Category Archives: News and Touring

Silphie Releases Single ‘Sulpicia’s Birthday’

February 1, 2024 Marshall Cullen

Featuring Silphie’s sublime highly trained vocals, a Harmonium, cello, viola and nylon string classical guitar, the debut release for this neo classical/world music act from the NSW Central Coast is sure to have ears lighting up. The quality of the recording, the players, the juxtaposition of the vocals switching from Latin to English and the overall sound of this track will put you in a medieval soundscape that could be part of a beautiful old film shot on 70mm.

Sulpicia was a female poet who lived in Rome in 40BC. Sulpicia’s Birthday is the second in a series of six poems. The story describes her ecstasy, as Sulpicia writes to her lover to tell him she has arranged for the two of them to spend her birthday together, frolicking in Rome.

Photo Credit-Lisa Haymes photography

Michaele Archer graduated (with distinction) from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Opera School and has performed nationally and internationally. She also attained a Masters in Applied Science, researching breathing techniques for opera singers from the University of Sydney.

Her research in breathing techniques was presented in Paris at the International Congress of Voice Teachers. Recently Michaele has been performing and studying in Los Angeles and Switzerland with vocal expert Robin de Haas and has been certified as an Advanced Breathing Coordination practitioner.

Lisa Haymes photography

Michaele’s love of ancient instruments and language led her to the work of Sulpicia, a female poet who lived in Rome in the time of Augustus. ‘Garland, the love poems of Sulpicia’ is her latest recording project.

Sulpicia’s poems were included in a publication of the famous roman writer Tibullus and originally attributed to him. The mystery around Sulpicia as a young woman breaking taboos, writing of a secret love affair and the rich sound of the Latin text drew Michaele deep into the project. The poems form the text for the album. Written for harmonium, guitar, cello, viola and vocals, Michaele’s recordings embrace a tone palate that is analogue, raw and dark.

Silphie is a collaboration with Michaele Archer (vocal and harmonium), Rachel Whealy (cello), Giuseppe Zangari (guitar), and Gab Stelle (viola). The name Silphie is inspired by the ancient world’s herb Silphium which was used for everything from perfume and cooking to medicine.

Stream the single

Watch the official music video

Video premiere

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News and Touring

Extra Time Releases New Album ‘Songs With Long Titles’

January 22, 2024 Marshall Cullen

So it has been four years since our last album. We have been winnowing down the stories that we would like to tell and twelve new tunes made the cut. Taking badly recorded demos and some wildly inaccurate charts to Damien Gerard Studios in Gosford, Australia, we spent four days recording and knocking together arrangements into some kind of shape. Many of the musicians who played on the first record kindly agreed to go around again and try and make sense of what we had.

We had a few base principles. No samples, no Click, no Grid and no Autotune. Everything on the album was performed live by a musician. Our drummer was our click track. The whole album was recorded to 2” tape and then digitized into Pro Tools. The whole process was a lot of fun and hopefully that comes across in the music and the performance and in the behind the scenes videos that we will be releasing. We were looking for a high fi, harmonically interesting sound that would live up to all of the great records made by our heroes. Its up to you to decide whether we succeeded.

‘Songs With Long Titles’, the second album for Extra Time is a journey through intriguing stories of life, death, delusion, joy, passion and dreams in classic rock album format along with just enough jazz and blues influences to keep it interesting. Think Steely Dan meets Supertramp if you like references.

Lyricist, composer and singer Brendan McNamara has been honing his craft over many years and for this record teamed up with ex Los Angeles co producer and engineer Andrew Beck at Damien Gerard Studios in West Gosford. A veritable A List of session musicians were called in through the 20 plus days of recording and mixing.

The record was mixed at the same facility by Brendan and Andrew and Mastered by Grammy Winner William Bowden. Now released to the world in double gatefold vinyl – 3 songs per side for maximum quality, and digitally across all platforms on 22 January 2024.

About Extra Time
When you think of classic albums names like Sting, Pink Floyd, Steely Dan and Supertramp spring to mind. You might be surprised to know there is a Sydney based band that has been toiling away for some years creating some truly classic sounds and songs with a similar aesthetic and instrumentation.

