Music With Soul - Reviews and Interviews

The Jezabels 5/5

2010-06-01T07:52:00.000-07:00

in case you haven't noticed, i only review artists i think are spectacular, and my rating will never be less than 4/5. the jezabels are no exception.

i have not yet asked this band for an interview - so this will just be a review - i only came across them recently, and thought they were amazing, so i decided i would write a quick review seeing as it has been a long time since my last post.

move aside florence and the machine - and make way for the enchanting experience you are about to embark on.

the first song on their myspace 'easy to love' made the jezabels stand out instantly. with an addictive rhythmic pulse, and a perfectly simple repeating progression on keys,this number is one you cannot deny.

the dynamics are what make this such a powerful piece. it constantly builds and then fades.

my favorite part of this track, is towards the end, when everything breaks down into a soft bridge-like section 'when you get your grove on, i lose my mind...'

throughout all of their songs - you are kept on the edge of your seat, waiting for the next melody, the next beat that will convince you more and more of the versatility of the art these guys have created.

thank you for making music. thank you for inspiring me.

http://www.myspace.com/jezabelsband

Drew Danburry 5/5

2010-02-10T23:45:00.000-08:00

First let me say that Mr. Danburry has been very accommodating. This is a review regarding his latest release Goodnight Gary. I was also very excited to see that Drew has been involved with the Daytrotter Sessions. WHAT ARE THESE DAMN DAYTROTTER SESSIONS? you scream at me. Well many of the artists that you know and love (Bon Iver, Death Cab for Cutie, Fleet Foxes) have been invited by the site to come and record a fairly acoustic set which is then posted to the website for fans to come and listen to.

http://www.daytrotter.com/al/artists/alphabetical.html

'The religion of me' sets the scene, the chorus reminds me of a Gregorian monk chant. It's a brief but pleasant experience, and fits perfectly as an introduction to the beautiful melodies that will follow.

There's one thing that I love hearing when I load a record up on my Itunes and the hard drive starts spinning, and my old Yamaha amp clicks in, converting the digital signal into analog sound sound that my ears can understand. It's this -

Imperfection. That may sound strange to some, who want every note to be pitch perfect, but for me, it brings back the humanity. The second song on Goodnight Gary reminds me so well of why I love it. The first sound you hear is an electronic 'beep' that puts an image in your head of Danburry pressing record on an old tape deck, or leaving a message on a friend or lovers answering machine. The vocal 'yelling' as the song turns back into a studio recording reminds me of early Brand New, and if you haven't caught on yet. I love Brand New.

As you travel throughout this record, the percussive experimentation, and strong lyrical content is obvious.

My favorite pick is

'you're blocking the doorway and your shadow is disallowing me to join with the light'

This song reminds me of The Early November. I'll have to ask him if this is slightly intentional. There's also some cool reverse reverb effects which makes it all that much cooler, and the little trinkets played on the piano sound great.

Anyway let's talk to Drew shall we, and see what he has to say.

1. What is it that makes a track timeless for you?
When you hear a song and don't automatically pin the song to a specific movement or time period, I would probably say that it has transcended it's place in time and become "timeless". That's what I think. Though I imagine it's slightly based on perspective as to what represented a place in time more than anything.

2. What is your favorite artist at the moment?
There is no way I could properly address this question fairly, I wouldn't even know where to begin.

3. How are you finding promoting right now?
Same as always. lots of work. little response. I suppose that's why I'm so grateful to those who treat me with the courtesy of a human being. Even if someone hates my music but finds the time to tell me I tend to be appreciative, though I can't blame anyone for not responding to one of my promotional emails when they're caught up in a landslide of updates from publicists.

4. What is the hardest part about making your music heard?
The most frustrating thing is that despite how accessible good music or even factual information may be on the "internet" no one seems to be able to break through the many thick layers of "other information". It seems to me, that the internet serves as a perfect example socially of what we want as a culture.

