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Showing posts with label Contemporary Folk. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Contemporary Folk. Show all posts

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

acoustic-folk artist Kim Churchill new EP release 'FORGETTING'..emotively-driven and solemn


Kim Churchill is proud to reveal his new EP; 'FORGETTING'. Produced by Colin Stewart (Yukon Blonde / Dan Mangan) and written and recorded entirely on Vancouver Island, 'FORGETTING' is the second in a four-part series, where each EP was written and recorded in a different country in collaboration with local artists and producers.

“Canada is a country of extremes”, says Kim. “The huge, dramatic cliffs on one side and a perfectly calm and tranquil lake on the other. The startling reds and oranges of the fall compared with the brilliant greens of summer, the blinding white of the snow in winter, Canada is a country that really showcases its natural beauty. I wanted to capture that feeling of being simultaneously awed and overwhelmed by the power of nature and the comfort and safety of being embraced by it”.





‘FORGETTING’ features six tracks of emotively-driven and solemn acoustic-folk, which at times largely shines a light on the beauty in cracks and flaws. It’s sonically rustic, mesmerising and carries a strong sense of bona fide endearment that Kim has become widely known for. A stunning cover of Coldplay’s ‘See You Soon’ is included on the record. 

A traveller as much as an artist, Kim has lived on the road for years, but it was no longer enough just to pass through; for Kim it was time to show that world in his songs. This is Kim showing the value of a new way of thinking, of writing … of living.

The exciting and unique project will also see Kim release an additional two EP’s over time, that were written and recorded in Australia and the UK respectively. This follows on from his critically acclaimed EP ‘I AM’ – the first record of the four-part series that was written and recorded in Berlin, Germany.




FOLLOW KIM CHURCHILL

Thursday, September 12, 2019

Folk-Roots singer-songwriter Michael Waugh new album release ‘The Weir’..insightful storytelling




Michael Waugh’s new album ‘The Weir’ reaches up from the dried, cracked heart of Gippsland’s irrigation reservoir - Lake Glenmaggie - asking what it means to grow up Australian. It is family ‘carguments’ on long holiday drives to see the big things of Australia, mozzie-bitten itches of first summer loves, Meldrum-fuelled familiarity of Aussie rock classics, and the lived-in love of dinner with your partner in front of Neighbours. But it is also about what lies underneath – our underbelly laid bare by the drought; the distances that drive us apart, the economic devastation of rural communities, the death-wish of boys in country towns, the spectres of colonisation, racism and homophobia.

The Weir’ is Michael Waugh’s third album. It follows ‘The Asphalt & The Oval’ (winner 2018 The Age Music Victoria Awards ‘Best Folk and Roots Album’) and 2016’s ‘What We Might Be’ (Golden Guitar Award nomination 2017) and is Michael’s third studio project with multiple ARIA and Golden Guitar winning producer Shane Nicholson.

Michael Waugh gives a profound new voice to the Australian experience. His insightful storytelling cuts to the heart of everyday life. It is honest, emotionally brave and compelling in its beauty. His insightful tributes to friends, family and parenthood are simultaneously deeply personal and nationally recognisable; audiences see their own brothers, parents, pubs, rivers, struggles and joys reflected in the faces of those characters who live large in Michael's songs.





You can catch Michael Waugh at one of his upcoming shows:

Saturday 14th September – The Palais (w/ Shane Nicholson) – Hepburn Springs, VIC
Saturday 21st September – Sandy Point Music Club (with Gretta Ziller) – Sandy Point, VIC
Friday 4th October – Oodies CafĂ© (w/ Scott Cook) – Bundaberg, QLD
Saturday 12th – Saturday 19th October – Cruisin Country 2019
Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd November – Maldon Folk Festival – Maldon, VIC
Saturday 16th November – Humph Hall (w/ Gretta Ziller) - Allambie Heights, NSW
Sunday 17th November – Illawarra Folk Club show (w/Gretta Ziller) – Kiama, NSW
Saturday 23rd November – Burke and Wills Winery – Heathcote, VIC
Saturday 30th November – By the Banks Festival – Albury, VIC
Wednesday 11th December – The Lomond Hotel - East Brunswick, VIC

The Weir - out now on Compass Bros Records through Universal Music Australia – buy here

Thursday, August 29, 2019

Queensland singer/songwriter Robert Cini new single ‘Different Road’ from debut album "Imaginary Fun"


Award-winning Singer/Songwriter from Far North Queensland Robert Cini announces his new single ‘Different Road’ off the soon-to-be-released debut album "Imaginary Fun".

