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Snez, the Outback and ‘8 LIVES LEFT TO LOSE’

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:21:07 GMT

Sydney singer/songwriter; SNEZ; has released her long awaited second album ‘8 Lives Left To Lose’, out through Regal Records/MGM with an outback tour to follow. With her first single ‘Green’ sitting on the Top 10 triple j pop charts for a number weeks, there is no time for rest. Snez has spent the last four winters touring Australia with her co-writer, producer and guitarist; Stewart Peters, squeezing their world into a van for months at a time, visiting remote and regional Australia, sharing stories and songs ... and loving every minute of it!

SNEZ had a huge 2012 with a tour that covered the east coast of Australia and the remote and regional outback towns of NT, WA and SA with her partner in crime, Stewart ‘It has been so inspiring, I am addicted to traveling and performing and touching people with my songs around Australia, some of these remote areas, rarely get to hear live original music’.

In June, SNEZ gets back out on the road to head across the east coast, then making her way across to Alice Springs, Darwin and WA, sharing stories and songs from the album in remote and regional areas. ‘We like to stay close to the beaches and soak in a lot of sun, but this year we’re heading out west again where the red dirt has no end, there’s lot of space to play and write new songs’.

Snez is a maverick in the independent music scene, defying any old pigeonhole ... never afraid to put her heart on her sleeve. Genevieve Jacobs from ABC Radio Canberra commented ‘We often have singer/songwriters come in and you think …it’s a cookie cutter, it’s same songs about boys and cars…but it is very personal; Snez's music is very emotional’

Snez’s songs seem to evoke a strong emotional response in listeners, whether it be live or recorded, with songs that convey a youthful naivety as well as deep darkness. ‘When I released my first album it was a closure for me and I immediately started writing new material. The songs on this new album I feel are closer to who I am now’ Snez comments. The open honesty of such tracks as ‘Don’t wait for the Applause’ and ‘You were loved’ a painful love song to someone who has long passed, featuring Snez’s raw delicate vocals over dark guitar parts.

Although SNEZ has expanded her musical horizons on this new collection of songs with many catchy, up-tempo tracks included on this album. One of the songs she is most fond of is the title track “8 Lives Left to Lose”,
’I wrote this song in the middle of the Northern Territory Tour outback heading towards Broome back in 2012, thinking about the fact that I’m a poor muso, but you know, when it’s all said and done, I couldn’t think of anything else I’d rather do’. An intense, guitar driven ballad written with Stewart, a man of many talents. Surprisingly, Stewart cut his production teeth with the Australian rock producing legends Vanda & Young (AC/DC, Rose tattoo, Flash n the Pan, The Angels and of course The Easybeats) at Alberts Productions during the '80's. Stewart has since moved into a more comfortable (for him) acoustic/ adult pop genre and has had continuing success as a writer/ producer with various artists.

‘I’ve worked with Snez for the last 6 years - and for me, this album has seemed like a coming of age for Snez. I feel as if she’s finally found her sound.’ Stewart comments.

Snez will be heading out on her Australian ‘8 Lives’ tour from June 2013. Check out her website for dates and information. ‘8 lives left to lose’ by SNEZ is available now on itunes, waterfront records and record stores Australia wide.

Tour Dates 2013
Sat 1^st June – Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club, NSW
Sun 2^nd June – Maitland Regional Art Gallery Café, NSW
Thurs 6^th June – The Purple Carrot, Bellingen, NSW
Fri 7^th June – 33 on Hickory, Dorrigo, NSW
Sat 8^th June – Idle In Café, Nana Glen, NSW
Sun 9^th June – The Naked Bean, South Grafton, NSW
Fri 21^st June – Mandala Organic Arts Café, Gold Coast, QLD
Tues 25^th June – Brisbane Unplugged, New Farm, QLD
Wed 26^th June – Red Hill Folk Club, Red Hill, QLD
Fri 28^th June – Jazzcats Restaurant, Paddington, QLD
Sat 29^th June – Upfront Club, Maleny, QLD
Sun 30^th June – Country Life Hotel, Kin Kin, QLD
Sat 20^th July – Katherine Club Inc, Katherine NT
Thurs 25^th July – Home Valley Station, Kununurra, WA
Fri 26^th July – Home Valley Station, Kununurra, WA
Sat 27^th July – Home Valley Station, Kununurra, WA
Thurs 1^st Aug – Music NT, Music in the Office, Darwin, NT
Mon 5^th Aug – My sisters Kitchen, Malak, NT
Wed 7^th Aug – Northern Immigration Detention Centre, Coonawarra, NT
Fri 16^th Aug – House Concert, Alice Springs NT
Sun 25^th Aug – Alice Springs Courtyard Sessions, Alice Springs, NT
More dates to be announced
www.snez.com.au

