CJ Shaw releases new single Adelaide from upcoming album

August 20, 2021 Leave a comment

Adelaide
Just added to our playlist here is CJ Shaw.

Acoustic Folk Australian best describes this song which has elements of Slim Dusty and Aussie folk such as The Hussy Hicks and The Beggars. Checkout the video premiere courtesy of scenestr

This story telling song follows the enchanting day which saw the arrival of my first child, Adelaide. The rain tumbled down in Canberra, soaking the city and filling the drains as we marvelled at the magic of being first time parents. As the song suggests the natural world that surrounded us, the animals and birds as well as the gardens and trees were reborn as the result of the 60mm that fell in just under an hour. This is a song that celebrates renewal and new life.

Armed with a guitar and a swag full of harmonicas, singer-songwriter CJ Shaw’s intricate finger-picking, word play and storytelling never fails to captivate his audiences. CJ Shaw’s music is distinctly Australian in style, influenced by Paul Kelly and Slim Dusty. His lyrical storytelling and musicality lends itself to audiences of all ages.

In 2020, CJ Shaw was nominated for an ARIA Award for ‘Music Teacher of the Year’ with Jimmy Barnes as his official ambassador presenting him with the nomination. This prestigious music industry acknowledgement recognised his dynamic and poignant songwriting for primary-aged children. These celebrated songs are woven through his performances and albums, played alongside satirical and storytelling Australiana folk songs.

In 2021 CJ Shaw will release his album ‘All Sorts’. Combining the best of his children’s songs with his unique brand of contemporary Australiana, Shaw has dubbed ‘All Sorts’ “the ultimate Family Album”. With over a decade experience touring and performing at music festivals in Australia and Timor-Leste, CJ Shaw is an exciting Canberra musician at the top of his game.

CJ Shaw – Adelaide is out NOW August 20th through Foghorn/MGM

Download or stream:

Connect with CJ Shaw:
www.cjshawmusic.com

ChIPS through ‘We Wrote That’ release single Wake Up Call

August 13, 2021 Leave a comment

In June 2021, members of Sydney Children’s Hospital Network’s Chronic Illness Peer Support group [or “ChIPS”], jumped on a Zoom call with singer-songwriter Luke Escombe to talk about their shared experiences of living with a chronic health condition.

The result was a relevant and telling high energy single – WAKE UP CALL which was premiered on Youtube today Friday 6th August and ramped up to over 1500 views in only a few days.. Click below for the link:

Heres the latest review from Triple J Unearthed Music Director Dave Ruby Howe:

ChIPS is a peer support program that runs across Sydney Children’s Hospitals Network for young people aged 12-25 years who are living with a chronic illness or condition that affects their day-to-day lives. The aim of the program is to connect young people with shared experiences and provide them with opportunities for developing leadership and life skills through workshops, advocacy, creative projects, program planning and public speaking. Through these activities and relationships they develop confidence, wellbeing, self-esteem and decrease social isolation. Above all, ChIPS is about creating a community and having fun with new friends. The program is run by young people for young people.

What emerged most strongly from the conversation was the common frustration they felt at not being listened to by the adults in their lives; at being told “you should do this” or “you need to do this” or being made to feel that they were helpless, incapable or in need of fixing.

The ChIPS members also spoke about “the mask” they felt compelled to wear in society in order to appear “normal”, and how exhausting and lonely it is to live behind. Escombe, who was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at the age of fourteen, could relate to these feelings directly.

The result of their conversation is “Wake Up Call” – an angry, articulate and infectiously catchy song that asks people to think twice before offering unwanted advice. If you want to help, the song states, just LISTEN.

Beyond the words, “Wake Up Call” also showcases the eclectic mix of talents in this group, from Sky Boe’s powerful lead vocals to Batu’s Turkish rap breakdown. For some of the ChIPS members, the recording session (at Free Energy Device, Sydney, with producer Michael McGlynn) was also the first time they’d met one another in real life.

“Wake Up Call” came about through an initiative called “We Wrote that”, conceived by Escombe – the creator and frontman of ARIA-nominated kids band The Vegetable Plot – and fellow musician and children’s performer Ben Thatcher, as an artistic means to give voice to young people living with disability and chronic health conditions. Funding came from Accessible Arts and Create NSW.

