Tag Archives: alt country

News and Touring

Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds Release Single ‘Even Smaller Parts’

Following the radio success of ‘Irresistible’ — which was picked up by multiple programs on ABC Country, including Edge of Country — Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds return with ‘Even Smaller Parts’, a deeply introspective country ballad that leans into vulnerability and emotional reckoning. 

Written by Bec Taylor and Sam McNair, the song turns inward, examining what it means to love again after damage. Anchored by rich acoustic instrumentation and a restrained, spacious arrangement, it centres on a voice that is both guarded and searching — someone who knows the cost of heartbreak, yet remains quietly open to connection. 

“It’s a song about what’s left after the storm — and whether you can trust someone with the pieces.” 

Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds are a Canberra-based Australian alt-country pop collective, crafting uplifting, heartfelt songs that blend earthy folk textures with bright melodic hooks. Led by multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter Bec Taylor, the band has carved out a distinctive space in the independent folk scene with a sound that feels both timeless and immediate: part wistful campfire confession, part irresistible sing-along. 

Since their formation, Bec Taylor and the Lyrebirds have brought their magnetic live energy to stages across Sydney, Melbourne and the South Coast NSW, and have appeared at much-loved festivals including Major’s Creek Folk Festival, Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival and Dam Good Time Folk Festival. They’ve supported artists such as Troy Cassar-Daley, Little Quirks and Sarah McLeod, building a reputation for warm, engaging performances and finely tuned musicianship.  

Bec’s broader musical journey spans multiple projects and genres, including collaborations with the Wiggles’ adult band Unusual Commoners, national touring with Regurgitator, and support slots for The Darkness among others. She has also performed at major Australian festivals including Groovin’ The Moo, Woodford Folk Festival and the National Folk Festival. 

UPCOMING TOUR DATES

  Thursday 21 May – 7pm Smiths Alternative, ACT w/ Dan Musil

  Friday 29 May – 5-7pm The Wharf @ Ulverstone, North Tasmania w/ Sparrowgrass

  Saturday 13 June – 7pm Gasoline Pony, Marrickville, Sydney w/ Bower

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The Mezcaltones Score #2 Place on ABARAC Charts!!

Congratulations to The Mezcaltones for scoring the #2 debut spot for the new album on the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Chart

View the Chart HERE: http://abarac.com.au/australian-charts-2025.php

“They’re baaaaaack!! Hell, they never left. Australian surf-cowboy-Country-Rockers The Mezcaltones just released their fifth album entitled Big Hat, No Cattle. While the phrase describes someone who dresses the part without doin’ any of the work, it sure as hell ain’t a self-descriptor. If anything, this band wears their big hats and herds the cattle, then fixes dinner at the chuck wagon for the whole damn posse.”
– Wiley Koepp
“Big Hat No Cattle fuses twangy outlaw country, surf rock energy and cinematic storytelling, delivering a high octane listening experience from start to finish”
https://www.wokechimp.com/music/the-mezcaltones-big-hat-no-cattle
“Original, extraordinary, genuine, distinctive, and proves to create an attractive world of its own”
“A blistering collection of songs that wander across a landscape that is both nostalgic and celebratory while continuing to make such music relevant and revered in the modern age”
– Dave Franklin
“An electrifying, genre-defying masterpiece, proving that The Mezcaltones are not just keeping the spirit of Hillbilly Surf Music alive—they’re reinventing it for a whole new generation”
– Jacob Aiden
“Another milestone in their impressive career, an album that promises to be a fan favorite and a staple in the alt-country panorama. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their sound, The Mezcaltones’ latest album is a must-listen”
– Grant Williamson

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Northern Beaches Band The Mezcaltones perform regularly at Sydney venues – The Orient (The Rocks), Marrickville Bowlo, Collaroy Beach Club, Brighton RSL to name a few. They have also performed at eight Tamworth Country Music Festivals; Groundwater CMF; Blues on Broadbeach; Sydney Blues & Roots Festival; Dashville Skyline Festival; and Greazefest.

Their sound can be difficult to describe – mixing original songs with rare tracks you might find on Robert Rodriguez/Tarantino movies or B-Grade 60’s Sci-Fi Flicks the guitars are richly infused with surf tones and 60’s Twang served up with a healthy dose of Cowpunk brashness. One booker described them as “Mexican Hillbilly Surf Music”. One punter said “lf Johnny Cash surfed he’d have sounded like you guys”.

Their antics are captivating. The band is fronted by vocalist Col Padre (who engages in tongue in cheek choreography) and dancer/singer/percussionist Mimi. Mimi is renowned for her routines involving gymnastic ribbons used as whips, hula hoops, fans and whatever else she can lay her hands on.

