Lo’renzo To’rez drops an emotional banger, “Closing The Door,” a fantastic record fueled by his passion for merging soul, pop and r&b into his music. Streamed well over 500K times, this is a hit track that will continue on its rapidly growing trajectory. To’rez also released the beautiful single “Live Again” a natural following to the heartbreaking narrative contained in “Closing The Door.”
Growing up, Lo’renzo To’rez had early on a special place for music in his heart. At 13 he was introduced to music production by his older brother and a friend, who taught Lo’renzo the basics of recording, and To’rez began recording songs professionally at 18 years old.
Lo’renzo To’rez’ music undeniably sets a distinct vibe, and his fans are more than expecting a new release by the incredibly talented artist!
Nova Gholar is a singer-songwriter from California whose music is incredibly powerful and freeing. Combining his strength in r&b and hip hop, Nova also draws on the inspirational gospel music as he grew up playing music in his father’s church. His latest single “FRDM” featuring N.E.P.H.E.W. is a stunning example of the sheer artistry and creative approach that Nova incorporates into his work.
Gorgeous artist Mayia just dropped her newest single, kicking off 2022 with a booming, fun and flirty song whose music will remind you of the thunderous 80’s and festive 90’s. Again showcasing her incredible voice, Mayia delights with a new style of singing. Her usual r&b is on a completely different level this time, masking the genre underneath layers of sophistication, positivity, and the state of falling in love.
A talented young lady, Mayia also dropped “Nobody” just a few months ago, shaking the foundations of storytelling in music. With minimalism in mind, she painted a vivid picture of an independent woman who does not fall for just anyone and the jazzy music is just perfect for the song.
Thousand Oaks, California-based singer-songwriter Dylan Joseph warns us against fake love in his latest release, the beautiful song “Good Thing,” served with exquisite visuals. Dylan Joseph first made the buzz as a co-writer of the song “Just Friends” created for the YouTube hit show “Malibu Surf,” a track that counts around 10M views on YouTube.
Born and raised in Thousand Oaks, CA, Dylan Joseph grew up with a strong passion for being outdoors, baseball, motocross, and music. Dylan Joseph’s father was a professional drummer, which explains why there was always a drum set in the house where Dylan grew up. At just fourteen years old, Dylan picked-up the drums and taught himself how to play the guitar at eighteen years old, proving that music gets transmitted from one generation to the other.
From “City Dime” to “44,” “Closer To You,” and many more singles, “Dylan Joseph has been creating an impressive repertoire of songs that has attracted hundreds of thousands of new fans, and he isn’t planning on stopping anytime soon!
New Zealand native Steve Edwards releases a new thunderous song “Fallen” that captivates with its musical arrangement and vocals full of emotion. Powerful drum hook at the beginning continues throughout the song setting a solid foundation for the electric guitar and other instruments to shine on. Enter Steve Edwards’ vocals and the listener is completely enchanted.
The artist has previously dropped another wondrous modern rock composition called “Colour of Blood”, an equally beautiful piece of art. Sincere and open as ever, Steve Edwards displays his true self in his music, connecting with the audience on a deeper level. Authentic, elegant and thoughtful, his art speaks for itself.
Canadian singer-songwriter StevenCharles is back with a magnificent music video for his debut single, “Stay.” The New York City-based artist once again displays his dedication to music, art, beauty, and dance with visuals that truly stand out among the hundreds of new projects one comes across daily.
With endless positivity emanating from its visual storytelling, “Stay” is destined to become a timeless classic, with dancing being at the core of the project’s imagery.
With John Legend and Alicia Keys as StevenCharles’ favourite artists, it is clear that he has chosen strong roots from which to deploy his creative vision.
His mission is to create songs that uplift and inspire people, a valuable goal knowing the hard times the world has been going through lately. Mission accomplished; “Stay” is a one in a million song and music video, and a refreshing sound that will ideally launch this star-in-the-making’s career.
