Fiona Joy Hawkins New Album Moving Through Worlds

July 15, 2020 Leave a comment

Fiona Joy Hawkin’s Presents New Album and Video
Moving Through Worlds

As the Australian Bushfires crept toward her rural home, Fiona Joy Hawkins turned to her Stuart & Sons piano to do what has always bought her solace: writing music. After crafting 4 songs that she later marketed as fundraisers for firefighters and wildlife rescue – and which are included on this album – she began final preparations on Moving Through Worlds.

Although she began recording and conceptualizing the album three years ago, one could say it is an album 44-years in the making. One of the more classical-crossover pieces is “For the Roses” which a 12-year-old Fiona wrote for her Grandmother’s funeral.

Fiona says, “I believe music is a gift from another world, from ancestors of the past communicating to inspire and give us hope. Music is a universal language that connects us without prejudice, it speaks to us all equally, yet is received with great variation. My wish is to open a few more hearts to the power of music. Now more than ever we need the connection to our past to find the pathway to our future.”

The 14-track album was beautifully produced by Will Ackerman (Founder Windham Hill Records) and Tom Eaton. As per her usual style, Fiona defies genre by bringing Classical, Contemporary Piano, and New Age instrumentals together to create something uniquely her own, and reflective of all the worlds that she has moved through so elegantly while this powerful music gathered in her soul.

Fiona Joy Hawkins is an Australian Pianist, Composer and Singer who enjoys and regularly tours China and the USA and is also a member of the Contemporary instrumental group FLOW (Fiona Joy, Lawrence Blatt, Jeff Oster, Will Ackerman). Fiona Joy Hawkins is best known for her romantic, melodic songs and lush arrangements. A prolific composer, she has always been interested in creating music that evokes images, emotions and tells stories.

Fiona Joy is known for ‘Grace’, her song on a Grammy Winning album in 2014 and for her extensive catalogue produced by Will Ackerman (Founder Windham Hill Records). In 2016 she won two categories of the Independent Music Awards at the Lincoln Centre in New York and has been awarded Best Piano Album by International Radio (ZMR Awards) for several of her albums. Nominated alongside Pete Seeger for Best LIVE Performance Album in the Independent Music Awards,Fiona was an ARIA Finalist in Australia in 2008. Fiona works with Australian piano maker Stuart and Sons, and has several albums with Blue Coast Records (content partners with Sony Music for hi-resolution releases).

Watch the Video (Premiered on Scenstr) for Calling County Clare here

In the case of Fiona Joy Hawkins’ latest collection Moving Through Worlds, there are glorious exceptions where it’s not hyperbole in any sense and fits today, tomorrow and for all…let’s just say I can’t imagine there ever being a time in the future when listening to this deeply personal, socially conscious, stylistically expansive 14-track musical narrative would grip me any less than it does today, in the midst of world gone mad 2020. – Jonathan Widran, JWVibe

“Moving Through Worlds” is OUT NOW (July 7) via Little Hartley Music.

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Fiona Joy Hawkins’ New Single and Video

June 29, 2020 Leave a comment

Fiona Joy Hawkin’s Presents New Single and Video
Calling County Clare

Music for this moment… A piano journey that finds joy. Calling County Clare is the first track on Fiona Joy’s upcoming album Moving Through Worlds due out 7 July. Calling County Clare is a Celtic dance and joyful celebration featuring piano with Irish Whistle, guitars, accordion and rhythm. In the video Fiona is standing on the shores of Town Beach at Port Macquarie and calling to the shores of Ireland. There’s some really beautiful drone footage of the Irish coast throughout the video shot specifically for the clip.

Watch the Video (Premiered last week on Scenstr) for Calling County Clare here

Blue Coast owner/producer Cookie Marenco says, “Fiona’s melodic solo piano and masterful performances are the perfect music to debut the kind of clarity double DSD audio brings to the home listener,”

“One of the brightest lights in contemporary instrumental music, Fiona Joy is poised to move into stardom,” -Will Ackerman, Founder of Windham Hill Records

“Calling County Clare” is OUT NOW via FOGHORN/MGM.

Streaming “Calling County Clare”
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For further information, Files, CD and Interview Requests please contact:
Marshall Cullen at Foghorn Media
0416 143 030
marshall@foghornrecords.net

The Insufferable Paul Scott New EP Radio Station

June 19, 2020 Leave a comment

Soundslikecafe is proud to present this Catchy Indie-pop EP from a veteran of the Genre Paul Scott

The Insufferable Paul Scott (The Likes of You, Montana, John Kennedy’s 68 Comeback Special, The Bad Machines and on into the dim recesses of the Indie hive-mind’s faltering memory…) has plied bass and guitar for various Australian acts, playing everywhere from community halls and malls in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane to the Sydney Opera House. Most recently Scott released last year’s lovingly reviewed and widely supported by community radio, indiepop album ‘Surrender to Robots’.

