Alan Matthews Releases Album ‘Imagining’

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"Alan Matthews Releases Album ‘Imagining’"

Alan Matthews’ piano has always been about raw human emotion & abstract existential awareness, an inspiration from both heart & mind…his music has ‘gravitas’ as Will Ackerman has commented …now, he’s gone down the rabbit hole of his imagination to come up with a truly inspired, surreal musical journey into the ‘what if’… where the world is seen through child’s eyes… and one can hide in the sun… immersed in divine light… where standing still to dodge the clouds, now becomes forever… a place where wishes might come true… and life is just a dream…

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Alan Matthews first three piano albums were produced by Grammy winner & Windham Hill Founder Will Ackerman at Imaginary Road Studios in Vermont. The albums were co-produced and engineered by Grammy nominated musician Tom Eaton. The Ineffable (2017) earned Matthews’ a Best New Artist nomination by ZMR that year. From Denial’s End (2019), ‘A Thought of You’ aired on SiriusXM. All That I Can See (2022) received a Whisperings Album of the Year Honorable Mention. Will Ackerman said, “This record is one of the very best recordings I’ve heard in many years.”

Matthews’ next two albums, Seasons Change (2023) and Anonymous Moods (2024), were co-produced with Michael Silverman at Clayton Studios. Anonymous Moods was nominated for Album of the Year by solopiano.com. Ackerman said, “This is a masterpiece! Beauty, surprise… wonder and awe. What a joy!” Now, Alan Matthews continues his prolific artistic run with Imagining (2025), his fourth release in as many years.

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Fiona Joy Hawkins, Wivajoy Release Single ‘A Simple Christmas’

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"Fiona Joy Hawkins, Wivajoy Release Single ‘A Simple Christmas’"

A Simple Christmas is an original Singer/Songwriter piece with piano, vocal, guitar and rhythm. Written by Fiona Joy Hawkins and performed with Wivajoy, it’s about wanting to keep Christmas simple and about what is important: friendship, love… the simple things!

When life gets busy and consumerism takes over, it’s refreshing to focus on how we want to spend our time and what is important at Christmas. Coming together should be about people, friendships, family and not for material reasons. This song puts all those messages together and makes us want to sing, dance and be happy for what matters.

I’ve learned this year what I really want
Not things I own, but hearts that bond.

No shiny Boxes, no perfect pines
No silver bells, no shopping lines

A Simple Christmas this time….

Watch the Music Video Here

WIVAJOY is the alter-ego for an artist in the New Age world. Their music is a playground where the artist layers rhythmic electronica with melodic acoustic instrumentation. It’s sensual, it’s dream-like and it comes from another world.

Earlier in their career they won an award for Best Dance/Club/Dub but abandoned the pursuit of the genre so as not to confuse their acoustic New Age audience. After countless pleas from fans, they are now back recording chill music and as ‘Wivajoy’ feeling free to explore this pursuit further.

Wivajoy’s keyboard, vocals and arrangements are influenced by the need to layer rhythm and synth together with acoustic parts. Their acoustic career highlights include having a song on a Grammy winning album as well as being a finalist or winning over 50 awards world wide including IMA, IAMA, MusicOZ, ARIA Finalist and more.

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Kalen Hogan Releases Single ‘Ratio’

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"Kalen Hogan Releases Single ‘Ratio’"

My track Ratio is about the frustration of being controlled, betrayed, or constantly hit with other people’s negative emotions until you snap. It speaks to anyone who’s ever felt trapped in conversations or arguments where their voice doesn’t matter. The song channels the anger and tension that builds when you hold back how you really feel, bottling it up instead of lashing out, even though the pressure keeps rising. The word ratio reflects the emotional weight and imbalance of these situations, where you’re pushed past your limit. With heavy lyrics and raw emotion, this track is a release of that aggression, a grudge that refuses to stay quiet.

