ChIPS release single ‘Frequent Flyer’

July 15, 2023

“Frequent Flyer” is an atmospheric and emotive pop song created by young people from the Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) service. The track powerfully conveys the experience of being a young person living with a chronic health condition and learning to cope with frequent stays in hospital.

ChIPS members were empowered to write, compose and record the song in collaboration with musicians/producers Luke Escombe and Benny Thatcher from “We Wrote That”. Luke and Benny are themselves “frequent flyers” living with chronic health conditions. Using music and song writing as a means of expression has been a powerful outlet for not only ChIPS members but also the musicians involved.

VIDEO

Luke Escombe: ““Frequent Flyer” was a true collaboration that evolved over many zoom discussions and writing sessions. It’s ended up being an expression of not just the individual tastes and talents of the group but of the underlying emotions we all feel about having a lifestyle that involves being in and out of hospital. It shows how powerful music can be in communicating ideas that are often too difficult or painful to put into words”.

The song was launched on 16 May at the NSW Health and Arts Framework Forum in front of NSW Health staff including Deputy Secretary Deborah Willcox. It was received with a standing ovation and the young people involved were invited to speak on their experience of using creative expression to amplify and elevate their voices.

ChIPS would like to acknowledge the support of Accessible Arts and Health Infrastructure NSW in this project.

Song Description

An indie tune put together by the ChIPS team from the Childrens Hospital and producer Luke Escombe. Some great sounds plus collaborative vocals from all the participants. Frequent Flyer is the term used for their frequent hospital visits. An important and special song which will help raise awareness.

About ChIPS

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.

Since 2021, members of ChIPS have been collaborating with artists Luke Escombe and Benny Thatcher, of arts-in-health initiative “We Wrote That”, to write and record original songs that speak to the experience of being a young person living with a chronic health condition.

ChIPS – Frequent Flyer is out NOW July 14th through Foghorn/MGM

Download or stream:

“We Wrote That” – Website with previous releases and making of blog
https://wewrotethat.com.au/

Connect with Luke Escombe:

Fiona Joy and Rebecca Daniel – To The Wind (Promo Video)

July 1, 2023

Kaiyah Mercedes’ Latest Single ‘Hide With Me’ Added to SoundsLike Cafe Playlist

July 1, 2023

‘Hide With Me’ is Kaiyah Mercedes’ first single following the release of her debut album ‘Hindsight’ in October of 2022. Kaiyah shows growth and maturity in this indie-pop, queer coming of age story.

The 17 year old LGBTQI+ Melbourne-based singer/songwriter was inspired to write the song from the positive queer teenage stories in the ground-breaking television show ”Heartstopper”, which also proliferates new music from unsigned artists. The themes of this song explore sexuality and self-identity, and finding love along the way.

A departure from their previous indie-folk incarnation and influenced by artists including Gracie Abrams, Orla Gartland, and L.i.E, Kaiyah seamlessly shifts gears in “Hide With Me” with the help of Melbourne-based producer Seetali Mack (Kevin Silvester). The two driven artists have come together to create a wondrous track that makes you feel both nostalgic for the past and hopeful for the future. Opening with a slow and soothing melody that captures innocence and apprehension, the energy builds through hopeful and upbeat rhythms and lyrics that speak to the resilience and optimism of youth.

At just 17 years old, Kaiyah has already gained recognition for her powerful and introspective debut album “Hindsight” which received national and international radio play across Europe, the USA, Canada, and the UK; track 7 spent three weeks on the AMRAP Top 10 Metro Charts; and the album has over 215,000 streams on Spotify alone.

Mixed by Garrett Kato (Julia Stone, Ziggy Alberts, Tones and I) and mastered by Sam Berdah from The Wall Studio, ‘Hide With Me’ has already reached the 10th spot on the AMRAP Metro Charts in its first week.

