Tag Archives: ausmade

Jessie-May K Releases Album ‘Rising Sun’

May 25, 2023 Marshall Cullen

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download or stream:

Connect with Jessie-May K:

News and Touring

Kalen Hogan Releases Debut Album ‘Isolation’

May 4, 2023 Marshall Cullen

17-year-old Central Coast local, Kalen Hogan, releases his debut album ‘Isolation’.

Recorded at Damien Gerard Studios with producer Andrew Beck and Kayne Butler on drums, the album highlights this young musician’s talent for creating catchy melodies. Still in his last year at school the album has a youthful appeal. The thoughtful and sometimes melancholy lyrics highlight Kalen’s sensitivity to everyday events and life’s universal themes.

From the initial single born from the pandemic lockdowns, the songs transition through: relationships left behind; feeling alienated or lost; realising the finite time you have with those you love; and understanding your outlook is only relevant to your perspective.

The album ‘Isolation’ was initially created in a time of forced introspective thinking. Skilfully, the tracks are matched with some soul-searching guitar solos that echo the intensity of the lyrics. Tracks like ‘Beliefs’ and ‘Not Even A Friend’ are songs that fight back with some big drums and up beat spicy guitar chords.

The dissonant harmonies and chord progressions on the album are a subtle nod to Kalen’s respect for the 1990’s Seattle Grunge scene. The album is alternative rock and with the purposeful lack of heavy distortion, the sound stays true to its indie roots.

Song Descriptions

It’s You

Kalen’s signature acoustic guitar and vocals begin this heartfelt mid-tempo tune which captivates the listener even more as the drums and bass kick in. The Aussie Jeff Buckley we think!!

Be With You

Electric guitar starts this Radiohead-ish tune from Kalen Hogan. The deceptively simple arrangement of guitar, drums and bass mask an excellent and highly coherent piece of song writing. Mid-tempo, hooky and engaging.

Lost

A happy and more poppy number from Kalen on this mid-tempo tune. Hollow Coves spring to mind on this one and the bouncy rhythm track keeps everything moving along. Kalen’s falsetto comes to the fore on some backing vocals.

About

Kalen Hogan debuted onto the local Central Coast music scene in late 2022. Having watched his musical uncle write and perform, Kalen started writing his own material at fifteen. Now in his final year of high school, Kalen is proudly launching his debut album ‘Isolation’ in May 2023.

Kalen says he is inspired by the 1990’s grunge movement, with a real reverence for bands like Nirvana, but describes himself as an alternative indie rock singer-songwriter. Kalen sings about the complexities of everyday life, with an open heart and keen observing eye. His pure vocal tone and moderately high pitch may reflect why some tracks have been compared to Thom Yorke from Radiohead and the late Jeff Buckley. Many of Kalen’s lyrical melodies build up to a decent falsetto and although still young, the emotion he brings to each song gives his music a youthful appeal. Musically, Kalen incorporates a lot of dissonant harmonies into his spicy chord mix and in songs like ‘Be with You’ he produces some sweet but heart-breaking guitar solos.

Currently, Kalen is enjoying finalising a film clip for his recently released single ‘Stoned and Cold’ that previews on this album. Kalen says he enjoys all the creative aspects that come with releasing new music, including designing his singles and album cover.

Kalen has started to play at local venues like the Ocean View Beach Club, Sunken Monkey and Sounds on West, as well as a few private shows. Though focused on finishing Year 12 and showcasing his debut album, Kalen continues to write new material. Towards the end of the year, Kalen plans to start recording, once again at Damien Gerard Studios with producer Andrew Beck, for his 2024 projects.

Download or Stream:

Connect with Kalen:

News and Touring

The Sheyana Band Release New EP ‘Ricochet’

April 14, 2023 Marshall Cullen

The Sheyana Band’s EP, ‘Ricochet’, came together during covid lockdown in Tasmania. Making the best of a bad situation and with plenty of time to reflect, Sheyana and the band focused on song writing, and the music emerged from those strange, uneasy times. The songs were the lights at the end of the tunnel, at a time when we were both separated and unified. Through the music and the artwork, this EP is a tribute to the loved ones we’ve lost along the way, and the big hearts working towards a higher love and respect for one another and our planet.

Song Descriptions

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

My Darlin’
Another full band tune with a Beatles-esque intro, the song then quickly hits the classic americana/country references with the addition of some Hammond and backing vocals to the full band arrangement. Up-tempo and yet another killer tune from this release.

Ricochet
A pumping rhythm section intro starts this up-tempo rocker. Great electric guitars, Hammond organ and the usual strong lead vocal set the tone for this one. You can imagine this being a live favourite, very accessible and plenty going on all the way to the end.

About

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.