Algorithms govern our lives today and we all fail to notice the dangers that are directly related to the phenomenon. This is in essence the message behind IMMUNITY’s latest release “Trust The Algorithm”. The music video depicts a satirical scene of a mass shooter live streaming his cruel deeds which is a wake-up call for us as a society.
Dominik Maiser and Adrien Dembowski are the talented duo behind the band’s name. Speaking on the topic of the song, Dominik said: “Algorithms may be the most devastating force in our modern history. Misinformation is the cold war we are living in today.” The band members also spoke on the scary reality of all the horrible things people are willing to do just to get likes and comments.
This unnerving heavy metal creation is only just the beginning of the band’s journey in the world of music.
DYLI recently dropped her newest single remix “MmmHmm” featuring Kenai with almost 10K views already. Fully showcasing her flawless style, the young singer created a casual but lively song that is set to be a treat for all. An unforgettable tune, vibrant beats, and DYLI’s beautiful voice make up a complete ensemble of original, fresh music.
Her previous release, “New Bag” was a huge success, produced by DUNGEONMUSIC and shot by ROLOEDOLO. DYLI’s other superhits include songs like “Cherry Coke”, “Low Key”, and “Cotton Candy”, which accumulated hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube and other platforms.
Starting out as a singer at the age of eleven, DYLI has certainly come a long way. She has two full-length albums released, and has worked with renowned artists and musicians such as drummer Fabian Egger, choreographer Cedric Botelho, and others. She also appeared at South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival. “MmmHmm” is one of the songs included in DYLI’s upcoming EP so stay tuned!
Biggie Babylon’s artistry is making waves through the crowds. As he speaks the truth through his rap and creates memorable tunes, the artist is rising above and beyond. He was put right in the spotlight after his nomination for Best Hip Hop Album at the 2018 San Diego Music Awards. With plenty of singles and 3 albums on his rap sheet, Biggie is creating content that caters to different moods. Biggie’s new hit single titled “All In” depicts the artist’s abilities in the rap scene.
The single will get you up and ready to fight your own fights as he spills sick lyrics over a soundscape of exciting tunes. The track also matched a compelling music video that perfectly presents his aura throughout the song. Showcasing the artist’s natural swag, the video scenes will take you on an adventure as he gambles his way to the top. Walking from dark room to dark room, Biggie is seen in a private casino accompanied by flitting lights and bundles of energy.
The music video shows him gambling his way or going “all in.” As his words resonate on a deep level, the robust beats will have you shooting for the stars. With the perfect dose of energy, Biggie’s new track will become a staple across several playlists.
LA-based American singer-songwriter Justin S. Grant has released a brand new single with visuals titled “Fuego N’ Ice.” Justin points to what truly inspires him in this new single that sonically ranges from pop to rap, rock, and everything between. He has been making his way in the music scene since earlier this year when he released his singles “Don’t Go!” and “@addicted 2 Mi Phone.”
Justin S. Grant is skilled at exploring and experimenting with various genres, from experimental pop to rap, electronic, and rock. His genuine songwriting and humorous tones fill his singles with addictive energy, once again presented in his latest, the sensual “Fuego N’ Ice.”
The track was released with a compelling music video that will perfectly match the artist’s homage. The stunning visuals released with the song revolve around Justin S. Grant and a beautiful girl in a bar late at night, dancing and teasing each other.
Anwar Hadid has released his second music project after a break. “4MyLove” is the title of the song of the famous artist which he has published.
He announced through social networks that we can already hear the song on the YouTube platform. Otherwise, Anwar Hadid is the brother of the model sisters, Bella and Gigi Hadid, and the boyfriend of the singer of Albanian descent. He received significant support from his fans for the new song.
The hook “for my love id give my heartstrings if she led me blind into fire id be hers if she led me blind into fire id be hers” will having you humming for days.
The song is a love letter and a ballad that speaks to many. With Anwar’s stunning vocals glancing over the chords, the track is sure to rise to the top of playlists.
The esthetically schemed official video was co-directed by Amber with Cara Stricker.
