Carlyle Christopherson – Follow Me
"Carlyle Christopherson – Follow Me"
Carlyle Christopherson is an Australian musician, originally from central Victoria, who now resides in Switzerland.
His remarkable journey from the corporate world to following his dreams as a musician and a lover of acoustic rock has seen him reconnect with his passion for music and performance.
His debut single Follow Me offers a definite Australian acoustic-rock flavour in his sparse instrumentation and storytelling lyric about hope and aspiration as we navigate through life’s great big journey.
It comes from his debut album, Here Comes History, which was produced and co-written alongside Things Of Stone And Wood frontman Greg Arnold. It is an album possessing a remarkable collection of fables, echoing Christopherson’s journey against some challenging yet eventually rewarding personal odds.
Carlyle’s love for Australian music is clear with influences including artists such as Paul Dempsey, Bernard Fanning, Paul Kelly, Olympia and Greg Arnold.
“I’ve loved working on the album, says Greg Arnold. “Carlyle has such a soulful and reflective lyrical perspective and his voice and songs are deeply evocative of an authentic 70s singer-songwriter.”
‘Here Comes History’ is out NOW.
Watch the official video for Follow Me at YouTube:
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Big Merino Release Second Album ‘Sweet Little Angel’
"Big Merino Release Second Album ‘Sweet Little Angel’"
Big Merino have put the finishing touches on their second album at Damien Gerard Studios in Sydney.
The first single to be lifted from Sweet Little Angel is the balladesque title track, while it’s B-side accompaniment is a cover of the politically-charged protest song of 1970, ‘Ohio’. Penned by Neil Young and recorded with his band Crosby Stills Nash and Young, the song is a guitar-led melodic track that will be familiar to most music lovers.
The Album is OUT NOW Via Foghorn/MGM and we are proud to Feature it to our Cafes.
Tracklisting for the album is:
Sweet Little Angel
I Watched The Light
I Lay Me Down
Mama’s Gonna Fall
Satellite
Ohio
This Song
Hard Lesson
Living In The Past
Day Without You
Hummingbird
Guest musicians on the record are:
Alice Papademetriou & Lisa Spence : additional vocals
John Gauci, Mike Gubb : Keyboards
James Greening : Horns
Jess Ciampa : percussion
Watch a behind the scenes video by clicking on the YouTube link below:
And you can see the video for the single on our featured video footer just scroll down…
UPCOMING SHOW DATES ARE:
Following a highly successful launch at Marrickville Bowlo last weekend the next time to catch the lads will be –
Sunday August 25 @ Smith’s Alternative, Canberra
Big Merino is a genre-busting band featuring Stuart Davis (lead vocals/guitar), Alex Craig (lead guitar), Peter Richardson (bass) and Colin Sevitt (drums).
Their songs blur the lines between rock, country, blues, soul and pop. Despite an obvious passion for Americana (blues, country and Gospel) their music somehow also sounds quintessentially Australian, shaped by our landscape and their own stories.
“Great songs, great songwriting and best of all – full of a real sincerity and commitment”
Michael Smith – Rhythms
The album will be released on July 27 on Foghorn Records through MGM.
Stream or Download Big Merino’s music:
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CaliCisco – One Last Night EP
"CaliCisco – One Last Night EP"
CaliCisco is the name of the new musical project of songwriter Joel Leffler. The name was inspired by his love of the Western part of the USA – a conglomeration of the names San Francisco & California.
The ‘One Last Night’ EP follows the story of a couple who had parted ways, leaving one of the parties to deal with different stages of grief.
‘Smoke Clouds’ is the first single to radio from the EP featuring a tight snappy verse structure & a four-on-the-floor disco beat chorus complete with Bee Gees style falsetto vocals. ‘Smoke Clouds’ lyrically touches on flavours of a love that can be so inundating it can literally leave you feeling high.
The EP features elements of mellow piano, funk guitar & punchy synth throughout the 5 tracks, underpinned by dance beats &catchy loops that all enhance the lyrical melody. Songwriter/Producer Joel Leffler set out to create an EP that represented both elements of his songwriting world with tracks like ‘Smoke Clouds’ & ‘Got It Good’ heavy in synth and pop guitar whilst ‘One Last Night’ tells a story through an honest lyrical delivery.
‘Feeling Like’ introduces itself in simplistic fashion with record player static, a piano loop and a close raw vocal. Before you know it the song is in full flight with Synth risers leading into a catchy vocal driven chorus. A strong beat accompanied by a vocal synth melody perfectly illustrates the new sound direction from songwriter Leffler.
‘My Heart’ begins its journey with an earthy assortment of piano, lead guitar and a mellow bass line creating the foundations for a raw honest vocal to enter. When the chorus hits, a bouncy synth bass & keys lead the charge with the return of the lead guitar melody. ‘My Heart’ follows the story of a man who leaves a trail of self-sabotage in love, where he fails to protect his heart while wearing it openly on his sleeve.
