Bedroom Philosopher Releases Third Studio Album 'Songs from the 86 Tram'

In 2002 Justin Heazlewood had a segment on triple J’s morning show. Upon hearing his demo’s, producer Vicki Kerrigan said the lyrics were like ‘bedroom philosophy’. The announcers started calling him ‘The Bedroom Philosopher’ and the name stuck. As Justin himself says: “I’m glad, it’s better than the other name I was gonna go with - Damp Slacks”.

In stores April 16th, Songs From The 86 Tram is the third studio album from The Bedroom Philosopher. A genre swapping LP that's as comedically profound as it is musically diverse, Songs From The 86 Tram is a full-blooded concept album about Melbourne’s iconic 86 tram route.

Explains Heazlewood “I understand that some of the aspects of the album are specific to the Melbourne area, but for anyone outside I can give you a crash course, a tram is when a bus and a train have sex, and the train smokes during pregnancy.”

The album was crafted from writer / performer Heazlewood’s (Frankie magazine, John Safran's 'Race Relations') award winning Melbourne International Comedy Festival show of the same name, which won the ‘Director’s Choice’ award in 2009 and the Green Room award for ‘Best Production’ in 2010. To help turn the show into an album, in the studio he enlisted the help of producer Chris Scallan (Avalanches, Akon, Cut Copy), Harry Angus (The Cat Empire) on brass, and his hipster slayin band The Awkwardstra. The album was mastered by Greg Calbi of New York's Stirling Studios whos credits include David Bowie, John Lennon and Bob Dylan.

From the lamington lament of Middle Aged Mum to the scenester satire of triple J hit Northcote (So Hungover), Songs from the 86 Tram sees Heazlewood masterfully construct twelve different personas, which each then receive their own unique musical treatment. From Aussie hip-hop, to indie-shoegaze, piano ballad and yacht rock to spoken word and prog-folk, every genre gets its turn. Each song is a story, told by a different character. Think Paul Kelly meets Flight Of The Conchords.

“This album is an exercise in character exploration. In comedy, bogans get made fun of all the time, and old people and junkies are all easy targets. I was interested in also taking on demographics that are rarely satirised in any way. Indie muso’s, wanky artists, middle aged women and refugees all get a mention. The 86 tram is what you get if you cross a rollercoaster and a psychiatric hospital so this album is basically ‘The Dark Side Of The Moon’ for people watching. This CD holds a mirror up to society - I mean literally, I often use the CD to do my hair on the tram.”

Currently receiving rotation on triple J, FBI and Austereo’s Radar Radio - hit single Northcote (So Hungover) is the first time someone has captured the 'nu Australian' accent. From beneath the safety of a long fringe, our antagonist protagonist 'uh's' and 'ya's' his way through the exploits of his band. ‘Inpress single of the week’ Tram Inspector has also made a splash on radio and at live shows. Prompting comparisons to Beck and Bowie, the song casts light on the surprisingly sexual overtones of copping a fine. We Are Tramily is an authentically banging Aussie hip-hop track, complete with sitars, (a timely pro-Indian salute) whilst In My Day (Nan) is a Python-channelling comedy classic.

The Bedroom Philosopher - 'Northcote (So Hungover)' by HeapsaWill

There’s Trishine - the bogan love song with its timeless “words can get f**ked” refrain, Man On A Tram - a blisteringly simple piece of Dr Suess brilliance and live favourite New Media - which lifts the macbook lid on the stadium sized ambitions of the Melbourne arts scene. Final track of the album Old Man At End sees a reflective old man with a hipflask prepare to check in with ‘the big tram inspector in the sky.’ It’s Khe Sahn meets Radiohead.

Songs From The 86 Tram captures The Bedroom Philosopher’s unashamedly dense lyricism. From the inner monologue of a hopeful Sudanese refugee to the charmingly cynical diatribes of a marooned Irish backpacker, The Bedroom Philosopher treats each of his protagonists with intellect and empathy. Songs from the 86 Tram is resolutely Australian: “ I kind of resent the bombardment of American and British culture I had all through my childhood. Growing up in Burnie in Tasmania was a very isolating experience – I didn’t own an Australian album until I went to Uni. So from that angle I try and over correct by making my stuff capture a flavour that is uniquely Australian. You tend to get a lot of people banging on about ‘focus on the UK and US markets, don’t make it too localised’ blah blah, so with 86 Tram I went, ‘oh yeah, how about a concept album about Melbourne tram culture. Sell that’. Oh, I’m sure if Sufjan Stephens did it about the New York subway system we’d all be creaming our cardigans.”

Songs From The 86 Tram follows in the footsteps of The Bedroom Philosopher’s previous hits I’m So Postmodern (JJJ's Hottest 100 - 2006), Folkstar and Golden Gaytime, his ironic wit-hot comedy finding him a cozy niche on Triple J and community radio Australia wide, performing everywhere from The Melbourne International Comedy Festival to the Big Day Out.

Random fact #278 - The Bedroom Philosopher holds the world record for the longest continuous singing of John Farnham’s ‘You’re The Voice’. Heazlewood: “I sung it for 9 hours. I intended to go for 12 but I got bored in the end. It was a publicity stunt. I like the idea of endurance performance. In the end my voice held out fine but my wrist got RSI from all the strumming. The best thing about it was I had the lyrics on a sheet in front of me, and after nine hours, I still didn’t know the lyrics, as if my brain was rejecting them. Channel 7 came down to film it and I was the odd spot at the end of the news that night – but they said I was promoting the Melbourne Comedy Festival and didn’t mention my show at all. The lesson is, never try.”

