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Today’s Episode is a tribute to a country and nation that forged its own unique musical identity in the world. In its historic past, Australia was an isolated country. British and European influences were present but as a colony grew into a nation the identity of ‘made in Australia’ became apparent to its citizens.
The Australian music scene is now receiving the respect it deserves from peers around the world. Australian bands and musicians had the fortitude to pursue the DIY (Do It Yourself) approach to songs, long before the emergence of the ‘Indie music scene’ of the late 1990‘s.
The creative musical talent from ‘down under’ now has a signature sound that cuts across genres and firmly affixes an Australian flavor to each and every song. Today’s Episode is but a small sampling of great emerging musicians pursuing the creative craft that they love.
================================================Episode 8 is finally here
Listen to the Episode on iTunes Podcast
Today on Episode 8 of the King Minion Music Podcast
Music from Australian Bands & Musicians -
Emily Davis
Starling
Waking Ugly
The Mischief Engine
Elizabeth Geyer
Dianne Schlotterlein
Stirling
The Mad Pride
Susan Raines
Our Husband
Mo Defoe
Aislinn Sharp
Sven Fredheim
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G’Day mate. Well it finally arrived the ‘Oz Only Bands and Musicians’ Episode. It took a little bit more time in production but everything is a learning curve when creativity is involved. Check out the wild artwork that one of today’s guest musicians sent me. Thank you so much Dianne, the artwork will be displayed in a regal manner.
Many of us in the music world are familiar with the Australian “break through” musicians, AC/DC, INXS, Rolf Harris, The Easy Beats, The New Seekers, Olivia-Newton-John, the list goes on. What would have become of the disco music craze of the 1970’s without the signature stamp of The Bee Gees?
I have been fortunate to find an amazing diversity of bands and artists in Australia that carry on the musical tradition of their peer pioneers. Showing the world what Australia sounds like.
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Emily Davis
SONG - The Broken Machine
Bringing dark country, swampy blues and gypsy heartache to her latest edition of works, her tale telling, reflections and musings strike straight through the heart, lyrics piercing like flaming arrows from her leather bow.
Dealing with forbidden love, death, homecoming and touching on the recurring archetypes of the past life, Emily has consulted her mixed bloodline to share stories handed down. To renew old traditions. To remember those who have fallen, and to bring to life the eerie events in her often spectacularly dark dream world.
That was from Emily’s bio on Reverbnation where more background information and wonderfully woven music can be found such as the song we heard, “The Broken Machine” .
Emily hails from Prospect, South Australia. There is a heritage and sense of Australian culture in her songs that bind yesterday, today and tomorrow. Emily Davis can be found on Reverbnation, Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. She has a great collection of videos on uTube and I like the self candid interviews by Emily where you can really get to know the artist.
Music downloads are available on iTunes, Rhapsody and Amazon.mp3 and her Reverbnation store. Just as a note to listeners, sometimes musician downloads are only available on iTunes in their on country but contact the artist and they will direct you to the appropriate pages.
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SONG - So Cruel
That was the group Starling, from Newtown, New South Wales and their song, “So Cruel”. Starling is the new band fronted by Simon Starling. An album was recently recorded with Steve Kilbey (The Church) at the helm. He produced the record and contributed backing vocals, keys and 12 string acoustic. The recordings also feature Wes Gregorace (The Devoted Few) on bass, Tim Powles (The Church) on drums, David Lane on piano and Jason Walker on pedal steel.
Starling can be found on Reverbnation, Facebook and MySpace. I will pass on download details to listeners when their Download is completed in September. If you happen to be in Australia, Starling are the opening act for Suzie Higgie and Conway Savage for three shows in April. Details and ticket info on their Reverbnation page.
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I am a firm believer that musicians of ‘yesteryear’ make great mentors for the emerging band or artist of today. There is so much value in this experience for both parties. I sound like a broken record when I have coffee with my old music connections who in retirement collect a tidy sum from radio play royalties.
It’s okay man, that is their pension plan and they deserve it. The rewards of ‘mentoring’ are boundless. Maybe the music Stars of yesterday helping the musicians of today will bring the journey and experience full circle.
