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
ThisMellow Releases touching debut single I’m With you
This Mellow – I’m With You
The ‘I’m With You’ is the shiny debut single to come from Perth based artist ThisMellow. Inspired by the lockdowns and being separated from family in the UK, ‘I’m With You’sums up the sentiment that we can all relate to after the past year. A song of faith that can be turned to in these difficult times, ThisMellow fuses the love for his family with the love he feels in his Christian faith.
ThisMellow is a Christian contemporary music artist based in Perth, Australia. Born and raised in the UK he was first inspired to pick up the guitar after seeing George Harrison on the Beatles Anthology series. ThisMellow started making music when he was fifteen years old and played his first live show only eight months after first picking up the guitar. At sixteen he went into the studio to record his first song, singing and playing all the instruments himself. He went on to spend many years as a gigging secular musician before becoming a born again Christian in 2017. This life changing moment led him to withdraw from the secular music world and to finally go solo, working on his own faith based music. ThisMellow spent 2020 writing his first Christian inspired songs, his first being forthcoming debut single ‘I’m With You’. His distinctive sound is described as stripped down acoustic music inspired by CCM artists Chris Tomlin, Leeland and Zach Williams. ThisMellow is currently in the studio recording working on new material and preparing for his first live shows.
21st Century Mayhem Rock Anthem Inspired The Buzz Kills
The Buzz Kills – 21st Century Mayhem
Inspired through frustration. Fed up of Government control, and one-sided media brainwashing ’21st Century Mayhem’ is the latest single to come from anthemic rock / pop duo The Buzz Kills. Filled with their attitude and energy, ’21st Century Mayhem’ heavy chorus chant sticks in your head and unites the people in the war for freedom. Feel the power in this song delivered by this charismatic duo.
Hailing from Tasmania, a remote island at the bottom of the world, The Buzz Kills are your latest 2-piece pop-rock sensation to have cycling through your head. Led by captivating vocalist and songwriter Nathalie Gower, The Buzz Kills is completed by born performer and songwriter Sam Haberle. Eccentric to the max, this duo have been making great strides since their debut single ‘Liar’ in 2020. With four consecutive weeks at #1 in the Australian Independent chart, #4 ARIA chart, and #23 worldwide with ‘Light a Candle’, a song they collaborated on with Jam Mountain Music, and donating all proceeds to charity. There’s big things on the horizon for The Buzz Kills, make sure you get involved now!
Jag Bentleyis back with a brand new single release everyone can relate to!‘Stress’is a jittery pop parody that runs high on anxiety and leaves you on the edge of your seat. This genre defying artist crosses over between Alt-Pop and Electro-Pop, whilst keeping his musical vision fresh and exciting. The track is self-written and produced, whilst recording took place at JMC Academy alongside collaborators, Jagger Alexander-Erber (finalist on Australia’s Got Talent), Kieran Shaw and Camdon Matthews. Conveying a strong sense of urgency and hyper-activity within this track,Jag Bentleyis here to say, ‘Stress, go away’.
Jag Bentley has an artistic background to compete with! An Australian singer/songwriter, musician, producer and actor who first gained attention in 2014 at the age of 12 when he co-wrote ‘Internet Love’ with Italian DJ ‘Dayans’. After releasing his first solo EP in 2014, he was signed on a publishing deal with Valminuta Records, and the first of the songs, ‘Cross That Line’ reached no.13 on the Italian DJ charts! He was invited to perform at ‘Sealand International Music Festival’ for thousands of people, and in 2019 was selected to be a featured artist performing his original song ‘Narcissist’ (an upcoming release) at NIDA. There’s no doubt that Jag Bentley is definitely an artist to keep a close eye on this year!
Soulful Thrilling New Kid On The Block Timothy Wolf releases Debut Single
Introspective soulful blues with a hint of ‘I’m ready to boogie’, Timothy Wolf is the thrilling new kid on the block sharing his extraordinary debut single In Your Arms Again, an alluring ode to long term love. Following an enormous debut sell out show at The Night Cat Fitzroy last month, Timothy Wolf and his boisterous nine-piece band The Howlers are set to step it up with their single launch show at Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club on May 6, with support from Guthrie.
Recorded in the tropical hinterland of Byron Bay at Bernard Fanning and Nick DiDia’s famed La Cueva Studios, produced and mixed by Dan Frizza (The Waifs, Gurumul, Ash Grunwald) and mastered by Michael Lynch (John Butler Trio), In Your Arms Again perfectly blends blues and soul, and immediately asserts that old-soul Timothy Wolf has indeed arrived. This is the song we didn’t know we needed from this hugely exciting new artist. In Your Arms Again is buoyed by gentle and restrained horns, and coupled with smooth electric guitar and moving keys that perfectly complement that stunning Timothy Wolf vocal, a falsetto on display that would make Al Green swoon.
Speaking on the recording at La Cueva, the singer songwriter says, “It was such a special time away. We didn’t know we were within the eye of the Covid 19 hurricane or that we’d head straight back into a gruelling stage 4 Melbourne lockdown. Timing came together for us perfectly as we were gifted the opportunity to hide away in the Byron Bay Hinterland, connect as the musical family we’d always seen the potential for and bring these songs to life.”