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Kalen Hogan debuted onto the local Central Coast music scene in late 2022. Kalen quickly captivated audiences through his evocative songwriting and unique sound. Kalen’s beginnings reached an early milestone with the release of his first album, Isolation, in May 2023, at just 17 years of age.

Exploring themes of introspection and the human experience, Isolation embodies the solitude experienced during its creation amidst pandemic lockdowns. Songs such as “It’s you” and “Stoned and Cold” highlight Kalen’s talent for merging melancholic lyrics with engaging melodies. His pure vocal quality has drawn parallels to Thom Yorke of Radiohead and the late Jeff Buckley, while his musical style pays tribute to the 1990s grunge era, reflecting influences from bands like Nirvana and Alice in Chains.

In 2024, Kalen continued to expand his music, releasing three singles that solidified his reputation as creative songwriter. “On the Phone,” released in April, singing of a culture engrossed in dating apps and disconnected individuals. The June 2024 release, “Right There,” contemplates the transient nature of time and the human inclination to take the present for granted until it has passed. Following this, November 2024’s “Mindless” courageously delves into the complexities of mental illness.

Kalen released Love Is Out, the first of some new recordings, in September. Ratio is the follow up with more from those sessions to be released in the new year. Coupled with his growing live presence, this prolific young songwriter is an emerging talent that is certainly worth watching out for. You can catch Kalen performing live at varying venues and events across Australia.

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The DK Effect Release Single ‘Moth To The Flame’

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"The DK Effect Release Single ‘Moth To The Flame’"

‘Moth to the Flame’ started out as a playful look at how basic human needs like love, faith, and desire are often exploited for profit. But more recently, with the rise of data tracking, algorithms, and social media we’re now experiencing how these ‘tools of influence’ can shape how people think, encourage certain beliefs and behaviours, and stir up fear and anger, especially in those who feel ignored or misunderstood. So, what began as a light dig at sex and religion now reflects on a slightly darker world.

‘Moth’ was the first track we recorded at Frying Pan Studio in MONA – the Museum of Old and New Art – in Tasmania. It’s become our trusted warm-up and soundcheck song, thanks to its familiar groove and the generous sonic space it offers for improvisation and creative play.

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The DK Effect are an original 9-piece soul, funk and RnB band known for their four powerhouse vocalists, rich storytelling, melodic harmonies, and the passionate, polyrhythmic ‘call and response’ vocal synchronicity inspired by gospel music.

Their debut album, ‘Moving Time’, showcased their diverse repertoire. The album spent two months in the TOP 10 of the Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Charts.

Recording at the iconic Frying Pan Studio was a unique and amazing experience for the band. The studio offers stunning views of Berriedale Bay and Kunanyi (Mount Wellington), creating a relaxing and inspiring environment. There is a viewing window into the studio, allowing museum visitors to watch and listen (via headphones) to the recording process. For the band, it was fun being an ‘exhibition / performance artist’ during the recording process – almost like a live recording.

The band has performed at numerous Tasmanian venues such as MONA (Museum of Old and New Art), Altar, The Moonah Arts Centre, Kickstart Arts, Salamanca Arts Centre, The Clarence Jazz Festival, The Playhouse Theatre, The Taste of Tasmania Festival, Rektango, the Uni Bar, Street Eats Franko, and the Republic Bar.

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Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Song For Enya’

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"Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘Song For Enya’"

Song for Enya by Gareth Koch pays tribute to the artist Enya, emulating the ethereal & Celtic quality of her music. The track creates a spacious & dreamlike atmosphere with layered guitars & keyboard. The style of Gareth’s instrumentation is intended as a homage to Enya’s use of multi vocals & gentle rhythms in her compositions. As with Enya’s work, Song for Enya sits at the intersection of New Age & Ambient Pop.

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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Monster Taxi Releases Single ‘Japanese Onsen’

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"Monster Taxi Releases Single ‘Japanese Onsen’"

Official Music Video

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 “Elusive yet captivating, Japanese Onsen draws you gently into the depths of your emotions, each encounter awakening a different place, a different moment in time. The video unfolds like a dream—capturing and savoring fleeting beauty, and caressing your spirit with the serene warmth of a Japanese hot spring.”

