Category Archives: News and Touring

Gareth Koch Releases New Solo Album ‘Saladin’s Dream’

July 9, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a diverse repertory across multiple albums spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.
Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects. Over the past two years he has released two collaborative albums with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church). Earlier this year a third collaboration with Steve saw the release of ‘The Hall of Counterfeits’.

On his new solo project, ‘Saladin’s Dream’, Gareth explores the fanciful notion of Saladin’s dreamworld – his unconscious desires and wishes.  Saladin (1137-1193) was a warrior/sultan & ruler of Egypt, best known for his war against Christian Crusaders and the capture of Jerusalem.
Dreams and their significance in waking life are an enduring source of mystery.  On this album Saladin is visited nightly by ancient gods, bringing with them their harps & music of the underworld.  He then spirals into the mayhem of dark assignations with a succubus before veering into the chaos of an Egyptian bazaar. In his free-flowing dreams Saladin embarks on a surreal journey into the future, encountering Macbeth’s witches and their cats.
The album meanders effortlessly through a landscape of goatherds, ancient cities and other worlds.  Saladin’s Dream can be seen as a synthesis of Gareth’s musical journeys, ranging from classical, flamenco, medieval, folk & rock, flowing seamlessly into the realm of free experimentation & creativity.

Tracklist

Song Descriptions
Bazaar
This soundscape like track takes you to the Middle Eastern Markets of The Silk Road in ancient times. With oud’s, guitars, hand percussion, even some calls to prayer like wailing this truly evokes a time and place – think The Arabian Knights put to music.

Saladin’s Dream
The title track to this new album by Gareth Koch, exactly half down the track order it creates a neat bridge from some of the more eastern sounds into what we may term more classical ones. Some beautiful guitar melodies layered onto backing that includes resonating vocal textures.

The Nefarious Goatherd
Belying the tongue in cheek title this song moves along at a good pace and includes some solid bass and low-end percussion that keeps up the pace nicely. With similar instrumentation to the album – background vocal layers, stringed instruments over the bass and percussion elements.

Saladin’s Dream is OUT TODAY July 9th – via MGM

All DSP’s and CD’s from

Connect with Gareth Koch:

For further information, Files, CD and Interview Requests please contact:
Marshall Cullen at Foghorn Media
0416 143 030
marshall@foghornrecords.net

News and Touring

Margaret Anne and the Rock It Man release their debut album Soul Laid Bare

July 1, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Following a succession of singles, a should out launch last month and recent radio interview spots including Todays Country Margaret Anne’s debut album is finally released across all digital platforms via MGM.

The debut album ‘Soul Laid Bare’ is out today and includes the duet ‘The Ones You Love’, co-written and sung with 13 times Golden Guitar winner Luke O’Shea, the custom song ‘White Haze’ and those written with Shane Nicholson, Gretta Ziller and Allison Forbes. It is an exciting blend of Americana, sweeping through sounds from Country, Roots and Blues to Grooving Funk and Rock.

Recording and production were performed at Noisy Trout Productions in Sydney, Australia, with the genius, multi-instrumentalist and producer Doug Weaver (aka The Rock It Man).

Reviews of already released songs which appear on the album confirm Margaret’s influences coming from Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Patti Smith combined with the production styles of Fleetwood Mac and ELO – lush, loaded with diversity and consistent high level of musicianship.

Drawing from her vast life experience, Margaret Anne has honed her talent as singer/songwriter over the years. She later teamed up with the multi-instrumentalist, producer and Mythbusters screenwriter Doug Weaver, to write and produce the album ‘Soul Laid Bare’.

Although they receive creative inspiration from Country, Roots and Blues, Margaret Anne and the Rock It Man combine a variety of compositional elements to form their unique sound. To date there are five singles in their online discography. Some of their most popular tracks include the likes of ‘White Haze’ a custom track written for USA ski hall of fame Extreme Skier Dan Egan, ‘Don’t Look Back’, co-written with Shane Nicholson, ‘Soul Laid Bare’ and ‘Cabin Boy’. With a growing number of followers and listeners, there is no denying the fact that Margaret Anne is developing a dedicated following of loyal fans.

