classic and rare Australian popular music from the 1950's, 1960's. 1970's and beyond..including rock and roll, pop, beat, rock, surf and progressive, plus contemporary artists, new releases, reviews and other fun stuff

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Showing posts with label Soul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Soul. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Blush'ko reveals soul-infused cut 'Too Late' (ft. J Wils) and announces 'Blush'ko In Love PT.2'


Following soul-infused releases ‘Japanese Hotel’ and ‘Like a Heartbeat’, Macedonian born, Melbourne-based Blush’ko releases ‘Too Late’ (ft. J Wils), the third single off his EP ‘Blush’ko in Love PT.2’. The track, in true Blush’ko-esque style, draws in with its pushing beats backdropped against silky vocals – the result an effortless rhythmic testimonies that dreamily echo and transport us throughout the track.

Speaking on the track himself, Blush’ko says: "We started playing around with the idea of the song being about two people so far away but connected somehow and both trying so hard to make it work. The line 'I promise that I won’t give up' kept rolling through my mind and we built the song around it. I wanted our voices to come together in the pre-chorus because both people in the story felt a great connection and fear from one another.. relying on someone is always extremely hard, but it’s always made easier when you know the feeling is mutual".



Blush’ko continues to own his unique style of smooth, electronic hip hop, a year on from his critically acclaimed debut single 'Another Love' which garnered over a million streams. Intrigue around Blush’ko continues to build, with BBC1 Xtra’s Jams Supernova naming it as one of her top 5 EPs. The musician has further solidified his name in support of Jhene Aiko and SG Lewis on stages around Australia and New Zealand, as well as collaborating with DC rapper Goldlink on his triple j Like a Version performance of ‘Herside Story’ with Billy Davis and The Good Lords.

Too Late’ pioneers Blush’ko’s second EP as a continuation on his journey through love, explored by a plush blend of electronic and soul. A kind of production that layers emotion and talent as one further cementing his sound in the current musical climate as one that is set to stand against the rest this 2019.





FOLLOW BLUSH'KO

Friday, August 31, 2018

Melbourne-based electronic soul and R'n"B artist Blasko unveils new mix-tape 'Blasko In Love Pt.1'



Melbourne-based electronic soul and R'n'B artist Blasko presents the ‘Blasko In Love Pt.1’ mix-tape via Majestic Casual Records.

In the lead up to the mix-tape release, Blasko dropped three much loved singles 'Another Love', 'Ms Love' and 'Know You Better', earning praise from the online community for his signature vocals and swagger, and suave production. His music has been described by Complex as "A summery, funk-tinged slice of soul and R&B", with the new mix-tape being no exception.

Highlights so far include airplay on BBC Radio 6, appearing on charts across the world, and prime positions on Spotify Viral Charts in France, Australia, Netherlands and Germany. As well as playing shows in Germany and France in June 2018 and in Australia and New Zealand in July alongside SG Lewis.

"This project started from a song on the mixtape, called "Future Love". I was chilling in the Lazy House studios playing on my cousins Mexican Fender that she had lent me and I started singing Future Love. I knew then, that not only did I have a mean tune but a whole story I could tell. I wanted to explore different areas of the word "Love". Opening my notepad I started writing song titles in which then I could dive straight into a specific concept based directly off the titles.



This mix-tape isn't about a specific person, but a collection of people who have influenced my perception of Love. Good or Bad. I had already written Future Love and Poetic Love at the time, but when I bumped into Tentendo at Montanasa Studios in Melbourne the rest of the project fell into place.  He knew exactly what each song needed and we just really clicked. Coming from a strict slow jams/R&B background but having an intense love for vocal trance melodies and grooves, I wanted the release to fuse these two things together and create the ambience and grooves of a trance song with the feelings and stories of classic 90's R&B tunes. Blasko In love Part 1 is just my beginning and there’s many more stories to tell xx" - Blasko

FOLLOW BLASKO


Wednesday, August 22, 2018

Bootleg Rascal announce sophomore album and tour and reveal new single 'Mercy'..soulful reggae dub


Following on from a vigorous live schedule, Sydney-based ghetto-dubsters Bootleg Rascal have just announced tour dates and their new single ‘Mercy’ – another infectious and thumping cut lifted from their forthcoming sophomore album 'AnĂ²nimo' (due 5 October).

