Josh Cashman is a natural born storyteller with an enchanting performance, charismatic vocals and a presence reminiscent of the rock stars of old. Moving from the rural country to the lights of the big city, singer-songwriter and musician Josh Cashman has been turning heads both nationally and internationally with his humble, harmonic and heartfelt to the core artistry.

Dream Rider

Upon arrival it would be great to have a iced water, an espresso shot of coffee with 1 sugar, and a freshly rolled champion ruby rollie.

Then once I’ve woken up a bit and I’m refreshed, a Bloody Mary cocktail before my hunger kicks in. That’s when the Sushi train rolls in with Salmon Nigiri & Tempura veggie rolls. I don’t like to eat a lot before performing so sushi is one of those perfect room filling meals/snacks.

It would be pretty great to wash it all down with a tea with a dash of honey so I can start my vocal lubrication and warm ups maybe 30 mins after I eat/drink.

I’d then like to just have a nice chill space with some comfy couches, billiards table, a decent sound system where we can put some of my favourite music on. Just a place that me and my crew can hang out in, with some nibbles, the classic meat and cheese platter would be great and an esky of cold beer for those who want to partake.

After the show it would be great to have an open bar for my friends and crew in the above chill space, maybe a guest DJ spinning vinyl and Asian infused Tapas!

Listen to Josh’s new single ‘Dandelion’

Follow Josh:

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BLUESFEST RISES

MIDNIGHT OIL TO HEADLINE OPENING NIGHT – FRI 1^st OCT

PAUL KELLY TO HEADLINE SAT 2^ND OCT

TASH SULTANA & JIMMY BARNESRETURN AS SATURDAY & SUNDAY HEADLINERS

Festival Director, Peter Noble OAM today announced:

Who would have thought after the cancellation of Bluesfest last Easter by a Public Health Order, less than 24 hours before our gates were due to open, due to one local case of transmission, that sent shockwaves through our industry, and traumatised everyone who had been working on presenting Bluesfest at Easter, that six weeks later we would be announcing our re-scheduled festival, and a week later, today our artists.
This October, Bluesfest will be the first major festival to return, since COVID-19 struck, with a multi-day, multi-stage, camping event and almost all the artists due to play at Easter will return to play.
PLUS, I am thrilled to announce that MIDNIGHT OIL have agreed to join our All-Aussie lineup and headline our opening night – FRI 1^st OCT 2021 and that PAUL KELLY will co-headline SAT 2^nd OCT 2021, alongside TASH SULTANA.
This is so special for me to announce – a moment I have been waiting years to happen. MIDNIGHT OIL headlined Bluesfest in 2002, just before their extended hiatus. It has always been my ambition to once again present the ‘holy grail of Australian artists’ at Bluesfest and have approached them every year, redoubling my efforts since their reformation in 2017. And now, to have MIDNIGHT OIL headline our opening night and launch their new album – it’s a dream come true.
There is so much to look forward to in October:
MIDNIGHT OIL have announced that they will be following up last October’s collaborative album, “The Makarrata Project”, by launching their first Midnight Oil studio album in nearly 20 years around Bluesfest time…. and will be featuring these new songs plus a greatest hits set.
PAUL KELLY – ARIA Hall of Famer and National Treasure, Paul returns to co-headline Bluesfest for the 8^th time. It’s a certainty that Paul, as always, will bring his full band and deliver a unique live set for our Bluesfest audience. 
TASH SULTANA will be showcasing their latest album “Terra Firma”, which gave them their debut #1 on the ARIA album charts and has already spawned 5 singles. Tash, who has never failed to deliver a next-level performance, will be bringing their exciting new band to Bluesfest for the first time.
JIMMY BARNES will ‘Barnestorm’ Bluesfest with an explosive set jam-packed with songs from his new album, “Flesh and Blood” and his classic hits.
All the headliners will perform their full shows of between 90 and 120 minutes

These, plus so many other great artists, are headlining our October Long Weekend Bluesfest. For all the latest information on the line-up or artists please see here.

