Tag Archives: rock

The Mezcaltones latest Album Second

April 16, 2018 Marshall Cullen

The Mezcaltones latest Album Second

Sydney is a long way from Mexico but The Mezcaltones still know a thing or two about sultry nights and dangerous days – not to mention sultry man and dangerous woman.

Inspired by tunes from Tito and Tarantula, Dick Dale, Link Wray, Los Lobos, Santana and other artists with a sizzling Mexican sound.

The Mezcaltones latest Album Second has sounds only described as Tex Mex, 60’s, cowboy rockabilly surf guitar style of twang and incorporating Mimi’s spellbinding dance moves they are hard to pigeonhole.

But one thing everyone does agree upon is The Mezcaltones are highly entertaining! It’s more than a band: it’s a show, a journey… with ATTITUDE!

2018

Tamworth Country Music Festival Recent completion of ‘Here’s to Love’ film clip Humble Pride clip due out April 5

2017

Tamworth Country Music Festival Sydney Winterfest Blues festival Sydney Blues & Roots Festival ‘Painted Lady’ film clip featured on Alt Country Segment of CMC.

2016

Tamworth Country Music Festival

‘Painted Lady’ featured in Amrap Regional Top 10 charts for 3 weeks

Self-titled EP voted #6 in the Top Ten CDs of 2016 by 100%

ROCK magazine

Spotify

Facebook

Website

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

QnA With Tenille Rogers from The Dirty Earth

May 31, 2017 Marshall Cullen

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

Lukes Escombe FOG414 Skeleton Blues 1500

News and Touring

Luke Escombe Takes It All Off On New Album Skeleton Blues

February 28, 2017 Marshall Cullen

Taking it all off….

“Skeleton Blues” is the new solo record from singer/songwriter/guitarist Luke Escombe.

Release Date Friday March 3 (MGM)
Will be available at all good retailers (Bandcamp, iTunes, etc.) and streaming on Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

Luke will next perform the songs from Skeleton Blues at Django Bar in Sydney on Saturday 4th March!

Plus catch him TONIGHT Tuesday Feb 28 on Ross Fears Australian Spectrum Show – Streaming online worldwide at
http://alive905.com.au/ross-fear-australian-spectrum-show/

You can also check out this awesome interview with Christine Anu on ABC 702 from last week here

https://soundcloud.com/luke-escombe/luke-abc-interview-on-evenings-with-christine-anu

He is also having a chat on Eastside FM this afternoon.

Recorded live on to 2 inch tape at the legendary Damien Gerard studios in Sydney, this raw and revealing session combines the sound of primal electric blues with Luke’s distinctive wit and wordplay. The recording took place just 24 hours before the US election, and the tape reels capture the sense of foreboding.
“Skeleton Blues” lays bare the key influences in Luke’s music. It includes covers of songs by Jimi Hendrix and Bob Dylan, as well as two electrifying renditions of the old spirituals “O Death” and “John the Revelator”, a song Luke first heard performed by Son House on a live recording from the early 60s.

Although presenting a more serious side to his songwriting, there is still a healthy dose of Luke’s sly humour in first single “Punctuation Blues”, a track which combines a Lightnin Hopkins-inspired guitar groove with such lines as “punctuation is like making love/ you gotta know when to put it in”.

“Skeleton Blues” also shows Luke’s fascination with reaching back into history to offer new perspectives on the present. “The Lipsi” is a song about life in East Germany in the 1960s, while “William Blake” pays homage to the 18^th century poet and visionary whose “illuminated books” spoke out against corruption and the rampages of the industrial revolution.

Meanwhile, previously released songs such as “21^st Century Blues”, “Confidence”, “Axe in the House” and “Get in the Cool Room” take on a deeper meaning when stripped of their band backings. As the title of the record suggests, these are songs which have been cut down to their bare bones. There’s nothing here but electric guitar, stomp and that voice. John Shand of the Sydney Morning Herald once declared “Luke Escombe is an exceptional singer…his commanding voice carries echos of Dr John, Bruce Springsteen, Nick Cave, and Jim Morrison”

Luke recently performed the songs from “Skeleton Blues” at the Bridgetown Blues Festival in WA and as a support act for Australian music icon Russell Morris at Camelot Lounge in Sydney.

Luke will next perform the songs from Skeleton Blues at Django Bar in Sydney on Saturday 4th March!

“Skeleton Blues” is accompanied by videos for “Punctuation Blues” and “O Death” – filmed live in the studio. The album was recorded and mixed in a single three hour session, with no second takes or overdubs.