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The Mezcaltones Release Album ‘Big Hat No Cattle’

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Big Hat, No Cattle is the fifth studio album from the Mezcaltones and it comes together for an early 2025 release.

The Mezcaltones’ songs are mined from the rich seam of Alt Country, Roots, Rockin’ Blues and Surf Guitar with a nod to two of their favourite artists; and it’s all wrapped up in their inimitable Mezcaltones Hillbilly Surf Music Style.

Big Hat, No Cattle was recorded at Damien Gerard studios in West Gosford with Andrew Beck at the engineering controls; mixed by Russell Pilling; mastered by William Bowden; produced by the Mezcaltones; and artwork by Stephen Awdry & Melinda Nassif.

The CD is available for purchase at gigs and The Mezcaltones website or can be streamed via your favourite online format.

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Northern Beaches Band The Mezcaltones perform regularly at Sydney venues – The Orient (The Rocks), Marrickville Bowlo, Collaroy Beach Club, Brighton RSL to name a few. They have also performed at eight Tamworth Country Music Festivals; Groundwater CMF; Blues on Broadbeach; Sydney Blues & Roots Festival; Dashville Skyline Festival; and Greazefest.

Their last album ‘Agave Soirée’ entered the Australian Blues and Roots airplay charts at #7 before spending five months embedded in the Top 20.

Their sound can be difficult to describe – mixing original songs with rare tracks you might find on Robert Rodriguez/Tarantino movies or B-Grade 60’s Sci-Fi Flicks the guitars are richly infused with surf tones and 60’s Twang served up with a healthy dose of Cowpunk brashness. One booker described them as “Mexican Hillbilly Surf Music”. One punter said “lf Johnny Cash surfed he’d have sounded like you guys”.

Their antics are captivating. The band is fronted by vocalist Col Padre (who engages in tongue in cheek choreography) and dancer/singer/percussionist Mimi. Mimi is renowned for her routines involving gymnastic ribbons used as whips, hula hoops, fans and whatever else she can lay her hands on. Big Daddy K from 2RRR’S Sydney Sounds show described the Mezcaltones as the best live band in Sydney.

The costumes make for an outstanding visual – four guys dressed as party hire Cowboys and two girls dressed as Spanish gunslingers with several minor costume changes throughout the show involving masks, veils and mirror shades. Sounds corny… sure is.

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The Mezcaltones Release Single ‘City Lights’

Don’t worry if you missed their sell out run at Tamworth Music Festival last month , you can catch The Mighty Mezcaltones at any of the following dates:

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The latest single ‘City Lights’ from The Mezcaltones’ fifth studio album is Chapter One of ‘The Trials of Don and Jenny’. This swampy tune about north coast surfers visiting the emerald city is a cautionary tale about moths and flames.

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Northern Beaches Band The Mezcaltones perform regularly at Sydney venues – The Orient (The Rocks), Marrickville Bowlo, Collaroy Beach Club, Brighton RSL to name a few. They have also performed at eight Tamworth Country Music Festivals; Groundwater CMF; Blues on Broadbeach; Sydney Blues & Roots Festival; Dashville Skyline Festival; and Greazefest.

Their last album ‘Agave Soirée’ entered the Australian Blues and Roots airplay charts at #7 before spending five months embedded in the Top 20. The band are putting the finishing touches to their fifth album ‘Big Hat No Cattle’, scheduled for release in March.

Their sound can be difficult to describe – mixing original songs with rare tracks you might find on Robert Rodriguez/Tarantino movies or B-Grade 60’s Sci-Fi Flicks the guitars are richly infused with surf tones and 60’s Twang served up with a healthy dose of Cowpunk brashness. One booker described them as “Mexican Hillbilly Surf Music”. One punter said “lf Johnny Cash surfed he’d have sounded like you guys”.

Their atics are captivating. The band is fronted by vocalist Col Padre (who engages in tongue in cheek choreography) and dancer/singer/percussionist Mimi. Mimi is renowned for her routines involving gymnastic ribbons used as whips, hula hoops, fans and whatever else she can lay her hands on. Big Daddy K from 2RRR’S Sydney Sounds show described the Mezcaltones as the best live band in Sydney.

 The costumes make for an outstanding visual – four guys dressed as party hire Cowboys and two girls dressed as Spanish gunslingers with several minor costume changes throughout the show involving masks, veils and mirror shades. Sounds corny… sure is.

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The Mezcaltones Release Single ‘Big Hat No Cattle’

Don’t worry if you missed their sell out run at Tamworth Music Festival last month , you can catch The Mighty Mezcaltones at any of the following dates:

pdf mez

Big Hat No Cattle is a song about that boss that we all had/have. He (generally a he) is not the owner or the manager, maybe a supervisor, but probably not, just been there longer than you – so he’s your BOSS. Definitely a big hat and for sure – no cattle!