REVIEWS & AWARDS

New single ‘Green’ from forthcoming album on Top 10 in the Triple J pop charts
Top 5 Finalist of the ABC Radio Acoustica Competition
Finalist for the International songwriting Competition 2011
Finalist for the Australian Songwriting Contest 2008, 2009, 2010
Top 12 Finalist of the Gibraltar Song Festival Contest
Awarded Best International Pop Artist – Toronto Music Magazine Awards
Winner of the Blue Mountains Acoustic & Roots Competition

“Absolutely Beautiful”
Christopher Lawrence, ABC Radio

‘….That bloody Peter Pan song (Never Grow Old)… up there with any song I’ve EVER heard live….the audience went berserk!
Jeff Cripps – Blues Producer of the Year

‘We often have singer/songwriters come in and you think …it’s a cookie cutter, it’s same songs about boys and cars…but it is very personal; Snez's music is very emotional’

Genevieve Jacobs – 666 ABC Radio, Canberra

“….Snez exudes beauty, passion & charisma….mesmerizing”
Jim Shipstone Ex MD BMG Music Publishing

“OK! I'm fessin' up.....only had the album less than 24 hours and I'm addicted!
such multi-faceted music from such a distinctive vocalist ..... its delicious!”
Maureen O’Brien, Festival Director of Folk in Broke

“Very artistic and soulful. A real gem in a world of cubic zirconia’s”
Linda Wood, Myspace

I truly love the album...such a fresh delight and enjoyable listen
Australian Internet Radio

TIME TO CELEBRATE AT THE HARD ROCK CAFE SYDNEY

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:03:57 GMT

HARD ROCK CAFE SYDNEY CELEBRATES ONE YEAR OF OPEN MIC MONDAYS

It’s a local rock n roll milestone that will be celebrated on Monday 6^th May 2013 which marks the first anniversary of Open Mic Mondays at the Hard Rock Cafe Sydney! Open Mic Mondays at Darling Harbours’ iconic Hard Rock Cafe, kicked off on Monday 7 May 2012, and has been increasing in popularity and patronage every Monday night since.

Open Mic Mondays has attracted patronage from every corner of the Australian music industry and can even boast performances by international recording artists including Smash Mouth, who took over the stage during March in a spontaneous performance!

Hosted by entertainer and industry professional, Angelo Pashal, this weekly event has received much praise by performers and audience members alike. "Open Mic Mondays is a complete package with all instruments provided, performers and would be ‘next big things’ simply need to walk onto the stage at the Hard Rock Cafe Sydney and give us their best rock star!" says Angelo Pashal.

"This event gives artists the chance to showcase themselves on the Hard Rock Cafe Stage and to be seen and heard in an established and reputable live music venue" Mr Pashal adds.

Sydney bands and performers are urged to register their interest in performing at any of the forthcoming Open Mic Mondays by emailing gigs@hardrockcafe.com.au or calling the Open Mic Mondays Hot Line – 0434 351 945.

All lovers of live music in Sydney are encouraged to attend the first anniversary celebrations for Open Mic Mondays at the Hard Rock Café Sydney on Monday 6^th May, 2013!