Shows

Solo national tour dates have just been announced for April / May:

Wednesday April 28 – The Front Café, Canberra
2 Wattle St, Lyneham - (02) 6249 8453
Doors 8pm. $12 (door sales only)

SYDNEY COMEDY FESTIVAL
Thursday April 29 – The Vanguard, Sydney
Doors 6:30PM The Vanguard, 42 King St, Newtown | Bookings sydneycomedyfest.com.au 02 9020 6966

Friday April 30 - View Factory, Newcastle.
8pm. Free.

Wednesday May 5 – Grace Emily, Adelaide
232 Waymouth St, Adelaide. (08) 8231 5500 Doors 8:30pm. $12 (door sales only)

Thursday May 6 – Alley Cat, Hobart
381 Elizabeth St, North Hobart. Tasmania. (03) 62312299 Doors 8pm. $12 (door sales only)

Friday May 7 – Royal Oak, Launceston
14 Brisbane St, Launceston, Tasmania (03) 6331 5346 Doors 8pm $12 (door sales only)

Sunday May 9 – Powerhouse, Brisbane*
119 Lamington St. New Farm (07) 3358 8600
Free. Headlining 'Livewired' Comedy. Starts 6:30pm.
(*All shows except Brisbane are with Josh Earl as special guest)

"We’ve previously called the quirkily tweedy Bedroom Philosopher ‘the Jarvis Cocker of stand-up’; and you can almost certainly add elements of The Kinks’ Ray Davies and, almost inevitably, Flight Of the Conchords to the mix."
Steve Bennett, Chortle.co.uk

“...ample musical invention flavours his dreams of alien abduction, caged bears and Jesus on Big Brother, and unlike the accidentally funny troubadours out there, he knows a joke should have a point.”
Michael Dwyer, The Age

"As far as the greater population is concerned, I weep for musical comedy artists in this post-Flight Of The Conchords (*on HBO) age; Joe and Jo Blow tend to be able to stomach only one of each "thing" currently in the zeitgeist. However, their ignoring of other musically inclined funny people is their loss, because The Bedroom Philosopher's hysterical skewering of meat-headed ticketing inspectors falls somewhere between a Fame-era Bowie slink and inspirational Hunners balladry. I like my musical comedy to, as the name suggests, be musically captivating first, funny second. Luckily, with Tram Inspector, both come equal first."
Clem Bastow, Inpress.

“It is (like the man himself) entirely enjoyable, entirely likeable, and entirely odd”
Timothy Bocquet, BM

Stylin' UP Returns For It's 10th Year

Saturday May 29 @ CJ Greenfields Sports Complex, Inala

Pride in SELF / Pride in COMMUNITY / Pride in CULTURE

Australia's largest Indigenous youth music and cultural festival Stylin' UP returns for 2010 for its TENTH YEAR ANNIVERSARY. 2010 will feature a deadly line up of some of the best local and national talent nurtured by Stylin UP over the last 10 years. The festival was established in 2001 by local Inala elders in partnership with Brisbane City Council as a way of instilling their youth with pride in themselves, their community and their culture.

It now attracts crowds from across Queensland in excess of 15 000 each year, and has grown to become Australia's largest Indigenous Hip Hop and R&B music and dance event that celebrates youth and contemporary Indigenous culture.

Produced with and for young people in Brisbane and across Queensland, Stylin' Up is also an award winning, nationally lauded contemporary Indigenous creative arts development program (winning the 2004 Premier of QLD award and the National Reconciliation Award in 2008). One of Stylin UP's key outcomes has been the fostering of a mutual respect between the South West Brisbane corridor Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and the Brisbane City Council. The collaboration has been declared a rare success, because of its long term commitment to the community and reconciliation.

Kelvin Lui (Project Officer from Inala elders and Community member) explains, “Such collaboration between Indigenous community and government is rare. Stylin UP has worked because it wasn't a one off, it has been a commitment to the long term and ultimately - a positive step towards reconciliation and connecting young people to peace and long term resolution.”

Stylin' Up's mantra Pride in SELF / Pride in COMMUNITY / Pride in CULTURE, emphasises its commitment to young Indigenous people to take a positive step towards personal and social change, which ultimately contributes to community change. Stylin UP has been developed within a community development framework including a large workshop program facilitated by leading local artists in the run up to the event each year. The workshops run in local schools in the South West Brisbane Corridor as well as through a regional program facilitated by Human Ventures. These workshop programs nurture the next generation of artists as well as passing on the inherent values of Stylin UP no shame - step up and be proud; represent your culture and your community.

Stylin' UP breaks down the barriers between community and police and community and government and encourages young indigenous people to step up and grab opportunities and engage themselves in them.

Music



Though not exclusively a music festival, Stylin’Up combines some of Australia’s finest Indigenous Hip Hop and R&B acts alongside a host of local and national emerging acts, providing Indigenous youth throughout the Inala district and greater Queensland, the power and support to express themselves artistically on a national level.

