CJ Shaw releases new album All Sorts

September 17, 2021 Leave a comment

Soundslikecafe presents All Sorts – the latest album from ARIA nominated educator and musician CJ Shaw.

Since ‘ANZAC Biscuits’ gained over 30,000 views on social media in 2019, and an ARIA nomination for Music Teacher of the Year, CJ has been busily recording this album. The collection of ten songs affirms Shaw’s position as a creative and dynamic storytelling songwriter for children and adults.

Having spent over twenty years as a songwriter and performer, ‘All Sorts’ draws on the catalogue that Shaw has been performing at folk clubs and festivals. It is an album for the modern eclectic times, containing poignant storytelling, songs of fatherhood, hip-hop, satire and traditional folk. “I wanted an album that could connect people of different ages,” states CJ, “Everyone should be able to enjoy the music”.

‘Terminator Shades’ is Shaw’s hip hop ode to primary school playgrounds and the chaos and characters that it presents. As a teacher Shaw wrote the song to draw his students into the world of hip hop and show the validity of their own experiences in song. “There’s no point in them singing about fast cars in Las Vegas”, says Shaw, “The students have embraced the song and challenge each other to see who can rap the fastest.”

Shaw collected some excellent players to help with the recording. The line-up includes: Allyson Newman who brings her emotive arrangement to the song ‘Lonely Road’ and features Canberra Symphony Orchestra players Steven Fitzgerald, Alex Voorhoeve and Timothy Wickham bringing depth and precision to the record.

A collection of the best songs in CJ Shaw’s repertoire, ‘All Sorts’ is brimming with life and vitality, drawing in audiences of all ages. Dubbed the ‘ultimate family album’ for a reason, ‘All Sorts’ is destined to be a family favourite on long car trips in the foreseeable future.

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.

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 – All Sorts is out NOW September 17th through Foghorn/MGM

Download or stream:

Connect with CJ Shaw:

GARETH KOCH RELEASES THE ELIZABETHAN JANGLE EP

September 3, 2021 Leave a comment

GARETH KOCH RELEASES THE ELIZABETHAN JANGLE EP

Release Date: September 3rd (Foghorn/MGM) Digital Platforms
and CD in Store.
Genre- World/Classical

Imagine music from the time of Shakespeare colliding with the Byrds & the 60’s jangle of 12-string guitars. A fanciful scenario, yet one of the many wonders art & music can perform.

During the reign of Elizabeth I the lute was the king of instruments. Its chief exponent, John Dowland, was England’s star musician. He wrote music for Shakespeare’s plays & was lauded across Europe.

Fast forward some 400 years to classically-trained Gareth Koch who re-contextualises Elizabethan music in a contemporary framework. The lutes are replaced by flamenco, classical & steel-string guitars, while the viols give way to Hofner & Rickenbacker basses.

This brand new musical endeavour embraces both informed historical performance practise & pop sensibilities. Add to this an over-arching aesthetic derived from shimmering guitar pop & we have a new sound, the sound of Elizabethan Jangle.

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a diverse repertory across multiple albums spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.
Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects. Over the past two years he has released two collaborative albums with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church). Earlier this year a third collaboration with Steve saw the release of double album ‘The Hall of Counterfeits’.

Song Descriptions
Can She Excuse
The opening track to this fascinating step back in time to the world of troubadours and courtiers and palace commissioned concerts. Koch’s mastery of the Classical Guitar is augmented by his skills at percussion and arrangement to create a world music element as well.

The Hags of Gloucester
The title alone is intriguing and sure enough the track doesn’t disappoint with soaring peaks of guitar arpeggios and subtle percussion and jangling backing guitars.

Praetorian Jangle
Maybe if classical guitar had been around in Roman times you would have heard this in Caesar’s court or in The Forum. With a bit of a military backbeat and some other percussion the guitars layered on top tell the whole story.

Fun Fact
The unique original oil portrait was painted by Steve Kilbey.

Elizabethan Jangle is OUT TODAY September 3rd – via MGM
All DSP’s and CD’s from official store below

Connect with Gareth Koch:

CJ Shaw releases new single Adelaide from upcoming album

August 20, 2021 Leave a comment

Adelaide
Just added to our playlist here is CJ Shaw.

Acoustic Folk Australian best describes this song which has elements of Slim Dusty and Aussie folk such as The Hussy Hicks and The Beggars. Checkout the video premiere courtesy of 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.

