ALIVE AND KICKING On his debut solo album, What A Way To Die, Brandon Dodd shows he’s more than ready to step out of the shadows of his other musical projects with an accomplished and wide-ranging collection of roots music songs. If you’ve ever seen Kasey Chambers live in concert over the last five years … Continue reading
FANNY LUMSDEN WANTED TO CREATE SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL THAT SHE COULD FIND SOLACE IN Fanny Lumsden’s third country-folk album, Fallow, sees her exploring new musical terrain and dealing with the loss of loved ones and the joy of bringing new life into the world. As she explains to Chris Familton, it’s an album that represents possibility … Continue reading
LOOKING TO THE PAST Folk singer, country troubadour and roots aficionado Pokey LaFarge had a bumper year in 2013 that included a new album on Jack White’s record label and a calendar overflowing with live shows and TV appearances. On the eve of his first Australian tour LaFarge talks with Chris Familton about his formative … Continue reading
UNDRESSING THE NATION In 2019, The Felice Brothers returned with some changes to their line-up and Undress, a new album that manages to address both personal and political concerns, all with their trademark poetic imagery and organic musicality. A year ago, in the aftermath of touring their album Life In The Dark, it was announced … Continue reading
THE ALT-COUNTRY ENIGMA THAT IS FALLON CUSH A strange name and an intriguing album title to match. Songwriter Steve Smith leads us into the shadows of Fallon Cush’s new album where its mysterious themes are matched a colourful sonic palette and infectious melodies. Fallon Cush – It’s a name that rolls off the tongue but … Continue reading
TALL TALES FOR DARK TIMES Skyscraper Stan reveals why his new album is called Golden Boy Vol. I and Vol. II and discusses the joys and frustrations that come with committing to a life in music. Stan Woodhouse has always performed under the name Skyscraper Stan, ever since staff at the Wine Cellar in Auckland, … Continue reading
COSMIC DREAMING WITH LOST RAGAS On their new album This Is Not A Dream, Melbourne’s Lost Ragas return with a new band member and their most realised set of songs to date. Shane Reilly provides a fascinating insight into the band’s collective sound and the recording of the new album. Lost Ragas are a band … Continue reading
Lozz Benson has gained a strong reputation as a musician in recent years, having toured as part of the Jon Butler Trio and played alongside Urthboy, Missy Higgins, Fanny Lumsden, Nathan Cavaleri and Tonight Alive. As a songwriter and singer, she has collaborated with Paul Kelly and Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil) but now she’s revealed her exciting new … Continue reading
THE LIFE OF A BIG BOSS MAMA The Australian market is becoming more of a priority for Tami Neilson, she’s was recently here in May for the Blues On Broadbeach Music Festival and now she’s set to return for the Dashville Skyline and Out On The Weekend festivals. Chris Familton gets the lowdown on all the … Continue reading
Possessing one of the finest voices on the Sydney music scene, Peta Caswell has finally stepped out under her own name, with her band The Lost Cause, and released her debut self-titled EP (on Stanley Records). Blending country rock, soul and alt-country, Caswell knows how to belt out a rich, soaring chorus as confidently as … Continue reading
“…inhabiting a sweet spot right at the nexus of country, soul and psychedelia.” Magpie Diaries released their impressive debut album Sanctuary last year (read our review) and with it came some wonderful singles – ‘When Love Comes’ and the latest, ‘Honey’. They’ve been getting out a lot lately with plenty of live shows in 2019, … Continue reading
A DECADE OF MAKING SWEET SOUNDS After a decade of relentless touring, from street corners to bars and festivals, The California Honeydrops have forged a strong bond with their audiences. Drummer Ben Malament discusses the band’s achievements with Chris Familton, ahead of their return to Bluesfest in 2019. This will be the third year in … Continue reading
BOOKMARKS IN TIME Mark Lucas charts the last two decades of his solo career on a new retrospective, Prisoners Of The Heart. In June of 1981, Mark Lucas stepped off a plane at Sydney Airport and before they’d got home, the girl that he’d followed across the world dumped him, which he half-jokingly says “got … Continue reading
THE MIRROR OF TRUTH On his new album The Crossing, Alejandro Escovedo takes an unflinching and poetic look at America and the immigrant experience. By Chris Familton Alejandro Escovedo has been surrounded by music his entire life. His father played and listened to Mexican music, his mother loved big band jazz music and his rocker … Continue reading
Callum Wylie caught our ear the first time we heard him sing, that forlorn ache of a voice that folds country and folk music into each other, with a touch of weary soul. It perfectly suits his minimal and lyrical guitar playing and songs that have a way of painting evocative characters in often difficult … Continue reading
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