Ben Mastwyk is currently a busy gent with a run of interstate shows with Luke Elliot (USA) and today he’s sent the video clip for new single ‘This Country’ out into the world. It’s a great horn-led slice of honky tonk and country groove, matched by an equally fine video complete with gold satin jackets, … Continue reading
Tag Archives: 2018
LIVE REVIEW: Hurray For The Riff Raff
Hurray For The Riff Raff, Slow Dancer @ Factory Theatre, March 26th 2018 Back for the first time since their Newtown Social Club show in 2014, Hurray For The Riff Raff were upsized to the much larger Factory Theatre, an overly ambitious punt by the promoter given that their profile hasn’t risen greatly in the intervening years. … Continue reading
NEW MUSIC: American Aquarium – Tough Folks (2018)
American Aquarium have signed with New West Records and are set to release their new LP Things Change on June 1st. Here’s the first single from the record – ‘Tough Folks’. It’s a freewheeling’ slice of heartland rock with a Mellencamp flavour. Pre-order Things Change Continue reading
LIVE REVIEW: Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit @ Enmore Theatre, Sydney
Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit + Deer Tick @ Enmore Theatre, Sydney 25/03/18 Sitting right at the nexus of Americana and southern rock is Jason Isbell. Since his tour of duty in Drive By-Truckers and through his subsequent breakthrough solo career, he’s found that sweet spot between the heartbreaking balladeer and the guitar shreddin’ … Continue reading
NEWS: Kasey Chambers Announces New Album ‘Campfire’
Kasey Chambers has followed up last year’s Dragonfly double album with a new band, The Campfire Disciples, and their new album Campfire. Due out on April 27th, the album represents the connection she’s had to different lands and cultures throughout her life, and drawing from the regions that have influenced her the most – Australia, Africa, … Continue reading
INTERVIEW: Lo Carmen
NASHVILLE DREAMS AND WHISPERING TREES Lo Carmen has imagined making her Nashville album since she was a teenager and now that dream has come true with Lovers Dreamers Fighters, an album written in rural Georgia and featuring a duet with Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy. Lo Carmen and her family have been based in the USA for … Continue reading
NEWS: Top Fifteen Finalists Announced For The Americana Music Prize Of Australia
From all the entries that were submitted for the 2018 Americana Music Prize of Australia, the panel have whittled down the list to the fifteen finalists who are in with a chance to win a $10,000 prize pack. The joint initiative between esteemed country musician Shane Nicholson, the Forbes Street Studios and Lost Highway Australia, … Continue reading
ALBUM REVIEW: Pauline Andrès – Fearless Heart
This is album number three for the French songwriter who, much like her music has to date, has had a slow-burning rise to prominence. She’s still relatively unknown but on this album she’s found the best balance to date between gothic rock ’n’ roll and a smoky country noir sound. Fearless Heart finds her ensconced … Continue reading
NEW MUSIC: Not Good With Horses – What’s Done Is Done
It’s been a long time coming but Sydney band Not Good With Horses are set to release their debut album Faultlines on March 29th, via Compadre Music Co. They’ve just released the video for the second single “What’s Done Is Done’, a smouldering, snaking groove, richly ornamented with some subtle and evocative guitar interplay and … Continue reading
Post To Wireless: New Episodes
Yesterday I posted episode number three of the Post To Wireless music show. You can check out the playlist below and stream the show plus I’ve also detailed episode #002 for those who may have missed that one. I’m really happy with how the shows are starting to sound and I’ll be adding in more … Continue reading
NEWS: John Prine Announces New LP The Tree Of Forgiveness
John Prine seems to be going through a late career purple patch of late with collaborations, plenty of live shows and the “Artist of the Year” award at the Americana Music Honors & Awards. Now he’s announced that his new album The Tree Of Forgiveness will be released on April 13th on his own independent label … Continue reading
NEWS: Ryley Walker Announces New LP Deafman Glance
Ryley Walker is back with another new album, this one coming out on the Dead Oceans via Inertia Music (in Australia). Cooper Crain (Bitchin’ Bajas, Cave) recorded and mixed the album, as well as adding his shimmering synths all over it. Ryley plays electric & acoustic guitars and was joined by long-time 6-string sparring partners, … Continue reading
NEWS: Ry Cooder Announces New LP The Prodigal Son
It’s been six years since Ry Cooder released his last album, Election Special. Now, on May 11th, Cooder will release The Prodigal Son. The album’s 11 tracks, including three Cooder originals and a carefully selected collection of his most treasured blues ‘n roots spirituals of the last century (songs of the Pilgrim Travelers, The Stanley … Continue reading
TRACK PREMIERE: Halfway – Crescent Lagoon
Halfway are set to return in 2018 with a brand new album, their sixth, and this week they release the first single from it, ‘Crescent Lagoon’. It’s a texturally rich track that is wistful and melancholic, riding on a strong rhythm and culminating in a lush, swelling chorus. The new album is a send-off for … Continue reading
INTERVIEW: Ruby Boots
SONGS OF STRENGTH & DEFIANCE Ruby Boots’ commitment to life as a professional musician and the sacrifice that goes with it are about to come to fruition with the release of her second album. Her home for the last year has been Nashville, TN and during a recent solo Australian tour she took time to … Continue reading