The guys met at school and hit it off as a young band and writing team, but ever since have been involved in other projects and built careers locally and internationally. Extra Time became a creative outlet to record and release music they love.

The first album came out pre-covid, scoring some decent streaming figures and TV sync activity.

MUSICIAN CREDITS

Tim Firth                  Drums
Brett Hirst                Bass
Aaron Blakey            Keyboards
Peter Koopman        Guitar
Amanda Easton        Vocals
Sarina Jennings        Vocals
Paul Murchison        Trumpet
Matthew Keegan      Trombone
Bridget Darby           French Horn
Luke Bartley             Tuba
Jane Stanley             Strings
Andrew Beck            Tubular Bells

Songs With Long Titles is OUT NOW

MUSIC VIDEO FOR SINGLE ‘WHERE IS THE LIGHT’

Stream/download here

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Foghorn Christmas Releases

December 6, 2023 Marshall Cullen

Get Into The Christmas Spirit With Gareth Koch’s Instrumental Album & Daxton’s Homegrown Blues/Jazz Album

‘Exquisite & ancient music reimagined with a shimmer of jangle. An audiophile recording.’

Imagine timeless European Christmas music played instrumentally, as if upon a choir of lutes. Ancient & exquisite songs, deep within the human psyche, are now newly arranged by ARIA Award winning guitarist Gareth Koch. The interpretations reveal his signature blend of contemporary flair laced with medieval sensibilities.

The arrangements are both elegant & appealing, sidestepping any notion of commercialised Christmas clichés. Re-imagined as troubadour-like ballads or tender Austrian folk songs, each carol receives a unique treatment. The listener is invited into an array of soundworlds, ranging from the early medieval to English folk-revival.

The music of this album leads us away from the bustle of many modern realities. Instead, we are drawn into a gentler universe, filled with subtlety & nuance. In any year, at any time, this album presents a Christmas message we all need to hear.

Song Descriptions
Little Drummer Boy
This timeless mid-tempo classic Christmas carol is dealt with not just using multiple classical guitar parts but with hand percussion and rice shakers.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
A very old piece, dated to the 16th century and referred to in Charles Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’. Gareth recreates the vocal melody perfectly and becomes a terrific hum along piece. Bass guitar rounds out the arrangement featuring multiple guitars: acoustic, nylon string and electric creating a lush sonic tapestry.

About Gareth Koch
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.
Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects. Over recent years he has released two collaborative albums with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church).

All DSP’s and CD’s from official store below

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Daxton ‘On The Eve Of Christmas’

There is a good chance in any Christmas album you will hear the well known traditional songs about mistletoe, stockings and large jolly gentlemen in red suits. Many artists have been there but not all write their own songs. Daxton Monaghan has just released his own unique jazz style Xmas album for 2023.

After deciding last Christmas that there wasn’t an album of Christmas songs that suited him, Daxton has spent the past year slowly crafting a tasty array of melodic songs for his own special Christmas album. Entitled ‘On The Eve Of Christmas’, the nine tracks include some well-known and Daxton family favourites: White Christmas, Little Drummer Boy and of course, Jingle Bells. The rest of the album is made up of Daxton’s own songs. These compositions have been inspired by Daxton’s family Christmas gatherings. Bouncy rhythms, heart warming lyrics, sing along harmonies, strings, brass and Daxton’s familiar vocals all feature.

Let The Carols Sing
A classic sing along Xmas tune from bluesman Daxton. Some fine holiday vibes from the sax, beach boys style ‘ooh aah’ backing vocals and keys.

Little Drummer Boy
This timeless tune gets fine reworking by Daxton. Programmed drums and keys give the song a modern edge with Luke Gallen’s sax the icing on the cake.

About Daxton
Daxton has appeared at major festivals including the Sydney Blues & Roots and Tamworth Country Music Festival where he supported artists such as Kasey Chambers and Beccy Cole. He also has had one of his tracks ‘Moody Liz’ featured in the popular American TV series Doll House.

