Steve Kilbey & The Winged Heels Release Album ‘The Road To Tibooburra’

"Steve Kilbey & The Winged Heels Release Album ‘The Road To Tibooburra’"

Steve Kilbey: During the early days of Covid 19, I met a guy called Julian who asked me to be in a short silent film he was making called ‘Space Junk’. ‘Space Junk’ was about a stranger (moi) who comes to a remote-ish Australian town during the pandemic and has a number of adventures including aliens and angry villagers and other various kinds of weirdness.

The film got kinda finished and had a couple of screenings in a room but then seemed to be abandoned and never properly completed. Julian then repurposed it for a musical about a washed-up and ageing rockstar called Lord Jim (moi again) who takes a strange crew off to Tibooburra searching for his comeback.

Julian asked me to write all of the songs for the musical, which I did and enjoyed doing too. I recorded them all with a wonderful band of players who also appear on my albums 11 Women and The Hall of Counterfeits, whom I dubbed the Winged Heels.

Well then after sitting in the can for ages I have decided to release this weird collection of tunes. They are in no particular order so you’ll just have to figure it all out for yourself. Or just make up your own plot and story and sit back and enjoy. I have also thrown into the mix some contemporaneous songs I was working on with the Heels at the time but I now look upon them as perhaps part of the musical and let you try to make some sense of all this.

Steve Kilbey, band singer, songwriter, bassist, painter, writer, poet, actor, sage, dispenser of
arcane wisdom is one of Australia’s most loved artists.

The popular song “Under the Milky Way” won the “Best Single of the Year” award at the
Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) awards event in 1989. For his work with
The Church, Kilbey then accepted, together with his bandmates, an induction into the ARIA
Hall of Fame.

Steve got his first bass guitar at age 16, joined a band at 18 and went on to form a number of different groups before forming The Church in 1980. He has gone on to release many solo albums and collaborations with recording artists from around the globe.

“Kilbey’s solo recordings are challenging and evocative. . . joyous and dreamy to saturnine
and sardonic” – Ian McFarlane.

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Gareth Koch and All India Radio Release ‘Song For Philip Glass’

"Gareth Koch and All India Radio Release ‘Song For Philip Glass’"

Philip Glass looms large as a pioneer & exponent of the minimalist movement in 20th century music. In ‘Song for Philip Glass’ Gareth recorded a series of repeated sequences to emulate the Glass style, gradually adding layers of classical guitar, acoustic guitar & bass. Each of the sequences is preserved throughout the track & the layering of new motifs, or ‘riffs’, generates the evolution of the track. ‘Song for Philip Glass’ seeks to evoke the spirit of the composer’s work, while integrating pop, folk & ambient music styles.

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.

All India Radio have created shimmering aural edifices that cross genres across 30+ releases since the late 1990s. All India Radio albums have featured cameos from many of Kennedy’s favourites: Steve Kilbey (The Church), prog metal legend Devin Townsend, Ed Kuepper (The Saints), Graham Lee (The Triffids), and David Bridie (Not Drowning Waving).  Martin’s music has featured in CSI, One Tree Hill, The Lying Game, Emmerdale, Bondi Rescue and many more.

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Refinery Drive Release Single ‘Headlights’

"Refinery Drive Release Single ‘Headlights’"

Sydney pop-punk band Refinery Drive are a passionate mix of attitude, power and energy. Their unique sound blends pop, punk, metalcore and jazz. They’ve been referred to as the “Aussie Paramore” and definitely draw inspiration from Tonight Alive and New Found Glory.

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Their single ‘Promises’ released in early 2024 set a fresh tone for the band and picked up Triple J airplay courtesy of Josh Merriel. Their follow-up release ‘Fool Me Twice’ premiered on Triple J Unearthed TOPS, was featured as Unearthed Track of the Day and received Triple J airplay courtesy of Ebony Jade. Their latest single “Headlights” released in early 2025 found it’s way to Apple Music’s “The New Rock” editorial playlist.

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The Mezcaltones Release Single ‘City Lights’

"The Mezcaltones Release Single ‘City Lights’"

Don’t worry if you missed their sell out run at Tamworth Music Festival last month , you can catch The Mighty Mezcaltones at any of the following dates:

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The latest single ‘City Lights’ from The Mezcaltones’ fifth studio album is Chapter One of ‘The Trials of Don and Jenny’. This swampy tune about north coast surfers visiting the emerald city is a cautionary tale about moths and flames.

