Tag Archives: pop

Siri Lini Releases Album ‘Beautiful Day’

April 24, 2024 Marshall Cullen

Siri Lini is a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose new alternative album Beautiful Day is filled with rock, folk, and pop stories of Southwestern landscapes and the people that populate them.

Raised in Dallas, Texas, Siri learned guitar and started singing in the 3rd grade. She found Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and folk standards and sang for friends, family, and neighborhood events. Siri formed post-punk, all-female power trio Disbanned at the height of the Dallas indie scene, writing, singing, playing bass, releasing their debut album, and touring.

“I’m a Libra,” she says. “My mission is and always has been to create.”

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Paul Scott Releases Single ‘Back To The Old Town’

November 24, 2023 Marshall Cullen

As part of the rollout for his forthcoming 2024 album ‘Faster Than Witches’, The Insufferable one releases the 3rd offering in this 2023 trio of videos and singles already receiving rotation airplay on community stations, most notably Sydney’s 2SER Breakfast the past 10 days.

‘You spend so much time trying to escape and when you do, you’re dragged back for the best and worst possible reasons. I always resented my hometown, why? Because everything was happening everywhere else. I was a provincial; envious, frustrated and motivated to flee. And I did. Whenever I’d return, I held a glimmer of hope in my heart that I’d see the old town in a new light, that time would reveal virtues and treasures previously hidden to me and I’d come to appreciate it with a provincial pride enjoyed by those who stayed. It never happened. And yet, and yet… back to the old town I go.’

Paul Scott’s happy and uptempo look at a childhood spent in small town NZ. Paul’s trademark jangly and hooky indie pop guitars with some very insightful lyrics. The drums and bass lock it all down with a catchy sing along part rolling over and over in the track.

Paul Scott began his career in music, writing and playing bass in angular NZ group Pop Mechanix. Despite court cases, a revolving cast of singers and multiple record labels, their single ‘Jumping Out A Window’ became a staple of New Zealand pop culture.

Relocating to Australia, Paul formed Montana with Ken Stewart (Mr Blonde), Michelle Margherita and Steve Melville. Their first release featured ‘Koolest Band’ which received national airplay and high rotation on JJJ. A brief tour of the USA and a performance at SXSW, led to ‘Koolest Band’ being included in the Hollywood movie ‘You Drive Me Crazy’. The subsequent album ‘Bubblegum Love’ was released in Australia, Spain, France and the USA.

Teaming up with Steve Melville (ex Mr Blonde and Montana), Paul and Steve have established a studio production relationship, playing on each other’s tracks (Stewart and Melville, The Likes of You) and coproducing The Insufferable Paul Scott’s well received 2021 album ‘Tea and Medals’ (which Melville also mixed).

Their most recent project is a closer collaboration with Melville adding drums, percussion and keyboards to Scott’s voice, guitar and bass, a line up very close in sound and feel to their youthful unit ‘Montana’, harkening back to their familiar themes of sweet harmonies, spikey lyrics, and intriguing production.

Latest Videos

The Insufferable Paul Scott – Back To The Old Town is out NOW Nov 24
Foghorn/MGM

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Natalie Gauci Releases Single ‘Fame’ PLUS REMIX

September 27, 2023 Marshall Cullen

UPDATE

With her current single FAME receiving generous airplay across the nation including the Flow Networks, ABC, community and commercial stations Natalie has just this week dropped a dance floor smash remix of the track.

Natalie and DJ/Producer JPA, have been collaborating on music endeavours on and off since 2009. Fame is the first single they’ve decided to remix and release to the public and are very excited about it. It all came together quite quickly as the song has a few simple catchy hooks which JPA picked up to really give the remix momentum and a great build. The remix gives it a twist and a new flavour, definitely a happy tone.

JPA has received attention across Australia’s realm of notable clubs while also having toured throughout Europe, from Ibiza to Amsterdam and some of the electronic music industry’s lucrative events including ADE. An emotive force in the house and techno pool, JPA’s remix of Fame is a superbly curated signature of his work in 2023.

