Comments Off on Watch Your Soul Sink: Duxie Franklin
As featured on Happy last Friday, Duxie Franklin has finally released her second single, ‘Watch Your Soul Sink!’
In a previous blog entry I described alt-pop/rock artist, Duxie Franklin as a musical chameleon, an artist who takes inspiration from the diverse likes of Joni Mitchell, Frank Zappa and Elton John.
When we last met Duxie, she was just getting back into the swing of things, moving to Melbourne after a 4 year stint in Tasmania. Since that time back she has been busily gigging around, developing her fanbase and building up a social media presence in the live music capital.
The emerging artist has also just released her latest single, ‘Watch Your Soul Sink,’ on November 30th.
With its roots firmly planted in Hobart, Tasmania, Duxie explains that the song, “paints a portrait of the town I came to call home – Hobart; resplendent in its natural beauty but bound by the burden of its many dark histories.”
Beginning with Duxie’s soothing soprano over a lovely bed of bells and keys, the song soon crashes into an alt-rock sea of percussion and guitars while Duxie truly showcases her vocal range and dynamics.
Filmed at the historical model village, Old Hobart Town in Richmond, Tasmania, the village portrays Hobart life in 1820, complete with convicts, Tasmanian tigers and Redcoats. Brought to life by Duxie’s charming, hand-drawn animations, the music video embodies the whimsical magic of ‘Watch Your Soul Sink.’
Coming after the release of her first single, ‘Get a Real Job’ in November 2017, Duxie is planning on releasing her long-awaited, debut EP in 2019.
True to her mysterious nature, Duxie Franklin hosted a secret single launch party for, ‘Watch Your Soul Sink’ at an undisclosed location last Friday. Entry was strictly limited and required correct answers to 3 questions (she must be a fan of Monty Python’s, Holy Grail!) Fear not if you missed out, the live stream is available on her fb page.
Comments Off on Always Looking Up – Emerging Artist: Tyller Fischer
“I just wanna dance and sing.” Emerging artist, Tyller Fischer has loved music for as long as she can remember. Another passion of her’s throughout her childhood was creative writing, which was how she segued into songwriting.
“I loved stories and getting lost in other worlds – I was that weird kid who read books during my recess and lunch breaks at school. I just had so much fun writing about every little thing that was going on inside my little head.”
A country girl by birth, Tyller moved from Horsham to Melbourne when she was six years old and started singing at the Australian Girls’ Choir that year. Continuing through to when she was 13, Tyller learned a lot of the technical aspects of singing and performing, but wanted to discover her niche sound.
“I always thought singing should be more focused around emotion, so I quit in order to find my own voice and sound. I also dabbled in acting and dancing but singing was always my number one.”
Tyller’s life wasn’t all sunshine and roses though. It was from a dark place that she learnt that music was her true purpose.
“My mental health started to deteriorate and I ended up in hospital. It was when I had hit rock bottom that I realised that music was the only thing that was keeping me alive.”
Out of this came, “The Battle Inside (Fight)”, Tyller’s first single. Initially written to help conquer her mental health battles, the song has since taken on a whole new meaning and reach.
“This song is about the pain and torture of living with a mental illness, but more than that it’s about not wanting to let the illness defeat you.”
“So far it has already helped so many others with their own, and I can’t even explain to you how happy that makes me.”
Yes indeed. It’s even gone as far as to win awards from the ASA Australian Songwriter’s Award for Best Pop Contemporary/Dance Song and the Listen Up Music Competition in Melbourne, as well as receiving an Honourable Mention in the ISC International Songwriting Competition. Tyller is stoked.
“Overall I’m quite shocked but super excited that this song could’ve had the effect that it has.”
With a new bunch of songs ready to record, Tyller is taking it one step at a time and going at her own pace. Dreaming big but staying humble, she ultimately wants to make a positive difference with her music.
“I hope to be touring Australia and maybe even the world with my music, performing big festivals like Splendour in the Grass and Coachella, as well as spreading love and positivity through conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.”
Mat Morgan didn’t always love music. With Morgan’s parents enrolling him in music lessons all through school, the emerging artist tried his hand at guitar, trumpet and drums. Morgan explains the catalyst that changed this perspective completely.
“I hated it with a passion, but that passion quickly turned into love when I started songwriting. From there I never looked back. So, thanks mum.”
