Tag Archives: New releases
Diana Anaid finishes up Adam Ant Tour and moves into headlines
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.”
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
A Talk with Tania De Jong on her early influences and new album Flying Free
Latest News
Flying Free Album Release September 1 (MGM) CD and Digital(14 tracks)
Album Launch Event Details
Springtime Soirée at Cranlana
Tuesday 19 September 2017
5:30 for 6pm – 8pm
Cranlana, 62 Clendon Rd, Toorak, VIC
Simply email for an invite.
On the eve of the First Single and Title Track from her new Album ‘Flying Free’ (Out on MGM Friday July 21) we have a chat with Tania De Jong (AM)….
- Tell us about the moment you decided to become a singer? What did your family have to say about it?
When I got the lead role in Oklahoma, the school musical – I was 17. Please see question 4. My family were supportive but encouraged me to do a stable degree first as a back up as my grand parents were artists and being an artist is a hard life, especially in Australia. So I did a Law Degree and also went to Opera School, coached tennis (to earn money as I was a top tennis player). Then I set up my group Pot-Pourri in 1987 with another student at Opera School, Jonathan Morton. He sings in a couple of songs on this CD.
2. What inspired you to become an artist and who are your early influences?
My grandmother invented the original foldable umbrella in Vienna in 1929 and my grandfather was an acclaimed sculptor. My great aunt was a renowned actress on the Paris stage. My mother is a writer and creator.
Art, music and invention runs through my family DNA.
See more here:
Visit The Duldig Studio (DGR charitable organisation) where my grandparents’ work now resides (as well as in galleries around the world) and be inspired by their extraordinary story of escape and survival. The Studio (which is my grandparents’ former home often reminds people of the Anne Frank House in Holland.
My mother’s book “Driftwood” telling the story will be launched August 20 2017 a month before my CD launch.
WATCH these short beautiful videos for more background and inspiration:
Against all Odds https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j8HxQrhfyg
Flirt – The Magical Umbrella of the Sculptress https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25gVCAHrBJY&feature=youtu.be
3. Tell us a little about your writing process, how does a song come along? What gets you going creatively?
It’s usually being in a beautiful place connected to divine consciousness, a higher spiritual energy emanating through nature and then transmitting to me in the form of lyrics. Flying Free lyrics came into my head at Macchu Picchu as I was imagining a gathering of all the people who were most special to me. That sense of being connected to all that is. Everlasting Light lyrics came after my first experience with psychedelics in the purest form of psilocybin. I realised that we are all continuing light and felt this amazing, enormous love and connection to the circle of life.
4. Tell us more?
PLEASE be inspired by my TED Talk which tells the below story and much more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_HOBr8H9EM
5. Favourite artists of all time?
Abba, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles and John Lennon’s Imagine, Louis Armstrong, Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah
6. Fave Book? Fave pet?.
I love dogs and had a beloved poodle cross till last year. A favourite book is “Racing in the rain” which sees the meaning of life and human relationships from a dog’s point of view.
7. Fave food or drink and is there a story associated with that?
Superfood junkie – love wheatgrass and maca and coconut oil and aloe vera juice and green organic vegetables. I famously asked for a Bok Choi Burger at MacDonalds when I was on tour with my group pot-Pourri – based on a dare from them!
8. What are your future plans for 2017/2018?
Launching this CD and confirming more singing and speaking gigs in Australia and globally, including concerts, singing at events where people do not expect it, getting the whole audience singing and finding their voice.
I sang in Vienna at the Kursalon the other week and had an awesome response. I hope to do more singing in Europe and USA and Asia. I’ve performed all over the world with my group Pot-Pourri in the past and we still do gigs all over the place
FLYING FREE RELEASE DETAILS
Official Worldwide Release Date Flying Free Single July 21(MGM) Digital Only
Flying Free Album Release September 1 (MGM) CD and Digital(14 tracks)
more at
-Social media links
https://twitter.com/TaniadeJong
https://www.facebook.com/taniadejongam
-Official site
http://www.taniadejong.com
YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCo1xm_Sdslk7MytjEHO73Q
Fiona Joy Releases Audiophile Album Into The Mist
Australia’s very own Contemporary Instrumental success story Fiona Joy will release her new Audiophile Album ‘Into The Mist’ as part of both the LA Audiophile Show (including The Sony-sponsored Hi-Resolution Magic Bus) next month and The Australian HiFi Show where she will perform live at The Intercontinental Sydney in late July.
Into the mist epitomizes the art of contemporary solo piano recording in today’s market.
