Month: December 2020

This is a feel good Christmas song to cheer up the many people who have been effected by the ghastly COVID virus, with my song called “DON’T CANCEL CHRISTMAS!”.

I urge all music supervisors to get this song played on every radio station in the world! It’s a very positive perspective on a very negative situation the world finds itself in!

Written on the back deck of a housetruck on a broken ukulele and recorded during Victoria’s 7-month lockdown, Get Around is a lament that yearns for the open road, at the same time as trying to make peace with staying at home.

Featuring The Waifs’ Ben Franz, Dave Mann, Melanie Robinson (Tim Rogers/You Am I), Tim Bennett, Mal Webb and a bunch of other incredible Australian talent, Not Just Charlie is a new adult contemporary folk-roots project from Formidable Vegetable’s Charlie Mgee (who’s organic family-funk tunes have recently racked up high rotation on global radio behemoth SiriusXM) diving into what it means to be human in a time of unprecedented uncertainty, isolation and disconnection from community and country.

2020 marks 50 years since Paul McCartney released his self-titled first solo album. Featuring Paul playing every instrument and writing and recording every song, McCartney’s effortless charms have only grown in stature and influence over time. The chart-topping album would signify not only a creative rebirth for Paul, but also as a template for generations of indie and lo-fi musicians seeking to emulate its warm homespun vibe and timeless tunes including Maybe I’m Amazed, Every Night and The Lovely Linda.

The 1970s saw Paul forming his second band Wings and dominating the charts, stages and airwaves of the world, with multiple #1 singles, sold-out world tours, multi-million-selling albums including Band on the Run, Venus and Mars, Wings at the Speed of Sound, London Town and more. In 1980, 10 years from the release of McCartney, Paul wrapped up the decade of Wings with the surprise release of his second solo album, the electronic-tinged McCartney II. Once again featuring Paul entirely on his own, McCartney II would come to be regarded as a leftfield classic, with classic cuts such as Coming Up, Temporary Secretary and Waterfalls.

The 1980s saw Paul start again, this time kicking off an unprecedented solo run. The following four decades would see Paul’s iconic and legendary status grow exponentially, with solo masterpieces including Tug of War, Flowers in the Dirt, Pipes of Peace, Flaming Pie, Memory Almost Full and New, and massive live shows the world over – actually setting the World Record for the largest attendance at a concert. In 2018, 54 years since The Beatles first hit #1 on the Billboard Album Charts – Paul’s Egypt Station would be yet another historic #1 McCartney album.

Hard as it is to believe, it’s only been two years since Egypt Station released –and it was only last year that Paul’s Freshen Up tour played its last show before Covid hit pause on live music, a legendary blowout at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

Paul hadn’t planned to release an album in 2020, but in the isolation of “Rockdown,” he soon found himself fleshing out some existing musical sketches and creating even more new ones. Before long an eclectic collection of spontaneous songs would become McCartney III: a stripped back, self-produced and, quite literally, solo work marking the opening of a new decade, in the tradition of 1970’s McCartney and 1980’s McCartney II.

Recorded earlier this year in Sussex, McCartney III is mostly built from live takes of Paul on vocals and guitar or piano, overdubbing his bass playing, drumming, etc. atop that foundation. The process first sparked when Paul returned to an unreleased track from the early 90s, When Winter Comes (co-produced by George Martin). Paul crafted a new passage for the song, giving rise to album opener Long Tailed Winter Bird-while When Winter Comes, featuring its new 2020 intro Winter Bird, became the new album’s grand finale.

Speaking about III, Paul said: “I was living lockdown life on my farm with my family and I would go to my studio every day. I had to do a little bit of work on some film music and that turned into the opening track and then when it was done I thought what will I do next? I had some stuff I’d worked on over the years but sometimes time would run out and it would be left half-finished so I started thinking about what I had. Each day I’d start recording with the instrument I wrote the song on and then gradually layer it all up, it was a lot of fun. It was about making music for yourself rather than making music that has to do a job. So, I just did stuff I fancied doing. I had no idea this would end up as an album.”

Long Tailed Winter Bird and Winter Bird/When Winter Comes bookend McCartney III’s vast and intimate range of modes and moods, from soul searching to wistful, from playful to raucous and all points between – captured with some of the same gear from Paul’s Rude Studio used as far back as 1971 Wings sessions. And Paul’s array of vintage instruments he played on the new album have an even more storied history, including Bill Black of Elvis Presley’s original trio’s double bass alongside Paul’s own iconic Hofner violin bass, and a mellotron from Abbey Road Studios used on Beatles recordings, to name but a few.

In keeping with McCartney & McCartney II’s photography by Linda McCartney, the principal photos for III were shot by Paul’s daughter Mary McCartney-with additional photography by Paul’s nephew Sonny McCartney as well as photos Paul took on his phone (it’s a family affair). The cover art and typography is by celebrated American artist Ed Ruscha.