Over the last ten years headliners have included Jessica Mauboy, Christine Anu, Savage, Last Kinection and many many more. This is combined with the aforementioned 'emerging artist' line up, many of whom have gone on to become headliners in their own right. Examples include locals Indigenous Intrudaz - 2 local Inala MC's with a massive local following who have grown up alongside Stylin' UP playing every gig in its 10 year history."Stylin’ Up is basically like Christmas for us in Inala" laughs Indigenous Intrudaz MC Damien Bani. Indigenous Intrudaz won the won JB Seed Grant in 2008 and have just finished recording an album at the prestigious 301 Studios. Damien Bani also works as a producer on Stylin’ UP, one of his tasks is implementing the ‘emerging artist’ line up. Fellow Intruder MC Dougie Patrick also facilitates local Stylin’ Up workshops.

Other examples are fellow locals Banawurun, who took out the 2006 Deadly Award for Band of the Year and Impossible Odds - emerging artists in 2007, Impossible Odds have since gone onto have a number of tracks receive high rotation on triple J.

The Inala Community through the Stylin'Up Community Crew decide who performs at Stylin' Up each year. Their mantra in 2010 has been to support the local Inala and Queensland talent to shine for The 10th year anniversary Stylin' Up. The program this year will see many key performers from previous years asked to return celebrate and showcase their success.

Workshops

The Stylin’UP program also consists of an extensive workshop program. Workshop’s run for four to 6 months leading up to the festival in Brisbane and the South West Brisbane corridor, and year round throughout key regional Queensland Indigenous communities, including Logan, Cherbourg, Hopevale and Woorabinda.

The workshop process is an integral part of Stylin' Up. Amongst many other things, it provides young people with routine through rehearsals and places an emphasis upon the importance of process and skill development. Nurturing and empowering the next generation.

Music and Dance: Workshops in Music creation, beat production, lyric writing, streetfunk, breakdance and performance technique.

Ladeez Business: A program of arts, cultural and skills development workshops, specifically for young women. These workshops create a safe environment for young women to explore and express, develop identities and community solutions through culturally appropriate arts and cultural forms.

Little Ladies: Specifically targeted at young Indigenous girls aged 4 – 11 and their families who live in and around the Inala region.

Traditional Dance: Workshops for young children years 1 – 7 in traditional dance, food and cultural practices.

Dancing

Dancing, both contemporary and traditional, is a massive part of Stylin' UP. There are a multitude of performances and competitions right throughout the day. Workshops run prior to the event culminate in on the day performances. Whilst traditional dance groups feature alongside contemporary dance - many groups also incorporating unique qualities of their traditional dance in to contemporary dance formats.

Community

Ultimately – though now of national significance, Stylin UP is all about community. The Stylin UP community crew, who run the event, is open to all community members to attend. All posters and event artwork is designed by young local indigenous artists, T shirts are printed by local manufacturers and performers are chosen by community groups.

A myriad of cultural and community events take place alongside the music stage and offer a mix of performances and activities that showcase the talent of the local community. Stylin’UP include’s Contemporary and Traditional Dance, Dance Competitions, Food and Drink Stalls, Arts and Craft Stalls, Free Rides, Basketball and much more.

PI Boyz - 'Aboriginal Justice' (Radio Mix) by HeapsaWill

Snake!

Just a quick one on the snake we pulled out of the office yesterday! Needless to say hilarious results but no Bear Grylls style heroics...man that guy is gnarly...

We reckon it's a brown tree snake or some other sort of common python Coastal Carpet Python

Katie Noonan and the Captains Announce 'Emperor's Box' Album Tour Dates

National Album Tour - June 2010

www.katienoonan.com
www.myspace.com/katienoonan

One of Australia’s brightest musical discoveries of the new millennium, Katie Noonan returns to the spotlight with an original album, a fresh sound, and a new band, the Captains. A five-time platinum and multiple Aria winning recording artist, Katie is in fine voice on Emperor’s Box, a dynamic piece comprising 13 personal, emotive works. Co-produced by Katie and Grammy Award-winning rock specialist Nick Didia (Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen, Stone Temple Pilots, Powderfinger), Emperor’s Box marks a return to some wonderful and familiar territory for Katie. Emperor’s Box is the sound of a confident, accomplished artist. It’s a lush and at times muscular affair, captured in the studio by a tight unit clearly at the peak of form. And of course, Katie’s vocals shine.

“It feels like the best thing I’ve ever done,” Katie says. “Music is about freedom for me, I’ve always followed my muse and been very lucky to be able go on and make different records. This is definitely the album I’m most proud of.”

Over the last two and a half years Katie and ‘The Captains’ (Cameron Deyell – guitar, Stu Hunter – keys/bass, Declan Kelly – drums) have been slowly building a vessel of exciting, unique songs and they are very excited to be taking the new album on the road this June and playing these new tunes around the country.

‘Emperor’s Box’ is a real return to form for Katie – back to her beloved lush, organic band sound and strong and inspiring personal stores and has been widely critically acclaimed, with Rolling Stone Magazine’s 4 star review saying “it is a joy to hear Noonan return to the more traditional pop of Emperor’s Box, albeit with a sumptuous and skewed take on the art form that combines the experimental beauty of Sigur Ros and Radiohead with the dark, dreamy atmospherics of 27” and Kathy McCabe describing it as “deliciously overthe- top alternative pop”.

