An Interview with Jody Direen

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Jody Direen is making big waves in Australia. The New Zealand country music singer/songwriter, who just recently toured with the Wolfe Brothers, moved to Australia and released her third studio album; sat down to talk about touring, lyrics and the importance of fashion.

You were born and raised in New Zealand but recently made the move over to Australia. Welcome to our amazing country. Why the move?

Basically, career opportunities … also the weather (laughs). It’s obviously the next step for me. I’ve been based in New Zealand for the last ten years of my career and I feel like I’ve achieved most of what I’ve wanted to achieve there. The next step was to come over here; and things started happening over here, doors started being opened, I started getting some festival spots and then, obviously, when I signed with ABC, it was kind of a no-brainer.

I feel very at home here now. I’m based in Brisbane at the moment [but] I’m thinking of moving to New South Wales next year. But I’m loving Australia; everyone’s so friendly and helps each other out from what I’ve seen so far anyway.

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Barmah Kingfisher Cruise in Photos

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What: Barmah – Kingfisher Cruises
When: 2nd October, 2016
Where: Barmah, Victoria

While away for the Deni Ute Muster, I went on this fabulous cruise on the Murray River. Thanks to our host, John, for his humour, knowledge and hospitality.
For more information, please visit: http://kingfishercruises.com.au/index.html

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An Interview with Gord Bamford

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Australian-born, Canadian-raised Gord Bamford is a father, country singer-songwriter, and multi-award winner – he’s won 23 CCMA Awards to boast, so he’s kind of a big deal! Making up one seventh of acts appearing alongside the Wolfe Brothers on their This Crazy Life multi-festival Australian tour; I caught up with Gord, on the last weekend of the tour in Queensland, to talk about starting over, Australia and living up to the tour name.

Have you picked up any slang while you’ve been down here?

I’m picking it up. I love the accent – I wish I could get it back. A lot of people say they like the accent I’ve got, I go, “I’ll trade ya!” I left here when I was five so I spent most of my years in Alberta, Canada, but I live in Nashville with my family now. I don’t think it’d be hard to pick it up as I spend more time here.

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Touring In November: Son Little

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Son Little is an American Soul/R&B musician who hails from Philadelphia, and he will be bringing his soulful sound to Australia later this month, performing solo shots in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales and the Northern Territory, in support of his self-titled debut album.

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An Interview with The Settlement

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The Settlement, a Victorian alternative/folk band from the rural town of Hamilton, are anything but settled these days. A rising star of the music scene, The Settlement are about to embark on the second leg of a nationwide tour, off the back of the release of their new single She’s Alright, and in anticipation of their forthcoming album.

Before they hit the road again, the guys from The Settlement – Calvano (vocals, guitar), Baker (bass), Matty (violin), Jase (guitar) and Harry (drums) – kindly sat down with me to discuss their new single She’s Alright, their soon-to-be-released album and what the future holds.

Hi guys – Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions today, I’ll start by asking how you all came together and how long you’ve been together for now?

Cheers, thanks for taking the time to ask a few questions. The band started a long time ago in Hamilton, Vic. It’s only a small town so there wasn’t many young peeps playing tunes, so I suppose we just gravitated towards each other. Along the way we’ve met other musicians and if they on the same vibe they slotted in. The Settlement has been going for about 2 years, but we’ve been jamming and gigging with each other for about 6 years.

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