Like a lot of budding musicians, Mat Morgan spends a lot of his time on the road, living the nomad lifestyle, with just enough cash to get by day to day. Not for everyone maybe, but Morgan wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I spent a good 6 months of 2017 on the road, sleeping in the car, mates’ couches and hostels if I was lucky. These days I’m finding myself between Inverloch and Melbourne a couple of times a week with the odd plane flight every month or so.”
Spending the last couple of years in a big rush to get his music out there and gain as much of a following as possible, Morgan has no regrets, but says basing himself in Melbourne has helped him progress as an artist.
“It was great fun and I wouldn’t go back and change my approach of the last two years but I find myself playing bigger and better shows once or twice a month rather than taking any gig I can get.”
With a solid batch of songs already under his belt and a solid live reputation around Melbourne and interstate, Morgan has bigger fish to fry.
“My priority right now is getting myself on festival bills to get my music heard in a live capacity. Promotion and quality recordings go a long way into building a professional looking brand.”
Those songs are contained within two solid EPs, The Broken Brain and Some of Us Have Feelings, released in 2016 and 2017 respectively. Claiming that he’d go “insane” if he stopped writing, Morgan says there’s always a record in the works for the restless artist.
“I haven’t begun recording for the next project yet. My last record, Some Of Us Have Feelings is getting itself some play, which is absolutely lovely. I’m hoping everyone can attach their ears to that and my previous record The Broken Brain while I jump back in the studio.”
While his growing fan-base are awaiting his next release, Morgan explains the joy of spreading the love with his innate ability to pen a song.
“I’m spending most of my time song-writing for myself and other artists and bands which is an amazing privilege and I’m lucky to have good consistency spitting out songs regularly. It keeps me fed and happy.”
Once described by an enthusiastic audience member as the musical lovechild of Joni Mitchell and Frank Zappa, emerging artist, Duxie Franklin is definitely a musical chameleon.
Learning piano and violin when she was 6 years old, Duxie Franklin has always been musical, going on to play in orchestras and ensembles and sing in choirs all through school. She also taught herself guitar upon receiving one for her 18th birthday.
“I guess I was writing silly little ditties on piano and violin as a kid but I didn’t start writing fully-fledged songs until about four years ago.”
University and the desire to be a professional tennis player put everything musical on hold for a few years while Franklin studied and trained hard. It wasn’t until a debilitating knee injury put her out, that Franklin decided to turn back to music.
“I suddenly had about 30 hours free every week that had previously been occupied with sport. Music and art came flooding back into my life and I haven’t looked back since.”
A love of Elton John’s immense showmanship and incredibly varied catalogue has influenced Franklin’s own music. It is this type of theatricality and diversity that truly inspires the unique artist.
“I am inspired by anyone who dedicates themselves to their passion and puts their ego, reputation (and sometimes body!) on the line every time they step up to the next stage, show, match, opportunity, whatever it may be.”
Releasing her debut single, “Get a Real Job” in November 2017, Franklin’s quirky nature comes out in the accompanying video (as well as her Babolat tennis racquet that was Franklin’s weapon of choice) as she explains the (perhaps obvious) message behind the song.
“The song was inspired very directly by my mum and dad and by the generic mainstream messages we are told in society about what we have to do with our lives in order to be valuable.”
With two more singles scheduled for release, Franklin excitedly reveals her plans to unleash her debut EP to the world later this year.
“I can’t wait for people to hear my other songs. I have been working with my collaborator on a bunch of new music videos and some live shoots so you can expect to see lots of exciting new visual material coming out this year.”
True to her quirky nature, Franklin has a different kind of vision for her musical future…and it’s pretty ambitious.
“I will own the tallest tower in New York City and be running to become the first female Australian President of the United States. I will have a condo in Byron Bay and a bungalow on Mars for creepy space orgies.”
Comments Off on Sound From Another Planet: Universal Outcast
The story of how Universal Outcast got together sounds like a familiar Liverpool band of the 60s.
Lead singer, Steve Reinhardt met bassist Lachlan Beattie-Powell at High School while guitarist Dominic Brinkley was introduced through a mutual friend. Good friend, Sean Ahrbeck was the last to arrive on drums, who has since left to be replaced by “hard-hitter” Shane McMahon.
So far, so Beatles, however Universal Outcast’s sound is vastly different from that of the Fab Four.
