His name is Hugo Bladel, a Tasmanian songwriter who now calls Melbourne home; he’s been on stages at Falls, Party in the Paddock and more over the last 12 months, and was also the recipient of the Nick Balacombe Grant along with A. Swayze and The Ghosts – a great opportunity for local artists to further their recording careers in 2018. 

 A Dream Songbook with Hugo Bladel

Can’t Feel My Face – The Weeknd

It is the perfect pop song. The bass line is so simple yet driving and catchy as well as the lyrics being memorable and well crafted. The structure of the verse and pre-chorus into the chorus flows so well and it carries the momentum through the whole song. Small elements are added as the song progresses that really keep the listener interested. I love the production elements such as the back-up singing and the foundational groove of the Bass line dances around the kick drum in an extremely funky way.

Hearts On Fire – Passenger

I used to perform this song as a busker before it was well known and many people would ask me if I wrote it. “I wish” was my answer and i’d tell them it was written by Passenger. I used to listen to it on repeat on YouTube and I couldn’t go past the live version he recorded as a duo with Ed Sheeran, Mike used to perform in Salamanca Market (where I started performing) before he was big and he inspired me and my music. The lyrics are some of the simplest i’ve heard but also the most effective and they compliment Passenger’s classic finger-picking style beautifully.

Alcoholic Author – Jehst

One of the most amazing pieces of poetry i’ve ever heard in terms of metaphor and lyrical craft. As a hip-hop track the production catches the meaningful nature of the lyrics and it works in harmony to create a masterful piece of rhythm and poetry. Here is my favourite line from the song: “Fascinated by the fire like a child trying to touch the flame, I seek change like a busker, but things stay much the same. Cut the weather vein, I hear the blood water tapping out the lord’s morse code on my window pane.”

I’ll Be Gone – Tom Waits

Tom Waits is one of my favourite writers and his vocal delivery is unconventional but brilliant at the same time. His raspy tones and croaky voice make for a confronting listen at first but you quickly warm to his character and sound. The use of all kinds of objects (not just musical instruments) is really cool and something that Tom has utilized through his career. ‘I’ll Be Gone’ makes me imagine the life of a pirate from 100’s of years ago. I also love the use of the rooster’s ‘cock-a-doodle-doo’ at the start haha!

Only Love – Ben Howard

I am a huge Ben Howard fan. I first came across him when I watched his live rendition of ‘Only Love’ outside the Louvre on YouTube – it drew me in straight away. The open tuning with the drop C is very rare as it’s so low but he makes it work really nicely by putting a Capo on the 4th Fret. The call and response nature of the verses is a really cool idea and it works perfectly with the simple lyrics. The chorus is more understated than the verses which is nice structurally because often songs go for big loud chorus’ – but Ben Howard has created a beautiful oasis of calm but beautiful guitar and voice working in harmony.

St. Vincent, Carrigeworks Sydney

St. Vincent, is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. t. Vincent’s work has received consistent praise for its distinct musical style, which blends soft rock, experimental rock, electropop, and jazz influences.

Behind the Lens Kim Rudener

 Erika Fedele recently participated in the exchange and flew to London with Tkay Maidza and 5 other participants to collaborate and learn from the the Nando’s Music Exchange mentors to learn and exchange ideas on music.  We caught up with Erika to talk about her music influences. 

1. Joni Mitchell 

Every time I listen too Blue I feel vulnerable, raw and connected, her lyrics are like poetry set to music. She is an honest writer, expressing autobiographical emotions of love and heartbreak. You can almost feel her pain through her ethereal, expressive vocals. I’ve Cried way too many times to Both Sides now. A timeless masterpiece.

2. Lauryn Hill -The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill/MTV Unplugged No.2.0 was my introduction too hip-hop. It’s a philosophical statement to herself, her spirituality, her relationships with men, and her connection to culture as a young black woman. Its fearless, poetic, empowering and cheeky. Mr International made me feel connected to myself and to trust in God.

