Perth Music

Steve Parkin is a somewhat veteran of the Perth Music scene. He is currently writing his second solo album and gave us this interview.

Q. Tell us a little bit of history about yourself as a singer/songwriter. How did you start out and what have you achieved?

Well I’m a singer and songwriter from Fremantle, Western Australia. I currently plays both solo and with my band The Foreign Films. Used to be WA pop/rock bands Autopilot and Vinyl. I’ve played the Big Day Out, Rock-It festival, supported the likes of Tori Amos, Sloan, Ken Stringfellow, Powderfinger and Eskimo Joe, and have released several CD’s - the last one being debut solo album Sandytown (through Shock Records 2005) which was recorded at Fremantle’s Debaser Studios. Sandytown was Produced and features playing by the Debaser crew Rodney Aravena (End of Fashion) Joel Quartermain (Eskimo Joe) and Andrew Lawson (Avenues).

Q. What bands have had the greatest influence on you and who are your favourite bands at the moment?

Augie March, Sufjan Stevens, Dios Malos, Flaming Lips, Elbow, HEAPS of others!

Q. What helps in writing new songs? Do you need solitude to get inspiration?

The melody has to come first. Then i get a mood, then come the lyrics. Solitude does help - but it’s a rare commodity!

Q. Favourite AFL team?

DOCKERS, of course

Q. Who are your favourite live bands?

Eskimo Joe, Red Jezebel, Little Birdy, Karnivool, Macarburrettors, Gyroscope, Belle Ends, Paver Pickins, Kill Devil Hills are awesome.

Q. What is your favourite live music venue? Do you prefer small pub shows with a small audience or bigger shows with lots of people cheering you on?

Any audience that is there for the music is alright with me. I’ve played Rock It to 16,000 and I’ve played Mojos to 15 people. Was actually more scared at the Mojos gig. They can see the whites of your eyes!

Q. Is the Perth music community a tight knit bunch?

Dunno about Perth. Fremantle’s pretty bloody cool at the moment. Nah, it’s great in WA at the moment. Lots of support all around, as far as I can see.

Q. What is your song writing process? Do you write the lyrics and music together or one first and then the other?

Usually music first, then words. Usually.

Q. What is your take on the Perth Music Scene at the moment? Do you think it is thriving or is it a bit of over-hype?

No. It is better than its ever been. The quality of songwriting, production, live shows is amazing. You have some of the best producers and engineers in the country here at the moment. Debaser, Dave Parkin, Shaun O’Callaghan, too many to mention. Also some of the country’s best bands. We just can’t seem to talk the sandgropers into coming out in the same numbers as their eastern states cousins. Turn off Big Brother. Go to a gig.

Q. What plans do you have for the next few months?

Writing another album, due to record in June/July 06. Also working on the Debaser Community Orchestra album. More to come on that soon!

For more info on Steve Parkin visit his official site.

With their debut album just around the corner, Perth’s ‘up and comers’ Snowman gave Justin Middleton this interview.

Q. Tell us a little bit of history about the band. How did you guys start out and what have you achieved?

We consist of the following:
Joe McKee - b. London 84. guitar, vocals, theramin, trumpet, effects, keys;
Andy Citawarman- b. Indonesia 84. guitar, vox, keys, violin, effects;
Olga Hermanniusson - b. iceland 83. bass, vox, sax;
Ross DiBlasio - b. Guatamala 1985. Drums and persussion…

We met through various schools…Andy and I (Joe) met when we were about fourteen and started making noise. we fucked about for a few years and then found some strangers and started playing shows.

Q. What bands have had the greatest influence on you and who are your favourite bands at the moment?

Einsturzende Neubauten, Fushitsusha, Boredoms, ooioo, Dirty three, Billy Holiday, Sun Ra and ourselves.

Q. What helps in writing new songs? Do you need solitude to get inspiration?

All sorts of things…sometimes we will be inspired by visual things such as art or film etc…sometimes just strange experiences or our warped imagination…solitude is necassary at the beginning of the songwriting process but then our collective imagination kicks in.

Q. What is your favourite live music venue? Do you prefer small pub shows with a small audience or bigger shows with lots of people cheering you on?

Depends what mood i am in. Both have there perks. i wouldn’t really trade one for the other. Small shows can be chaotic and rather shambolic and thats always fun. big shows need to be a bit more slick i suppose…but the rider is always better.