ChIPS – Wake Up Call is out NOW August 6th through Foghorn/MGM

Download or stream:

“We Wrote That” – Website
https://wewrotethat.com.au/

Triple J Unearthed

Connect with Luke Escombe:

Jessie-May Kitchen releases new single Quirky

July 30, 2021 Leave a comment

Imagine being born one day on another planet.
Everybody on this planet was given detailed instructions and knowledge of how to speak the language and how the world works. The entire planet is designed for everybody’s relaxation, socialisation, and comfortability.
Everyone but yours.

Growing up it felt like I was ostracised by the entire world. I felt like I was a literal alien and didn’t belong. The loneliness that never leaves you, leads to years of questioning the why. Am I the protagonist of a movie to be mocked by an invisible audience? Am I the butt of some cosmic joke? This is the life of a neurodivergent child. This is me. A pop single written with my entire heart from the perspective of a neurodivergent individual trying to navigate a neurotypical world.

I was called many things when I was young – freak, loner, weirdo. It never truly stopped, but the language did shift as I got older, once difference became more socially acceptable. Instead of calling me a weirdo on the playground, I would always get the sceptical phrase, “haha… you are.. QUIRKY… Aren’t you…?”

The relief and confidence I felt when discovering I’m okay, I’m not broken – my brain just works differently, was life changing! I hope Quirky can bring representation, comfort and celebration to the wonderful neurodivergent community. Branching further into the pop genre is something I’ve always wanted to do and Quirky was the perfect chance to do it!

Quirky contains fast paced electronic beats, funky bass, whacky harmonies and the message – it never hurt to be Quirky! I want to thank Jordan for the electronic instrumentals, Russel Pilling and Andrew Beck for recording, mixing and mastering this project and of course Marshall Cullen for producing and always believing in me.

Song Description
This is a new more pop direction for Jessie May Kitchen. Up-tempo, programmed backing, ‘quirky’ keys, bass and guitar and some very ‘now’ vocal fx all go together to make this song a real winner for pop radio.

Jessie May Kitchen – Quirky is out NOW through Foghorn/MGM

Download or stream:

Connect with Jessie-May Kitchen:

Mark Cashin releases new single The Genius

July 30, 2021 Leave a comment

Mark Cashin Presents
New Single “The Genius“

Mark has produced yet another smash tribute to his late son, Coen, with this brilliant new single and video. The song was recorded in 2 days at Damien Gerard Studios and then mixed by renown engineer Russell Pilling.

Mark played drums and acoustics as well as providing the lead vocal. Other musicians included: Sarah Piper on backing vocals and Jake Hunt on electric guitars and bass. Recording engineer at DG’s was Murray Dilger and the song was produced by Mark Cashin and Marshall Cullen.
In Mark’s own words: “The song was written for a very talented musical genius, my son, Coen. He was involved in a fatal car crash 3 kilometres from our Central Coast home nearly 4 years ago. I would like to share the only gift I can give my son on his 28th birthday.”

Song Description:

The Genius
Strong acoustics and riffing electrics begin this heartfelt mid-tempo song from Mark. The verses all feature a catchy guitar riff as well as the melodic vocals morphing into some sing along woo hoos as part of the chorus. Honest and straight from the heart this song really takes you somewhere.

Watch the Video here:

Credits:
Foghorn Media / MGM
Written by MARK CASHIN
Performed by MARK CASHIN – Lead Vocals – Acoustic guitar – Drums
Jake Hunt – Electric Guitar – Bass Guitar
Sarah Piper – Backing Vocals
Engineered & Recorded by – Murray Dilger at Damien Gerard studios
West Gosford, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Mixed & Mastered by Russell Pilling
Produced by Mark Cashin and Marshall Cullen
Film clip by Stewart McDonald

Stream The Genius here:

Connect with Mark:

Jack Nolan releases new single Hold Your Horses

July 23, 2021 Leave a comment

Hold Your Horses is a single from Sydney singer songwriter Jack Nolan’s upcoming 2021 album, Gabriel. Recorded for a friend, supporting them, to tell them they’re worth it, to stay the course.