We have shown a determination to overcome everything we had to face to re-schedule, knowing that as an integral part of the Australian music industry, so many were counting on us.

As we rise from the ashes of Bluesfest, Easter 2021, please come join us as we celebrate our indomitable determination to present live music in Australia safely, at a major event level.
Let’s make history !
We are back – we cannot be kept down – please join us.

We look forward to change coming for major events. It is clear that without a major music events insurance scheme, many many events will choose not to launch. This is the time that major events need investment from government; more than we have ever received.
Our most recent completed event’s (2019) Economic Impact Report shows that we create 858 full-time equivalent jobs in our region and 1,333 in our state of NSW, but on top of this, the money that we generate regionally ($163M) and through our state ($277M) underlines the true value of major music events.

LINKS:

ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT 2019 

ECONOMIC IMPACT REPORT 2020 

Bluesfest was recently named as a finalist in the Pollstar Awards nominations for ‘MUSIC FESTIVAL OF THE DECADE’, making us one of the Top Ten Festivals globally, alongside Glastonbury Festival, Coachella, Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival, Lollapalooza USA & Brazil, Austin City Limits and others. What an honour it is to be the only Australian festival, event or venue to be nominated for this award, celebrating ‘the most artistically and commercially successful festival of the last decade providing the most rewarding experience for fans and artists’.

Season tickets on sale 09:00AM Thursday 20^th may via Moshtix.
3 Day and 1 Day tickets plus camping and VIP on sale soon.

Keep in touch via Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

About Bluesfest Byron Bay  

Showcasing an All-Aussie music bill in Byron Bay, Bluesfest is Australia’s most awarded music festival, and was recently nominated as ‘Best festival of the Decade’ by industry bible, Pollstar. From the humble beginnings in 1990 the festival now takes place at the beautiful Byron Events Farm (formerly the Tyagarah Tea Tree Farm), regularly attracting an audience of over 100,000.  Located just 10 minutes north of Byron Bay, NSW, Australia, Bluesfest is well situated and surrounded by the charming village of Mullumbimby and the beach towns of Byron Bay and Brunswick Heads. Best festival vibes ever!

Our magnificent ALL-AUSSIE Bluesfest 2021 October Edition line-up:

MIDNIGHT OIL     PAUL KELLY     TASH SULTANA     JIMMY BARNES
OCEAN ALLEY     ZIGGY ALBERTS
JOHN BUTLER     XAVIER RUDD     THE CAT EMPIRE

PETE MURRAY     MARK SEYMOUR & THE UNDERTOW
KATE CEBERANO     KASEY CHAMBERS     THE WAIFS
THE CHURCH     JON STEVENS
IAN MOSS     THE LIVING END     THE ANGELS
ROSS WILSON and THE PEACENIKS     RUSSELL MORRIS
TROY CASSAR-DALEY     BRIGGS
TEX PERKINS THE MAN IN BLACK
HIATUS KAIYOTE     KATE MILLER-HEIDKE
WEDDINGS PARTIES ANYTHING
THE BLACK SORROWS     THE BAMBOOS
CHAIN     BACKSLIDERS     ASH GRUNWALD
MELBOURNE SKA ORCHESTRA
VIKA & LINDA

JEFF LANG     NATHAN CAVALERI
MICK THOMAS’ ROVING COMMISSION
KIM CHURCHILL     HENRY WAGONS     JK-47
GARRETT KATO     MAMA KIN SPENDER     DAMI IM
PIERCE BROTHERS     EMILY WURRAMARA   THE BUCKLEYS

FIONA BOYES & THE FORTUNE TELLERS
RAY BEADLE     PACEY, KING & DOLEY
ALL OUR EXES LIVE IN TEXAS
HUSSY HICKS     ROSHANI     DECLAN KELLY
DANIEL CHAMPAGNE     LITTLE GEORGIA

LAMBROS.     ROUND MOUNTAIN GIRLS

THE REGIME

ELECTRIC LEMONADE     PALM VALLEY
BYRON BUSKING COMPETITION

The latest music project Charlie Needs Braces, comes from Melbourne musician Charlie Woods. Charlie is a proud GuriNgai woman, a direct descendant of Bungaree and Matora. The lands running from the central coast of NSW along the mouth of the Hawkesbury river and into Northern Sydney.