Growing up listening to 50s soul and rockabilly and as a kid learning songs in his bedroom by Otis Redding, Johnny Cash and Etta James, Timothy Wolf explains, “It inspires me that they came from a time where they literally founded and defined the rules of balladry and songwriting. I think ‘In Your Arms Again’ is pretty true to some of these classic influences whilst lending itself to a contemporary soundscape. I’ve been quite ambitious pushing the boundaries yet trying to serve this song with the influences it deserves whilst also incorporating the sound and identity myself and The Howlers have to offer.” He further insights, “The song comes from a dreamy, old soul, rosy-eyed state. I’m lucky enough for all of my grandparents to have had 50+ year marriages. This song highlights the commitment relationships like this take whilst also drawing from within my own rosy-eyed beginnings. There’s also a chance it might have come from one of the weddings I’ve played trying to support my original project.”
Filmed by Shoelace Creative (Didirri, Kim Churchill, Hollow Coves), the video for In Your Arms Again follows Timothy Wolf + The Howlers at their sold out debut show at The Night Cat last month. Wolf explains, “It is important to me that people can get an idea of what to expect at a Timothy Wolf + The Howlers show, so we turned our debut show at The Night Cat into a film clip. It will also serve as a beautiful life cataloguing moment of our humble beginnings. Our debut show with so many of our dearest friends, playing a song written in my bedroom.”
With a stack of new music to back up this thrilling debut single, and a vibrant show that will wow and set tongues wagging, we suggest you grab your tickets, strap on your dancing shoes and stay tuned for an early look into the mischief that is Timothy Wolf + The Howlers.
Timothy Wolf + the Howlers are Tim Richardson (vocals, choral harmonies, piano, Wurlitzer, electric rhythm guitar), James Difabrizio (lead electric guitar), Jesse Richardson (trumpet), Ayden Thorne (bass and saxophone), Graham King (drums and percussion), Piper Bennett-Swinley (vocals), Jessie Singleton (vocals), Lawson Kennard (bass guitar) and Barry White (keys).
Nkechi Anele, Triple J – “Your falsetto is unworldly and your voice by itself is so f&$*ing pure – you’re a unicorn.”
No, Thank You Ella Fence For Sublime and Inspirational New Music
Photo Credit: Shirley Lam
Ella Fence releases her new 5 Track EP, NO THANK YOU!
Released through Golden Robot Records, this wonderful collection of new music is, as always, sublime and inspirational. Ella continues to work outside the bullshit pre-existing order of the music industry and has recorded, without fear or favour, an EP that is elegant and experimental, a mix of pop electro beats and soaring cinematic vocals. Ella has tendency to do things differently and this engaging EP is no different.
“Known Better” was the single lifted from the EP, a brooding clash of drums and atmospheric synth. “More to Life”, another gem, combines Avantgarde with pure pop sensibilities and a tip of the hat to Minnie Ripperton. Also noteworthy is “Hurricane”, embracing the spirit of high-octane dance/electro grooves mixed with inspired electronica.
NO THANK YOU is beautiful example of sweet and succulent vocals blended with popish energy and soul all bundled in an unapologetically explorative, emotional and intense listening experience, from an artiste who would rather make own trail than follow a pre-ordained path.
TRACK LISTING Hurricane More to Life This Was Supposed to be my Freedom Move to Slow Known Better
Sam Marks Delivers Lush New Single ‘Tend To Yourself’
With his compelling, husky vocals and soft spot for reverb-drenched guitars, Sydney-based virtuoso Sam Marks is back with a new single ‘Tend To Yourself’, a lush indie-rock track brimming with groovy reggae influences.
His third single, following the release of well-received summertime tune ‘Eventide’ last November, ‘Tend To Yourself’ sees Marks bring a new depth to his music, adding a flavoursome reggae twist to his familiar blend of upbeat indie-rock.
A rich single charged with soaring guitars and a contagious beat that accentuates Marks’ powerful vocals, ‘Tend To Yourself’ surges with unbridled energy in the song’s second half with a razor-sharp overdriven guitar riff and solo, bringing an exhilarating edge to the track. Like a cooling breeze on a warm day, ‘Tend To Yourself’ is a breath of fresh air, further showcasing Marks’ vocal prowess and willingness to explore multiple influences within his music.
Known for invoking feelings of nostalgia through his music, Marks wrote ‘Tend To Yourself’ whilst reflecting on his time during COVID-19, aiming to remind people about the importance of self-care, stating:
“The title says it all. Tend To Yourself. However that may be. Ironically, this is something I’m not very good at – switching off and relaxing. During covid I was forced to have some down time, as most people were. I learnt about how important it can be.”
No stranger to the Australian music scene, Sam Marks studied classical composition at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and has played in multiple rock bands during the past decade. Since starting his own venture in September with his solo debut single ‘Ellie Mae’, Marks continues to solidify his standing as a respected solo artist with his uniquely crafted brand of nostalgic indie-rock.
Marks’ previous releases have seen support from Triple J Unearthed, Aus Music Scene, The AU Review, AAA Backstage and more.