With that said, self-promotion remains as an interesting animal, because how do you convince other people that you're worth listening to and supporting without coming off arrogant or insincere? Which is why an unbiased opinion of what you do is helpful (ie blogs) to those who want to know good music. I guess achieving

5. If you could play anywhere, to anyone - where and who would they be?
I'd like to go back to Europe again. I'd like to live there for a time, tour around and play shows. But as for anyone or anywhere specifically, I can't think of much. I'm more interested in who people REALLY were, like, would I really think George Harrison is the best Beatle if I spent time with all of them? What would I think of Bob Dylan or Thom Yorke if I really knew them? And can one even establish a "normal" relationship with a person who deals with celebrity? a positive balance of power will always be somewhat of a struggle, and maybe that's good.

Drew also requested that I pass this information on ;

I'll be giving away 100 dollars, 50 dollars and 25 dollars. Anyone who posts all three links below is submitted to win all three. Anyone who posts the first two links is submitted to win 50 dollars and 25 dollars. Anyone who posts the first link can win 25 dollars. I would appreciate it if you wrote some kind words when you post the links as well (ideas are listed below) That's not much effort for that kind of money right? And I'm too broke to afford more than that. Ha ha.

So here are the links:

1. Website - http://www.drewdanburry.com

2. Album Purchase Link - http://www.amazon.com/Goodnight-Gary/dp/B00345F9M2

3. Facebook Fan Page - http://www.facebook.com/drewdanburry

To participate - click on this link ;

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=299048388583

Neal out.

Sammy Baker and Elise Hudson

2009-10-04T16:10:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted anything here in a while - we have been recording and writing, and in between life and everything else - I have just not had the time lately to chase bands on the internet. This will all change shortly, I'm going to fill some inboxes until I get a reply. In the mean time - I think you should go and listen to both Sammy Baker and Elise Hudson. Two young artists I have been working with.

They are both extremely talented singer songwriters - Elise with her unique vocal sound, and Sammy with his ability to put together a simple, but incredibly catchy song. Both play the acoustic guitar and whisper words into a microphone to bring you enjoyment.

Check them out here -

http://www.myspace.com/elisehudsonmusic

http://www.myspace.com/sammybakermusic

So Long Safety! 4.5/5

2009-08-18T20:28:00.000-07:00

Remember what you liked about the heavy bands with amazing vocal layers? Remember what you liked about the breakdowns, and then the integration of synthesizers and ridiculous production?

Introducing So Long Safety! An Australian band that has accomplished the former.

If you like your post hardcore, and you love your melody, then this is the band for you. Most of the bands I conduct interviews or reviews for come from an entirely different genre - but when you look at the crossovers, that is, the similarities or relevant influences, you can expand your horizons ten fold. I used to listen to a vast array of heavy bands when I was younger, and So Long Safety! is one that I can still appreciate.

I'm a pushover for a good beat, loud guitar and synth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1NKkIim0UI

'You'll Never Beat Me, I'm Hydrodynamically Designed'

This is a really innovative video - and a kick in the balls song. The keys player, Jamal Sabet, really knows how to complement everyone else in the band, he doesn't get in the way, and like a lot of other bands - doesn't get lost under the rest. A good engineer, a good band, some catchy melodies - and you've got So Long Safety!.

Here's the interview section of the review for a bit of insight,

1. What brought the band together? how did you all meet - what does the band name mean?

- Like pretty much any band we started out because Coops and Joel were best pals in high school and thought it would be cool to start a band. Unfortunately it was of the screamo hardcore variety of the time, and then through various name changes and line up changes the band came to what and who we are today. The name doesnt particularly hold any special meaning it was the name of a song we once had, coops was ripping off thrice's album name; illusion of safety (coops worships them), and yeah at the time we needed a new name and thought that so long safety wasnt too bad. In hindsight we wish we had gone with something cooler.

2. Are you planning to build a solid fan base and long career with many albums a long the way? how is the band getting along (be as honest as possible). What does the future look like?

Answering these types of questions with out sounding pretentious is pretty hard to do. Obviously it would be in all of our dreams to build this band into a career with many albums along the way. However our plan at the moment is to play shows and build up a lot of experience, build a fan base up, have a buttload of fun and in a few months time spend a lot of time and money on a really high quality EP which will hopefully get some labels interested in us. But yeah at the present time, playing awesome shows is our main focus. In terms of how we are getting along, we're 6 bestfriends. We fight and we all have various tastes in music and life, but its ideally the same which is what is the most crucial thing.