Sold out album launch at Beaches Thirroul:

Download or stream the album Out NOW July 2nd via MGM:

Connect with Margaret Anne:

https://linktr.ee/margaretannesmusic

News and Touring

Steve Kilbey Album 2 Weeks in Top 20 AIR Charts

June 28, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Following the successful NSW Album Launch Tour (just made it before lockdown) the new Steve Kilbey and The Winged Heels double album ‘The Hall of Counterfeits’ is OUT NOW and has scored Top 20 chart positions in the AIR 100% Independent chart the past few weeks and a number 1 single on the soundslikecafe playlist charts.

New USA Max Alt Interview:

https://www.maximumalternative.com

Recent Reviews
https://smellslikeinfinitesadness.com/steve-kilbey-and-the-winged-heels-the-hall-of-counterfeits-review/

https://glidemagazine.com/257736/steve-kilbey-and-the-winged-heels-make-creative-surplus-on-musically-vast-the-hall-of-counterfeits/

https://www.backseatmafia.com/album-review-steve-kilbey-the-winged-heels-soar-into-another-celestial-sphere-with-double-album-the-hall-of-counterfeits/?fbclid=IwAR3gPv_bjvesdwtCb6_2i5U6dMJcffLZoFP7iLos5upWkwXi1h8Oe0NLGKY

https://americansongwriter.com/steve-kilbey-and-the-winged-heels-invite-listeners-into-the-hall-of-counterfeits/

Customer review highlights
“That was a really beautiful journey - an experience from beginning to end. I felt transported to a bazaar or the outback – places I’ve only been in my imagination.
It was wild having heard some of these tunes in acoustic from months ago.
Now every sound – every song… nuanced and played – recorded and mixed – to perfection.
My ears – my mind strained at times to take it all in.
Hit by a tantric piano hammer.
And – like any great trip – it was worth the wait! X”

“Listened to some of the album, and it’s marvelous so far! It’s loose and weird, and everyone seemed to be having a right good time.”

From Steve Kilbey:
In 1990 I released an album called Remindlessness in which I attempted to take in everything I had ever been fascinated by and reconcile the whole damn lot with a weird and wild bunch of songs.

30 years on, armed with brilliant musicians (The Winged Heels), time has enabled me to give voice to those same preoccupations: past lives, Indian and Middle Eastern music, religion, ancient history, the Beatles and the many implications of their work.

A new sprawling double album, a labour of love. The record I had to make before I shuffle off this mortal coil and begin again all over – some other time, some other place. But this record is the big one and even if I do get another 30 years down here it will be a hard one to ever top.

“I have never been prouder of an achievement in my life.

Please, if you will, wander through The Hall of Counterfeits and take it all in.…”

The Hall Of Counterfeits is OUT NOW
CD and Digital via MGM Official Store
and/or Stream below:

Connect with Steve Kilbey:

News and Touring

Thirty Three Degrees release first full Album

June 10, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Central Coast Band Thirty Three Degrees Release their debut Album and play Launch Shows in support

New Reviews:

https://warlockasyluminternationalnews.com/2021/07/07/thirty-three-degrees-self-titled-debut-album-epitomizes-cutting-edge-artistry/

https://dancing-about-architecture.com/thirty-three-degrees-thirty-three-degrees-reviewed-by-dave-franklin/

https://just-fame.com/thirty-three-degrees/

Friday 16th July: The Servo Wollongong:

www.eventbrite.com.au/e/thirty-three-degrees-wthe-huneez-chance-magnetic-the-servo-tickets-155764121681

Saturday 17th July: The Basement Canberra:

thebasementcanberra.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/a3af7588-bc68-446a-92c9-55a71513a664

Thirty Three Degrees’ self-titled debut album never had a real theme planned, but came together as the songs took shape over a period of time. The band views the songs as seeming to split into two as some of the songs are older than others.
One half is all about emotions and love, whether that be in conflict or happiness in songs like Bleed, Place In The Sun, The Key and No Illusions, then moving into the newer songs delving into current situations in the world. Reflecting on how we all react differently according to how those situations are portrayed to us on an information highway, both overloading and dividing us.
The music itself contains some strong grooves, rootsy slide driven rock with some blues undertones.
The album was recorded at Damien Gerard studios over 3 days, laying down twelve live recorded tracks and then adding guitar overdubs, vocals and mixing. The band eventually settled on a 9 track album as the best representation of their work.