Check it out – click below

From an early age, Natalie dreamed of being famous. Now on her new single ‘Fame’, she explains that fame is about learning to choose to do good things through love, instead of the bad things, through blocking pain.

In a classic case of ‘be careful what you wish for’, Gauci learnt that being famous also had a downside as she illustrates on her new song; “Fame got me wanting all the bad things, the bad things, shame it brought the sad things” Gauci laments.

“Writing ‘Fame’ made a difference to my life; it made me realise it’s not about the fame, it’s about honouring the gifts I’ve been given.”

‘I recall blowing my candles out on every birthday, wishing to be famous. Now I look back and think, hmmm, why did I want to be famous? I wanted to make a difference in the world.”

Fame finally arrived for Gauci in 2007 when she gained massive national overnight recognition after winning Australian Idol.

Gauci subsequently signed a record deal with Sony BMG Australia. Her debut single, ‘Here I Am’ released in November that year, reached #2 on the ARIA Singles Chart and gained a gold accreditation.

The following month saw the release of her debut album, ‘A Winner’s Journey’ which reached #11 on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified platinum.

International success followed with a charting single and album in the UK, Sweden, Germany and Denmark. She toured the UK and Europe and held down a residence at Ronnie Scott’s in London. Other highlights included: Henley On Thames Music Festival UK (with Chaka Khan), In The City Festival Manchester, Sofa Sounds London, TEDx London, FestiBall Buckinghamshire UK Festival, Walk The Walk Breast Cancer Charity Festival and The Big Umbrella Charity Event Kathmandu.

All proceeds from the sales of Natalie’s forthcoming album, ‘Brand New Day’, are going to support her charity, A Call to Wisdom which will help people who have broken parts that require healing from sexual abuse, trauma and domestic violence. “Brokenness is leading to homelessness and what we need now more than ever is hope” says Gauci.

New single ‘Fame’ is available on all digital platforms Friday 29^th September.

Album ‘Brand New Day’ will be released in 2024.

TOUR DATES

9^TH Nov, The Toff In Town, Melbourne

Tickets: https://thetoff.com.au/gigs/

12^th Nov, Carafe Wine, Southport QLD

Tickets: https://shorturl.at/estzC

16^th Nov, Brass Monkey Cronulla, Sydney

Tickets: https://shorturl.at/pruwI

3^rd March Lefty’s Music Hall, Brisbane

https://shorturl.at/cHKOP

9^th March Birds Basement, Melbourne

STREAM – September 29 (Foghorn/MGM)

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Jane Walker Live Launch Low302 Surry Hills

August 4, 2023 Marshall Cullen

Jane Walkers New single Lazy is out NOW and will have a live launch at Low302 in Surry Hills, Sydney on Aug11.

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of singer-songwriter Jane Walker. Backed by acclaimed musicians Jess Ciampa and Mike Quigley, this night celebrates the launch of her mesmerizing new single “Lazy” (out August 4) and will feature some special surprise guests. Elements of pop and jazz weave together for an intimate and uplifting musical experience.

Doors 7pm – Dinner and drinks available all night.

TIX for the show

https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/747da26d-e3ee-4065-b476-5ccd77f0cdc8?utm_source=Low302&utm_medium=Website

Two years ago, Jane Walker was in the grips of a particularly debilitating writer’s block. It was a tumultuous time for the Sydney singer/songwriter, a recent marriage, a serious accident, a change of management and the death of her father. Yet, diamonds are forged under pressure and after basically chaining herself to her piano, new songs began coming thick and fast.

The new songs, which blend sophisticated pop and soul with light jazz touches, come with classy contributions from cross genre specialists like the rhythm section of Hamish Stuart and James Haselwood, Stu Hunter on keyboards, and co-producer/mixer Neal Sutherland.

Having already written with Chris Difford of Squeeze and Adam Levy (Norah Jones) and worked with the likes of The Cruel Sea’s James Cruickshank, producers Steve James and Barbara Griffin, and Indigenous group Street Warriors and Bobby Flynn on her debut, Walk Gently, Walker knows that “working with such talented musicians lifts my level and stimulates me as an artist and gives me that freedom to go for it.”