McCartney and McCartney II each saw Paul open up a new decade with reinvention, both personal and musical. Just as McCartney’s 1970 release marked Paul’s return to basics in the wake of the biggest band break-up in musical history, and the 1980 avant-garde masterpiece McCartney II rose from the ashes of Wings, McCartney III finds Paul back on his own, turning unexpected circumstances into a personal snapshot of a timeless artist at a unique point in history.

Tommy Capretto, a club hit-maker tweaks his tune up a bit with his new EP ‘Tysons Corner’. It’s a unique little town in Virginia which Capretto explains is, ‘Not really a location for me, but symbolically, a feeling’. This EP has Capretto in all his feelings explaining, ‘This EP came after a break-up, and I really wanted to create an album that showed the emotions from both sides.’ If you’re looking for an album that will bring out those raw feelings for your significant other, THIS ONE IS IT! – Out on Spotify NOW..

Tommy Capretto – Breath (Extended Mix) – 7A – 122 Deep Organ Synth House
Tommy Capretto – Breath (Original Mix) – 7A – 122 Deep Organ Synth House
Tommy Capretto – IGNITE (Extended Mix) – 4A – 124 Deep House
Tommy Capretto – IGNITE (Original Mix) – 4A – 124 Deep Organ Synth House
Tommy Capretto – Situationship (Extended Mix) – 4A – 123 House
Tommy Capretto – Situationship (Original Mix) – 4A – 123 House
Tommy Capretto – Voicemail (The Intro) – 7A – 122 Deep Introspection

It’s been an amazing week for South Australian singer-songwriter Dino Jag whose latest track “Christmas Day”, is looking like it’s becoming a new Christmas classic. Move over Mariah!

This feel-good track has already made it’s way out across the globe. From being used as an official Christmas song to even Tik Tok starting to buzz about it with the

#christmasdaychallenge about to become a thing. and we can’t wait to see what they do with it!

Dino is available for interviews to chat how this song came about and where it’s going, so get in early and “own” this as your official song too. And he’ll gladly record a Christmas message for your listeners, just ask.

Following her release of Sunshine early in 2020 (#12 on the Australian Christian Music Chart), Every Need (#9) and her beautiful Christmas release Wake the Earth, Anna releases WALKIN’ ON THE WATER a song that speaks to the confidence and joy we can experience when we boldly ‘step out of the boat’ in faith.

This is a fun, upbeat song with a retro-pop vibe. Sure to lift the spirits and have you humming the melody, long after the song has stopped.

“Sometimes I get stopped in my tracks and I become aware once more of how good life really is when I trust in God. Walkin’ On The Water is a celebration of God’s love and what freedom we can walk in when we trust God enough to take a step out of the boat, taking our eyes off the busyness around us and placing our focus on Him.
God doesn’t promise us an easy life, the storms will still come, but He will always be there with us in the middle of it, to lead us through, and that’s worth celebrating!” Anna Waters

Emily Wurramara today unveils her stunning new single Cruisin’, along with a moving music video that beautifully captures the essence of day-to-day life, spending time with friends and family, cruising around the neighbourhood.

The first song to come from her anticipated second studio album, due for release in 2021, Cruisin’ is the debut single for Emily’s new label home, ABC Music. It’s a poignant ballad that begins acoustic, stripped back and raw, before swelling into a melodic, uplifting showcase of Emily’s gorgeous vocal, and closing with a jubilant call and response.

Emily tells the story and inspiration behind Cruisin’ —

“I had no idea why I wrote it at the time; I was feeling trapped, isolated. I just wanted to cruise to a place that made me happy. Two weeks after I wrote the song my Godbrother Dion died in a car accident.
Dion was the only big brother I came to know in Meanjiin, he’d always look after me at parties, when we were out and about, and we fought exactly like brother and sister too.
I knew that this song was written for him.

“On the same day he passed I was performing at a festival in Queensland, it was one of the hardest shows I’ve ever done. I had Dion’s photo next to me whilst I sang.

I remember I had a CD signing after the show and I had so many people come up and say these beautiful things and this one Aunty came up and gave me the biggest hug and whispered to me, “It’s okay to live after death”. That really stuck with me.

“Cruisin’ is a universal word that also means “going somewhere”.

“It’s something we absolutely loved doing together, it’s something that Dion loved doing.”

Filmed in Meeanjin (Brisbane) where Emily now lives, the video shows the artist with her mob, spending time cruising through suburban streets and backyards. Powerful in its simplicity, it’s a stirring reminder to take stock of the everyday, to find joy in life’s simple moments.

Hailing from Groote Eylandt, Emily Wurramara is an important First Nations voice.