The New York-based singer, songwriter, and producer Amber Mark has released a new hot track titled “Competition.” This is the second single to emerge from her anticipated debut album, set for release later this year.
The album’s first track, “Worth It,” is followed by a stunningly choreographed official video co-directed by Amber with Cara Stricker. Now she has graced her fans with yet another hit track and video from the album.
The song speaks to Amber’s thoughts and emotions as the singer effectively muses over elaborate synths and jazz-influenced piano. Her unique voice is perfectly exhibited through the daring video, which exposes Mark and her dancers immersed in blue, delivering stunning architectural moves.
Moreover, Amber also announced an intimate London show at Lafayette on August 24th.
Listen Up Music Are Bringing Torch Fest To Sydney And Melbourne
Award-winning mental health music charity Listen Up Music will host the day festival in Sydney on Saturday 3rd of July and Melbourne on Saturday 14th of August.
Listen Up Music Are Bringing Torch Fest To Sydney And Melbourne
After the success that Listen Up Music had with the inaugural Torch Fest event in Brisbane in April, the award-winning music industry mental health charity is bringing the special event to both Sydney and Melbourne.
With the initiative to help shine a light on mental health and provide support and guidance, Listen Up Music are working with artists to reach more artists. This has instigated Listen Up Music to bring the massive day-festival featuring a slew of artists to both Sydney and Melbourne.
Ali Taylor the co-founder of Listen Up Music states:
“After launching Torch Fest Brisbane in April, we wanted Sydney and Melbourne to have their own editions, so we’re doing just that. Mental health doesn’t discriminate, and so we felt it only right to shine further light on the topic, in two other states, taking place in July and August.“
Torch Fest Sydney on the 3rd of July will be held at The Factory Theatre. While hosting 15 artists and 10 DJ’s, there will also be a Wellbeing Village featuring incredible surprises across the huge day. Some of the artists performing on the day include Phebe Starr, AYA YVES, Imogen Clark, Tiarnie, David Taylor, Jesabel, Amy Vee and many more.
Following in Melbourne on the14th of August at Max Watts, Torch Fest will host another massive day of music with performances from 13 artists including Shannen James, Alexander Biggs, Wolfjay, Sir Jude, Jade Alice, RARIA, NUSSY, The Mamas and more!
Tying the event together, all acts will perform a Torch Song representing the light that has helped them through any hardship and/or mental health challenges. The festival will distribute battery-powered torches to each attendee to turn on when each Torch Song is played to create warming atmospheres as the artists reflect on those experiences.
Tickets for Torch Fest Sydney and Melbourne are on sale now.
Torch Fest Sydney – ticketshere Torch Fest Melbourne – tickets here
Phebe Starr, Queen P, AYA YVES, SAYAH, RISSA, BVT, Sarah Wolfe, Laura Hyde, Imogen Clark, David Taylor, LamBros., Tiarnie, Seb Szabo, Amy Vee, Little Green, Jesabel, Forward Fox, Daniel Tonik, Oscar Jamo, Loyalty, Loosie Grind, MADAMI, Edgar Boulevarde
SET TO THRILL AUS
WITH NINE COLOSSAL SHOWS IN 2021
After the blockbuster success of the inaugural festival in Queensland pre-covid, Empire Touring is elated to announce Spring Loaded is back and larger than ever, declaring a triumphant return to live music with nine festival dates set to rock around Australia in a bid to pay homage to some of the country’s most beloved festivals gone by including Big Day Out and Homebake. With a colossal lineup dripping in 90s Aussie alt rock nostalgia, 2021’s shows boast a haul of the decade’s most celebrated acts, including Grinspoon, You Am I, Regurgitator, Jebediah, Magic Dirt, Frenzal Rhomb, Custard, The Fauves, The Meanies, Tumbleweed, Screamfeeder, Caligula and MC Lindsay ‘The Doctor’ McDougall.
Set to kick off in Sydney On The Lawn at Royal Randwick on May 8, the massive festival will then head up to Cairns, before moving on to Sandstone Point Hotel Bribie Island, Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Darwin Amphitheatre, Gosford Entertainment Grounds, Stuart Park Wollongong, Red Hill Auditorium in Perth and will wrap in Victoria on November 27.
