Daxton Releases Single ‘Serpent Of The Road’

"Daxton Releases Single ‘Serpent Of The Road’"

 “Serpent Of The Road” is a wild ride of demonic blues, featuring dirty slide guitar and Daxton’s haunting vocals, sparking inspiration for the open road.

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 Producing and playing music since his early teens, Daxton’s passion has kept him continually creating new material both for his band and solo career. On stage, Daxton comes across like he was born to play, his unique guitar style blending perfectly with heart-warming vocals.

Daxton has appeared at major festivals including the Sydney Blues and Roots and Tamworth Country Music Festival where he supported artists such as Kasey Chambers and Beccy Cole. He also has had one of his tracks ‘Moody Liz’ featured in the popular American TV series Doll House. His guitar playing highlights the influence of legends like Hendrix, Prince, and Zeppelin vibrantly displayed through his concoction of rhythmic blues, funk, and psychedelic rock, layered with amazing melodies.

The creation of the album “Serpent of the Road” was a musical journey for Daxton. The songs developed organically starting with simple melody or riff and then expanding to include sometimes complex arrangements. Weaving his influences from artists like Prince, Jimi Hendrix, and David Bowie, Daxton songs explore themes of wanderlust, self-discovery, and the transient nature of life. The songs capture a particular time and feeling, all wrapped in a heavy psychedelic blues and grungy sound.

The title track is the first release from the new album, scheduled for later this year.

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Jack Nolan Releases Single ‘Always’

"Jack Nolan Releases Single ‘Always’"

Jack Nolan’s ‘Always’ is a story of enduring love with additional Nashville craft. Recorded at Nashville’s Curb Studios, the track emerged from Jack’s ongoing collaboration with producer Justin Weaver. Surprisingly, this captivating track, like many of their standout songs, began as a mere afterthought, a filler, before evolving into a powerful and poignant expression.

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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.

Always is the first single from ‘The Lonely Petunia.” The album is scheduled for release later this year.

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The Stomp’n Ramblers Release Single ‘Train’

"The Stomp’n Ramblers Release Single ‘Train’"

Train is the first release from the upcoming debut album by The Stomp’n Ramblers’ – a cruisy, acoustic blues track where guitar and harmonica trade melodies like old friends. It evokes the journey and moments of when life finally catches up with us.

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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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Dirty Suits Release Single ‘Blackwater Bay’

"Dirty Suits Release Single ‘Blackwater Bay’"

UPCOMING SHOW DATES

9th August – Ryans Thirroul, NSW – Event Link

29th August – Link and Pin, NSW – Venue Link

26th September – Dissent Cafe Bar, Canberra – Venue Link

 The Lore says: From a swamp in the pit of the Illawarra Escarpment rose a magical creature called Dirty. It was awful to the eye but true of heart. Shunned by all the other swamp creatures Dirty led a lonely existence until 2020 when three surfing adventurers stumbled across its den. Frightened at first, Dirty soon realised these three might be worthy.

He gave one a guitar, one a drum, and one a piano.

As they played Dirty began to glow.

It said, ‘I’m sure you three will rise to the level of entertaining casual drinkers and diners at the week’s end and I have something that will help.’ Dirty then presented the travelling trio with three suits and said ‘This will help your quest’. The drummer, the boldest of the three said, ‘Are these magic suits?’

Dirty replied, ‘No.’

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After surfing together for over a decade, Matt Ayliffe and Peter Cunnington started jamming in 2020.

The click was immediate. Coming from different musical backgrounds seems to help, not hinder the writing process. From industrial, Avante Garde, Punk and Rock’n’Roll. The songs dictate themselves. Demographics and egos, all checked at the door.  Dirty Suits is creativity for its own sake. And as of Feb 2023, Luke Brooks has joined the ‘Dirty Suits’ family on drums and any out there suitable piece of equipment he can whack a sound out of to get this trio rockin’ any venue down.

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Set in the dark country, Blackwater Bay is the tale of a man trying to rescue his wife from an insidious cult. Is it a salvage operation or a kidnapping? And exactly who is insidious? Led by a bass in 5’s and a wild guitar. This is an expedition of misplaced trust and entrapment.

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Christina Crofts Releases Album ‘Best Of Bottleneck’

"Christina Crofts Releases Album ‘Best Of Bottleneck’"

 ‘It’s no secret I love playing guitar, but playing slide guitar is something extra special and really feels powerful and thrilling, and it has always been a standout feature on my recordings and especially in my live shows. It grabs attention and I always have people coming up after our sets who are in awe of the bottleneck stuff, so I thought releasing a compilation of my best bottleneck tunes would be a great opportunity to showcase this aspect of my playing and writing.’– Christina

The opening track “Voodoo Queen” is a raucous, swampy rocker. The lyrics were inspired after reading about a supposed ‘voodoo queen’ named Julie Brown who lived in Louisiana. She was rumoured to sit on her porch singing eerie songs that predicted her own death and that she’d take the whole town with her when she died. Apparently, on the day of her funeral, a ferocious hurricane came through the town killing around 300 people!

‘Breakaway’ is from her 2016 EP and debuted at #1 in the Amrap AirIt regional charts. ‘Gonna Find a Way’ was nominated in the top 5 in the blues category in the MusicOz Awards.