Bill Kelly, Founder of the Winter Music Conference

Japanese Onsen by Monster Taxi – the brainchild of Miami composer, producer, and musician Jason Klein, immerses listeners in a sonic journey shaped by a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Japan with his son. From the serene rhythm of Kinosaki’s hot spring villages to the timeless grace of Kyoto’s shrines and temples, the piece reflects the harmony of Japan’s landscapes where tradition and tranquility meet. A soundtrack echoing steaming onsens, hillside vistas, and the artistry of Kaiseki meals, the song captures the essence of discovery beyond Tokyo and Osaka’s vibrant bustle. This evocative composition pays homage to a father and son’s shared adventure, a memory etched into melody, forever calling them back to Japan’s spirit of renewal.

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Miami-based music producer and keyboard player Jason Klein, aka Monster Taxi, has licensed and created music on several major and indie labels, including Ministry of Sound, Universal, Sony, and Fania, to name a few. His originals and remixes have been played on the radio and have been charted on Billboard, DJ Times, and others. Through BMG Records, he recreated pop and dance versions of disco band Foxy’s Get Off and took masters of Cuban classic artist Beny More, turning his music into current pop and dance. In addition to electronic dance music, Jason (Monster Taxi) is heavily inspired by artists such as Vangelis, Air, Massive Attack, Khruangbin, Radiohead, and Lana Del Rey. He is currently composing several Trip Hop, New Age, Downtempo, and Cinematic songs, of which two, Reflect and Field of Dreams, are in heavy rotation on Sirius XM’s SPA Channel and other radio and streaming programming. He has more than 1.8 million streams on Spotify and over 115 playlists in the chill, new age, trip hop, and deep house genres.

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Jack Nolan Releases Single ‘Extraordinary’

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"Jack Nolan Releases Single ‘Extraordinary’"

Jack Nolan’s “Extraordinary” is a poignant reflection on a cherished, absent individual, born from lingering affection and regret. It explores unfulfilled plans and enduring memories. The song originated from an accomplished finger-picking guitar part, which then inspired an impeccable orchestral arrangement and a haunting piano melody, crafting a powerful statement. Recorded at Nashville’s Curb Studios with producer Justin Weaver, the process captured its raw vulnerability and sophisticated musicality. “Extraordinary” stands as a timeless masterclass in songwriting, showcasing Nolan’s signature ambiguous storytelling and universal themes of love, loss, and connection.

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Jack Nolan was thinking, of that first moment, when songwriting suddenly felt possible, when the penny dropped. “In my mid-teens, sitting alone on my bed, acoustic guitar in hand, trying to get it all happening, when I realised – these greats I love, Dylan, Bowie, Pink Floyd et al are playing all the same chords I’m playing” he says nostalgically “I could do this too – It was one of those split seconds that can alter your life, floored by the possibilities, the potential of music.”

On Nolan’s new album, The Lonely Petunia, he went to find that boy again, to honour that moment, that subliminal decision with his acoustic guitar.

Recorded in Nashville, “The Lonely Petunia” marks the eighth solo album by the Sydneysider. This intimate acoustic journey showcases the artist’s signature lyrical depth. Lush strings and piano add depth and character to Jack’s trademark storytelling. The album was produced by Justin Weaver, an American musician and producer celebrated for his collaborations with, amongst others, Wynona Judd and The Chicks. Nolan describes Weaver as a musical comrade, highlighting the great working partnership that spans over five albums.

Based in Sydney, Jack has been performing and releasing music and albums since the mid-1990s. In addition to an eight-album solo catalogue, Jack also fronted the Kelly Gang, alongside Rick Grossman, bassist for the Divinyls and Hoodoo Gurus, and Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst and guitarist Martin Rotsey. Their 2004 album, “Looking for the Sun,” remains a hidden gem, featuring an incredible lineup of musicians that delivered passionate and energetic live performances of the time.