The sunny Jack Johnson like island vibes captivate a listener into a toe-tapping free-fall of melodic bliss. This is in part contrast to the weighty-personal inspiration behind the infectious tune, stemming from Robert’s struggles with feeling ‘Different’ to those around him due to his vision impairment, something he’s had since birth. The lyrical content is however made fun, light and widely accessible.

Robert says “Different Road” is both a very personal and relatable song”.  “Anyone that feels a little different and out of place, or has life a bit tougher than normal, I think will relate to this song”.



Marty's review: this instantly infectious song from Robert Cini has an upbeat and positive vibe about it that will draw listeners in and create a spark in the brain. With an island/reggae feel to it, the production is crisp and bright and Robert's songwriting skills are fresh and focused. There is certainly something in that far-north Queensland air!



For more information go to;

Monday, May 28, 2018

Singer-songwriter Ally Palmer new single release 'Under The Night Sky'..folk/pop with style


Sydney’s multi-instrumentalist folk singer-songwriter Ally Palmer is thrilled to unveil her new single 'Under The Night Sky' which radiates her true love of nature's beauty by transmitting her catchy, chilled out surf vibes. It leaves you dreaming of breaking away from your everyday routine, getting out into blissful mother nature and travelling the beautiful coastline Australia has to offer.


'Under The Night Sky' was inspired by travelling on the road in a near retired van and learning to go with the flow when things don't turn out as planned. The van has taken Ally on some life changing adventures from the freedom of driving along Australia's East Coast to breaking down unexpectedly, leaving her stranded in small coastal towns and having to change her plans.




The track was produced and recorded on the Gold Coast by Donovan Lee at Untitled. Music Studio and mastered by award winning Paul Blakey of 12th & Vine Post with credits such as Amy Shark's 'Adore' and Bearfoot's 'Feed My Soul'.

Emerging from her roots as a keyboardist performing in various blues/ jazz/ soul bands throughout NSW and QLD, Ally developed the desire to take centre stage by writing and pursuing her own original music taking influences from Bruce Springsteen, Jack Johnson and Paul Simon. When Ally isn't away travelling, she is playing regular live shows accompanied by Donovan Lee on Drums and Sam Besmehn-Burt on Electric Guitar.

After the release of her debut EP ‘Runaway With Me’ in 2016, Ally went on an East Coast Tour of Australia. The tracks from the EP were well received attracting radio airplay Australia wide and securing Ally a spot on the Byron Bay Bluesfest 2017 line up. Ally is currently working on a new EP, stay tuned for details of it's release.


Bandcamp https://allypalmer.bandcamp.com/releases
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/allypalmermusic/
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ally.palmer.music/
Soundcloud https://soundcloud.com/ally-palmer-6
Triple J Unearthed https://www.triplejunearthed.com/artist/ally-palmer
Website http://www.allypalmer.com


Friday, March 31, 2017

Award Winning Singer/Songwriter SNEZ Upcoming Tour of VIC and NSW



Regal Records is pleased to announce the release of "House on Four Wheels," the highly anticipated third album by multi award winning singer/songwriter, Snez.

This enchanting songstress has a forte for describing the experiences of everyday life in a way that resonates with her audience. Coming from a Macedonian working-class family, where stories about hardship, romance, black magic, mysticism and work ethic have been passed down through generations, Snez subtly weaves these influences into her own stories and songs, and in the process creating a powerful, personal and intimate performance on stage and in the studio.