MONDAY 6^TH MAY, 2013

WHAT: OPEN MIC MONDAYS – 1 YEAR ANNIVERSARY BASH

WHEN: MONDAY 6^TH MAY, 2013; REGISTRATION 7 PM

WHERE: HARD ROCK CAFE SYDNEY, DARLING HARBOUR

ENTRY: FREE ENTRY; ALL AGES

EVERY MONDAY NIGHT

WHAT: OPEN MIC MONDAYS

WHEN: EVERY MONDAY NIGHT; REGISTRATION 7PM

WHERE: HARD ROCK CAFE SYDNEY; DARLING HARBOUR

ENTRY: FREE ENTRY; ALL AGES

For additional information please visit www.facebook.com/hardrockcafesydney or call Hard Rock Cafe Sydney on (02) 9280 0077. You can also visit www.facbook.com/sydneyopenmic

Animal Hands Launch their Debut EP

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 13:08:13 GMT

Melbourne based Animal Hands is a three piece independent rock band that has enjoyed receiving a resplendent response to their debut single “Bed of Dolls”. This was the first glimpse of their self titled EP that was produced by Lindsay Gravina at Birdland Studios. Danielle (guitar/vocals) Tom (drums) and Dave (bass) look forward to the EP’s release on April 19th at The Cherry Bar, situated on AC/DC lane in Melbourne.

Excited by the prospect of a new female-fronted, grunge band, writer Machine Steve (The Black
Flag online magazine), has described Animal Hands debut track as “beautiful in it’s own post-punk
angst way”. Since the formation of the band by songwriter Danielle Whalebone, Animal Hands has
received airplay across Australia and are looking forward to an east coast tour later this year. More
information about the band can be found on their website at www.animalhands.net

Film Clip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfRLBk0ewXk
The Black Flag Alternative Music & Culture
Review:
http://www.theblackflag.co.uk/2013/02/10/review-bed-dolls-animal-hands/
Q&A
http://www.theblackflag.co.uk/2013/02/14/interview-danielle-whalebone-animal-hands/
EP Release Date
April 19th at The Cherry Bar

A MAGIC EVENING WITH THE WILD WOMEN

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 15:27:10 GMT

At the launch of the Wild Women CD, on 9th February 2013, at the gorgeous Café Church space in Glebe, we enjoyed music from all around Australia, written by a wonderful collection of proud, independent, female singers.

Before the doors opened at 7pm, the Sold Out sign went up! The door staff was composed of women…elegant and radiant… A short while after sitting down, we commenced a special journey. With Urban Excentrics’s Ann Palumbo (double bass player/singer), stepping in as emcee, it was a charming ride.

First on the stage was Kat Ferguson, followed by Mignon, Anita Lenzo, The Three Sisters (dressed as little girls, their song made all the spectators laugh heartily), Lelly K, and Sue Cunningham. Next up was luscious local songwriter, Snez, the person who in fact put the Wild Women collection together. She was more than ably backed by extraordinary musician and producer, Stewart Peters.

After a short break, when artists and spectators talked freely over delicious pastries, the show went on. This time Suze Price, Gillian Reynolds, Desley Taylor, Melissa Robertson, Toni Farlow, Beck Fielding and Anne Ridgway sang. They presented an eclectic and interesting array of work, furthered by poet Lara Taylor, who made a very witty contribution. At the end, drumming group 'Hands, Heart and Feet' made us move in rhythm, using ancient tribal sounds to bring about a magical finish.

That night we travelled between indie and rock, joy and sadness, anger, hope and fun…and that was without all the singer/songwriters on the album even being there. It says a lot for the album. Don’t miss the feelings and energy that can be stimulated by the Wild Women CD: ‘a collection of songs by twenty independent, wild women singer/songwriters’. Produced by Soundshed Music and released on Regal Records, through MGM/Green Media, it is available now! Ask at your local music store!

Review by Christophe Riquier

For more information, contact:

Regal Records (regalrecords@bigpond.com)

DEEZER PARTNERS WITH AUSTRALIA’S BLUESFEST

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:23:05 GMT

Sydney, Australia – Monday, 4 March, 2013: Deezer is delighted to announce its partnership with Australia’s premier Blues & Roots music festival, Bluesfest.