LT Shares Slice Of Dream Indie Pop With New Single
Photo credit: Bridie Jane Eagen
Three times Queensland Music Award winner, singer songwriter LT shares her delightful new single, Hold Ya – a sugary slice of heartening dream pop. The track is accompanied by a charming Chelsey Johnston video that perfectly captures some lovely moments of connection between people.
Soaked in nostalgia, Hold Yais clever indie pop that showcases LT at her best. Littered with triumphant brass notes and uplifting guitar, the track is buoyed by LT’s dreamy voice with that refreshing Aussie pronounciation she’s known for. “Hold Yawas written during a pretty turbulent time,” explains LT, “It’s a story about two people in love, however through the struggles they’ve endured they begin to drift apart. Neither of them want to leave, but both of them are desperately seeking reassurance that the other wants them to in fact stay and it turns out they both do.” Listen to Hold Ya
Already notching up some impressive acclaim pre-release, Hold Yaplaced LT as a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition and a finalist in the Queensland Music Awards (Blues & Roots category). And LT’s last single Overthinker was part of the Slow Down Songs campaign last month, she’s one of ten Queensland acts (including Jungle Giants, Tijuana Cartel and more) who have donated their tunes to a Spotify campaign addressing road safety outside schools, alerting drivers when they are five kilometres from a school zone. The Slow Down Songs campaign on behalf of the Australian Road Safety Foundation sees Spotify insert the songs, edited to include the safety message, into the personalised playlists of its Queensland premium users.
Filmed and edited by emerging filmmaker and fellow Cairns local, Chelsey Johnston, with visual effects and animation by Annie Murray from Bigger Picture Animation, LT insights, “Chelsey had the beautiful idea of capturing moments of connection between people. Mothers and daughters, best friends and lovers all connecting in different ways. She messed around with the speed of the track during the filming process, which really signified to me the changes of pace we all experience in any relationship. Relationships change, move, disappear and reinvent themselves all the time and our life can be quite tough if we don’t allow them to do that. Sometimes you’ve got to try harder, and sometimes you have to let go. We chose to film at the Cairns Roller Skating Rink as it’s dear to the community and holds so many memories and stories of connection within its 1980s decor.” View Hold Ya video
The UK-born, Papua New Guinea-raised, far north Queensland resident, LT recently rebranded from Leanne Tennant. After the release of her third studio album Happiness Is…..in the troubled year of 2020, Leanne had the space and time to reflect on her career to date – and where she wanted to head in 2021. She explains, “I rarely ever get called by my full name, and I really felt that after such a complicated year it was time to simplify my life and go by the name most know me by and start 2021 with a fresh outlook. LT feels so right to me.
Thrilled to get back to performing live after the year that was, LT recently supported Bernard Fanning and has announced shows at Bearded Lady (Brisbane) on April 17, Brother Jenkins (Cairns) on April 22 and will play the Sunshine Sounds Festival (Eumundi, QLD) on May 1 and 2.
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.”
INTERVIEW with Nic Rollo; Just Focus On Improving Your Music
Nic Rollo would have to be one of the most talented artists I’ve seen of late. With super cool new music that’s incredibly catchy with the driving beat behind his latest single, ‘Monster’, showcasing his effortless vocals and producing skills with a sound that is new, yet familiar.
Hailing from Perth, Australia, why am I not surprised. As I’ve said before, there must be something in the water over in the west.
Rollo’s personal musical tastes include acts such as The Weeknd and Drake and shows determination and dedication to his art which is apparent throughout our interview.
Enchanting, Beautiful & Delicate Music from Young Indie Artist, Sage
MT: Hi Nic, how long have you been singing for and who are some of your musical influences? When did you know music was your calling and when did you figure out why you needed to pursue music as your career?
Nic:Hello hello. I’ve been singing since I was 15 and have been really focusing on improving for the past 2-3 years after getting a good vocal coach. It’s been those last few years that I’ve seen the most progress. Musical influence wise there’s quite a lot, ranging from Tears for Fears, Bonobo, The Weeknd, Drake, etc etc. I like to listen to as much music as I can to expand those musical horizons. Ever since I started getting into recording and producing I loved the idea of being a musician, and I think the further I got into it the more it became clear that this was what I was going to do with my life.
MT: Was it a conscious decision to pursue a music career or was it something you just loved, and fell into?
Nic: It was definitely just something I did a lot of as a hobby that started becoming more and more a pathway I wanted to pursue as a career. It was about halfway through my uni degree that I really decided I was going to commit to music after recording an EP that sounded better than anything I’d done before.
MT: Who do you enjoy listening to as a fan?
Nic:There’s a few, acts like The Weeknd and Drake have been huge inspirations of mine for the longest time. More recently I’ve been really enjoying Conan Gray and Kacey Musgraves. These questions are always tricky, I feel like I listen to new stuff every week so my favourite tracks are typically just that week/months findings.
MT: When was your very first recording and release?