Tickets go on sale on Wednesday March 24 at 10am local time.
Thrilled to be on the bill, You Am I’s Tim Roger’s explains, “It’s kinda unavoidable that nostalgia surrounds these shows, but the past year I’ve heard new music from most of our friends here that is as vital and visceral as any they’ve done in the past, which makes these potential shows all the more thrilling.”Not one to mince words, Rogers goes on to offer some solid tips for punters, ordering,“Dress up, turn up, muck up!”
Stoked at the opportunity to get the band back together after what was a long 2020 for everyone the world over, Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson says, “I’m terribly excited to be playin’ with Grinspoon at Spring Loaded. Since FireFight we have barely stepped onto stage, let alone seen each other.”
The man who masterminded this bodacious opportunity for us all to relive our youth and celebrate the return of live music, Empire’s Marc Christowski says, “Having been at various Big Day Outs and Homebakes over the years, it is a massive buzz for us to produce Spring Loaded. Bringing together such an amazing lineup that will go to every corner of the country, flying the flag of indie rock is a dream come true.”
Covering all bases, the festival will be bustling with craft beer and an enviable collection of the locale’s cherry-picked food trucks. Spring Loaded is a fully licensed 18+ event, strictly no BYO food or alcohol. The shows are outdoor concerts and will go ahead rain, hail or shine. No tables, tents, sun shelters or umbrellas are permitted, punters are urged to bring ponchos/raincoats and gumboots if rain is forecast. Picnic rugs and low camp chairs are permitted, as are sealed bottles of water, and there will be water refill stations. And this killer event will be taken indoors to Adelaide – expect all the festival vibes with no weather issues.
After an unprecedented write off for live music in 2020, don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate the return of the festival and the greatest era of the indie alt rock scene in Australia, and come and relive the soundtrack of your youth live at Spring Loaded in 2021.
Tickets will go on sale on Wednesday March 24 at 10am local time, with a presale offered to Telstra customers from Thursday March 18 at 10am local time to Sunday March 21 at 10pm AEDT. There will be a My Ticketek and Oztix presale from Monday March 22 at 10am local time. VIP tickets will be available for the Just Ace Place VIP Bar offering a premium viewing area, exclusive VIP entry, private bar and food area.
The Spring Loaded festival dates will be held with a commitment to a COVID Safe environment. Festival organisers will work closely with and comply with all requirements of the public health authorities in respect of these shows. If any shows are required to be postponed, a postponement date will be announced and punters will be eligible for a full refund if they are unable to make the new date.
Ultimate Aussie ALT Rock Festival SPRING LOADED SPRING LOADED DATES
SAT 8 MAY | ON THE LAWN AT ROYAL RANDWICK, SYDNEY | NSW | 18+ Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 1300 364 001 | All Ticketek Outlets Tickets available fromwww.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
SAT 12 JUN | CAIRNS SHOWGROUNDS | QLD | 18+ Tickets available fromwww.ticketek.com.au | 1300 364 001 | All Ticketek Outlets Tickets available fromwww.oztix.com.au| 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
SAT 19 JUN | SANDSTONE POINT HOTEL, BRIBIE ISLAND | QLD | 18+ Tickets available fromwww.ticketek.com.au | 1300 364 001 | All Ticketek Outlets Tickets available fromwww.oztix.com.au| 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
SAT 26 JUN | ADELAIDE ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE | SA | 18+ Tickets available fromwww.ticketek.com.au | 1300 364 001 | All Ticketek Outlets
FRI 23 JUL | DARWIN AMPHITHEATRE | NT | 18+ Tickets available fromwww.ticketek.com.au | 1300 364 001 | All Ticketek Outlets
SAT 16 OCT | GOSFORD ENTERTAINMENT GROUNDS | NSW | 18+ Tickets available fromwww.ticketek.com.au | 1300 364 001 | All Ticketek Outlets