Radio Station is the next instalment.

Says Scott: “When I was coming up (pre-internet!) the only way you could hear alternative music was on independent and community radio stations: Joy Division, HuskerDu,The Boys Next Door, The Replacements, The Waterboys… I’d hear an amazing song on the radio and have fun hunting for it at the local record emporium. Unfortunately when it came to remembering the details of the track I’d just heard I was less reliable than Shazam: I once spent a week trying to find a Lou Reed song called ‘Velvet Underground’ only to be set straight by the record store clerk “it’s a band not a song, you idiot”.

Listen Here

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Lily Duval New Single Two Souls

June 15, 2020 Leave a comment

Lily Duval New Single Two Souls

For many years from the 70’s through to the early 2000s Sydney Artist Lily Duval worked as a studio session singer and performed live with acoustic and rock blues bands in venues throughout Australia. After a 10 year hiatus she returned to recording in 2015. “The music I love is from classic artists such as Joni Mitchell, Phoebe Snow, Janis Joplin, Harry Nilsson, Billy Thorpe, Brian Cadd, Joe Cocker and Leon Russell, all tend to have a bluesy undertone and once that style seemed to not be the new thing anymore I kinda felt my style didn’t fit. ”But since the Blues and Roots resurgence and then Americana coming along Lily finally felt the time was right and started writing again from 2015 onwards.

“I got a tip about Damien Gerard Studios , who I was able to meet with and plan a bit of a ‘come back’. The studio vibe was just like the old days, lovely and warm and friendly with lots of analog gear and the ‘patient’ Russell Pilling. They also organised for me to do a photoshoot with Rock Photographer legend, Tony Mott, which turned out to be a great idea. Tony didn’t treat me any different to all those famous huge acts he has shot and that really helped me get my confidence back.”

Since restarting Lily has released a steady body of work each year in the modern-day EP and singles format, mainly original acoustic folky bluesy tunes but with some classic cover B sides thrown into the mix. The new songs have consistently been received well at community radio across the country with comparisons ranging from Carol King to Joni Mitchell. Lily Duval’s first outing for 2020 is what she considers her strongest to date: “These 2 songs, an original and a cover are both close to my heart. The Aside“Two Souls” is all about the entanglement of love. How loving someone sometimes makes life complicated even as you get older. The cover I chose ‘Angel from Montgomery is a song I love from John Prine, who sadly fell victim to Covid 19 recently, this makes it even more poignant.

I was very lucky to have the talented Peter Holtz & Scott Bird play on these new releases. Both guitarists have worked with me in the studio since I started recordings and besides their wonderful musical abilities, they are both good men. Rory McKenzie, who has spent the last 20years living and working in Los Angeles and Nashville, played drums on both of these tracks. Rory is a talented musician and moved home just in time for his recording! It was also great to be back working with Andrew Beck, whose musical intellect is always appreciated–Andrew also played bass on “Angel from Montgomery”. The new Damien Gerard studio is just as great as the old place

Two Souls/Angel from Montgomery by Lily Duval – check it out below

STEVE KILBEY AND GARETH KOCH NEW ALBUM SONGS FROM ANOTHER LIFE: MUSIC OF ANTIQUITY

May 29, 2020 Leave a comment

Soundslikecafe is very proud to present this exceptional, spacious, fresh and different album from two of Australia’s most interesting ARIA Award winning artists joining together once again ……

Songs from Another Life (Music of Antiquity) is the second collaborative album by Steve Kilbey and Gareth Koch. It follows their successful debut Chryse Planitia earlier this year.

These two artisans have produced a unique musical creation – an esoteric masterpiece which is difficult to define. It is an entirely new body of work, evoking a living connection to the past which resonates with us all.

It is tantalising to reflect on how music of the ‘ancients’ might have sounded. Our clues lie in the iconography and artistic representations of the pre-Christian era, and within specific types of folk music which have a living tradition. This continuum provides a valuable framework for the attempt at reconstructing ancient music. Indian folk music and flamenco for example create an interesting template, since both these traditions merged and are further coloured by the Moorish invasions of Andalucia.