Based on the Central Coast, Daxton is best described as a blues/rock artist with a twist of pop and rock. He plays slide guitar rock/blues songs with a fresh and innovative sound. His last album, ‘Electric Satellite’ was released in 2022 and featured his signature heavy and rustic blues rock sound.

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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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Gareth Koch – Tangos del Gato

November 16, 2023 Marshall Cullen

For the past 12 months Gareth has been recording and releasing tracks that explore the various forms of classical Spanish dance forms: Tango and Flamenco. His output has built a solid base of keen listeners, now over 10,000 monthly listeners.

This latest release is a Tango. Tangos is a dance form that developed primarily between Cadiz and Sevilla. It is a 4/4 beat rhythm and has some reminiscence with certain Arabic rhythm and groove patterns. The flamenco Tangos, has nothing to do with the Argentinian Tango. The style of dancing is also sensual which includes much hip movement due to the Arabic belly dancing style.

Tangos, together with Bulerías are the two favourite forms of jamming and partying in all the Juergas (a flamenco party-jam) usually in celebration of a wedding, baptism or any joyous occasion.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a sizeable repertory across multiple genres spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, rock & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Checkout the new single ‘Tangos del Gato’ (Foghorn/MGM) November 16

OR Direct link right here

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Bec Taylor and The Lyrebirds – Anchor (New Release!)

November 6, 2023 Marshall Cullen

Here is the first single from the forthcoming album plus a launch show

Anchor is an upbeat alt-country-pop song co-written by Bec and lyric collaborator CJ Shaw. The track was recorded at Golden Retriever in Sydney, and at ANU Recording Studios in Canberra and was produced by Louis Montgomery (SAFIA, Peking Duk).

(pic by Tony Mott)

If you are in Canberra the launch is

Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds + CJ Shaw and the Blow Ins + The Burley Griffin at Live at the Polo, The White Eagle Polish Club, Canberra, Saturday 18th November 7pm

Tickets:

https://events.humanitix.com/thriple-threat

Bec Taylor is a multi-instrumentalist and songwriter who has recorded over a dozen studio records while performing on some of the biggest stages and festivals around the country, including BIGSOUND, Groovin’ The Moo, and the Woodford Folk Festival, as well as playing alongside the likes of Gotye, The Darkness, and been on tour as main support for Regurgitator and Shonen Knife in her previous projects Fun Machine and Glitoris. The Lyrebirds, a five-piece alt-country pop band, is her most recent project. Their delightful blend of artful songwriting, tasty earworms and layered harmonies that will leave you humming their tunes for days.

Bec Taylor and The Lyrebirds -New single Anchor from forthcoming album 2024 – (Fog/MGM) Click below

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Halfway Homebuoy-New Self Titled Album

October 26, 2023 Marshall Cullen

In the hallowed halls of Damien Gerard Studios, the band embarked on a three-year-long musical odyssey, painstakingly sculpting each note, lyric, and sonic texture that would eventually coalesce into their magnum opus. This album is more than a collection of songs; it is a testament to Homebuoy’s unyielding dedication to the craft of music production.Time was thier greatest ally throughout this creative journey. Over the span of three years, the band meticulously poured their hearts and souls into every track, allowing each one to evolve and breathe, unfettered by the constraints of hurried production. Damien Gerard Studios provided the ideal canvas for this sonic masterpiece, a space where creativity flowed unhindered, and every sonic nuance was perfected. The result is an album that is not just a collection of songs but a sonic landscape that invites listeners on a transformative and emotionally charged voyage

It’s been a strange path for Halfway Homebuoy to finally end up as ‘based’ on the NSW Central Coast, an hour north of Sydney. The band was formed almost 10 years ago on the ski slopes of Switzerland where all of the (then) members were working the season and playing shows at night.

With three Englishmen and one Aussie the band moved out here and were recommended to Foghorn Records where they quickly found a home. As things happen after a few years the visa’s ran out, the Aussie moved back to Europe and the sole remaining member, principal writer and singer, Jack Davison, married an Aussie and stayed here. Unfortunately, he was left without a band.