SAT 23 OCT | STUART PARK, WOLLONGONG | NSW | 18+ Tickets available fromwww.ticketek.com.au| 1300 364 001 | All Ticketek Outlets Tickets available fromwww.oztix.com.au | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
SAT 30 OCT | RED HILL AUDITORIUM, PERTH | WA | 18+ Tickets available fromwww.moshtix.com.au | 1300 438 849 | All Moshtix Outlets Tickets available fromwww.ticketek.com.au| 1300 364 001 | All Ticketek Outlets
Casey Barnes Australian Tour with New Single and Video
Photo Credit – Luke Marsden
Australian country megastar Casey Barnes has today released his energetic new single Come Turn Me On, a track that reminds us that there’s nothing better than coming home to the one you love. Casey has also announced a dynamic, thrilling, neon-soaked video to accompany the track. To celebrate Come Turn Me On, he’ll be hitting the road, kicking off in Adelaide for the Fringe Festival (Today) on March 7, then moving through Prince Bandroom Melbourne, Mathinna (Tas), Winton’s Way Out West Fest, Gippsland Country Music Festival, Toowoomba, the Gympie Music Muster on August 26 and 27 and wrapping up at Savannah In The Round (Mareeba, QLD) on October 1.
With a bunch of chart-topping singles (and albums) already under his belt, Casey Barnes is headed straight to the top again with Come Turn Me On. Evocative of country/pop crossover masters Dan + Shay and Keith Urban, Come Turn Me On is a firecracker of a single, comfortably at home on both country and pop radio and playlists. Written by Casey and Nashville-based songwriting duo Brown + Gray (who also co-wrote Casey’s number one singles Sparks Fly and We’re Good Together) and produced by production duo MSquared in Australia, a pounding beat and hooky guitars characterise this enticing track. Speaking on the inspiration behind the song, Casey explains, “I’d like to think that we’re trying to shape our own unique sound at the moment. I don’t really want to sound like anyone else…. With this single, it has that blend of modern country meets commercial pop which I’ve really connected with over the last few years. The song is about a guy who’s basically travelled around the world, seen his fair share of girls but nothing compares to coming home to the one he loves.”
The video for Come Turn Me On is a full-on production – shot as though all in one take, the clip takes the viewer through a nighttime hotspot filled with neon lights and dark, alluring bars, with clever choreography and fun piece-to-camera moments. Reflecting on the process of making the video, Casey says “We’ve gone all out with this video and I think it’s easily the most expensive clip I’ve shot to date – but we wanted to make sure this one was pretty special. My wife Michelle is a creative genius and the whole concept for this video has been her baby. Colin Jeffs from Ten of Swords Media has brought it to life. We found this incredible venue in Brisbane called Smoked Garage which is a multi-level event space where each floor has a completely different look to it, so it was the perfect place to shoot. The concept is that it’s one big party and everything has been made to look like it was shot in one take within the venue, culminating in a big high energy finale out in the side street at the end.”
Despite the global pandemic setback, 2020 was an epic year for Casey Barnes, seeing him nominated for ARIA’s Country Album Of The Year with his ARIA #1 Australian Country Album, Town Of A Million Dreams. And 2021 is set to be even bigger with Casey already lapping up four Golden Guitar nominations (2021 Toyota Album of the Year, Contemporary Country Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Vocal Collaboration of the Year), as he prepares to take his high octane live show around Australia to celebrate Come Turn Me On. Fans can expect to see the country luminary’s consistently impressive vitality and killer performance chops on full display, with a massive set including all of his chart-topping hits. Casey says, “I can’t wait to add Come Turn Me On into the set for all our upcoming shows! We’ve actually created a brand new live show for 2021, and it’s great to finally see some major festivals and events coming back after the pandemic, which we’re thrilled to be playing at in the weeks and months to come.”
