Month: November 2020

We’ve got the latest release from world-renowned Beverly Knight, The Queen of British Soul.

An original Christmas single, created for the soundtrack of The Loss Adjuster, the film features a star-studded cast of Dame Joan Collins, Martin Kemp, Luke Goss – Out December 1st

Queen of British Soul Beverly Knight has been one of the UK’s most consistent artists for over two decades, highlighted by gold and platinum-selling albums, 14 Top 40 hits, sold-out tours, 3 MOBO Awards, several Brit Award and Mercury Music Prize nominations plus even an Olivier Award nomination for her more recent formidable parallel career in musical theatre.

Sheppard’s latest single, Solid Gold, confirmed as the Olympic theme song on the NBC network in the USA

The latest monthly single from pop powerhouse Sheppard, Solid Gold, is the 11th track from their upcoming album, Kaleidoscope Eyes and it has already caught the eyes of fans in the USA with the track being picked up as the Olympic song for NBC network. With the band nearing the end of their yearlong project and inching closer to summer they unveil their feel good song with lead singer George explaining. “The song is about forgetting your insecurities, letting go of the worries of the past, and celebrating all the good things in life. It’s about coming out of the cold darkness of winter and stretching out in the warm, safe golden glow of the sunshine.”

THE STORY SO FAR

Boasting over 3,000,000 monthly listeners per month on Spotify, over 740,000,000 across all platforms and a handful of #1’s and Top ten hits in countries around the world, Brisbane’s Sheppard have already achieved more than most bands could dream of in their lifetime.

As the band- now a core three piece of founding members and siblings George, Amy and Emma – prepare to release their third album early 2021, they’re sounding more assured and effortless as ever, building anticipation as they drip feed their songs every month.

“Kaleidoscope Eyes is an album dedicated to the wonders of love in every form. With love, the world is a more colourful place. Spread it, make it, give it, feel it, appreciate it and do your best not to lose it” – George Sheppard

When Savannah exploded onto the country music scene this past February, no one could have predicted that her debut single, “We Are Us,” would have raced to the top of the international iTunes charts (#1 South Africa.) The track has since racked up an astonishing 150K Spotify streams and over 36K views on Youtube. In fact, the uplifting and inspirational song has been one of the bright spots in a somewhat dismal, pandemic-shuttered 2020.

Now, the Nebraska native is looking to duplicate the success of “We Are Us” with her follow-up. “Terror In Disguise” will be released on Black Friday, November 27th, 2020 on MTS Records. Written by Joie Scott, Larry King, Molly Svrcina and Eric Varnell, “Terror In Disguise” was produced by industry veteran Bryan Cole (Matt Westin, Ashley Puckett) and engineered by Grammy Winner Steve Marcantonio (Taylor Swift, Blake Shelton.) Grammy nominee, Maor Appelbaum mastered the track.

“Terror In Disguise” is representative of an artist taking her time to curate a body of work that authentically depicts who she is as an artist,” says TunedLoud Magazine. “It’s a powerful narrative and because of that, a memorable composition. The track showcases all of Savannah Nider’s chops, and an artist unafraid to blaze her own trail.”

ABOUT SAVANNAH: Savannah Nider was born and raised in Pawnee City, Nebraska, a small town in the southeast corner of the state with about 900 people. She grew up passionate about family, sports, speech, and of course… music. At a young age, her big voice turned the heads of some prominent industry figures. At 15, Savannah was given the opportunity to work along side Geno LeSage, Steve Cox, and Kenny Royster who were involved in the careers of Grammy award-winning artists including Collin Raye and many others. This small-town girl with the big voice is making waves on the international scene, reaching #1 on the iTunes country singles chart in South Africa with “We Are Us.”

‘Set Me On Fire’ started Aaron’s career and is still one of the songs that resonates most with people. He wrote the song at the lowest point of his life, as he looked forward to better days. It’s about anything that could go wrong, going wrong, but knowing there was light at the end of the tunnel.

Aaron Jurd is an artist who continues to grow with each year, with 2020 seeing him playing headline gigs at the Tamworth Country Music Festival, and winning a top songwriting award. In January 2020, the Lake Macquarie artist was a finalist in the prestigious Tamworth Songwriters Association Awards and Australian Country Music People’s Choice Awards. He took home the highly sought-after APRA AMCOS TSA New Songwriter of the Year and was then named among the artists for the Bluewater Country Music Festival and Country on Keppel.

In 2019, Aaron played the Deni Ute Muster, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Bluewater Country Music Festival, and Hats Off to Country and took on management to further his professional music career and played gigs from southern to northern NSW. The award-winning singer-songwriter released his fourth single, ‘If You Were Mine’, charted on the iTunes Country Songs Chart and continues to enjoy airplay on KIX Country, ABC Country, and the Country Music Channel.

The country artist graduated from The CMAA Academy, performed at the Official Opening Concert of the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Golden Guitar Awards with O’Shea, all in 2018. He has also written songs with award-winning artists including Gina Jeffreys and Allan Caswell.