Nic:Well there were a few tracks back from when I was 15 that I uploaded to my soundcloud and shared with my friends (it sucks). Here have a listen if you want to hear a poorly recorded, produced, written and mixed song from young Nic. Aside from those early attempts at music, I recorded a song with my previous band Deli Days (Time-Bomb, which is still on Spotify etc). It was super exciting going into a proper recording studio for that for the first time, and hearing back a polished song was amazing. I think those first few times will stay with me forever, there was something magical about it.
MT: Can you explain more about the meaning of the ‘Monster’ and how it ties into your music goals?
Nic:Monster is about saying things that you regret, essentially. It was written during a turbulent time in a previous relationship where it felt like I kept saying petty things that would slowly cause more and more conflict. The song is about trying to watch those inner demons. I guess Monster was one of the first songs that I started writing with more of a commercial sound in mind, not that it’s even that hifi. So I guess it stands as the starting point to a more refined sound from my music.
MT: Do you perform live? Where can people see you perform?
Nic: I do perform live, although I’ve been taking a break for the past few months to focus on other areas of music like writing songs. They can see me perform around Perth, and perhaps over East later in the year!
MT: I love how the video clip is shot, there looks to be a lot digging going on; how long did you have to dig for and how long did it take to shoot the video?
Nic:Thanks! Yeah there was certainly a fair amount of digging, although not as much as you might think for a human sized hole. I was probably only digging for 10 minutes to get it reasonably sized. The video itself was shot over 2 nights and probably took somewhere between 10-15 hours in total (including driving to scenes, setting up etc ec). It was a lot of fun!
MT: I see that you are also a producer, so I’m assuming you produced ‘Monster’; How did you begin producing and have you produced other artists’ tracks?
Nic:I sure did. Producing was never a conscious thought or decision to pursue, I’ve always done it ever since I started writing my own songs. Over the years (I like to think) I’ve honed the craft to a point where I’m pretty happy with it, although I actively try and improve all the time. At this stage I have not produced for other artists, but I’d love to at some point in the future!
MT: I see that ‘Monster was mastered by Chris Gehringer (Harry Styles, Rihanna and Halsey); what was the experience like working with a person of this calibre?
Nic:Mastering is a bit of a dark art, you send the track to them and they sort of magic it up and send it back. So in that sense I had very little contact with Chris, but he did a fantastic job. It’s cool working with people of such high calibres, largely because you don’t have to worry too much about if they’re doing a good or bad job (since they typically do a good job).
MT: What’s the best piece of advice that you have received in which you stand by?
Nic: It’s probably some iteration of ‘ be so good that they can’t ignore you’. I feel like in the music industry you really do have to be creating fantastic music to stand out, so that’s what I try to do. I’m not saying I’m fantastic, but that’s the goal one day.
MT: What has been your biggest challenge in your music career so far? How did you overcome that obstacle?
Nic:It’s probably just the resistance at times I’ve faced from other people in the Perth scene to get around the music I’m creating, both industry people and artists. I think back when I was starting I had this expectation of everyone jumping on board the Nic Rollo train and saying ‘wow this is incredible’, but obviously that didn’t happen (probably for good reasons). It was a good thing though, it forced me to focus and work harder on improving the music which I think is the most critical task anyway.
MT: From what you have learned about your challenges in the music business?
Nic:You just have to keep going and ignore the others around you. Everyone is on a different timeline/trajectory, so there’s often no point in comparing yourself to other artists who are doing well. I think the music industry is one of the industries that can be kind of fickle sometimes, so it’s a good strategy to just focus on improving your music as much as you can and hopefully the industry/scenes will get around it at some point.
MT: I saw on Instagram that you can cook up a pretty mean Chocolate cake! What’s a typical day for you? Do you work on your music every day? What other activities or hobbies besides music do you like to do that your fans may like to know about?
Nic:Hahaha thank you, it’s some of my finest work. A typical day often revolves around music, I’ll try to do a bit of writing/producing every day, as well as practicing instruments. Lately I’ve been teaching music lessons so that will often occupy a few hours in the afternoon. In terms of other hobbies, I spend a lot of time trying to craft social media content (lately the focus has been TikTok), so that can take up a disgusting amount of time sometimes. Aside from that I like hanging with my cat Tiggy.
MT: Just curious to know about your cat, Tiggy; What on earth is he lying in, were you preparing him for the ‘Monster’ clip or something? Lol
Nic:Tiggy is my favourite and least favourite creature on the planet. She’s amazing, but she also has a love of peeing on my bed occasionally which isn’t my favourite thing in the world. She’s probably lying in this big tunnel toy that I got her, she loves to play in it. Yeah… Monster is actually about Tiggy, she’s evil.
MT: Can you tell us why it took so long to release ‘Monster’?
Nic:I’ve been running on a timeline roughly a year ahead of schedule. I recorded an EP a few years ago, and an album at the start of last year. So when I started releasing the EP I was finishing the album. Monster was always going to be one of the first singles for the end of 2019 / beginning of 2020, and by the time I released it I’d been sitting on the song for pretty much a year. It was a little bit painful holding onto one of my favourite tracks for so long, but it was worth it.
MT: What are your music plans for 2020? Will we see an EP or Album?