Adelaide music promoter and historian Victor Marshall has been heralded as the ‘Indiana Jones’ of Australian Music after uncovering the ‘holy grail’ of lost recordings, Hamish Henry’s vault of now historical Australian recordings, including lost Fraternity tracks featuring AC/DC lead singer Bon Scott. Marshall has worked alongside the surviving members of Fraternity and their manager Hamish Henry to put together the band’s remastered complete recordings. Fraternity’s original albums (Livestock and Flaming Galah) and singles have been remastered from Hamish Henry’s original tapes along with an entire album of new unheard songs featuring the then future lead singer of AC/DC, Bon Scott. The new album is called ‘Second Chance’, named after its title track.
The box set was released by Cherry Red Records world wide on Friday January 22nd 2021. Space Lab 9 will also be releasing each album in a special edition limited double vinyl later in 2021.
Victor Marshall made the amazing discovery of lost recordings whilst conducting interviews for the upcoming Fraternity biography that he has written. Tracking down each surviving band member and their entourage from their days in Fraternity, Marshall was able to forensically write the band’s story using the band’s own accounts and perspectives. The Fraternity book will be published by Brolga Publishing. The book and the CD boxset will be launched at a 50th Anniversary celebration of Fraternity on Thursday March 18th at Thebarton Theatre. (More info below)
Victor Marshall: “It has been a dream come true to work with one of Australia’s most important pioneering pub rock bands. This project could not have been possible without the generosity of the band (Bruce Howe, John Freeman, John Bisset, Sam See, Mauri Berg, Uncle John Eyers & Tony Buettel) and the band’s original manager Hamish Henry. I hope that all the members of Fraternity will finally receive the recognition they deserve and have their real story told.”
Hamish Henry ran the majority of Adelaide’s venues and bands in the late 60’s and early 70’s from his offices on Le Fevre Terrace, Adelaide. Hamish and his businesses including Grape Organisation, Music Power and Caine Promotions ran top venues such as Headquarters Central (95 Grote Street), North (The Octogon Theatre Elizabeth), West, Snoopy’s, The Scene, St Claire and Summer Sound Off (Memorial Drive). Hamish brought international acts to Adelaide promoting the likes of 1910 Fruitgum Co., Jerry Lee Lewis, Deep Purple, Free and Manfred Mann. Eventually Hamish funded and organised the 1971 Myponga Music Festival in which he had Black Sabbath headline with Fraternity and Billy Thorpe. Hamish went on to fund and organise the Meadows Technicolour Fair in 1972. He also managed other Adelaide bands such as Lotus, War Machine, Nostra Damus and Headband. Amongst Hamish’s other activities at this time included successfully running the North Adelaide Galleries.
After leaving Adelaide and moving Fraternity to England, Hamish went on to manage international acts including The Pink Fairies, Focus and Charles Aznavour.
Fraternity
Fraternity quickly rose to prominence after forming in 1970 and became Hamish’s premier headlining band. Led by Bassist Bruce Howe, a hard taskmaster, alongside seasoned guitarist Mick Jurd, the group was known for the quality of their performances and their original material. Other members included the master of the drawbars on the Hammond Organ John Bisset, the best right foot in the business John Freeman on drums, the elusive harmonica extraordinaire Uncle John Eyers, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Sam See and of course Bon Scott.
Some of the band’s great achievements were: Winning the 1971 Hoadley’s Battle Of The Sounds (defeating Sherbet and Jeff St John) Representing the Country Arts Council on the then largest regional tour of SA Performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra at the Adelaide Festival of Arts The first Australian rock band to have a devoted national prime time TV special Performing with bands such as Black Sabbath, Status Quo, Free and Manfred Mann
A 50th Anniversary celebration will be held at Thebarton Theatre On Thursday 18th March. Fraternity will be celebrated along with Hamish Henry’s 1971 Myponga Music Festival.
Fraternity – 50th Anniversary Celebration Thursday 18th March 2021
50 years ago Adelaide was home to Australia’s no.1 rock band, FRATERNITY
To celebrate Fraternity’s 50th Anniversary, Fraternity’s entire back catalogue has been remastered from Hamish Henry’s original tapes, including a third never before heard album of unreleased songs titled ‘Second Chance’. The Fraternity boxset is complemented with 18,000 word liner notes prepared by Victor Marshall. The band’s official biography written by Victor Marshall is also being launched at this event.