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Not diAna’s Single ‘Hangin’ ‘ Added to SoundsLike Cafe Playlist

June 25, 2023

Great new tune Hangin’ added to our Spotify Playlist from Not diAna

Minimum training maximum ability. With an astute ear for pitch, Not diAna can sing as sweet as honey, belt it out like a rocker then fall in to the perfect harmony all in the one song. Good music is great music if it strikes a chord with you regardless of your training.

Born from a desire to create music, she has sung in all sorts of situations but has now taken the singer-songwriter in her to the next level.

Eclectic in taste, she digs anything she can sing to, harmonise with or anything that lyrically, vocally or musically speaks to her. With just her, a mic and her acoustic guitar, she will entertain you with not only her heartfelt originals but an amazing variety of cover tunes.

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Carnival Mind’s Single ‘Love Will Take Us There’ Added to SoundsLike Cafe Playlist

June 24, 2023

A great love-ballad just added to Soundslikecafe

Carnival Mind is currently a five-piece musical project of collaboration between an evolving line-up of likeminded musicians who appreciate the concept of great original songs.
Carnival Mind members are: Dave, Wasp, Mr Tibbs, Rich & Violet B.
All members contribute to what makes up the Carnival Mind signature sound.
Carnival Mind believes great music is “Sans Borders” meaning, we see ourselves as an international act who write songs for people, not markets. Carnival Mind records live with no overdubs or autotune which gives our songs that energy & intimacy that is so often lacking in modern music.
The other great thing about recording live is you get the song down as well as you can & then you move on to the next song… we’re not looking for perfection, just as long as the vibe of the song is delivered then it’s job done, move on before you beat the life out of the song!

‘Love Will take Us There” is just a beautiful love ballad which arrived while we were trying to write a hard hitting rock song about a homicidal maniac … you got to go where the song takes you!

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The Sheyana Band – Big Hearts(official)

May 19, 2023

Jennifer K. Austin New EP ‘Cards’

May 10, 2023

Checkout this latest addition to our playlist-this time from our New Zealand neighbours.

Jennifer K. Austin is an American born actor, singer and songwriter but now proud to call herself a kiwi. Piggy-backing off her emotionally charged second album Journey, she wanted to show a more playful side to her stories. Her new music has been cooking for 2 years and finally is born on her recent tour of New Zealand in April.

The EP has been written by Jennifer and brought to life (fully produced) by Chris McCollum at The Lab Recording Studio. Chris and Jennifer wanted to create music that was real, authentic and fresh but still holding a vulnerable story in each track.

This EP holds 5 versatile tracks ranging from throwback 90’s pop to upbeat Animal-esque 60’s organ rock. Bringing in a new flavour to reminiscent feels, these tracks create a nostalgic world for the listener. Jennifer has poured her diary into her music and hopes to inspire others to reconnect with their memoire.

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Karen Harding Releases Single ‘Devil In The Mirror’

March 27, 2023

Welcoming Karen Harding to Soundslikecafe with her new single Devil in the Mirror already added to our playlist!

With her first track for 2023, Melbourne based singer-songwriter, Karen Harding unveils a metamorphosis, moving away from her previous emotional ballad releases of 2021 and 2022, with her catchy indie-pop single ‘Devil In The Mirror’.

In our modern world, we are constantly faced with images of what we should look like, how we should behave, who we should be and a bar of impossible ‘perfection’ that society expects us to live by. Karen’s self-written, recorded and produced track, ‘Devil In The Mirror’, mixed and mastered by Edwin Kraus, dives into the way that many feel when they don’t see themselves as measuring up.

Within ‘Devil In The Mirror’ – a catchy track filled with driving drum rhythms and 80’s style bass lines, with an underlying ambience of bell synth pads and binaural beats – the devil acts as a metaphor for the judging voice in our heads that is constantly putting us down, and leaving us feeling inadequate, whether that be through body image, relying on acceptance from others or not achieving what we set out to do.