3. What defining moments have you had so far - moments that you can all relate to as being amazing - during the writing process, promotions, big breaks etc.

ummm, not really sure. spending time with closure in moscow and having them stay at our house was wicked...Its pretty hard to isolate a particular time as of yet that has been really amazing, man, the band has its highs and lows but i guess we're still hoping that something comes along that makes us all sit back and really feel amazed.

4. Where did you record, home studio or major studio?

We recorded our EP; Bear in mind im a lion, at chartsong studios up in Brissy last year. The production was amazing, the guy; Stuart Stuart (yeah his first and last name are the same) knew his stuff, but once we had recorded it all, we all kinda just had this same idea that the music wasnt what we wanted to be making, yeah it was fun and pop, but we kinda wanted to make it more. And it sucks that its so hard to be in this sort of genre where if you experiment a little with song structure and sounds that you're pretty much void from any radio station except triple J, which pretty much only focuses on Indy and hardcore (dont get me wrong id much rather listen to that then the crap on other stations). So anyway, our songs that are up on our myspace now were recorded in Sydney around March at Electric Sun Studios, they are a rad bunch of dudes. I think pretty much every band in NSW now uses them, and you'd be stupid not too.
Sweet.

http://www.myspace.com/solongsafety

Rosie Catalano - 4.8/5

2009-07-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

This girl is a gem. She's polite, inquisitive - and passionate. I just think it's equally important that an artist is level headed as well as extremely talented.

Rosie Catalano recently won a competition in which she was able to record her demo professionally with the Little Birdy band members.

She hasn't got much exposure yet - but I can see it really taking off down the highway of fame for her. I mean the song - which is named 'Where did I go wrong' not only sounds beautiful - but she is a natural lyricist as well. 'I feel like I fell off the wagon, now everybody's made it to town'. To be honest she writes in a very similar style to myself. This song could not have been any better - when you read this Rosie - you've already made a perfect song - it can only go up from here.

As you will hear by listening to her music she is also A great guitar player - crafting sweet melodies - with intricate vocal lines to match.

See the video here of where did I go wrong and listen to her other songs.

http://www.myspace.com/rosiecatalano

She is also offering her music for film makers to download for free - so if your studying film or know someone who is - go to her myspace and click on the link.

I asked her the same questions as I asked Hungry kids of Hungary - I left the initial part of the message in because it gives you an idea of her quirky, and polite attitude.

'Ah - sorry for the delay. I thought I sent this yesterday but I only pressed 'Save Draft'. Oops.'

1. Why, why do you play, why do you write?

'I was definitely a writer well before I ever picked up the guitar. I used to rush home after school with stories and characters just bursting to come out, so back then I wrote as a form of escapism. When I picked up the guitar in my late teens and began writing songs they were like diary entries and were very personal - I'm still embarrassed that I ever sung them to my friends! These days I write for all sorts of reasons, and sometimes I only discover the meanings as I go along. It can be quite a fun process when the song tells *you* what to do.'

2. Are there any significant events in your life that have led you down a path that relates to your musical existence.

'My 'singing existence' certainly didn't start with a bang; I got rejected from the primary school choir after auditioning with the classic tune 'Twinkle Twinkle'. Luckily I stumbled into acting at Shopfront Theatre and had this fabulous director who gave us singing classes. They were so much fun that I was happy to sing whether or not anyone thought I was any good.'

3. Why do you fit into the genre that you do? why the style that you are??

'I fell into the folk/pop genre without consciously planning to. I once tried writing a dance song on my nylon-string guitar, plucking the E-string in the hopes that it would sound vaguely like a bass or drum beat. Needless to say it didn't turn out quite the way I'd imagined in my head. I think that being limited to just my guitar and vocals has meant that my songs have been led down the folk route, although I don't mind so much any more. My music tends to be a bit pop too, which I suspect is because of my shocking memory; only the strong poppy melodies stick. I'm pretty keen to learn some new instruments and start experimenting with a loop pedal, so we'll just have to wait and see how that turns out!'