Pre release single videos/listening streams:

Luke Escombe “Punctuation Blues”

Luke Escombe – O Death (cover)

Originally from the UK, where his late father was one of the pioneers of the modern rock and roll touring industry, Luke has called Sydney home since 1999. As well as his three albums as a blues and roots artist, he is a critically acclaimed writer, comedian and MC, an in-demand public speaker, an ambassador for health charity Crohn’s and Colitis Australia and the creator of an award-winning “roots music” show for kids, families and foodies called The Vegetable Plot.

Social Links

lukeescombe.com
facebook.com/lukeescombemusic
twitter.com/mrescombe
youtube.com/user/LukeEscombe
lukeescombeandthecorporation.bandcamp.com

News and Touring

Perth’s Vida Cain Announce New 2017 Show

December 9, 2016 Marshall Cullen

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)

Trav from Vida Cain Does QnA with Foghorn Media

September 27, 2016 Marshall Cullen

Vida Cain Release New Album (Yeah Nah) with a Local Launch at Badlands Bar Perth October 14

Details here: facebook.com/events/265182167173763

Preview the Album here:
soundcloud.com/vidacain/sets/new-album-yeah-nah-unreleased/s-XRjW2

We got Trav the drummer to take a few moments and chat with us-

Foghorn Media: What inspired you to become a musician? Who were your early influences?

Trav: I was personally inspired by all the bands I used to watch as an under-ager in Perth/Freo. Whether is was the local bands, like Beaverloop, NIL, Cinema Prague, or some unknown band rocking out to 20 people. I was also particularly inspired when I got to see great live bands on tour like RATM, Smashing Pumpkins, NIN, Fugazi. I still get inspired today by great new bands.

FM: Tell us a little about how you write; how do the songs come? What gets you going creatively?

Trav: We really aren’t so formulaic with how we write: sometimes it comes out of a jam, sometimes someone will bring in just a riff, and sometimes even a whole song which we will all just add an influence on. I think we all come from such different places musically, that no matter how things start it always takes a few twists and turns creatively. We really like demo’ing our ideas now too, and in the recording process I feel like the songs evolve even more, as we usually pick up a few things we want to add or take away.

FM: Your bio mentions that the band is named after a band members Grandmother? Tell us about how that came to be.

Trav: Yeah, our singer’s Grandmother’s name was actually “Vida Cain,” We trialled a few names in the early days, but nothing really did it for us. We thought “Vida Cain” had a bit of a ring to it so we went with that. Sadly, Vida is no longer with us, but I’m told she absolutely hated rock music and would probably be mortified to know that there’s a rock band named after her.

FM: What is the first record you bought and why?

Trav: The first record I actually bought for myself was RATM. I was at 78s in Perth and I remember just being blown away by how much I could feel the emotions in the music. And as a drummer back in the day it didn’t hurt that I loved the rhythm section.

FM: What current OZ acts inspire you? International acts?

Trav: I can’t help getting inspired by little bits of everything I hear. I have heard great songs by Tame Impala, Kingswood, Ball Park Music, Pendulum and Calling all Cars have certainly have inspired me. I know we play in a rock band, but internationally I would say Kendrik Lamar, Alabama Shakes, Arctic Monkeys.

FM: Tell us a little about your music and what a crowd can expect at a live show.

Trav: A lot of people describe it as riff rock. I guess it’s melodic with some pop elements, but really high energy, rock music made to be played live. We put in a lot of energy into our live shows and the crowd usually gives us that energy back.

FM: Favourite artists of all time?

Trav: Foo Fighters, RATM, Beastie Boys

FM: Favourite film?

Trav: Pulp Fiction. I like a good quirky intertwining storyline, be it in a song, movie, or a shady drunken tour incident. Pulp Fiction did that pretty well.

FM: Favourite food?

Trav: Anything you can buy at a bakery. Nothing like a bit of gluttony and gluten.

FM: You are backstage with Chad Kroeger; what do you say?

Trav: Why? Just…why?

FM: Where do you see aussie music heading?

Trav: Into the depths of hell until 4 rock super heros come to it’s rescue with nothing, but an instrument and a drink rider. Either that or it’s just scheduled for a bit of a cycle of something different. I enjoyed the first tastes of skip hop and psychedelic pop that had a long run here, but now it’s spread a bit thin and I can’t wait to see what pops up next. There is certainly plenty of talented musicians around playing so many styles- it’s just a matter of what get’s picked up. We’d love it to be our music!

FM: What are your future plans for the rest of 2016 heading into 2017?

Trav: After our release at Badlands Bar in Perth, we will be going on an East Coast tour of Australia. We have plans for a trip to USA in 2017. Other than that, we plan on just getting back to playing live a whole lot after all that time in the studio.

