13-Year-Old Guitar Prodigy JayBird Byrne Releases Single ‘Pups At Work’

July 7, 2023

Following her debut on ABC TV last month on the 100 Instruments Countdown featuring in the Electric Guitar section with her own interview and live performance Jaybird Byrne now releases the single ‘Pups At Work’ a guitar instrumental drawing on her extreme talent and the many high pedigree influences she draws on.

JayBird Byrne, a 12-year-old guitarist, has been captivating audiences with her extraordinary talent since she started playing the guitar at the age of 8.

A recent shoutout from another young Australian guitar prodigy Taj Farrant has helped to boost her profile even further.

Drawing inspiration from legendary guitar virtuosos like Eddie Van Halen, Randy Rhoads, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani, JayBird has developed a unique style that showcases her admiration for these influential figures.

Her debut single, titled ‘Convergence’, received widespread acclaim, earning her the prestigious First Prize with Honours at the International Youth Music Competition in the Modern & Contemporary Category. The judges praised her composition, describing it as “impressive work at such a young age”. They also commented on the excellent balance of instrumentation and texture, and highlighted her remarkable precision and mastery of the guitar.

Despite her tender age, JayBird delivers performances with an intensity and spirit that surpass her years. In 2022, she secured the coveted title of ‘Best Guitarist’ at the RockFEST competition, leaving the judges astounded. They hailed her performance as “fantastic” and an absolute showstopper, acknowledging her incredible energy and mind-blowing level of ability.

JayBird Byrne is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, and her musical journey is poised to captivate audiences worldwide.

Song Description

JayBird – ‘Pups at Work is all of my dog training experiences expressed as an instrumental rock guitar song. The song’s progressive rock feel represents the training and unpredictability of the ‘pups at work’. According to my pup, it is: Dog training, but on my human’s guitar.’

This up-tempo electric guitar instrumental with full band backing comes right out of the box from the start and never lets up. Think Joe Satriani meets Hendrix but then add that JayBird is 12 years old, and you get the ‘wow’ factor. This girl is one to watch.

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Vanleer & Co. Release Single ‘I Still Think Of You’

June 30, 2023

“I Still Think Of You” is a song that pulls at the heart strings of anyone having any kind of dysfunctional relationship. Whether it is with a spouse, a child, a sibling or even a long term friendship. “I Still Think Of You” was inspired by one of my children and the events surrounding the life choices they were making. This composition is my expression of my love and perhaps they will hear it and come to realise how much I have loved them all along.

The second single from Vanleer & Co features full Americana style band backing and lush female backing vocals. Duncan Toombs on guitar, Kayne Butler on drums, Andrew Beck on bass and engineer. The song is mid-tempo and along with the sentiment in the lyric has some catchy and tasteful electric guitar which lifts the tune perfectly.

William is a singer/songwriter based on the beautiful Central Coast of NSW. Originally from rural NSW, he was born the son of a coal miner who also played in a country band. His passion for music began early with his father teaching him to play guitar.

Since then he has performed for a variety of charity events held by the NSWRFS and Land Care organisations, as well as countless open mics along with band support roles in and around the Central Coast.

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Peter Sterling Releases Mystic Voyager Album

June 1, 2023

PETER STERLING

Mystic Voyager

Soundslikecafe are proud to add Nightwind to our playlist lifted from Peter’s new album just out today – just one of the many outstanding pieces – read all about it and listen below.

Calling his 16^thalbum “my most ambitious and creative work to date,” Peter Sterling’s Mystic Voyager is a remarkable, genre-transcendent collection that finds the veteran award-winning harpist delving deeply into his longstanding passions for ethereal new age, contemporary instrumental/smooth jazz and global fusion music, its nine compositions serving as a reflection of his multi-faceted life journey, multitude of world travels and the inspirational people he has met along the way.

Driven by the longtime Sedona, AZ resident and spiritual sojourner’s largest recording ensemble ever, the serene yet soulful, gently grooving collection’s unique title speaks to the many mystical, otherworldly experiences that have guided his impactful, ever-beautifying life and career since he first felt the presence of angels answering a prayer on how to fulfill his life’s purpose some thirty years ago. Mystic Voyagerincludes contributions from #1 Billboard charting guitarist Steve Oliver, Grammy winning pianist Darlene Koldenhoven, Grammy nominated Renaissance flute player David Young, vocalists Chianne, Seay and Nina Starsong and Richard Hardy (flute and sax).

