26 C
Byron Shire
March 28, 2024

Bell and Bone – The Valiant and the Brave

Latest News

Where should affordable housing go in Tweed Shire?

Should affordable and social housing in the Tweed Shire be tucked away in a few discreet corners? Perhaps it should be on the block next to where you live?

Other News

‘Smooth stroking’ Rainbow Dragons earn trophies

Rainbow Dragons (Lennox Head Ballina) won three trophies and had a fantastic weekend of fun, fitness and friendship at Grafton Dragon Boat Club’s regatta earlier in March.

Democracy on the ropes?

The ancient idea of democracy is under threat around the world. Today, there are only 63 democracies compared to 74 autocracies, and many of these democracies are highly problematic.

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

How the coral crisis affects other marine wildlife

Marine heatwaves are killing coral and denuding reefs of their colourful beauty – but in a world where everything is food for something else, these heatwaves also pose a major threat to biodiversity.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.

Seize the Decade report outlines benefits of renewables

The Climate Council says many more Australian families can directly benefit from rooftop solar and batteries under a new plan that spells out how we can electrify the nation and cut climate pollution this decade.

Starboard-Cannons-Vertical

After the huge success of Their first album Somebody’s Opus, Ash Bell and Matt Bone, the lads from Starboard Cannons, have just finished their second offering The Valiant and the Brave. On the eve of the recording’s launch we caught up with singer/songwriter Ash Bell.

Why this album now?

It’s been a couple of years. Had a few new songs. Dug up some old ones. Seemed like a good idea at the time…

In what way is this album different from or the same as the last one?

I think the response to the first album gave me the idea that it was okay to be a bit introspective with the lyrical content, so that’s probably a bit more personal this time round. Also we weren’t quite so strict with our folk-band rules. We used some electricity and I have no regrets.

Are the players, writers and production team the same as Somebody’s Opus?

The core team was essentially the same. Jordan Power wove his special magic once again as engineer/co-producer; Jason Caspen on drums and Steve Cook on all things strung – but there’s a few cheeky special guests in there too, including Mikey Bee (MT Warning), Ash Grunwald and a bunch more. It’s a really good mix of different styles and themes, I reckon.

Did your last album fulfill your expectations?

Absolutely! It was a bit scary making this album, knowing what we were following with the success of Somebody’s Opus. It very much put us on the map, and is still doing a pretty good job even though its baby brother is getting all the attention..

Starboard-Cannons-HorizontalHow hard is it to bounce back after the first album?

The ‘second album blues’ are nothing new. Once the first album is out, you’re writing for a purpose. Everything that comes out is something you know will be scrutinised and compared with all that’s come before. But this can be good! Letting go of expectations is the key. The writing takes care of itself.

What’s behind the album title?

It’s one of the lines from the track Horses Stay Behind. The song is written about the situation that arose at the end of the First World War with the Australian Light Horse.

What’s your favourite track?

I like Andy because it’s a very personal story for me. Also Sara Tindley does some harmonies and that’s always nice. Steve Russell’s piano playing in Down The River still gets me every time.

Were there any tracks that didn’t make the cut?

No. We really scraped the bottom of the jar this time.

The Starboard Cannons will launch The Valiant and the Brave on Saturday 31 May 
from 7pm at the Court House Hotel Mullumbimby. All ages welcome. $15 on the door.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Making Lismore Showground accessible to everyone

The Lismore Showground isn’t just a critical local community asset that plays host to a number of major events each year, but has also been used as an evacuation centre during past natural disasters in the region. 

Iconic Lennox beach shed upgraded –  not demolished

Lennox Park and the shelter shed has now been upgraded and reopened.

Govt cost-shifting ‘erodes financially sustainable local government’

Byron Shire Council looks set to add its voice to the growing chorus calling on the state government to stop shifting responsibilities and costs onto local government.

Saddle Road group home DA decision this week

Plans to build Byron Shire’s first permanent group home for women and children in housing stress are moving ahead, with the development application for the project coming before Council this week.