Not to be deterred, Jack found local musicians, new songs were written, live shows booked, a new album released, the band continued on. Now based on the coast and with a new record almost finished the guys are ready to reboot post lockdown into 2022.

Checkout the new album OUT ON OCTOBER 27 (Foghorn MGM)

OUT NOW

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Gareth Koch – Gone To Earth

October 17, 2023 Marshall Cullen

With Gareth back from his 3 Month Stint in Europe earlier this year and ensconced back in beautiful Tasmania where he currently resides he has created this work that is close to his heart along with vocals and lyrics to go with it.

Gone to Earth is a homage or eulogy which mourns our extinct Tasmanian Tiger (Thylacine). The lyrics are inspired by Tasmanian poet Vivian Smith, who published his poem Thylacine in 1953.

The song carries a broad environmental message, advocating for the preservation of nature & wilderness. It seems timely to emphasise the intersection of music & nature, & the potential role of music in promoting ecological awareness.

Early popular music exploring environmental topics can be traced back to gospel, blues & folk music. The message can be overtly activist, or alternately more subtle, in which trees, streams or other natural phenomena are personified & revered in the tradition of paganism. A bond with nature is also present in Western Art (classical) Music. Beethoven’s Pastoral Symphony is an exuberant celebration of nature, while Schubert’s Song Cycles express a reverence for the natural world & our relationship within it.

Checkout ‘Gone To Earth’ Out Now (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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News and Touring

JayBird Byrne Releases New Single ‘The Wolf’

September 22, 2023 Marshall Cullen

Once upon a time, long ago. A bright, young, determined pup named Jackman witnessed his first full moon. He was at the tallest mountain within seconds to try and notice this new unknown silver ball in the sky, but he could not reach it; no matter how high he jumped, he couldn’t. Eventually, he lay down, tired from his antics.

However, the moment he dropped, he heard something. It was a wolf howling. Jackman had never socialised before, and although it was a scary step, he needed to make this step. Slowly he stood up, and with all the energy he could muster, he shouted his life stories into the night.

JayBird: ‘In this song I am using my guitar instead of Jackman’s howl to tell his stories. Jackman is a German Shepherd with almost unlimited energy who wants simply to run free. He is also a gardener, worker, protector and strangely enough, a master thief (with an uncanny ability to find and steal anything and everything of value). This song is a reincarnation of his perks, quirks and totally unique personality. The rapid and consistent tempo represents his heartbeat, the whammy bar noises represent his howling, and the first solo simulates his sharp teeth tearing through anything you value. I do hope he settles down. Hopefully, my song sets him up for that with a soft section that feels like he grows wise and becomes a mentor to other young dogs just as naughty as him.’

JayBird Byrne, a 13-year-old guitarist, has been captivating audiences with her extraordinary talent since she started playing the guitar at the age of 8.

Her passion for performing is matched only by her unwavering dedication to practice, making her a rising star in the guitar world. Under the guidance and mentorship of Simon Gardner, JayBird has refined her technique and honed her song writing skills, benefiting greatly from his expertise.

Drawing inspiration from legendary guitar virtuosos like Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani, JayBird has developed a unique style that showcases her admiration for these influential figures.

Her debut single, titled ‘Convergence’, received widespread acclaim, earning her the prestigious First Prize with Honours at the International Youth Music Competition in the Modern & Contemporary Category. The judges praised her composition, describing it as “impressive work at such a young age”. They also commented on the excellent balance of instrumentation and texture, and highlighted her remarkable precision and mastery of the guitar.

Despite her tender age, JayBird delivers performances with an intensity and spirit that surpass her years. In 2022, she secured the coveted title of ‘Best Guitarist’ at the RockFEST competition, leaving the judges astounded. They hailed her performance as “fantastic” and an absolute showstopper, acknowledging her incredible energy and mind-blowing level of ability.

JayBird Byrne is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, and her musical journey is poised to captivate audiences worldwide.

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