The Sheyana Band shake it up, roll it on the rocks, pour it in the groove and serve it with passion. Delighting audiences with an exciting delivery of powerhouse vocals, brilliant musicianship and heartfelt song writing, their captivating live shows have seen them share the stage with Australia’s finest.

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.

Having national and international recognition and airplay, the band have supported Deborah Conway, Hoodoo Gurus, Neil Finn, Meg Mac, Mojo Juju, Gang of Youths, Renee Geyer, 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.

The Sheyana Band received a top ten hit in Sri Lanka in 2015 with their single “Keep the Change”, along with a Best Act nomination. 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 “Fresh Air” ABC National Song writing Competition. The Sheyana Band are a favourite act at major Tassie events: Skyfields 2017-2018, Forth Valley Blues Festival 2018, Party In The Paddock 2018-2019, Fruits of the Roots 2019, Festival of King Island 2020, Red Hot Summer after party 2021, Junction Arts Festival 2021, and Riverbend Blues 2023.

The Sheyana Band EP ‘Ricochet’ is Out Now via FOG/MGM

Stream/Download

Connect with The Sheyana Band

News and Touring

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

April 14, 2023 Marshall Cullen

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

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

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

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

About Jessie

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

Stream

Connect

News and Touring

The Sheyana Band Releases Single ‘Big Hearts’

March 24, 2023 Marshall Cullen

After a forced recording break during covid Tassie’s premier Blues/Rock outfit ‘The Sheyana Band’ is back to full strength with a brand new mini album and live local launch’s to support.

Heres the first single ‘Big Hearts’

Having already performed at festivals such as Party in the Paddock and played with Meg Mac, The Hoodoo Gurus, Gang of Youths and more the band are looking at extending the reach into mainland festivals from late 2023-2024.

Big Hearts is where Big Love comes from. A place where you use your Big Heart to look after your planet and each other. ‘I was out of my comfort zone in unfamiliar territory when I worked on that complex riff and unusual tuning. I bunkered down in Penguin, Tasmania and wrote “Big Hearts” with a fine wine, channelling Greg Allman & Foo Fighters for inspiration.’

Big Hearts is a band favourite song on The Sheyana Band’s ‘Ricochet EP’. After the Covid restrictions eased, the band started working the song into shape in production sessions with sound engineer Russell Pilling. It went from beating it out on a cardboard box at rehearsal to pouring our heart and soul into the recording.

We recorded drums, bass and acoustic guitar at Red Robin Recording at Leith, Tasmania, getting that live feel down along with “no stress” recording sessions. The band recorded electric guitars in the loungeroom and vocals in the doorway of a tiny library at Studio 90 in Penguin. Big Hearts is more than Big Love, it’s a higher love.

An outstanding recording effort with smooth and snappy production on this up-tempo single. Full band, rocky and catchy with a big chorus and riffy hooky guitars. Sheyana’s voice cuts through the mix beautifully for the sing along chorus.

About

Stream the single

Connect with The Sheyana Band

News and Touring

The Mezcaltones Release New Album ‘Agavé Soirée’

March 17, 2023 Marshall Cullen

Agavé Soirée is the fourth album release by The Mezcaltones. The Surf Country Tex-Mex theme continues with eight original tracks and one cover.
The album opens with “Matahari Mimi” setting a thumping surf/spy tone.
“If I Could Make you See” is the first single from the album with a bluegrass meets 60’s Bakersfield twang.
“Wouldn’t Last a Day” is a country blues duet co-written with Dani Young about the realisation that relationships can be worked out with a bit of give and take.
The next track is the bouncy optimistic “I Wanna Do it with You”; it will be the second single and has a cool groove with a fun feel that always goes well live.
“Not Going Home” is a statement that a Mezcaltones gig is an all-in affair from the downbeat to the last note. Think Muddy Waters meets early Rolling Stones.
The Mezcaltones have reinvented Willie and Ray’s sombre “Seven Spanish Angels” to an up-tempo celebration wake song complete with mariachi trumpet.
Neralita delivers a powerful performance in her first lead vocal on a Mezcaltones album,
telling her man in no uncertain terms “If you think I’m just something to do… I got some News for You”.
“Amity Isle” is the final track and bookends the album well with another instrumental that is at times frenetic before luring the listener into its cool and satisfying groove.

Song Descriptions

I Wanna Do It With You
Gotta love an up-tempo single that starts with the chorus. The Mezcaltones have scored bigtime with this catchy, upbeat, hooky tune. Plenty of guitar riffs, ooh aah backing vocals and snappy drums and bass on this full throttle Texmex track.

