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Showing posts from 2016

Killer New Drummer for Balloons Kill Babies

Shortly after I was introduced to Balloons Kill Babies at this year’s QMA’s, they took some time out. Thrilled to learn of the emerging bands' successes I feel it is my duty to introduce you. Change is inevitable; at times it’s swift & other times it takes a little longer to get all the important bits right. Fortunately for Balloons Kill Babies, taking their time led to a massive WIN/WIN situation.  When a change in line up is necessary you can’t rush finding the right piece to fit the puzzle and find the right piece they did. The stars aligned for BKB when none other than Scott Davey, previously form Dead Letter Circus, became available. Spending a period of time looking for the right talent has paid off. The three lads clicked instantly, Christian stating they have so much in common with their music styles. A growing number of compositions plumping up the swag, the three piece’s rehearsal sessions this year have been so productive. Founding member Christian co

A Decade of Sun, Surf and Soul for the Sunshine Coast.

I sit watching the whales play with the salty air in my nostrils, as I listen to the grind of the coffee machine and the clink of cutlery I am reminded that I am starving hungry. It is the morning after the Caloundra Music Festival 2016, the 10th Anniversary event, and all morning my brain has been busily breaking down the humbling personal experiences and spectacular acts enjoyed over the last four busy days. Having attended the last nine CMF festival events I can confidently say it wasn't the very best one for me, however the quality of emerging artists was definitely the best I've seen at this particular event.    The calibre of emerging acts such as The Ruiins, The Swamp Stompers, Bearfoot, Pete Allan, Doolie and Dan Horne certainly raised some eyebrows and unquestionably got many toes tapping. Of course the headlining acts are always popular with the masses and I feel this year did not disappoint. The Preatures, Incognito, Tower of Power, Erica Falls and Illy

Treading Water with Pete Allan

So I met this guy Pete a couple of months back playing MC at a sweet, community live music event.. He struck me as humble yet hilarious, chilled yet profound and so passionate about his support for local, live, original music. This was before I knew him as Pete the groove master who had just released one of my fave new tunes. Sunny Coast dweller Pete has hit the daily grind on the head with 'Treading Water' and euphemisms for everyday stuff can be found in his new EP 'Ripples'. The culture entwined with Pete's music is simplistic integrity with a firm message of love and respect for humanity. Inspiring, uplifting, warm and chilled the messages reflect his respect for fellow humans and his beliefs that we all share this experience of life together. 'Ripples' is easy listening, sit under a pandanus with a pineapple juice filled coconut complete with Hawaiian swizzle stick goodness and with two tunes in the Triple J Unearthed charts, you know you want some

Listen, Explore and Share Dustin's First Light Debut.

Having travelled and lived in some amazing locations around the world, we can hear within his music Dustin is inspired by the mystery and beauty of our surroundings in his emotive, layered sounds. Dustin has collaborated with Thelma Plum & Kite String Tangle in past projects and produced two noteworthy tracks 'Silk' & 'Illuminate'. "It's an amazing thing to be able to do, to create stuff and share it with people." Back in Australia, now calling Sydney home, Dustin has embarked on a huge tour promoting his eagerly awaited debut album 'First Light' which takes in several SOLD OUT dates across the country. In many ways, this is an album of exploration, collection, discovery and creation...more dreamy, genius to get lost in.  If you're a fan, you will be duly impressed, if you're not yet a fan...you will be after listening to 'First Light'. I was so grateful he could spare some time from the busy job of pack down after

Alternate Pop Sweetheart Making Soundwaves

Emerging young Sunshine Coast songwriter and alternative pop artist Doolie has been g aining popularity while catching the attention of a host of music industry professionals in Australia and abroad. Doolie's strong lilting vocals and modern percussive driven sound is a refreshing entry into the current music scene. Putting a lot of focus in the last three years into live performances, Doolie has an EP release marked for the end of 2016 and admits, b uilding a career whilst a challenge, is a top priority.   As she draws inspiration from established musicians like Banks, Vera Blue, Airling, George Maple and Flume, it is clear Doolie is carving her own niche in today's scene. The recent nomination for 'Most Promising Female Songwriter' in the Queensland Music Awards is an indication of her talent and dedication to her passion, as these nominations are generally reserved as a benchmark for musicians who have a more established profile. C ulminating in a win for ‘Best Song’

Anything 'For the Company' of Little May...