Opening with its one drop rhythmic beat and an immense gospel-laden vocal hook, ‘Mercy’ dives deep into the group’s core reggae and dub roots. The track continues to build with deep melodic bass, muted sweeping guitar licks and 90’s-inspired synthesisers; all capped off by the soul-infused vocals of charismatic front man Carlos Lara.





To celebrate the release of the new record, the band will once again hit the road on a seven date tour in October / November with performances in Sydney, Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Byron Bay, Wollongong, Belgrave and Melbourne.

Since their mid-2013 inception, Bootleg Rascal have released a slew of singles, an EP and one album, all warmly received by critics and fans around the world. Multiple tracks have been added to high rotation on triple j and they have performed on the stations esteemed ‘Like a Version’ segment.

The band have continually traversed the globe playing multiple sold out headline shows in France, UK, Holland, Germany, New Zealand and Australia, and performed sold out shows in the USA. They’ve also regularly appeared on major Australian festivals including Falls Festival, The Big Pineapple Festival, Lost Paradise, Hills are Alive, Festival of the Sun and Party in the Paddock. 

BOOTLEG RASCAL - THE ANĂ’NIMO ALBUM TOUR:

FRIDAY 19 OCT | LANSDOWNE HOTEL, SYDNEY NSW
THURSDAY 25 OCT | SOL BAR, SUNSHINE COAST QLD
SATURDAY 27 OCT | THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY NSW
FRIDAY 2 NOV | UOW UNI BAR, WOLLONGONG NSW
SUNDAY 4 NOV | SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE VIC
MONDAY 5 NOV | HOWLER, MELBOURNE VIC

FRIDAY 9 NOV | WOOLY MAMMOTH, BRISBANE QLD

FOLLOW BOOTLEG RASCAL

Thursday, April 19, 2018

Sydney-based Indie-Funk outfit Papaya Tree reveal new single 'Radar'



After releasing their standout debut track ‘Bamboo Schooner’, Sydney-based indie sextet Papaya Tree have just unveiled the stunning follow up new single ‘Radar’.

Recorded and produced by Phan Sjarif (Middle Kids, The Jezabels) at Parliament Studios, Annandale, ‘Radar’ is an eclectic and sophisticated slice of up-beat funk-infused indie-rock, that melds intriguing pop-sensibilities with elements of jazz, reggae and soul.

To celebrate the release of ‘Radar’ the group will launch the track live at the iconic Lansdowne Hotel on Sunday April 29 with support from the likes of local crowd favourites Thunder Fox, Moody Beach and Poolroom.




Debut single ‘Bamboo Schooner’ released late-2017 was supported by triple j with play on their Roots n’ All program, community radio and local tastemaker blogs. 

Since their 2016 inception, Papaya Tree have become a regular fixture amongst Sydney’s live music scene and also performed at boutique festival Psyfari.   

In the coming weeks Papaya Tree will reveal an accompanying music video for ‘Radar’. 



FOLLOW PAPAYA TREE

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Sunshine Coast singer/songwriter Shristi Jade releases debut EP


Shristi Jade is a recording artist and songwriter originally from the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Her debut self titled EP "Shristi Jade" was released on June 30, 2017.  The EP features lead single "Own", a song that showcases Shristi's angelic vocals and pristine songwriting.

From a young age, Shristi Jade loved singing and performing. She was always writing poems, not realising that they would one day become songs. She has cited her major influences as Jhene Aiko, Mariah Carey and Brandy. 

Back in 2015, when Shristi attended Los Angeles Fashion Week, she connected with LA based, multi-talented artists “The One” and “QB”. Following this meeting, she had a recording session with Tochi Uzo, where a promising artistic bond began. 

Following this, her music career came to fruition when she had the opportunity to work and record with James Russell, the creator of Heliport Studios in the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Heliport Studios is owned by best selling authors Barbara and Alan Pease, working with the likes of international superstar, Rihanna. 

Since then, Shristi Jade has been writing and recording music in studios across LA, the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and London. 

To further her flourishing music career, she has moved to London where she is working with talented producer NOSA Appollo, recording tracks at the Chocolate Factory, which has hosted artists such as Bobbi Lewis, Kz The Producer and Longlivtheplug. 



THE EP 

Shristi Jade's three track debut EP is brought to life through her ethereal sound. The record reflects a young woman's journey through losing herself to a betrayal of the heart. 

The EP comes out at a personal and musical transition for Shristi Jade. 

"Every song on the EP was inspired and written after I made a decision to live a life which was true to my passion," she said. The themes are present not only in the music, but in the album art design created by Brisbane based artist, Mosessa. 