Mystic Voyagerincludes the previously released single “The Long Cold Winter,” a haunting, lyrical, accordion laced and largely improvisational piece whose powerful and distinct Eastern European feel sparked Peter’s visual imagination, leading him to collaborate with Sara Pozin, a 20something, award winning Slovenian animator to create a video tribute to the brave people of Ukraine as they continue to struggle and survive the 2022 Russian invasion. The video featuring Pozin’s compelling minimalist, foreboding artwork has won multiple awards at prominent international film festivals.

Success came quickly for Peter, when the music label “World Disc” released his first album Harp Magic which was nominated in 1994 for NAIRD’s (now A2IM) Best String Album Award. In 2004 Sterling’s album Hap Dreams sat at the top of New Age Radio’s Top 100 for 8 weeks and garnered an Album of the Year nomination. In 2005 peter signed on with renowned new age music label Real Music to release his Shadow,Mist and Light cd. Peter’s self released 2008 effort The Sands of Time earned a nomination for a Hollywood Music Award for Best New Age Album. His 2012 release Patterns of Reflection soared to #1 on the ZMR 100 International Radio chart, also grabbing a nomination for Album of the Year. The very next year his album Twilight Serenade ascended to the #1 position on the ZMR Chart, while the track entitled “Isle of Light” earned a Bronze medal in the Global Music Awards for 2016. And his 2017 CD Sacred Visions went to #3 on the ZMR and won a Silver Global Music Award. In 2021 Peters album Sanctuary of Light won the Hollywood Music in Media Award for Best New Age Albums as well as the COVR Silver Visionary Music Award. In 2022 Peters album The Winding Way won Gold in the COVR Visionary Music Awards for Best New Age Album.

A favorite on Internet radio such as Pandora, Sirius, XM Satellite, and Soundscapes Radio as well as United and American airlines, Peter’s angelic music will continue to reach the masses, heal lives, balance brains, open hearts, and connect people to their innate spiritual essence.

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Jessie-May K Releases Album ‘Rising Sun’

May 25, 2023

Jessie’s first full length album is a triumph over childhood hardship – she explains below

Since escaping, recovering and healing from some childhood traumas, I’m finally experiencing a life where I’m free to live & not just survive. My whole world has opened up! The sun has finally shone through, I can explore people and places freely and breathe life in! Something I never had the chance to do as a child.

The first 18 years of my life were focused on surviving constant anxiety. It bubbled in my chest and body, it was like I hadn’t a second to take a breath. After escaping this situation, my brain and body shut down for a year like never before. My mental health had never been worse. The physicality of my depression & trauma hit me like a tonne of bricks. My mind and body were completely and rightfully exhausted.

I’ve grown the most, tried the most and felt the most free than ever in my life. I’ve met friends who have shown me levels of kindness and support I’d never experienced before and who help me remember life is worth living. I’m at a stage in my life where I’m younger now, a phoenix, regenerated, a Rising Sun. I’m still eclectic as a creator, but with this album I feel like I’ve really found my sound and one that expresses who I am inside.

There are so many people I couldn’t have made this album without! Artists I’ve collaborated with such as Brandon Macmillan, Jordan Ellery and the extraordinarily talented Dave Hunt. My wonderful sound engineers who do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to these projects: Andrew Beck, Olivia RA, Murray Dilger & Russell Pilling and my Vocal Coach Joanne McMahon.

Jessie-May K is a young Singer, Songwriter, Director, Actor & Artist. Most successful as an internet personality, Jessie has released four singles and a collection of episodic works that accompanied their 5 track EP Zone Out (2020).

Originally trained in Musical Theatre, Jessie transferred to music when they were 16, teaching themselves guitar from YouTube to elevate their musical career, as they had been writing songs with lyrics and melody since they were 5 years old.