Tracklist

Thirty Three Degrees are an original rock band with a strong groove and some rootsy vibes, from the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

After a brief hiatus from the music scene, Shane decided to re-enter the music world and search for like-minded musicians to write and perform with. At this same time, Chris was re-entering Australia from Los Angeles with the same goal. Thanks to musician classifieds on social media, the two met up and at the end of January 2020, Shane Romeyn and Chris Roberts formed the band.

The good vibes and good songs flowed out immediately. Due to COVID-19 gigs were off the table for the most part, so with the temporary assistance and amazing bass work of Chris’ brother Mike, the band decided to instead enter the studio and recorded their debut album.

Since then the band has brought on a full-time bass player, Andrew, to complete the trio and they are
continuing to pump out song after song and rehearse for future gigs.

Stream the album here (Foghorn/MGM) :

Connect with Thirty Three Degrees:

News and Touring

Space Engineer releases album Memory Trip

May 28, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Space Engineer is the alter ego of Sydney based song-writer Terry Lyndon, and sees him writing melodic, uplifting indie guitar-pop songs for the modern condition.

Terry grew up in Tweed Heads, before moving to Canberra, where he formed bands Mae West, Magic Roundabout and Glowspire (with Matthew Winter, now with Zed Penguin). Moving to Sydney, he formed Submarine with Paul Read (formally Chosen Few). After leaving the scene for a time, a chance meeting with Piri Rutherford (Easy Beats Radio,Isola Beats) inspired him to continue his song writing releasing ‘Radio Station in my Head’ album on bandcamp.

Space Engineer is his recording duo featuring producer and musician Mike Caen. Terry says “With Mike, who is an amazing all round music pro, I can realise my songs full potentials. I’m able to indulge in my experiments and musical ideas”.

The sound of Space Engineer is highly melodic, Indie, pop, rock. Terry’s influences are The Beatles, Velvets, The Smiths and Go Betweens. Many have described the Space Engineer sound as a cross between The Beatles and The Beach Boys. The guys are quite ok with that comparison, have a listen to the irresistible melodies of Space Engineer.

Clink on the album below to Stream/Download from your preferred service:

Connect with Space Engineer:

News and Touring

Steve Kilbey and the Winged Heels Announce Tour and New Album

May 19, 2021 Marshall Cullen

For Immediate Release
After heading to Jupiter 13 for his highly successful release with Martin Kennedy earlier this year selling out the first press of both CD and vinyl, Steve Kilbey is currently ‘Swinging on the Moon’ on his way back to planet earth with the first single from the forthcoming Steve Kilbey and The Winged Heels double album ‘The Hall of Counterfeits’

New Reviews just in:
https://glidemagazine.com/257736/steve-kilbey-and-the-winged-heels-make-creative-surplus-on-musically-vast-the-hall-of-counterfeits/

https://www.backseatmafia.com/album-review-steve-kilbey-the-winged-heels-soar-into-another-celestial-sphere-with-double-album-the-hall-of-counterfeits/?fbclid=IwAR3gPv_bjvesdwtCb6_2i5U6dMJcffLZoFP7iLos5upWkwXi1h8Oe0NLGKY

From Steve Kilbey:
In 1990 I released an album called Remindlessness in which I attempted to take in everything I had ever been fascinated by and reconcile the whole damn lot with a weird and wild bunch of songs.

30 years on, armed with three brilliant musicians (The Winged Heels), time has enabled me to give voice to those same preoccupations: past lives, Indian and Middle Eastern music, religion, ancient history, the Beatles and the many implications of their work.