“Beyond her years in spirit and talent, Emily always sounds like the wise and bright voice of the soul breaking free.” – Nkechi Anele, triple j

“A teacher and encourager, not just of her people but her whole audience, young and old, of all cultural backgrounds… Emily Wurramara has a humble, genuine style as she tells important stories of her people and her family” – Glen Tozer, BlankGC

Released in 2018, Emily’s long awaited debut album Milyakburra gained critical praise, earning her an ARIA Award nomination for Best Blues and Roots Album that year, a NIMA nomination for Album of the Year, and four 2019 Queensland Music Award nominations. The album claimed the AIR Award for Best Independent Blues and Roots Album in 2019.

She has toured with the likes of Mavis Staples, and in 2021 Emily will take in dates around the country joining Missy Higgins, Amy Shark, The Cat Empire, John Butler, The Teskey Brothers and more. Plus her own headlines dates to be announced soon… Stay tuned!

Legendary singer, songwriter and producer Barry Gibb has today released ‘Butterfly’, the latest single from his upcoming project ‘Greenfields’. Featuring Gillian Welch and David Rawlings, the track is the final track on the album to be released January 8.

Across the twelve tracks on the record, Barry has collaborated with Alison Krauss, Brandi Carlile, David Rawlings, Dolly Parton, Gillian Welch, Jason Isbell, Jay Buchanan, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Miranda Lambert, Olivia Newton-John, Sheryl Crow and Tommy Emmanuel.

Of the experience, Barry Gibb shares, “From the first day we stepped into RCA Studios in Nashville (the very place where Elvis, Willie, Waylon, Roy, the Everly Brothers and so many other legends made their magic) the album took on a life of its own. I couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to work with Dave and all the artists who stopped by. They were all incredibly generous with their time and talent. They inspired me more than words can express. I feel deep down that Maurice and Robin would have loved this album for different reasons. I wish we could have all been together to do it…but I think we were.”

With a career spanning more than five decades, Sir Barry Gibb stands as one of the most renowned and celebrated musicians of the modern era. As co-founder and creative leader of the Brothers Gibb-better known to the world as the Bee Gees-Barry with his brothers, Maurice and Robin, represent one of the most successful vocal groups in rock and roll history, having sold more than 200 million albums to date. With nine #1 singles as a performer, Barry is also amongst the most successful songwriters of all-time (with sixteen #1 singles) and is seventh on the list of most successful producers (with fourteen #1 singles). He is also tied with John Lennon and Paul McCartney for most #1 singles in a calendar year with seven. Among his many awards and honors are eight Grammy Awards, the Grammy Legend Award and, most recently, the 2015 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. He is also the recipient of the American Music Awards Lifetime Achievement Award, the BMI Icon Award, four BMI Songwriter of the Year Awards, four BMI Song of the Year Awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2004, Barry received one of Britain’s highest honors when the Bee Gees were made Commanders of the British Empire and, in 2018, was Knighted “Sir Barry Gibb” by Prince Charles for his services to music and charity.

UK Pop Artist ALLEGRA follows Up Her #1 Dance Single with the Feel Good Bop, “Do What I Want” Rising UK pop artist Allegra releases her hotly anticipated new single “Do What I Want” on Radikal Records. For your consideration with a recommendation from Kings.

Allegra – Do What I Want (Alex Gaudino & Dyson Kellerman Remix Edit – 5A – 123 Piano House
Allegra – Do What I Want (Alex Gaudino & Dyson Kellerman Ext Remix Inst – 5A – 123 Piano House
Allegra – Do What I Want (Block & Crown Remix Edit – 4A – 120 House
Allegra – Do What I Want (Guz Remix Edit – 6B – 125 Deep Bass House
Allegra – Do What I Want (JAK CITY Dub Mix – 5A – 122 Organ Synth Piano House
Allegra – Do What I Want (JAK CITY Remix Edit – 5A – 122 Organ Synth Piano House
Allegra – Do What I Want (LET US DANCE! Remix Edit – 5B – 122 Pop Dance

FIRST-EVER OFFICIAL ANTHOLOGY COLLECTS 26 PREVIOUSLY RELEASED SONGS, INCLUDING “SEVEN NATION ARMY,” “FELL IN LOVE WITH A GIRL,” “HOTEL YORBA,” AND MANY MORE

Third Man Records and Columbia Records have released The White Stripes Greatest Hits, the first-ever official anthology of recordings from the iconic rock duo, Jack and Meg White. This essential, career-spanning set collects 26 previously released songs including “Seven Nation Army,” “Fell In Love With A Girl,” “Hotel Yorba,” “Dead Leaves And The Dirty Ground,” “Hello Operator,” “Icky Thump,” “Apple Blossom,” and more. The White Stripes Greatest Hits is available now digitally worldwide and will be available on vinyl (2xLP black vinyl) and CD on February 12, 2021.