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Northern Beaches Band The Mezcaltones perform regularly at Sydney venues – The Orient (The Rocks), Marrickville Bowlo, Collaroy Beach Club, Brighton RSL to name a few. They have also performed at eight Tamworth Country Music Festivals; Groundwater CMF; Blues on Broadbeach; Sydney Blues & Roots Festival; Dashville Skyline Festival; and Greazefest.

Their last album ‘Agave Soirée’ entered the Australian Blues and Roots airplay charts at #7 before spending five months embedded in the Top 20. The band are putting the finishing touches to their fifth album ‘Big Hat No Cattle’, scheduled for release in March.

Their sound can be difficult to describe – mixing original songs with rare tracks you might find on Robert Rodriguez/Tarantino movies or B-Grade 60’s Sci-Fi Flicks the guitars are richly infused with surf tones and 60’s Twang served up with a healthy dose of Cowpunk brashness. One booker described them as “Mexican Hillbilly Surf Music”. One punter said “lf Johnny Cash surfed he’d have sounded like you guys”.

Their atics are captivating. The band is fronted by vocalist Col Padre (who engages in tongue in cheek choreography) and dancer/singer/percussionist Mimi. Mimi is renowned for her routines involving gymnastic ribbons used as whips, hula hoops, fans and whatever else she can lay her hands on. Big Daddy K from 2RRR’S Sydney Sounds show described the Mezcaltones as the best live band in Sydney.

 The costumes make for an outstanding visual – four guys dressed as party hire Cowboys and two girls dressed as Spanish gunslingers with several minor costume changes throughout the show involving masks, veils and mirror shades. Sounds corny… sure is.

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The Mezcaltones Release Single ‘Big Hat No Cattle’

"The Mezcaltones Release Single ‘Big Hat No Cattle’"

Don’t worry if you missed their sell out run at Tamworth Music Festival last month , you can catch The Mighty Mezcaltones at any of the following dates:

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Big Hat No Cattle is a song about that boss that we all had/have. He (generally a he) is not the owner or the manager, maybe a supervisor, but probably not, just been there longer than you – so he’s your BOSS. Definitely a big hat and for sure – no cattle!

Northern Beaches Band The Mezcaltones perform regularly at Sydney venues – The Orient (The Rocks), Marrickville Bowlo, Collaroy Beach Club, Brighton RSL to name a few. They have also performed at eight Tamworth Country Music Festivals; Groundwater CMF; Blues on Broadbeach; Sydney Blues & Roots Festival; Dashville Skyline Festival; and Greazefest.

 Their last album ‘Agave Soirée’ entered the Australian Blues and Roots airplay charts at #7 before spending five months embedded in the Top 20. The band are putting the finishing touches to their fifth album ‘Big Hat No Cattle’, scheduled for release in March. The title track is the first single released on 17 January to coincide with their shows at this years Tamworth County Music Festival.

Screenshot 2025-01-15 at 2.35.09 PM

 Their sound can be difficult to describe – mixing original songs with rare tracks you might find on Robert Rodriguez/Tarantino movies or B-Grade 60’s Sci-Fi Flicks. The guitars are richly infused with surf tones and 60’s Twang served up with a healthy dose of Cowpunk brashness. One booker described them as “Mexican Hillbilly Surf Music”. One punter said “If Johnny Cash surfed he’d have sounded like you guys”.

Their atics are captivating. The band is fronted by vocalist Col Padre (who engages in tongue in cheek choreography) and dancer/singer/percussionist Mimi. Mimi is renowned for her routines involving gymnastic ribbons used as whips, hula hoops, fans and whatever else she can lay her hands on. Big Daddy K from 2RRR’S Sydney Sounds show described the Mezcaltones as the best live band in Sydney.

The costumes make for an outstanding visual – four guys dressed as party hire Cowboys and two girls dressed as Spanish gunslingers with several minor costume changes throughout the show involving masks, veils and mirror shades. Sounds corny… sure is.