Barton Price an unbelievable walloping drummer. Gareth Koch and his beautiful classical and flamenco guitar (and a host of other stringed ethnic instruments). Roger Mason on piano organ hurdy gurdy, cello (and a load of other weird arcane and esoteric instruments). Together we have come up with this mercurial record that is surely the most important thing I have ever done anywhere anytime.

I’m lucky to have found these players plus Andrew Beck an American engineer and co-producer of this record who have helped create this huge strange unwieldy chaotic dense bunch of songs that we have plucked fresh out of the thin air. I have never been prouder of an achievement in my life.

Upcoming Tour

Steve Kilbey and The Winged Heels
Click for tix
June 3 – Lizottes
June 5 Manly Leagues
June 6 – Paddo RSL
June 17 – Brass Monkey
J une 18 Royal Hotel – Queanbeyan
June 19 – Heritage Hotel Bulli

Please, if you will, wander through the Hall of Counterfeits and take it all in.…OUT NOW (Foghorn/MGM)

Stream below:

Connect with Steve Kilbey:

News and Touring

The Blind Pilots release their first full album ‘All Kinds of Crazy’

May 19, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Congrats to the boys on scoring top 5 Amrap Charts in the first week of release

All Kinds of Crazy is the first full length album for The Blind Pilots. The band spent months working up these songs with many of them tested and refined during their many live shows.

The album was recorded in July of last year, in between the gaps of isolation during the Covid pandemic. ARIA award winning producer – Govinda Doyle engineered the project with the band in his studio on the Northern Rivers of NSW.

Years of gigs and similar musical influences mean that the band meld together: Blues, Stoner Rock and remanences of 90’s riffage together to get their point across. Drawing from their more recent experiences, everything from social perceptions, loosing mates, the band found inspiration from ‘All Kinds of Crazy’. The unexpected became the topics that allowed them to bond together creatively to deliver an exceptional album.

The Blind Pilots strive for the ‘magic moments’ and serve it up with plenty of dirty slide guitar and foot stompin’ harmonica riffs. The four friends have known each other from previous successful bands playing gigs up and down the East Coast. All grew up listening to the same music and share common influences of artists who had something to say – Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison and well – you can guess the rest.

After seeing each other play, a mutual friend conjured a plan to get them together at the same time in the same rehearsal room. A few late-night jams, many entertaining stories and a full fridge, The Blind Pilots was ignited. They released an EP in 2019 that saw them feature on the Australian Blues Charts and led to appearances at The Byron Bay Blues Festival, Woodford Folk, Festival Of the Sun and Echuca Blues with loads of pub shows in between.

The Blind Pilots produce an energetic live show full of intense commitment – whilst still maintaining a laid back vibe for all to enjoy.

The Blind Pilots are:
Owen Mancell – Guitar/Vox
Matt Hough – Drums
Ryan Stone – Harmonica
Daniel Chamberlan – Bass

Song Descriptions:
All Kinds Of Crazy
This title track really sets the scene for what’s to come. Expertly executed rocking blues, not unlike ZZ Top and other southern blues bands. These guys are seasoned live players and the track comes together with the classic bass, drums, slide guitars, blues harp and powerful vocal delivery.

Mood Of The Dude
Another catchy up-tempo rocking guitar blues tune, this one really sits in the groove, and is capped off by the great guitar and blues harp riffing these guys do so well.

Probably Think Of You
A catchy slide guitar riff and drum pattern introduce another up-tempo foot tapper. By the time the harp, vocals, bass and more guitars come in this one has you hooked – just like the whole album – a great offering from this rocking blues line up.

Stream:

Connect with The Blind Pilots:

News and Touring

New Release to radio from PG Naylor

May 18, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Phil Naylor is a Sydney, Australia-based singer/songwriter who has been recording under the name PG Naylor since 2018. He was originally rhythm guitarist/vocalist with 60s band The Quiet Ones, who played surf clubs, football clubs, suburban dances and discos, as well as country Bachelors and Spinsters and Town and Country balls during the 60s.