This is Fiona’s second album to be released on Blue Coast Records where once again she teams up with Cookie Marenko, Producer and Engineer, who is well known for her contributions to the world of Audiophile recordings ever since her early years at Windham Hill under the watchful eye of Will Ackerman.
Fiona brings calm, sensual and delightful sensations to her unique compositions on “Into The Mist’ .Performing on an 1885 Steinway Grand Fiona’s talent is evident in her control of the instrument.
Her previous solo piano album Signature –Solo received critical acclaim by topping ZMR’s radio chart in 2016 and winning the Award the ‘Best Piano Album’ in the same year.
Into The Mist was recorded in the Highest Fidelity Possible, a new format DSD (Direct Stream Digital). Her choice to make the album in this format and utilize new recording technologies makes her both a pioneer and role model for other musicians to follow.
Producer Cookie Marenko said
“Not all artists are as easy as Fiona to work with. One of the reasons I enjoy her so much is because she let’s me do my job…. produce a great record filled with passion and emotion.”
Fiona Joy said
“It was truly an amazing experience working with Cookie again and her label Blue Coast Records (content Partners with Sony for Hi-Res) plans to officially launch Into the Mist with a customized event for our friends and supporters. We will have exclusive access to Sony-sponsored Hi-Resolution Magic Bus - built by Jon Whitledge, its known as the world’s best car stereo. I can’t wait….”
Into the Mist: Release details:
Official Worldwide Release Date June 2nd(Blue Coast/Sony SACD)
LA Audiophile Show – Sheraton Gateway Hotel LA Airport
3rd June 3-5pm (Show runs 2nd – 4th June).
The Magic Bus will be location at the front of the Hotel.
Australian HiFI Show
Featuring Live Piano Performances by Fiona Joy
Intercontinental Sydney July 28-30
LISTEN HERE
Interview Recorded in the Magic Bus
Click the images below to Checkout two of the tunes/videos from the album
The feel of Into the Mist brings back to my mind…immediately…the wonderful years of Windham Hill, when I could buy an LP (or later, a CD) with complete confidence that I was going to love it. Fiona’s piano, recorded to Quad DSD, is simply there, and Cookie’s mastery in the audio arts is no less than Fiona’s on piano. Together they give us a quiet tour of creative force, without sonic compromise.
Dr David Robinson- Editor in Chief Positive Feedback Mag
Social media links
https://twitter.com/fionajoymusic
https://www.instagram.com/fionajoymusic/
https://www.facebook.com/fionajoymusic/
-Official site
http://fionajoy.com
YouTube channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/fionajoy
QnA With Tenille Rogers from The Dirty Earth
Tell us about the moment you decided to become a singer/writer? What did your family have to say about it?
I actually got into music from a very early age. I did the obligatory recorder and piano lessons, and my older sister and I used to make up songs and put on shows for our parents. However, the turning point for me was when my sister started taking guitar lessons when I was 8 years old (she was 11 at the time) and because I wanted to be just like her I begged my mom to let me go as well. I did acoustic lessons for 4 years and then went on to learn electric with another teacher, who encouraged me to record my first EP at the age of 12. My parents have both been extremely supportive of me throughout, driving me to gigs when I was a teen and coming along to cheer me on.
What inspired you to become an artist and who are your early influences?
I was very lucky to grow up with parents who loved music. My mother has always been into her rock music like the Stones, Led Zeppelin and Deep Purple, while my dad loves his soul music. I loved the classics like Etta James and Dusty Springfield but my passion always lay in rock music. I greatly admire Joan Jett, I’m a huge fan of Jefferson Airplane and Fleetwood Mac are an all time favourite of mine.
Tell us a little about your writing process, how does a song come along? What gets you going creatively?
When I’m writing solo stuff I usually start from the vocal melody up. I find a phrase or a line that really speaks to me and then I write around it. While in the band however it’s a lot more collaborative. Either Raff has a really good idea and fleshes it out or he gives it to me to do the vocal lines, as well as some great tunes that were born out of a jam session and a killer riff that we’ve just run with, much like Cheating Heart our current single (LISTEN HERE)
What current Local acts inspire you and why? What international acts?
I love Alpine because they’re quirky and fun. They mirror a lot of the attitude that I loved so much in No Doubt so it’s a throwback to my teens. Internationally I’m heavily influenced by The Donnas and Adele.
What are your future plans for 2017/2018?
At the moment we’re focussing on Aurora and getting some good mileage out of it because to be honest it’s a pretty solid album. We have already started tentatively looking at some new songs for the next album but we’re also bringing some old songs from Ascendancy and Autonomic out for our sets to keep things new and exciting for our fans.