Social Media Links
Website
www.vidacain.com
Facebook
www.facebook.com/vidacain
YouTube
www.youtube.com/user/vidacain

News and Touring

New Releases this May

May 19, 2016 Marshall Cullen

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

News and Touring

The Dirty Earth Announce New Lead Singer

May 18, 2016 Marshall Cullen

The Dirty Earth Release New Music Video and Announce New Singer

The Dirty Earth welcome new singer Tenille Rogers to the line up. Tenille brings new dynamics to the band and a youthful enthusiasm! Her powerhouse vocals and world class delivery are set to take The Dirty Earth to another planet. She has sung in cover bands, stage musicals, prog rock bands, and everything in between and sounds as comfortable belting out gritty rock anthems as she does steamy blues numbers.

Upcoming Shows:

28th May– Jane’s, Wollongong with The Dark Clouds and Dune Messiah
www.facebook.com/events/561980433983165

10th June — Townie, Newtwon with The Derros
www.facebook.com/events/211360579255783

Click the image below to watch the new music video for the single “Fierce Goddess”

Pick up a copy of their latest album ‘Ascendancy’ from a link below!

iTunes: www.itunes.apple.com/au/album/ascendancy
Bandcamp: www.thedirtyearth.bandcamp.com

Reviewed by The Music: www.themusic.com.au/thedirtyearth

Official Site
www.thedirtyearth.com
Facebook
www.facebook.com/thedirtyearth
Bandcamp
www.thedirtyearth.bandcamp.com

Spotify

www.play.spotify.com/artist

News and Touring

The Hollerin’ Sluggers Radio Interviews and Charts!

March 23, 2016 Marshall Cullen

Tuesday June 14th The Hollerin’ Sluggers on Alive 90.5 with Ross Fear!

Listen to the interview anywhere in the world with the online link: www.alive905.com.au/ross-fear-australian-spectrum-show

Show starts at 9pm!

The Hollerin’ Sluggers’ album ‘The Promised Land’ is OUT NOW and has debuted at number 7 on the AMRAP Airplay charts.

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/the-promised-land/id1037212987

Upcoming Shows:

March 24, Thursday — The Sands Hotel — Narrabeen, NSW

April 8, Friday — The Record Crate — Glebe, NSW

April 16, Saturday — Housefox Fest — Narrabeen, NSW

July 10, Sunday — Avalon Bowling Club — Avalon, NSW

August 27, Saturday — Nomad Brewery — Brookvale, NSW

Check out our Q&A with the band below!

Foghorn Media: What inspired you to become a singer/writer and form a band?

Hollerin’ Sluggers: Love of music. The need to entertain and make people feel good for a few hours.

FM: Who are your early influences?

HS: Artists that improvise and explore different realms of rootsy music, like Hendrix, Zeppelin, Cream, The Doors, Aussie rock from early 70s onwards.

FM: Tell us a little about how you write, how do the songs come? What gets you going creatively?

HS: We come up with a riff or a groove and jam it out first up, then we mould it into a song and whatever it needs to make it work. We enjoy exploring different structures. The band has evolved from the first album, our new material explores new realms.

FM: What is the first record you bought and why?

HS: AC/DC – like most people did in the day, they brought gritty powerhouse blues/rock to Australia.

FM: What current OZ acts inspire you?

HS: Anyone playing hard and touring their butts off on their own back and living the dream. Playing from the heart and not conforming to formulas.

FM: What about international bands?

HS: Joe Bonamassa and Gary Clark Jr, Clutch, Sea Sick Steve, Jack White

FM: Tell us a little about your music and what a crowd can expect at a live show.

HS: We aim to get everyone up and dancing and going crazy by the end of the show. If there is a rafter to hang off or a speaker to jump off, Owen will find it. If you come to our gig and your feet don’t start moving and your hips don’t start swaying you’re probably dead.

FM: Favorites: film, book, place, pet? Story?

HS: Favorite film – ‘Song Remains The Same,’ Favorite book – ‘Sex, Thugs, and Rock n Roll’ by Billy Thorpe. Favorite place – Narrabeen. Favorite pet – dog/galah/fish. Favorite story – Andy used to judge and breed German Shepherds and left it behind when the Sluggers was formed to pursue his musical dream of one day playing in a packed stadium.

FM: Favorite food or drink?

HS: Nomad Beer – they gave us some kegs, a shirt, and a hat. We’re easily pleased.

FM: You’re backstage with one of your influences mentioned earlier, what do you say?

HS: Can we jam with you guys?

FM: Where do you see Aussie music heading?

HS: There has always been pop music for the commercial market and cover bands in the pubs/clubs and will continue to be so. However, there is a real swing back to original bands playing modern venues not considered the traditional music houses, such as pizza/wine bars and retro records bars.

FM: What are your future plans for 2016/2017?

HS: Touring with some great artists and playing some kickass gigs, recording second album, and getting some national and international airplay would be nice.