EMPEROR’S BOX is Katie’s second release for Sony Music, and is the follow-up to the Brisbane-based artist’s Blackbird, her well-received jazz and 2009 Aria-winning project issued in 2008. This time round, Katie has penned all the songs. As has been the case throughout much of her stellar career, the songstress has teamed with some of the best in the business. The likes of Split Enz great Tim Finn, rising star Sia Furler, Cold Chisel icon Don Walker, pop troubador Josh Pyke and acclaimed Australian writer/poet Tom Shapcott are some of the big names who share writing credits on the new effort. Josh Pyke and Sia also appear on the album on their respective co-written tracks.

EMPEROR’S BOX NATIONAL ALBUM TOUR WITH VERY SPECIAL GUESTS THE JEZABELS **

JUNE 5, TANKS ARTS CENTRE, CAIRNS
www.ticketlink.com.au 1300 855 835

JUNE 11, THE GOVERNOR HINDMARSH HOTEL, ADELAIDE **
www.thegov.com.au 1300 GET TIX (438 849)

JUNE 12, THE FLY BY NIGHT, FREMANTLE
www.flybynight.org 08 9430 5976
w’ Timothy Nelson & The Infidels / Goodnight Tiger

JUNE 13, THE FLY BY NIGHT, FREEMANTLE
www.flybynight.org 08 9430 5976
w’ Ghost Hotel / Wolves at the Door

JUNE 18, THE HI FI, MELBOURNE **
www.thehifi.com.au 1300 843 434 www.oztix.com.au 1300 762 545

JUNE 19, METRO THEATRE, SYDNEY **
www.thmetrotheatre.com.au (02) 9550 3666

JUNE 25, THE POWERHOUSE THEATRE, BRISBANE **
www.brisbanepowerhouse.org (07) 3358 8600

JUNE 26, JOE’S WATERHOLE, EUMUNDI **
www.musicliveatjoes.com (07) 5442 8144
Tickets also available @ Joe’s Waterhole Eumundi,
Backbeat Records Maroochydore and Shake it up Music Nambour

EMPEROR’S BOX IN STORES FRIDAY APRIL 9TH THROUGH SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT AUSTRALIA

“A treasure well worth discovering”
Marie Claire

West End Carnivale Returns For It's Second Year

MUSIC | CIRCUS | MASQUERADE

Saturday May 15 – Davies Park, West End

www.westendcarnivale.com.au
www.myspace.com/westendcarnivale

FEATURING
The Bamboos (Melb), Sunshine Sound System (NZ), Mojo Juju and The Snake Oil Merchants (Melb), Juke Baritone & The Swamps Dogs (Syd), Dubmarine, Laneous and the Family Yah, Kingfisha, The Woohoo Revue, The View from Madeleine's Couch, Tibet to Timbuctoo, Grassroots Street Orchestra, Darky Roots, Blind Dog, The Rude, Paua, Truth Serum, LUVS, Juddah, Bessy Lou, Martini 66, Graffiti MC's and Happy Days

PLUS SELECTAS
20,000 Leagues, Andy Dub, Apex, Basmati, Ben Osborne & Sunny Dread MC, Boxy Lucha, Cat Kid, Lao Mirador, Nick 1, Opiuo and Scuba D

AND
Big Burlesque Show, Briefs, Deviant Sky, Hoopla Clique, Hu La La, Joel Chia, Lita Lynx, Lou Lou, Rio Rhythmics, Ruby Grapefruit, Shaz and Daz, Talitha Herrick, Tennille, The Mysterious Dr Mercurious, The Plumb-hers and Tiger Lil

West End Carnivale
Establishing itself as Brisbane’s most original new festival with over 2000 attendees at its inaugural event last year, The West End Carnivale is back! Rudekat Records and the team behind Experience BTS bring to you another fantastic selection of bands, selectas, circus freaks and masked marauders in Brisbane's biggest masquerade party ever!

Taking place May 15 at the fantastic riverside grounds of Souths Leagues club at Davies Park, The West End Carnivale will host over 50 acts featuring a mighty reggae and world music line up. As well as bringing top level national acts, The West End Carnivale is all about promoting the excellent music and performing artists of Brisbane and the West End scene in particular.

The Carnivale draws its inspiration from the Brazilian and Caribbean tradition and encourages all performers and patrons to mask up, or come in a costume. It’s tradition for Carnivale goers to come in masked or costumed ‘gangs’ (groups) – and this year the festival will offer group discounts for those who come and add to the colour. This year, Rio Rhythmics will return with their famed costumed dancers and percussion ensemble to form the nucleus of the Carnivale parade. They will be joined by fire dancers and roving performers to create what is undoubtedly the festival highlight.

The Carnivale will also feature an outside bar, food and craft markets and a workshop venue. The West End Carnivale is all ages and under 12’s are free.

The Bands
Headlining the 2010 event is Melbourne’s finest purveyors of Soul and Funk The Bamboos. Fresh out of the studio with brand-new album ‘4’, the guys are sure to be on fire when they take the Carnivale main stage. Joining them from across the Tasman is Sunshine Sound System, who are sure to have the crowd bouncing with their tight mix of Hip Hop, Funk and Soul.