Jack penned these lyrics for the song which was recorded in Nashville TN during the album sessions:
“She made some big choices, decisions, and they didn’t please everyone. Worn down by critics she was tempted, wanted to relent, go back. We said Girl, don’t expect a different result, you won’t get one. ‘Stand by your choices / Hold your horses’. We all know you’re incredible. You’ve got to believe.If you don’t believe right now, we do “We’ll shoot the lights out for ya/ Hold your horses’

Jack Nolan is a singer songwriter based in Sydney, Australia, who’s been performing and releasing music and albums since the mid 90’s. Along with a five-album solo catalogue Jack also fronted The Kelly Gang, with Rick Grossman, bassist for The Divinyls and Hoodoo Gurus, along with Midnight Oil drummer Rob Hirst, and guitar player Martin Rotsey. Their 2004 album Looking for the Sun was critically adored along with their energetic live shows of the time.

Within Nolan’s music, mysterious and shimmering chords unite his sound with that of the Americana genre, once quaintly described as ‘Darlinghurst Country’ uniting elements of folk, country, rock ‘n’ roll and ambient atmospheres fusing Nolan’s passion for intensely charged electric guitar and finger-picked acoustic guitar.

Hold Your Horses
The latest single from forthcoming album GABRIEL

OUT NOW Quay Records/MGM.

Stream or Download:

Official Video:

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Team Utopia release new EP The Gallery Sessions

July 16, 2021 Leave a comment

Redcliffe outfit Team Utopia have come a long way in 5 years. After international support slots with Richie Ramone and Bonjah the band has gained a global cult following. Line up is Dan/Sue/Kirsti and Mick.

Team Utopia emerged unscathed from the past 18 months with a blockbuster Five Song Live set. Recorded live at an Art Space in the Seaside town of Redcliffe Qld last November 2020. They haven’t held back with production. Very nice sounds indeed. “We joined a bunch of other bands and shot a short 20 min set”, explains Drummer Sue Kennet. The project came about after many misfires and let downs from what the pandemic has continued to do to the industry. “We didn’t want to just sit around and wait for this to end. We wanted to give our fans some Lovin”, insists Kennet.

This Brisbane based Rock outfit continues to make waves. The band had a nice little tour kicking off early in July in Brisbane to coincide with the release of this EP. This was cancelled due to Covid. Many cool things happening and lots of festivals booked pre covid for Team Utopia. “That’s 3 times now”, says Kennet. “We started rehearsals for the tour and had Bob Spencer coming for the run for some fun. That got shut down, however that won’t stop us releasing this one”.

‘A great mix of good old fashioned Australian Rock done with a nice Twist’ – RS

‘This band sounds like a cross between TISM and Max Q. Nice Combo’ – Jane Gazzo Triple M

The Gallery Sessions (Live) is OUT NOW Foghorn/MGM.

Stream or Download

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Gareth Koch Releases New Solo Album ‘Saladin’s Dream’

July 9, 2021 Leave a comment

Soundslikecafe is proud to present this brilliant new Instrumental World Music/Classical album as our latest feature release

Gareth Koch is an ARIA Award winning recording artist, guitar soloist, composer & songwriter. He has recorded a diverse repertory across multiple albums spanning works for classical guitar, flamenco, original compositions, arrangements, medieval projects & song writing. He has appeared at major festivals within Australia, Europe, Asia and North America.
Gareth is involved with many cross genre projects. Over the past two years he has released two collaborative albums with ARIA Hall of Fame inductee Steve Kilbey (The Church). Earlier this year a third collaboration with Steve saw the release of ‘The Hall of Counterfeits’.

On his new solo project, ‘Saladin’s Dream’, Gareth explores the fanciful notion of Saladin’s dreamworld – his unconscious desires and wishes.  Saladin (1137-1193) was a warrior/sultan & ruler of Egypt, best known for his war against Christian Crusaders and the capture of Jerusalem.
Dreams and their significance in waking life are an enduring source of mystery.  On this album Saladin is visited nightly by ancient gods, bringing with them their harps & music of the underworld.  He then spirals into the mayhem of dark assignations with a succubus before veering into the chaos of an Egyptian bazaar. In his free-flowing dreams Saladin embarks on a surreal journey into the future, encountering Macbeth’s witches and their cats.
The album meanders effortlessly through a landscape of goatherds, ancient cities and other worlds.  Saladin’s Dream can be seen as a synthesis of Gareth’s musical journeys, ranging from classical, flamenco, medieval, folk & rock, flowing seamlessly into the realm of free experimentation & creativity.