Christina Crofts: singer, songwriter, guitarist, slide guitarist and her band were the winners of the 2022 Sydney Blues Society Blues Challenge.

Born in the Australian coastal town of Coffs Harbour to her Norwegian immigrant father and Australian mother, Christina’s family moved to Brisbane where in her early teens her passion for playing guitar really grew. She moved to Sydney where she met and began guitar lessons with and eventually married guitarist Steve Crofts.

Honing her guitar playing skills in various bands over many years, Christina’s trademark sound and style began to emerge. Christina has been performing on the Australian music scene for many years as the Christina Crofts Band and earlier as Croftstown Traffic.

She has performed at major festivals such as Thredbo Blues Festival, Narooma Blues Festival, Mitchell Creek Rock ‘n Blues Festival, Bimbadgen Festival, Australian Blues Festival, Great Southern Blues & Roots Festival, Sydney Blues & Roots Festival, International Blues Challenge Memphis USA, and numerous venues across Australia. She has released 4 albums/EP’s with the most recent two releases charting in the Top 10 of the Australian Blues & Roots Charts and had a #1 on the AMRAP Regional Chart.

Earlier this year Christina started compiling a collection of fan favourites from her previous releases and live shows. This collection has been remastered under the title of ‘Best Of Bottleneck’ highlighting her love, and skill on slide guitar.

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The Mezcaltones Release Album ‘Big Hat No Cattle’

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

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Big Hat, No Cattle is the fifth studio album from the Mezcaltones and it comes together for an early 2025 release.

The Mezcaltones’ songs are mined from the rich seam of Alt Country, Roots, Rockin’ Blues and Surf Guitar with a nod to two of their favourite artists; and it’s all wrapped up in their inimitable Mezcaltones Hillbilly Surf Music Style.

Big Hat, No Cattle was recorded at Damien Gerard studios in West Gosford with Andrew Beck at the engineering controls; mixed by Russell Pilling; mastered by William Bowden; produced by the Mezcaltones; and artwork by Stephen Awdry & Melinda Nassif.

The CD is available for purchase at gigs and The Mezcaltones website or can be streamed via your favourite online format.

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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.

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 antics 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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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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Bob Pigott Releases EP ‘Still Moving’

"Bob Pigott Releases EP ‘Still Moving’"

 ‘Still Moving’ is Bob Pigott’s 9th studio release and was recorded at Damien Gerard and Ears That Hear Studios on the picturesque Central Coast of NSW. The songs were written on an old stand-up piano while Bob took some time out to raise his young son.

The songs reflect light and shade with tracks ‘Like It’s Summer’ and ‘Pop Song’ pushing the beat while reflective moments come with ‘Glasgow’ and ‘Moving Day’. The toe tapping ‘Arlo’ is a note from a father to a son, and ‘Tired of Thinking About You’ goes straight to the heart strings. ‘Still Moving’ is another welcome offering from a singer- songwriter who just won’t stop moving…still.

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Critically acclaimed and multi award winning singer/songwriter Bob Pigott bridges folk, pop and country with rich vocals and a gift for storytelling. His original blend of smooth acoustic rhythms and poetic lyrics has broad appeal that transcends genres.

Bob’s intimate style and ability to craft songs that are artful as well as commercial has seen Bob secure a raft of ABC Music Awards and gave him the opportunity to record at the famous Abbey Road studios in London.

Bob’s ability to discover the heart of a song and produce lyrics that sound like words we could hear ourselves speaking, continues to attract the discerning listener worldwide.

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CB Ghost Releases Single ‘Beautiful Middle Finger’

"CB Ghost Releases Single ‘Beautiful Middle Finger’"

UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS!!

 CB Ghost & Pinky Ring Live

@ The Baso Canberra

Thursday 24th October 7pm

 CB Ghost & Pinky Ring Live

@ The Vault Port Kembla

Friday 25th October 6pm

 CB Ghost & Gene Gibson Live

@ Lazybones Lounge, Marrickville

Friday 6th December 7pm

 CB Ghost & Special Guest

@ The Baroque Room, Katoomba

Saturday 7th December 7pm

Que catchy guitar riff, add harmonica, then a swinging beat, leads us to CB Ghost’s signature and original vocal style and we are away with Beautiful Middle Finger.

From the first line, images and themes are subconsciously drip fed into your mind and the folk-rock rhythm and country-like sway moves your hips. While the chorus is simply an elevated version of the same guitar riff it certainly lifts you and adds that needed meat to the musical bones.

Beautiful Middle Finger is a good time song, with a silly title from a serious song writer who obviously loves to have fun and not take things too seriously while putting his heart and soul out there.

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CB Ghost, 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. He 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 followed by ‘Hold Down Hymn’ and gives a strong idea of what is to come later this year.

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Big Merino Releases Single ‘Ain’t No Shame’

"Big Merino Releases Single ‘Ain’t No Shame’"

Alex: ‘I’ve always been fascinated by people who are able to move through life and experience unguarded joy, it’s something that I’ve learned but it doesn’t come naturally to me and I like that idea of learning to let go of something that you love’.

During the recording process the band tried to recapture the spirit of the legendary Sun Studio recordings. Working with Phil Punch provided the perfect opportunity to try that approach especially as he had built equipment for the iconic recording space.

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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