Releasing consecutive top 20 charting singles, his debut EP now out, and more major performances on the horizon, Aaron is cementing his position in Australian country music.

Nearly a year to-the-day since releasing the debut single Her, Tasmanian-based artist Medhanit is releasing her second single Same Things on November 26. Born in the African country of Ethiopia and adopted at the age of 6 months, Medhanit grew up around music. “It feels like it was inevitable; as a baby, I would nap in the sound room at my Dads music store, so I like to think that had something to do with my passion for music now”.

The past year has been a year of growth for Medhanit, expanding sonically with this release to create a song that is more a blend of organic and produced sounds. Medhanit reflects, “in a year where circumstances have drastically changed for everyone, this single represents many months of adjusting and reflection. The world was forced to slow down; it allowed me to fully absorb the creative process this time.” After developing a great working relationship with producer Jack McLaine(Sumner) on the debut single, Jack was a natural choice for Same Things . To introduce the organic elements, they called on Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire, The Bamboos) for horns, Ben Edgar (Angus & Julia Stone, Passenger ) for guitars. The single was mixed by John Castle (Cub Sport, Hatchie) and mastered by Grammy Award winner William Bowden (Gotye, Abbe May, Winston Surfshirt).

Same Things was co-written with Jack McLaine and Reuben Koops. After Medhanit heard Reuben’s lyrics for the first verse, which spoke of an unhealthy co-dependence, a theme for the song emerged. They experimented with the idea of a casual but willing emotional addiction to something that’s no longer serving you. The end result is a bright, bouncy pop track about an objectively dysfunctional relationship that exists mainly out of convenience and comfort.

Medhanit explains, “it’s like when you’re complaining about your ex over drinks with friends, outlining how you’re straight-up incompatible. Meanwhile, everyone (including you) is aware of whose house you’ll be heading to at the end of the night. Both parties recognise a cycle of destructive behaviours but neither seem pressed to do much about it; self-aware but too co-dependent to change. There’s the feeling that you know each other inside out and don’t work together. You don’t want each other to be with anyone else. At the end of the day, despite how much or little they love each other, the same behav- iours repeat, informing the song title Same Things”.

Influenced by Tkay Maidza, Angie McMahon and Benee, it’s no wonder Medhanit’s songs have been described as ‘an assertive blend of youthful production and introspective lyrics’. “Tkay Maidza inspires me, not only musically but also generally. Her aesthetic and image is next level; her sonic evolution, stage presence and social voice are incredible”.

There’s an unstoppable energy that exudes alt-pop act A is for Arrows. Driven by the radiant vocals of Toronto native Alessia Balasbas, the young artist has made a stunning impression since debuting in the fall of 2019. While noting her earliest influences as Michael Jackson, Sade and Destiny’s Child, the music of A is for Arrows is a unique brand of alternative pop. Fans of No Doubt, Charli XCX and the 1975 can all find something to love in A is for Arrow’s striking pop sensibility. The project’s blending of contemporary beats, soft synths and heartfelt lyrics has made A is for Arrows a project to watch in Toronto’s eclectic music scene and on the world stage alike.

With the anticipated release of the debut EP, Roses on November 20, a highly personal, vulnerable, and self-evaluating collection of songs with a get-back-up resilience, produced by Joel Stouffer (bülow, Dragonette, Carys, Ria Mae), A is for Arrows has already made an impression with listeners through the evocative and emotional synergy found amongst her music. From the fear and anxiety expressed in “Talking In My Sleep” to the self-confidence of “Go Slow,” the loneliness of “Without You” to the maturity of the project’s debut track “Roses,” A is for Arrows offers a complicated dive into the feelings and turmoil of the coming to age journey. In addition to the latest infectious track “Can’t Stop”, the seven track EP will introduce two new songs for fans to relish with “Every Now and Then” and “All The Stars”.

Less than a year out, A is For Arrows has already gained the attention of industry and tastemakers alike, having earned praises from the likes of SiriusXM, Wonderland Magazine, Popdust, Atwood Magazine, and Buzz Music LA, in addition to being added to a variety of popular playlists such as Spotify’s It’s a Bop, New Music Friday, Fresh Finds: Pop; Apple Music’s New In Pop; and Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch, Fresh Pop and Brand New Music, to name a few. An impressive feat for any new artist, A is for Arrows has already gained national acclaim with Top 40 radio hit “Talking In My Sleep”.

Whether it’s the glisten of Alessia’s infectious voice, or the raw honesty in her songwriting, one thing is certain – there is a rarity about a project such as A is for Arrows.

Country music recording artist Jason Owen is gearing up for massive 2020 festive period with the release of his first ever Christmas single So This is Christmas.

Jason recorded the cover of the classic John Lennon song to coincide with his charity run this year for Doin It for Rural Aussie Kids, which raises funds for children doing it tough in regional areas.

“I’ve wanted to release this cover version for a while now as the words really resonate with what I’ve been trying to achieve with my charity, as it implores people to reflect on what they’ve done throughout the year,” Jason said. “Rural Aussie kids in particular have had a really hard time this year with the drought, bushfires and economic fallout from COVID and need support.