Jessie is passionate about social justice and activism, often releasing music about movements that are important to them, raising awareness and sharing donation links in the hopes it will make a difference. Jessie is Neurodivergent and was born with ASD, ADHD, OCD and developed PTSD as a result of their early hardships and extreme childhood trauma. Jessie believes that the world thrives on diversity and that benign individuality is something to be celebrated and not feared.

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Kalen Hogan Releases Debut Album ‘Isolation’

May 4, 2023

17-year-old Central Coast local, Kalen Hogan, releases his debut album ‘Isolation’.

Recorded at Damien Gerard Studios with producer Andrew Beck and Kayne Butler on drums, the album highlights this young musician’s talent for creating catchy melodies. Still in his last year at school the album has a youthful appeal. The thoughtful and sometimes melancholy lyrics highlight Kalen’s sensitivity to everyday events and life’s universal themes.

From the initial single born from the pandemic lockdowns, the songs transition through: relationships left behind; feeling alienated or lost; realising the finite time you have with those you love; and understanding your outlook is only relevant to your perspective.

The album ‘Isolation’ was initially created in a time of forced introspective thinking. Skilfully, the tracks are matched with some soul-searching guitar solos that echo the intensity of the lyrics. Tracks like ‘Beliefs’ and ‘Not Even A Friend’ are songs that fight back with some big drums and up beat spicy guitar chords.

The dissonant harmonies and chord progressions on the album are a subtle nod to Kalen’s respect for the 1990’s Seattle Grunge scene. The album is alternative rock and with the purposeful lack of heavy distortion, the sound stays true to its indie roots.

Song Descriptions

It’s You

Kalen’s signature acoustic guitar and vocals begin this heartfelt mid-tempo tune which captivates the listener even more as the drums and bass kick in. The Aussie Jeff Buckley we think!!

Be With You

Electric guitar starts this Radiohead-ish tune from Kalen Hogan. The deceptively simple arrangement of guitar, drums and bass mask an excellent and highly coherent piece of song writing. Mid-tempo, hooky and engaging.

Lost

A happy and more poppy number from Kalen on this mid-tempo tune. Hollow Coves spring to mind on this one and the bouncy rhythm track keeps everything moving along. Kalen’s falsetto comes to the fore on some backing vocals.

About

Kalen Hogan debuted onto the local Central Coast music scene in late 2022. Having watched his musical uncle write and perform, Kalen started writing his own material at fifteen. Now in his final year of high school, Kalen is proudly launching his debut album ‘Isolation’ in May 2023.

Kalen says he is inspired by the 1990’s grunge movement, with a real reverence for bands like Nirvana, but describes himself as an alternative indie rock singer-songwriter. Kalen sings about the complexities of everyday life, with an open heart and keen observing eye. His pure vocal tone and moderately high pitch may reflect why some tracks have been compared to Thom Yorke from Radiohead and the late Jeff Buckley. Many of Kalen’s lyrical melodies build up to a decent falsetto and although still young, the emotion he brings to each song gives his music a youthful appeal. Musically, Kalen incorporates a lot of dissonant harmonies into his spicy chord mix and in songs like ‘Be with You’ he produces some sweet but heart-breaking guitar solos.

Currently, Kalen is enjoying finalising a film clip for his recently released single ‘Stoned and Cold’ that previews on this album. Kalen says he enjoys all the creative aspects that come with releasing new music, including designing his singles and album cover.

Kalen has started to play at local venues like the Ocean View Beach Club, Sunken Monkey and Sounds on West, as well as a few private shows. Though focused on finishing Year 12 and showcasing his debut album, Kalen continues to write new material. Towards the end of the year, Kalen plans to start recording, once again at Damien Gerard Studios with producer Andrew Beck, for his 2024 projects.

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Fiona Joy Hawkins and Rebecca Daniel Release Album ‘To The Wind’

April 27, 2023

Fiona Joy Hawkins and Rebecca Daniel Present New Album
To The Wind

When Fiona and Rebecca flew to the USA from Australia, it was to tour and to record with producer Cookie Marenco. Fiona and Rebecca played to full houses in a series of iconic venues that would add a lustre to any artist resume: Carnegie Hall, Dizzys Jazz Club, The Moss Performing Arts Centre, The Hollywood Piano and topped by a live concert at Echoes for NPR.