“Like so many people, I have spent so much of my life being afraid to put myself in front of a camera or for people to see the whole me. My ‘devil’ would tell me stories that I didn’t measure up or that I didn’t look how I was supposed to look. I wanted to share this song because I believe that we’re in a pandemic… that people everywhere are striving for impossible, unreachable versions of themselves. I want them to know that they ARE good enough just by being themselves. They finally have the chance to break the mirror and conquer their devil.”

The haunting illustration within the artwork for ‘Devil In The Mirror’ was designed using the power of AI art and then incorporated into the final image by Karen Harding.

Karen Harding is a singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Australia, whose debut single “I Didn’t Realise” released in May 2021 marked the beginning of a musical and personal journey of exploration. Karen has since been pushing the boundaries of creativity, collaborating with a diverse range of artists and producers from around the world.

Karen’s collaborations have included working with Argentinian P&M Records, the Cologne Chamber Orchestra, Canadian producer Landao, Melbourne Hip Hop artist Serif, and an inspiring project with Misia Julia. Her talents have also been recognized through awards and nominations, including winning the 2021 Bendigo Bank sponsored Radio Eastern songwriter talent show, being nominated as a top 10 winner for the World Songwriting Awards, and a nominee for Best International Artist on Crags Radio Independent Artist Awards in February 2022.

Karen’s vocal versatility moves between the ethereal sounds of of Sarah McLaughlan and Eva Cassidy, and to the more powerful pop vocals of Ella Henderson and Adele. Her music has the ability to transport listeners to a dreamland of imagination, with lyrics and melodies that touch upon the human experiences and emotions that connect us all.

For Karen, music has been a world of discovery and possibility, as well as a tool for therapy and personal growth. As she continues to explore her musical talents and creative potential, Karen Harding is sure to captivate audiences with her unique voice and innovative approach to songwriting.

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Monster Taxi Releases Single ‘A Walking Stranger’

March 24, 2023

“A Walking Stranger” captures a musical journey. All one needs to do is sit back and close your eyes and allow the music to take you to a place of bliss. Every scene is heightened with this dream state musical experience. Whatever chaos there is in one’s day, can be escaped by the emotional beauty of “A Walking Stranger”. Monster Taxi brings us musical sophistication that is transforming and allowing us all to step outside of our world, if only for a short time, and experience inner peace and tranquility while providing a path for our own self-discovery.

“From the onset of “A Walking Stranger” by Monster Taxi you get this feeling you are about to take an adventure in time. Its ethereal synths captivate your imagination while its steady percussive rhythm moves you into another dimension. The flute and air like vibes keep you floating steadily through your mind with ever changing thoughts. As I listen to its 3:36 length I feel like I’ve been all around the universe. This is a true gem, and I can’t wait to hear more from this artist. Bravo!”

– Bill Kelly, Co-founder of Winter Music Conference

“Jason Klein and I go back a ways to when I was sharpening my teeth in the dance music world. It’s refreshing to see him now crossing into a genre that’s been a part of my hemisphere for decades with a groovy electronic tune.”

– Nicholas Gunn

About

Monster Taxi is the alter-ego of Miami music producer and keyboardist Jason Klein. Klein has worked on recordings for several major and indie artists including Mariah Carey, Ricky Martin, and Earth Wind & Fire.

From 1998-2001, he was partnered with famed Brazilian DJ Grego doing remixes and dance productions utilizing various Brazilian genres and latin house.

Before taking the moniker of Monster Taxi, Klein partnered with another Miami-based producer, Jason Wilkes, and opera singer, Kelly Alloco, as “Magic Sauce.” Magic Sauce remixed Franz Schubert’s “Ave Maria”, which charted on DJ Times and was featured in Billboard Magazine. After Ave Maria, Klein teamed with Manny Perez for the Don Manuel “Figaro” house music opera. His interest in classic music also led to his dance collaboration with Amy Barbera in releasing Amazing Grace.

In 2003, Klein produced the BMG US Latin/RCA Victor album, Beny Moré – The King of Son. The single, “Bonito y Sabrosa”, was a Latin radio and video hit, charting #1 on several stations. It made the Billboard chart on May 17, 2003 on the Tropical/Salsa airplay at #39, Klein’s first Billboard chart position.