Thank you Rosie for an amazing listening experience. I hope this blog helps you gain even a tiny bit of extra exposure. In the end though I doubt you will need it.

Hungry Kids of Hungary 4.5/5

2009-07-18T22:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome back, if you haven't been here before - the blog has been revamped.

Our first review with the new design is the Hungry kids of Hungary.

Here it is.

I'll start with the response they politely gave me.

This is what I asked

1. Why, why do you play, why do you write?

2. Are there any significant events in your life that have lead you down a path that relates to your musical existence.

3. Why do you fit into the genre that you do? why the style that you are??

This is what was said

1. I write because i'm an obsessive compulsive and I need to get that stuff out of me if its there. Its usually melody, hardly ever words. That certainly doesn't mean all the stuff that comes out is good either or even suits the hungry kids! But its better out than in I suppose

2. I really think its just growing up and absorbing what around you. My dad played a lot of late 60s and early 70s harmony music in the car / around the house when i was little. I guess that stuff rubs off on you eventually. However, I was seriously into Pantera in highschool, but everyone in my grade was.

3. We play a fairly eclectic mix of pop, soul and indie rock. I'm not sure how we arrived at this. But, the last band I played in was more jazzy and soulful. The last band Dean (singer/vox) played in was much more rock. I guess they have merged into something in between perhaps?haha

cheers bro,
kane (keys/vox)

Now for the review,

There are two things that I first noticed when I listened to this wonderful band.

Firstly - the production is amazing. Every instrument is beautifully spaced. There's one musician that doesn't get mentioned on any myspace or last fm page, or in the majority of interviews for that matter. The engineer/s. I'll find out who is behind the recordings and edit later.

*EDIT Matt Redlich at his home studio in brisbane *

The drums throughout their tracks are really thick and punchy - exactly what you want, I'm not sure if they have side chained compressors to make them stick out, while keeping them out of the way of the rest of the band - whatever has been done - has paid off, because it just molds perfectly together.

The second thing I noticed was the wide - and I mean wide, dynamic range, and disregard for a single genre. Their pieces spill out into your ears. From peak to peak, and not one number sounds the same as the last.

To find out what I mean - go to the myspace - and just listen to the first two songs - 'old money' and 'scattered diamonds'. It takes you from a modern British sound, straight into an American rock ballad. They even have an amazing electro indie remix of scattered diamonds.

If you listen to our music - she's themorning and thenight is similar in this way - and it's something I believe a band should be able to do - while still sounding like the same band and keeping a strong core, and feeling, but making music that is constantly changing and evolving - only looking back to find out how to move forward.

Diversity. It's what makes the world interesting. Keeps us all from wearing the same clothes day in and day out - and watching the same TV show as everybody else, at exactly the same time.

If you want to have a great musical experience, listen, buy, see the Hungry kids of Hungary live. You won't be disappointed.

Call to Action

http://www.last.fm/music/Hungry+Kids+of+Hungary

Their latest release is Mega Mountain

The Middle East - 4.9/5

2009-07-17T14:47:00.000-07:00

'Blood' by the middle east from their self titled EP is a song that defines a moment. A song that when you listen to years after you first did, you get a nostalgic feeling, and you remember exactly where you were and how you were feeling when you first heard it.

So here is my question - and a response.

Me ----->'I'd love to hear about what originally inspired you to make the music you do - and a drive to keep going,to be different.

Bands like yours obviously represent the more creative and inventive side of the music industry. would you agree?'

The Middle East ----> 'I think it's just music that we like. We listen to other peoples music, take it in and then make our own. I don't think there's a mystical process or secret inspiration for writing the music, it's just what comes out. We don't drop acid or anything....

Yeah I think the band is pretty creative, but if you look hard enough there's always someone who's done most of it before. I guess the music industry has a big uninventive side.'