With the tour done they moved to the studio. Producer, Cookie Marenco, known for her trademarked pristine recordings to DSD256, was ecstatic with the results. The now critically acclaimed “Heavenly Voices” is a testament to their virtuosity. The time on stage meant their skills were honed to a knife edge and “Heavenly Voices” became a heavenly recording.

‘Rather than stop recording, this duo decided to try something new – compose music on the spot and reimagine songs they had recorded in the past. They brought freshness to older pieces with piano, violin and voices. All recorded in one take, live in the studio,’ says Cookie.

“Heavenly Voices” was released globally in March 2021 with great success. With the world still shut down, Fiona, Rebecca and Cookie agreed that those stunning ‘one take’ sessions should be released. They have become the follow up – “To The Wind”.

Rebecca:
‘Personally, ‘The Void’ and ‘Blue Dream’ are two of my favourites to play. ‘My Hands Were Busy’ was initially going to be on the Lightness of Dark album, but we ran out of time. The song then became an integral part of the concerts, due to its moving and emotional connection with the audience. This collection brings a true “live” experience, presenting a concert performance with a studio quality sound. No tricks, just two musicians in a studio, recreating highlights from their concerts.’

About

Fiona Joy Hawkins is a classically trained pianist and singer inspired by Mendelssohn, Chopin and her Celtic heritage. Her song ‘Grace’ was on a GRAMMY ® winning album in 2014. In 2016, she won two categories of the Independent Music Awards. In Australia, she was an ARIA Finalist & MusicOZ Winner.

Rebecca Daniel studied violin and chamber music with Emanuel Hurwitz and the Amadeus String Quartet at The Royal Academy of Music. She was invited to move to Australia to join The Australian Chamber Orchestra, and was Orchestra Leader for Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, The Sound of Music & Beauty and the Beast. She has recorded and performed with John Denver, Bread, James Galway and the Chieftains, Will Ackerman, Shirley Bassey, Barbra Streisand, Men at Work and INXS.

Both virtuosos, together Hawkins and Daniel make for an incomparable team.

‘To The Wind’ is OUT NOW on Blue Coast Records
Available on SACD and Digital

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The Sheyana Band Release New EP ‘Ricochet’

April 14, 2023

The Sheyana Band’s EP, ‘Ricochet’, came together during covid lockdown in Tasmania. Making the best of a bad situation and with plenty of time to reflect, Sheyana and the band focused on song writing, and the music emerged from those strange, uneasy times. The songs were the lights at the end of the tunnel, at a time when we were both separated and unified. Through the music and the artwork, this EP is a tribute to the loved ones we’ve lost along the way, and the big hearts working towards a higher love and respect for one another and our planet.

Song Descriptions

Remarkable Man
A full throttle country rock number, a very worthy single to follow up to Big Hearts. The song begins with the full band straight in, it’s up-tempo, catchy and full of riffs and hooks from the very competent guitar section, foot tapping all the way to the end.

My Darlin’
Another full band tune with a Beatles-esque intro, the song then quickly hits the classic americana/country references with the addition of some Hammond and backing vocals to the full band arrangement. Up-tempo and yet another killer tune from this release.

Ricochet
A pumping rhythm section intro starts this up-tempo rocker. Great electric guitars, Hammond organ and the usual strong lead vocal set the tone for this one. You can imagine this being a live favourite, very accessible and plenty going on all the way to the end.

About

Influenced by the classics and drawing inspiration from their deep Tassie roots, The Sheyana Band are like a fine wine. A ripe fruity musical banquet, fusing stylistic flavours from Australian Rhythm & Soul, American Funk & Blues, English Pop/Rock & Punk, with a dash of Southern Country/Folk.

The Sheyana Band shake it up, roll it on the rocks, pour it in the groove and serve it with passion. Delighting audiences with an exciting delivery of powerhouse vocals, brilliant musicianship and heartfelt song writing, their captivating live shows have seen them share the stage with Australia’s finest.

London born, Tasmanian based singer, songwriter and guitarist, Sheyana, has been hooked on music since early childhood. The soulful Celtic/Sri Lankan storyteller brings flavour to the table with her stellar band, featuring Wayne Rand on lead guitars/vocals, Dan Jeffrey on bass & Leigh Hill on drums/vocals.