He formed Monster Taxi and Toy Robot Records to license his own tracks to major labels. The Monster Taxi tunes, “Boogie Makes a Splash” and “Cosmic Love Juice”, were featured on a dance compilation for Ministry of Sound. He worked with Billboard charting dance singers such as Pepper Mashay (Cosmic Love Juice), Rachel Panay (Repeat Performance and Get Off), Jennifer Carbonell (Memory Wack), and Ray Guell (Love is the Answer).

Monster Taxi teamed up with members of the disco funk band, Foxy and re-recorded “Get Off”. The song featured original talk box guitars, funky bass lines, and Ish Ledesma on vocals. Mixes received heavy dance club play and airplay and it was even featured at sporting events.

Recent dance mixes from Monster Taxi include Miami Spice, Cluck Old Hen, Do the Hora, Motivate, Tank and the jazz song, Ocean Drive. In 2013, Klein remixed Universal Music Canada artists, Bet.e and Stef. He continues to remix songs including releases by Eddie Amador & Ultra Nate and Jenevieve X.

He currently re-masters compilations for Sony Music and Fania Records, along with doing a voice-over production for the Simpsons cartoon on Fox. Many of these albums have charted in Billboard Magazine during 2013 and 2014.

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Burger Legs Joe Releases Single ‘I Feel Love’

March 17, 2023

We love this song. I know we always say that, but we only choose songs we love, and hopefully pay homage to them.

Originally released in 1977, performed by Donna Summer, and co-written with Giorgio Moroder and Pete Bellotte, for me this track was the birth of modern trance music.

I wanted to restomod ‘I Feel Love’ because it’s such a great dance track. But we weren’t sure if it would work, sung by a man, an octave below Donna Summers’ outstanding voice that we all know and love.

We did a test record and immediately knew we could bring something fresh to it, so I arranged it out from there. The whole song hangs on that repeating synth line, so all the other parts had to harmonise around that. We’re very happy with the result.

Russ T Rokk has again contributed his considerable talents to produce a mix that really slaps, and another Lo-fi, arty music video is in the pipeline.

We hope you enjoy listening, watching, and disco dancing to Burger Legs Joe featuring Andi’s take on ‘I Feel Love’.

The Bizarre World of Burger Legs Joe

In a world where people strive for a deep, meaningful, multidimensional existence, Burger Legs Joe stands for none of that. As shallow as his 2D appearance, staggering through life on legs of burger, too witless to realise how witless he is.

The only child of Beefy Thighs Bill, and Betty Baguettes, they abandon their burger legged offspring at an early age outside a ‘specialist facility’, because “He just would not shut up!” Alas, thickness is a family trait, and after several weeks living in his pram in a McDonald’s car park, he became the poster boy of low res’ graphics, that for some reason, just won’t delete from your trash.

Adopted by the rich and famous, he studied music at a prestigious university, financed by his fancy benefactors. There he discovered his aptitude for breaking musical instruments, accidentally causing personal injury, and the spontaneous destruction of property. The University, low on playable instruments and high on medical pay outs, insisted Joe only use virtual instruments and graduated him early.

The avatar of an unidentified Music Producer, Burger Legs Joe is on a mission to restomod (restore and modernise) outstanding retro songs for your grooving pleasure. Treasuring the essence of what makes each track so fabulous, they are re-energized to a modern perspective; weaving rhythms and melodies in BLJ’s distinctive ear grabbing style, that lingers in your head, and puts beats in your feet.

Mesmerised by the voice of friend and vocalist Andi Bracken; together they have set out on a journey to blow the dust off some of the great songs of the past.

From bangers to ballads, and anything in between, Burger Legs Joe featuring Andi’s first restomod collection is The Love and Happiness Set Part 1, a quantum leap into reimagined retro joy. “We want to uplift our audience, so we naturally gravitate towards songs we love, that do that for us.”

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