And from there the line-up goodies continue, with well-loved bands Mojo JuJu and The Snake Oil Merchants (Melb), Juke Baritone & The Swamp Dogs (Syd), Dubmarine, Laneous and the Family Yah, Kingfisha, The Woohoo Revue, The View from Madeleine’s Couch and Tibet to Timbuctoo all playing the West End Carni 2010. They are joined by Grassroots Street Orchestra, Darky Roots, Blind Dog, The Rude, Paua, Truth Serum, LUVS, Juddah, Bessy Lou, Martini 66, Graffiti MC’s and Happy Days on a jam-packed lineup!

The festival will also feature DJ’s: 20,000 Leagues, Andy Dub, Apex, Basmati, Ben Osborne & Sunny Dread MC, Boxy Lucha, Cat Kid, Lao Mirador, Nick 1, Opiuo and Scuba D

The Performers
Roll up, roll up, the West End Carnivale is not just a music festival, with a host of circus, cabaret and visual performances scheduled so that your eyes also get a feast – not just your ears. Centre to this years event is the Big Burlesque Show, which will feature some of Brisbane’s finest felines showing off their artistic talents. The festival also features performances by a smorgasbord of brilliant artists, incuding: Briefs, Deviant Sky, Hoopla Clique, Hu La La, Joel Chia, Lita Lynx, Lou Lou, Rio Rhythmics, Ruby Grapefruit, Shaz and Daz, Talitha Herrick, Tennille, The Mysterious Dr Mercurious, The Plumb-hers and Tiger Lil.

Tix are On Sale Now through www.oztix.com.au or www.westendcarnivale.com.au

Paul Greene - New album and Tour

www.paul-greene.com

Paul Greene Announces His New Album ‘Everywhere is Home’& Accompanying National Tour

With album sales now swiftly approaching 50 000, Paul Greene has built a loyal and enthusiastic following Australia wide through extensive touring and a series of critically acclaimed releases. One of Australia favorite troubadours, Greene has just announced that his eagerly anticipated new album 'Everywhere is Home' will be released April 26th through his own label Whirl records, distribution by One Stop Entertainment.

Greene was 'discovered' by Midnight Oil's Rob Hirst (with whom he formed the aptly titled duo; 'Hirst & Greene') in 2005, but it was his 2008 album 'Distance Over Time' that saw the pieces really begin to fall into place. With ABC's Radio National making it their 'Album of The Week' upon its release, 'Distance over Time' justified the many critics who regarded Greene as one of Australian music's best‐kept secrets. Illustrating the depth of appeal, at the opposite end of the spectrum, Nova anointed him Australia's best unsigned acoustic act of 2007.

A regular on the Australian festival circuit, in the past 12 months alone Greene has performed at; East Coast Blues & Roots Festival, Toyota Gympie Muster, Queenscliff, Festival Of The Sun, Coastfest, Caloundra Music Festival, Woodford and Peat's Ridge and his work has drawn praise from the likes of Ani DiFranco, The Waifs, Patty Griffin and Pete Murray – to name but a few.

Paul Greene - 'Everybody Gotta Little Love' by HeapsaWill

'Everywhere Is Home'

After showcasing at the Canadian Music Week in March 2010, Paul returns to Australia this April to launch his brand‐new album 'Everywhere Is Home'. Featuring 12 new tracks of Paul's distinctively versatile voice, full‐bodied acoustic guitar and tuneful harmonica, 'Everywhere Is Home' brings together all the appeal of his previous releases and augments them with a set of new experiences and lessons picked up on the road. From the plaintive lyrical assessment and insistent alt‐country pulse of Going To Take A Miracle through the fly on the wall self analysis and musical meander of Stay On, 'Everywhere Is Home' is the sort of album that feels like the road dust has only been brushed gently off.

In Greene’s own words: “This album is the most challenging thing I have done in my career so far. Every album begins as an unscaled mountain: You start off knowing where the summit is, but you can never know for sure the best way to get there. All that anyone else really gets to see is a snapshot of the view from the top. I have spent a few years wondering what would be the best approach, and I decided that using what I had was going to be more interesting that going into a studio where I would have every trick in the book at my disposal. I have been mucking around on 4 tracks since I was a kid, so I have been experimenting with recording for a long time. I have also recorded a few albums of my own, a few albums for or with other people, and a stack of production demos for friends. This, however, is the first time I have ‘released’ an album I recorded myself.

Hence the album features a wine glass solo, drums that don't sound like drums, and also features my wife on flute – one of two guest musicians on the record – which she hadn’t played the whole time I've known her. I think that this recording blew a few circuits in my brain – but I am proud of the results, because it captures what I sound like to me.

In regards to the title: we were on a particularly grueling 3 month run of shows to north Queensland with no air conditioning in our converted school bus. My Daughter (Lily, age 5) was missing home and her friends. I was trying to comfort her by saying that the bus was our home; and that she was Australian and we were in Australia, so she was home; and that she was from the planet earth, and we were on
earth, so she was home. She went silent for a long time, then from the back seat said to me in the rear view mirror ‘so dad – everywhere is home’.”

The Tour

The upcoming tour to launch 'Everywhere is Home' will be a rare treat for fans in that it will be the first time Greene has toured with a full band for a number of years. It will be the best of both worlds though, with all shows also featuring a solo set. For further incentive, the 'Everywhere Is Home' tour will be the last run of dates for Paul before he returns to Canada for the prestigious North by Northwest taking place in Toronto in June. Support is by Penny & The Mystics. Fronted by Penny Hartgerink (whose 'Four Days', hit No.1 on the national independent EP/Singles chart in 2008) the group has been quietly making a name for themselves performing regularly around the NSW South Coast, where their original mix of rock, reggae and new age roots music has won them a strong local following.

