MORE THAN JUST THE BLUES New Zealander Darren Watson continues to refine his songwriting craft on his seventh solo album. by Chris Familton Darren Watson has been an active member of the New Zealand music scene for the last thirty years, first gaining attention on a national level with his blues/funk/soul combo Chicago Smoke Shop … Continue reading
A LEAP FOR INDEPENDENCE Catherine Britt is beginning the exciting next phase of her twenty year career with her new album Home Truths, the first release on her own record label. by Chris Familton It’s a strange time in the world when you have to quickly pack up your things, gather your family and hightail … Continue reading
COAL CITY GOLD James Thomson’s third album is his his finest yet, the result of his steady creative evolution. Golden Exile sees the Newcastle songwriter digging deeper and more widely into his influences and writing with a greater sense of musical identity. Back in 2012 he came to the attention of journalist and label owner … Continue reading
Sydney songwriter Callum Wylie has a brand new single ‘Close To You‘ out now and it’s the perfect introduction to his forthcoming debut solo album Marfa. Callum possesses the grace and relaxed delivery of some of the greats as he blends the finest aspects of folk and country sounds into his own sound and style. … Continue reading
AN INTIMATE CONVERSATION Thousands of songs have been written about heartbreak but on her latest album, Old Flowers, Courtney Marie Andrews has found a captivating way to breathe honesty and intimacy into the subject matter. By Chris Familton It’s late in the afternoon in Nashville, TN and Courtney Marie Andrews is reflecting on her past … Continue reading
In this Q&A, Favours takes us inside the album’s writing and recording process, his musical influences and the challenges and rewards of running an independent record label. Given that this album has been ready for release for a year now, how are you feeling about it finally seeing the light of day on April 3rd? … Continue reading
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