Tracklist

Song Descriptions
Bazaar
This soundscape like track takes you to the Middle Eastern Markets of The Silk Road in ancient times. With oud’s, guitars, hand percussion, even some calls to prayer like wailing this truly evokes a time and place – think The Arabian Knights put to music.

Saladin’s Dream
The title track to this new album by Gareth Koch, exactly half down the track order it creates a neat bridge from some of the more eastern sounds into what we may term more classical ones. Some beautiful guitar melodies layered onto backing that includes resonating vocal textures.

The Nefarious Goatherd
Belying the tongue in cheek title this song moves along at a good pace and includes some solid bass and low-end percussion that keeps up the pace nicely. With similar instrumentation to the album – background vocal layers, stringed instruments over the bass and percussion elements.

Saladin’s Dream is OUT TODAY July 9th – via MGM
All DSP’s and CD’s from

Connect with Gareth Koch:

Margaret Anne and the Rock It Man release their debut album Soul Laid Bare

July 1, 2021 Leave a comment

The debut album ‘Soul Laid Bare’ is released today following a series of singles, sold out launch and various radio spots including Todays Country.

The album includes the duet ‘The Ones You Love’, co-written and sung with 13 times Golden Guitar winner Luke O’Shea, the custom song ‘White Haze’ and those written with Shane Nicholson, Gretta Ziller and Allison Forbes. It is an exciting blend of Americana, sweeping through sounds from Country, Roots and Blues to Grooving Funk and Rock.

Recording and production were performed at Noisy Trout Productions in Sydney, Australia, with the genius, multi-instrumentalist and producer Doug Weaver (aka The Rock It Man). Reviews of already released songs which appear on the album confirm Margaret’s influences coming from Neil Young, Bob Dylan and Patti Smith combined with the production styles of Fleetwood Mac and ELO – lush, loaded with diversity and consistent high level of musicianship.

Having always had a natural affinity for music, Margaret Anne started playing classical piano as a child before traveling to the far reaches of Tibet and Asia, South and North America, Africa, and Europe.

Drawing from her vast life experience, Margaret Anne has honed her talent as singer/songwriter over the years. She later teamed up with the multi-instrumentalist, producer and Mythbusters screenwriter Doug Weaver, to write and produce the album ‘Soul Laid Bare’.

Although they receive creative inspiration from Country, Roots and Blues, Margaret Anne and the Rock It Man combine a variety of compositional elements to form their unique sound. To date there are five singles in their online discography. Some of their most popular tracks include the likes of ‘White Haze’ a custom track written for USA ski hall of fame Extreme Skier Dan Egan, ‘Don’t Look Back’, co-written with Shane Nicholson, ‘Soul Laid Bare’ and ‘Cabin Boy’. With a growing number of followers and listeners, there is no denying the fact that Margaret Anne is developing a dedicated following of loyal fans.

Sold out album launch at Beaches Thirroul:

Download or stream the album Out NOW July 2nd via MGM:

Connect with Margaret Anne:

https://linktr.ee/margaretannesmusic

Steve Kilbey Album 2 Weeks in Top 20 AIR Charts

June 28, 2021 Leave a comment

Following the successful NSW Album launch Tour(Just made it pre Lockdown) The new Steve Kilbey and The Winged Heels double album ‘The Hall of Counterfeits’ is OUT NOW and has scored Top 20 chart positions in the AIR 100% Independent chart the past few weeks and a number 1 single on the soundslikecafe playlist charts.