Seven Spanish Angels
Some true Texmex brass with a Los Lobos vibe, on this brilliant version of this classic Texan tune from the Mezcaltones. Sure to fill the dance floor and keep the radio vibes going. Up-tempo, full band backing and Col Porter’s distinctive vocals – another winner from the album.

Matahari Mimi
Another one of the duelling guitar instrumentals from The Mezcaltones. Up-tempo, hooky all the way and you could imagine the Shadows or Los Lobos having this tune in their set.

WHAT IS IT WITH THE MEZCALTONES?
Four guys dressed as cowboys and two women dressed like Spanish Mexican Señoritas that you might find in a Quentin Tarantino movie – two guitarists, a bassist, a drummer, a crazy front man and a beautiful dancer/percussionist.
Whilst their original songs have an alt country rockin’ blues flavour, the guitar tones also reach into the realms of 60’s surf instrumentals. With the band’s slick look and sharp costumes, THE MEZCALTONES are there to entertain.

THE MEZCALTONES comprise 6 experienced musicians who came together through their love of cool country rockin’ blues, and get down and get dirty Tex Mex sounds.

Don Juan – Texan Time Keeper with a Smooth Tequila Feel
Col Padre – Raspy Lead Vocals dripping with Desert Soul
El Shango – Lead Guitar possessed with tangy, psychedelic blues, magic finger licks
Lucre – Mezcaltonic Groovin’ Bass Sounds
Mimi – Spicy Seductress who shakes it like a Rattle Snake
Neralita – Queen of Southern Rhythm Strummin’

The Mezcaltones have previously played six Tamworth Country Festivals; Groundwater CMF; Sydney Blues & Roots Festival; Dashville Skyline Festival. Their previous album Mexican Hillbilly Surf Music debuted Top 10 in the Australian Blues & Roots charts.

The Mezcaltones ‘Agavé Soirée’ is Out Now via FOG/MGM

Stream/Download

Connect with The Mezcaltones:

News and Touring

Kalen Hogan Releases Single ‘Stoned and Cold’

February 17, 2023 Marshall Cullen

A news report about a young missing person gave Kalen the inspiration for this track. The missing person was someone his own age and the weather that day was miserable. Kalen felt a connection to how the teen’s family’s thoughts would go to the worst-case scenario. Were they worrying and imagining their daughters fear? Was she lost and cold in some unknown location?

The track’s sound is filled with pensive sadness and regret. Unusually the song ends with a final verse, rather than a chorus, leaving the listener hanging just like the imagined family. ‘Stoned and Cold’ is Kalen’s third single release. His album is due for release in March.

An acoustic guitar and vocal starts this Jeff Buckley-esque tune, once the drums come in its a very easy smooth listen until the song builds to a fine falsetto bridge and verse outro.

Kalen Hogan is a 17 year old solo guitarist singer songwriter, living a very chilled out life an hour north of Sydney, near Wamberal Beach.

Influenced by his musical uncle, Kalen started out jamming on a ukulele as a toddler, before advancing to his first acoustic guitar in primary school. Now in high school, Kalen is composing songs and recently began recording tracks at Damien Gerard Studios, in Gosford.

Kalen’s has been performing regularly at local venues, showcasing the tracks he has been recording. He released two single late in 2022 and is working on an album scheduled for March 2023.

Download or Stream:

Connect with Kalen:

News and Touring

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

February 17, 2023 Marshall Cullen

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

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

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

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

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

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

Download or stream:

Connect with Jessie-May Kitchen:

Videos

Luke Escombe – Just Like Lovers (Official Video)

Video December 9, 2022 Marshall Cullen

FOG582 Gareth Koch Buleria Flamenca 3000px

News and Touring

Gareth Koch Latest Single Buleria Flamenca

May 27, 2022 Marshall Cullen

More superbly articulated traditional flamenco guitar on this fine new tune from Gareth Koch. The classical nylon string flamenco guitar tells the whole story and the sound of Spain comes through very strongly.

The Bulería originated among the Calé Romani people of Jerez during the 19th century. It is among the most popular and dramatic of the flamenco forms. The name bulerías comes from the Spanish word burlar, meaning ‘to mock’ or bullería– ‘racket, shouting, din’. The style allows freedom for improvisation along with a lively metre which is dramatic & highly virtuosic.

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 & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Born in Milan, Koch began his musical studies on piano and clarinet, and at age 12 was accepted into the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He received his Bachelor of Music degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before winning a scholarship for advanced guitar study at the Vienna Academy of Music. He holds a PhD in Music.

In 2002 Koch formed what might be termed the first guitar supergroup. Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet soared to number 1 on the classical music charts and appeared on the pop charts. The quartet released a total of 3 best-selling albums.

Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects & in 2020 released two collaborative albums with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church).

Listen

Connect with Gareth Koch: