Ash Grunwald is a soulful bluesman in the most pure sense. Raised in outer Melbourne, he first picked up a guitar at the sprightly age of ten. “My granddad, who is from South Africa, would play bass and I would play with him,” he recalls. “He used to do a lot of home recordings. I’ve often speculated how much that was an influence, because everything I play now is like one big bass line.”

 

 

 

  

Considered by fans & music critics alike as one of the few authentic Dub/Reggae groups to come out of Australia, THE RED-EYES are a 10-piece monster band that has been shaking foundations around the country with their heavyweight bass & mind-altering Dub sound. Arming themselves with bass, drums, guitar, keyboards, percussion, trumpet, sax, trombone and live dubs, THE RED-EYES are led by fiery singer El Witeri who draws on his Maori heritage for inspiration. THE RED-EYES live show is nothing short of incendiary. The pressure builds with melodic slow-burners and sci-fi dub and erupts with fist-in-the-air militant reggae.

 

 

 

 

 Toothfaries

The Toothfaeries became one of Brisbane’s most popular bands during the 1990s. An integral part of the explosion of the local live music scene in the early part of the decade, they were intimately associated with the birth and survival of The Zoo, Brisbane’s most enduring music venue. Playing roots music before the category existed, their acoustic folk/pop sound was joyful, passionate, and made them a staple of the Maleny/Woodford and Australian National Folk Festivals, although the band also played repeatedly at Livid and the Big Day Out. The Toothfaeries released three CDs, with the first release I Believe and final album Where still sought after today.

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Strings have been described as one of Brisbane’s finest purveyors of grooved out dub. Their soulful tracks and bangin' party tunes have captured the attention of many. A range of diverse backgrounds and influences give them a smorgasbord of sounds, a veritable buffet of fresh beats, bass and acoustic grooves to please the most discerning appetite. From the rich deep Polynesian vocal harmonies of female vocalists Ofa Fanaika, Nia Falekakala and Nicole McWalters to the smokin' sax of Josh "Bachelor of Jazz" Appleby, these cats serve up a set where the only thing you can be sure of is leaving with a smile on your dial and sore legs from dancing.

 

 

 

 

Byron Bay’s FYAH WALK continues to push the boundaries of reggae in Australia with audacity and skill. Following the success of their debut release ‘Sunrise Red’, FYAH WALK’s epic new 14-track album ‘OCEAN SOUNDS’ recorded in Melbourne over four days under the engineering expertise of producer Damien Charles (aka 'King Charlie’ of the Red Eyes) then mastered by France’s Daniel Fournier on a 1959 Fairchild Compressor Limiter – an extremely rare and legendary piece of sound equipment. The result is a powerful and addictive album that covers a lot of territory, revealing FYAH WALK’s textured and authentic Virgin Islands reggae style.

 

 

 

 

 Spawned from the fiery pits of Melbourne, cutting their teeth in the underground theatre scene and with the taste of blood on their lips, 7 piece ensemble The Barons of Tang bastardize mainly traditional gypsy and tango feels to inappropriate perfection. With accordion, double bass, saxophone and tuba to name just a few, the outfit create what they call ‘gypsy death-core’. The catchy tunes and punk ethos all tie together to mean one thing…dancing is inevitable!

 

 

 

 

Mihirangi has been on a global whirlwind which has seen her astonishing one woman show capture and mesmerize audiences in Canada, USA, Australia and Aotearoa. She has quickly become a favourite at festivals across the world and has had the privilege of performing with the likes of K'Naan, Public Enemy, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Sly and Robbie, Lee Scratch Perry, Blue King Brown, The Resin Dogs, Salmonella Dub and Ladi6.

 

 

 

 

Gold Coast based world music band A FRENCH BUTLER CALLED SMITH have been performing their high energy Latin, funk ,instrumental fusion over a 2 year period to ever increasing audiences on Australia's East Coast. The initial creators behind this all organic dance music sound were acoustic guitar aficionado (Scott French), bass maestro (Jake ‘the Butler’ Martin) and respected world percussion artist (Brennan Smith). These original members have now been joined by esteemed musicians Mark ‘Gibbo’ Gibson on saxophone and Liam ‘Rasta’ Dorney on trumpet and it has invariably lifted the energy of the band and their multi-layered sounds of Latin, gypsy, world-roots and funk to ecstatically captivating levels.They are all consuming to watch, and it is impossible to keep your feet still once you are within the energy realms of their music.

  

 

 

 

Straight out of Brunswick’s bohemia come Rapskallion dressed in their decrepit finery, singing songs of the open road, blue stone alleyways, fruit falling from the trees and the seven seas, Rapskallion, reminiscent of 20's Paris Bohemia transported to a Romanian tavern and then set adrift on the high seas. The Skallions defy explanation with a glint in their eye and a dagger in their teeth. Add a pinch of hip hop, vaudevillian sensibilities, a curly moustache and a startling array of hats, Rapskallion will inspire with their mix of quirky lyrics and rustic, rowdy and romantic accordion driven dance tunes!

  

 

 

 

Kooii rises from Brisbane and shines a vibe of the city and it’s surrounds. Its music strikes a chord with young and old. Songwriter, singer and trumpet player, Peter Hunt, provides the seeds of most of the groups songs. He is joined by Dom Hede (drums), Tom Hinchliffe (bass), Lachlan Mitchell (guitar), Drew Stephens (guitar) and Darcy McNulty (sax). Together they create the groups’ distinctive flow and sound that reflects the members’ love for reggae, jazz, african and folk music. Their album ‘Beads on a String’ released in 2005 inspires much interest and respect for the music from general listeners and reviewers in Australia and overseas.

 

 

 

 

 Ten years ago, in Brisbane, Australia, a group of young men were drawn together by a mutual appreciation and unusual combination of jazz, funk, alcohol and 18th Century Russian and Czech writers. The music that came forth was instantly their own, dynamic, rhythmic, quirky and soul full, thus Kafka was formed. Ever expanding and contracting, the core of Kafka is four dedicated artists, guitarist Lachlan Mitchell, saxophonist Darcy McNulty, bassist Tom Hinchliffe, and drummer Dominic Hede. Featuring in a number of superb bands such as the Gypsy band Doch, Bobby Flynn and the Omega Three, Reggae group Kooii and the intriguing Mr Laneous & The Family Yah. Kafka have earned their own fantastic reputation for their brilliant live shows, relentless gigging and hold the leading light of Brisbane’s emerging soul-funk scene.

 

 

 

 

Tijuana Cartel houses Paul George and Carey O'sullivan as co-producers, guitarists and keyboard players. Regan Hoskins as MC & Daniel Gonzalez on latin percussion and a growing list of guests as live feature artists featuring DJ Freddie FlyFingaz, Trumpet Player Shannon Van Horn and Adam Dann on Djembe & Darabukka.

 

 

 

 

 

Kingfisha are a 5 piece reggae band from Brisbane. They have a wealth of live experience, featuring in some of Brisbane’s most prominent bands over the last five years. They have taken the Jamaican rhythms and infused them with honest songwriting and strong melodies to create their own sound… Honest, Australian Reggae. They began as a studio project with Anthony Forrest, Andrew Stephens and Shannon Green, following the disbandment of dub/electro act ‘Promiscuous’. In 2008 the live band was formed and they released their debut EP, “Promises”. In the second half of 2008 Kingfisha did a spectacular variety of shows including supporting Katchafire (N.Z), Reggae Town Festival (Cairns), Cairns on Collins Street Festival, Island Vibes Festival (Stradbroke Island) and an East Coast tour.

 

 

 

 

Brett Orr was raised on a solid diet of Stevie Wonder, Cream, Chain, John Mayall, Cold Chisel, Hendrix, and of course his father's local legendary blues band. He had a promising future as a keys player until he saw Led Zeppelin's John Bonham perform 'Moby Dick' on "The Song Remains The Same" video and decided to be a drummer.

Brett is now based in Queensland, Australia and has returned to his roots as a keyboard player/singer. In his free time he has slowly been crafting his debut solo album "Foundations", due for release soon.

 

 

 

 

What do you get when you cross Funky Rock n' Roots a slide guitar and a soulfull voice ? Mick McCombe Band.

Mick lets loose on his Lap Slide Guitars and accoustic finger picking styles to great effect with the rockin rythems.Heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies are the centrepoint in an instramental onslought. Be sure to check these local boys,There high energy shows have been leaving crowds wanting more!

 

 

 

 

Canta la Tumba, celebrates the cultural song and style of Afro/Latin music, with a repertoire born and influenced by bands such as the Buena Vista Social Club, Afro Cuban All Stars and Santana.

The use of rich Latin song, acoustic guitar, double bass, bongos, congas and trumpet in the Canta la Tumba show, evokes the haunting and playful sound of music most popularized within the Cuban bar and cafe ‘sontero’ tradition.

