folk

Kid’ James (James Schembri) is the new kid on the block in the Melbourne Rockabilly scene.

A nineteen-year-old singer/songwriter and guitarist that is performing authentic Rockabilly music just like it was performed by teenagers in the 50's.

Originally from Cambridgeshire England, Justin Bernasconi settled in the urban heart of Melbourne’s music community in 2004. Known as one of the city’s finest guitarists and songwriters, he continues to explore and expand his craft to raise the banner of ‘folk’ over new horizons. His previous solo albums delivered a captivating mix of alt-folk, Americana and bluegrass between evocative stories and exhilarating instrumentals. He looks back to British roots on third release Sleeping Like A Maniac. Tracks evolve like acts in a play. From setting the scene of one man's emotional journey through to vignettes of whimsy and soliloquies of despair and hope.

Rules of form are broken, revealing sonic sophistication outside the square. Bernasconi’s deft cross-picking drives the surging rhythm of mental turmoil. It’s the tale of a man striving to move on from his relationship mess, his lies and confusion. Intense dissonant guitar is relieved by harmony as vocals rise and fall.

Australian audiences have embraced Bernasconi’s stirring fusion of mainstream and experimental folk. He draws from a deep well of influences. The classical world, indie folk and world-wide cultures all inform Bernasconi’s compositions. Just as Rock and Roll was born of the Blues and UK Punk assumed the vibe of Reggae, Bernasconi’s sound builds genre-bending bridges. Moods segue from folk balladry to rhythmic abstract urgency. Think Tallest Man On Earth, Satie, John Fahey and Richard Thompson

Mike McClellan is an Australian singer-songwriter.
McClellan began performing in the late 1960s and in 1972, released his debut album, titled simply Mike McClellan in 1972. McClellan toured extensively for the next 2 years playing the songs and previewing the material that would make up his next album.[1]

In September 1974, McClellan's second album, Ask Any Dancer was released. The album peaked at number 22 on the Australian charts, and the album's lead single "Song and Danceman" was voted Song of the Year at the Annual Music Industry Awards in February 1975.[1] In March 1976 McClellan released his third studio album, Until the Song is Done. The album peaked at number 61 on the Australian charts. McClellan recorded a live album, which was released in October 1977.[1]

In 1979, McClellan compered his first television series, National Star Quest, which lead him to taking over the successful ABC program Country Road. Within a year, it was renamed and became Mike McClellan's Country Music and he continued to present the show for a further 3 years.[1] In 1980, McClellan parted company with EMI and released Laughing in the Dark on the Albert's label. The album peaked at number 43 on the Australian charts and the single "The One I Love" peaked at number 45.[1]

In 1982, McClellan travelled to the United Kingdom and United States. Upon his return in 1983, McClellan began writing for Mojo, then regarded a dynamic Australian ad agency, and he contributed words and music for clients such as Australian Airlines, Red Rooster, Channel 9, XXXX and Tooheys. McClellan left Mojo and, with a partner, set up his own agency called Kazoo. Kazoo grew rapidly and in 1991, was employing 30 staff. McClellan subsequently sold his share-holding in Kazoo and established Mike McClellan Pty Ltd.[1]

In 1989, McClellan released his fifth studio album, The Heartland on the EMI label.[1]

In 2001 a comprehensive retrospective of his recording career was released by EMI.[1]

In 2011, McClellan released his first album of new songs in 20 years, titled If Only for a Moment, which was followed in 2014 by Dancing in the Rain and in July 2017, No Intermission.

The "...melancholia of wide open plains and corrugated iron, caressed by occasionally passing heavenly choirs of grievous angels and chain gangs"
Clem Bastow's description of Jo's single of the week 'I Loved You More That Day' in Beat magazine in 2010.

Jo's first solo album 'A Handful of Smoke' was awarded Australian Album of the year on the highly respected radio show Outpost on 2SER.
It was recorded over 2 years in France, Sydney and Melbourne involving members of Charles Jenkins and the Zhivagos, French pianist Lisa Barel and what were to become his band the Honeyriders...

“Jo Meares’ music is unique with a truly original sound. He is a wonderful singer-songwriter and incredible live performer.
His 3 albums released to date (‘A Handful Of Smoke’, ‘One More Time’ and ‘King Of The Crystal Mountain’) are all classic Australian recordings.
Part Neil Young, part Lou Reed, part Nick Cave – but with a uniquely Australian twang!”
- Vinny Ramone, Outpost show 2SER

“In over 35 years in the music industry, 15 of them running the independent record label Laughing Outlaw, I’ve been lucky enough to have heard more music than most people.
The only downside to that is that it takes a real lot to impress me.
I’d been aware of Jo Meares but not listened to him until his ‘King Of The Crystal Mountain’ album was released.
It’s an album I now consider one of the finest Australian singer songwriter albums of the past decade and in fact it would be better to say that it’s a world class album created by an Australian.
I’ve subsequently heard all Jo’s previous albums and admire them too.
Not only are the albums magnificent, he is a truly exceptional live performer who deserves to be much better known than he currently is. That will happen.
I’m part of the Jo Meares fan club!”
- Stuart Coupe, writer, manager Laughing Outlaw records, DJ 2FBI and 2SER

Jo's second solo album 'One More Time' was made with the Honeyriders and involves a sixteen piece string section, beautiful backing vocals and lush guitar sounds.

All Jo's albums are available for digital download or a hard copy can be ordered through this website. Also limited vinyl pressings.

Jo has toured and recorded frequently in France, Spain, Finland and Germany