The Music of Hein Cooper
Hein Cooper is an Australian indie musician and songwriter from Milton, New South Wales. In 2013, he was discovered performing in a small bar in Sydney by Franz Schuller, manager of Half Moon Run. Hein was invited to write and demo his songs in Montreal, Canada, where he met and recorded his debut EP and album with producer Marcus Paquin (Arcade Fire, The National, Local Natives). His songs have strong themes of change, escapism and transformation, particularly in the first single The Art of Escape. In May 2015 Hein released his debut EP in Australia and Canada and has toured relentlessly across Australia, Canada, USA and Europe including stops at CMW in Toronto, Great Escape, and Somersault and Boardmasters festivals in the UK, where his unique and honest brand of indie and magnetic live shows are steadily gaining a loyal fanbase.
Choose the 80s!
The 80s was the decade that gave us frizzy perms and shoulder pads, CDs (remember them?) and Cabbage Patch dolls. Lunches were tax deductible and the wall came down in Berlin. And while all of this was happening, Australia’s music scene was at its most exciting and prolific. In celebration of that awesome decade of music, the Absolutely 80s Band was born ten years ago. Absolutely 80s features some of Australia’s favourite pop icons: Uncanny X Men’s Brian Mannix, Kids in the Kitchen’s Scott Carne, and Boom Crash Opera’s Dale Ryder. They play all of their big hits including Everybody Wants to Work, Change in Mood, Onion Skin, 50 Years, Current Stand and loads more chart-toppers.
So dust off your shoulder pads, bust out some fluoro and lube up your leather. It’s time to get funky with the hottest 80s show in the country: the Absolutely 80s Ten Years Young Anniversary Tour. Friday 4 March, Ballina RSL.
He plays the Byron Brewery on Thursday.
Raising money with a bit of Nudge Nudge
Following the success of their last two events, three’s a charm for Cunning Stunts Nudge Nudge Wink Wink summer sundowns. Their last event raised $800 for local charity You Have a Friend and this third event is featuring the Shire’s beloved Byron Youth Service. Locally based, internationally renowned DJs dropping quality records they personally love, free, to help raise money for local charities. DJs all playing vinyl for the cause are Dan Jupiter, Lord Sut, Dale Stephen, and Mr Nice. Sunday 3–9pm, Billinudgel Hotel.
Holm Launches at Mullum Markets
Local musician and NCEIA music award winner Andy Holm doesn’t need much introduction after his two performances in Australia’s Got Talent and Splendour In The Grass. This month Andy releases his 17th CD, The Byron Bay Collection Volume 4 second edition with a CD launch at the Mullumbimby Markets this Saturday. Andy has played in Germany, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand and will embark on his second Thailand tour in March 2016. He’ll be playing an array of different instruments from keyboard to violin, tabla to didgeridoo; expect another diverse offering of world music at the CD launch.
Staying in Baird
Roots-based singer/songwriter M E Baird relocated to Bangalow from Melbourne one year ago. He has been wooing local audiences with his semi-regular Merry Gin Sessions at the Bangalow Hotel in the Lounge as well as a performance at the Verandah Sessions as part of the Mullum Music Festival in 2015.
M E Baird is about to embark on a national press, radio and television campaign in support of his upcoming single and later album launch that will kick off in March.
In anticipation of the single launch, M E Baird will be premiering his new music video Full of The Devil and performing at the Bangalow Hotel, Saturday 27 February, 7.30pm. Free entry.
Blame it on the J Boog
Jerry ‘J Boog’ Afemata, a reggae singer of Samoan descent, was born in Long Beach and raised in Compton, California. Steeped in Samoan culture, J Boog’s large family has had a huge impact on his artistry.
J Boog is keeping true to his namesake. Nicknamed ‘Boog’ by his siblings because he could never sit still for long, J Boog is currently living and travelling between Hawaii and California.
J Boog is a true student of music. He is constantly collaborating and recording, getting his sound out for others to enjoy in many creative ways. In 2013 and 2014 he recorded several singles both independently and collaboratively. In July he released the EP Live Up! on Washhouse Hawaii; it reached #18 on the Top Heatseekers chart and #4 on Top Reggae Albums. He has also worked on a mixtape release of his tracks called My Diamond Life for fashionista powerhouse Diamond Supply Co. J Boog has toured around the world in locations such as Europe, Africa, Dubai, New Zealand, Australia, United States and Japan, just to name a few. His music is transparent and preaches that music is the only universal tongue. However, what stays with his listeners is his humility, his deeply ingrained commitment to his family and to his proud culture.
Friday at the Brewery with 4’20’ Sound, Rudy Quinzales, DJ Tikelz & Nicky Swamp. 8pm start. $25/30.
Dancing for your Lightbody
You’re invited to the next epic series of Lightbody Community Dance Celebrations. Join the crew on Saturday 27 February for a night of mind-blowing music, live art, incredible installations and delicious food. DJs Pob, Nick Taylor, Asaf & Basic (Benny Risher from Sydney) will be spinning beats from their magical music vaults, and Zakay Glass & Coda will be illuminating the night with sensational decor. Sound, lights and video by the exceptional Crystal Grid and Live Art by Rady J Blackcrab. $25 contribution.
6pm till midnight at Durrumbul Hall, Coopers Lane, Main Arm