‘Got It Good’ starts with an upbeat pop arrangement, settling itself into a beat-driven verse reprieve. A repetitive lyrical hook in the chorus is accompanied by multiple synth melody lines that completes a contemporary electronic/pop sound. ‘Got It Good’ is a story about a female who lives the high life of travel, booze & disposable income.
‘One Last Night’, the title track of the EP & the stand-out storytelling song, is led by sustained grand piano chords & a close vocal that makes you feel like you are sitting in the same room as the singer. The chorus features swelling orchestral strings, harmonising back up vocals, synth keys & a strong drum beat while lyrically the song depicts a couple sharing one last night of passion together even though they both know it’s over.
Download CaliCisco – One Last Night now:
The Insufferable Paul Scott – Surrender To Robots
"The Insufferable Paul Scott – Surrender To Robots"
Surrender to Robots is a solo album by the insufferable Paul Scott (The Likes of You, Montana, John Kennedy’s 68 Comeback Special and The Bad Machines). The album was written, recorded, performed and produced by Scott. “So really, there’s no-one else to blame,” he says.
The first single is Sheila and it’s at radio now.
Song subjects include existential angst, co-habitation as a means of financial easement, optimism, missing people, mobile phone culture. Influences include a splash of Suicides’ keyboard sound, a hint of James Murphy’s indie crashes into dance music, a lick of Wren sand a dollop of the Dukes of Stratosphear vocal stylings.
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 Triple J. A USA Tour and 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. More recently Scott has released an album on the Australian label ‘Half a Cow’ with his new power pop combo ‘The Likes of You’.
Download now:
Connect with Paul Scott:
Texas Strangers – Borderline
"Texas Strangers – Borderline"
Texas Strangers – Borderline – Country – Album out now (MGM)
Featuring a dynamic live show of originals and covers, NSW Central Coast boys Texas Strangers are gaining a reputation for being one of Australia’s up and coming Country bands, with a strong Tamworth track record.
Taking his inspiration from great song writers like Jimmy Webb, frontman Steve Killeen is combining great lyrics with strong country melodies that are connecting with a growing audience.
The debut album Borderline is out now via the good folks at MGM and the boys will be playing around the traps in support. The first 2 singles Always in the Rain and River of Tears both received strong support from ABC Country and national Community Stations.
Download or stream now:
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John Kennedy – Raining Treasure (Australian Indie Gold Covers Vol.1)
"John Kennedy – Raining Treasure (Australian Indie Gold Covers Vol.1)"
Tour Update for the Album
ollowing the Successful Melbourne Show last weekend including an appearance from Kim Salmon,
The Sydney Launch is Friday June 21 Next Week at the fabulous Patersham Bowlo
And for Brisbane folks there are still last minute tix available for tomorrow night at The Junk Bar
Sydney musician John Kennedy’s new album Raining Treasure celebrates the golden era of Australian independent music from the late ‘70’s and the 80’s. Kennedy compiled a list of classic indie songs (and some obscurities) from that era and with his band, John Kennedy’s 68 Comeback Special, has recorded songs from The Go-Betweens, The Triffids, The Scientists and many more. Some of these acts were contemporaries. Some were inspirations. All had some great songs.
The idea for this release sprang from the 2017 album, JFK and the Midlife Crisis. It was a concept album about a middle aged Sydney musician looking back over his life to the glory days of the Australian indie music scene. It explored the joys and disappointments of being part of the thriving music culture that was centred around Surry Hills at that time. The logical next step was to cover some of the great songs from that fertile period. These songs take you back to the Trade Union Club and the Strawberry Hills Hotel.
The tracklist is:
1. Swampland* – The Scientists
2. Raining Pleasure – The Triffids
3. Leilani – le Hoodoo Gurus
4. Come On – The Atlantics via The Wet Taxis
2. Raining Pleasure – The Triffids
3. Leilani – le Hoodoo Gurus
4. Come On – The Atlantics via The Wet Taxis
5. Stuck On You – Sardine v
6. Girl In The Sweater – The Hard Ons7. King Street* – John Kennedy’s
Love Gone Wrong
8. Ocean Liner – The Lighthouse Keepers
Love Gone Wrong
8. Ocean Liner – The Lighthouse Keepers
9. Lee Remick* – The Go-Betweens
10. Refugee – The Apartments
11. When The Birdmen Fly – The Fun Things
12. Brisbane (Security City) / Electrical Storm – The Saints / Ed Kuepper
13. Nothing Grows In Texas* – Sacred Cowboys
11. When The Birdmen Fly – The Fun Things
12. Brisbane (Security City) / Electrical Storm – The Saints / Ed Kuepper
13. Nothing Grows In Texas* – Sacred Cowboys
14. Don’t Go To Sydney – The Zimmermen
15. St Kilda to Kings Cross – Paul Kelly
( * Suggested airplay tracks)
15. St Kilda to Kings Cross – Paul Kelly
( * Suggested airplay tracks)
An enthusiastic young music journalist once described John Kennedy as a humble genius. Kennedy is neither a genius nor particularly humble. He is the writer and performer of many fine songs, some of which have found a place in the hearts of music fans of the golden era of Australian independent music. Kennedy started his music career in Brisbane in the ‘80’s with his band JFK and the Cuban Crisis. The band moved to Sydney and after establishing itself on the indie music scene broke up leaving Kennedy to pursue a solo career with his band vehicle, John Kennedy’s Love Gone Wrong.