 

 

 

 

 The Cool Calm Collective are emerging as the reggae, soul band to watch in 2009. Rounding out 2008 with a top 5 nomination in the MusicOz awards and kicking off 2009 with an earth shattering set at the Gold Coast Big Day Out as well as releasing their first EP (The Pauses and Progressions EP), its shaping up to be a stellar year for the GC/Brisvegas 7 piece. "If you haven't checked out a live show yet or got your greasy mittens on a copy of the EP then do so immediately" - Soren Walker.

 

 

 

 

Byron Bay's Deb Bond is an independent singer/songwriter/musician who performs a Folk, Roots and Rhythm based style on mandolin, acoustic lapsteel guitar, six string guitar, stomp box and tambourine, accompanied by rich, dynamic vocals and melodies. Her music draws from Folk, Blues, Country and Celtic roots in a way, “That’s both fresh and traditional sounding.” (Jo Brew, Beat Streetpress, Melbourne, 2002). Recent years have seen Deb play shows at The Espy, St.Kilda to remote venues in the Northern Territory. Woodford Folk Festival and Byron Bay's Fatherhood Festival to small coastal towns. Her live performances are passionate and original and Deb currently tours the East Coast a majority of the time.

 

 

 

 

Noel Gardner, Alex Bridge and Wendy Hodgins are a captivating folk trio from Maleny on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. Noel’s heart-felt original songs tell stories about our land, our environment, our politics, our lives and our hearts; the finely crafted lyrics come to life when sung by his and Alex’s beautifully harmonising voices. With Noel’s accomplished finger picking on acoustic guitar, Alex’s sensitive bass guitar and Wendy’s melodic accompaniment on piano, this band will take you on a song-filled journey through our landscape and beyond.

 

 

 

 

Imandan are the freshest new shoots to spring up from the young OZ Dub/ Reggae crop, drawing from deep roots in the North Coast of N.S.W.

Following the release of their Live & Remixed Debut Album 'One Drop', this kooky cool seven piece is as stylin', as it is original.

Making their presence felt on the north nsw coast scene, with some freaky phat shows, (including... Island Vibe, Exodus, Earthfreq, Mardigrass festivals & gigs at Byron's Beach Hotel, Buddha Bar & more)...

Imandan is being embraced by crowds everywhere their smooth,soulful & truly heavyweight sounds are heard.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Renowned for her adventurous & varied mix of genres, this young wordsmith delivers fresh folk, philosophy & soul, led by a powerful vocal freedom & a sassy, yet sincere stage manner. Whether performing with her band or in the timeless singer/songwriter style, her vibrant compositions blend intimacy, melody & groove with an explosive sense of narrative, poetry & experimentation. Within a sound that shifts between hard-hitting & mellow, Georgia, as the singer & poet, possesses the fragility of Laura Marling, the bite & depth of Ani Difranco, the conviction, power & groove of Lauryn Hill, tied together with a charm that is completely her own

 

 

 

 

South-East Queensland locals, Grassroots Street Orchestra, have created a formidable reputation and a dedicated following throughout Eastern Australia with their captivating original sound, and intense, high-energy live performances. Their unique style is a potent mix of passionate, politically charged, eloquent hip-hop lyricism, underpinned by exotic, progressive sounds from a jaw-dropping live instrumental lineup.

 

 

 

 

Hayden found himself busking in the UK and gigging for 5 years before realising Australia was calling and so, heading to Australia, set up in Melbourne.  After 3 years in Melbourne, Hayden moved to the Sunshine Coast for warmer weather and evolve his unique sound.

 

Soon the lads (Mitch Ruggles and Dean Owen)came together for a jam, and it felt like they had been jamming spiritually for the last 10 years together.  Everything clicked and they all realised this was going to be a fun journey of music experience. Over the last few months the band has enhanced the initial musical vision towards creating a beautiful musical atmosphere.  If you enjoy all shapes and colours of music - Jazz, Blues, Funk, Rock and Reggae, then you are sure not be disappointed. 

 

 

 

 

Music is a language. A means of personal expression that transcends all boundaries. It is truly an amazing aspect of human nature. For us the love of music has opened many doors and closed none, indeed i don't think music ever closed its door to anyone. We encourage people to celebrate, contemplate and investigate life through music, it is an incredible tool.

 

 

 

  

I love to make music and to help others to access their untapped potential for performance. This is what makes for great music. Not si much the best gear in the world, but a moment and a feeling that is captured accurately.

 

I also want to share some of my unique ways of seeing and feeling the world in the form of my songs. I sincerely hope that you enjoy or at the very least feel something when you listen to these songs.

 

 

 

 

In the misty hills of Maleny, in the back of a motorcycle workshop, there was a man and his guitar penning songs of love gained, love lost, and the mysterious and sometimes cruel irony of life's journey. The man's name is Kelly Cork, Guitarist, Singer, Songwriter, Mechanical Engineer, third generation Malenyite.

 

Born and bred in the hinterland, Kelly started strumming the guitar as a youngster and by the age of fifteen was regularly requested to play at parties and clubs. In 1983 he formed the band Barbed Wire playing mostly covers and touring around the South East QLD area. He later formed Lisa's Ordeal with Lisa Fitton and co-wrote some of the songs for her album 'Life at the Blue Moon Cafe', which has been popular with community and country radio stations around Australia. Kelly's song writing talents and guitar prowess have become legendary, and word is spreading fast.

 

 

 

   

inannas wish is a collaboration of matt connelly & dean peachey, both multi instrumentalists from various backgrounds incorporating guitar & traditional wind instruments including shakuhachi, celtic flutes, whistles, uilleann pipes & didgeridoo. Residing in byron shire in northern nsw they frequent the mullumbimby folk club, and also enjoy surfing , scubadiving , fire twirling , gardening and jamming at local markets with anyone who's lookin' to jam.

 

 

 

  

Jimmy Willing & The Real Gone Hick-Ups are like no other act you’ve ever seen. Compelling and daring to push the boundaries, Wiling’s band is a stagecoach that he drives perilously into the deep of night.

 

Willing sets his stage in a one-horse town as The Hick-Ups supply a gripping soundtrack that is the illegitimate offspring of country and punk. With ease, Willing inhabits the gritty characters of his tall stories and songs, giving them flesh and breath as he places them upon his stage.

 

 

 

 
Loren

“Loren writes the kind of music that when you listen to it you somehow feel like you’re getting a massage. A sweet, gentle voice accompanied by relaxed melodically plucked guitar written by a man with a heart of gold. I¹ve watched Loren play ... and am always inspired by how effortless the music is.” (John Butler)

 

 

 

  

Mystic Beats has been generating a following as a down tempo dance electronic outfit, fusing eastern influenced instrumentation with contemporary styles. Mystic Beats brings a live infusion with organic sounds into the electronic world. Originally composed electronic grooves merges with a smooth blend of sitar, guitar, Violin, vocals and percussion. Deep dub, psy soundscapes and conscious beats combined with soaring melodies and percussive grooves, create a unique inspired live performance. They’ve existed as a music collective since 2002.

 

 

 

  

Borne from the hills of the Sunshine Coast this talented 3 piece is set to fulfil your hearts longing for fresh and conscious music.

"Rock you way home to the sounds of one of Australia`s premier devotional music talents. Rasayana`s music has beat and beauty, melody and meaningfulness."

- Australian Yoga Life Magazine.

An inspired mix of world music, middle eastern, folk, reggae, Sanskrit Mantra, and Kirtan, the original tunes are upbeat, poignant and profound.

Radha Bornstien`s voice is a velvet powerhouse of spiritual wonder, as she skillfully crafts her achingly beautiful lyrics around her vibrant and danceable guitar. Backed by the sweet voice and percussion of Adhi Bail (Jambezi), and the totally creative beats of drum-percussionist Wayne Reid, Rasayana will take you on a refreshing journey which will open your heart, and expand your consciousness.

  

 

 

 

Unable to contain their excitement at not only being alive but being beautiful, intelligent females, Sweet Fawn accost strangers with unabashed love whenever musically possible. Brisbane based with an intense compulsion to tell stories they shouldn't at a volume most fragile these girls try to steal hearts. And often do.

 

 

 

 

A young original instrumental guitar duo delivering exciting & tender guitar instrumentals ~ Folk, Rock, Flamenco Fusion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dancefloor-shaking roots-heavy reggae, potent social commentary, and nuff band members to form their own separatist state. The Upsteppers represent the new signature sound of Brisbane conscious music, and have come to get you moving in positive directions.

 

The sound is anthemic, compelling roots rhythms and conscious message delivered in big band format; skanking guitars and keys, vintage 3 piece horns, honey-sweet backing vocals, and a workhorse rhythm section.