Nic:Lots of releases! I’ve got a tonne of songs to release over the next few months, and an album that will hopefully drop by the end of this year or beginning of next year. I’m also looking forward to setting up a few collaborations with other artists this year, as well as ideally a bit of touring later in the year. All in all it’s looking to be a pretty exciting year.
MT: Thank you so much for your time Nic, wishing you all the best!
INTERVIEW with Nic Rollo; Just Focus On Improving Your Music
INTERVIEW with Nic Rollo; Just Focus On Improving Your Music
The Freakish Talent of Samuel Jacks Natural Soul Finesse
New Zealand Singer Miranda Easten Releases ‘Cowboy Lullaby’
The Sound Of Amongst Liars Are a Loud and Fierce Powerhouse
Miranda Easten is a Country Singer Song-writer hailing from Christchurch New Zealand. She studied Contemporary Music & Performance at Ara Institute of Canterbury Music Arts and has been mentored by Sacha Vee, founder of SOLE Music Academy, to help establish herself as an artist. In 2014 she formed the duo ‘The Manuka Set’ with no#1 hit making artist Vanessa Kelly. The Manuka Set has created several songs which illuminate current events and social issues.
Miranda has been recording her debut album at Roundhead Studios in Auckland with world renowned producer Greg Haver (Melanie C) and New Zealand band ‘Tiny Ruins’.
Her first single ‘Cowboy Lullaby’, released today March 6th 2020, is an honest take on how deep love can bring the simplest of everyday moments into a conscious part of our being.
Influences: Crowded House, Dolly Parton, Eva Cassidy, Mariah Carey, Aretha Franklin, Alanis Morissette, Janis Joplin, The Beatles, Lana Del Ray, Jewel, Kylie Minogue, Annie Lennox, Greg Johnson.
‘New Zealand Singer Miranda Easten Releases ‘Cowboy Lullaby’
Catchy New Pop Single from Emerging Brisbane Artist Katanak
Fresh indie tunes with catchy pop hooks are the signature style of emerging Brisbane artist, Katanak.
Dylan Cattanach is the face and creator of Katanak and has been writing, composing and performing his music for the past six years, first with his former band and now currently as a solo artist.
2019 started in a big way and saw him support Pete Murray on his “Summer Sessions tour 2019”. He released his first single as Katanak, “Life”, an indieXalt pop song about young love and connection, which lead to a collaboration with Keir Nuttall. This collaboration has produced his next single ‘Astronomy’ released 5th February 2020 which charts the euphoric highs of meeting the person you have a connection with.
‘Astronomy’ started out life as a song that was almost about to get swept under the rug because lyrics or a melody weren’t coming to me. I’d written the music, played all the instruments and produced this song in my home studio. While recording ‘Life’, my mix engineer Ben McCarthy, was listening to my work, including what is now ‘Astronomy’. He instantly forwarded the beds to Keir Nuttall (Australian composer) so that we could collab. Kier was so excited with the song that within 24 hours he had the lyrics and melody completed and we had a finished product.
Katanak has been announced as one of 24 Brisbane artists involved in the QUBE Effect, a mentoring program run by Brisbane City Council which includes performances during Youth Week. He’s had spins on Australian community radio and International Internet radio programs broadcasting to UK, US, Germany, Japan and Australia.
Inspired by The 1975, Circa Waves and Two Door Cinema Club, Katanak is building a reputation for creating indie pop songs which gets the crowd on their feet and moving to the groove.
Catchy New Pop Single from Emerging Brisbane Artist Katanak
Ella Fence The Genre Hopping and Shape Shifting Indie Artist
Ella Fence The Genre Hopping and Shape Shifting Indie Artist
Ella Fence
“what’s worse than when you fall over in front of over 400 people when you’re the only one on a stage”
Ella Fence The Genre Hopping and Shape Shifting Indie Artist
Being asked to write about something about myself that people may not know about me really got me thinking.
As an artist I have the luxury of sharing more personal experiences through music as well as interviews, however there are always so many things that get left unsaid. I don’t mind a little secrecy and in some ways I am a can be a very private person, but there are certain stories I don’t mind sharing, particularly those that overcome mental burden.
This leads me to one of those stories, which I’d like to share for the first time, about when I injured myself on stage during a sold out show in front of over 400 people in 2016. I have previously joked in private that the thing that was bruised that day was my ego, although I actually tore some serious cartilage in my left hip, left untreated cartilage doesn’t heal, without the proper recovery regime it can develop into chronic pain.
So I threw myself into the rehab and tried to keep myself in high spirits mentally.
In reality I was sinking into a pretty low place, and throughout that time I started developing negative thought patterns and unhealthy practices that I still catch myself in now – luckily I’m aware where it came from and am able to disassociate from those thoughts.
Throughout that rehab period, I began to associate things that would usually bring me so much joy (performing on stage and exercising) with physical pain. I still continued performing and exercising, but it wasn’t the usual liberating experience I was used to.
Loooong story short, I chose to take ownership of an exhaustive rehab regime and through that dedicated work and I can honestly say I’m stronger mentally and physically than I have ever before.
