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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 StNSW 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

Diana Anaid

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.

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 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.”

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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)

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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

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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. 

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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. “

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The  Vegas Nerves

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.

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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:

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Rascals & Rogues (AUS)

Medusa’s Wake – Debut Album – Rascals & Rogues

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

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

Big Merino (AUS)

BiG MERiNO – Debut album Suburban Wildlife

BiG MERiNO – Debut album Suburban Wildlife

Big merino

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.

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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:

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Joel Leffler (AUS)

Joel Leffler – New EP – Strip Me Bare

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).

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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. 

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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.

‘Strip Me Bare’ EP Launch! 10 of May 7pm @ Brass Monkey, Cronulla Joel Leffler [Band] With Special Guest ‘Tyler Joseph’2.1

Spotify Link

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