New USA Max Alt Interview:

https://www.maximumalternative.com

Recent Reviews
https://smellslikeinfinitesadness.com/steve-kilbey-and-the-winged-heels-the-hall-of-counterfeits-review/

https://glidemagazine.com/257736/steve-kilbey-and-the-winged-heels-make-creative-surplus-on-musically-vast-the-hall-of-counterfeits/

https://www.backseatmafia.com/album-review-steve-kilbey-the-winged-heels-soar-into-another-celestial-sphere-with-double-album-the-hall-of-counterfeits/?fbclid=IwAR3gPv_bjvesdwtCb6_2i5U6dMJcffLZoFP7iLos5upWkwXi1h8Oe0NLGKY

https://americansongwriter.com/steve-kilbey-and-the-winged-heels-invite-listeners-into-the-hall-of-counterfeits/

Customer review highlights
“That was a really beautiful journey – an experience from beginning to end. I felt transported to a bazaar or the outback – places I’ve only been in my imagination.
It was wild having heard some of these tunes in acoustic from months ago.
Now every sound – every song… nuanced and played – recorded and mixed – to perfection.
My ears – my mind strained at times to take it all in.
Hit by a tantric piano hammer.
And – like any great trip – it was worth the wait! X”

“Listened to some of the album, and it’s marvelous so far! It’s loose and weird, and everyone seemed to be having a right good time.”

From Steve Kilbey:
In 1990 I released an album called Remindlessness in which I attempted to take in everything I had ever been fascinated by and reconcile the whole damn lot with a weird and wild bunch of songs.

30 years on, armed with brilliant musicians (The Winged Heels), time has enabled me to give voice to those same preoccupations: past lives, Indian and Middle Eastern music, religion, ancient history, the Beatles and the many implications of their work.

A new sprawling double album, a labour of love. The record I had to make before I shuffle off this mortal coil and begin again all over – some other time, some other place. But this record is the big one and even if I do get another 30 years down here it will be a hard one to ever top.

“I have never been prouder of an achievement in my life.

Please, if you will, wander through The Hall of Counterfeits and take it all in.…”

The Hall Of Counterfeits is OUT NOW
CD and Digital via MGM Official Store
and/or Stream below:

Connect with Steve Kilbey:

Thirty Three Degrees release first full Album

June 10, 2021 Leave a comment

Central Coast Band Thirty Three Degrees Release their debut Album and play Launch Shows

New Reviews:

Thirty Three Degrees Self-Titled Debut Album Epitomizes Cutting-Edge Artistry

Thirty Three Degrees – Thirty Three Degrees (reviewed by Dave Franklin)

Thirty Three Degrees release their debut album

Friday 16th July: The Servo Wollongong:
www.eventbrite.com.au/e/thirty-three-degrees-wthe-huneez-chance-magnetic-the-servo-tickets-155764121681

Saturday 17th July: The Basement Canberra:

thebasementcanberra.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/a3af7588-bc68-446a-92c9-55a71513a664

Thirty Three Degrees’ self-titled debut album never had a real theme planned, but came together as the songs took shape over a period of time. The band views the songs as seeming to split into two as some of the songs are older than others.
One half is all about emotions and love, whether that be in conflict or happiness in songs like Bleed, Place In The Sun, The Key and No Illusions, then moving into the newer songs delving into current situations in the world. Reflecting on how we all react differently according to how those situations are portrayed to us on an information highway, both overloading and dividing us.
The music itself contains some strong grooves, rootsy slide driven rock with some blues undertones.
The album was recorded at Damien Gerard studios over 3 days, laying down twelve live recorded tracks and then adding guitar overdubs, vocals and mixing. The band eventually settled on a 9 track album as the best representation of their work.

Tracklist

Thirty Three Degrees are an original rock band with a strong groove and some rootsy vibes, from the Central Coast of New South Wales, Australia.

After a brief hiatus from the music scene, Shane decided to re-enter the music world and search for like-minded musicians to write and perform with. At this same time, Chris was re-entering Australia from Los Angeles with the same goal. Thanks to musician classifieds on social media, the two met up and at the end of January 2020, Shane Romeyn and Chris Roberts formed the band.

The good vibes and good songs flowed out immediately. Due to COVID-19 gigs were off the table for the most part, so with the temporary assistance and amazing bass work of Chris’ brother Mike, the band decided to instead enter the studio and recorded their debut album.

Since then the band has brought on a full-time bass player, Andrew, to complete the trio and they are
continuing to pump out song after song and rehearse for future gigs.

Stream the album here (Foghorn/MGM) :

Connect with Thirty Three Degrees:

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