Reeling in the Years - ConnectFM 100.9 Artists chat - Sydney NSW Australia- Podcast

Catherine Joined John on the show, - We spoke about the New Album Release "home Truths" and the Current singe "Me"

It’s the singer and the song that makes for truly distinctive and enduring artists. Lots of great songs and some mighty fine singing. Catherine Britt has a voice that instantly gets your attention … but unlike others, it is the craftsmanship of this singer/songwriter who unashamedly boasts a worthy story to tell that truly keeps her audience enthralled. Catherine’s new album is entitled Home Truths. They’re the best truths – direct, personal, and from the heart. Just the way Catherine sings. And after 20 years of being a major label artist this album is also a new beginning. This is Catherine’s first release as a completely independent Australia artist. It’s a decision based on Catherine wanting complete control of her career – and having ownership of her own recording masters and copyrights. That’s something that – now as a parent of two young children – she believes is important – and something to pass on to them. This independence was possibly largely due to the loyalty and passion of Catherine’s fans who have been with her on this ongoing journey of music and song. A crowd funding campaign more than exceeded expectations and was a massive statement of the belief Catherine’s fans have in her, her songs and music

 Home Truths is significant also in that it was produced by Catherine – and performed by her all dancing, all singing, super talented, and beyond versatile Australian band of smoulderingly good players. It was mixed by Ted Howard and mastered in the USA by Jim DeMain. Also very importantly all the songs on Home Truths were written or co-written by Catherine. That’s the way it is with home truths – they need to come directly from the heart of the person doing the telling. She has lived a life in the world of entertainment most will never experience or dream of. The archetypal Aussie girl from the coal works of Newcastle uprooted herself at 17 years old and moved for six years to Nashville TN (USA) where she gained a deep knowledge of country/roots/folk history as well as touring extensively and releasing top 40 Billboard hits. How did this happen you may well ask. Not every 17-year-old moves from Newcastle to Nashville to pursue their musical dreams. Well, the story is that a certain Elton John (yes, THAT Elton John – not to be mistaken for . . .) heard Catherine during one of his Australian tours in the early 2000s. So impressed with Catherine was Elton that he took her albums back to America with him and helped get a deal with RCA Records. Catherine’s recording career commenced in 1999 when, at the age of 14, she released her first EP followed in 2001 by her debut album release. Since then she has released six more studio albums as well as a Best Of album. Awards? You want awards. Over the course of her career Catherine has collected a host of accolades, a legion of fans and a mantel of awards including the country industry’s highest honours, 2009 CMAA Female Artist of the Year Award, 2012 CMAA Single of the Year, 2013 CMAA Female Artist of the Year Award, 2016 Female Artist of the Year, 2017 Vocal Collaboration of The Year for her celebrated single “F U Cancer”

Jimmy joined John on the Phone  to discuss the band and Music , that he writes with James.

www.kingcanyon.com.au

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Melbourne guitarist James Ryan and singer Jimmy Cupples formed King Canyon in March  2020, just as the world began to shut down.

Ironically, the project would never has existed if not for the crazy events of this year.

With minimal discussion or prompting, the pair trialled an online collaboration and

King Canyon was born.

So how did James and Jimmy connect and what was the motivating force to create their new project King Canyon? – Ryan explains; “When the worldwide quarantine kicked in and the live scene came to sudden halt, I decided to use the time to finally pursue a band project I had wanted to do for so long”.

James’ was on the lookout for a vocalist that would complete the sound he had in his head.

Enter Jimmy Cupples; “When Jimmy’s name came up, I thought he could be perfect.

We decided to collaborate on a new song idea  to see what would happen. After a few emails and voice messages, the sparks began to fly and the track “Yellow Fever” was born, which became an immediate favourite.

I guess this is what you call chemistry!

James is a well-respected guitarist, who has toured with industry heavyweights Ross Wilson, Russell Morris, Kate Ceberano, Tina Arena and even Men At Work in their heyday.

His guitar-centric YouTube channel "ilovenoise" has over 15k subscribers and more than 6 million views.

Jimmy Cupples is well known for his incredible vocal prowess and effortless stage craft.