Snez has been touring Australia wide for the last 8 years, sharing the stage with artists including Renee Geyer, Jenny Morris, Gangajang, Mahalia Barnes. A multi-award winning artist, including a finalist in the top 10 of the Australia Songwriting Awards. Her single ‘Green’ appeared in the Triple J top 10 pop charts for a number of weeks. 

In 2009, SNEZ released her debut album ‘Gypsy Soul’, and there began her journey as a travelling storyteller. Based in the Blue Mountains, west of Sydney, with guitar in hand, SNEZ spent the next 7 years roaming remote and regional Australia, finding a willing audience around campfires, at cattle stations, on the side of highways and along pavements, at nursing homes, refugee camps, cafes, pubs, living rooms and indigenous communities; squeezing her world into a campervan, her ‘House on Four Wheels’, for months at a time.




“I started writing ‘House on Four Wheels’ whilst on tour in the remote areas of the Northern Territory. The red dirt, the interesting characters and open roads are so inspiring and allow space for writing songs,” Snez comments. SNEZ delivers pop/folk music with an equal slice of depth and quirkiness. Her lyrics are inventive and fresh.

Recorded in the beautiful Blue Mountains, ‘House on Four Wheels’ is chock full of rootsy riffs and superb lyrics; makes you want to get out on the road yourself! Snez commences her Australian Solo Tour April 2017.


TOUR DATES
April
Thurs 6 April – Open House Concert, Sydney NSW
Fri 7 April – Open House Concert, Cambewarra NSW
Sat 8 April – Yately House, Braidwood NSW
Sun 9 April – YassArts @ Oddfellows Hall, Yass NSW
Fri 14 April – Avoca Art and Gardens, Avoca Railway Station, VIC
Sat 15 April – Open Studio, Northcote VIC
Mon 17 April – Paynesville Wine Bar, Paynesville VIC
Thurs 20 April – Writers Block @ Lomonds, Brunswick East VIC
Sat 22 April – Red Tent Womens Gathering, Braidwood NSW
Sun 23 April – Open House Concert, Nowra NSW
Sun 30 April – Little Blowhole Art Bar, Kiama NSW
Fri 5 May – Marrickville Ritz Hotel, Marrickville NSW 


Visit www.snez.com.au for all tour dates.









Sunday, February 12, 2017

Singer-songwriter Elena b Williams new album release "Feet in the Sand"..world/soul/folk


Elena b Williams is a Samoan Australian singer/songwriter originally from Perth, Western Australia, now in Byron Bay, whose music encompasses world, soul and funk music. She started playing music at her father's poetry readings in Perth when she was 15. She was interested in music as a child and says her mother is a fantastic ukulele player and was always singing traditional Samoan Island songs when she was growing up. Her parents had an amazing music collection of all kinds of music, so that was a great introduction to world sounds. Some of her favourite artists are Nina Simone, Tracey Chapman, Tom Waits, Patti Smith and Bob Dylan. 



Elena's career highlights are many, varied and impressive. Here are a few so far:


  • Toured with well known band The Waifs in 2015

  • Sang with Toni Childs for The Rebuild Nepal Concert on May 30th 2015 at Crystal Castle, Mullumbimby NSW.

  • Two songs featured on ABC 2014 TV series "The Gods Of Wheat Street", songs from the show "Time" and "Wish" available on iTunes with Elena's EP "The Rose".

  • Featured on Pete Murray's album "Summer at Eureka" on the track "Sugar".

  • 3 time MusicOz Finalist for songs "Different Kind of Water" 2013, 
  • "The Long Intro" 2012, and 2007 "Capital Clown".

  • Has released independent albums in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016.

  • Writes music for film and television and enjoys bringing life to moving images.




Elena's new album "Feet in the Sand" is out now and available on iTunes. $3 dollars from every album sold goes to a youth surf program in the Byron Shire. 

You can stream and sample Elena's music on her reverbnation page: https://www.reverbnation.com/elenabwilliams

She also has her own independent label, "Tauia Records", her mother's family name.

Marty's review: Elena's unique and distinctive vocals are something you just have to hear and experience. The diction and timbre resonate on every note and suit her musical styles that combine folk, soul and world music sounds. Her lyrics come from within and she reaches deep down into her soul to tell you a story that you know has been carefully and beautifully created.