The Quiet Ones reformed in 2007 to support the original Aztecs for a fundraising event for Beyond Blue. The band continued to perform at charity functions , having raised around $50k for their chosen charity -Bo Children’s Hospital in Sierra Leone.

In 2017, having left the corporate world, Phil commenced a project with legendary Australian instrumental guitarist, Kim Humphreys, to record his original compositions, releasing two albums: Sanctuary and 60’ Refugee.

The title track from Sanctuary was a semi finalist in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition based in Nashville USA. Sanctuary and Hollywood Road were semi finalists in the 2020 Voyager International Songwriting Competition based in Melbourne Australia.

60s Refugee, including the tracks 60s Refugee, Law ‘Biding Man and Hollywood Road represents ‘tongue -in-cheek’ reflections on life and events with a strong 60s rock beat. The unmistakeable guitar style of Kim Humphreys and the ‘lived-in’ quality in PG Naylor’s voice are evident on all tracks.

The track 60s Refugee, with a 60s bluesy rock feel, perhaps best encapsulates the state of mind of the writer and performer yearning for the ‘good ol’ days’ of the 60s.

Law ‘biding Man has a great 60s gutsy riff which drives the song under some innovative lead guitar, while Hollywood Road brings events closer to the current era with a visit to a Hong Kong bar and civil unrest outside.

Song Descriptions:
Law ‘Biding Man
Here’s a great up-tempo, 60’s revival sounding tune with all the right elements, hooky guitars, vocals and harmonies, strong rhythm section and some poppy keyboards to boot.
Spotify link to stream:

60s Refugee
A more blues-based tune with some harmonica taking the riffs. A strong chorus sets this one apart as a powerful ode to the entire era. The Stones and The Beatles even get a mention.

Hollywood Road
A dark guitar riff begins this straight ahead rock tune. Once the vocals kick in it’s a story telling song all about those classic experiences in a new city we can all relate to. Like all of these PG Naylor tunes its up-tempo, catchy and well worth a listen.

OUT NOW
CDs Instore via MGM

Connect with PG Naylor:

Official website: www.pgnaylor.com

Video link: https://youtu.be/qXRx5OhkyyM

News and Touring

Settlement Mirage EP release

May 6, 2021 Marshall Cullen

In 1992, after Sydney’s Happy Hate Me Nots split, Paul Berwick put together a trio called Settlement, with bassist, Jim Dickson (at the time ex New Christs) and drummer, Chris Welsh (at the time ex Died Pretty).

“I wanted to start something new” explained singer, guitarist and songwriter, Berwick.

“I advertised for a drummer and bass player. Jim Dickson answered, momentarily separated from the New Christs. We were already friends but I couldn’t believe it! We auditioned several drummers until Chris Welsh, momentarily separated from Died Pretty, called me. Again, I had to pinch myself! I already had enormous respect for both Jim and Chris!”

Settlement recorded five glorious tracks at Damien Gerard Studios at its original location in the inner Sydney suburb of Ultimo. The songs weren’t left over from Berwick’s days in the Happy Hate Me Nots. “All the songs were new. It was a good songwriting period for me.” A life long fan of great pop/rock songs, Berwick was inspired by some of the form’s masters. “At that time it was The Pretenders, The Who, Big Star, Prince and of course the Beatles!”

Settlement are:
Paul Berwick – Happy Hate Me Nots
Jim Dickson – The Survivors, Passengers, Deniz Tek Group, Radio Birdman, New Christs
Chris Welsh – Died Pretty

As well as the recording session at Damien Gerard Studios, the band played some shows around Sydney in the second half of 1992. While the band and the music showed promise, Settlement’s existence was brief. “Chris got the call to return to Died Pretty. I couldn’t compete with that so it ended there”, said Berwick.

Or so it seemed.

In 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 lockdown, Jim Dickson found the DAT tape of their studio session, which he then had mastered – significantly – at the same studio where it was recorded!