It is significant therefore that the earliest form of notation was created in Babylonia, probably in about 1400BC. The instructions are fragmentary, but the cuneiform tablets suggest that the music was composed using scales, harmonies and gestures not altogether unfamiliar to today’s listener.

In Steve’s words on the liner notes to the LP he says:

“Working with language scholars and local musicians, we have attempted to bring these ancient songs alive. They have rendered the songs in a manner that is comprehensible to the modern listener. The songs and recordings represent the thoughts and sounds of a distant antiquity. Here then is the past – and now the past is here.”

Stream it here

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Julie-Anne Marshall Releases Dream Pop Single Crossfire

May 23, 2020 Leave a comment

Soundslikecafe is proud to feature the new single from Julie-Anne Marshall “Crossfire” –

Julie-Anne’s latest song release ‘Crossfire’ has her stepping into the dream pop genre. With her vocals taking on a whisper pop vibe in this song, she still remains true to her lyric driven evocative songwriting style. This diverse songwriter is showing that not only can she write across genre’s but her vocals are more than able to traverse the genre divide.

Hailing from Adelaide, Julie-Anne Marshall is an independent singer-songwriter who is not limited by musical boundaries – soft rock, easy listening with some jazz, roots and blues and a bit of folk and pop.

Julie-Anne independently released her first album “Bluebird” in 2016 with follow up singles “The Dawn” and “Memory”.

For Julie-Anne the song leads the way and songwriting is the sole reason she performed with bands around Adelaide working on her performing and song writing skills. Piano is her instrument and her vocal style is earthy yet ethereal, with songs that are lyric driven, melodic and wistful yet wishful.

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Jessie-May Kitchen Debut EP Zone Out

May 22, 2020 Leave a comment

Here we present a fantastic new young artist – Jessie May Kitchen

Jessie-May was born in Hobart and grew up on the NSW Central Coast. She started writing songs at five and Performing Arts became her escape from a tough family life.

The debut EP Zone Out follows her successful singles and videos-
Teen Love, Coffee Shop and Star Child from 2018-2019(see YT link below)

Have you ever been so deep in thought that the world disappears and suddenly you are detached from the physical plane, and all you know is what you are thinking about? Like a switch has been flicked and the real world just isn’t there anymore. Most people say they do occasionally or brag that they scandalously day dream whilst doing chores and leave their body on autopilot for a little while.

Ever since I can remember, I have been switching back and forth from this world to my own, I just Zone Out. It’s an integral part of who I am. Zoning out has brought me so many brilliant ideas, inspirations and creations to my life.

There are many different ways to be smart and tuning out reality, tapping into your imagination is a skilled, worthwhile cleverness. I wanted to use this EP to bring my world to you. My stories, thoughts and philosophies in every song, courtesy of tuning out the rest of the world and tapping into my own.

So, give it a go! Find a safe place of your own, listen to the music, let your imagination run wild and Zone Out.

[photo by Tony Mott]

Track Descriptions:
Blue Skies
Along with the video Jessie’s new single features a lyrical story of optimism and happiness, overlaying a hybrid acoustic and keyboard driven rhythm track.

Calm In The Eye Of The Storm
Some more great messages in Jessie’s lyrics – “it’s all lies within your perception of your own reality – you either choose defeat or to be calm amidst the chaos.” With a more uptempo and guitar driven backing track, along with a catchy keys melody – another great track.

Head In The Clouds
A note to her younger self, this song features similar production values to the rest of the EP, lush keyboards, full guitars, solid beats and hooky melodies.

Jessie May Kitchen – Zone Out is out NOW through Foghorn Records / MGM Distribution.

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For further information, Cd’s and Interview requests please contact:
Marshall Cullen at Foghorn Media
0416 143 030
marshall@foghornrecords.net

Kaijin Solo New EP Universal Love

May 15, 2020 Leave a comment

Kaijin Solo is a contemporary singer/songwriter based on the NSW Central Coast with a blues rock influence.

Universal Love is an experiment in letting other people find their way into his music.
The idea came about from jamming original songs live with a host of different people on the local open mike circuit. The result is an electric mix of ideas that provides a solid rocking sound-scope for the lyrics.

Mark Cashin and Jake Hunt from The Little Hussies were the collaborators this time round, with Russell Pilling at Damien Gerard Studios engineering. The combination of talent without prima donna egos made the sessions into a fun day with a fantastic output and every song grew in dimension.
The EP was Mastered by Andrew Beck.

Universal Love – “When we can think, speak and act the way we want to be treated ourselves, the power of love will exceed the love of power and the world will know peace.” Is what Universal Love is about, it was inspired by a quote from Jimi Hendrix “When the power of love exceeds the love of power the world will know peace.