Another of Fraternity’s achievements was performing at the 1971 Myponga Music Festival which was organised by their manager Hamish Henry and the Grape Organisation. A once in a lifetime event will be held at Thebarton Theatre including original 1971 Myponga Music Festival bands such as Mike Rudd’s Spectrum, Matt Taylor’s Chain, Doug Parkinson and more to be announced!
An endless night of hits such as “Seasons of Change”, “I’ll Be Gone”, “I Remember When I Was Young”, “Dear Prudence” and many more!
A special band featuring Vince Contarino (Zep Boys) out front has been assembled to perform Fraternity’s songs live for the first time in almost 50 years. Hamish Henry’s lost Myponga 1971 footage will premiere on the night along with lost photos and footage of Fraternity.
Fraternity will forever be associated with their lead singer, Bon Scott, who would later join AC/DC and enjoy worldwide fame. Bruce Howe, Mick Jurd, John Freeman, John Bisset, Sam See, Uncle John Eyers and Tony Buettel have all left their mark on Australian music and this night is in celebration of their work.
Established In 1969 by Hamish Henry, the Grape Organisation managed many of Australia’s greatest bands and venues. Based in Le Fevre Terrace, Adelaide the offices of Grape were a hub for Adelaide’s musos, writers and artists. Grape and Caine promotions were a thriving and dynamic group of talented people who went onto to become great contributors to the Australian music scene and help cement Adelaide as the centre of creative music in the late 60s and early 70s.
Amongst Grape’s many artists, Headband, Lotus, Nostra Damus and Fraternity were the main attraction. Fraternity gained the title of Australia’s greatest band in 1971 after winning the Hoadley’s Battle Of The Sounds.
In 1971 Hamish Henry and his music companies including Music Power went on to organise and promote the Myponga Music Festival, which saw Black Sabbath headline and Daddy Cool steal the show. Grape also ran the popular ‘Headquarters’ in Adelaide plus a number other iconic musical venues along with organising and running multiple promotions and concerts featuring amongst others Deep Purple, Free and Manfred Mann at Apollo Stadium and nearly all of Australia’s top acts of the time.
Today The Grape Organisation with its new General Manager Victor Marshall continues to promote the interests of Australian bands and its own label. Grape will continue with its tradition of releasing great Australian music and continuing to promote high quality concerts and special events.
Suicide First Aid training for rock bottom music industry
Hundreds of musicians are to be offered free suicide first aid training, as part of ongoing support for the beleaguered industry – which has hit rock bottom during COVID-19.
Leading mental health music charity Listen Up Music has partnered with suicide prevention agency LivingWorks Australia and are set to roll out 200 online skills training courses over the coming months.
The move recognises the impact COVID-19 has had on music industry professionals, one of the first workforces to be hit by initial and ongoing pandemic restrictions to live performances.
Only last month, a report said that up to 50% of people working in music were set to leave due in the dire financial situation imposed by COVID-19.
“Musicians are continuing to struggle both physically and financially as the pandemic ramifications continue to put pressure on the beleaguered industry,” said Listen Up Music CEO, Ali Taylor.
“Thankfully, we are starting to see a relaxing of restrictions and, whilst we do not want to be alarming, we also want musicians to keep well and to be able to support each other as a community.
“That is why we have teamed up with LivingWorks Australia, who have kindly provided 200 free START licenses for us to provide to the community.
“The online training will ensure that music industry professionals can have the confidence and ability to reach into fellow professionals when they are vulnerable and may be thinking of suicide or other psychological distressing issues,” he said.
Much like CPR, START online provides the skills to spot the signs of suicide, directly ask the question if someone is thinking of suicide, keep them safe, and referring to an appropriate service.
However, if the person is not thinking of suicide, it also ensures a compassionate conversation has started and an opportunity to refer to other services, such as drug and alcohol, relationship, financial, or mental health related.
