blues | Musicosity

blues

James Grim Woodcutters

James Grim fronted Brothers Grim and the Blue Murders – and lived to tell the tale. Just.

Over 11 years, Melbourne’s premier exponents of malevolent, punked-up blues/rockabilly, Brothers Grim and the Blue Murders, earned a reputation for their relentless touring and explosive live shows – and for playing as hard offstage as they did on it.

After literally working themselves into the ground, in 2016 the band’s firebrand frontman, James Grim, decided enough was enough. He pulled the pin on the band – and the lifestyle – that was killing him.

Now band-less and sober, Grim resolved he’d never play in a band again, but return to music for music’s sake. He took his hard-earned life lessons and experiences to his friend, award-winning country music songwriter Dan Waters, and began crafting new songs, cut from his signature raw lyrical honesty.

“Grim is once again pursuing songs of depth and sincerity (with) a bevy of dark-country tunes that feature some of the most evocative lyrics you’ll be hearing for some time”
— Adam Norris (BEAT Mag)
What emerged from those sessions became the template for a suite of dark country ballads that explored the awkward moments that lie within, and between, flawed humans. Grim explored these themes further with other songwriters he loves and respects, including Jamie Messenger and Frank Sultana.

Tags: 

Chris Cain (USA)

US Blues guitar master Chris Cain returns to Australia in 2024. Fresh from tours across the USA, Europe and South America he brings his most recent album Raisin’ Cain (Alligator Records).
Offering up a soulful stew of Memphis style electric blues, his powerfully deep vocals and jazz inspired, blues guitar riffs are unforgettable; uniquely his own, while reminiscent of the legendary BB King and Albert King.

“Chris Cain? Now that boy can PLAY the guitar!” – B.B. King

“Hands down my favourite blues player on the scene today. He’s an absolute blinder of a guitarist, with the voice of B.B. King and the chops of Albert King.” – Joe Bonamassa

“Chris Cain is a hot-shot guitarist and a singer with the maturity of blues masters like Bobby Bland and B.B. King.” – Washington Post

Bella Frankie

Bella Frankie are duo Ajita Cannings and Michael Turner (ARIA winners Wild Pumpkins at Midnight), who hail from the mud flats of Bundjalung Country Northern NSW. Joined by baroque cellist Tash Kraemer (The Australian Haydn Ensemble) and virtuoso harmonica player Steve Gilbert, they weave folk-yarns with whispering auto-harp, three-part harmonies, guitar and ukulele.

Their 2022 debut album “Falling in the River” was recorded on Flinders Island in the Bass Strait and their second album "Cut-folk Fables" was released on October 2023 and both have received numerous ABC and local radio airplays. This fresh emerging folk group share stories of love, flood, community and their black dogs, Bella and Frankie.

Tags: 

Timothy Wolf

Nkechi Anele’s, Triple J - "Your falsetto is unworldly and your voice by itself is so f&$*ing pure - you're a unicorn."

Introspective soulful blues with a hint of 'I'm ready to boogie'. Timothy Wolf is the thrilling new kid on the block with his debut studio album set for release Oct 22. Wolf began 2021 releasing his debut single and in a year dominated by Covid 19 lockdowns it’s hardly slowed the alt folk/country song-writer down going from strength to strength landing raving Rolling Stone and Triple J reviews, festival and support slots for the likes of the Pierce Brother. This is capped off by three sold out headline shows at iconic Melbourne venues; the Night Cat and back to back nights at the Northcote Social club. The epitome has been saved for the end of the year as Wolf gears up for a career defining album launch at the Corner Hotel. Get on board early, dust off your dancing shoes and introduce yourself to the immersive and boisterous mischief that is Timothy Wolf and The Howlers.

Tags: 

Julie O’Hara

Australian singer, Julie O'Hara is a freelance performing and recording artist from Melbourne.

Julie O’Hara, is a veteran of the Melbourne music scene, performing since the late 80’s.

Julie began her professional jazz singing career as a teenager with residencies enabling her to work with some of the county’s finest jazz musicians. The desire to evolve musically to communicate with her peers began in those early years, inspired by the musicianship around her.