Instances that would usually let get in the way of my performances no longer phase me. Cause hey, what’s worse than when you fall over in front of over 400 people when you’re the only one on a stage that is set up in the round (where you’re in the middle and the audience literally surrounds you) and you flash them incredibly un-glamorous underwear? (You know the beige ones that stick to your skin so you have no panty lines? Yep those ones.)
“Ella Fence is The Genre Hopping and Shape Shifting Indie Artist That’s Not Afraid To Explore and Go Beyond Musical Boundaries”
Heartbreaking New Music Imminent from Country Singer Emily Markham
Australia’s own country singer-songwriter Emily Markham is on the rise and making waves with her brand new single, “How The Story Ends.” The NSW South Coast native has penned a remarkably relatable tune detailing the aftermath of relationships that don’t always have happy endings. Despite the sad subject of the song, the upbeat tempo and Markham’s powerful vocals provide a refreshing twist on the topic of relationship aftermath. From the vibe of this foot-tapping single, it is evident how Kasey Chambers, Maren Morris, and Kacey Musgraves have influenced Emily Markham’s vocal and writing style.
“How the Story Ends” was recorded at UMG Australia’s Forbes Street Studio.
“This song is completely me. I wrote this sitting on the floor of my hotel room in Nashville,” says Markham. “I had the line “if I need to be the villain in your story, that’s okay” and I knew I wanted to write a song about the different sides of a relationship. I feel like this song is a more mature concept to other songs I have written and I am incredibly excited for people to hear it.”
Emily Markham released her debut EP Come on Over in 2014, which was crafted by award-winning producer, Matt Fell. Her single from that EP “Collision” was added to over 100 radio station playlists in Australia. Emily has been named Today’s Country 94.1 Brand New Star on the NSW Central Coast and appeared on the auditions for season 5 of The Voice Australia. In 2018, Markham released her sophomore, seven song EP, Right Where You Are. From that body of work came “4 Days (Til Friday)”, which was added to the KIX Country radio playlist.
In the past two years, Emily Markham has been taking trips to Nashville, TN to write with hit songwriters like Bill Diluigi (hits on Billboard and Americana Top 100) and John Capek (hits with Cher, Olivia Newton-John, Rod Stewart). Markham’s recent Nashville ventures have elevated her craft, which is clear with the release of “How The Story Ends.” Her time in Music City has fueled her fire for success, and the new music reflects her tremendous growth. Moving forward, Emily is focused on creating a thriving career in country music that spans across the world, relating to and connecting with diverse audiences.
“How the Story Ends” will be available on all streaming platforms on Friday, February 28, 2020.
Good Ol’ Fashion Bona Fide Music From Dallas Cosmas
Dallas Cosmas – ‘Hand In Hand’
Good Ol’ Fashion Bona Fide Music From Dallas Cosmas
If you are a lover of the independent music that screams the warmth and celebration of woodstock, and the good ol’ fashion use of genuine music comprising bona fide instruments, then I suggest you take a listen to the work from Dallas Cosmas.
Dallas Cosmas is one of the Melbournian artists where there must be something grand in their water-ways oozing music talent organisms or something of that nature.
He is certainly no new-comer, having been the man behind many productions and musical endeavours for over three decades.
His latest release, ‘Hand in Hand’ from the album ‘Alpha Betta Gamma’ remains in line with the melancholy experience whilst rising above with commemorating melodies.
What may be a new auditory experience for millennials and Gen Z, Cosmas sits firmly in the credible era of music with the likes of Janis Joplin, Jimmy Hendrix and Ike & Tina to name a few. (google those Gen Z and listen well)
Lavish gospel backing vocals are a stand out in ‘Hand In Hand’ in association with authentic drumming and guitar.
The rejuvenating music video shows the coherence feeling of ease as with many, in a time and world before when the widespread populace enjoyed viewing the going-on’s within the studio and recording process as a simple music video that still remains engaging and entertaining to watch.
Exploding Soul Funk Collective The Regime Drops New Music
Exploding out of Sydney’s inner-west, The Regime is a 16 piece funk collective that’s tipping the scales firmly back into the favour of soul funk and they’ve just this week dropped their cruisy new lovefest of a single Never Gonna Stop in time for Valentine’s Day, alongside yesterday’s huge Bluesfest lineup inclusion announcement. This extraordinary love funky revolution will also be hitting the road to play a run of shows through March, kicking off at Big Gay Day in Brisbane on March 8, before moving on to The Boogiemanz Ball at The Factory Theatre (Syd), Beer Deluxe (Albury), The Night Cat (Melb), The Cheeky Squire (Frankston) and culminating with a show of epic proportions to storm Bluesfest across three days on April 9 (opening Jambalaya stage), 10 and 13.
Inspired by the dull-unrelenting pain of physical detachment, Never Gonna Stop tells the true story of love’s foreverness. Cruisy, sexy as hell and a total love-in, exceptional musicianship is on full display here with sixteen Regimers appearing on the track – this group could be straight out of Motown Records – guitar, saxophone, piano and flute taking centre stage, and that’s before we even have a chance to mention the soul-filled vocals and that groove and feel set by their unrivaled rhythm section.