Labelling his band’s music as ‘space rock’ (appropriate given both in sound and where the music takes you), guitarist Brinkley takes joy describing the magic the band manages to conjure up in getting the best out of each other.
“There’s something special in the little moments of playing together; how cool that bass lick is, or organ swell, or guitar line, or drum fill. It’s in moments like that, whether at rehearsal or on stage, where I find myself reflecting on ‘this is what I’m meant to be doing’”
Sharing a diverse love of bands that range from Pink Floyd to Queen, Universal Outcast mesh these influences into a formidable live show with reckless abandon that teeters on the edge of total chaos. Brinkley explains the simple goals that drive the band.
“We are at the point of just wanting to create good songs and be able to translate those songs into a live format.”
Simple goals maybe, but the recording process is anything but. With a new EP in the works, Brinkley details the painstaking task of trying to fit a short number of songs into one short player.
“It’s taken a little while and we’ve found ourselves losing focus at points when we come up with new songs, even newer than the EP we’ve been working on. The next EP will be quite conceptual but then the stuff after that will be completely different.”
Comments Off on Spotlight’s Grand Prix After-Party Event
Despite Melbourne’s torrential downpour over the weekend, motor heads turned out in droves to celebrate the end of another successful Australian Grand Prix at the Windsor Alehouse.
Out of the rain and into the warmth of the WAH, there was a steady stream of kitted-up, racing punters who were treated to 3 amazing acoustic artists, all emerging in their own rights.
Self-taught musician, Marcuz lent his pitch-perfect vocals to a host of classic Pop/R&B covers including highlights from Sam Smith and a slow-burn version of the Gnarls Barkley dance number, ‘Crazy’.
Short on words but not performance chops, Marcuz appropriately left the best until last, with a rousing rendition of Matt Corby’s, ‘Brother’, sending shivers down every patron’s collective spines.
Hugh Davies has a whole lotta soul (for a white guy). Normally a 5 to 7-piece band under the moniker, Hui, Davies performed a solo set comprised of smooth Al Green and Bill Withers covers. There is also a slight raspiness that gives Davies a sharper, rockier edge to his vocal tone.
Using a guitar he’d bought from Cash Converters, Davies guitar skills were nothing to sneeze at; The $169 price tag didn’t make a difference to the glorious sounds emitted (although admittedly, the $1000 Fender amp didn’t hurt either).
Stepping in for the sick Matthew Bradford at the last minute, Lauren Hart, in her own words, “makes music about being confused, sad or both”. On stage however, she looks anything but confused or sad. With a quiet self-assurance that belies her reserved nature and pint-size stature, Hart played a pleasant set of indie-folk songs to a captivated audience.
From the criminally underplayed Bob Dylan song, ‘Don’t Think Twice it’s Alright’ to a stirring rendition of London Grammar’s, ‘Strong’, Hart has the kind of voice that allows you to drift away, momentarily, to a better place.
Comments Off on Not Your Average Musician From Traralgon: Bree Lowden
Bree Lowden might look like just your average kid from the country, but you’d be ill advised to form any sort of pre-conceptions about her musical prowess on stage.
“When I was around 5 years old I started doing eisteddfods, school choirs and that kind of stuff with vocals. I didn’t really pick up any instruments properly until I was about 18 or 19, so I guess I was mainly a vocalist for most of my life.”
Growing up in Traralgon until she was 19, Lowden moved to Melbourne to fully immerse herself in the strong busking scene and meet other likeminded artists. She also picked up guitar and starting playing drums.
“The last 2-3 years I have been busking with guitar and playing gigs (guitar, drums, vocals) getting such an amazing response from all different groups of people. Now being a musician is kinda just my lifestyle.”
Now 23 and with a voice like her idol, Amy Winehouse, silky smooth guitar skills and very handy on drums, it’s fair to say that Lowden wears her influences proudly on her sleeves.
“When I moved to Melbourne and really started getting into playing, I was listening to bands such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Amy Winehouse and Sticky Fingers who really inspired me to make music into a career.”
Not one to rest on her laurels, Lowden is the restless type that lives and breathes music, playing, busking and jamming at any opportunity. She is also excitedly working on her debut EP.
“I’m just polishing all the tracks off before hitting the studio and releasing it on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music and other music platforms.”
With her eye on a new Fender Stratocaster guitar plus some funky new pedals, Lowden explains how she envisions evolving her sound and overall stage set-up.