Having national and international recognition and airplay, the band have supported Deborah Conway, Hoodoo Gurus, Neil Finn, Meg Mac, Mojo Juju, Gang of Youths, Renee Geyer, Diesel, The Angels, Kevin Borich, Ian Moss, Bill Chambers and Fanny Lumsden. Nationally they won “The Chris Wilson Award” for Emerging Act of Year” with their album Big Love in 2018.

The Sheyana Band received a top ten hit in Sri Lanka in 2015 with their single “Keep the Change”, along with a Best Act nomination. Sheyana scored a blues award with the OzSong International Song Writing Competition in 2011 for her song “Two Birds”, which also made it to the finals in “Fresh Air” ABC National Song writing Competition. The Sheyana Band are a favourite act at major Tassie events: Skyfields 2017-2018, Forth Valley Blues Festival 2018, Party In The Paddock 2018-2019, Fruits of the Roots 2019, Festival of King Island 2020, Red Hot Summer after party 2021, Junction Arts Festival 2021, and Riverbend Blues 2023.

The Sheyana Band EP ‘Ricochet’ is Out Now via FOG/MGM

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Jessie-May K Releases Single ‘Do What We Want’

April 14, 2023

‘When I was little there was one thing I would always say. I’ve always clung to my independence like a badge of honour too precious to lose. So when others tried to reign authority over me or tell me what to do, my answer was always the same. “I can DO WHAT I WANT!”.

As one might have already suspected, this personal, inner fire was both good and bad depending on the situation. However, luckily as I grew, it was more often a positive trait and ended up saving me from a life of cycle repeating, bad decisions and abusive relationships. I’m very grateful that I kept such a strong connection to my inner compass and that I never lost that part of me. I made my own choices, I chose my own path.

Concealed inside the electronic, synthetic pop, is a mantra for individualism all can express. And I can only hope that if anyone out there relates, that they never forget, you can be whoever you choose to be, no matter what you’ve gone through, where you started, or who’s tried to tear you down. The only thing that is in charge of you is you. Live authentically, don’t be afraid to express yourself, stand up for what you believe in, this is YOUR life. Let’s do what we want.’

Another modern pop gem from young Central Coast singer Jessie -May K. The song has an intriguing telephone sound on the vocal chorus plus brilliant backing created by producers Dave Hunt (Sarah Blasko) and Andrew Beck (Steve Kilbey, Natalie Gauci). Mid tempo, great beats, hooks and plenty of lush vocals.

About Jessie

Jessie-May K is a young, Singer, Songwriter, Director, Actor & Artist. Most successful as an internet personality, Jessie has released four singles and a collection of episodic works that accompanied their 5 track EP Zone Out (2020).

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The Sheyana Band Releases Single ‘Big Hearts’

March 24, 2023

Big Hearts is where Big Love comes from. A place where you use your Big Heart to look after your planet and each other. ‘I was out of my comfort zone in unfamiliar territory when I worked on that complex riff and unusual tuning. I bunkered down in Penguin, Tasmania and wrote “Big Hearts” with a fine wine, channelling Greg Allman & Foo Fighters for inspiration.’

Big Hearts is a band favourite song on The Sheyana Band’s ‘Ricochet EP’. After the Covid restrictions eased, the band started working the song into shape in production sessions with sound engineer Russell Pilling. It went from beating it out on a cardboard box at rehearsal to pouring our heart and soul into the recording.

We recorded drums, bass and acoustic guitar at Red Robin Recording at Leith, Tasmania, getting that live feel down along with “no stress” recording sessions. The band recorded electric guitars in the loungeroom and vocals in the doorway of a tiny library at Studio 90 in Penguin. Big Hearts is more than Big Love, it’s a higher love.

An outstanding recording effort with smooth and snappy production on this up-tempo single. Full band, rocky and catchy with a big chorus and riffy hooky guitars. Sheyana’s voice cuts through the mix beautifully for the sing along chorus.