Never Gonna Stop was written on the morning of the third day of Burning Seed festival, and the band started recording it in Liam Stacey’s (vocalist and producer) bedroom as soon as they returned home. “The whole song was recorded in my bedroom, all except the drums which were done in Julian Joseph’s (vocals) room, and the house is metres away from the Sydenham train lines, 24 hour railway construction, and right under the flight path. So, obviously we left the windows open during recording!” jokes vocalist and producer, Liam Stacey.
The Regime is supremely adept at serving up a triple helping of thumping bass lines, hearty brass tones and fat lyrics to insatiable crowds, and their performances at Bluesfest and these headline shows through March will be no different. “To be playing at Bluesfest feels like we’ve finally been welcomed home,” enthuses Stacey. Say no more, you do not want to miss these shows.
And to add further excitement to what is already an impressive start to 2020, The Regime have signed an exclusive deal with one of Australia’s leading booking agencies, New World Artists. “This band is incredible. Imagine the funky throb energy of James Brown, Jamiroquai grooves, killer musos with 6 star singers out front and total danceable, joyous, mayhem on stage,” says Owen Orford, National Agent at New World Artists, “NWA is so very excited to join The Regime’s circus.”
A lively music experiment that generously borrows from funk, soul and electro, and twists it into a sumptuous undulation, ‘The Regime’, an expression once falsely disseminated and cunningly propagated, is now brilliantly redefined at the dawning of a new decade, finally giving sovereignty to the power of love.The Regime is Liam Stacey (vocals/producer), Ziggy Tockuss (vocals), Keegan Fisher AKA Keggles MC (vocals), Aleks Mikic (Vocals), Giacinta Ruggieri (vocals), Julian Joseph (vocals), Jasper Gubbay (vocals), Matthew Stacey (lead guitar), Rory Brady (rhythm guitar), Rory Lucas (bass guitar), Andrew Charalambous (keys), Danny G Felix (trumpet), Ned Green (synth/keys), Oscar Connery (guitar), Alex Sullivan (drums), Ross Middleton (saxophone) and Leah Wilkie (trumpet).
TOUR DATES
SUN 8 MAR | BIG GAY DAY | THE WICKHAM | BRISBANE
18+ SUN 22 MAR | THE BOOGIEMANZ BALL | THE FACTORY THEATRE | SYDNEY
18+ FRI 26 MAR | BEER DELUXE | ALBURY
18+ SAT 27 MAR | THE NIGHT CAT | MELBOURNE
18+ SUN 28 MAR | THE CHEEKY SQUIRE | FRANKSTON
18+ THUR 9 APR | JAMBALAYA STAGE | BYRON BAY BLUESFEST | ALL AGES
GOOD FRI 10 APR | STAGE TBA | BYRON BAY BLUESFEST | ALL AGES
EASTER MON 13 APR | STAGE TBA | BYRON BAY BLUESFEST | ALL AGES
Exploding Soul Funk Collective The Regime Drops New Music
Captivating Dark Eerie New Pop Music Monster from Perth’s Nic Rollo
Perth based producer and songwriter Nic Rollo has announced his driving, eerie new single Monster, about identifying and quelling the monster within us all. Accompanying the track is a dark, revolving film clip, directed by Alex Montanari (Cub Sport, What So Not, Khalid) and Matthew James. Monster follows the 2019 release of Nic’s brilliant, iridescent EP What Happened to the Kid.
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Monsterwill feel familiar to anyone who has said something in frustration or anger that they regret after the fact – the track is an introspective interrogation of that remorse, and what it’ll take to tame the inner monster who is responsible for those biting remarks. Reminiscent of synth-pop auteurs M83 and indie rockers The Wombats, and mastered by pop royalty Chris Gehringer (Harry Styles, Rihanna, Halsey), the track is buoyed by glistening synths, hooky guitar and driving percussion – while Nic’s gentle vocals and arresting lyrics take centre stage.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the track, Nic explains,
“Monsterwas written during a previous relationship of mine when things were a bit shaky. There were a few times that I’d said something to my ex that had started to cause fractures in the relationship and unnecessary conflict. Monster is about that side of myself that I don’t always like – the part that is impulsive and lashes out when I should just hold my tongue.”The video for Monster feels like the beginning of a horror film – there’s a sense of suspense, as though the calm atmosphere of the night-driving scenes will not last for much longer. It’s a beautiful watch too – the lights passing in the night as the song plays out feels like a perfect representation of the moody nature of the music. Speaking about the clip, Nic says, “The video for Monster is a narrative based video that features a lot of driving and aims to be aesthetically pleasing. Matthew James, Alex Montanari and I came together to think about the video a few months back and we all had this vibe of the song revolving around driving and having dark colours. The story itself is supposed to be slightly confusing – am I driving to the burial or from the burial? Am I burying the monster or is the monster burying me?”
The release of Monster is a killer way to kick off 2020 for this exciting young artist, as he enthuses, “It feels fantastic to finally be releasing Monster. I wrote the song over a year ago and have been sitting on it for what feels like forever now. To date, it is probably my favourite song that I’ve written, and I’m super stoked to finally be able to share it with people.”