Having played on stage with bands such as Teskey Brothers ,The Seven Ups, Ogopogo, WVR BABY, TEK TEK Ensemble, Charlie is venturing out on her own to launch the solo project – Charlie Needs Braces.

Drawing on her own personal experiences Charlie has developed an album that is influenced by her new braces. She also draws on the experience of discovering and learning about her Aboriginal heritage.

After being scammed on Facebook Charlie eventually bought a looping station on Ebay and like most of Melbourne, Charlie learned a new skill during lockdown, she learned to live loop and found it an invaluable time to hone her skills and develop new music.

Inspired by Tune-Yards, Bjork, Allara and Emma Volard the solo project is a combination of brass, percussion, live looping and vocals. Charlie has recorded an EP and accompanying video clips that were filmed in Belgrave by Mr. Kapow ( aka Fabian Acuna) at his mud brick house, changing locations for each clip. The bathroom, lounge room, outside and different times of day for each clip.

Mixed and mastered by Guy Louis Faletolu Charlie says: I am really proud and happy with the EP and am excited to keep releasing Singles and video clips, and then the final EP.

Charlie is currently working on an album and will be releasing videos and singles in the coming months as part of her first solo EP.

Clip can be viewed here:

Simon Paparo Album Review, Solace.

Following up from his debut album ‘ More like a Memory Than a Dream’, Melbourne’s Simon Paparo brings us his sophomore album ‘ Solace’. The Perth native having relocated to Melbourne the home of music, offers what is a inspirational follow up album. Recorded at Four Doors Studio in Reservoir, Melbourne Simon produced and recorded the album himself.

Opening with ‘Farm of our Soul’ the album presents with a strong opening track, the harmonies and vocals blending together beautifully, and is the perfect track to open the album with, a gentle introduction of what is to come.

Moving forward to ‘Pirates’ a slower track his vocal range manages to hit the high notes with precision and exceptional vocal control. The song explores themes that are interesting and are well thought out, creating a pleasant track that is a joy to listen to, Simon’s vocals are again expertly showcased, never dominating instead harmonising with his guitar.

Title track ‘ Solace’ layers with a piano accompanying the steady guitar to create a sound that is easy to listen to whilst being uplifting and joyful. The track sits nicely on the listing, allowing for it to shine in the right place.

Lyrically Simon covers some deep emotions on the album, yet it remains up beat and hopeful through out. There might be some deeper themes that are explored, however never once does the album leave you feel sad or lonely, it is uplifting and hopeful at the same time. Influenced by themes he spoke about with his father Vince Paparo.

Sadly Simon’s father passed away in March 2019 and Simon remembers him as a loving man and someone who would always dive deep into the heart of matters looking to find solace and work through profound ideas of life. He was a philosopher and the album is a reflection of those ideologies and philosophies. Losing a beloved parent is never easy and the album is a beautiful tribute to his Dad.

Taking the groove of Snow Patrol, Simon Paparo creates a feeling that even though he is exploring these deep emotions he’s in control of each emotion that he expresses in his lyrics and feelings in a thoughtful way that is reflective and not sad or bitter. Its refreshing and promising at the same time.

‘Twilight Trees’ towards the end of the album pulls back on the production and is more simplistic, yet is hauntingly romantic and thoughtful, a beautiful track that is reminiscent of simplistic musicians like Ed Sheeran and is a stand out.

Closing the album with the anthem ‘Greed Awakens’ the album concludes on a high note, the up beat tune a perfect way to end what is a elevating listening experience. Joy radiates throughout this final track and its a theme that binds the album together perfectly.