Celebrating its 24th outing, Bluesfest is one of the country’s most enduring and most beloved music festivals attracting the crème de la crème of the world’s blues and roots musicians to picturesque Byron Bay for a weekend of quality music with a commitment to social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

This year’s event features an overwhelming array of extraordinarily talented musicians from across the planet and from our own backyard. Legendary performers Paul Simon, Robert Plant, Santana, Mavis Staples, Iggy and the Stooges and Status Quo will be joined by modern day troubadours Ben Harper, Jason Mraz, Newton Faulkner, Michael Kiwanuka and Rufus Wainwright along with Bonnie Rait, Chris Isaak, Shawn Colvin and Australia’s The Bamboos, Busby Marou and Karise Eden are among a multitude of other outstanding artists.

Deezer will be hosting Bluesfest Radio featuring the works of the impressive line-up together with playlists curated by a selection of the artists themselves. You can listen now at www.deezer.com or on Bluesfest’s homepage at www.bluesfest.com.au. Deezer will also be on ground at Bluesfest introducing punters to service and allowing the opportunity to sign up for free Deezer premium plus accounts.

2013 has also seen partnerships with other notable Australian music festivals St. Jerome’s Laneway and Soundwave as part of Deezer’s continued efforts to bring the very best of these festival experiences directly to music lovers across the globe.

NEW VIDEO CLIP FOR THE CHEMIST!

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 15:32:33 GMT

Just when you thought The Chemist couldn’t get any wackier, this happens…

The band have just unveiled a new video for ‘Silver & Gold’ - the first official single taken from their forthcoming debut album ‘Ballet in the Badlands’. Watch it / post it here. As frontman Ben Witt says, it’s best enjoyed while “eating chilies from Mexico, dreaming of bulls dancing on bouncy castles, covering a fan with tomato sauce and turning the speed to 11, calling up your ex and taking her sky diving”. I’m not joking, he really did say that.

Dom Pearce directed the clip, having also worked with the band on ‘Lullaby #1 (Mercy)’. Presented with a track far dirtier, stranger and surreal than previous The Chemist material, he thought it only fitting that the video should match.

“With Ben's collaborative input and Julia Ngeow's amazing art and production design in the mix, Silver & Gold took on a dark life of it's own,”Dom says.

“Drawing inspiration from Dali art and film and heavy doses of German expressionism, we set about removing the boundaries between the surreal and the real, the life size and the microverse, seeking to hack the brains of our audience through subverted imagery and synthesia.”

CREO NEW SINGLE AT RADIO AND OUT NOW

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 17:00:39 GMT

CREO are four best mates who grew up together in Sydney. Guitarists Jorjee and Brett wrote together through their high school years, with Daniel and Alex forming a powerful rhythm section on drums and bass respectively. Front man Jorjee delivers haunting vocals, backed by the force and power of his band mates to create a unique and seamless blend of the melodic side of pop and the progressive side of rock. CREO quite simply create captivating music.

From the first strains of the haunting vocal to the swell of the chorus, ‘MONDAY MOURNING’, the bands brand new single taken from their debut EP THE MEMO, is a song that hooks you from the first note.

“Creo might as well just bag it and send it to radio” - - ToneDeaf

LISTEN HERE: https://soundcloud.com/creotheband/monday-mourning-from-debut-ep

With their unique blend the band successfully create a mix of highs and lows; suspense and full throttle force, with just the right amount of party in between. Truly a well-oiled machine, Creo’s live show is super tight, even in moments of mayhem.

“The room seemed packed for Creo’s maiden performance… a sterling set. Their song ‘True’ went over a treat and is available on the band’s website – you should give it listen post haste!!” - Drum Media

Recording their debut EP THE MEMO, with ARIA award winning producer, Jimi Maroudas, this outstanding EP is destined to leave a mark across 2013.

"They are indeed the real deal. They came to Melbourne prepared like no other band that I have seen. We all worked incredibly hard to create their debut EP."

-Jimi Maroudas

THE GRISWOLDS LAST GIGS BEFORE HEADING OVERSEAS

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 16:05:45 GMT

Sydney's The Griswolds have kicked off 2013 in style with their single "The Courtship of Summer Preasley" heating up the airwaves throughout summer. To celebrate the track's success, the band is hitting the road in April to thank fans before heading overseas.

The band have a quick dash around the world, hitting Europe, the UK and the US before heading back to the studio to start on the followup to last year's Heart of a Lion EP which featured both the title track and latest smash.