“I’m really looking out for other people to help turn my solo project into a full, proper band-specifically a funky bassist, drummer and rhythm guitarist.”
Clear on her goals, Lowden is not looking back and details her plans for the rest of 2018 and beyond.
“I am going to do a debut single mid year first which will be titled ‘Mirages’ (basically done and ready to hit the studio) and do a launch for that and then follow on with a debut EP hopefully late this year or early next year.”
Comments Off on Lisa Simpson Got Me into Music: Jorja’s Story
A famous, spikey-haired cartoon character inspired country musician, Jorja, to get into music. “I wanted to be like Lisa Simpson from the Simpsons,” she recounts. “At first I wanted to play the saxophone. I went into a music shop when I was 5 and was told I was too young to start playing the saxophone, so I started singing instead.”
It wasn’t until she was 16 years old however, that Jorja became a proper musician and really started focussing on her music. This strong drive towards music was instilled in Jorja from a young age by her parents.
“My parents have always told me to do what I love as a career and follow your heart, so that’s what I have always done. I’ve never thought twice about it really.”
As well as being inspired by her parents, successful American country band, Little Big Town, has also had a big influence on Jorja’s music, maintaining the same line-up since founding in 1998. “Little Big Town have just continued to grow their music and brand for years.”
Believing her music and sound is as good as ever; Jorja is looking at management to help guide her through the next stage of her career. “Now I want to start getting more regular work but, more importantly, the right kind of work.”
Having fresh, updated recordings is imperative to Jorja, who is currently working on new material to share with her fan base. “There is an EP in the works. It’s in the very early stages so I haven’t got an end date in mind yet.”
Beyond that, Jorja sees herself playing and living in the country music mecca of Nashville, Tennessee in the not-too-distant future.
“Hopefully signed to a label and just doing what I love!”
Comments Off on Spotlight’s St Kilda Festival After-Party
Well what a hectic night that was! To celebrate community spirit, Australian Music and the St Kilda foreshore, Spotlight Music ran a special St Kilda Festival After-Party at our home away from home, the Windsor Alehouse.
In a quick turnaround from our Triple J Hottest 100 party (read more here), three brand new artists took to the WAH stage on after the Festival/on Sat Feb 11th.
With a very rowdy pub crowd already in full swing, opener Jorja had to work really hard to project her delicate vocals. Doing an amazing job considering, the country/folk artist delivered an endearing set of country covers. She gradually turned a few pre-occupied patrons’ gaze her way with her sweet voice and a little bit of strategic eye contact.
Mixing reggae/blues and alt-rock all into one (with a loop pedal for good measure), Bree Lowden can definitely hold her own on stage. Despite one particular, inebriated culprit trying to grab her mic, Bree soldiered on like a trooper. The local musician looped her songs with playful abandon through spot-on Amy Winehouse covers and a few, cheeky originals, bringing to mind fellow one-woman band, Tash Sultana.
As the already boisterous crowd swelled in numbers, psych-rock outfit, Universal Outcast were the perfect band to kick it up a notch. As the band were setting up, Bree Lowden lent her nifty drum skills to ensure there were no more stage invaders and the band’s entrance would be smooth.
Opening with a fast and furious psych-rock jam, Universal Outcast set continued in this high-octane vein throughout, not once taking their foot off the accelerator. Lead singer/keyboardist Steve, shredder Dom, bassist Lachlan and drummer Sean whipped the crowd into a frenzy with mostly originals, but saved the best until last.
Finishing with two covers, Chuck Berry’s, ‘Johnny B. Goode’ (ensuring serial pest got his time on the mic) and particularly an extended, sped-up version of Devo’s, ‘Whip It’, the band blew the roof off the building before making a quick exit to avoid the escalation of the now unruly Irish soccer team’s antics.
A great team effort by all and many thanks to all the artists, the Windsor Alehouse staff and my partners in crime, Last Monument for managing everything and ensuring shit didn’t spiral out of control! Until the next event!
For more info on each artist follow the links below:
Comments Off on Spotlight’s Triple J Hottest 100 Party
What a way to kick off 2K18 for Spotlight Music with a special Triple J Hottest 100 Party!
To celebrate the Triple J Hottest 100 Countdown, Spotlight Music ran a special, Triple J themed Hottest 100 Countdown party at the Windsor Alehouse last Saturday.
Running from 2pm until 11, it was Spotlight’s biggest event to date, with 6 artists of various genres, backgrounds and personalities but a shared passion for music.