Overall the sophomore album is a delightful journey through deep and thoughtful themes which weave through the entire album, uniting it as a soundscape of joyous and uplifting tracks that are perfect for sitting and enjoying with a glass of wine.

Unconventional singer-songwriter Miriam Lieberman has today announced her sophisticated new single Infinite We Are, a beautiful track about the power of imagination, out today, May 7. The stunning song is accompanied by a sweet, colourful animated clip by artist Aidan Judd. Infinite We Are is the first taste of Miriam’s upcoming album Just Transforming, created during the tumultuous year of 2020, set for releae on May 28. To celebrate the release, this captivating artist will take her trio on the road around New South Wales, kicking off at The Rhythm Hut in Gosford on May 7, then moving through Wauchope, Wingham, Blue Mountains and Marrickville before wrapping at The Base in Newcastle on June 26.

There is something otherworldly about Infinite We Are. The track feels evocative of classic songwriters and storytellers Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon, but there is a unique element to the tone and delivery of the music and lyrics that is almost indescribable. Magical harmonies, sweeping strings and a reverent, delicate arrangement characterise this song and it’s easy to get lost in its soft power. Speaking on the inspiration behind Infinite We Are, Miriam explains, “This song is about the power of imagination. It’s about sharing our dreams, stories and imaginings as a way to go beyond our own limitations, and the benefit of dreaming.” The clip for Infinite We Are encapsulates this perfectly – a dreary black and white world is peppered, and eventually overcome with colour as the song progresses. The animation is sweet, endearing and beautifully reflective of the power of this song, as Miriam describes, “I had an idea that I wanted the video to begin in black and white, with a feeling of separation and alienation that through the characters allowing themselves to dream would turn into a colourful, nature inclusive space were the characters reconnected with each other.”

Infinite We Are is just a taste of what to expect from Lieberman’s new album Just Transforming. These songs feel like lullabies as the antidote to the stresses of modern daily life; the title track encourages the listener to continue changing and growing, and songs like Little Bird offer thoughtful insight into the passing of time and cycle of life. These are grand themes, and they are presented beautifully through breathtaking strings arrangements – featuring Miriam herself on the kora, a 21-stringed African harp – intricate, developed vocal melodies and gentle, rolling percussion. Reflecting on the process of making Just Transforming, Miriam says, “In this crazy past year of uncertainty, I’ve come back to my songwriting after a hiatus of becoming a mum. The result is an album of new songs about our incredible and fragile planet, about becoming a mum, about imagination and about our need for each other. It’s my intention to empower and uplift people with this music.”

This is a collection of songs meant to be experienced live, with Miriam’s unique lineup of strings and kora, plus gorgeous three part harmonies from her trio. Luckily for audiences in New South Wales, there are plenty of opportunities to catch Miriam Lieberman

and her trio live throughout May and June this year.

Infinite We Are is out on May 7. Just Transforming is out May 28.

MIRIAM LIEBERMAN JUST TRANSFORMING NSW TOUR

FRI 7 MAY | THE RHYTHM HUT, GOSFORD NSW | ALL AGES SINGLE LAUNCH Tickets available from https://therhythmhut.com.au/

SAT 8 MAY | WAUCHOPE ARTS, WAUCHOPE, NSW | ALL AGES SINGLE LAUNCH Tickets available from https://wauchopearts.org.au/whats-on.php

SUN 9 MAY |WINGHAM PRESBYTARIAN CHURCH, WINGHAM NSW | ALL AGES SINGLE LAUNCH

Tickets available via phone or text Sandra 0409269939

SAT 15 MAY | HYDRO MAJESTIC BALLROOM, BLUE MOUNTAINS , NSW | ALL AGES SINGLE LAUNCH Tickets available from https://events.humanitix.com/mlt

SUN 30 MAY | DJANGO CAMELOT, MARRICKVILLE , NSW | ALL AGES ALBUM LAUNCH Tickets available from http://camelotlounge.com/

SAT 26 JUN | THE BASE, NEWCASTLE, NSW | ALL AGES ALBUM LAUNCH Tickets available fr

In a profoundly commanding team up, pluralistic pop icons Boo Seeka and Golding have combined forces to create Don’t Waste Your Love.