LivingWorks CEO Shayne Connell said: “The impacts of COVID-19 have left many of us feeling unsettled, uncertain and lonely, particularly those who have been living through restrictions, and musicians appear to be one of the most impacted workforces.
“Whilst these are associated risk factors for suicide, there is no current evidence that during this pandemic that there has been increasing suicide rates, including Australia, other than data from Japan early 2021 among young people.
“However, there is no room for complacency as we know from the research from traumatic events, such as natural disasters, it’s in the post-event period where we typically see the potential for an increase in suicidality.
“Hence the move to increase prevention efforts now and providing training as part of early intervention strategies, includes equipping communities with the skills to act on their gut feelings that close colleagues, friends, or relatives, may need immediate support.
“This suicide first aid training is a way for musicians to do something practical to support vulnerable colleagues, keep them safe and connect them to care early.
“We know asking someone about suicide is a conversation that can change a life and we need to complement essential conversation skills with building community capacity for suicide first aid” he added.
$10k donation towards work to support bushfire affected music communities
Through its music-focused events and education, Listen Up Music’s vision is to empower every music industry professional to develop and maintain positive mental health. They run events and services that build community, facilitate storytelling and promote positive mental health.
With that in mind, LivingWorks has also donated $10,000 towards work to support bushfire affected communities, linking up with Project Regeneration.
“We are still working through the details, but we aim to set up songwriting workshops and performances in three bushfire affected locations,” said Mr Taylor.
“It will team up local musicians with regional performers and will help use music to contextualise the traumatic events and help bring communities together via performances in the bushfire areas.”
Project Regeneration is funded through the money raising efforts of Magda Szubanski and Will Connelly, using PTSD art-health therapy in bushfire affected communities led by University of Canberra, with support of LivingWorks and The Phoenix Centre.
The promising rap talent JGOTITT has been releasing music the whole year, and many were considering him an artist with a high potential who one day was going to make a difference in the rap scene, and become an inseparable part of it. That “one day” has come sooner than expected. The artist’s new release “Bounce That Ass” is a clear message he shares with the fans that he owns the rap scene and claims his superiority in it.
The message is beautifully implied in the music video for the release where he is presented not just as some starting artist but one with a special status. Beautiful ladies show their beautiful behinds and twerk around him while he sings his catchy verses one after another in a perfect flow of motion, sound, and voice. Everything about the release is professional to the very essence.
Classical Crossover Icon Summer Watson Releases Latest Single “Unveiled”
Classical crossover soprano singer Summer Watson has recently made the headlines as she entered the world of songwriting with two new releases, “Break The Silence” and “Unveiled.” Off her upcoming album, both tracks show Summer Watson at her highest inspiration, and well determined to share her wisdom with the masses. Having overcome stage 4 breast cancer as well as being a survivor of a horrific train accident, she knows the value of being alive better than most. In a way, her music is aimed at reviving our appreciation and gratitude for life as well as an encouragement to speak up and share our true selves with the world rather than keeping things buried inside for years.
Her soft soprano vocal performance is deeply moving both on “Break The Silence” and “Unveiled,” paving the way for a resounding success when the full album gets finally released.
Have a listen for yourself to “Unveiled” below and dive deep into Summer Watson’s magical voice:
Seekay Shares Infinite Pain On New Electronica-Pop Single “Wiser”
London-based producer Seekay returns with a deeply moving piece, a single titled “Wiser.” The song is about abuse and how naive we can be when we are young, accepting the unacceptable. Seekay has joined forces with the beautiful vocalist Chloe who has done a fantastic job at understanding Seekay’s main artistic intention. The electronica-pop track is one of the most accomplished releases by Seekay so far, and following-up on the astonishing “Hold” and “Fall.”
He has made it his specialty to blend the deepest lyrics with atmospheric soundscapes that will take listeners on a unique journey where meaning, beauty, and pain dance all together in a perfectly synchronized ballet of sounds.