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We are taking the tram in Melbourne, Victoria to find the group Waking Ugly. Melbourne has a great transportation system but this tram reminds me of a space shuttle launch. Oh dear, I just received a text that Lydia & Darren have flown to Los Angeles/Hollywood, because they were nominated for the Best Pop Band in the Indie Music Channel Awards!! Well instead of listening to this noisy tram have a listen to why Waking Ugly got attention in the USA.
SONG - You Know You Wanna
That was the band Waking Ugly and their song “You Know You Wanna”. Talking about a signature Australian sound, Waking Ugly has found it with this song. It’s an audio anthem of distinct musical influences, uniquely Australian, powered by superb studio production.
Since Waking Ugly celebrated their debut EP release, 'Say Something Sweet' In November 2010, Darren and Lydia have managed to consistently turn heads, steadily growing their fan base both locally and internationally.
Very impressive music for just two talented musicians. Waking Ugly appears to play regular shows around the main cities of Australia. There are great videos on their uTube page with more details about the band’s origin.
Waking Ugly can be found on Reverbnation, Twitter, Facebook, Indie Music Channel and their own artist website. Music downloads can be found on their Artist Website and Reverbnation Store. Check out their uTube page for videos.
I bought all their downloads it is that good, my friends. And to all the radio station Program Directors listening, give your head a shake and start charting Waking Ugly in North America. The sound of the songs will fuel more requests.
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Well we are back into New South Wales, just north of Sydney to the city of Newcastle and heard the band, The Mischief Engine and their creative song, “Firegirl”.
The longer I listen to this song the more the admiration I have for the musicians who wrote and recorded the song. There is a Michael Buble sound to the vocals on this track that adds to the distinctiveness on the song.
But wait??? Based out of Australia, The Mischief Engine is another band that incorporates the collaboration talents from members in Canada, Germany and Australia. Their debut album ‘Soul Delay’ took 5 years to make, was recorded on 3 continents, using collaborators from 7 different countries.
The Mischief Engine can be found on Reverbnation, Facebook, Twitter, uTube and at the Artist Website where you can buy downloads and get free music! There is a diverse selection of songs and musical styles on the ‘Soul Delay’ album all worthy of a listen. A very creative artist website by The Mischief Engine show they are savvy at marketing their music!
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Official credit for song effects used in this episode
Audio file credit - Kukabura - Pocket
Maria Island beach - miscellany
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The Emergence of Australian Music
There are so many good articles on the world wide web about the history of Australian music. Rather than the King drone on about here is a link to Wikipedia on the topic. (feel free to donate to Wikipedia, they do a great job and are the new knowledge base today.)
To me, the real Australian music invasion started with their musicians of the 1980’s although ‘The Easy Beats’ and ‘The New Seekers’ from the 1960‘s are favorites of mine. It was the start of worldwide exposure for emerging creative musicians from that ‘land down under’. Since then, the musical flood gates were open and the Aussie stamp on all genres is now unmistakeable.
From New South Wales, Australia, that was the Jazz-lyrical-songwriter sound of Elizabeth Geyer and her song ‘Beautiful Spiders’. This song was from her 2008 Album, ‘On Patrol With The Jazz Police’. Elizabeth has three album downloads available on CD Baby. If you are looking for that unique jazz sound that is perfect for all occasions - Elizabeth Geyer is the artist for you.
Elizabeth Geyer can be found on Reverbnation, Facebook, Twitter, and MySpace. Check out her uTube page and see the great solo videos where you get the feeling that Elizabeth is right in your room giving a personal concert. To see and hear Elizabeth smooth transition from horn to piano and vocals is remarkable. Elizabeth Geyer a truly gifted multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter.
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SONG - A Thousand Kisses Deep
The title of a song can say many things and be interpreted in many different meanings. Sometimes people are concerned when artists and musicians give a project or song a title that has gained much popularity by another artist. We have to stop and remember that there is no copyright on freedom of expression.
The song was ‘A Thousand Kisses Deep’ by Dianne Schlotterlein who is also one half of the group Di & Sven from a previous King Minion Podcast. I’ll let Dianne explain from her Reverbnation bio and I quote,
Love and dreams, music, laughter and song are what make my world go around, here in the House of Love in Southern Tasmania with my inspiration, muse and the love of my life, Sven. With his love, support and encouragement, I am free to create music and artworks filled with love and hope.