There are beautiful female harmonies, throughout their pieces, creative and dynamic guitar work. If I could make a comparison I would say that if you like music such as Cassino, The Snake The Cross The Crown, Fleet Foxes, then you will adore the Middle East.

(I might have to update this review, make it into two parts - because there's a couple of things I really want to know. But I'll work with what I've got so far)

Having a name like 'The Middle East' was either strongly thought out, or a mere coincidence, but gaining popularity, this band has made a very good marketing move.

Anyone who wants to know more, about one of the biggest places of cultural significance today, from little Billy who has to do a History assignment for his year 9 class - or a university student who's task is to give a 2000 word essay explaining in their own words, the turmoil in the middle east and why it is what it is. Anyone who types the middle east, might just come across this band.

I hope they do.

CALL TO ACTION
http://www.myspace.com/visitthemiddleeast
http://www.last.fm/music/The+Middle+East

Buy some of their music on Itunes.

Ashlee Adams - Discussion/interview

2009-07-08T22:16:00.000-07:00

Okay so I was sitting on my computer - about to sign into myspace - and I look over at the Celebrity updates - and as her Profile picture is supposed to do - it caught my attention.

No, my first thought wasn't - I hope this chick has some hot pics I can frap off to. It was this - how is this person a celebrity, and why is she doing better than us when we put in so much work? Surely all she has to do is sit around, get a few pictures taken, and post some blogs, and answer questions about her sexual preferences.

I also contemplated taking some half naked pictures of myself and posting it as my profile picture - but then remembered I wasn't a model, or a woman. This was a slight floor in my otherwise perfect plan.

Well I thought to myself, I'm going to find out, so I posted a comment on her page, not expecting to get a response as quickly as I did, if at all.

So this was our discussion -

Neal 'blah blah blah - I don't understand how you do this with pride - blah blah We put in so much hard work, and you don't.....'

Ashlee 'I think it's rather presumptuous of you to assume I don't work hard. There are hundreds of other girls in Australia who 'sell their bodies' who have nowhere near my friend count, so obviously there has to be a little more to it than simply posting semi nude pics online. If posing in lingerie was an easy one way ticket to online success, there'd be a lot more Aussie models listed on the celebrity updates page with tens of thousands of friends, but there's not... It's just me. I'm not prettier or slimmer than all these other girls, so don't you think maybe there is a little more to it?'

Neal 'Well I'm referring to the way it makes you feel as a person - not the work you put into it - but the skill that it takes to do what you do - not the amount of of time you dedicate to get desperate men watching your videos in hope to see a little bit of nip. But you raise a fair point - and I'm a fair person - I admit the curiosity in if you would actually read what I wrote and write back did prompt me to actually pose the question to you directly rather than just keep it to myself. I just think that there's more to life - I guess i'm too optimistic for the general public, Well I hope you find whatever it is your looking for in what you do - but I think you could use your current popularity and public image now that you have it - for something better.'

Ashlee 'I think you need to realise that when you say "more to life", everyone has a totally different opinion of what exactly life should consist of. At the end of the day, my skills are simply that I kick ass at marketing and I'm very smart, so I've devised a manner in which to promote myself that means I now earn a stable above average income and live very comfortably, I get paid to travel the world, and I have a hell of a time doing it.

The sad thing is, there really isn't much else I can do with my public image. Australia is extremely conservative and the adult industry is considered taboo by much of the population. Two years ago I came up with a really fun idea for Movember and raised over $1500 for charity. Last year my online popularity had skyrocketed and I decided to make my Movember goals bigger and even had backing from ZOO Weekly magazine - I could've raised thousands. However, I was cut down before I started by the Movember committee and banned from participating because they don't want somebody like me (aka someone involved in the adult industry) making their family fun fundraiser look bad. I'm pretty sure all the guys dying from prostate cancer wouldn't have cared if their money was raised by a nude model, but according to the Movember committee it would be inappropriate to take money raised by me. Sadly, the same mentality can be applied to the majority of charity and fundraising organisations in Australia - if you're somehow related to anything adult, they will refuse your money or help.

Believe me, I would love to use my online status for something more, but once you've got the whole "naked" stigma attached to your name, you're pretty much screwed in Australia.'