Official Site
www.thedirtyearth.com
Facebook
www.facebook.com/thedirtyearth
Spotify
www.play.spotify.com/artist
Joel Leffler – Run with the Wolves – New EP
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
Track List
- Atmosphere (3:29)
- Run with the Wolves (3:49)
- Promise Me Tomorrow (2:47)
- Love Thirsty (3:02)
- In My Pocket (3:24)
Upcoming Shows
3 March – Sutherland Entertainment Centre, Sutherland
11 March – Rocksalt Tapas & Winebar, Menai
Socials
Website: joelleffler.com
Facebook: facebook.com/thejoelleffler
Instagram: instagram.com/thejoelleffler/
Twitter: twitter.com/thejoelleffler
Mama K and The Big Love-Moth to The Flame
Perth’s Vida Cain Announce New 2017 Show
The Rockin’ Perth guys have a return gig following their East Coast tour, promoting the new Album Yeah Nah…
February 10 at Four 5 Nine Bar Perth
“Following their ‘Yeah Nah’ East Coast tour, the Vida Cain boys bring the love home with a big ol’ party at Four5Nine bar”
“special guests include The Shakeys and Second HAND Stroke”’
Full Event Details here
https://www.facebook.com/events/1858507744383772/
********************************************************************
Rockin’ Perth Band Vida Cain will head to the East Coast late January for exclusive showcases in Sydney and Melbourne to promote their new album ‘Yeah Nah’ – produced by Joel Quartermain(Eskimo Joe)
Dates
Jan 25th, 2017 – Frankie’s Pizza (Sydney)
Jan 26th, 2017 – Long Table Cafe (Deniliquin)
Jan 27th, 2017 – Cherry Bar (Melbourne)
Checkout the album right now-
https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/yeah-nah/id1158681714
Vida Cain (AUS)
More info and social links at
Joel Sena – QnA with Foghorn Media
Joel Sena is a Sydney saxophonist and producer with his debut self-titled EP expected for release 11 November, 2016. The first single off the EP, “Be With You,”Featuring Female Vocals from Phoebe will be available 7 October, 2016.
Listen to previews of the EP here: joelsena.com/music
Foghorn Media: What inspired you to become a musician? Who
are your early influences?
Joel Sena: I’ve been playing and writing music from a very young age. It has always been a great emotional outlet for me, being someone who is quite shy and reserved. Sharing an emotional connection with others through music is something really special and that’s why I try and write songs that are honest and direct. I’ve always thought the saxophone to be a uniquely lyrical and compelling instrument when played well. Mastering that instrument and its potential has been a long term pursuit of mine!
FM: Tell us a little about how you write; how do the songs come? What gets you going creatively?
JS: I write songs in the strangest of places. More often than not I’ll have an idea in the car or on the train. I’ve learnt to jot down ideas quickly and then unpack them when I have some time to be more creative. I produce my own music and the pre-production phase of putting songs together is really helpful in developing them further. I love finding something compelling – whether it be a melody, groove, or set of chords – to expand upon bit by bit. I’ve always found that experience drives creativity. Travel, relationships, and life’s struggles have all spurred me on to create more and more music.
FM: What is the first record you bought and why?
JS: Miles Davis – “Kind of Blue,” I bought it because my sax teacher told me to! It took me more than a decade to really appreciate all of the nuances of that album but it inspired me from the start. It has remained one of my favourite albums of all time.
FM: What current OZ acts inspire you? International acts?
JS: I’m loving the current resurgence of soul inspired music in Australia. Artists like Hiatus Kaiyote, Daniel Merriweather, and Chet Faker are pushing the boundaries and creating some incredible stuff. I’m inspired by international acts that are fusing the spontaneity of jazz and soul with modern production and contemporary songwriting. Artists like Robert Glasper, Kendrick Lamar, and Jill Scott have been huge inspirations to me. I’m also a sucker for a great female vocalist – Melody Gardot and Lianne La Havas come to mind.
FM: Tell us a little about your music and what a crowd can expect
at a live show?
JS: The music is groovy and engaging. It’s for people who love a well written song and a great sax sound. It’s music with an infectious groove. Those coming to a live show can expect a fair bit of spontaneity within a seriously tight sounding band. They can expect soaring instrumentals with wailing solos to soft, delicate and contemplative ballads. There may or may not be a dose of my dry sense of humour in there too! I always feature at least one world class vocalist at my live shows to sing several of my songs.
FM: Favourite artists of all time?
JS: Miles Davis, Jill Scott, Robert Glasper, Kenny Garrett, Michael
Brecker/Brecker Bros, Toto, Earth Wind and Fire, Stevie Wonder,
Chaka Khan.
FM: Favourite film? Favourite Book? Favourite place?
JS:
Film: Lord of the Rings.