Paul Greene ‐Everywhere Is Home Tour
Supported by Penny & The Mystics (except WA)

Thursday April 15 ‐The Basement, Sydney NSW Call the Basement Box Office to book on (02) 9251 2797 (Mon ‐Fri 10 am ‐5:30 pm) or online at
http://www.moshtix.com.au/Event.aspx?id=30875

Friday April 16 ‐The Heritage Hotel, Bulli NSW
www.heritagehotel.com.au or (02) 4284 5884

Saturday April 17 ‐Milton Theatre, Milton NSW
Plus The Lucky Wonders Ticket Sales: Country Leather (02) 4455 3056 or online at http://tickets.oztix.com.au/Default.aspx?Event=13937

Sunday April 18 ‐Playhouse Theatre, Mittagong NSW
Ph (02) 4871 1086 or online at: http://tickets.oztix.com.au/default.aspx?Event=14874

Thursday April 22 ‐Lizotte's, Newcastle NSW
Book online at www.lizottes.com.au or (02) 4956 2066

Thursday May 6 ‐The Curtin Band Room, Melbourne VIC
Tix online at http://laingtix.oztix.com.au/default.aspx?Event=14131

Friday May 7 ‐The Baha Music Bar, Rye VIC
For Tix (03) 5985 2077

Saturday May 8 ‐Home Tavern, Wagga Wagga NSW
Tix (02) 6921 3117 or online at http://laingtix.oztix.com/default.aspx?Event=14062

Sunday May 9 ‐Front Gallery & Café, Canberra ACT

Thursday May 13 ‐Mojo's Bar, Fremantle WA

Sunday May 16 ‐Redcliffe on the Murray, Pinjarra WA

Thursday May 27 ‐Brisbane Powerhouse (Visy Theatre), Brisbane QLD
Tickets available online at www.brisbanepowerhouse.org or via Box Office on (07) 3358 8600

Friday May 28 ‐The Soundlounge, Currumbin QLD

Saturday May 29 ‐Joes Waterhole,, Eumundi QLD
Tickets available via (0 7) 5442 81444, or at Joe's Waterhole Gaming Lounge, Backbeat Records and S hake It Up Music

Thursday June 10 ‐Grace Emily Hotel, Adelaide SA
http://lainngtix.oztix.co m.au/default.aspx?Event==14088

Friday June 11 ‐Sand Bar, Mildura VIC
Tickets online at http:///laingtix.ozti x.com.au/default.aspx?Evvent=14430

Saturday June 12 ‐Deniliquin Club,, Deniliquin NSW
Tickets online at http:///laingtix.ozti x.com.au/default.aspx?Evvent=14092

Optimen's Second Album Has Finally landed!!!

The Optimen Release their sophomore album 'The Out of Money Experience'

Myspace

Though the title might sound like a desperate plea for help in these trying times of economic uncertainty or, more predictably, the old as the ages cliché of the starving artist, The Out Of Money Experience is really anything but. This much-anticipated album by The Optimen (The OPees to their friends – and they can take all the friends they can get) is the result of work: hard work. The sort of work that keeps you up late at night and makes you late for the next day’s “working for the man”. And it shows.

The Optimen - 'Pay Cheques' by HeapsaWill

The three original members and emcees of The Optimen (Sammsonite, DATS and Kristoff The Russian) have never wavered in their commitment to being independent. From release to release, whether their own or for label-mates, and all on their own Red Tape Entertainment imprint, they have done it their own way – even turning down record contracts that most upcoming artists would lay aside a baby-maker for to do it. Add DJ Damage on the turntables and Peter Beaty on live samples and studio mixing detail and you have one of the country’s few thoroughly independent acts, through and through.


This insistence on in-house production carries forward from the beats (courtesy of Sammsonite and DATS) to the cuts and scratches (a tip of the hat to DJ Damage), and even the samples used to give the album its sonic slap to the face were provided by Kristoff The Russian (with the occasional offering by former crew member DJ Sheep). This self-reliance has also been integral in the cultivation of their truly unique sound – warm brass, even warmer bass, gripping guitar riffs, shimmering strings and drums that move through you so freely they could make a religious sister renounce her faith and take a part-time job at a bikini carwash. Add to this the trademark Optimen rap presence and precision of Damage on the cut and you might begin to have an idea of what The Out Of Money Experience sounds like.

Only it’s bigger… And it’s better.

Featuring some of their favourite emcees, both from Australia (Tommy Ill, The Archetypes, Pure Product, Adverse, Lazy Grey and Rainman) and two international legends in the field – Jehst (UK) and Phil The Agony (USA) – and also local vocalists Laneous (Mr Laneous) and Kel (The Kelly Gang), The Out Of Money Experience is galvanized by its strength of guest appearances and not stirred into a turbulence by them as can be the case.