Now an established musician, songwriter and recording artist, Julie has regularly toured Europe, Asia and Australia, playing at jazz and music festivals or performing as a guest vocalist, (The Cat Empire, Hoodangers, The Pearly Shells, Mistaken Identity). Although Julie performs predominantly jazz music, she also writes for pop, bluegrass, hip hop, R&B, neo soul, country and EDM.

Julie writes songs across various genres, having freelanced in different musical scenes for almost thirty years. Julie features on over thirty recordings, including Aria award winning album,

‘Cities’ by The Cat Empire and ‘Midnight Sun’ with George Washingmachine (nominated for a Bell Award for best jazz vocal album). Julie has won numerous song writing awards for jazz, contemporary pop and EDM.

Julie works as a music educator, lecturing in jazz and contemporary voice and improvisation at the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music at Monash University and teaches song writing at Melbourne Graduate School and Monash University.

Julie has a background in Speech Pathology and voice science. Julie has taught singing, song writing and improvisation at NMIT, VCA, Melbourne Conservatoire, Melbourne Polytechnic, Victoria University and RMIT.

Julie is currently studying Estill Voice Mechanics and music production.

Tags: 

Steve Hoy

Steve Hoy is the ultimate Steve Hoy soundalike. He performs Steve Hoy's songs easily as well as the real Steve Hoy. Often better.

Tags: 

The Sidewinder Sextet

The Sidewinder Sextet is a group of studio and jazz musicians who have gathered together to pay homage to the sounds of the Blue Note Record label. Expect to see Them performing at a venue in Melbourne soon!

Tags: 

Matt Hansen

Matt Hansen is a multi-instrumentalist and producer from California. His music combines elements of pop, rock, and folk to create a unique sound. With a wide variety of instruments ranging from the electric guitar to the mandolin, Matt is able to create music with a wide range of textures.
Early Life & Career
Born in 1985 in California, Matt grew up playing music from an early age. He began playing drums and guitar in his early teens and eventually picked up other instruments such as bass, banjo, mandolin, harmonica and more. After graduating high school he moved to Los Angeles and began performing as a session musician for various artists. He also started producing music for various indie labels.
Music Releases & Collaborations
In 2016 Matt released his debut album 'The World Through My Eyes'. The album featured 10 tracks that showcased his musical talent by blending multiple genres together. Since then he has released two follow-up albums 'Somewhere Out There' (2017) and 'A Million Dreams' (2018). He has also collaborated with other artists such as Lindsey Stirling and Tycho.
Latest Projects
Matt continues to write and record music. Recently he wrote the score for a short film titled 'The Unseen'. He's also been working on an instrumental album which will be released later this year. His latest single is titled 'Let Go' and was released in April 2020.
Influences & Style
Matt credits artists such as John Mayer, Jeff Buckley, and Radiohead as some of his major influences. His style is often described as being melodic with intricate guitar work. He also incorporates aspects of folk and jazz into his music which adds a unique flavor to his songs.}

Benny & the Flybyniters

Benny & the flybyniters have been playing Rhythm & Blues since 1999. They have released 3 albums and a 10 inch record.

Benny & the flybyniters have been a stalwart of the Melbourne roots music scene since 1999. From humble beginings playing local bars and pubs, to tours and Festivals in the USA and Europe, the Flybyniters have made their mark. Backing the likes of Lazy Lester, Big Jay McNeely, Ska/Bluebeat great Owen Gray, to name few, Benny & the flybyniters have always been the go to band in Australia for your Rhythm & Blues fix.

Tags: 

Pete Campbell

Campbell's blend of folk, blues and country aligns him with modern Americana but it's clear his influences are wide ranging, from iconic artists such as Joni Mitchell, Nick Drake, Bob Dylan, The Beatles and The Allman Brothers to contemporary songwriters such as Paul Kelly, Neil Finn and Bernard Fanning.

Campbell's songs are a sidewalk cafe, a mood, a glimpse in the mirror. His voice is authentic and intimate, floating with a warmth and a country quality filtered through urban dust. Campbell will release his debut EP in 2022.