Almost forgetting his trusty guitar capo, Chris Kay kicked proceedings off with his smooth brand of R&B/Pop (a bit of Bruno Mars never goes astray). Chris even threw in new original, ‘ Out of My Mind’, which he recently recorded, showing improved confidence. Currently working with producer, Adrian Swish, out of Sydney, let’s hope this new collaboration will become a fruitful, creative partnership!
Eamonn Connor brought a new vibe to the WAH and a very gutsy (and a first for me) performance of Aha’s classic ‘Take on Me’ (Connor nailing the high notes too). Together with Than on keyboard and Jimmy on guitar, the band delivered an uplifting style of pop and unleashed an original of their own, ‘Pony Ride’ for good measure with Connor’s vocals soaring high. Than and Jimmy weren’t to be outdone either, each showing their expertise on their respective instruments.
Travelling 2 hours from Inverloch, Mat Morgan has never been one to shy away from a gig (no matter the location!). A solid performer of folky, acoustic tunes, Mat has been around the ol’ Melbourne traps for a long time. Patiently waiting while the drums were getting set-up for the next band, Mat played tracks off his new EP, ‘Some of Us Have Feelings’, (available on Spotify now) to a receptive audience.
After Kendrick Lamar’s huge hit, ‘Humble’ finished Traffic Jam Orangutan kicked it up a notch and started the party with a scorching rendition of ‘Bad to the Bone’. Vocalist and bassist (STRONG ZZ Top vibe/lookalike), Luke, has some serious chops and magnetic presence on stage. Guitarist Jayden is a serious shredder and Matt on drums completed the rhythm section. It’s always nice to hear a bit of sax too and Robbie didn’t just colour the background, he even took a solo (or two) giving the band a nice balance and the versatility to veer away from pure rock territory.
Co-headliner, Jake Fehily is a multi-talented singer, pianist and actor and all round, nice guy. The man has so many commitments it’s hard to keep up. In fact, I’ve written about him in a previous blog (really, it’s worth a read here). Jake brought a cool, jazz bar vibe to the night with his soulful vocals and keyboard prowess. He also simply let his music do the talking, introducing each song with jazzy keyboard flourishes before blowing everyone away with brilliant covers of Ed Sheeran and Blackstreet’s, ‘No Diggity’.
What more needs to be written about local legend, Kiwat Kennell? (I’ve done the leg-work here if you wanna read further about the great man). He is a staple of the Melbourne Music scene and one of the friendliest, down-to-earth, men I’ve had the privilege to meet and collaborate with. Performing his trademark mash-ups of pub classics and pop hits, Kiwat always delivers, perking the dying crowd back up with his upbeat, infectious energy, ensuring the long weekend was one to remember for emerging artists in Melbourne.
For more info on each artist follow the links below:
“I just wanna dance and sing.” Emerging artist, Tyller Fischer has loved music for as long as she can remember. Another passion of her’s throughout her childhood was creative writing, which was how she segued into songwriting.
Mat Morgan didn’t always love music. With Morgan’s parents enrolling him in music lessons all through school, the emerging artist tried his hand at guitar, trumpet and drums. Morgan explains the catalyst that changed this perspective completely.
Once described by an enthusiastic audience member as the musical lovechild of Joni Mitchell and Frank Zappa, emerging artist, Duxie Franklin is definitely a musical chameleon.
The story of how Universal Outcast got together sounds like a familiar Liverpool band of the 60s.
Despite Melbourne’s torrential downpour over the weekend, motor heads turned out in droves to celebrate the end of another successful Australian Grand Prix at the Windsor Alehouse.
Bree Lowden might look like just your average kid from the country, but you’d be ill advised to form any sort of pre-conceptions about her musical prowess on stage.
A famous, spikey-haired cartoon character inspired country musician, Jorja, to get into music. “I wanted to be like Lisa Simpson from the Simpsons,” she recounts. “At first I wanted to play the saxophone. I went into a music shop when I was 5 and was told I was too young to start playing the saxophone, so I started singing instead.”
Well what a hectic night that was! To celebrate community spirit, Australian Music and the St Kilda foreshore, Spotlight Music ran a special St Kilda Festival After-Party at our home away from home, the Windsor Alehouse.
What a way to kick off 2K18 for Spotlight Music with a special Triple J Hottest 100 Party!