See the reason I changed my mind and opinion is this - Ashlee raised some important points. Points that I like to Preach, and look rather foolishly like a hypocritical hypocrite. Believe me that last word isn't redundant - I need it to explain how much of a hypocrite I would be - to not acknowledge the points that were raised in our conversation.

Everyone has the right, to be whatever they want to be - as long as what they do doesn't infringe on others freedom of choice. If this is what she had to do to see the world, then it's what she had to do - if something makes you feel uncomfortable, then you can always look the other way.

We get the occasional person, or to be more poetically correct, moron, that tells us how much they hate our music - and wonder why we bother. You can't argue with these people, and it's a waste of time trying to - which is why I want to take the opportunity to make an apology. S-S-S okay I'll spit it out, Sorry Ashlee Adams for my judgmental behavior.

Wish you the best of luck.

Our biggest influences

2009-06-15T17:54:00.000-07:00

What this list consists of - is music that has inspired us the most to write and record what we do. Attending music history classes as part of our degree - we hope that the right artists are remembered in 50 years time, not just the most publicized ones. These are the best of the best we believe.

Brand New (Jesse Lacey)
Bright Eyes (or Conor Oberst)
Manchester Orchestra (side project Right away, Great captain!)
Alexis on Fire (side project City and Colour)
Thursday
Forgive Durden
The Last Shadow Puppets
Sparta (or side project Sleeper car)
Thrice
Cassino

This list will be added to.

The Apathy Eulogy - 5/5

2009-06-02T18:07:00.000-07:00

The Apathy Eulogy reminds me of everyone I listen to that are actually professional musicians. Their structure, and technical ability is subtly proven throughout their new album - resolved to dream. Not only this, but they are generous, and polite as well. Upon being asked for a review - they offered their whole album for me to listen to.

Two voices guide you through a work that I would describe as a perfect album for a long drive. The evolution of rock and roll over the last 50 years seems to have had a profound influence on these artists - with a not so corny style of doo-wap harmonies and strong bass and drum straight rhythms.

'Summers Eyes' can be heard on their myspace, and this is clearly a song the band is trying to pitch - and so they should - it reflects the album beautifully. It's seemingly effortless transition from section to section goes unnoticed.

'but I know the sound of summer, resonating off these nickel strings, will be a sweet elixir, on the throat of him who's suffering'

I'd have t say one of my favorite things about this band - is the perfectly executed acoustic guitars, and another is the creative percussion's - some you hardly even notice, but each one compliments the piece.

This isn't their first release - so I suggest you check their previous works out as well.

Well done boys.

Band Members

- Rob Kelly : Vocals/Guitar
- Rory Pettingill : Guitar/Vocals
- Brian Curlee : Drums/Percussion
- Matt Prater : Bass/Harmonies/Vocals
- Mitch Ryan : Keys/other percussion

The call to action -

http://www.myspace.com/theapathyeulogy

If your not a myspace user you can also find them on purevolume.com

or here's the link to their website - apathylovescompany.com

Brooke Addamo - 4.5/5

2009-04-15T07:18:00.000-07:00

When I saw the title 'love will never die' .... and with Australian Idols ex-contestant history, I thought I was in for a sub standard pop song. Well I can tell you I was wrong. It doesn't seem to matter that I've heard these words before - Brooke brings a sweet sound to the meaning - if that makes any sense. A sound that I personally love.

When I first asked her to do the review she politely asked me to hold off for a couple of weeks until she had added some new songs she said she was much happier with -

I have to say 'I know it'll change' was worth the wait. I love this song. It starts with a guitar loop - simple and effective, followed by a smooth hip hop or break beat 'clap stomp' sample - and then a beautifully performed, and equally importantly - recorded voice. Back to the Australian Idol remark - Addamo is no Diva, and thank god - we don't want or need any more backwashed diva's.

