Daisy Spratt Releases Single ‘Green Eyes’

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"Daisy Spratt Releases Single ‘Green Eyes’"

Daisy’s new tunes are a perfect fit for Soundslikecafe and we are proud to be hosting them on our National Cafe Network.

Hailing from Phillip Island, Victoria, Daisy Spratt is a singer-songwriter with a flare for poetic lyrics and storytelling. Starting out writing love songs and country music, Daisy has pivoted into soul warming indie pop songs, that give you a glimpse into vulnerable times of her life, with songs like ‘Winter Coat’ and ‘Green Eyes’.

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She grew up in the United States as a child, where country music has influenced her sound, and she started writing songs in high school, of which she performed original works for her Graduation and Valedictory. Since releasing her first single, ‘Love Like That’ in 2016, she has performed at festivals, weddings, bars, and even in Nashville, Tennessee, and written songs with numerous producers and songwriters, including Rob Amoruso and John Capek. She is performing for the first time in Queensland, Australia, this October for the North Australian Festival of the Arts festival.

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Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Song For George Harrison’

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"Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Song For George Harrison’"

The second in Gareth’s dedication series and with a stunning review already live thanks to Big Take Over magazine in NYC.

“The song itself is a lustrous jaunt. clocking in around three and half minutes, the instrumental piece is acoustic, with strumming guitars and lithe bass keeping the beat. ” David Browne HERE

 The inspiration for Song for George Harrison was to channel and imagine the spirit of George and infuse Beatles DNA into the compositional process. The mood is an informal jam vibe, as if the studio producers are absent, but microphones are left on with tape rolling while George plays and improvises with friends.

 Gareth opens the track with George’s beloved instrument, the ukulele, supported by a keyboard mellotron sound subtly referencing a partial Beatles tune. The sitar Gareth plays is a vintage Sri Lankan instrument, played in reverse in some of the mixes, as a tribute to the spirit of experimentation of the 1960’s Abbey Rd Studios.

 The three mixes reference the evolution of 60’s mixing technology, with the Spectre Mix taking a deep dive into the massive and live ‘Wall of Sound’ aesthetic, faithfully recreated with period correct vintage studio and live equipment from the Beatles’ heyday.

About Gareth Koch
Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a sizeable repertory across multiple genres spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, rock & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Born in Milan, Gareth began his musical studies on piano and clarinet, and at age 12 was accepted into the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He received his Bachelor of Music degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before winning scholarships for advanced guitar study at The Royal Madrid Conservatorium & the Vienna Academy of Music. He holds a PhD in Music & has lectured in music across Australian & European universities.

In 2002 Gareth formed the first guitar supergroup with Karin Schaupp & The Grigoryan Brothers, Slava & Leonard. Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet soared to #1 on the Classical Music Charts and even featured on ARIA pop charts. The quartet released a total of 3 best-selling albums & was Australia’s biggest selling classical act for several years.

Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects & has released a succession of collaborative albums with Martin Kennedy & with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church). His recent release ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 star review from The Sydney Morning Herald. Gareth’s current output has a strong rock bias with classical overtones & his writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music.

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Fiona Joy Hawkins & Rebecca Daniel Release New Videos

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"Fiona Joy Hawkins & Rebecca Daniel Release New Videos"

So far, ‘Mountains Ablaze’, an EP of 4 songs and two music videos have been released leading up to the album release on July 26th.

Enchantment, the latest project from pianist Fiona Joy Hawkins and violinist Rebecca Daniel, follows in the musical footsteps of their previous collaborations. This time the duo pays homage to the great impressionist painters and composers. Throughout the album. works and track titles reference great artists like Satie, Monet, and Van Gogh. The music is impressionistic, beautiful and relaxing as if Debussy’s ghost was in the room.


See the Full One Sheet Here for all the new details
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/htbhbcpfu11c8uhpnyzof/Enchantment-OneSheet-v1.jpg?rlkey=ekv10ol3ybtkdimg1mza6tj5z&st=8shfi417&dl=0

NEW VIDEOS
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Kalen Hogan Releases New Single ‘Right There’

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"Kalen Hogan Releases New Single ‘Right There’"

‘Right There’ is a song about not knowing what you’ve got, until it’s almost ending or gone. Lyrically, the song highlights the tendency of people to lose focus on the passing of time in life and take for granted their surroundings and the people in them.  When writing the music, Kalen said the echo in the guitar created the sound of wistful yearning and encouraged his lyrics that followed.

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About Kalen

Kalen Hogan debuted onto the local Central Coast music scene in late 2022.  At age 17, Kalen proudly launched his debut album ‘Isolation’ in May of the following year. Keen to kick off the new year with new music, Kalen went into Damien Gerard studios to start work on a collection of new material. He released ‘On The Phone’ in April and has continued working on the other songs to keep a steady stream of new material coming out through the rest of 2024.