"The album art represents a true version of myself, wearing a traditional Nepalese sari. It was important for me to present myself in a way that showcases the way I was bought up." 

Shristi Jade's father is from Nepal and her mother is Australian. 

"I have always felt so proud to be part of two unique cultures. While writing the EP, I was inspired by my upbringing and the notion of "knowing thyself." 

"Shristi Jade" EP is available on all digital music outlets. 

Connect with Shristi here: 



Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Blues artist Jesse Redwing new single/video 'Turn Away' feat. Wilsn from debut album "I'm Comin' On"



Sydney blues machine Jesse Redwing is back with a heartbreaker of a new single, the titanic vocals of Melbourne soul songstress Wilsn by his side, and news of his debut album. ‘Turn Away’ featuring Wilsn, is the official first single from Redwing’s debut record, I’m Comin’ On, out now via Create/Control records. 

download and stream the single HERE

..and the album "I'm Comin' On HERE

The single’s release has been accompanied by a stunning new video that brings to life Redwing’s sorrowful lyrics and tells the story of a love torn couple, happy and passionately embracing one minute; violently splitting apart the next . The video premiered on Wickedd Childd who described the single as featuring, “a whole lot of heart.”



“This song shows my more introspective side,” Redwing concedes. “It's a straight up heartbreak song that I was lucky enough to collaborate on with the biggest ballsiest soul voice going, Wilsn.”

“I was stoked to work with up-and-coming filmmaker, Sam Powyer, on a dark yet energetic video which tells the story of the song without getting corny.”

Redwing, who’s spent the last few years earning a reputation as a ferocious live force, announced his signing to Create/Control records last year with the electrifying single ‘Round It Goes’. Having grown up on punk, Redwing found inspiration in the likes of Eric Clapton and the Stones, then took a step back to what he refers to as, "the real sh*t" – Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy and other legends of Blues, to distill what’s become his own fiery brand.

Backed by his band the Real MVPs (drummer Nicholas Meredith and bass player Brendan 'Thumper' Clark), Redwing has positioned himself to explode his dynamite sound on I’m Comin’ On with the assistance of producer Stephen Mowat, who helped bottle the lightning that is the Jesse Redwing live experience and cut it to tape.

"I wasn’t born to the blues, says Redwing, but it found me somehow and now there’s no turning back." Create/Control is pumped to ride shotgun with him for the journey. 




Follow Jesse Redwing here:

Follow Create/Control here:
facebook // instagram // twitter // create/control

Saturday, March 19, 2016

Billy T (w/Ross Hannaford)...No Definitions....1977 album...Funk,Soul,Reggae




After the demise of Daddy Cool and Mighty Kong, Ross Hannaford formed Billy T with Joe Creighton in Queensland, and later joined up with Russell Smith (Company Caine) and Mick Holden (The Mixtures), playing a mixture of Reggae, Soul, Funk and Rock in Melbourne. They released 3 singles and their debut LP 'No Definitions'.




As their bass player Joe Creighton recalls on his blog: "..around 1975, I hooked up with Ross Hannaford and we formed Billy T. Billy T was a unique band in that it broke the mold of standard Aussie rock in pubs. With our own brand of blue-eyed soul and reggae we had quite a successful run in the Australian pub circuit. Our tour support with legendary US band 'Little Feat' cemented our profile as the band most likely to do it in '76. Unfortunately Ross and I kept floating off to the US and Europe to play for Maharaj Ji and Billy T suffered the consequences of our absences. The rest of the band basically got jack of it and I can't remember if we got sacked or if we called it quits. But whatever, the band eventually dissolved."

Band Members:
Ross Hannaford (Guitar, Vocals)
Joe Creighton (Bass, Vocals)
Mick Holden (Drums, Vocals)
Geoff Maling (Percussion)
Russell Smith (Guitar, Vocals)
Neal McPherson (Keyboards)







Friday, February 19, 2016

Sydney born, unsigned R'n'B Singer/Songwriter DANAH releases her debut single 'SIDE EFFECTS'



From Sydney's Bondi Beach, Singer/Songwriter, DANAH, has released her first single ‘Side Effects’.

"I am nervous, yet excited to be releasing my words and voice into the world! I'm so proud of the work I've put in for this release and I can't wait for everyone to hear it" - Danah 

DANAH is an emerging R'n'B singer and songwriter. Based in Sydney, where she was born and raised, Danah (Dana Gilden) found love for R'n'B music at an early age “I just connected to the soul in the voices and fell in love with all that R'n'B is”. There isn’t the biggest R'n'B scene in Australia, however Danah is hoping that can change with the release of her debut single ‘Side Effects’.