             


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Friday, July 1, 2016

Singer-Songwriter Thaylia new single release Wanna Know from forthcoming EP



Ex- Mormon, lesbian, vegan and a lifelong struggle with addictions, Thaylia has had quite the journey in life. After a few detours and wrong turns this singer-songwriter-producer finally finds herself on the right path she was always meant to be on, a new journey of rediscovering who she is spiritually without the constraints of religion and she has a new song to sing about it!

Thaylia is of Greek/Aboriginal heritage and at 23 she discovered her passion for music and picked up an instrument for the very first time. However her true journey in music would begin 10 years later when she got sober, quit her high paying corporate job, sold her house and car and moved to Sydney to pursue her musical passions full time. 

Now after years of perserverance she is finally ready to release her new song that she wrote, composed and produced called Wanna Know which is the first release from her self titled debut EP due out later this year.

The song is a catchy electronic pop fusion delight of a variety of musical influences that Thaylia grew up listening to such as R'n'B, Hip Hop, House, Trance and Folk. It not only highlights Thaylia's craftmanship in songwriting but also her maturing skills in sound manipulation and production. The lyrics were excerpts taken from Thaylia's personal journal about her deepest feelings about herself and the truth of the universe.




The single will be available on the 01 July 2016 from all online media outlets and you can have a listen on Soundcloud. If you dig the song then head to Thaylia's Official Website and subscribe for the latest news and updates on upcoming shows, music and videos!


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Thursday, April 28, 2016

Contemporary Folk Artist Thaylia releases new Alukura Single "Need 4 Greed"


ALUKURA (PROUNOUNCED A-LOOK-RA) MEANS 'WOMEN' IN THE ARRERNTE LANGUAGE OF CENTRAL AUSTRALIA


In 2015 Australia's renowned Aboriginal record label, CAAMA MUSIC, ran a nationwide competition to uncover a new crop of Aboriginal female talent. 
Eight winners from around Australia were flown to Alice Springs to record in CAAMA MUSIC's state of the art studio, which has launched many of Australia's most enduring Aboriginal acts.

The latest single from the compilation album is from emerging contemporary folk artist ThayliaOriginating from the red dusty plains of remote outback Australia, contemporary folk singer songwriter Thaylia was born in Darwin and then raised in a small outback town of Kununurra  in the far north Kimberleys of Western Australia




The single Need 4 Greed is a fusion of traditional Aboriginal music, electronic and folk and explores the world of corporatism and consumerism. The song was produced by Thaylia and the Stiff Gins and features a masterful and epic choir piece of the beautifully harmonised voices of the Stiff Gins and Alukura women from the album. Accompanying the single is a music video that was shot in the busy streets of Martin Place in Sydney  and the beautiful landscapes of the new Barangaroo Reserve.




Stream the new single >>>LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD - CLICK HERE

Thaylia's revamped website www.thayliamusic.com

Available for download on iTunes HERE

See previous posts on Thaylia:
Dec'15
May'15


                                         



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Twitter @islandmanrocks




Monday, May 11, 2015

Thaylia's birthday Single Release 13 May 2015.."Hope" Remix - Let's Pay it Forward!



Establishing herself as a strong solo performer, contemporary folk singer/songwriter Thaylia was recently selected out of hundreds of applicants as the 2015 NSW winner of the Alukura Songwriting Competition – an initiative of CAAMA Music where eight Aboriginal female singer-songwriters from around Australia were selected and flown to record at the CAAMA Music studios between the 12-20 April.

She is now ready to release her next single that she self-produced - a remix of her debut single Hope on her birthday the 13 May 2015 and she only has one wish and that is to give back. Having been born on Mother's Day, she has chosen to release on her birthday as a celebration of the gift of life and as a symbol of how we can use our lives to gift others who are in need. The single is a thumping electronic dance track that combines ambient trace, drum and bass with electrifying synths and her favourite acoustic guitar. 

