio.com/

News and Touring

Joseph L Young – A chat about his early influences and new album Ethereum

October 7, 2017 Marshall Cullen

Tell us about the moment you decided to become a Composer What did your family have to say about it?

Music has been my passion my whole life, it’s always been who I am. I began playing saxophone in 6^th grade, played my first sax solo in 8^th grade jazz band, and also started composing my own music about that same time. My desire to continue performing and writing grew naturally from there. I also developed an early love of the Native American flute, and composed my first flute song “Shaman’s Dream” before owning a flute. I received a flute as a gift in my mid-20’s, and eventually recorded that song with it, which later ended up on my first album “Pathways.” I’m very grateful that my family has always been extremely supportive of my music interests, and encouraged me to follow my own path. They continue to hold an important place in my life today, and have been vital to my musical success.

2. What inspired you to become an artist and who are your early influences?

My earliest inspirational memory was of Chip Davis’ Mannheim Steamroller. I distinctly remember thinking “I want to write music like that!” I admired the way he combined technology and synthesizers with traditional symphonic instrumentation. Soon after, I discovered Kitaro, who used the same magical combination but with a uniquely beautiful result. Compositions by John Williams, Michael Kamen and Harold Faltermeyer always held my attention, too; I love cinematic music. Other early influences included The Cars because of their complex musical layers, the dreamlike sound of Loreena McKennitt, the synth sounds of Tangerine Dream, and of course David Sanborn and his saxophone, which I listened to obsessively for years. I also listened to a lot of contemporary jazz, 50’s rock, and even classical.

3. What is the first record you bought and why?

The first record I bought was a 45 and I was 9 years old. I bought the J. Geils Band’s “Freeze Frame” because of that catchy keyboard line and of course the horn section. That was back when a lot of popular music had horn sections. I still have that record somewhere. I loved that record store. I could have spent hours in there.

4. Fave film? Fave Book? Fave place?

Favorite film: I’m a movie nut and my tastes vary widely, so I have a lot of favorite films, many of them in the sci-fi and fantasy genres, such as the “Lord of the Rings” series, “The Fifth Element,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “The Princess Bride”.

Favorite book: “Dancing Wu Li Masters: An Overview of the New Physics” by Gary Zukav, which was my introduction to quantum physics. I’m fascinated by physics, the Universe and nature, and a lot of my music reflects these ideas.

Favorite place: I love water, so anywhere with a waterfall, a lake, the ocean.

5. Tell us a little about your writing process for ETHEREUM,?

My writing process is rather organic and flexible. Sometimes I’ll start with a melody that keeps running through my mind and keeps me awake at night. Sometimes I’ll lay down a bass line or percussion track and build the song around that. And other times it’s a chord progression and the mood or feeling that surrounds it. I love to experiment with sounds and instrumentation that aren’t typically played together, to release myself from what’s expected. I also give myself permission to start over if something isn’t working for me. Most of my music is inspired by nature, emotions, and experiences; it’s how I best express myself — through music.

6. What are your future plans for 2017/2018?

I’m currently working on a new album which will be primarily new age saxophone, due for release in early 2018. I’m very excited about that, it’s something I’ve had on my mind for years. I’ll be teaching again at several flute schools in 2018. And of course I’ll continue performing all of my world flute music, as well as my new sax music next year, in addition to playing with other bands – always more performing!

More At

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/16zSmewOTIVw3Ghnn47i07#

Website
http://www.josephlyoung.com

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/JosephLeeYoung

News and Touring

Diana Anaid finishes up Adam Ant Tour and moves into headlines

August 30, 2017 Marshall Cullen

October Update – With some great live reviews behind her such as

“With acoustic in hand the beautiful singer/songwriter sang her way through well-constructed songs about life, love, ups and downs and everything in between. Coming across as the Australian equivalent of Alanis Morissette, the alternative rock/pop on display is world class.”

(Overdrive Magazine)

and

“First up, the wistful and edgy, rebellious and arty, relentlessly creative Diana Anaid delivered a set of tracks from her new album My Queen and older favourites relying solely on her acoustic guitar and amazing voice.”

http://magazine.100percentrock.com/live-reviews/201710/234977

Diana has had a great tour and now starts on her headline shows.