TOUR DATES

Date Venue Location
Saturday, 18 January 2025 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Friday, 19 January 2024 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Saturday, 20 January 2024 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Saturday, 18 January 2025 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Friday, 19 January 2024 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Saturday, 20 January 2024 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Saturday, 18 January 2025 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Friday, 19 January 2024 West Diggers Club Tamworth
Sunday, 16 February 2025 Orient Hotel The Rocks
Sunday, 9 March 2025 Marrickville Bowlo Marrickville
Saturday, 15 March 2025 Railway Hotel Hornsby
Sunday, 23 March 2025 Orient Hotel The Rocks

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Silphie Releases Music Video for ‘Blossom Fairy Queen’

"Silphie Releases Music Video for ‘Blossom Fairy Queen’"

An Australian neo-classical quartet, Silphie’s newest song is the quaint, old-worldly ‘Blossom Fairy Queen’ that carries a serene sensation of calmness, the delicate notes washing over the senses.

A blend of enchanting folktronica and haunting neo-classical tones melded to the gorgeous, operatic vocals of singer-composer Michaele Archer (who sings in English and Latin), ‘Blossom Fairy Queen’ will transport you to a medieval landscape in Renaissance Europe.
Rich in emotive strings alongside harmonium and classical guitar that carry poignant feels of spirituality, the song is centred around themes of eternal love, creation and the circle life.
Archer is joined by Rachel Whealy (cello), Giuseppe Zangari (guitar) and Gab Steele (viola) to form Silphie. “‘Blossom Fairy Queen’ was one of those gifts of a song that came all at once on a balmy spring evening,” shares Michaele. “The big theme of the song is the eternal, powerful nature of love.
“It’s also about the mystery of creation and the circle of life, so it’s beautiful that our viola player Gab Steele was pregnant with her first child when we filmed the clip.”

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“Working with Benjamin Fraser, who I would describe as a genius Renaissance person, is a wondrous experience every time,” Michaele says. “Benjamin created hair and make-up (with Taylor Anne) and made the jewellery headband as well as the vision for filming and editing.
“Things are always an adventure as Benjamin loves to let things unfold spontaneously on the day within the plan. So sometimes unexpected things happen and Benjamin’s way of directing makes you feel comfortable, expressive and brave!
“We are super grateful and happy that our other film clip for this project created by Benjamin, ‘Sulpicia’s Birthday’, has received three offical selections in film festivals and an Award of Excellence in the Women’s International Film Festival.
“The lovely thing about this group is we are all old friends so our filming projects and rehearsals are joyous and chilled. There’s a lot of love!” Gab adds: “It’s always such a pleasure to work with everyone! I actually went to high school with Benjamin, so we met over 20 years ago!”
Set to release their album ‘Garland The Love Poems Of Sulpicia’ in February, Silphie have already enjoyed positive feedback about ‘Blossom Fairy Queen’.
“There is something about this song that seems to resonate with people,” Michaele says. “We played some new material from the album as part of the Tubular Festival/Gossy weekender recently and had amazing feedback.
“Maybe it’s the message of love and connection or the slightly Celtic feel. For people to let us know they felt moved and make such lovely comments makes everything worth it! We hope people enjoy the clip as well.”

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Paul Scott Releases New Single ‘The Angry Boyz’

"Paul Scott Releases New Single ‘The Angry Boyz’"

Musically the track is somewhere between pop, punk and disco, which I have never referred to as ‘posco’. Lyrically it went like this: I was witness to a statement purporting to be fact that was so egregious in it’s falsehood and so inept in it’s delivery, it made me laugh. A comic manifesto for the angry boys. That’s how it starts, not just the song, but also the trouble. ‘Garbage truckers’ is not a reference to the good people of our cities’ sanitation departments, it’s the gossip we drown in.

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Paul Scott began his career in music, writing and playing bass in angular NZ group Pop Mechanix. Despite court cases, a revolving cast of singers and multiple record labels, their single ‘Jumping Out A Window’ became a staple of New Zealand pop culture.

Relocating to Australia, Paul formed Montana with Ken Stewart (Mr Blonde), Michelle Margherita and Steve Melville. Their first release featured ‘Koolest Band’ which received national airplay and high rotation on JJJ. A brief tour of the USA and a performance at SXSW, led to ‘Koolest Band’ being included in the Hollywood movie ‘You Drive Me Crazy’. The subsequent album ‘Bubblegum Love’ was released in Australia, Spain, France and the USA.