He has been an active part of the Melbourne music scene most of his life, following in the footsteps of his cousin Peter, who was the voice behind the popular 70’s Australian band Stylus.

One of his original songs “Sunset Hills” was featured in the Australian movie Rise

“One of the things we are enjoying the most is how easy the process has been and how much fun we are having. We can embrace our influences and instinctively go with the sounds that we love without  question."

Aaron Joined John on the phone to chat his Music and the New Release EP " Changed "  -

FROM opening the Tamworth Country Music Festival and being announced for other major festival appearances, to writing with award-winning artists and releasing charting singles to radio, Aaron Jurd has achieved it all in a few short years.

The Lake Macquarie singer-songwriter releases his third single, Changed, on August 2, charting at No. 8 on iTunes, following on from Hard To Breathe, which hit the top 20 of iTunes celebrating all those feelings of new love. His debut single, Set Me On Fire, reached the top 5 of the iTunes Country Song Charts and tells of the emotional struggles that come with reaching the lowest point in your life, but knowing there is a way out, although you haven’t found it yet.

His new single, Changed, on the other hand, is the next chapter from Set Me On Fire, and celebrates the silver lining after the storm.

The talented artist has spent years playing gigs in cover bands and duos, but is now performing his originals with his band, The Banned, and this year, so far, they’ve played the Bluewater Country Music Festival and Off to Country Festival with the Deni Ute Muster.

Aaron graduated from the 2018 CMAA Academy of Country Music in January 2018 and, with his fellow graduates, performed at the Official Opening Concert of the Tamworth Country Music Festival and was selected to perform at the 2018 Golden Guitar Awards with O’Shea. During his time at The Academy, he worked with Amber Lawrence, Fanny Lumsden, Kasey Chambers, and Kevin Bennett. Aaron also co-wrote a song with seven-time Golden Guitar winner Allan Caswell.

“I have spent years writing my own music,” he said.

“But, I’m such a perfectionist that none of my songs were ever heard because I was scared of the reception they would get. Releasing Set Me On Fire and people’s reaction to it, had me in a state of euphoria. I have been listening to talented artists releasing their own material for so long and I need to pinch myself to believe that my song is being played on the same radio stations as the artists I look up to.”

Aaron’s influences weren’t always country music – he grew up in a small town in the Hunter Valley and soon found music to be an avenue to escape family struggles. Although largely influenced by his parents’ taste in popular rock music up until the age of 16, it was when he heard Brad Paisley’s Welcome to the Future, on CMC that his future musical path was set. Aaron realised he had found his niche and wanted to pursue a career in the country music industry. Since then he has broadened his influences to a range of American and Australian country music artists including Chris Stapleton, Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert and The McClymonts.

“Since I heard that first song, I have felt drawn to country music,” he said.

“It remains faithful to what music is supposed to be about: the storytelling, emotion, and real-life issues are all expressed and relatable in country music and it captures them in a way that very few other genres can.”

With the release of three consecutive top 20 charting singles, Aaron is making his mark on the Australian country music industry with plans to release more original material to further cement his place in the genre.

Thomas  ( Tom Costello ) is a 22 year old Gold Coast Musician, he  Joined me on the Phone to discuss  his 1st release  "limerence".  ( Tom has allowed his Music to be left in the Podcast )  

Thomas’ story of growing from repressed commerce student to self-determined, self-taught pop prodigy is proof that we’ve all a story to tell or a song to sing. His full length debut Limerence is full of elegantly simple motifs and sonic variety. Limerence tracks Thomas’ journey that started as a frustrated, unmusical commerce student. His desire to break free was catalysed by set of DJ decks, his curiosity in spinning others tracks cracked open into teaching himself music theory and production on Youtube, dropping out of the commerce degree and enrolling into an Audio Engineering degree. Along the way his taste in music expanded significantly, taking cues from The Beatles through to Gorillaz, his eight songs revealing his keen sensibility for composing earnest distillations of youthful desire set to melodies as sweet as Vance Joy and the cross-pollinated power-pop of BROCKHAMPTON. “This album was written in the worst of times, but they were also the best of times” - Thomas Instrument by instrument, experience by experience Thomas’ path to achieving this album was filled with many trials and many errors. His lyrical expression is one of great vulnerability and immediate association, retracing how his determination to be better, to be self-reliant and to connect authentically informed the dismantling of codependence in focus song 2 Be, the breezy gratitude of Good Times, and the self-medicating escapism of 151. His personal life influencing the vital sentiments that makes his songs vibrant and real. ‘Limerence is an easy-listening pop masterpiece. The debut album by Thomas works as a great listen for any mood. Tracks like “good times” and “151” standing out as excellent foundation, creating excitement for what is to come from Thomas.’ - Lewis Main, The Spotlight Podcast. 7 weeks prior to the completion of his audio engineering degree, Thomas was ready, he had developed the personal and creative skills to realise his album. Writing, performing, recording, mixing, and mastering 8 honest songs informed by every good and bad choice made since his lowest point in that commerce lecture. His greatest transaction is now the gift of song.