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The Stomp’n Ramblers Release Single ‘Kick’n Stones’

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"The Stomp’n Ramblers Release Single ‘Kick’n Stones’"

Kick’n Stones marks the third release from the Stomp’n Ramblers’ debut album. Riding a smooth, bluesy stomp, the track weaves together harmonica & slide guitar with its reflective message.  A reminder that holding onto the past can weigh us down, and sometimes, the only way forward is to let go.

Quote “There’s always that one song that shows up just before you record an album — and you have to make the decision to let something else go. This was that song. We just had a solid session where things came together naturally, and we were feeling pretty positive. The lyrics came from a chance meeting years ago Stoney had with a guy in Brazil – when asked what he’d been up to, replied, ‘Not much, just kick’n stones’ – that simple phrase stuck, and it ended up fitting perfectly with feel of this track.”

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The Stomp’n Ramblers is Owen Mancell on slide guitar/stomp box/vocals and Ryan Stone on harmonica. With a sound steeped in the raw spirit of Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee, they draw influences from The Backsliders, RL Burnside and Muddy Waters to deliver an eclectic blend of vintage blues with contemporary storytelling.

Owen’s soulful voice brings a deep emotional edge to their music, carrying the weight and warmth of old-school blues with every note. Paired with Ryan’s electrifying harmonica work, the duo channels a sound that feels timeless and unique.

As seasoned performers on the live circuit, The Stomp’n Ramblers have shared stages with acclaimed acts like Sons of the East, 19 Twenty, and Nathan Cavaleri.

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The Sheyana Band Release Single ‘Forth Valley Blues’

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"The Sheyana Band Release Single ‘Forth Valley Blues’"

Nestled by the bridge over Forth River, the iconic Forth Valley Blues Festival was born in 1997 in a picturesque little town called Forth on the North West Coast of Tasmania. It came into being due to a growing popularity for blues bands drawing huge crowds at The Forth Pub.

Forth Valley Blues Festival saw a local community working together to create an opportunity for local talent to share the stage with Australian & International legends. Having been invited to perform at the festival on 4 separate occasions the inspiration for this track came from the joy, the journey this exciting community event.

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The Sheyana Band fuse Aussie Rhythm, Soul & Rock, Southern Country Pop, Americana inspired Roots & Blues with edgy Funk ’n’ Groove. Together they deliver passion, powerhouse vocals and brilliant musicianship, showcasing an extensive repertoire of golden hits and award winning originals. From the moment you hear the first song from the Sheyana Band, you will be impressed. This talented band, influenced by the classics, draw inspiration from their deep Tasmanian roots.

London born, Tasmanian based, singer-songwriter Sheyana has been hooked on music since her early childhood. The soulful Celtic/Sri Lankan storyteller is perfectly complimented by her stellar band, featuring Tassie’s finest musicians, with respected guitarist/vocalist Wayne Rand, seasoned, rock solid bassist Dan  Jeffrey, and the mighty Leigh Hill on drums/vocals.

The Sheyana Band was honoured with the prestigious 2018 Chris Wilson Award for ‘Emerging Act of the Year’ from the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society. Sheyana’s songwriting has scored national and international awards and previous and current singles have reached top 10 on the charts on YESFM Sri Lanka radio in 2015 & 2023.

Receiving national & international recognition & airplay, their captivating live shows have seen them share the stage with Australia’s finest including Mark Seymour & The Undertow, Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks, Joe Camelleri & The Black Sorrows, Deborah Conway, Hoodoo Gurus, Neil Finn, Meg Mac, Superjesus, Mojo Juju, Gang of Youths, Diesel, Renee Geyer, The Angels, Kevin Borich, Ian Moss, Bill Chambers & Fanny Lumsden.

October 2024 saw the band do an extensive tour of Sri Lanka and 2025 is looking very exciting with many Australian Festival performances in 2025/2026 already booked.

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