Check out Dianne on Reverbnation when you can hear her melodic music and see the amazing artwork that she creates. Maybe there is an emerging band or musician out in the audience that would like to contract Dianne to an album cover?? King Minion is very appreciative of the custom artwork that Dianne sent to me for today’s Episode.
There is a Facebook link for Dianne through Sven’s page. King Minion hopes to visit Tasmania one day. No can you imagine waking up to the sound of relaxing waves on a beach by Maria’s Island Tasmania?
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King Minion - Triple Shot
Stirling
SONG - Writing On The Wall
The Mad Pride
SONG - Pillar of Salt
Susan Raines
SONG - Lost Boy
King Minion - Triple Shot
Stirling
SONG - Writing On The Wall
Even on our Episode of OZ, King Minion is very pleased to visit with past guest artists from Australia. First you heard the band Stirling, from Melbourne, Australia and their song ‘Writing on The Wall’.
They just uploaded a new track on their Reverbnation page, great song. I will place links on my blog to all their pages and I found a uTube link why you can watch Stirling singing some great cover songs. There is a famous explorer, Capt. Stirling from early Australian history I wonder if they are related. The popularity of the band Stirling increases day by day.
The Mad Pride
SONG - Pillar of Salt
The second track was The Mad Pride from Sydney, New South Wales, and his songs ‘Pillar of Salt’. Everyone has their own view on artist songs but for me this track echoes of early Al Stewart where the acoustic guitar is an object of art and the musician delivers an audio masterpiece worthy to be placed in a gallery beside other masterworks.
Purchase the affordable Album ‘Scary Poppins‘ on Bandcamp $5. More links on my blog page. - Keep up the great music Rowan!
Susan Raines
SONG - Lost Boy
The third track was Susan Raines from Palmwoods, Queensland and her song ‘Lost Boy’. I never tire of hearing Susan’s voice, her original songs are so great and I thirst to hear more new tracks from the siren of Australia’s sunshine state. I have added links on the blog page which include one to uTube videos of Susan singing live with the band ‘Hell Bent’.
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From Adelaide, South Australia, you heard the band Our Husband and their song, ‘Villages.‘ It’s a husband and wife team of Nathaniel Morse and Freya Adele. From the Reverbnation bio it says,
“After moving from cold, cold Melbourne Nathaniel formed Our Husband with Freya, an established musician within the Adelaide "Tweed Pop" scene. With intentions to stray from the currently popular "Doe eyed" genre of folk, Our Husband write decisively more abrasive pop songs with country and soft rock influence.”
I have never heard any “Tweed Pop” bands from North America, so the King assumes this is a new sub-genre and I love it! So much going on in the song yet you know it has a minimalist flare about the sound production. Very creative and well done!
You can find Our Husband on Reverbnation. There is just the one track here but it is a free download so enjoy this creative talent from South Australia.
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The USA has Bob Dylan, the UK had Long John Baldry. Australia has Mo Defoe a Blues, Roots, Folk Blues master. On his Reverbnation page it says, “Mo Defoe plays what he feels and feels what he plays. Always. Mo has developed his own distinctive, outrageous style and sound, including the addition of some southern 'mojo' to his performance
From Sydney, New South Wales, you heard Mo Defoe and his song ‘Girl I Could Have Loved’. Among his many fans I would not be surprised if Robert Plant and Jimmy Page sit back on a sunny day and just chill to all of Mo’s tunes. There is something to said for an artist who follows his own musical convictions. There is a huge selection of his songs up on Reverbnation.
Mo can be found on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and he has some cool videos on uTube. I am hoping that Mo Defoe plans on making an album download of his music. I will be featuring Mo again on a future ‘Instrumental artists’ Episode. Mo Defoe a gold nugget from the musical mines of Australia.
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I am skipping the helping hints this week because I want to fit in more great Australian music like this fine song from Aislinn Sharp. She is King Minion Podcast Artist of the Month for April 2012.