Brooke Told us

'We all have our calling, and I just feel when I sing or perform, that is what I feel most comfortable doing, like I'm meant for it. Music for me is a form of expression both real and imaginative. Some people say you have to experience something to be able to sing about it, but I don't think that. If that was right we wouldn't have the great movie stars, actors that we do.
You can have experienced something which is great but you can also have empathy which helps you feel for what others have gone through.'

http://www.myspace.com/brookeaddamo

You can find her beautiful melodies here. I'm sure you will stop by and give her some love.

Reaching Koda 4/5

2009-04-05T21:55:00.000-07:00

Reaching Koda - A band I believe has great potential, a band that will develop. They are a five-piece based in Perth Australia.

'We play a kind of ambient rock and we're starting to play around with electronic samples and the like. We love music and everything about it.'

I hear a bit of matchbook romance, a bit of recieving end of sirens or armor for sleep. A bit of this a bit of that, whatever. The point is - this band has some serious talent, with beautiful - no wait - amazing vocal harmonies, and dynamics. The only thing I'm wanting to hear maybe are some breakdowns, but with the bands statement, about using some synth and samples, i'm sure they've got it all coming along. The classically influenced track 'across the ocean blue' is cleverly composed and that's what I like to see in a band. EXPERIMENTATION!!! So reaching Koda, do some crazy shit, let us hear you continue to expand.

'All of us have been in bands before this (with Ryan and Fraser in another band-myspace.com/wearetheemergency), but we all agree that Reaching Koda is where our best hopes for creative integrity lies. As such, we have the freedom to jump from genre to genre without loosing our sound. Our goal is to be creative and experiment, whilst keeping emotion and soul in the music. I would say that that is our "stamp" if we had one. Most of our songs are based on either experience, but more prominently, fiction. Our lyrics (written by either myself or Ryan Lake) tend to stray from real or personal material, opting for a sense of escapism by creating stories and working them into appropriate music. We get inspiration from films/books or fiction that we've dreamt up ourselves.'

Ryan Lake(vocals), Matt Dewson(guitar), Brayden Cook(guitar), Fraser Cringle(drums), and Ryan Nobbs(currently on bass, but will switch to guitar soon as they are looking at recruiting another bass player).

Influences include just about anything: Circa Survive, The Butterfly Effect, Emarosa, The Sound Of Animals Fighting, Jeff Buckley, Queen, Michael Jackson, City and Colour.

A Night Time Skyway - 5/5

2009-03-27T00:27:00.000-07:00

I am writing this review, not only because front man Matt Bones has been a good friend for the last few years, but to highlight the dedication of this amazing group of artists.

They started out as a hardcore band, and played many, many shows but felt as if they were headed nowhere fast. They made a brave decision - and a small lineup change, and a whole new band name and genre later, they began writing songs under the name of A Night Time Skyway.

Now they have an album out. 'First day on a brand new planet' Boasts the bands integrity, and skill, and is full of good quality, well written songs, that just make you want to dance.

Backed by an incredibly talented rhythm section, with two 'epic' guitarists, and sheer genius Matthew Bones, the band recently embarked on a mini tour of the East Half of Australia, in attempt to begin building a national fan base. They literally went through Fire and flood to play the shows and from what I hear, had a great time in doing so.

It has been great knowing Matt, and to see our musical finesse grow together. It felt not just necessary, but morally right to write this review, and to also have Matt feature in two of the songs on our upcoming ep

'this is where we all get off' and 'like this'.

Be sure to dedicate some time to listen to this band, you won't be sorry!

http://www.myspace.com/anighttimeskyway

MontezAndTrace Clothing - 5/5

2009-03-20T18:08:00.000-07:00

The other day we were added by one of the many fashion profiles on myspace. The reason I checked it out was because they were nice enough to tell us they liked our music as well as letting us know what they were about.

Anyway to cut to the chase, I went and had a look at all of their wares, and there were a few pieces that really stood out to me. There are a few different styles and I can't wait until they start to expand and make their way into everybody's wardrobes!!