3. Regina Specktor

Begin to hope is my favourite album; Regina is a quirky, eccentric singer songwriter who challengers her listens with creativity anchored by her classical piano playing. Her music plays on themes of love, humour and childhood imagination. I can feel magical, silly, melancholic, and she reminds me to feel connected to my heritage and take risks as a songwriter. Samson is a tear jerker so sweet yet, so sad…I just think of the fragility of love.

4. Grimes-  Grimes does everything herself, writes, produces, mixes her tracks, directs her films clips, and creates the artwork for her albums – this is very inspiring for women in music industry. I loved her album Art

Angles, it’s an energetic, eclectic reinvention of pop music. She experiments with orchestral electronics, high pitched sassy vocals and screams and driving booming rhythms. She is intelligent, a fashion icon with a cool creative pastiche; the film clip for Venus fly with Janelle Monae is incredible.

5. Kate Bush-  Wuthering Heights is one of my favourite songs/film clips. As a child I remember dancing around the living room with my father watching the dust particles in the air as the sun shone through the window and my father telling me that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. I wanted to be like her, I thought she was graceful, yet held a strong presence. Kate takes on the character Cathy from the novel Wuthering Heights and calls for the soul of Heathcliff. Her voice is eerie and unique, singing in a high pitched whaling that is ghostly. I feel almost supernatural when I hear this song.

Reclink Cup, Victoria Park Melbourne

It was on for young and old at Victoria Park for the annual Reclink Cup. Reigning champs the Rockdogs defended their title against the mighty Megahertz, while some of the country’s best musicians took care of the pre and post-match entertainment.
Whilst the Mighty Megahertz put up a fight it was not to be with the final score on the board at 44-39 and the Rock Dogs victorious yet again.

Behind the lens Amanda Lee Starkey

Fresh from a national support tour with fellow DIY-til-you-die Ruby Fields, young FRITZ is steadily gaining a legion of followers thanks to her quirky on-stage banter and infectious laugh. With momentum like this, ‘Pointless’ social events may be a thing of the past. 

Since heaps of people think she is pretty cool we asked her essentials you need in a starter pack.  Write them down. 

8 Things that would be in FRITZ’S starter pack

1. Checkered Trousers

An absolute wardrobe staple of mine – If I am not wearing checkered pants there is probably something wrong.

2. Sunscreen

This pale goth must apply sunscreen every morning, even when I’m not going outside.

3. The Muppets

The Muppets are like mascots to me. After watching almost every episode I can say that I have grown an emotional bond with them. They are just so cute and funny what else can I say.

4. Literally any meme

My band is very fond of stupid and mostly nonsense memes and we really make it known – no shame.

5. Platform sneakers

Similar to checkered trousers – If I am not wearing platform sneakers there is probably something wrong.

6. Strawberry Milk

The go-to beverage. Definitely makes me sick but that does not stop me.

7. Bandcamp

The streaming site that essentially started FRITZ. I didn’t even think about putting my music out on anything else other than Bandcamp. I still use it frequently to buy albums.

8. Mullet

To top of the FRITZ look: A half ironic half not ironic mullet is essential.

Sarah Blasko, 170 Russell Melbourne

Sarah Blasko is one of those musicians that has a rare gift. With the ability to write songs that take the listener on a beautiful sun-drenched journey through her world she is a delight.

Dressed in a cute black and white dress, she floats on the stage like a wood nymph or butterfly to draw the audience into her mysterious world.

Having recently released ‘Depth of Field’ Sarah floats her way through the album starting at ‘ Phantom’ and deliciously working her way to the end finishing with ‘ Leads me back’ . Having promised to also sing older material it is a rare experience for an artist to perform an entire album.  She does as promised though and she moves through to older songs  ‘ I am ready’, ‘ Be your man’, ‘ I awake’ to encore with ‘ Down on Love’ and ‘ Without’.

During the performance she keeps talking to a minimum, however to talk would be to break the spell she weaves as she dances  and twists about, arms outstretched in yearning at times.

Sarah Blasko is a delight to watch on stage and to be allowed into her world for a short time ans share her stories of love and heart break has been captivating and memorable.

Words and images by Amanda Lee Starkey