Northern Beaches Band The Mezcaltones perform regularly at Sydney venues – The Orient (The Rocks), Marrickville Bowlo, Collaroy Beach Club, Brighton RSL to name a few. They have also performed at eight Tamworth Country Music Festivals; Groundwater CMF; Blues on Broadbeach; Sydney Blues & Roots Festival; Dashville Skyline Festival; and Greazefest.

 Their last album ‘Agave Soirée’ entered the Australian Blues and Roots airplay charts at #7 before spending five months embedded in the Top 20. The band are putting the finishing touches to their fifth album ‘Big Hat No Cattle’, scheduled for release in March. The title track is the first single released on 17 January to coincide with their shows at this years Tamworth County Music Festival.

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 Their sound can be difficult to describe – mixing original songs with rare tracks you might find on Robert Rodriguez/Tarantino movies or B-Grade 60’s Sci-Fi Flicks. The guitars are richly infused with surf tones and 60’s Twang served up with a healthy dose of Cowpunk brashness. One booker described them as “Mexican Hillbilly Surf Music”. One punter said “If Johnny Cash surfed he’d have sounded like you guys”.

Their atics are captivating. The band is fronted by vocalist Col Padre (who engages in tongue in cheek choreography) and dancer/singer/percussionist Mimi. Mimi is renowned for her routines involving gymnastic ribbons used as whips, hula hoops, fans and whatever else she can lay her hands on. Big Daddy K from 2RRR’S Sydney Sounds show described the Mezcaltones as the best live band in Sydney.

The costumes make for an outstanding visual – four guys dressed as party hire Cowboys and two girls dressed as Spanish gunslingers with several minor costume changes throughout the show involving masks, veils and mirror shades. Sounds corny… sure is.

TOUR DATES

Date Venue Location
Saturday, 18 January 2025 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Friday, 19 January 2024 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Saturday, 20 January 2024 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Saturday, 18 January 2025 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Friday, 19 January 2024 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Saturday, 20 January 2024 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Saturday, 18 January 2025 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Friday, 19 January 2024 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Sunday, 16 February 2025 Orient Hotel The Rocks
Sunday, 9 March 2025 Marrickville Bowlo Marrickville
Saturday, 15 March 2025 Railway Hotel Hornsby
Sunday, 23 March 2025 Orient Hotel The Rocks

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Fleur Wiber Releases ‘Orderves’ (Remaster 2024)

Step into a musical odyssey where cosmic vibes meet the heartfelt twang of alt-country. Fleur Wiber, the luminary songstress, invites you on a celestial journey through her soul-stirring melodies and poetic lyrics. Her voice, a captivating blend of stardust and raw emotion, transports listeners to a cosmic frontier where love, longing and the vast mysteries of the universe converge.

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About Fleur Wiber

Born in Hamilton, Victoria, and now based in the enchanting coastal town of Port Fairy, Fleur’s artistic roots trace back to her studies in sculpture, performance, and installation at Sydney College of the Arts, where she explored themes of self-determinism and freedom. Influenced by musical luminaries such as Cat Power, Sharon van Etten, Wilco, and Fiona Apple, Fleur’s music blends cosmic country, alt-country rock, and indie pop with a unique touch. Drawing from her personal adventures, Fleur infuses her songs with authenticity and depth, inviting listeners on a heartfelt and introspective journey.

 Having graced stages like the Tamworth Country Music Festival and Nundle Rocks earlier this year, Fleur embarked on an exhilarating Southeast Asian tour in 2024, captivating audiences in Bangkok and beyond. Her performances are characterized by warmth, honesty, and a genuine connection with her audience.

Join Fleur Wiber as she invites you into a universe where heartfelt emotion meets cosmic exploration through music. Immerse yourself in her soul-stirring melodies and discover the magic of Fleur’s musical odyssey.

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The Mezcaltones Release Single ‘Wouldn’t Last A Day’

With the sun in their faces, the wind in their hair, and their tongues planted firmly in their cheeks, those genre defying, Alt-country, Tex Mex, Surf Rock Cowpunks, The Mezcaltones, present ‘Wouldn’t Last a Day’ – part three of their “Modern Romance Trilogy”.

A swampy guitar riff opens up this spaghetti western themed domestic hiccup. While our antagonists take verbal swipes at each other the rhythm section holds steady as the guitar slides between the flying plates, pots n pans… and barbs.

Co-written with talented songstress Dani Young, ‘Wouldn’t Last a Day’ not only describes “Domestic Bliss” in three and a half minutes but also rounds out the Mezcaltones “Modern Romance Trilogy” with a modicum of acceptance, understanding and hope.