The shirts are really trendy, and fashion forward, and a little unique. The fun, young, fresh model photos really make you take the bait. I certainly can't wait to get mine!

xx Shell

'Montezandtrace' are a goldcoast based retailer, stocking up on the the edgiest peices of clothing from around the world as well as their own designs. Founded by Teresa, Tracey and Montira Le; the girls were inspired to supply an everyday boys and girls with clothes that were fun, unique and fashionable enough to be on the run ways of Europe (but affordable!).

Their newest collection is now available at:
http://shop.ebay.com.au/merchant/montezandtrace_W0QQ_dmdZ1QQ_ipgZ50QQ_sopZ1?_rdc=1

www.montezandtrace@blogspot.com

Week 1 no.2 - Pierce Cailan 4/5

2009-03-14T04:50:00.000-07:00

When you hit this myspace, the first thing you hear is a beautiful layered guitar sound, really thick, perfectly balanced. Just when you think you need to hear some words, 'dim...light...seeps....through....the...haze...'

'The Still Dawn Of Woodsglen' Gives an amazing first impression. When I asked if I could get a few words to post in this blog, he generously gave me this -

'My background is in classical music, and my approach for this album was really just to write some generally simple, accessible folk-pop songs– focusing on lush acoustic textures. I wanted to assimilate the instrumental aesthetic of guitarists like Preston Reed, Michael Hedges, and Kaki King with a very straightforward songwriting approach.

Passerine Myth, vol. 1 is a concept album. There is a clear narrative– a protagonist loses someone close to him and becomes over-invested in what he considers a path of retribution. Philosophically, the story is influenced by Ernest Becker– a writer who heavily contemplated mans inability to truly understand his own mortality, and inclinations to leave lasting impressions in the world beyond his own life. There is also an emphasis on nature and mysticism– a sort of mix between the fantasy-world of Tolkien and the drug-culture of Carlos Castaneda.

The songs are organized into Occitan Lyric Poetry forms– established by troubadours in the 14/15th century. The first song, "The Still Dawn of Woodsglen," for example, is an "alba," a song that depicts the sun rising in the morning, and traditionally focuses on a person leaving a lover in the morning. The interpretation of these forms is purely contextual– it serves merely as a historical reference and a means of focusing content matter in each song. Again, the ultimate goal of the album isn't to create any sort of complex web of styles or influences, but to tell a good story, through good songs.'

If you wanted to get an idea of the sound, I'd say a similar artist would be Rocky Votolato. If you don't know who that is then your just going to have to listen. I would spend a good half an hour of your life just listening to the myspace songs. They are all really well mixed, and the classical background while strongly evident, doesn't overpower what I would call a good acoustic/folk based set of songs. The lyrics are reasonably well written as well.

Here's the page -

www.myspace.com/piercecailan

You can purchase his album from CD Baby.

Week1 - Stephen Cope 5/5

2009-03-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Stephen Cope is part of a great songwriting community. The modern folk movement has embraced the talented poetic musicians such as Cope.

Most of his music consists of a single voice, acoustic guitar and a beautiful set of words that make you lost in the sound. It's a rarity to come across an artist like this - comparable to bright eyes and Neil young, with such a fresh sound.

He has a voice that seems to hit every note with justice. It is a warm, familiar sound, one that reminds you of something you know, is it Ben Gibbard of Death Cab, or Colin Meloy from the Decemberists? No it's Stephen Cope, and he's going to indulge your imagination and emotion.

What Cope told us :

"I wish there were more people who cared enough about music to help each other out. It doesn't make sense that it's such a dog eat dog industry. I mean, it'd be wonderful to make a living off of music, but I don't think it's so worth it that I'd go against everything I write about and care about to be some high class fancy schmancy producer or to write for the sex-obsessed, disrespectful mainstream artists. Not that I mind sex. It's just not nearly as important as so many other things that aren't talked about enough."

A link to his space : www.myspace.com/stephencope

Rating :

5/5

The Beggining -

2009-03-12T16:54:00.001-07:00

This is our reviews page, whenever we find artists we like, we're going to review them for you right here. This isn't sponsored, so all the artists we find are genuine, good, songwriters. There will be one review every week. We appreciate all contestors - we want you to send us your music if you believe you have it - whatever 'it' may be.

Much love - she's themorning and thenight