Into the Dream was written the morning after a Ryan Adams concert, thinking about how much things has changed since the beginning of the century.

The Republic is a tribute to the people and their achievements, and a wake up to call to Canberra to get on with it.

Spirit on the Wind is an ode to the Spirit of Freedom.

Like Sunshine is a love song to music itself.

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SLC May Playlist Additions

May 11, 2020 Leave a comment

Our May Playlist Additions include some varied tunes from new releases to keep you chilled during these strange times. We hope you enjoy, just click the images to listen to individual tracks or the actual playlist.

SLC Digital Expresso Playlist

The songs are;

Code Blue by Gareth Koch(from the EP)

This is jaunty & upbeat featuring full band backing, Koch’s Aria Award Winning signature guitar and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, but there are clues to an underlying seriousness.

Crossfire by Julie-Anne Marshall (from the new single)

Dancin’ by The Mezcaltones(from the album Hillbilly Surf Rock Music)

A song who’s vintage tones and grooves lends itself to a time when lyrics had to be subtle but you still get the meaning. Another killer radio friendly tune from whats shaping up to be the bands best album yet.

Mirror of Love by Tim Walker(from the album Bridge of Angels)

Tim’s songwriting has truly come of age on this album and theres just so may good songs – this is another uptempo, hooky, and fun tune which even features an old school ragtime piano break.

Prayer for Rain by Fiona Joy Hawkins and Rebecca Daniel (from the single)

Impressionistic neo-classical piano with ethereal layered vocals featuring vocals from both of the girls. The alto from Fiona and Rebecca is the Soprano. All proceeds from this song go to bushfire affected wildlife via the Billabong Zoo Koala Hospital.

The Fatal Hour by Steve Kilbey and Gareth Koch (from the album Chryse Planitia)

Another deep and vibrant tune from this acclaimed album.

A much more laid back tune showing the other possibilities on the album this song starts with only guitar and voice, drawing the listener into the Kilbey/Koch world. When the drums and bass do kick in the whole thing moves up a notch and theres some great choral ear candy featured as well.

Wonders To Behold by Throwing Shapes(from the EP Tranquility Base)

The second playlist addition for this prolific WA Electronica Act. This tune will keep your interest and feet tapping throughout.

Gareth Koch-New EP Code Blue

May 8, 2020 Leave a comment

Proudly featuring this one on SLC for your listening pleasure

“How does an artwork or song come into being and take form where once nothing existed?

The answer has layers of complexity, and varies from artist to artist, but there are partial explanations. Usually there is some type of catalyst, a half-remembered whisper, idea or a musical phrase which forms a point of creative departure. Sometimes though, an actual event might spark inspiration.”

The song Code Blue is jaunty & upbeat with tongue-in-cheek lyrics, but these provide clues to an underlying seriousness:

‘code blue runnin outa time,…show a vital sign,… in emergency ICU…o honey i’d die for you….’

A ‘code blue’ is a hospital crisis situation in which the patient is in cardiopulmonary arrest, requiring a team to rush to the specific location and begin rescue efforts.
The narrative of the song draws on a sudden medical emergency in which Gareth was saved by the skill of medical staff.

Both the song Code Blue and EP are dedicated with love and gratitude to the wonderful medical professionals across the world.

The other songs on the EP Include

Come Heavy Sleep is a type of re-imagined Elizabethan ballad, so you hear Gareth’s Nylon string classical guitars prominently, harking back to his roots in the classical world, but overlaid with drums/percussion and a calming sleeplike vocal delivery.

The Flame is a more rock track with electric guitars and a rhythm section and has a certain echo of the great Blue Oyster Cult.

‘Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again’. In this rendering Koch re-invents the song as a sensitive ballad, laced with classical guitars and a very different vocal to the original

Check out the video premiere for Code Blue

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Tag: australian music

Fiona Joy Hawkins New Album Moving Through Worlds

Fiona Joy Hawkins’ New Single and Video

The Insufferable Paul Scott New EP Radio Station

Lily Duval New Single Two Souls

Lily Duval New Single Two Souls

STEVE KILBEY AND GARETH KOCH NEW ALBUM SONGS FROM ANOTHER LIFE: MUSIC OF ANTIQUITY

Julie-Anne Marshall Releases Dream Pop Single Crossfire

Jessie-May Kitchen Debut EP Zone Out

Kaijin Solo New EP Universal Love

SLC May Playlist Additions

Gareth Koch-New EP Code Blue

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