A duet from The Mezcaltones in an up tempo country rock format. Plenty of riffy guitars and some great call and answer male/female vocals – just think Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood doing Jackson. A foot tapper and a mood maker all in one.

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The Mezcaltones are a Sydney six-piece band whose aim was to put together a repertoire of obscure alt country/surf twang songs. They were found mostly on cult Mexican movie soundtracks and then matched with dance, cabaret and outrageous showmanship to form a unique and original show. Ten years and four albums later the Mezcaltones are one of Sydney’s premiere live acts. With an impressive collection of original songs, the Mezcaltones are not only able to play venues that are traditionally for original bands only but are also able to put on three set shows at some of the more mainstream venues.

The Mezcaltones love playing festivals having performed at Groundwater CMF; Sydney Blues & Roots Festival; Dashville Skyline Festival; Blue Mountains Music Festival to name a few. They have also performed at seven Tamworth Music Festivals including this year where they performed ten shows in eight days.  The shows were a huge success and the band were booked for 2024 before they’d even left town. The Mezcaltones have also been booked for the 2024 Broadbeach Blues and Roots Festival in QLD.

Some of the Mezcaltones regular Sydney gigs include The Marrickville Bowling Club, The Union Hotel, Shady Pines Saloon, Narrabeen Sands, Collaroy Beach Club, Club Cronulla and The Orient Hotel.

Stream the single:

Wouldn’t Last a Day September 1 (Foghorn/MGM)

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The Sheyana Band Release Single ‘Remarkable Man’

The new uptempo cracking’ single Remarkable Man lifted from The Sheyana Bands EP Ricochet.

The band went into the studio to record a Johnny Cash style country & western ditty, but sound engineer, Russell Pilling, suggested changing the original Americana feel to a tougher AC/DC – Aussie Rock feel. Bingo!! It was like a brand new song and the track fitted like a glove into their new EP ‘Ricochet’.

Sheyana explains: “When I close my eyes, this is how the imagery of the song plays in my mind; show yourself friend or foe! Remarkable Man lines up with both barrels, bullets of pleasure and pain – shining bright, cutting deep, demanding to be loved and loathed. Cover your trusting heart! Do you have the superpowers to survive the impact?”

The track has become a band and fan favourite.

A full throttle country rock number from Sheyana, a very worthy single to follow up to Big Hearts. The song begins with the full band straight in, its up-tempo, catchy and full of riffs and hooks from the very competent guitar section, foot tapping all the way to the end.

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The Sheyana Band’s recent EP, ‘Ricochet’, came together during covid lockdown in Tasmania. Making the best of a bad situation and with time for reflection, Sheyana and the band focused on songwriting, and the music emerged out of conflicting times.

Influenced by the classics and drawing inspiration from their deep Tassie roots, The Sheyana Band are like a fine wine. A ripe fruity musical banquet, fusing stylistic flavours from Australian Rhythm & Soul, American Funk & Blues, English Pop/Rock & Punk with a dash of Southern Country/Folk.

London born, Tasmanian based singer, songwriter and guitarist, Sheyana, has been hooked on music since early childhood. The soulful Celtic/Sri Lankan storyteller brings flavour to the table with her stellar band, featuring Wayne Rand on lead guitars/vocals, Dan Jeffrey on bass & Leigh Hill on drums/vocals.

Following the release earlier this year of their EP, the band embarked on a series of sold out single & album launches across Tasmania. The EP is getting national airplay, charting on Australian Blues and Roots Chart, and received some great national and international album reviews.

The first single & music clip Big Hearts was premiered by Australian music group Scenstr. Internationally, YESFM Sri Lanka recently premiered the track and came in Top 20 on the Yes Home Grown Charts. The band are releasing a second single from the EP, ‘Remarkable Man’ and planning to tour East Coast Australia in 2024, along with some live shows in Sri Lanka.

The Sheyana Band had a top ten hit in Sri Lanka in 2015 with their single ‘Keep the Change’. Sheyana scored a blues award with the OzSong International Song Writing Competition in 2011 for her song ‘Two Birds’, which also made it to the finals in the Fresh Air ABC National Song writing Competition. The Sheyana Band are a favourite act at major Tassie events: Skyfields, Forth Valley Blues Festival, Party In The Paddock, Fruits of the Roots, Festival of King Island, Junction Arts Festival and Riverbend Blues.

The band have supported Deborah Conway, Hoodoo Gurus, Neil Finn, Meg Mac, Mojo Juju, Gang of Youths, Diesel, The Angels, Kevin Borich, Ian Moss, Bill Chambers and Fanny Lumsden. Nationally they won “The Chris Wilson Award” for Emerging Act of Year” with their album Big Love in 2018.

Stream/Download Remarkable Man (Foghorn/MGM) August 18

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