Despite numerous indie hits, commercial crossover proved to be elusive leading to his decision to leave Australia. Kennedy spent the ‘90’s living and playing music in Berlin, Hong Kong and London before returning to Sydney’s Inner West in 2000. He formed a new band, John Kennedy’s 68 Comeback Special and continues to perform and produce independent releases.
Over the years Kennedy has shared stages with many of the acts covered on this new album. His band members have come from or gone on to the Triffids, Paul Kelly, the Go-Betweens and Ed Kuepper. The current line up of the band boasts its own fine indie pedigree. Long time drummer, Peter Timmerman was an original Love Gone Wrong member before moving on to the Widdershins. New bassist Phil Hall played with Sardine v, the Dropbears, the Lime Spiders and many others. Guitarist Murray Cook started out in Finger Guns before going on to found what is probably Australia’s most successful independent band, the Wiggles. Together with Kennedy they have created versions of these Australian indie classics, reinterpreting some, expanding some and celebrating them all.
TOUR DATES ARE:
Melbourne ALBUM LAUNCH – Swamplands, 744 High St, Thornbury VIC.
Saturday 8 June, from 8pm.
Brisbane ALBUM LAUNCH – The Junk Bar, 215 Waterworks Rd, Ashgrove QLD
Saturday 15 June, from 8pm.
Sydney ALBUM LAUNCH – Petersham Bowling Club, 77 Brighton St, Petersham NSW
Friday 21 June, from 8pm.
Pre-sale tickets are available via Oztix, or buy tickets at the door.
Raining Treasure (Australian Indie Gold Covers Vol.1) will be released on 7 June 2019,
on Foghorn Records through MGM.
Stream or Download John Kennedy’s music:
Connect with John Kennedy:
Melissa Black – Eden (Official)
Daylight Avenue Are ‘Coming Home’ with their inclusion on our April playlist
"Daylight Avenue Are ‘Coming Home’ with their inclusion on our April playlist"
Daylight Avenue is an alternative rock group who have been creating and performing music for over 3 years.
Self-described as “four blokes rehearsing in a tin shed out the back”, Daylight Avenue comprises of members with widely different tastes in music. The result is a wide-ranging sonic landscape. “We have heavy songs, jazzy songs, rock songs and get up and dance songs!”
The single Coming Home (featuring Denique) is lifted from the album Alone In A Crowd.
Soundslikecafe is proud to present this great tune on our April Playlist
Alone In A Crowd is OUT NOW via independent label Distrokid.
To stream or download:
Connect with Daylight Avenue:
Daxton – ‘Live In The Studio’ Acoustic Album Release
"Daxton – ‘Live In The Studio’ Acoustic Album Release"
Central Coast musician and singer-songwriter Daxton has recorded a bunch of live acoustic songs which will be released on his ‘Live In The Studio’ album, which was recorded by Russell Pilling at Damien Gerard Studios in Sydney. Daxton’s chilled out dreamy songs and moody, driving vocals make for a brilliant acoustic album which oozes a summery vibe.
‘Sanctuary’ is a great acoustic rendition of one of his most popular songs from the recent ‘In Verses’ album. Hearing it as simply vocal and guitar really shows the quality of the song.
Another album highlight is ‘Perfect Day’, a more country up-tempo and happy song featuring vocals and acoustic guitar, but still managing a strong catchy chorus, snappy verses, and even some “da da da’s’ to sing along to. Perhaps, best of all, its less than 2 minutes, which means it’s perfect to squeeze into playlist spots.
For some really nice bluesy slide acoustic and a catchy riff, go no further than ‘Ball and Chain’. It combines a great falsetto verse with a baritone chorus, adding to the rich tonal feel of the song.
With songs like ‘I Don’t Mind’, singing in high falsetto with jangly guitar line to the bubbly low tones of ‘Good Time Friends’ with its’ grungy sounding chords, ‘Live In The Studio’ covers all flavours.
Daxton’s music has been influenced by Captain Beefheart, The Dead Kennedys, The Church, David Bowie, Tom Waits, Neil Young, The Killers, Mud Honey, The Pixies and Arcade Fire.
Hear the music:
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