SONG - On The Couch
Well here we are back in Queensland, Australia but this time the city is Brisbane and the artist is the musically passionate Aislinn Sharp with her song, ‘On The Couch’.
Aislinn is a singer-songwriter who expresses her melodies through exceptional mastery of the keyboard. The complementary way Aislinn’s vocals flirt with the R&B, jazz and contemporary music styles is a zen garden for your ears.
Aislinn has a substantial fan following on Reverbnation and I have been told that her regular shows around Brisbane draw listener from all over Queensland. She has been a busy girl over the last two years and the hard work is starting to reap rewards. Peer recognition, radio airplay across Australia and her song ‘All I Need’ being presented in a short film production.
Remember what I have been telling everyone over the last seven Episodes?? Aislinn Sharp is an evolving Australian musical success due to her proactive approach. Sharp is the new smart!
Aislinn can be found on Reverbnation, Twitter, Facebook and MySpace. There are several video feeds on uTube, I suggest google her name for the links. Two great vids are on her Reverbnation page.
Buy your own copies of Aislinn’s music at iTunes. There are four great single track songs to enjoy. Great mood music for romantic evenings. If you are heading to Australia in 2012 check out some of the many music Festivals and I bet you’ll find yourself enjoying a Aislinn Sharp show.
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It has been a busy two and a half weeks. Most podcasts take about seventy (70) hours to produce. This show seems to have taken close to one hundred and forty (140) hrs especially evenings when I only had two hours to spare.
King Minion loves his music and the Indie musicians that create the songs. I have been getting much positive feedback that the artists and fans enjoy what I am doing by way of the podcast. I will continue as best I can within resources available to me. Remember my email kingminionmusicpodcast@v1music.ca
I have seen the new Reverbnation page which is now a permanent change (see a previous Episode) and all I can say is, It’s a great day for MySpace and Bandcamp users. I immediately secured a dot com for KM, I will continue promoting artists!
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SONG - Going Out Tonight
From Tasmania, this is the other half of Di & Sven. The song is called, ‘Going Out Tonight’ by Sven Fredheim. I really like the unique guitar sound Sven gets from all his recordings. I wonder if this is something that comes natural to his songwriting process?
I found myself humming this song as I was making dinner yesterday. Now that is the mark of a great song.
Like many Reverbnation artists, Sven has a history of being a singer/songwriter/vocalist of 1980's guitar bands. Sven performed with ‘The Dream Weavers’ and ‘The Things’ alongside his brother Tor Fredheim and other notorious Hobart musicians. Sven continues the musical journey today with his beautiful partner/ musician / artist Dianne.
Sven can be found on Reverbnation and Facebook. Checkout the songs and great artwork on his page. Just found some great uTube videos of Sven's music.
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The music we heard today has a distinct Australian flavor regardless of genre. This uniqueness is what allows music to grow in 2012 and beyond. Indie musicians performing in traditional genres push into new musical landscapes by adding their own interpretation of the song.
National, cultural and human experiences of the musicians you heard today shaped the songs differently than if they came from Los Angeles, New York or London.
It may be jazz but it sounds like Australian Jazz, it may be Pop but it’s Aussie Pop.
As musicians and creative artists we all learn from each other and about each other - from every song every note. It was an honor to have some great musicians on the Episode today. Rather than have two sows I decides to extend this one.
Special thanks to Dianne for the custom artwork and to those who helped out with Oz sound effects.
Artists have been piling up in the waiting area so don’t be surprised to find two more Episodes appearing in a few days. We end the show today with another song from the Australian band, The Mischief Engine and their song, ‘Blink’.
Thank you kids see you next time,
King Minion
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Nice work King Minion. We really enjoyed the mix of different genres that you included and we got to hear stuff we normally wouldn't hear!! :) Di & I live about 1hr drive from the ferry that goes across to Maria Island (pronounced just like black Maria). To answer your question about my guitar sound... I mainly use a Fender VG Strat it's a great guitar because it gives a variety of sounds and tunings through the Roland built in electronics. We really appreciate your efforts and we look forward to your future podcasts for those lazy Sunday afternoons...
ReplyDeleteall the best,
Sven & Di
Very interesting work as always, King Minion! ~ kappi
ReplyDelete