My first listen of the angelic indie folk voices of Little May was their angsty tune 'Hide'. Since then they have built an amazing portfolio & continue to blow my musical mind. If you'll recall back in 2013 Annie, Liz and Hannah won Triple J's Laneway competition to perform and since that little 'pinch myself' moment, have been blowing away the Aussie indie scene. Recording with the likes of The National's Aaron Brooking Dessner, Little May are impressing us all with the beauty of lyric and melody alike on their recent album release 'For the Company'. I wanted more than anything to get to know the real them, so taking a little break before their show at Solbar, we piled into the back of the tour bus for an intimate chat about life so far and who are 'Little May' and who is seeking their company on tour most? Listen to our interview here... “For The Company” is out now on iTunes , Spotify , and their web store, featuring single

Getting Creative on the 'Soul Coast'

What does it mean to be a creative artist? Arts ventures and organisations on the Sunshine Coast are currently growing exponentially. The shift in how our community see and value arts and the role it has to play in our lives is ever snowballing. The creative arts inject fundamental vitality into all aspects of our growing community. In each individuals' creative expression we all gain something. Gathering within this NFP collective, the Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance, are artists, educators, innovators and philanthropists alike. Our fascination as humans in everything around us, informs everything we do. Fortunately for us living here on the Sunshine Coast we have this extremely pro active collective whom collaborate regularly to keep the arts alive and thriving, forming a recognisable identity for our generation and those to come. The Sunshine Coast Creative Alliance have done it again with their #juiceandjam breakfast this morning. Encouraging creative enterprise, innovati

The Belligerents Inside, Outside & Beyond

It's what every young band hopes for...to be chosen from the masses of other artists to get up and do their thing in front of a festival crowd for the career launching gig of a lifetime. This was the lucky fortune back in 2012 for The Belligerents with a win in the Triple J competition for a spot opening for Parklife...since then, there have been some high highs and a couple of lows, but life is never easy when you're in the music business. Speaking with Kon and Andy after their show at Solbar Maroochydore, I asked for the scoop on their innovative first full length album release due post mid year. Currently touring, Kon was excited to share the crowds have been pretty hectic. With more magic onstage than Houdini and dance moves David Byrne could learn from, Lowis sure gets the crowd participating... James, Kon, Sam and Andy create a sound I describe as alternative psych pop, inspired a little, by a lot of your faves such as Caribu, Pond, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wiz

Saturday Night, Live!

For me, being an emerging creative artist means doing lots of little things as a step forward to bigger things. So today as I stand folding napkins at my café day job, I think about all the other creatives on the Sunshine Coast and how many of them are giving their time to their craft tonight. You see, we are very lucky to have a varied and vibrant music scene that is emerging here on the coast. Venues all over are supporting musicians giving them a space to perform and hone their craft for YOU. Far from the bustling masses of Brisbane, our own talented artists spend a portion of every day producing a little naked piece of their soul to present for your pleasure. What we need to do is get off our couches and get our butts out to appreciate these amazing entertainers. So many shows are on for FREE! We must attend to keep it alive, it's a privilege to be in a time where we are offered such opportunities, if we can't support our local music scene it will wither and die like a fl

Pineapple Festival IS Sweet Local Goodness

This year is the best line up yet for the Big Pineapple Music Festival on the Sunshine Coast. Internationally recognised Aussies as well as the best of our Sunny Coast local talent are going to blow up the farm. Make sure you don't miss out on your chance to party in the paddock, tix are almost sold out! Here's some memories from the maiden run...Be sure to click the link to be in on the party.

Chats with an Irrawaddy Dolphin AKA Nick from Twin Haus

So my bro went to the amazing FOTSUN in Port Macquarie last year on a reconnaissance mission for me as I couldn't make it. He raved about this four piece Brissy band he described as the lovechild of certain musical legendary others that gave him goosebumps (any mention of the 'bumps' my interest is peaked). It just so happened when I checked them out, I also got the 'bumps' and decided I liked them, so therefore reached out for a little chat...Sunny Coasters can check 'em out at The Helm Mooloolabah April 8th with more tour dates on their Facebook page. Recent reviews have described you as Radiohead-esque; your tunes as meandering with extended sonic tangents, tenaciously expansive and catastrophically all encompassing. That’s a lot of really big complicated words… How do YOU describe your sound? Haha, that is a lot of big complicated words… I don’t know what the other guys would say, we’d probably each give you a different answer to this one, but I tend to

Our Sunny Coast Talent Shines at the QLD Music Awards

Brisbane's Powerhouse Theatre was abuzz last night with the Queensland music industry's most knowledgeable movers and shakers. Triple J's Gen Fricker was brought in to keep the crowd entertained which was a task not without some hiccups. There were a host of honoured guests presenting and impressive performances from nominated artists to start our toes tapping. Getting straight into the awards ceremony, alternative pop songstress Doolie started the dream run for the Sunshine Coast contingent with her win in the schools category for single 'Pristine'. Humble lads Bearfoot graciously accepted the Blues/Roots award for their nominated tune 'Impolite'. Ayla wooed the audience before scooping up the award in the regional category for her song 'Waiting', and the gorgeous Sahara Beck joined the winner's ranks with her award for 'Mother Mother' in the folk singer songwriter category. All in all, the Sunshine Coast has proven it is home to some a