“[In London I recognised] my identity as Australian and my connection is to the land here, and I wanted to come back home,” says Walker who, while in London, had one of her songs included on an album alongside tracks by Massive Attack and Radiohead.

“More and more I try to live in the present moment, and find when I’m there, nature rushes in…this influences my songwriting and musical choices.” And as she discovered, when that happens amazing things occur, and it’s clear that Jane Walker is anything but lazy.

“Rather than sit in resentment and blame others, I can write a song.”

A very smooth soul single featuring beautiful Fender Rhodes piano, Hammond organ, laid back drums and bass and a silky smooth vocal that all come together in the best possible way.

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Jessie-May K Releases Album ‘Rising Sun’

May 25, 2023 Marshall Cullen

Jessie explains below how this first full length album is a triumph over childhood hardship –

Since escaping, recovering and healing from some childhood traumas, I’m finally experiencing a life where I’m free to live & not just survive. My whole world has opened up! The sun has finally shone through, I can explore people and places freely and breathe life in! Something I never had the chance to do as a child.

The first 18 years of my life were focused on surviving constant anxiety. It bubbled in my chest and body, it was like I hadn’t a second to take a breath. After escaping this situation, my brain and body shut down for a year like never before. My mental health had never been worse. The physicality of my depression & trauma hit me like a tonne of bricks. My mind and body were completely and rightfully exhausted.

I’ve grown the most, tried the most and felt the most free than ever in my life. I’ve met friends who have shown me levels of kindness and support I’d never experienced before and who help me remember life is worth living. I’m at a stage in my life where I’m younger now, a phoenix, regenerated, a Rising Sun. I’m still eclectic as a creator, but with this album I feel like I’ve really found my sound and one that expresses who I am inside.

There are so many people I couldn’t have made this album without! Artists I’ve collaborated with such as Brandon Macmillan, Jordan Ellery and the extraordinarily talented Dave Hunt. My wonderful sound engineers who do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to these projects: Andrew Beck, Olivia RA, Murray Dilger & Russell Pilling and my Vocal Coach Joanne McMahon.

Jessie-May K is a young Singer, Songwriter, Director, Actor & Artist. Most successful as an internet personality, Jessie has released four singles and a collection of episodic works that accompanied their 5 track EP Zone Out (2020).

Originally trained in Musical Theatre, Jessie transferred to music when they were 16, teaching themselves guitar from YouTube to elevate their musical career, as they had been writing songs with lyrics and melody since they were 5 years old.

Jessie is passionate about social justice and activism, often releasing music about movements that are important to them, raising awareness and sharing donation links in the hopes it will make a difference. Jessie is Neurodivergent and was born with ASD, ADHD, OCD and developed PTSD as a result of their early hardships and extreme childhood trauma. Jessie believes that the world thrives on diversity and that benign individuality is something to be celebrated and not feared.

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Jessie-May K Releases Single ‘Do What We Want’

April 14, 2023 Marshall Cullen

‘When I was little there was one thing I would always say. I’ve always clung to my independence like a badge of honour too precious to lose. So when others tried to reign authority over me or tell me what to do, my answer was always the same. “I can DO WHAT I WANT!”.

As one might have already suspected, this personal, inner fire was both good and bad depending on the situation. However, luckily as I grew, it was more often a positive trait and ended up saving me from a life of cycle repeating, bad decisions and abusive relationships. I’m very grateful that I kept such a strong connection to my inner compass and that I never lost that part of me. I made my own choices, I chose my own path.

Concealed inside the electronic, synthetic pop, is a mantra for individualism all can express. And I can only hope that if anyone out there relates, that they never forget, you can be whoever you choose to be, no matter what you’ve gone through, where you started, or who’s tried to tear you down. The only thing that is in charge of you is you. Live authentically, don’t be afraid to express yourself, stand up for what you believe in, this is YOUR life. Let’s do what we want.’