About

The Sheyana Band received a top ten hit in Sri Lanka in 2015 with their single” Keep the Change”, along with a Best Act nomination. Sheyana scored a blues award with the OzSong International Song Writing Competition in 2011 for her song “Two Birds”, which also made it to the finals in “Fresh Air” ABC National Song writing Competition. The Sheyana Band are a favourite act at major Tassie events: Skyfields 2017-2018, Forth Valley Blues Festival 2018, Party In The Paddock 2018-2019, Fruits of the Roots 2019, Festival of King Island 2020, Red Hot Summer after party 2021, Junction Arts Festival 2021, and Riverbend Blues 2023.

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The Mezcaltones Release New Album ‘Agavé Soirée’

March 17, 2023

Agavé Soirée is the fourth album release by The Mezcaltones. The Surf Country Tex-Mex theme continues with eight original tracks and one cover.
The album opens with “Matahari Mimi” setting a thumping surf/spy tone.
“If I Could Make you See” is the first single from the album with a bluegrass meets 60’s Bakersfield twang.
“Wouldn’t Last a Day” is a country blues duet co-written with Dani Young about the realisation that relationships can be worked out with a bit of give and take.
The next track is the bouncy optimistic “I Wanna Do it with You”; it will be the second single and has a cool groove with a fun feel that always goes well live.
“Not Going Home” is a statement that a Mezcaltones gig is an all-in affair from the downbeat to the last note. Think Muddy Waters meets early Rolling Stones.
The Mezcaltones have reinvented Willie and Ray’s sombre “Seven Spanish Angels” to an up-tempo celebration wake song complete with mariachi trumpet.
Neralita delivers a powerful performance in her first lead vocal on a Mezcaltones album,
telling her man in no uncertain terms “If you think I’m just something to do… I got some News for You”.
“Amity Isle” is the final track and bookends the album well with another instrumental that is at times frenetic before luring the listener into its cool and satisfying groove.

Song Descriptions

I Wanna Do It With You
Gotta love an up-tempo single that starts with the chorus. The Mezcaltones have scored bigtime with this catchy, upbeat, hooky tune. Plenty of guitar riffs, ooh aah backing vocals and snappy drums and bass on this full throttle Texmex track.

Seven Spanish Angels
Some true Texmex brass with a Los Lobos vibe, on this brilliant version of this classic Texan tune from the Mezcaltones. Sure to fill the dance floor and keep the radio vibes going. Up-tempo, full band backing and Col Porter’s distinctive vocals – another winner from the album.

Matahari Mimi
Another one of the duelling guitar instrumentals from The Mezcaltones. Up-tempo, hooky all the way and you could imagine the Shadows or Los Lobos having this tune in their set.

WHAT IS IT WITH THE MEZCALTONES?
Four guys dressed as cowboys and two women dressed like Spanish Mexican Señoritas that you might find in a Quentin Tarantino movie – two guitarists, a bassist, a drummer, a crazy front man and a beautiful dancer/percussionist.
Whilst their original songs have an alt country rockin’ blues flavour, the guitar tones also reach into the realms of 60’s surf instrumentals. With the band’s slick look and sharp costumes, THE MEZCALTONES are there to entertain.

THE MEZCALTONES comprise 6 experienced musicians who came together through their love of cool country rockin’ blues, and get down and get dirty Tex Mex sounds.

Don Juan – Texan Time Keeper with a Smooth Tequila Feel
Col Padre – Raspy Lead Vocals dripping with Desert Soul
El Shango – Lead Guitar possessed with tangy, psychedelic blues, magic finger licks
Lucre – Mezcaltonic Groovin’ Bass Sounds
Mimi – Spicy Seductress who shakes it like a Rattle Snake
Neralita – Queen of Southern Rhythm Strummin’

The Mezcaltones have previously played six Tamworth Country Festivals; Groundwater CMF; Sydney Blues & Roots Festival; Dashville Skyline Festival. Their previous album Mexican Hillbilly Surf Music debuted Top 10 in the Australian Blues & Roots charts.

The Mezcaltones ‘Agavé Soirée’ is Out Now via FOG/MGM

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Category: Featured Albums

13-Year-Old Guitar Prodigy JayBird Byrne Releases Single ‘Pups At Work’