Melbourne-based Aotearoa/NZ songwriter Skyscraper Stan is back with a brand new single, his first release since the 2020 single ‘Words Like Repression’. ‘21st Century Lullaby‘ is a beautifully rendered baroque folk ode to a new family member, draped in melancholic strings courtesy of a string quartet comprised of members of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and … Continue reading
Another incredible long weekend of cosmic country music in the idyllic surrounds of the Hunter Valley. A ton of highlights at the festival this year (as always) but my PTW gold star picks for this year go to Skyscraper Stan & The Commission Flats, Grace Cummings, Watty Thompson, Bud Rokesky, The Tall Stories, Sweet Talk, … Continue reading
2019 delivered another bounty of homegrown treats in the form of full-length albums that captured the range and spirit of Australian and NZ Americana music. We encourage you to hit the links to read reviews, listen and buy any new discoveries you might make from our list of favourites, head to a show, buy … 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
Dashville Skyline Dashville, Lower Bedford, NSW 4-6 October Arriving at the Dashville property instantly feels like the perfect respite from the city and a healthy disconnect from the digital world. After campsites are established it quickly becomes apparent how easy it is to move around and access all the onsite amenities. From the bar to … Continue reading
SKYSCRAPER STAN GOLDEN BOY VOL. I AND VOL. II Heart Of The Rat Records Stan Woodhouse has been roaming the bars of Australia and New Zealand for a decade now, winning over audiences with his brand of gothic tinged folk, rock ’n’ roll and country and cementing his reputation as a burgeoning talent, part of … Continue reading
Skyscraper Stan has put together a fitting and humorous video clip for ‘Dancing On My Grave’, one of the many gems from his recently released album Golden Boy Vol. 1 & Vol. II. The song, a cautionary tale of drugs and the internal quandary of the rock ’n’ roll lifestyle versus settling down and getting … Continue reading
The album Golden Boy is coming in May but this will bridge the gap somewhat, the latest single from Skyscraper Stan, ‘On Your Corner’. Written in a Darwin hotel room halfway through a gruelling solo tour and recorded at Woodstock studios in Melbourne, the song is a beautiful and slow, soul comedown, complete with a … Continue reading
ACROSS THE DITCH In musical terms, and to Australia audiences, New Zealand may be best known for its indie exports (based around the Flying Nun label), the various pop shapes of Neil Finn and associates and heavier acts such as Shihad. Yet there is, and always has been, a fertile country & folk scene throughout … Continue reading
Skyscraper Stan has built a name for himself over the last few years as a beacon of songwriting on the Australian music landscape. He’s part of the Americana scene but he nimbly traverses the genre without pitching his tent in any one corner. He’s a little bit country, a connoisseur of folk music and an … Continue reading
This Sunday afternoon at The Bearded Tit in Redfern, Sydney you can catch the latest instalment of Heartbreaker Sessions, curated by myself and Darren Cross (Jep and Dep). Darren is off freaking out French minds and ears in Paris so I’ll be on the decks spinning alt, cosmic and classic country tunes with a healthy … Continue reading
Stan Woodhouse is currently out on the road playing a comprehensive series of solo acoustic dates (see below) around Australia to celebrate and promote the release of his new solo live album Live At Some Velvet Morning. The nine track album showcases Stan’s brilliant lyricism, dry humour and ability to hang a well crafted story on perfect … Continue reading
Skyscraper Stan has turned his hand to songwriting for the screen with this new track that appears in the animated feature film 25 April which revolves around New Zealand’s involvement in the Gallipoli campaign of WWI. Skyscraper Stan and the Commission Flats play Cherry Bar tonight (April 8th) and tomorrow at The Workers Club in … Continue reading
Heartbreaker Sessions rolls around again this Sunday night in Sydney and Darren and I continue to bring you a fine selection of live performances, Americana DJs coupled with the great food, drinks and relaxed vibe of Freda’s. This week we have two special international guests. This will be your last chance to see Leo Rondeau … Continue reading
Skyscraper Stan made his way up from Melbourne to play support and he did a sterling job, setting the scene with just his guitar, voice and self-deprecating humour. Impossibly tall, hence the nom de plume, and possessing a deep, richly-toned voice he played a set that showed his impressive lyrical ability, dissecting and poeticised topics … Continue reading
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