To celebrate the release, we asked wine lover Ben ( Boo) loves a good drop, sharing it with friends, fans at the front row and pretty much anyone. We asked Ben for his ultimate wine list.  

Boo’s Wine List

• Thomas Allen, Shiraz Cabernet 2019
• Thomas Allen, Mango Tree Chardonnay
  • To be honest, I’m a bit biased here – my Dad works at Thomas Allen Wines, so I’ve been treated to many a drop when I’m back home visiting my parents.  The Shiraz Cab & the Mango Tree Chardy are incredible! 
• Amisfied, Pinot Noir 2018
  • My absolute go-to wine to enjoy after a long day at the studio. Just so happens that there’s been a few busy days in the studio lately.
• Josef Chromy, Pepik-Pinot Noir 2019
• Josef Chromy, Pinot Grigio 2018
  • I was introduced to these amazing Josef Chromy wines by one of my best mates, Oli Frost who serves them at his restaurant, Maman. They are a pleasure to share with friends over a meal! 
• Devils Corner, Pinot Noir
  • This would be my go-to wine for shows – I always have a bottle on stage during a Boo Seeka set, and the Devil’s Corner Pinot is called upon frequently. 
• Syra by Farr, Shiraz 2017
  • Treating yourself to a good steak? Give Syra by Farr a call, you won’t regret it! 

Boo Seeka are in the thick of writing their sophomore record that will be released before the year is out, and Golding have plans to finalise their EP towards the end 2021. There are no official plans as yet for these artists to head out together on the road, but fans are sure to be keeping an eye out after this hint from Golding; “There could be a few appearances during some Boo Seeka sets…maybe.

Enigmatic lo-fi master KIT HEPBURN has today announced his hazy new single left alone, an entirely self-produced track that draws upon ambient soundscapes and R&B elements, and feels particularly representative of the shutdown the world experienced in 2020 due to COVID-19, out today, May 7. The dark, brooding song is accompanied by an appropriately moody video clip, made in collaboration with filmmaker Lucas Haynes.

left alone really does feel like an auditory response to the isolation and loneliness experienced by millions during the coronavirus lockdowns across the globe. Gentle electric piano and dreamy beats push this song forward with slow assertion, as KIT HEPBURN’s voice floats dreamily amongst the atmosphere. Exploring heartache and the desire for closeness whilst feeling adrift in a relationship, Kit Hepburn offers insights into the inspiration behind the song, saying, “I was living on my own during lockdown, which was a blessing in some ways and a curse in others. I wasn’t able to see any friends or work, so I’d just spend my nights driving around real late. There’s something about driving around late at night on empty roads that feels otherworldly, particularly at that time. I think that feeling is in the song for sure…this song is an expression of wanting closeness, but also having walls up.”

That eerie feeling of driving around late at night on empty streets is perfectly conveyed in the film clip for left alone. The video feels a little trippy, but scenes of night-driving and streetlights are identifiable – it’s like a visual reflection of the uneasiness of this act. Driving around late at night can often make one feel as though they’re the last person on earth – and this video captures that brilliantly, as KIT HEPBURN reflects, “We wanted to capture that feeling of being lost at night on the road. So Lucas, myself and the crew jumped into a bright green convertible and started driving around real late, getting footage on an old VHS camera. It was very in the moment, but I think we captured something special.”

The self-sufficient artist, originally from regional Victoria but currently based in Melbourne, wrote, produced, mixed and mastered left alone entirely by himself during Melbourne’s extended lockdown, as he says, “It feels so good to be releasing left alone. I was obsessed with getting this song just right, so it feels good to be finally sharing it with the world and getting it out of my bedroom.”

KIT HEPBURN is Zac Kazepis.

left alone is out now