Book: The war of art (Steven Pressfield) – helped me
so much with getting over myself and making the music happen!
Place:I love the hustle and bustle of big cities like NYC. When I was there I met and jammed with some killer musicians who were some of the most welcoming people I’ve met. I turned up unannounced to a funk jam run by one of Lauryn Hill’s horn players. I had a play and slotted right in. It was a great experience. They value music there and are so accepting of people from any walk of life. It’s a great place for art to thrive.
FM: Favourite food or drink and is there a story associated with that?
JS: I’ll go to great lengths to find a perfect coffee. Whenever I’m traveling I’ll be sure to suss out where the best coffee spots are with a little help from Google Maps. Unfortunately this obsession has oft taken me on wild goose chases and long detours.
FM: You are backstage with Miles Davis; what do you say?
JS: I don’t think I would have to say much. From what I hear, Miles had a knack for imparting years of wisdom in a single phrase. I’d be quite happy to be on the receiving end of an MD one liner!
FM: Where do you see Aussie music heading?
JS: There are a bunch of highly motivated and talented artists that have been a little late to the self promotional internet age we’re in now. I think as more and more of these artists start coming to terms with the new tools we have to connect with fans we’ll start to see some really special stuff. I think that really well crafted songs and a high level of musicality will come to the forefront somewhat again.
FM: What are your future plans for 2016/2017
JS: After releasing my own EP, I plan to get playing live regularly. Live shows are where my music will really shine and inspire people. I love playing live and creating special moments with an audience. I’m really excited to return to the studio in 2017 and follow up my EP with another release. I’ve learnt an unbelievable amount over the past year and I can’t wait to put all of that new knowledge to use!
Website
joelsena.com
Facebook
facebook.com/joelsenamusic
Instagram
instagram.com/joelsenamusic
Twitter
twitter.com/joelsenamusic
YouTube
youtube.com/user/joeltsena
joelsena.com
facebook.com/joelsenamusic
instagram.com/joelsenamusic
twitter.com/joelsenamusic
YouTube
youtube.com/user/joeltsena
New Releases this May
The Mezcaltones – New EP
New self-titled EP from The Mezcaltones available May 20th
Sydney is a long way south of Mexico but The Mezcaltones still know a thing or two about sultry nights and dangerous days – not to mention sultry men and dangerous women. Blend Tarantino vibes with a mix of sizzling Mexican nights, add some Mezcal tequila (the spirit of Mexico) and you have THE MEZCALTONES.
The Mezcaltones embody the style and attitude of those famous Tarantino flicks, with a little Robert Rodrigues Tex Mex, the 60’s surf rock guitar sounds of Dick Dale and Link Ray, the lavishness of Mexican dance, the sexiness of Salma Hayek From ‘Dusk Till Dawn’, and… you get the vibe.
Comprised of six experienced musicians who came together through their love of cool tones, The Mezcaltones create down and dirty Tex Mex sounds. Their unique style transports you on a journey of intoxicating nights.
Facebook – facebook.com/TheMezcaltones
Website – themezcaltones.com
Halfwait – New Single
New single “Fly Away” is available May 20th
Based in Sydney, Halfwait is a three piece post grunge band composed of Jon Barca, Chris Tallon, and Nathan Stalenberg. ‘Fly Away’ is the first single off their forthcoming EP, which they are in the process of recording. The EP will showcase a new dynamic sound from the band, showing their growth from when they started in 2012.
Facebook – facebook.com/halfwait
Youtube – youtube.com/halfwait
Soundcloud – soundcloud.com/halfwait
Reverbnation – reverbnation.com/halfwait
Spotify – spotify.com/halfwait
Instagram – @Halfwaitofficial
Lily Duval – New Single
New single titled ‘Weatherman’ available May 27th
Based in Sydney, Lily Duval has been performing in blues and folk clubs for many years and has now stepped out of the studio with two new original tunes. Taking her stage name from her Grandmother who was also a performer Lilly has developed a distinctive voice and style which has struck a chord with local community radio Blues Programs. Her writing comes from her own experiences and also long time influences such as Joan Baez, Joni Mitchell and Janis Joplin.
Her latest release, ‘Weatherman’ was recorded at Damien Gerard Studios with the talented Scott Bird playing electric and acoustic guitar and with Andrew Beck on Bass. The addition of an Indian drum gives the track a fuller earthier sound.
The song was written to express Lily’s concern for people who are homeless. The lyrics came from a conversation with a young homeless man who spoke of his disappointment and resignation with life and why he felt for him life was easier on the streets, provided the weather was good.
Facebook – facebook.com/lilyduval
iTunes – itunes.com/lilyduval