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

Jessie-May Kitchen releases new single Quirky

July 30, 2021 Leave a comment

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:

Mark Cashin releases new single The Genius

July 30, 2021 Leave a comment

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:

Gareth Koch Releases New Solo Album ‘Saladin’s Dream’

July 9, 2021 Leave a comment

Soundslikecafe is proud to present this brilliant new Instrumental World Music/Classical album as our latest feature release

On his new solo project, ‘Saladin’s Dream’, Gareth explores the fanciful notion of Saladin’s dreamworld – his unconscious desires and wishes.  Saladin (1137-1193) was a warrior/sultan & ruler of Egypt, best known for his war against Christian Crusaders and the capture of Jerusalem.
Dreams and their significance in waking life are an enduring source of mystery.  On this album Saladin is visited nightly by ancient gods, bringing with them their harps & music of the underworld.  He then spirals into the mayhem of dark assignations with a succubus before veering into the chaos of an Egyptian bazaar. In his free-flowing dreams Saladin embarks on a surreal journey into the future, encountering Macbeth’s witches and their cats.
The album meanders effortlessly through a landscape of goatherds, ancient cities and other worlds.  Saladin’s Dream can be seen as a synthesis of Gareth’s musical journeys, ranging from classical, flamenco, medieval, folk & rock, flowing seamlessly into the realm of free experimentation & creativity.

Tracklist

Song Descriptions
Bazaar
This soundscape like track takes you to the Middle Eastern Markets of The Silk Road in ancient times. With oud’s, guitars, hand percussion, even some calls to prayer like wailing this truly evokes a time and place – think The Arabian Knights put to music.

Saladin’s Dream
The title track to this new album by Gareth Koch, exactly half down the track order it creates a neat bridge from some of the more eastern sounds into what we may term more classical ones. Some beautiful guitar melodies layered onto backing that includes resonating vocal textures.

The Nefarious Goatherd
Belying the tongue in cheek title this song moves along at a good pace and includes some solid bass and low-end percussion that keeps up the pace nicely. With similar instrumentation to the album – background vocal layers, stringed instruments over the bass and percussion elements.

Saladin’s Dream is OUT TODAY July 9th – via MGM
All DSP’s and CD’s from

Connect with Gareth Koch:

Margaret Anne and the Rock It Man release their debut album Soul Laid Bare

July 1, 2021 Leave a comment

The debut album ‘Soul Laid Bare’ is released today following a series of singles, sold out launch and various radio spots including Todays Country.

The album 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.

Having always had a natural affinity for music, Margaret Anne started playing classical piano as a child before traveling to the far reaches of Tibet and Asia, South and North America, Africa, and Europe.

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

Thirty Three Degrees release first full Album

June 10, 2021 Leave a comment

Central Coast Band Thirty Three Degrees Release their debut Album and play Launch Shows

New Reviews:

Thirty Three Degrees Self-Titled Debut Album Epitomizes Cutting-Edge Artistry

Thirty Three Degrees – Thirty Three Degrees (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

Thirty Three Degrees release their debut album

Friday 16th July: The Servo Wollongong:
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/thirty-three-degrees-wthe-huneez-chance-magnetic-the-servo-tickets-155764121681

Saturday 17th July: The Basement Canberra:

thebasementcanberra.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/a3af7588-bc68-446a-92c9-55a71513a664

Thirty Three Degrees’ self-titled debut album never had a real theme planned, but came together as the songs took shape over a period of time. The band views the songs as seeming to split into two as some of the songs are older than others.
One half is all about emotions and love, whether that be in conflict or happiness in songs like Bleed, Place In The Sun, The Key and No Illusions, then moving into the newer songs delving into current situations in the world. Reflecting on how we all react differently according to how those situations are portrayed to us on an information highway, both overloading and dividing us.
The music itself contains some strong grooves, rootsy slide driven rock with some blues undertones.
The album was recorded at Damien Gerard studios over 3 days, laying down twelve live recorded tracks and then adding guitar overdubs, vocals and mixing. The band eventually settled on a 9 track album as the best representation of their work.

Tracklist

Thirty Three Degrees are an original rock band with a strong groove and some rootsy vibes, from the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

After a brief hiatus from the music scene, Shane decided to re-enter the music world and search for like-minded musicians to write and perform with. At this same time, Chris was re-entering Australia from Los Angeles with the same goal. Thanks to musician classifieds on social media, the two met up and at the end of January 2020, Shane Romeyn and Chris Roberts formed the band.

The good vibes and good songs flowed out immediately. Due to COVID-19 gigs were off the table for the most part, so with the temporary assistance and amazing bass work of Chris’ brother Mike, the band decided to instead enter the studio and recorded their debut album.

Since then the band has brought on a full-time bass player, Andrew, to complete the trio and they are
continuing to pump out song after song and rehearse for future gigs.