Scott has since plied bass for various Australian acts, playing everywhere from community halls and malls in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to the Sydney Opera House. Teaming up with Steve Melville (ex Mr Blonde and Montana) Paul and Steve have established a studio production relationship, playing on each other’s tracks (Stewart and Melville, The Likes of You) and coproducing The Insufferable Paul Scott’s well received 2021 album ‘Tea and Medals’ (which Melville also mixed).

Their most recent project is a closer collaboration with Melville adding drums, percussion and keyboards to Scott’s voice, guitar and bass, a line up very close in sound and feel to their youthful unit ‘Montana’. “I was looking for the kind of pop thrill I used to get from great Aussie indie bands such as The Falling Joys, Smudge, The Hummingbirds, pop thrills… you know?” says Scott.  An album has been completed and tracks will be released over the next few months on Foghorn, home to most of their releases to date.

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Burger Legs Joe ft. Loz C Release Single ‘Missing’

"Burger Legs Joe ft. Loz C Release Single ‘Missing’"

‘Missing’ was released by UK R&B duo Everything but the Girl in 1994 and is best known for the Todd Terry EDM remix. It evokes imagery of traveling urban to streets to stand alone in a moment of lost love. Tragic, but also so romantic and upbeat in the way it grooves you along. Brilliant!

The Burger Legs Joe restmod leans into the EDM remix, with added duff and a new perspective on the arrangement. Featured vocalist Loz C brings it all together in her unique style, radiating romance as she powers along the beat.

I hope it puts that beat in ya feet!

About

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’re 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. Burger Legs Joe is with Foghorn Records, and when he’s not arranging restmods, he focuses on original and collaborative music projects.

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Big Merino Release Single ‘Long Time’

"Big Merino Release Single ‘Long Time’"

Composed in the aftermath of the rejection of the Voice Referendum, the song reflects on the dispossession of Australia’s indigenous people. The vote seems an attempt to deny the truth, the theft of land and resources. Alex “To me, the referendum was a gentle request for respect and inclusion. The fact that it failed demonstrates how far we have to travel as a nation and asks the question, how long will that process will take? Going on past experience, I would say it’s going to take a long time.”

Alex worked doing photos on APY lands some years ago. The cover image, taken during those sessions, is of a church in Indulkana. The hometown of the famous portraitist, Vincent Namatjira: Archibald Prize Winner and Gina Rinehart’s least favourite artist. In the recording the band tried to get a sense of space using acoustic instruments to reflect the feeling of the vastness of those places.

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About

Formed in 2017, Big Merino play original music that blurs the lines between country, blues, roots, rock and pop. Despite an obvious passion for what’s often called ‘Americana’ their songs somehow manage to be very personal and quintessentially Australian – the words and sound shaped by the landscape and their own stories.

Their live sound is a classic combination of acoustic and electric guitars, vocals, bass and drums. Their recordings are fleshed out with multiple guitar layers, gospel style harmonies, Hammond organ, piano, horns and percussion.

 In 2018 the band released their debut album ‘Suburban Wildlife’, made two cinematic film clips with director Alan Harca, and performed all around Sydney. The band has done numerous Interviews & live-to-air performances including ABC 702 & RN, 2SER Dirt Music, Radio Skid Row, Eastside Radio, Aussie Music Weekly and 2BBB. The single ‘Black Cockatoos’ was top 10 on AMRAP Metro and Regional playlists.

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Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘La Rumba Flamenca’

"Gareth Koch Releases Single ‘La Rumba Flamenca’"

 The joyous flamenco rumba is an immensely popular style, stemming from Cuba by way of the port of Cadiz in Spain. There are many types of Rumba which often share the characteristic of incorporating popular musical themes within their structure.       In ‘La Rumba Flamenca’ the traditional melody Spanish Romance is integrated into the opening measures.

Set in the traditional format of three repeated sections, ‘La Rumba Flamenca’ can be described as an erotic, mischievous and salsified dance.  Rumba is closely related to the flamenco tango and is one of the most accessible flamenco styles, danceable and lighthearted.

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About Gareth

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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