Danah, who holds a Bachelors degree in Music Performance has spent the last few years fine tuning her writing skills and takes inspiration from her studies in Roots, Jazz and Pop music. Earlier this year, Danah started working with Top 10 ARIA CHART producer Jhay Cabrera (Jhay C) on her track ‘Side Effects’, drawing on Cabrera’s expertise in R'n'B Music and showcasing Danah's abilities as a songwriter and a singer. 

Looking up to artists such as Jhene Aiko and Tinashe, the singer/songwriter stays unique with her own style, enhanced through the use of warm ethereal synths and pads to capture the mood of the song, along with reverse pianos, arpeggiated synths, orchestral strings, and 808's.

Watch the lyric video to 'Side Effects': here

Writing lyrics is where Danah prides herself, coming up with creative ways of weaving words together to create meaning. Melodically, lyrically and vocally Danah is inspired by artists such as Jhene Aiko, Lauryn Hill, Joss Stone, Toni Braxton, Melanie Fiona, Alicia Keys, India.Arie, Tinashe, Khelani, Frank Ocean, Eminem and The Weekend.

DANAH's Spotify playlist of 'Songs that Inspired 'Side Effects': here



Listen to Side Effects on Soundcloud: here
Available on iTunes: here + Spotify: here

Relevant Links: 





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Twitter @islandmanrocks




Sunday, December 27, 2015

Sultry Aussie Singer Dioni Premieres Video for "Shades of Melancholy (Chillout Mix)"

Aussie Crooner Dioni Premieres Lyric Video for “Shades of Melancholy (George Priniotakis Chillout Remix) “


Compared to ’60s icons Dusty Springfield and Sandie Shaw, the Renaissance woman from Sydney has traveled extensively throughout Greece, performing in ancient theatres and stadiums in support of bands such as Faithless, Soft Cell, and The Chemical Brothers. Dioni has performed as a solo artist in Australia, France, Germany, Greece, and Qatar. She has a multilingual repertoire (including seven languages) and the ability to sing in multiple genres.

In 2001, Dioni co-founded her group Astyplaz, of which she is still the lyricist and vocalist. She soon caught the attention of veteran promoter Gilles Petelle, formerly of BMG Canada. 

Dioni played around the world, including Quebec City and Montreal, where her label Chic Vinyl Records is based. Dioni has since released two albums, Name Your Slippers and Bi, with Astyplaz (Universal and EMI, respectively), and a third collaborative EP. Dioni has also had tracks featured in numerous compilations, including the internationally recognized Buddha Bar XI series.

More information on Dioni is available on her official site www.dionimusic.com




For more info on Dioni, visit her social media: OFFICIAL SITE| FACEBOOKTWITTER


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Twitter @islandmanrocks

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Renee Geyer...It's A Man's Man's World..1974 album



Renée Geyer is an Australian singer who has long been regarded as one of the finest exponents of jazz, soul and R'n'B idioms. She had commercial success as a solo artist in Australia, with "It's a Man's Man's World", "Heading in the Right Direction" and "Stares and Whispers" in the 1970s and "Say I Love You" in the 1980s. Geyer has also been an internationally respected and sought-after backing vocalist, whose session credits include work with Sting, Chaka Khan, Toni Childs and Joe Cocker.

Rock historian Ian McFarlane described her as having a "rich, soulful, passionate and husky vocal delivery". Geyer's iconic status in the Australian music industry was recognised when she was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame on 14 July 2005, alongside The Easybeats, Hunters & Collectors, Smoky Dawson, Split Enz and Normie Rowe. 

"It's A Man's Man's World" was her second album, released in 1974 to critical acclaim.

See also previous post "first album"






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Twitter @islandmanrocks

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Wendy Saddington and Copperwine Live 1971..rare release from sensual blues and soul vocalist



Wendy June Saddington also known as Gandharvika Dasi (26 September 1949 – 21 June 2013) was an Australian blues, soul and jazz singer, and was in the bands Chain, Copperwine and the Wendy Saddington Band. She wrote for teen pop newspaper Go-Set from September 1969 to September 1970 as an agony aunt in her weekly "Takes Care of Business" column, and as a feature writer. Saddington had Top 30 chart success with her 1972 solo single "Looking Through a Window", which was written and produced by Billy Thorpe and Warren Morgan of the Aztecs. After adopting Krishna Consciousness in the 1970s she took the name, Gandharvika Dasi. In March 2013 she was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer and died on 21 June 2013, aged 63. An underrated talent and very sad loss.

