Category: 1/2/3/4

Happy Axe is Canberra-based multi-instrumentalist Emma Kelly, who weaves layers of vocals, violin and musical saw into a vibrant, hypnotic blend of experimental pop. Her debut album Dream Punching is highly recommended and I feature one of my favourite tracks on this episode, As well, the dark and dreamy sounds of Steady Holiday, the return of indie-noir duo Broads and a stunning debut release from an all-female rock group from the ’60s San Francisco Psych scene, Ace of Cups.

The music of On Diamond is a heady blend of improvisation and experimental rock, lead by vocalist Lisa Salvo and strong backing band, they return with their thrid single ‘How’. Fellow Melbourne creative pop ensemble Coda Chroma reveal an equally strong new track and we welcome the return of four bands from L.A.’s Paisley Underground – who have reunited to interpret each other’s back catalogue. The first offering is from the much loved band, The Bangles. Plus Mandolin Orange, The Putbacks and Tracy McNeil & The Goodlife.

Discover how dangerous a Ukelele can be as Ben and Julian from Ukelele Death Squad pop in to chat about their new single Not Afraid ahead of a National tour. As well, top notch new releases from Grand Salvo (oh SOOO good!) The Goon Sax, Davey Woodward and Laura Carbone teams up with The Pains of Being Pure at Heart.

Two of my favourite musicians team up for an exciting new release. Meg Baird’s beguiling voice first came to my ears through her work with Espers and since has carved a distinctive solo career as well as a part of the heavier ensemble, Heron Oblivion. Mary Lattimore is an excellent harpist and composer from Los Angeles. Although friends, they have never worked together. .With access to a deep pool of shared influences, Meg and Mary have assembled a collection of sounds conjured from harp, guitar (both acoustic and electric), synths, the human voice, and a shared poetic language. As well, stunning folk from UK’s Mishaped Pearls, clever indie folk-pop from Tasmania’s Emma Anglesey and we meet Perth’s Little Lord Street Band.

Featuring new music from Ralegh Long, Rabbit Island, Monnone Alone and Darvid Thor.

If you loved the Ahern Brothers release last year, you’ll hopefully now follow the duo’s solo careers. While Josh Rennie-Hynes has moved to the USA and taken a more electrified path, Stephen Grady has a slice of dreamy folk ahead of his new album to be released next year. As well, Demi Mitchell in session with a great stripped back version of a track from her debut album The Overflow plus some adventurous folk/pop from Ned Collette and The Cradle.

Australia’s hard hitting Hammond Organ trio Cookin’ On 3 Burners kick off with a blast of soul featuring the killer vocals of Kaiit. As well the debut single from You Tell Me, combining Peter Brewis (Field Music) with Sarah Hayes (Admiral Fallow); Josh Rennie-Hynes goes electric with his latest single Amber Rose; another great young Australian female singer/songwriter – from WA, Grace Armstrong and traditional folk with a modern twist from Rachel McShane and The Cartographers.

Want some excellent new music? This episode is chock full of some of my favourites at the moment. A new generation of Jam Bands are coming through with New Jersey’s Garcia Peoples leading the way, in my ears, just good old rock and roll! Plus the dreamy harmonies and reverebed melodies of Portlad’s The Tamed West, wistful adventurous from Sydney’s Bonniesongs, progessive soul/jazz/funk from Melbourne’s WVR BVBY and the beguiling folk of NZ’s Holly Arrowsmith (pictured) are just some of the treats you need to hear.

It was people power that helped create the new album from Melanie Horsnell and Steve Appel, someone like you, me – helped contribute to their successful crowd funding campaign. The album The World It Has A Gentle Soul will be out soon and we feature the debut single on this edition. Also, the excellent new single from dreamy folk siblings, Charm of Finches and the clever breezy pop of Chicago’s Clearance.

Featuring the music of Melbourne Cans, Buck Meek, Cat Canteri and the brilliant title track from Michael Waugh.

Anne Garner from the UK has delivered a haunting collection of ambient pop music on her fifth album, Lost Play.  She uses voice, piano, flute and imagination to weave threads of folk, electroacoustic and chamber classical into intimate vocal arrangements that leave lasting personal impressions. Odetta Hartman’s incredible new album mines a similar path, with folk as the focal point, weaving field recordings and drum machines into the mix. Plus essential new releases from Newcastle’s Grace Turner, Melbourne’s Leisure Centre and We Are Muffy.