The Out Of Money Experience also represents some standout ‘firsts’ for The Optimen: First time using session musicians – including drums, saxophone, trombone and a range of keys, the first time working with some of their own international rhyme idols, with Jehst bringing his signature introspective reflection and effortless flow for Dust (an exploration into what it means to be human when you take away all of the constructs that society has placed here), and Phil The Agony (Likwit Crew/Strong Arm Steady) with his characteristic commanding of attention on the album ender (and bonus remix track) Number One.

The Optimen - '80's Babies' by HeapsaWill

To enhance The Experience for the listener, The Optimen have continued to show considerable growth from their 2002 EP release Breath Control, their debut album Boomtown (’05) and label-showcase Red Tape Renegades: Vol 1 (’07), both in their musical inclination, with a far greater diversity of sounds and assortments of instruments than ever before, beginning with a brooding horn section reminiscent of a Japanese monster flick, sounding the impending doom and destruction like the fading echo of an air raid siren on album opener O Shit!, to the sunshine and lollipops wrapped in a mother’s hug on 80s Babies, in the form of a this time bright horn arrangement that is threaded together with a retro saxophone loop by a hand that just can’t stop snapping its fingers.

The album isn’t only advanced and progressive in terms of its production values and musicality, however. It is also the most diverse work that The Optimen have released topically – which is what really gains attention. While they still deliver their standard (though stepped up) form of ‘battle’ inspired rhymes, replete with ‘bragadociousness’ they have dug deeper this time around, mixing through a palette that begins with reminiscing on days past (80s Babies and time pre-money troubles in Pay Cheques) to the approaching of 30th birthdays (all this year) for emcees Sammsonite, DATS and Kristoff in 30 Rock. On The Rocks gives insight into the rocky relationship goings on the boys have with alcohol, which has been personified here, and Something in the Air featuring local hero Lazy Grey is a pseudo-socio-political address on how we could all be making greater efforts to connect with each other and put our differences aside in the name of getting high… really, really high. Before the album is through, though, The Optimen have to pay hommage to the mostly African American musicians who paved the way for them as a sample-based act but also just for the incredible and inspirational music they have gifted the world with. This track, Respecognise, features the newest Red Tape signess, The Archetypes, as well as the powerful and soulful singing voice of Kel, who takes the track out appropriately.

Indeed, if this album were an outside-of-the-genre musical performance, it’d be Frank ‘Old Blue Eyes’ Sinatra, complete with the New York Philharmonic, performing ‘My Way’ to a packed Madison Square Garden in the mid 70s – only you know that to reach that earth-moving crescendo at the end you first get to enjoy the journey it takes to get there. And that’s what The Out Of Money Experience brings – it’s a journey. An expedition for over an hour that will leave you wishing there were more artists out there who were in it for the music and not the semi-permanence of praise and empty accolades.

If this isn't your new favourite album for this year then it won't be far from it, or your money back*.

*Not a real guarantee.

Georgia Fields Releases New Single 'Something Borrowed, Something Blue'

Georgia Fields is earnestly applying the finishing touches to her debut album. In the meantime, the charismatic songbird is releasing the second single from her forthcoming record, to tide us over until the winter LP release.

‘Something Borrowed, Something Blue’ intertwines the childlike naivety of experimental sounds with mature and considered orchestral arrangements. Romantic without dissolving into a swamp of twee, the track features a charmingly bizarre animal toy sample. B-sides include ‘Sinking Relation Ship’ – a mournful, maritime-y tale of a couple who are “falling apart like pavlova”… and the string-lush ‘Happy Accidents’, recorded in her cellist’s lounge room.



Since her 2007 debut, Fields has earned a reputation for her impressive live shows. Her ‘Mini-Indie-Orchestra’ is a 12-piece ensemble of Melbourne’s musical heavyweights, featuring a string quartet, brass, woodwind, tuned percussion, full band, and even a cordless drill. Most recently she was named Frankie Magazine’s ‘New Favourite Band’ (March/April 2010 issue).

Collaborators on the forthcoming album include multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire, Judith Hamann (cello, harp, vocals, piano, and more), with ARIA & APRA-awarded Greg Arnold of Australian folk/rock institution Things of Stone and Wood in the producer’s seat (Carus; Skipping Girl Vinegar).

Georgia launches “Something Borrowed, Something Blue” in Melbourne:

Thursday April 29 @ The Toff in Town
Doors: 7.30pm - 11.00pm
Tix from Moshtix (1300 GET TIX) www.moshtix.com.au or Moshtix outlets inc Polyester (Fitzroy & City)

Full National tour dates are tba for the album release.

“Something Borrowed, Something Blue” is released nationally on Popboomerang Records in April 2010.

“Fields specialises in cute, vintage-y folk-pop that makes you want to sway in time and sing along when you know the words.”
Frankie Magazine, Australia

“...Unique and timeless, with her style reminiscent of the finest of 60s and 70s female songwriters.”
Billy Baxter, ABC Radio National

“Fields tells you little adult stories with childlike innocence.”
Drum Media, Sydney

“...The arrival of a truly marked talent.”
Inpress Magazine, Melbourne

“My latest favourite band in the whole world.”
Fred Negro, Comic Artist

The Lucky Wonders

Announcing the release of their debut album Thirteen O’Clock
and National Tour

Myspace

Byron Bay’s The Lucky Wonders are set to release their debut album ‘Thirteen O’Clock’, and to celebrate are preparing to head out on a mammoth tour across the country.