The Cruelty Free Festival in Sydney went off last weekend, not to mention her very revealing chat on 2SER ‘s Dirt Music with the mighty Stuart Coupe, and her next date is Australian Music Week performing with her backing band.

Nov Wed 1st- Fri 3rd Australian Music Week Cronulla Sydney BAND SHOWCASE SET (TRIO)

Friday Nov 3rd at the Brass Monkey Cronulla at 9pm.

Then she heads to Melbourne to finish up headlining for one of her heartfelt causes–

Nov Sun 12th World Vegan Day Melbourne Headline act (SOLO)

Diana will return in the new year with a headline national Tour.

Be sure to catch this dynamic live act while you can as she will no doubt be heading overseas to promote the new album sooner than the local fans will like.

Heres her latest Artist Interview with the good folks from The Music

Pic from Adam and The Ants Tour courtesy of Overdrive mag.

Checkout this article/interview with Diana below

Described as “the cover girl for self-made, heart-warming, gut-vomiting indie chicks” (Village Voice USA), alternative singer/songwriter Diana Anaid returns with the highly anticipated catchy 1st single Can’t Apologise from the Forthcoming album My Queen, produced by Steve James (Screaming Jets/Skunkhour/Sex Pistols).

The video clip for Can’t Apologise was directed by Rock N Roll Hall of Fame recipient Nick Egan (Oasis, Duran Duran) and shot on location in Los Angeles at Topanga Canyon.
The Video was premiered by TheMusic in August - here

Diana Recently spoke to Foghorn Media about the new album, her early influences and what inspires her

This album of thoughtfully chosen songs was written during a brief hiatus from the industry, time that I spent reconnecting with family and with my love of writing. The first song Into Your Heart speaks of my never-ending love for my transgender sister and my wish for a more compassionate world for her. This is my first real falsetto attempt since 1999’s Blues Singer.”

First single “’Can’t Apologise’ relates to the dilemma faced by friends tempted to take it to the next level. What happens when he/she gets with someone else, sacrificing both the relationship and the friendship? How DO you have your cake and eat it too??”

Tell us about the moment you decided to become a singer- Having creative older siblings I was encouraged to listen to different styles of music and was always singing and picking up different instruments. What did your family have to say about it? My dad was supa supportive, even buying me my first guitar- although he did hock it a week later.

What inspired you to become an artist and who are your early influences? Inspired by the cathartic nature of music, lyrical songwriting in particular, it was the poets of the 20th century who influenced me the most; Loeonard Cohan, Jim Morrison, Bob Dylan.

Your bio mentions that you took a lot of lyrical inspiration from your sisters transgender journey, can you tell us a little more about that? More than half of the songs on My Queen are dedicated or inspired by her recent inspiring transformation

What current Australian(or Local) acts inspire you and why? What international acts?-Sia is a fantastic inspirational act to me, as are sooo many Australian artists like Courtney Barnett, The Waifs and John Butler. International acts like Lily Allen, Lorde and Patti Smith.

Fave film? I love watching comedy and Australian made movies.

Fave Book? The Thesauraus, followed closely by the dictionary, but I pretty much LOVE the thesaurus.

Fave place? Melbourne; funky cafes with great food, awesome venues, can’t get enough.

Fave animal or pet? I love wild animals, wildlife and even feral city critters. I always have some sort of connection with the animals in the area where I am touring; We saved a possums life that was stuck under our car, hurridly rushing it to the Bondi vet before it closed at 9pm, and just missing the start of our gig down the road. I was also offered a miniature horse in Tasmania, with full intention to bring it back on the plane as my seeing-eye-horse

Diana’s career highlights include US Billboard Top 40 placement, 5 ARIA nominations, 2 inclusions in Triple J’s Hottest 100 and sets at the BDO, Falls, Vans Warped, Woodford and Byron Blues Fest.

Anaid is a stand-out musician who “continues delivering authentic, original music” (Kathy McCabe)”,
and is a pioneer of a “Different kind of girl power” (Music Network)
“There’s only one Diana Anaid”. (Iain Sheddon)

Social media links
https://twitter.com/dianaanaid
https://www.facebook.com/dianaanaidmusic
https://www.instagram.com/dianaanaidmusic/

-Official site
https://www.dianaanaid.com

YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5p0p7ppxY20&list=PLqyZpey416YThLG8Apq43uYsJ32UNU7J0