Thaylia self produced the track and had it mixed and mastered by Stereo Missile Recordings who kindly sponsored the project. Steve Peach who founded the company is a highly esteemed music industry professional in Sydney who given his time and efforts generously to the project. 

The single will be available for free download via www.thaylia.bandcamp.com or supporters can choose to donate and 100% proceeds from the online sale of the single will be donated towards Abmusic & Mmad. Thaylia's humble music journey began at Abmusic - a music school for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders and Mmad (Musicians Making a Difference) is a charity that Thaylia is passionate about. Mmad exist to change the lives of young people through music who are at risk of addiction, homelessness, abuse and disadvantage.

Hope was originally released in Nov 2013 and went to Number 1 on the AMRAP Air It Now Charts for 3 weeks in Jan 2014 making it the most ordered song for community radio across Australia. This new remix  of Hope marks Thaylia's first ever release as producer. Thaylia self produced the track while studying a Bachelor of Music with a  major in Composition & Music Production at the Australian Institute of Music.




She is currently working on her debut EP release which will see her emerge with a new sound in 2016.


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Saturday, March 28, 2015

Singer-Songwriter, Thaylia, NSW Winner - Alukura Songwriting Competition


Contemporary Folk, singer-songwriter, Thaylia, has been featured on this blog previously (see original posts here: one and two).

We are very proud to announce that Thaylia has been selected as a NSW winner of the Alukura Songwriting Competition. Here is the official release from CAAMA:

CAAMA Music is excited to announce the winners of the Alukura songwriting competition, (Alukura meaning ‘women’ in the Arrernte language) which will see eight Aboriginal female singer-songwriters from around Australia flown to record at the CAAMA Music studios in Alice Springs between 12-25 April.

“We were really impressed by the amazing musical talent out there, and can’t wait to work with these talented artists to develop their musical careers. The world will be hearing all about these artists really soon”, says Micheal ‘Miko’ Smith, Manager of CAAMA Music.

The winners range in age and experience, with some at the very early stages of their musical careers, such as Alice Anderson, a 19 year old Wergaia woman from Horsham, Victoria who has only basic knowledge of the recording process but says “When it comes to music I am always ready for a challenge and believe there is always something new to learn, and I am absolutely honoured to learn through talented people of my own culture”.



The winners also include Thalia Skopellos (artist name Thaylia), from Sydney, who is currently studying a Bachelor of Music and last year released her own single ‘Hope’, which went to Number 1 on the AMRAP music chart for 3 weeks. “I am truly humbled and excited about this experience. Not only is it an important opportunity musically it will also be beautiful to finally visit Alice Springs for the first time and connect to land and culture. Something I have not done since I was a kid was sleep in a swag under the stars, and I can’t WAIT!”

Kristal West from Brisbane, one half of the musical duo ZK that featured on The Voice in 2014, is looking forward to developing her solo skills, saying “I have a lot space to grow and I truly believe this is the opportunity I have been waiting for”.

The experience will include songwriting workshops and in-depth sessions about the music business and self-promotion, as well as workshops by popular Sydney duo The Stiff Gins, who will be bringing their song writing, performance and industry expertise to the project as mentors. Each participant will also record a song in CAAMA Music’s newly upgraded and state-of-the-art recording studio, to be included on a compilation album released later in the year.

The trip will also include a night spent sleeping under the stars in swags on the West MacDonnell Ranges, as well as cultural and musical exchange with the nearby community of Hermannsburg/Ntaria, 131 southwest of Alice Springs.

The list of winners are:
Donna Velia Woods – Hobart, TAS Kelsey Strasek-Barker – Gold Coast, QLD Alice Anderson – Horsham, VIC
Thalia Skopellos – Sydney, NSW Rebecca Gollan – Northhaven, SA Kristal West – Brisbane, QLD
Mandy Garling – Darwin, NT
Dora Smith – Broome, WA

WHO IS THAYLIA?
BIOGRAPHY:
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Wednesday, September 10, 2014

THAYLIA releases new single "Love" with music video



Thaylia Releases New Single 'Love' with music video!

