Category: music

Ending CMA Fest 2024 On A High – Day 4

With thunderstorms predicted in Nashville on June 9, the rain and slightly cooler weather was a relief from the heat on the festival’s final day. Well, maybe only for us winter-loving beings.

Day 4 was a more chill and social day for me. I hadn’t a full list of places that I wanted/needed to be like previous days and again, with the cooler weather, I felt more inspired to walk around, see the sights, experience more of Nashville and discover whatever new music took my fancy.

Continue reading “Ending CMA Fest 2024 On A High – Day 4”

I Made Mistakes at CMA Fest 2024 So You Don’t Have To – Day 1

I had landed in Nashville the night before, unprepared for what was to come. Having never been to Nashville, the United States of America or CMA Fest, I had no idea what to expect, especially, considering my trip was booked last minute. The first thing I did was download the CMA Fest app. I like having a loose plan when I travel so this was perfect in telling me which artist was playing, when and on what stage – which was helpful yet also flawed (but more on this later).

Formally known as Fan Fair, CMA Fest began in 1972. This year’s festival raised more than $2.5 million for music education and saw more than 90,000 people flock to Nashville, Tennessee.

Continue reading “I Made Mistakes at CMA Fest 2024 So You Don’t Have To – Day 1”

An Interview with Mardi Wilson

Mardi Wilson is a singer-songwriter, composer and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Brisbane, Queensland. Her unique mix of folk and alternative sounds with a laid-back, surf edge saw her complete a successful east coast in 2019. In advance of her newest single being released tomorrow, we caught up with Mardi to discuss what it’s like being vulnerable, the van life movement and the perfect partnership between music and art.

Your press release describes your music as a mix of alternative and folk, but often times publicists need to pigeon hole music to suit genre normalities. How would you describe your music to people who may not have heard it before?

I’ve been trying to find a genre for ages, which is a tricky thing to do! I like to call it ‘surf folk’ – it’s a fusion between folk and alternative with a singer-songwriter vibe and a little bit of that new “Aussie” sound you hear a lot of bands with an alternative edge have … It’s a bit hard to explain (laughs). It’s nice to know people connect with your music no matter what the genre is you’re hitting.

Continue reading “An Interview with Mardi Wilson”

Review: ‘The Choir Of Man’ at The Playhouse, Melbourne (2020)

Playing at The Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne until January 12

Tickets: https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2020/contemporary-music/the-choir-of-man

Tour dates and more info: https://choirofman.com/

It’s not often you attend a show and before you can take your seat, you’re invited up to the stage to join the cast in a friendly pint from an actual working bar on the stage floor. But that’s what happens to attendees of The Choir of Man, a rollicking 90-minute singing session with a troupe of likeable British lads who instantly win over the crowd with their warm and friendly demeanour, and have the audience on side even before they start singing, even without the free beer.

Continue reading “Review: ‘The Choir Of Man’ at The Playhouse, Melbourne (2020)”

Q&A with Monica Adair

v1.bjsyMjA2MDg0O2o7MTgxMTU7MTIwMDsxOTAzOzgwOQ

With meaningful lyrics, emotive keys and moving, raw vocals, nineteen-year-old singer/songwriter Monica Adair brings a distinct sound to Indie-Pop. Now this North QLD songstress turned Gold Coast local is set to release her first single, Stars In The Water.

You’ve recently released your new single Stars in the Water. What has the reaction been like so far and is it what you expected?

I was so excited to hear that Stars In The Water had its first radio play yesterday. Actually, this is my first ever single so it was my first radio play ever as an artist!

Continue reading “Q&A with Monica Adair”

Exclusive EP Premiere: ‘Keeping Secrets’ by Ryan Daykin

It’s ironic that Ryan Daykin’s debut EP is called Keeping Secrets – as we’re choosing to do the complete opposite and give you an exclusive sneak peek! Featuring collaborations with Aleyce Simmonds and Hayley Marsten, whom we interviewed and premiered her music video of Coming Home last year; his influences stretch from Motown, to Shania Twain, and almost everything in between.

If you’re into earthy, country-alternative pop with strong hooks and compelling lyrical themes, then definitely take a moment to check out Ryan Daykin’s music.

Continue reading “Exclusive EP Premiere: ‘Keeping Secrets’ by Ryan Daykin”