This band was a unique creation that doesn’t feature at all in Sydney’s early 90s rock history. It wasn’t a mirage though…they did exist. Here’s the proof!!

What’s Good For Me
Originally recorded in the 90’s these songs have that warm and analog tape sound that is hard to replicate successfully anymore. The lead tune What’s Good For Me is up-tempo and moves along in a power pop, jangly guitar way, not unlike early REM. The chorus is the standout and has a melodic and catchy chorus that stays in your head, tailed out by a strong instrumental section, this one is a winner.

Golden Handshake
Some shaker, guitar and huge drums start this up-tempo radio track. Once the vocals and band come in you are curious and want to hear more. The song drives along at a quick pace and maintains the interest with plenty going on plus a great vocal from Paul Berwick.

Clink on the album below to Stream/Download from your preferred service:

Connect with :

News and Touring

The DK Effect release their Debut Album ‘Moving Time’

April 24, 2021 Marshall Cullen

This Deep South(Tasmanian) Soul and Blues band release their debut album and premiere their latest video courtesy of scenestr

The DK Effect are an 8-piece original funk, soul and gospel-infused RnB band from Australia’s deep south (Tasmania). Fronted by the powerful yet exquisite vocal and focal trinity (Crystal Campbell, Ruby Austin-Lund and Belle Richardson) the band’s material focuses on storytelling, melody and harmony, and is saturated with the passion and polyrhythmic ‘call and response’ vocal synchronicity of gospel music. The band: Randal Muir (keys), Aleks Folvig (guitar and vocals), Al Tolond (drums), David Johnstone (bass) and Jed Adams (sax) deliver grooves as deep as a freshly pressed 45.

Songwriter, David Johnstone had been content to satisfy his passion for writing and recording in sheltered isolation but following the illness of a close friend he reluctantly acknowledged that life is a ‘one-time only offer’. He began the Mama K project. Mama K and the Big Love release their ‘Blind’ album in 2017. The album received rave reviews including 4.5 stars from the Sydney Moring Herald. At this time David had the amazing good fortune to be introduced to Crystal Campbell. Her innate musicality and perfect interpretation of his ideas took each new song to a soulful new level. They quickly formed an enduring, productive and creative relationship.

Having been born on Kiribati in the South Pacific, Crystal was adopted and raised in Tasmania. She is also an accomplished singer songwriter with soul music running through her veins, and as with the African-American originators of soul, she has a sense of identity, culture, consciousness, pride and an unbreakable bond to her homeland.

Crystal and Ruby were together in an all-female band called The Duchesses and formed a great musical relationship and friendship. Ruby is from Northern Tasmania and completed a Bachelor of Music with Honours in Songwriting. She is also an accomplished keyboardist and has always had a love for soul music.

Ruby met Belle (also from Northern Tasmania) at the Conservatorium of Music where Belle is currently studying music, specialising in Blues, Funk, RnB and Gospel. As well as The DK Effect, she also sings with the soul band Belle’s Boys.

The vocal trio have an undeniable chemistry that radiates the authentic early soul / funk power and vulnerability of the genres pioneers, which allows them to reflect the full range of emotion and meaning embedded in every lyric and groove of The DK Effect repertoire.

Though the band was originally formed purely as a recording entity, there has been an overwhelmingly positive audience reaction from every DK Effect performance at venues including MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), The Moonah Arts Centre, Kickstart Arts and the iconic Republic Bar, establishing their reputation as an exciting and dynamic live band.

A selection of the band’s material has been captured on their debut recording – ‘Moving Time’, which has been expertly mastered by Grammy Award winning, Dave Darlington (Bass Hit Recording, NYC), and accurately presents their organic and authentic, early funk and soul sound.

The album was recorded and mixed in Hobart, Tasmania using vintage gear, 4 mics and a whole lot of enthusiasm. We wanted to capture the natural sound of the band so you’ll find NO fancy production techniques, NO auto-tune and NO midi on these recordings. Just the band, performing the songs – the way we do live…

The original plan was to release a 5-track EP, but got carried away and ended up recording a 10 track album!

Album Trailer