Q. Is the Perth music community a tight knit bunch?

Uuuur…not particularly. Its a small city so a lot of bitching and jealousy occurs…but we have some splendid friends amongst the industry as do other bands…it is tight knit in the sense that everybody knows eachother.

Q. What is your song writing process? Do you write the lyrics and music together or one first and then the other?

It varies from song to song…It depends what comes to yer head first…there are no rules or guidelines for how to write a song…it just happens…then once a song is written one often forgets how it was achieved….

Q. What is your take on the Perth Music Scene at the moment? Do you think it is thriving or is it a bit of over-hype?

From a commercial point of view it is thriving…fromamusical point of view it is probably over hyped a little or maybe the focus is on the wrong bands perhaps? just like any other city we have shite bands and goodones..it is up to the audiences and consumers how successful a band becomes…unfortunately the consumer is rather dumb these days.

Q. What plans do you have for the next few months?

Finishing our debut album…touring nationally a couple of times…sort out the business end of things and continue writing new songs

For more info on Snowman visit their official site.

Perth’s singer/songwriter/musician Morgan is an up and coming star playing weekly shows in and around Perth. Her acoustic EP, Fury of Colour, is available for $12.50 from her shows, Leading Edge Music Joondalup and from her website - www.missimojo.com. She gave Justin Middleton this exclusive interview.

Q. Tell us a little bit of history about yourself as a singer/songwriter. How did you start out and what have you achieved?

I guess I started out on the stage with dancing and singing when I was about 5. I started playing guitar at 12 and continued that through school on and off for a few years. But I started writing songs at 14 and I think that’s when I decided that music was what I wanted to do.

As for what I’ve achieved… Probably the most memorable was in 2002 when I was in a competition on 92.9 “Search For A Rumba Star” where thepublic voted for their favorite original artist. I’ve played on the bill with Jimmy Barnes, Daryl Braithewaite, Vanessa Amorosi, Russel Morris, Brian Cadd and overseas in the London with UK band The Teasers.

Q. What bands have had the greatest influence on you and who are your favourite bands at the moment?

Right now Im listening to a lot of U2 and Jonny Cash, and (always) Donavon Frankenreiter. My favourtie band ever is The Doors - and I actually got to see them last year at the Moonlight & Wine Festival with Ian Astbury on vocals which was amazing! My favourite “living” band, as I call them, is Unwritten Law. So there’s a huge range that I’m always listening to.

Q. What helps in writing new songs? Do you need solitude to get inspiration?

What helps? For me, the idea has to build up for a while, either that I want to write a new song, or that a song is waiting to get out… Solitude definetely helps but sometimes it’s hard to find!

Q. Favourite AFL team?

As much as I would love to say The Dockers - because I always love an underdog… I just cant… Gotta go with the Eagles.

Q. What is your favourite live music venue? Do you prefer small pub shows with a small audience or bigger shows with lots of people cheering you on?

For me - The best place I played was The Acoustic Lounge in London. The reason being that the people were packed in and could hardly move, and they weren’t there to see me - But nobody spoke a word and the listened to everything I sang - and enjoyed it! That was cool! As for in Perth, I don’t have a favourite venue, and I like the two sides of the coin - small and intimate shows and bigger shows too. But I will say that i would prefer a small audience who is actually listeing, to a large audience that couldn’t care less.

Q. What is your song writing process? Do you write the lyrics and music together or one first and then the other?

Usually I will start with the music… String a few chords together and that will inspire the words. For the most part, the idea will already be there and so when I get the chance to sit down it will come pretty quickly. Personally I can’t write melodies first - they turn out really corny!

Q. What is your take on the Perth Music Scene at the moment? Do you think it is thriving or is it a bit of over-hype?

I think the Perth Music scene is going great! I don’t get to see a lot of bands live as I play a few a week myself… But I try and get to at least one every few months - and everthing I see is great! I think we need more attention over here because we’ve got some talented musicians!

Q. What plans do you have for the next few months?

Back in the studio to record the single for radio, probably a few shows down south… And other than that, just promotion and planning a cd launch for later in the year

For any info on upcoming shows visit www.missimojo.com

With a new EP on the way and a some Eskimo Joe experience under his belt, Perth’s Dan Bull gave us an exclusive interview.

Q. Tell us a little bit of history about yourself as a singer/songwriter. How did you start out and what have you achieved?