Wendy Saddington's musical influences included the likes of Bessie Smith, Etta James, Mahalia Jackson, Odetta, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Janis Joplin, and the raw blues from the Mississippi delta, along with the swanky soul coming from the American Stax, Atlantic and Motown labels. There was also something of the vulnerability of Edith Piaf in Wendy's pleading, bleeding vocal entreaties.

Saddington first came to notice in Melbourne psych-soul outfit The Revolution, before swiftly joining Adelaide's psychedelic/classically flavoured James Taylor Move around late 1967. When Wendy joined the emerging blues-rock ensemble Beaten Tracks, which she named (The) Chain, after the song by one of her heroines, Aretha Franklin's soul classic, "Chain Of Fools". Wendy spent around 18 months touring with Chain, and it was during this time that her passionate, earth-mother Joplin/Franklin vocal style came to prominent notice among promoters and punters alike. Also, her 'outlandish' appearance attracted magazines like Go-Set: a sad waif-like face, heavily mascara-ed around the eyes, framed by the hugest of afro 'do' this side of Jimi's Experience! Wendy favoured simple Levi's, with a basic shirt or cheesecloth kaftan top, copiously accessorised with love-beads and bangles.

Saddington's next musical outing was with Jeff St John's highly acclaimed and well-established group, Copperwine, and it's here that we finally have an officially-released recording of her sublime vocal performances! Wendy joined the band in March 1970, just after the release of Copperwine's superb Joint Effort album, and she sang live as co-lead with St John for a concentrated touring regime through to February 1971. In January of that year, with St John temporarily away from the band, Saddington fronted Copperwine for their acclaimed performance at the Wallacia Festival on the central-coast of New South Wales.

A live recording of the event was released on Festival's new progressive subsidiary Infinity during '71, which showcased Copperwine's sympathetic backing sensibilities for Wendy's distinctive vocals. On such cuts as the funky opener, Nina Simone's "Backlash Blues", and her heartfelt reading of Dylan's "Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues", Saddington continually astonishes with her sensual soul power. Another notable inclusion is Wendy's introspective and idiosyncratic reading of John Lennon's "Tomorrow Never Knows" (which Wendy introduces as a George Harrison composition!) Other highlights include "Five People Said I Was Crazy " (which, with its wild Ross East guitar solo, Barry Kelly's electric piano flourishes and Wendy's monumental banshee wail, certainly lives up to its title). The closing tour-de-force "Blues In A" completely satisfies the listener as a consummate combination of the music of one of Australia's premier all-purpose prog-blues bands of the time, with definitely one of our most unique and mesmerising blues-soul vocalists.







Wednesday, May 28, 2014

La Mar, electronic-soul duo from Sydney: Debut Single Release "Anchor"



LA MAR is a two piece from Sydney's south producing music that delves deep into the electronic-soul genre. Combining classic vocals and intricate electronic production, LA MAR’s infectious tracks are becoming something fresh audiences have found instantly able to immerse themselves with.

Fronted by vocalist Dylan Wright, delivering raw emotion that manifests into somber and seductive imagery. With soulful influences, Dylan’s melodies establish a reflective brooding and yet sweetly mellowed atmosphere that draws the listener inside the underpinned electronic production of Andrew Grant; utilizing an array of synthesizer and keyboard sounds to artfully complement the vocals and bring modern edge to the music. A relaxed, down-tempo beat is the undercurrent of LA MAR’s sound and maintains the hints of soul throughout.





LA MAR’s new track ANCHOR marks the debut release for this new project and is the first single to be taken from a forthcoming self-titled EP. Recorded over the past few months the two writers worked in a number of different studios collecting sounds including the songs opening Fender Rhodes chords that have become the foundation for the track. The duo headed to REC Studios for the final mix with Craig Willson (Flume, New Navy, LDRU & Yahtzel). LA MAR performed a showcase at GoodGodSmallClub earlier this year alongside Phebe Starr and Revier, a string of live dates will be announced soon in support of the single.

"A song that mould’s so perfectly together in every way that it becomes a chilling experience when listening." - Stoney Roads


Sound Cloud: http://soundcloud.com/la-mar-music
iTunes Store: http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/anchor-single/id879951729
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ibglNNtHJ8
Band Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WeAreLaMar