Keelan Joined John on the Phone , to about his Debut EP- Silent Eyes   and Single - The City  

Silent Eyes' is the musical project of multi instrumentalist Keelan Butterick. Though a world apart from Keel's progressive metal band 'Stare at the Clouds, the potent infusion of roots, folk and alternate rock would go on to become Silent Eyes. Driven by pure uncensored emotion, it is music from the heart and soul, shaped by intellect and sophisticated musicianship.

Genuine self expression is at the heart of Silent Eyes, and its

'The City' is the first release for Silent Eye's, with announcements soon to be made, the end of 2020 promises to be an exciting journey in which listeners can uncover more of the honesty and and sincerity that embodies Silent Eye's music.

https://linktr.ee/silent_eyes_music

Mr Harvey - Nathan Harvey joined me on the Phone - we talked about his former career on TV and his Music - His new EP has just been released "kool to be Kind" and we discussed his  new single "Superheroes and racing Cars"   www.mrharveymusic.com.au - more from his website below 

INTERESTING FACTS

- MrHarvey -  has to be written this way as another artist is Mr.Harvey

- Born - Manly, Sydney, 49yrs old

- Lives - No fixed address ATM but usually Sydney's, Inner West

- Lived - London 2 yrs, Barcelona 6 months. Gold Coast 8 years.

-Works - pushing planes back for Virgin Australia, good for singing practice as no one can hear me sing over the jets.

-Past work - well known model, TV presenter, Host and producer on Channel V for 5 years in the 90s, Major show announcer and audio desk operator at Sea World in the 2000,s and became professional waterskier there. Broke my neck waterskiing in 2010, have a metal plate in my neck.

- Played high level Rugby until the age of 18 including Warringah Reps U10's - U18's Warringah 1st Grade Colts coached by Enrique "Topo" Rodriguez , CHS 1st's and NSW Schoolboys 2nd XV 1989

- Mad keen surfer and snow skier and all water sports. Loves the ocean.

- Loves life and always trying to help people, a cancer / pig ; very emotional and an empath!

-Family - my parents are from Liverpool UK, my Dad was born during a Nazi bombing raid, my grandmother giving birth herself while my Grandfather was an anti aircraft gunner trying to shoot them down. They used to see The Beatles at the Cavern

-Music - Played drums as a teen and in a band called The Velvet Underpants whilst with Channel V with Ken Stewart from Mr Blonde and Anthony Ousback (MTV host) on guitar. Fun pisstake band.

Picked up a guitar in 2015 as a New Years resolution. Started writing in 2016 and can’t stop. Vomiting songs - Over 40 now written.

My plan is to release a better song each time and Ive got heaps better songs in lots of styles - keep em guessing.

- IMPORTANT POINTS

- Credibility and Integrity are everything to me; thus I'm touring the country to learn as much as I can and "learn my chops!"

- Pride myself on my lyrics. - wrote poetry as a kid

-Found my passion writing songs late in life; a second chance. Success is just a bonus. I’ll never stop writing and recording.

-All of my songs are honest from the heart and written by me.

- Influences - Led Zep, Pink Floyd, Elton John, Early Metallica, Fleetwood Mac, Queen, Dope Lemon, Hunters And Collectors, Prodigy, Rodriguez, Gomez, Smashing Pumpkins, Kings Of Leon, Tool, Nirvana, Blues, Deep House and World Music !