I’ve played music most of my life (piano and frech horn) but started my 1st band in the late 90s. I had pretty much no idea what I was doing, but when I was younger I’d borrow Dad’s guitar when he was out and strum away and try to write songs. I wanted to play them in pubs and so that’s what I eventually started to do. I joined The Sleepy Jackson for a while and played keys with them, while still writing and performing my own stuff - then joined Eskimo Joe and played keys with them for the last 2 years and a bit - and still did my own stuff then too, but decided to take the solo route instead of doing it with a full band.

I released my 1st EP in May 2005 while Eskimo Joe was taking a break from touring. I was suprised at how well it sold (thanks all) - my family is just not that big to buy that many, and I got some great support from a lot of radio stations around Australia.

Q. What bands have had the greatest influence on you and who are your favourite bands at the moment?

Hhmm… Well going back to the early legends of pop the Beatles and the Beach Boys have probably been my ultimate influences. I have to admit working so closely with Eskimo Joe I would say they have had a big influence on my approach to writing and recording. Other influences would be Doves, NERD and Elton John too I think. Saying that though I probably could list another 100. I would like David Bowie to be an influence one day.

My fave bands at the moment - well the ones I am listening too the most are Belle and Sebastian’s new album, Kanye West, and I have been lucky enough to hear some of the new Eskimo Stuff which I really enjoyed.

Q. What helps in writing new songs? Do you need solitude to get inspiration?

The best inspiration for me to write something new is hearing really good music. Something new (or old) that I havn’t heard before will always inspire me because I usually wish I had written it. Solitude is not really an important inspirational factor, although once I get down to the initial trying out ideas and writing I do find it easier when I am alone.

Q. Favourite AFL team?

Really? Hawthorne - but we don’t talk about that too much at the moment.

Q. What is your favourite live music venue? Do you prefer small pub shows with a small audience or bigger shows with lots of people cheering you on?

To watch or play?

To watch I love Amplifier. Saying that though Norfolk Basement is really cool too. I played there recently too and loved the room.

I think all performers love a full room. To some degree it doesn’t matter the size of the room when it is packed. It’s really flattering when a bunch of folks have decided to spend their night watching one of your gigs.

Q. How was it touring with Eskimo Joe? Is the Perth music community a tight knit bunch?

Touring with the Eskies was probably the most awesome 2 years of my life. I got the opportunity to see so much of Australia, meet so many people and “work” with 4 of my best buddies. I learnt heaps about music, from the industry, to touring, to writing and recording, and the standard you need to meet from both a performance and a song writing and recording perspective.

Ya I think the Perth scene is tight. We are a perocial bunch, that’s for sure. Very proud of our scene. I think we are always happy when there are new dudes and dudettes in the scene too.

Q. What is your song writing process? Do you write the lyrics and music together or one first and then the other?

Usually I am a music 1st lyrics 2nd writer. However if I come up with what I think is a really cool lyric hook I’ll use that as the inspiration for the rest of the song - and I guess it works vice versa too. There is no real set rule I follow when I think about it.

Q. What is your take on the Perth Music Scene at the moment? Do you think it is thriving or is it a bit of over-hype?

There is hype I guess, but not unjustified that’s for sure. Perth musos are writing and producing really good music - and to me it seems like people are evolving musically which has the potential to continue to strengthen the quality of the material coming out of the West.

I think that the chances are that the scene will continue to thrive to some degree because of two main factors: 1, the way people aren’t thretened by others. While there is a healthy competativeness, in the end everyone wants to help everyone be successful. That’s really cool. 2, the standard of songs and performance in Perth is high, and seems to be consistently so.
People tend to hold such pride in their music and shows. Not quite awesome doesn’t seem to be good enough. These 2 factors can only continue to strengthen the scene. All we need to do is to continue to remember we are only as good as our last show or our last single - and continue to make it our best.

Q. What plans do you have for the next few months?

Well, I have just finished recording a new EP. The aim is for that to be released in late May - and launch it in June. Gigging and touring is the other plan. I have decided to take time off from the Eskimo boys to focus on my solo stuff and so that’s what I am doing. I can’t wait!