It has been a busy year for Darwin born Aboriginal singer Thaylia. She has been celebrating the success of her Number 1 AMRAP Air It Now chart topping debut single 'Hope'! Following her release she performed at Homeground 2014 at Sydney Opera House, Launch @ Youth Week Festival in Darwin and supported Leah Flanagan for her 'Everything' single launch at her Darwin shows.

Now, she is ready to release her new single 'Love'. The song went live for download by community radio stations earlier this week via the Australian Music Radio Air Play (AMRAP). She also wrote and composed Love, and co-produced with Steve Peach (who has previously worked with notable names such as Stafford Brothers, Icehouse & Marcia Hines) at Stereo Missile Recordings, Sydney. The lyric “Music gives me life, my one and only Love' sums up the spirit and message of the song which is a celebration of the beautiful power of music in bringing love, healing, inspiration and life to people's lives. 

To listen and download click here



The video was produced and directed by Kenny Foo in the heart of Newtown and in the beautiful location of Botany Bay. The concept is based on two realities of Real-Thaylia and Heart-Thaylia. Real-Thaylia represents the damaged or hurt self that is created within us that causes emotional pain in our life, and Heart-Thaylia is her love-filled soul that represents the true nature of who we really are and the great potentiality within all of us to develop into expressive, loving, courageous beings that will ultimately bring us peace and happiness. The story revolves around rebirth, finding courage in the face of adversity, finding solace and salvation in music, self love and acceptance.

Show your support for Thaylia and rate and review the track here on TripleJ Unearthed

See also previous post here: http://theaussiemusicblog.blogspot.com/2014/01/hope-debut-single-from-thaylia-number-1.html


Digital Release Date: Friday, 19 Sept 2014 and distributed via ITunes, Amazon, Spotify, JB Hi-Fi, Bandcamp and much more!

Thursday, January 16, 2014

HOPE debut single from Thaylia Number 1 on the AMRAP Airit Now Charts


Thaylia's debut single entitled 'HOPE'  continues to go from strength to strength. After reaching number 2, Hope is now number 1 on the AMRAP Airit Now Charts making it the most ordered for airplay for this week in the top 10.

‘Your voice can be an anthem of courage inspiration, hope and honour to the world and people around you.’ Thaylia

Marty's review: Thaylia presents us with a most beautiful piece that will make you hit the repeat button more than once. A clean, uncluttered production that highlights Thaylia's warm vocal tones, musical abilities and lyrics that are heartfelt and sincere. Thaylia to me says sit up and listen because I have something to say. Her talents are plentiful and deserve all the recognition that comes her way. 




Thaylia brings to the stage a voice of courage, inspiration and hope. Beginning her musical journey at Abmusic college, a music college for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, she is now establishing her reputation as a strong solo artist with a powerful message and a soaring voice that will leave you captivated. 

"If I had to put my music into a category I would define my ‘genre’ as Contemporary Folk. Contemporary as it is relevant to my time, and folk because I see my songs as narrative music with a social conscience. As my skills on guitar and vocals have evolved so have my songs, and the difference is evident from the very first song I wrote up until my most recent. I see that my songs will continue to change as my skills further develop as well. For now it is just me and my acoustic guitar. The goal is release an album that is organic, uncluttered and a true representation of what I do on a stage."




Thaylia is looking forward to continued success with an interview on Noongar Radio with Michelle Wilson 2:30pm AEST (15 jan 14) which can be streamed online at www.noongarradio.com  and a feature article in January's edition of the Deadly Vibe magazine. She will also be heading back into the studio at the end of January to record her second single called Love with one of Australia's top producers Steve Peach (Producer of Stafford Brothers, Marcia Hines, Icehouse).

You can also get to know Thaylia even better by listening to her interview with Kristy McMahon last Sunday from Brisbanes 4ZZZ Indigi-Briz program at : http://ondemand.4zzzfm.org.au/indigi-bris/2014-01-12 

2013 Highlights - Backup vocals for Archie Roach - Into the Bloodstream Tour at Perth International Arts Festival & Melbourne Festival



read Thaylia's full biography on her Facebook page