Tag Archives: singer songwriter

CJ Shaw releases new single Adelaide from upcoming album

August 20, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Adelaide
Acoustic Folk Australian best describes this song which has elements of Slim Dusty and Aussie folk such as The Hussy Hicks and The Beggars. A great opener with nothing but acoustics, electric riffs and vocals which sets the tone for the forthcoming album (All Sorts-Sept 17-MGM) nicely.

Video premiered today by Scenestr

This story telling song follows the enchanting day which saw the arrival of my first child, Adelaide. The rain tumbled down in Canberra, soaking the city and filling the drains as we marvelled at the magic of being first time parents. As the song suggests the natural world that surrounded us, the animals and birds as well as the gardens and trees were reborn as the result of the 60mm that fell in just under an hour. This is a song that celebrates renewal and new life.

Armed with a guitar and a swag full of harmonicas, singer-songwriter CJ Shaw’s intricate finger-picking, word play and storytelling never fails to captivate his audiences. CJ Shaw’s music is distinctly Australian in style, influenced by Paul Kelly and Slim Dusty. His lyrical storytelling and musicality lends itself to audiences of all ages.

In 2020, CJ Shaw was nominated for an ARIA Award for ‘Music Teacher of the Year’ with Jimmy Barnes as his official ambassador presenting him with the nomination. This prestigious music industry acknowledgement recognised his dynamic and poignant songwriting for primary-aged children. These celebrated songs are woven through his performances and albums, played alongside satirical and storytelling Australiana folk songs.

In 2021 CJ Shaw will release his album ‘All Sorts’. Combining the best of his children’s songs with his unique brand of contemporary Australiana, Shaw has dubbed ‘All Sorts’ “the ultimate Family Album”. With over a decade experience touring and performing at music festivals in Australia and Timor-Leste, CJ Shaw is an exciting Canberra musician at the top of his game.

CJ Shaw – Adelaide is out NOW August 20th through Foghorn/MGM

Download or stream:

Connect with CJ Shaw:
www.cjshawmusic.com

News and Touring

ChIPS release single Wake Up Call

August 6, 2021 Marshall Cullen

In June 2021, members of Sydney Children’s Hospital Network’s Chronic Illness Peer Support group [or “ChIPS”], jumped on a Zoom call with singer-songwriter Luke Escombe to talk about their shared experiences of living with a chronic health condition.

The result was a relevant and telling high energy single – WAKE UP CALL which was premiered on Youtube today Friday 6th August and ramped up to over 1500 views in only a few days.. Click below for the link

Heres the latest review from Triple J Unearthed Music Director Dave Ruby Howe

ChIPS is a peer support program that runs across Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network for young people aged 12-25 years who are living with a chronic illness or condition that affects their day-to-day lives. The aim of the program is to connect young people with shared experiences and provide them with opportunities for developing leadership and life skills through workshops, advocacy, creative projects, program planning and public speaking. Through these activities and relationships they develop confidence, wellbeing, self-esteem and decrease social isolation. Above all, ChIPS is about creating a community and having fun with new friends. The program is run by young people for young people.

What emerged most strongly from the conversation was the common frustration they felt at not being listened to by the adults in their lives; at being told “you should do this” or “you need to do this” or being made to feel that they were helpless, incapable or in need of fixing.

The ChIPS members also spoke about “the mask” they felt compelled to wear in society in order to appear “normal”, and how exhausting and lonely it is to live behind. Escombe, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at the age of fourteen, could relate to these feelings directly.

The result of their conversation is “Wake Up Call” – an angry, articulate and infectiously catchy song that asks people to think twice before offering unwanted advice. If you want to help, the song states, just LISTEN.

Beyond the words, “Wake Up Call” also showcases the eclectic mix of talents in this group, from Sky Boe’s powerful lead vocals to Batu’s Turkish rap breakdown. For some of the ChIPS members, the recording session (at Free Energy Device, Sydney, with producer Michael McGlynn) was also the first time they’d met one another in real life.

“Wake Up Call” came about through an initiative called “We Wrote that”, conceived by Escombe – the creator and frontman of ARIA-nominated kids band The Vegetable Plot – and fellow musician and children’s performer Ben Thatcher, as an artistic means to give voice to young people living with disability and chronic health conditions. Funding came from Accessible Arts and Create NSW.

ChIPS – Wake Up Call is out NOW August 6th through Foghorn/MGM

Download or stream:

“We Wrote That” – Website
https://wewrotethat.com.au/

Triple J Unearthed

Connect with Luke Escombe:

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Jessie-May Kitchen releases new single Quirky

July 30, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Imagine being born one day on another planet.
Everybody on this planet was given detailed instructions and knowledge of how to speak the language and how the world works. The entire planet is designed for everybody’s relaxation, socialisation, and comfortability.
Everyone but yours.

Growing up it felt like I was ostracised by the entire world. I felt like I was a literal alien and didn’t belong. The loneliness that never leaves you, leads to years of questioning the why. Am I the protagonist of a movie to be mocked by an invisible audience? Am I the butt of some cosmic joke? This is the life of a neurodivergent child. This is me. A pop single written with my entire heart from the perspective of a neurodivergent individual trying to navigate a neurotypical world.