For more info visite www.danbull.com

Interview by Justin Middleton

Acclaimed Augie March New Album - Moo, You Bloody Choir - Out Now
Triple J Album Of The Week
Nominated Triple J 2006 J Award
Australian Album Of The Year

“Again, no band in this country – or much anywhere else for that matter – is making music like this Augie March. They, and this, are bloody wonderful.” Album of the Week, Drum Media

“Surely the outstanding Australian band of this decade…4½ stars.” The Age

“I’ll take Augie March today or any day… Richards is an exceptional writer. Augie March are an exceptional band. ” Sydney Morning Herald

“Richards injects every note with an emotional quotient which cuts right through to your heart. If it doesn’t, check your pulse, because you must be dead.” Daily Telegraph

“Glenn Richards performs brilliantly as a singer/songwriter for Augie March. He posses both an authenticity and tenderness in his voice that sells every song to the listener. ” Sunday Telegraph

THE MOO, YOU BLOODY CHOIR 2006 TOUR
TIX ON SALE NOW ~ PRESENTED BY TRIPLE J ~ TOUR DATES
WED 26 April ANU Bar ACT
THUR 27 April Yallah Roadhouse NSW
FRI 28 April Newtown RSL NSW
SAT 29 April Newtown RSL NSW
SUN 30 April Cambridge Hotel NSW
THUR 04 May The Zoo QLD
FRI 05 May Coolangatta Hotel QLD
SAT 06 May Great Northern Hotel NSW
WED 10 May Karova Lounge VIC
THUR 11 May Ruby’s Lounge VIC
SAT 13 May HiFi Bar VIC
THUR 18 May Fly By Night Club WA
FRI 19 May Rosemount Hotel WA
WED 24 May National Hotel VIC
FRI 26 May Republic Bar TAS
SAT 27 May Governor Hindmarsh Hotel SA

Formerly dubbed “The Perth Diva” by West Coast hip-hop deejay’s, Che’nelle is an Australian Singer/Songwriter/Producer who has recently signed to Virgin Records America.

Found at the ripe age of three singing in her dad’s karaoke lounge, she knew then picking up the microphone was what she was born to do. Now all of twenty-two years, Che’nelle is setting the example to be the first “Australian Urban Diva” with silky-surprising vocals that can rival Mariah Carey and even Beyonce. Creating an infectious r’n’b sound, she is also very diverse in the different rhythms of soul, reggae and dance, delivering a unique form of “NuUrban”

Lending her voice to mixtapes by DJ Ryan and Nick Toth, Che’nelle has also worked internationally with Messiahbolical’s Throwaway Rhymes (UK), and American acts including The BumSquad Djz, Dawn Robinson, Eric Benet and Cocoa Chanelle. She was recently picked up by 20 yr veteran Music Choice DJ Sir Charles Mixin Dixon as his brand new artiste on Sir Charles Independent Productions (SCIP). To top this all off, she is now a valued new signing to Virgin Records America, and to coincide with this announcement, comes the news of her shows supporting Kanye West on his Australian tour:

Mon March 20 Brisbane Convention Centre
Thu March 23 Melbourne Festival Hall
Sun March 26 Hordern Pavilion, Sydney
Wed March 29 Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

The Album ‘THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON’
In stores on July 1, 2006

Love Is My Velocity! is back with a bang for 2006, and it all begins here, on March 24 at The Bakery ARTRAGE Complex!

In the grand old tradition of well-loved vintage variety television shows such as “The Old Grey Whistle Test” and “The Ed Sullivan Show”, this event will be a unique musical experience incorporating live music, film segments, DJ’s and more!

To kick off proceedings in a suitably celebratory manner, the event will be headlined by national pop heroes The Lucksmiths, who will be rolling out their latest EP, “A Hiccup In Your Happiness”, which is bursting with enough juicy pop treats to make the boys and girls fall in love with them all over again.

In addition, audiences can also thrill to the gorgeously lovelorn crooning of Eastern States troubadour Fred Astereo (described by dB magazine as “Stephin Merritt with the phrasing of Morrissey”), swivel their hips to the sweet, sweet sounds of indie juggernaut Institut Polaire, and be captivated by the solo might of one Bank Holiday, Mr Nat Carson!

Tickets are $12 presale plus booking fee from Planet Video, 78 Records and DaDa’s, or $15 on the door. Doors open at 8pm. In the words of those carpet infomercials: Run, don’t walk!

2005 was a very memorable year for Youth Group. They signed to the prestigious Epitaph roster, toured Nth America with Death Cab For Cutie, joined The Music for shows in the UK and also performed at Reading & Leeds Festivals.