It's safe to say that Sydney's The Griswolds indie anthem "Heart of a Lion" put them on the map in 2012. The tequila inspired party-pop banger was heard on radio in over 20 countries including high rotation on Australia's triple j and The Netherlands 3FM, jagging over ½ a million views and downloads online.

Forming in February, the band were triple j Unearthed feature artist and were quickly picked up by over 100 blogs around the globe simply by posting their first track 'Mississippi'' online.

Despite pounding the sticky carpet for just twelve months, their meteoric rise is compounded by their reputation as being one of Australia's hottest live acts.

With Homebake, Big Day Out, Parklife and Peat's Ridge on their gig list as well as supports with the likes of San Cisco, Last Dinosaurs and Kids of 88, it's their new single "The Courtship of Summer Preasley" that has cemented their momentum into 2013. Since the calendar ticked over to welcome in their second year, the band have one of the most played tracks of the year on triple j, the iTunes Single of the Week in Europe, and have played support for Django Django.

COURTSHIP OF SUMMER PREASLEY TOUR DATES

April 11

Northern Hotel, Byron Bay NSW

April 12

X&Y, Brisbane QLD

April 13

Live it Up Festival (Under 18s)

Brisbane QLD

April 20

Worker's Club, Melbourne VIC

April 27

Plus One @ Ed Castle, Adelaide SA

April 28

Newport Hotel, Perth WA

May 2

Oxford Arts Factory, Sydney NSW

360’s USA AND CANADIAN ASSAULT TAKES HOLD

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 17:08:35 GMT

After an incredible 12 month period in his home territory, Melbourne based rapper 360 hasn’t showed any signs of slowing down and has firmly set his sights on breaking into the US and CANADIAN markets. After the announcement late last year that SIXTY would make his very first trip to America to play the infamous SXSW MUSIC CONFERENCE, we are stoked to now announce a whole swag of special showcase performances and events that will round off his visit.

First up SIX will be playing three very special showcases as a part of SXSW. On WEDNESDAY MARCH 13 360 will play the MEDUSE LOUNGE in AUSTIN then on THURSDAY MARCH 14 he will take the stage at THE JR (FORMALLY EMO’s) as a part of the official THE AGENCY GROUP Showcase, and finally on FRIDAY MARCH 15 Six will join a host of other Australian talent playing the AUSSIE BBQ showcase at MAGGIE MAYS. From Austin 360 will then head to NEW YORK CITY to play his first ever American headline show at the SANTOS PARTY HOUSE on MONDAY MARCH 18. After NYC Six will travel to CANADA for the first time playing a industry showcase at THE HOXTON in TORONTO on THURSDAY MARCH 21 as a part of the CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK.

Whilst in Canada our mate Sixty will also be making a very special guest appearance and will perform two of his own songs at the 13th Annual Canadian Independent Music Awards. The awards will take place during the Canadian Music Week activities on FRIDAY MARCH 22 at THE KOOL HAUS in TORONTO. The night will honour the year’s best in Canadian independent music – from the breakout success of Canadians Carly Rae Jepsen, Marianas Trench and deadmau5 to the noteworthy achievements of Internationals fun., The Lumineers and Calvin Harris – the show will award artists across 37 categories and feature special performances from nominated artists, including Matt Mays, Diamond Rings, Yukon Blonde, The Wooden Sky, Canailles and Cadence Weapon.

Sixty will round out his American and Canadian jaunt with a final headline show at the iconic VIPER ROOM in WEST HOLLYWOOD on Saturday March 23. Ticket for both the VIPER ROOM and SANTOS PARTY HOUSE show are on sale now and can be purchased via www.ticketweb.com and venue box offices.