I was called many things when I was young – freak, loner, weirdo. It never truly stopped, but the language did shift as I got older, once difference became more socially acceptable. Instead of calling me a weirdo on the playground, I would always get the sceptical phrase, “haha… you are.. QUIRKY… Aren’t you…?”

The relief and confidence I felt when discovering I’m okay, I’m not broken – my brain just works differently, was life changing! I hope Quirky can bring representation, comfort and celebration to the wonderful neurodivergent community. Branching further into the pop genre is something I’ve always wanted to do and Quirky was the perfect chance to do it!

Quirky contains fast paced electronic beats, funky bass, whacky harmonies and the message – it never hurt to be Quirky! I want to thank Jordan for the electronic instrumentals, Russel Pilling and Andrew Beck for recording, mixing and mastering this project and of course Marshall Cullen for producing and always believing in me.

Song Description
This is a new more pop direction for Jessie May Kitchen. Up-tempo, programmed backing, ‘quirky’ keys, bass and guitar and some very ‘now’ vocal fx all go together to make this song a real winner for pop radio.

Jessie May Kitchen – Quirky is out NOW through Foghorn/MGM

Download or stream:

Connect with Jessie-May Kitchen:

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Mark Cashin releases new single The Genius

July 30, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Mark Cashin Presents
New Single “The Genius“

Mark has produced yet another smash tribute to his late son, Coen, with this brilliant new single and video. The song was recorded in 2 days at Damien Gerard Studios and then mixed by renown engineer Russell Pilling.

Mark played drums and acoustics as well as providing the lead vocal. Other musicians included: Sarah Piper on backing vocals and Jake Hunt on electric guitars and bass. Recording engineer at DG’s was Murray Dilger and the song was produced by Mark Cashin and Marshall Cullen.

In Mark’s own words: “The song was written for a very talented musical genius, my son, Coen. He was involved in a fatal car crash 3 kilometres from our Central Coast home nearly 4 years ago. I would like to share the only gift I can give my son on his 28th birthday.”

Song Description:

The Genius
Strong acoustics and riffing electrics begin this heartfelt mid-tempo song from Mark. The verses all feature a catchy guitar riff as well as the melodic vocals morphing into some sing along woo hoos as part of the chorus. Honest and straight from the heart this song really takes you somewhere.

Watch the Video here:

Credits:
Foghorn Media / MGM
Written by MARK CASHIN
Performed by MARK CASHIN – Lead Vocals, Acoustic guitar, Drums
Jake Hunt – Electric Guitar, Bass Guitar
Sarah Piper – Backing Vocals
Engineered & Recorded by – Murray Dilger? at Damien Gerard studios?
West Gosford, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Mixed & Mastered by Russell Pilling
Produced by Mark Cashin and Marshall Cullen
Film clip by Stewart McDonald

Stream The Genius here:

Connect with Mark:

News and Touring

Jack Nolan releases single Hold Your Horses

July 23, 2021 Marshall Cullen

Hold Your Horses is the new single from Sydney singer songwriter Jack Nolan’s upcoming Americana album, Gabriel. Recorded for a friend, supporting them, to tell them they’re worth it, to stay the course.

Jack penned these lyrics for the song which was recorded in Nashville TN during the album sessions:
“She made some big choices, decisions, and they didn’t please everyone. Worn down by critics she was tempted, wanted to relent, go back. We said Girl, don’t expect a different result, you won’t get one. ‘Stand by your choices / Hold your horses’. We all know you’re incredible. You’ve got to believe.If you don’t believe right now, we do “We’ll shoot the lights out for ya/ Hold your horses’

Jack Nolan is a singer songwriter based in Sydney, Australia, who’s been performing and releasing music and albums since the mid 90’s. Along with a five-album solo catalogue Jack also fronted The Kelly Gang, with Rick Grossman, bassist for The Divinyls and Hoodoo Gurus, along with Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst, and guitar player Martin Rotsey. Their 2004 album Looking for the Sun was critically adored along with their energetic live shows of the time.

Within Nolan’s music, mysterious and shimmering chords unite his sound with that of the Americana genre, once quaintly described as ‘Darlinghurst Country’ uniting elements of folk, country, rock ‘n’ roll and ambient atmospheres fusing Nolan’s passion for intensely charged electric guitar and finger-picked acoustic guitar.

Now added to the Amazon New Music Playlist

Hold Your Horses
The latest single from forthcoming album GABRIEL

Release dates:
July 23 – Hold Your Horses (single)
September 10 – Gabriel (title track and single)
October 8 – Gabriel LP (Vinyl, CD, Digital)

Credits:
Jack Nolan – vocal & guitar
Justin Weaver – electric guitar & backing vocals
Jimmy Paxson – drums
Chris Autry – bass guitar
Jimmy Olander – additional guitar
Cactus Moser – additional drums

Hold Your Horses is OUT NOW Via Quay Records/MGM.

Stream or Download:

Official Video:

Connect with Jack Nolan:

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

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

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:

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