You may have heard their latest single, ‘Forever Young’ which was part of the hit TV show ‘The O.C’ and was featured on the Channel 10 promo campaign. It is one of the most played tracks across commercial radio - Australia wide, with the video also being highly rotated across Channel V, Video Hits & MTV. Last week the single debuted at #2 on the ARIA singles chart and again firmly holds it’s position this week, a monster result for this Sydney quartet.

The year ahead is already gearing up to be another hectic one. Youth Group are set to support Coldplay on their sold out Australian tour in June/July. They also recently wrapped up a national Big Day Out tour and then headed back to the US where they are currently playing more shows including the prestigious Coachella & Noisepop festivals. In addition to their touring schedule they will also complete their much anticipated third album in LA with Wayne Connolly which will be released July 8.

Youth Group return home next month and have announced their own national tour in May. As a very special treat for fans, Youth Group will be performing a string of intimate shows in nearly all capital cities – playing songs from their brand new album.

These shows will sell out so get in quick to ensure you don’t miss out!!

TPA & Fasterlouder presents
YOUTH GROUP
with very special guests to be announced soon
Fri 12 May- The Troubadour Brisbane 18+
Sat 20 May- Flinders Uni Tavern Adelaide 18+
Sun 21 May- Rosemount Hotel Perth 18+
Fri 26 May- @ Newtown Sydney 18+
Sat 27 May- Northcote Social Club Melbourne 18+

Starting April 20th Bob Evans will be touring with Josh Pyke right around the nation. The tour is called “An Evening With Josh Pyke and Bob Evans” and it will visit all States and Territories except the N.T. Expect to see both Bob and Josh in solo mode as well as playing songs together. Laura Imbruglia is the special guest on this tour.

Thursday 20 April - ANU Bar Canberra ACT
Friday 21 April - Ruby’s Lounge Belgrave VIC
Saturday 22 April - Northcote Social Club Melbourne VIC
Monday 24 April - Jive Adelaide SA
Wednesday 26 April - Mojos Bar Nth Fremantle WA
Thursday 27 April - Prince of Wales Bunbury WA
Friday 28 April - Rosemount Hotel North Perth WA
Saturday 29 April - Settlers Tavern Margaret River WA
Sunday 30 April - The Balmoral Victoria Park WA
Wednesday 3 May - Brass Monkey Cronulla NSW
Friday 5 May - Newtown RSL Newtown NSW
Saturday 6 May - The Rev Brisbane QLD
Sunday 7 May - Great Northern Byron Bay NSW
Tuesday 9 May - Plantation Hotel Coffs Harbour NSW
Thursday 11 May - Bar on The Hill Newcastle NSW
Friday 12 May - Republic Bar Hobart TAS

Modular Touring and Michael Coppel are pleased to announce the forthcoming May 2006 National Australian tour for Ben Harper And The Innocent Criminals. For nearly thirteen years Ben Harper and his trademark Weissenborn guitar have been making music together, and for almost ten of those he has toured Australia alongside his extraordinary band of musical companions, The Innocent Criminals. Cultivating and expanding his audience over that time at an unparalleled rate, each and every Ben Harper tour has reached new heights as the Australian public continues their love affair with this phenomenal artist.

Renowned as an explosive and magnetic live performer Ben Harper has gone well beyond cult hero status to reach near-messiah-like status among his fans, touching all those who have been lucky enough to experience the magic of a live Ben Harper And The Innocent Criminals show. With countless classics in an ever-expanding repertoire, songs like “Oppression”, “Burn To Shine”, “Steal My Kisses” and “Gold To Me” never fail to thrill fans both old and new, and his Australian record sales are now in excess of 1 million units.

To coincide with his eighth Australian visit, Ben Harper will release his seventh studio album on March 18, the double disc “Both Sides Of The Gun”. Featuring his signature mix of rock, soul and folk music it also ventures into new territory, and this is without doubt Harper’s most adventurous work to date. With the first single from the album “Better Way” gaining blanket airplay, the album is already one of this years most anticipated releases, and the forthcoming National Ben Harper And The Innocent Criminals tour is as always, an eagerly awaited event by Australian audiences.

You can catch BEN HARPER AND THE INNOCENT CRIMINALS:
Monday May 8th - Entertainment Centre, NEWCASTLE
Wednesday May 10th – Entertainment Centre, ADELAIDE
Thursday May 11th – Rod Laver Arena, MELBOURNE
Saturday May 13th - Supreme Court Gardens, PERTH
Tuesday May 16th - Entertainment Centre, SYDNEY
Thursday May 18th - Win Entertainment Centre, WOLLONGONG