360 – TOUR DATES

SUNDAY MARCH 10
BREATH OF LIFE – LAUNCESTON
Inversek Park, Launceston TAS
Tickets: ON SALE NOW via http://breathoflifefestival.com/tickets

WEDNESDAY MARCH 13
MEDUSE LOUNGE (SXSW) – AUSTIN
Austin, Texas, USA

THURSDAY MARCH 14
THE JR (FORMALLY EMO’s) (Agency Group Showcase SXSW) - AUSTIN
Austin, Texas, USA

SATURDAY MARCH 16
Aussie BBQ at Maggie Mays (SXSW) – AUSTIN
Austin, Texas, USA

MONDAY MARCH 18
SANTOS PARTY HOUSE – NEW YORK
New York, NYC, USA
TICKETS ON SALE NOW via www.ticketweb.com & venue box offices

THURSDAY MARCH 21
THE HOXTON (CANADIAN MUSIC WEEK) – CANADA
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA

FRIDAY MARCH 22
CANADIAN MUSIC AWARDS – SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCE
Toronto, Ontario, CANADA

SATURDAY MARCH 23
VIPER ROOM – LOS ANGELES
West Hollywood, California, USA
TICKETS ON SALE NOW via www.ticketweb.com & venue box offices

360 – album ‘Falling & Flying’ out now, featuring 'Run Alone' 'Child', ‘Boys Like You’ (feat. Gossling), ‘Killer’, ‘Throw It Away’ (feat. Josh Pyke) & Just Got Started (feat. Pez)

www.360music.com.au / www.facebook.com/3ree6ixty

UBERfest Sydney 2013 at The Valve Bar, Tempe

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:13:59 GMT

1, 2 ….. 1, 2, …..

In the sweaty humidity of a stygian space packed with family, friends and fans, after the fist-touching “Bro” reassurances and seemingly interminable nervous tuning and checks, out pours music at its most raw, music at its most desperate, music at its best - live.

The old pub venue hosts music from 40 bands, on two stages, over 12 hours from the already established to those shouldering their energetic newness forward to an audience of the curious and the supportive.

In bright contrast to the pitch dark ”Metal” room inside, the closed in verandah of the bistro area with clear plastic curtains letting in the late daylight before giving way to night-sky lighting, showcases the softer sophisticates of pop, techno, hip-hop and alternative genres. Wave after different wave of a brilliant eclectic mix of urgent performances in the round, all demanding attention from close range; space is limited, but any space will do to perform.

There is time to catch at least portions of each of the many sets on the 2 stages, as a range of sounds emerge from the serpentine coils of leads winding through the speaker stacks; the technical minefield that stage hands and most bands learn to navigate. It is part of the dream.

“Inside” the audience is faceless back in the black, away from the stage light; “outside” performer and audience share the light. “Inside” the growling, roaring soaring, hard-edged metallic drive of the cave/room; “Outside” the bouncing popping, punky alternatives, all combining for a constantly humming, often soaring always compelling wall of sounds as Australia’s music future loudly announce themselves in the best way.

There are no acts that aren’t performance ready; the attention demanding singers, self-consciously self-absorbed guitarists and in-their-own-zone bass players and drummers; fusions of talent and personalities that define each band. The Metal masters Draw bring their growing following and set the bar in “their” room. Later the lordly Apparitions of Null lay down their more melodic, almost symphonic, progressive/techno death metal.

Out in the light of the Bistro room, pop-rock singer song-writer Peta Evans-Taylor makes a statement. Difficult to categorise, her music goes through many moods and emotions but never once does she patronise. This is the genuine singer song-writer, confident in the honesty of her music and lyrics, with a voice that demands you listen.

Also a singer songwriter, but markedly different in looks and style, the blonde Lucy B takes the floor with the B Sides for a memorable set of alluring pop and the room fills. Once rare, but now a staple of every music scene, singer song-writers need an edge to rise to their own prominence. Both Peta Evans-Taylor and Lucy B have that edge; plus. There is a certain magic emerging in Lucy B; at the moment it is attractive, soon it will be captivating.

The popular Mirella’s Inferno does their following, and new fans, proud with a rollicking brand of alternative, progressive, techno styles. The music is interesting and promising but the stand out asset is their enigmatic vocalist Meg; a petal-soft featured exotic beauty with a commanding voice that is destined to be heard in much larger venues.

A marathon of music from bands that are all performance ready, that could be slotted into in any gig; performers who are still aspiring and still maturing, still developing their themes and their art.

Talent given the opportunity to do that in the best way possible – performing live. The live music scene in Sydney may be under threat but this is one endangered species that will not go quietly.

This was UBERfest!

PAUL DILLON