Another modern pop gem from young Central Coast singer Jessie -May K. The song has an intriguing telephone sound on the vocal chorus plus brilliant backing created by producers Dave Hunt (Sarah Blasko) and Andrew Beck (Steve Kilbey, Natalie Gauci). Mid tempo, great beats, hooks and plenty of lush vocals.

About Jessie

Jessie-May K is a young, Singer, Songwriter, Director, Actor & Artist. Most successful as an internet personality, Jessie has released four singles and a collection of episodic works that accompanied their 5 track EP Zone Out (2020).

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Jessie-May K with Miguel Cullen-Green Releases Single ‘My Type’

February 17, 2023 Marshall Cullen

Jessie-May K has never been one to follow the crowd, so it’s no surprise that conventional beauty standards hadn’t been implanted into their psyche, the same way they have affected the masses through media consumption and cliquish social paradigms.

My Type was inspired by the beauty Jessie sees in the unconventional and in support of the underdogs and nerdish types. They find themselves often discarded by society and labelled as unattractive and inadequate, when it comes to mankind’s idealisation of relationship partners and cultural paradigms.

The song was written in collaboration with Miguel Cullen-Green who is an excellent artist himself and a friend of Jessie’s. Although My Type is their first musical project together, Miguel is an actor as well as musician and has been featured in some of Jessie’s music videos.

Jessie-May K is a young Singer, Songwriter, Director, Actor & Artist. Most successful as an internet personality, Jessie has released 4 Singles (2018-2021) & a collection of episodic works that accompany a 5 track EP titled ‘Zone Out’ in 2020.

Originally trained in Musical Theatre, Jessie transferred to music when they were 16. As they had been writing songs with lyrics and melody since they were 5 years old they taught themselves guitar off YouTube to elevate their musical ambitions.

Jessie is passionate about social justice and activism, often releasing music about movements that are important to them, raising awareness and sharing donation links in the hopes it will make a difference. Jessie is Neurodivergent & was born with ASD, ADHD, OCD and developed PTSD as a result of their early hardships and extreme childhood trauma. Jessie believes that the world thrives on diversity and that benign individuality is something to be celebrated and not feared.

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Jessie-May Kitchen releases new single Quirky

July 30, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Imagine being born one day on another planet.
Everybody on this planet was given detailed instructions and knowledge of how to speak the language and how the world works. The entire planet is designed for everybody’s relaxation, socialisation, and comfortability.
Everyone but yours.

Growing up it felt like I was ostracised by the entire world. I felt like I was a literal alien and didn’t belong. The loneliness that never leaves you, leads to years of questioning the why. Am I the protagonist of a movie to be mocked by an invisible audience? Am I the butt of some cosmic joke? This is the life of a neurodivergent child. This is me. A pop single written with my entire heart from the perspective of a neurodivergent individual trying to navigate a neurotypical world.

I was called many things when I was young – freak, loner, weirdo. It never truly stopped, but the language did shift as I got older, once difference became more socially acceptable. Instead of calling me a weirdo on the playground, I would always get the sceptical phrase, “haha… you are.. QUIRKY… Aren’t you…?”

The relief and confidence I felt when discovering I’m okay, I’m not broken – my brain just works differently, was life changing! I hope Quirky can bring representation, comfort and celebration to the wonderful neurodivergent community. Branching further into the pop genre is something I’ve always wanted to do and Quirky was the perfect chance to do it!

Quirky contains fast paced electronic beats, funky bass, whacky harmonies and the message – it never hurt to be Quirky! I want to thank Jordan for the electronic instrumentals, Russel Pilling and Andrew Beck for recording, mixing and mastering this project and of course Marshall Cullen for producing and always believing in me.

Song Description
This is a new more pop direction for Jessie May Kitchen. Up-tempo, programmed backing, ‘quirky’ keys, bass and guitar and some very ‘now’ vocal fx all go together to make this song a real winner for pop radio.

Jessie May Kitchen – Quirky is out NOW through Foghorn/MGM

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Joel Leffler – New EP – Strip Me Bare

May 3, 2018 Marshall Cullen

Joel Leffler – New EP – Strip Me Bare

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

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

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

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

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

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

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