The Lucky Wonders - 'So You've Never' by HeapsaWill

The Lucky Wonders - 'Home' by HeapsaWill

Consisting of singer songwriter duo Jessie Vintila and Emma Royle, as well as Brent Calcutt on bass and Anastassijah Scales on drums, The Lucky Wonders are building impressive momentum following the release of their debut single ‘Happy Pill’, the first single pulled from ‘Thirteen O’Clock’, in November last year. ‘Happy Pill’ received some Triple J airplay and also went straight to the top of the Triple J ‘Unearthed’ Roots chart, picking up rave reviews along the way as well as strong community radio airplay right across the country.

Recorded in their hometown of Byron with Anthony Lycenko (Xavier Rudd, The Beautiful Girls, Pete Murray), ‘Thirteen O’Clock’ is a delicate blend of roots tunes with a pop underbelly. Most of the album was recorded in the early hours of the morning at Studios 301. During the day the band had to nail blankets over the windows and doors “to adapt to the vampire lifestyle”. At that stage The Lucky Wonders were the duo of Emma and Jessie. They were joined by Ben Franz (The Waifs) on bass and lap steel and Dave Sanders (Acre) on drums on the album.

The album has a theme of connection: with yourself, a lover, the world. Also the connection between hard times and the journey towards happiness.

Explains Emma: “This album covers a lot of ground, the individual tracks read like chapters in a bigger story, and in the end you’re left with something real but optimistic. Despite our contrasting life experiences we create something special when we write together. It’s like, yeah, life can hurt sometimes, but if you stay open, there is a chance at something bigger and fuller.”
And immediately, people have been connecting with The Lucky Wonders' music. On Triple J ‘Unearthed’ users raved about Happy Pill: “I love the harmonies and melody of this great pop song, it’s simple but beautiful”, “Classic Aussie acoustic pop at its finest” and “Really, really like this song and this band. Bring on the album!” to list but a few. The critical response has been equally positive, The Northern Star emphatically announcing: "The only trouble with The Lucky Wonders release is that it leaves you wanting more."

Riding this wave of support, The Lucky Wonders are packing their WonderBus and hitting the road. Playing 40+ shows in some of the country's finest venues, the band will be taking their catchy songs and irreverent banter to woo audiences in every far flung corner of Australia.

‘Thirteen O’Clock’ is released March 8th through Vitamin.

“The ‘Thirteen O’Clock’ Album Launch Tour”

Thursday April 1 – Pacific Hotel, Yamba NSW
Wednesday April 7 – Lizottes, Newcastle NSW
Thursday April 8 – The Vanguard, Sydney NSW
Friday April 9 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli NSW
Saturday April 10 – Hotel Gearins, Katoomba NSW
Wednesday April 14 – The Oxford Tavern, Wollongong NSW
Friday April 16 – Club Sapphire, Merimbula NSW
Saturday April 17 – Milton Theatre, Milton NSW
Sunday April 18 – Front Bar, Canberra ACT
Monday April 19 – The Phoenix, Canberra ACT
Friday April 23 – The Wesley Anne, Melbourne VIC
Sunday April 25 – Bendigo Hotel, Melbourne VIC
Thursday April 29 – The Republic Bar, Hobart TAS
Friday April 30 – The Royal Oak, Launceston TAS
Saturday May 1 – Stage Door, Bernie TAS
Saturday May 8 – The Gov Front Bar, Adelaide SA
Friday May 14 – UWA, Perth WA
Sunday May 16 – Mojos, Fremantle WA
Thursday May 20 – Quindanning Inn, Quindanning WA
Friday May 21 – Dunsborough Tavern, Dunsborough WA
Saturday May 22 – Settlers Tavern, Margaret River WA
Sunday May 23 - Denmark Tavern, Denmark WA
Friday May 28 – Camel Bar, Geraldton WA
Saturday May 29 – Clancy’s, Fremantle WA
Sunday May 30 – The Paddo, Perth WA
Friday June 4 – Gascoyne Hotel, Carnarvon WA
Saturday June 5 – Monkey Bar, Monkey Mia WA
Thursday June 10 – Coral Bay Hotel, Coral Bay WA
Friday June 11 – Whalers Bar, Exmouth WA
Wednesday June 16 – Divers Tavern, Broome WA
Friday June 18 – Divers Tavern, Broome WA
Saturday June 19 – Divers Tavern, Broome WA
Sunday June 20 – Matsos Brewery, Broome WA
Wednesday June 23 – Station Township, Kununurra WA
Friday June 25 - Ski Club, Darwin NT
Saturday June 26 – The Happy Yess, Darwin NT
Sunday June 27 – Mindil Markets, Darwin NT
Friday July 2 – Firkin and Hound, Alice Springs NT
Saturday July 3 – Outback Pioneer, Ayers Rock Resort, NT
Sunday July 4 – Residents Club, Ayers Rock Resort, NT



“A dreamy tune with a ticking rhythm... Jessie and Emma's voices work beautifully together."
Beat Magazine

"The only trouble with The Lucky Wonders release is that it leaves you wanting more."
The Northern Star

“In all, the (band) possesses all promise to enrich their niche, with wise messages cleverly concealed behind winsome refrains.”
Billboard Discoveries

“Love it! Grab on to those things that make your heart fill up....this song is one of those things.....!”
TRIPLE J Unearthed Review (Happy Pill)