Kalen says he is inspired by the 1990’s grunge movement, with a real reverence for bands like Nirvana and describes himself as an alternative indie rock singer song writer. Kalen sings about the complexities of everyday life, with an open heart and keen observing eye. His pure vocal tone, with a moderately high pitch, may reflect why some tracks have been compared to Thom Yorke from Radiohead and the late Jeff Buckley.

You can catch Kalen live at various venues and events across the coast. ‘Right There’ is dropping on all the popular streaming platforms this June and stayed tuned for more singles throughout the year.

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Kaiyah Mercedes Releases Album ‘Trying To Hate You’

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"Kaiyah Mercedes Releases Album ‘Trying To Hate You’"

Soundslikecafe has been supporting Kaiyah since her early work and we are so proud to now present this truly excellent benchmark album and outstanding videos (and all at the age of 18)

With songs that resonate beyond their years, Kaiyah Mercedes brings you her sophomore album ‘Trying To Hate You’, a sonic and cinematic exploration of unrequited love and heartbreak. At the crossroads of creativity and self-discovery, the 18 year old LGBTQIA+ artist brings vibrant hues of indie pop through her authentic voice, while connecting with listeners to find solace in her melodies and truth in their lyrics.

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Diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 15, Kaiyah uses her songwriting to translate the world around them and draws sonic inspiration from an eclectic array of influences – from the introspective lyricism of Phoebe Bridgers to the infectious melodies of Soccer Mommy.

Music Video for ‘The End.’

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Music Video for ‘Trying To Hate You’

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CB Ghost Releases Single ‘Hold Down Hymn’

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"CB Ghost Releases Single ‘Hold Down Hymn’"

Three days before hitting Damien Gerard Studios to record his album CB extended a poem he had been working on into a song with instrumentation and a chorus. An ode to the ocean, a ballad only a true surfer could write.

In order to embrace the inevitable ‘hold-down’ surfers encounter, CB Ghost wrote a Celtic hymn to sing to himself, to keep him calm, under a wave, at the ocean’s mercy.

CB Ghost: ‘The ocean is a mighty teacher, and the song reflects surfing’s hazards as much as life’s. Sometimes you get beat down, nothing you can do about it, just roll with it and resurface.

This song has become my secret weapon to calm my mind when I’m in the ocean’s belly. I use it to count down from 10, but get to zero, still under, next stage, panic! Now I have Hold Down Hymn to keep me company, it works amazing’.

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CB Ghost is a songwriter with an honest simple folk-rock style that captures the essence of a complicated existence with singalong tunes and poetic lyrics and sometimes a banger beat.  CB Ghost has emerged from a close-nit coastal surfing village in Australia. His background provides him with a deep connection to toe tapping Celtic, country and straight-ahead heartfelt rock music mixed with salt water from the ocean.

A former pro surfer, CB Ghost is driven, bold and dedicated to his evolving sound and a deep love of blue-collar folk stories and sensibility – and most importantly playing live to crowds who love to drink, dance, sing and have fun.

Having recently toured Northern NSW and Queensland with Sydney band Pinky Ring, The Ghost is finding his feet live and now incorporating a full band at most shows (his solo shows are still a must see for that intimate intensity). His first single ‘Hollywood Hills’ was a wee glimpse into what’s to come.

The second single ‘Hold Down Hymn’ takes you to places you never want to go (namely under waves at the bottom of the ocean), lyrically, spooky and totally relatable. With its oceanic tempo the song sends you adrift with its simple melodic ambience and features a guitar solo that soothes the soul. The video clip, shot under the ocean is a visual accompaniment that adds to the salty surfers tale of near drowning.

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Gareth Koch Releases Album ‘French Medieval Journey’

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"Gareth Koch Releases Album ‘French Medieval Journey’"

A new style of song, whose themes were love and myth, rose to prominence in 11th-century Europe. The songs of the French Trouveres in particular dominated medieval music in Europe. These songs were performed by roaming scholars and footloose clerics who thronged the roads of the Middle Ages.

In French Medieval Journey, Gareth’s aim has been to create a new body of music for guitar, based on music from the 12th and 13th centuries. One of the recurring themes in French Medieval music is the recounting of myths and legends.

In setting this music for guitar the French trouvere melodies are used as a point of departure. The compositions however are completely original, yet retain the flavour and ambience of French medieval music. Gareth: ‘I have sought to reanimate some of the myths and legends in musical terms, leaving the imagery and symbolism to the discretion of the listener. Through the medium of music the listener is invited into a medieval dreamscape or otherworld.’

About Gareth Koch
Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning multi-instrumentalist, recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a sizeable repertory across multiple genres spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects, rock & songwriting. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.