Sad Twisted Electronic Infused Superb New EP from Ella Fence
People yearn to be different, eager to distinguish themselves. Along with ones fashion sense, music has always been a vital metaphorical soapbox to exalt ones individual tastes and freedoms.
Culturally conditions have never been more fertile for revolutions and rebellions and in spite of having access to a variety of opportunities for experimentation, individuals and groups continue to fall well short of mesmerising and charismatic originality (except in their own social media worlds).
Australian Punk Rock Icons The Saints observed in 1978 “ We’ve Got New Thoughts New Ideas It’s All So Groovy , It’s Just A Shame That We’ve All Seen The Same Old Movie”. This ode to the herd mentality rings truer in 2020 than ever before.
While most are huddled together like shivering ducklings, Ella Fence is an artist exploring and genre shape shifting; she is the embodiment of free will. Ella Fence’s new 3 Track Mini EP ‘ALL I DO IS THINK‘ (available Friday 14 February) is not representative of an artiste in search for a safe harbour. Ella’s new EP is about exploration. Ella’s new musical adventure bravely sails way out to sea, beyond the sight of land. Ella reinvents herself so completely that every new song is a fresh beginning, meanwhile Ella’s previous artistic endeavours disappear into a musical witness protection program.
“Reflecting on the music from ALL I DO IS THINK‘ ,
“it evolved as I was looking to someone else for answers when all along I had work to do on myself, because no one from the outside has the solution or can give us what we need need to give ourselves. I have to trust myself before anyone else. That’s why my music has such an overreaching arc. I have to keep exploring”, tells Ella.
“Pink Mojitos” is the Mini EPs first track. The song is a tip of the hat to excessive behaviour, to fun for fun’s sake, partying and attention seeking. It’s a Summer tune, an anthem to indulgence. “She’s Looking Pretty” is the polar opposite to the EP’s opener. This piece is coy and shy, it’s subtle and pushed along by a quaint 1980’s lightness.The third and final song “Japan” is an introspective, acknowledging one’s self. All 3 songs all tempered by Ella’s sophisticated transcendent voice.
Ella’s been name checked with Billie Ellish to Billie Holiday ( thankfully not Billy Ray Cyrus). Ella embraces variety and outsider status. Her music narrative has real peaks and valleys, legitimate light and shade. Ella’s music poses drama and back beats, love, swirling vocals, sadness mixed with electronica, dance grooves and soul. She writes of desperation and love morphed with melodic pop, her musical centre of gravity is unapologetically a complete fucking mystery.
Ella would be overjoyed for you to embrace her work but in equal parts she simply doesn’t care if you refuse to listen to her music. Ella is content seeking out her own fans while surprising and mesmerising existing ones. With each new portion of work Ella Fence unashamedly ushers in her own renaissance world. A time and a place where there are no limitations or boundaries no arbiters, it’s all carefree and it’s all courageous.
Sad Twisted Electronic Infused Superb New EP from Ella Fence
Aussie Singer-Songwriter Lucille Expands Genres On First Single Off Debut Album
“Kerikeri” (out Feb 7) is the lead single from Melbourne based singer-songwriter Lucille’s upcoming debut LP “Come On, Fly”, which will be released on March 27.“Kerikeri” is about nostalgia and that magical time in childhood where, even if just for a fleeting moment, things felt whole and full of light-heartedness and wonder.
It’s a country song, but not in the way you may imagine – it is country rhythmically, but the vocals and harmonies are unexpected and don’t fit the country mold. Instead, there’s almost a jazz-pop feel to the harmonies, with the organic boot stomping and loose, raw guitar sounds creating a relaxed jam-band feel. The lyric video for “Kerikeri” features the imaginative imagery we’ve come to expect from Lucille (see previous singles The Killing Season & Best Of Me) and captures the sense of wonder and beauty that her childhood vacation destination holds in the songwriter’s heart. Check it out below.
“Kerikeri” is in Northland, the tip of NZ’s North Island, where the weather is warmer than in Lucille’s childhood home of New Plymouth, and it was her family’s perfect vacation destination. As Lucille explains:
“Kerikeri is a bit of a gateway to that whole Northland area. There’s Ninety Mile Beach which is a national highway. Anyone can use it as a road. If your car breaks down though, by the time you get back to it, it has probably sunk into the sand. When I was a kid, spotting the sunken cars was part of the fun. In the eighties, breaking down was part of travel…at least my family’s cars. There are lots of mandarin orchards up there. Pipis are clam shellfish that live in the tide zone, at low tide you hunt them by spotting their bubbles and you dig them out, or use a pipi harvester which is basically a suction pipe. They are delicious. You go fishing. You eat the fish fresh that day, on a fire on the beach.”
“All in all it is a paradise and looking back to how I felt as a child it was all sunlight. I’m sure most of us have that special place we can think of. It’s like a feeling where over time you feel like your vision has dulled, and you can’t see the colours like you saw them back then. There was yellow sand, and blue sky like I can’t see it now. That is what it feels like anyway.”
“I call Australia home, but going to NZ also feels like going home. Everything is very familiar to me every time I go back and I have childhood memories from all over the country. I am a dual NZ/Australian citizen.”