“Next year marks the 50th anniversary of when this iconic song was first released so I’m honoured to be singing such an impactful, timeless tribute. I also had a group of kids from the Blue Mountains – one of the bushfire-affected areas – singing the backing tracks which made it even more poignant. I hope it will bring joy to people.”

Jason will shortly embark on an epic drive covering 10,000 kms in 10 days across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and Victoria in line with restrictions to personally deliver funds, toys, gifts and groceries to more than 500 children in need, supporting local businesses along the way. Major sponsors include Coles, Big W, Officeworks, Bunnings and Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

The charity recently called for families and organisations to be beneficiaries of for this year and received more than 1,000 worthy nominations. “This is the second year we’ll be doing the charity drive meeting some of the most courageous children in the nation,” said Jason. “These kids have been through unbelievable challenges such as horrendous medical treatment, lost a parent through illness, experienced serious farming accidents and been rocked to the core by drought and bushfires. This year has been unprecedented so we’re hoping this will bring deserving rural kids a little cheer.”

A proportion of funds raised through sales of So This is Christmas will be donated to Doin It for Rural Aussie Kids.

Bursting onto the Australian Music Scene in 2012 as runner up of the X-Factor, Jason launched his debut album Life Is A Highway which debuted at number one on the ARIA Country Chart and number five on the Australian National ARIA Chart. He has since released three more albums; Friday Night containing his first original hit Damn Right, Proud, his first all-originals album celebrating his First Nations background and most lately, Jason Owen Sings John Denver: the 20th Anniversary.

Emerging from Brisbane via the Gold Coast, Phoebe Sinclair is the latest voice on the Australian pop landscape.

The self-confessed emotional wreck, turned sad-banger songstress, is making an impact with her combination of soulful vocals and intriguing lyricism.

“Whiplash” was written with long-time writing partner Lara Frew & Brisbane’s Jeremy Neale (from Velociraptor) and discusses the gruelling nature of doing all you can to keep a relationship going only to be met with lukewarm responses.

‘Have you ever had a relationship that involved someone telling you, “you are the only person who can fix what’s wrong”, only to then in fact be an isolated outlet for them to take their issues out on? I have, and it sucked. I’d go out of my way to do whatever I could to help this person, believing that I really was the only person that could help. Any rational outsider can see how one-sided and irredeemable this relationship is but when you’re in the thick of it it’s easy to excuse irrational behaviour in exchange for feeling special. Much like Whiplash, it knocks you about and the side-effects will likely last longer than anticipated.’

Her live show is backed by a 4-piece all girl ensemble and Sinclair oozes confidence and power, her electro anthems have an inescapable energy and an empowering attitude, reminiscent of pop powerhouses Robinson, Wafia & Ellie Goulding.

Influenced by kick-ass women in music, Sinclair co-founded the songwriting duo Middleman alongside Lara Frew. Together the pair has written with artists in the US, Canada, Sweden, France, Lebanon, New Zealand, Germany, Netherlands, Peru, UK and at home in Australia. Having spent the past couple years writing for other artists, Sinclair’s own music bites with a newfound understanding of herself, what she stands for, and how her experiences can connect to listeners.

Selling out her early 2020 show at Brisbane’s Milk Factory, Sinclair’s performances are an experience not to be missed. Performing at BIGSOUND 2018’s Gold Coast showcase, supporting artist for Melbourne’s dreamy sad-pop artist Elizabeth, a sold-out 2020 show with Sofar Sounds, and at a string of sets at high calibre festivals including Surfers Paradise Live, Brisbane Festival &

*Bleach Festival, “Sinclair has all the markers to be Australia’s next big breakout artist.”

Colin Wylie is known for his work with Blinker the Star, a Canadian indie band that signed with A&M (USA) and then DreamWorks barely out of their teens. Then came the ‘Hinterlandband’ project, whose compositions have been placed in programming for Muchmusic (CAN), NBC (USA), CTV (CAN), MTV (US & UK), Fox (USA), CBC (CAN), The CW Network (USA) and PBS (USA). What inspired you to record it? ‘The recent ‘six months in quarantine‘ and ‘Six Months in a Leaky Boat‘ parallel, triggered the idea to finally properly treat & release this recording. Adrian Popovich (Sam Roberts Band) completed the mixing and grammy award winning Phil Bova (Bahamas), the mastering. The song was performed & recorded so well it needed to be properly shared. This recording is the last recorded performance I had with my friend & bass player Marc Leblanc. He passed away in 2016 unexpectedly. It is hoped that this serves to commemorate his larger-than-life existence on this planet, and be of consolation to his son Dylan. Do you have anything you’d like to say about this track? ‘I first heard the original Split Endz version while living in Montreal on the mighty CHOM FM. It made an immediate impression on me and I filed it away in the ‘songs I’d love to cover’ compartment. Time later, we began playing it live and audiences loved hearing it. I decided to commit it to tape. www.colinwylie.com