Stream the album here (Foghorn/MGM) :

Connect with Thirty Three Degrees:

Space Engineer releases album Memory Trip

May 28, 2021 Leave a comment

Great new feature album to check out

Space Engineer is the alter ego of Sydney based song-writer Terry Lyndon, and sees him writing melodic, uplifting indie guitar pop songs for the modern condition.

Terry grew up in Tweed Heads, before moving to Canberra, where he formed bands Mae West, Magic Roundabout and Glowspire (with Matthew Winter, now with Zed Penguin). Moving to Sydney, he formed Submarine with Paul Read (formally Chosen Few). After leaving the scene for a time, a chance meeting with Piri Rutherford (Easy Beats Radio,Isola Beats) inspired him to continue his song writing releasing ‘Radio Station in my Head’ album on bandcamp.

Space Engineer is his recording duo featuring producer and musician Mike Caen. Terry says “With Mike, who is an amazing all round muso, I can realise my songs full potentials. I’m able to indulge in my experiments and musical ideas”.

The sound of Space Engineer is highly melodic, Indie, pop, rock. Terry’s influences are The Beatles, Velvets, The Smiths and Go Betweens. Many have described the Space Engineer sound as a cross between The Beatles and The Beach Boys. The guys are quite ok with that comparison, have a listen to the irresistible melodies of Space Engineer.

THE ALBUM IS OUT TODAY FRIDAY 28th MAY ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS
Radio/Media

Clink on the album below to Stream/Download from your preferred service:

Connect with Space Engineer:

The Blind Pilots release their first full album ‘All Kinds of Crazy’

May 18, 2021 Leave a comment

All Kinds of Crazy is the first full length album for The Blind Pilots. The band spent months working up these songs with many of them tested and refined during their many live shows.

The album was recorded in July of last year, in between the gaps of isolation during the Covid pandemic. ARIA award winning producer – Govinda Doyle engineered the project with the band in his studio on the Northern Rivers of NSW.

Years of gigs and similar musical influences mean that the band meld together: Blues, Stoner Rock and remanences of 90’s riffage together to get their point across. Drawing from their more recent experiences, everything from social perceptions, loosing mates, the band found inspiration from ‘All Kinds of Crazy’. The unexpected became the topics that allowed them to bond together creatively to deliver an exceptional album.

The Blind Pilots are:
Owen Mancell – Guitar/Vox
Matt Hough – Drums
Ryan Stone – Harmonica
Daniel Chamberlan – Bass

The Blind Pilots strive for the ‘magic moments’ and serve it up with plenty of dirty slide guitar and foot stompin’ harmonica riffs. The four friends have known each other from previous successful bands playing gigs up and down the East Coast. All grew up listening to the same music and share common influences of artists who had something to say – Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Van Morrison and well – you can guess the rest.

After seeing each other play, a mutual friend conjured a plan to get them together at the same time in the same rehearsal room. A few late-night jams, many entertaining stories and a full fridge, The Blind Pilots was ignited. They released an EP in 2019 that saw them feature on the Australian Blues Charts and led to appearances at The Byron Bay Blues Festival, Woodford Folk, Festival Of the Sun and Echuca Blues with loads of pub shows in between.

The Blind Pilots produce an energetic live show full of intense commitment – whilst still maintaining a laid back vibe for all to enjoy.

Song Descriptions:
All Kinds Of Crazy
This title track really sets the scene for what’s to come. Expertly executed rocking blues, not unlike ZZ Top and other southern blues bands. These guys are seasoned live players and the track comes together with the classic bass, drums, slide guitars, blues harp and powerful vocal delivery.

Mood Of The Dude
Another catchy up-tempo rocking guitar blues tune, this one really sits in the groove, and is capped off by the great guitar and blues harp riffing these guys do so well.

Probably Think Of You
A catchy slide guitar riff and drum pattern introduce another up-tempo foot tapper. By the time the harp, vocals, bass and more guitars come in this one has you hooked – just like the whole album – a great offering from this rocking blues line up.

Stream:

Connect with The Blind Pilots:

SoundsLike Cafe

Cafe Music Delivered for Free

SoundsLike Cafe

Cafe Music Delivered for Free

Category: Featured Albums

CJ Shaw releases new album All Sorts

GARETH KOCH RELEASES THE ELIZABETHAN JANGLE EP

CJ Shaw releases new single Adelaide from upcoming album

Jessie-May Kitchen releases new single Quirky

Mark Cashin releases new single The Genius

Gareth Koch Releases New Solo Album ‘Saladin’s Dream’

Margaret Anne and the Rock It Man release their debut album Soul Laid Bare

Thirty Three Degrees release first full Album

Space Engineer releases album Memory Trip

The Blind Pilots release their first full album ‘All Kinds of Crazy’

Listen to Sounds Like Cafe

Facebook

Featured Video