- Sounds Like - Jeez tricky - Ive been compared to everyone from Johnny Cash, Hoodoo Gurus, Social Distortion, John Williamson, Leonard Cohen, The Angels, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Violent Femmes to Kings Of Leon!

-Reviews - great one's on JJJ unearthed and on triple m homegrown!

-All songs written, produced and sung by Nathan Harvey.

-With 40 + original songs to choose from and a real groove starting in the studio it won’t be long before you hear them   ENJOY !!!

Gavin Joined John on the Show  we spoke about his career and his upcoming  Album to released later in 2020   , we heard 3 his songs  “Apartmentality” , "Th e Daily Grind"  and His latest Single  "This Years Modern

Blue Mountains based troubadour Gavin Bowles has made a name for himself over the past decade as an accomplished songwriter and performer - including several national tours, considerable community radio play across the country, a number of residencies and as a singer/guitarist for various artists and projects.

In the last couple of years, Bowles has established an exciting solo career. 2018 saw the release of his debut solo EP "King of Nothing"(described by Haze Mag as "...seamlessly walking into strut-worthy blues guitars.....his lyrics convey the sophistication of a modern day hybrid of Paul Kelly and Elvis Costello”). Following in 2019 was the release of single "Slave", with it’s blend of rockabilly swagger and indie-rock/pop sensibilities. 2020 began with the release of follow up single “The Daily Grind” (with accompanying “messy” film clip); an anecdote for the young, modern ne'er-do-well, bursting with frenetic energy and exhibiting the talents of backing band The Distractions. Mid 2020 saw the release of the Isolation-appropriate single “Apartmentality”; painting a picture of the boredom and frustrations of being stuck in a small space - set to a slinky guitar riff and chilled groove.

​Over the past 3 years Gavin has lived in the heart of North Melbourne, Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains – soaking in the atmospheres, sights, smells and sounds of differing urban and suburban living and music scenes. With over a decade of touring and recording under his belt in various groups and solo, Gavin (and backing band “The Distractions”) exhibits a refined live show, toting songs of personal triumphs and tribulations and an idiosyncratic view on modern life, always with a guitar lick and smirk in tow.

Emme Joined John  on the phone from Auckland NZ , we discussed her Music and Lockdown in NZ ,  "Seasons of Life", Drive all Night "and the Latest single "Some Other Girl " www.emmelentino.com 

Hailing from Oregon US, singer-songwriter Emme Lentino spent time in Seattle, New York and California before settling in New Zealand. The multi-faceted singer-songwriter, musician, film producer and actor is going from strength to strength establishing a global presence and expanding her loyal fan base. A highly-accomplished songwriter with meritorious vocal prowess, Emme’s remarkable capabilities have garnered an impressive number of achievements. These include noteworthy syncs: Emme’s tracks have featured in several daytime television shows including ABC’s One Life to Live and All My Children.

Not restricted to music performance, Emme has also appeared in successful off-Broadway productions as well as establishing significant artistic collaborations including working with DJ/producer Vasili Gavre, writing, recording and performing a song for the Victoria’s Secret national BIOFIT campaign. She has appeared on TVNZ Good morning show, The AMC channel, Hotel Cafe (Los Angeles) Piano’s & The Bitter End (NYC), Musexpo with A&R Worldwide and performed for over 4 million V8 Supercars fans. She was also a featured artist on Skysport and performed at The Tamworth Country Music Festival in Australia.

Her work in the film industry is also noteworthy, as Executive Producer for several indie UK films and her musical score for a short film. Emme has also cultivated a much-lauded awareness for fellow indie artists, utilising her respect in the music community as well as in her capacity as Co-Host for the Eddie & Emme Show on Heart of Indie Radio, to draw attention to indie musicians. With a significant body of work that encompasses multiple music genres such as pop-rock, electronic & Americana, Emme Lentino is primed to rise to the next level of her blossoming career with the release of Some Other Girl, recorded in London and produced by Al Clay (Pink, Adam Lambert, Backstreet Boys, Stereophonics) and available worldwide on Oct. 2nd