Tag Archives: australian music

Just announced Byron Bay Blues fest performance on the

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 –

Videos

Hussy Hicks – Silence Creeping Official Video

Video February 16, 2018 Marshall Cullen

Videos

The Sheyana Band – Big Love

Video February 16, 2018 Marshall Cullen

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

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

Videos

Fiona Joy – Through Cloud Solo Piano Contemporary Instrumental

Video May 31, 2017 Marshall Cullen

News and Touring

Hollerin Sluggers on Tour and New Music Video!

April 12, 2017 Marshall Cullen

The Hollerin Sluggers are on tour promoting their new album! Find out where you can see them next!

Check out their latest music video for Going Up The River!

Haven’t heard the whole album yet?What are you waiting for?!

Want to know what they’re up to? Follow their socials!

News and Touring

Joel Leffler – Run with the Wolves – New EP

February 27, 2017 Marshall Cullen

Inspired by his Dad, who would burst into his room playing guitar and singing blues songs he made up about going to school, music has become Joel’s passion. Not very surprising, when you see the lineage of the Leffler family. Turns out that the Leffler music heritage stretches well back into the 18th century, with multiple successful Professors of Music sharing a direct bloodline with Joel.

Joel’s journey began in 2003 when he woke one morning to find that his Father had fulfilled his birthday wish. At the end of the bed was a brand new acoustic guitar. ‘You would think when I was a kid, my father bursting into my room with his guitar singing blues songs he made up about ‘getting up & going to school’ would have turned me off music, but it in fact did the opposite. He bought me my first guitar, taught me my first chord and booked me my first gig at 16. He inspired me to not only become a singer but a writer & creator’.

Now with 10 years of song writing under his belt, 2 nationally recognised song writing awards, 4 top 10 Triple JJJ Unearthed charting songs & a string of appearances on stages around the country, Joel is within arm’s reach of matching his forefathers.

Joel’s new EP, ‘Run With The Wolves’ is produced by Sony Music Australia’s in house engineer Pete Holz & mastered by Grammy award winner William Bowden.

Run with the Wolves Trailer