Born in Milan, Gareth began his musical studies on piano and clarinet, and at age 12 was accepted into the Mozarteum in Salzburg. He received his Bachelor of Music degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music before winning  scholarships for advanced guitar study at The Royal Madrid Conservatorium & the Vienna Academy of Music. He holds a PhD in Music & has lectured in music across Australian & European universities.

In 2002 Gareth formed the first guitar supergroup with Karin Schaupp & The Grigoryan Brothers, Slava & Leonard. Saffire – The Australian Guitar Quartet soared to #1 on the Classical Music Charts and even featured on ARIA  pop charts. The quartet released a total of 3 best-selling albums & was Australia’s biggest selling classical act for several years.

Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects & has released a succession of collaborative albums with Martin Kennedy & with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church). His recent release ‘The Guitar Player’ received a coveted 5 star review from The Sydney Morning Herald. Gareth’s current output has a strong rock bias with classical overtones & his writing is increasingly focussed on the ethereal nature of music.

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Ryan Judd Releases Album ‘Closer To Home’

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"Ryan Judd Releases Album ‘Closer To Home’"

“It is so remarkable to find that exceptional artist that can create a totally unique musical “voice” as a guitarist. Ryan Judd is that artist.”

– Michael Whalen

Two-time Emmy® award-winning composer, recording artist and producer

‘Close to Home’ is Ryan’s latest album, characterized by music that is heartfelt, spacious, and ethereal. Drawing inspiration from deeply personal experiences of love, insight, and grief, Ryan’s delicate and moving nylon-string guitar playing creates a serene and contemplative soundscape. This album is an invitation to embrace peace, stillness, and reflection. GRAMMY®-nominated sound engineer Tom Eaton mixed and mastered the project ensuring that the artistry of this album has been superbly captured.

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Ryan Judd is a Billboard chart topping recording artist, award-winning musician, and internationally renowned music therapist. He is an accomplished fingerstyle guitarist dedicated to creating music that inspires peace and well-being. Ryan’s distinctive musical style on the nylon string guitar creates a warm and gentle soundscape for the listener. His influences include guitarists Michael Hedges and Will Ackerman, and has worked extensively with the GRAMMY®-nominated musician Tom Eaton to refine his sound.

 Ryan’s recordings have been streamed more than 380 million times. His music has been featured on editorial playlists such as Spotify’s Peaceful Guitar and Calming Acoustic, Pandora’s Meditation and Spa stations, and Amazon Music’s Relaxation and Spa Stations. Additionally, his tracks are played on SiriusXM’s Spa Station and Hawaiian Airlines’ Soothing Sounds channel. Ryan has also been featured on Hearts of Space, and his last two albums rank in the top 30 on Amazon’s Best Sellers in New Age Relaxation Music list.

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Matthew Labarge Releases Album ‘Psalms & Sutras’

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"Matthew Labarge Releases Album ‘Psalms & Sutras’"

Thousands of years ago some people wrote poems and music that became The Book of Psalms. That collection is today held sacred by followers of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Also thousands of years ago, other people wrote poems and music that became the Sutras that are held sacred by followers of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism. Just as one might expect, to read the Psalms and read the Sutras, we encounter some drastic and fascinatingly different experiences.

But as I did this late last year, I found myself more surprised by the similarities. While the outward details are often as disparate as could be, in both experiences we find ourselves in the company of people who are trying to live a better life and to best appreciate the life they have. They share with us hopes and fears, regrets and joys, what it is to live a day, what it is to live a year, and what they hope it is to live a life best.

Here are some of my reflections on these messages from those who came long before us.

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Matthew Labarge has released seven albums of solo piano music, eight albums of mixed instruments as Larkenlyre, and an album of pirate-themed lounge music as Cane Bay Cabaret. He works tirelessly in a tiny studio in Blacksburg, Virginia to bring you albums that unfold like a novel, are worth listening to carefully, and still yield new insights after many listens.

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Lune Ranger Releases Single ‘Blue Skies’

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"Lune Ranger Releases Single ‘Blue Skies’"

Where do you turn when love is lost but the connection lingers?
Come on a journey of healing in Lune Ranger’s heart-rending single, ‘Blue Skies’. The single combines his iconic soulful vocals with soaring guitar work.

“I probably wouldn’t be here without music. I create art, because I don’t think there’s anything else in the world… Anything else I’d rather do than music. ‘Blues Skies’ grew out of a series of heart aches. A number of people had disappeared from my life, and yet I still longed for them. I wondered where they were and what they would be experiencing. I wrote this song to release that feeling.” – Lune Ranger

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Based out of Mildura, Victoria, Lune Ranger is the solo project of the virtuoso front man and songwriter of Loose Bricks. Blue Skies showcases this songwriting powerhouse who has clocked up 6.8 million streams for Loose Bricks, sold out headline shows in Australia, featured on Triple J, and supported named acts like Coterie, DICE, and Hoodoo Gurus.

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