Emerging from the studio just last month, local acoustic folk rock artist Cheynne Murphy is almost finished his latest effort in the Firesongs for the Soul series.
What began as an EP inspired by acoustic guitars and fireside harmonies late in 2008, has become an ongoing musical exploration and received a North Coast Dolphin award and a live debut at Bluesfest 2009. ‘The whole firesongs for the soul concept emerged during a life changing experience,’ says Cheynne. ‘The fire in all its transformation and the community around it can offer such peace to an aching soul.’
Featuring a cast of thousands (32 actually) Cheynne tapped into the inspiring musical fabric of the north coast to offer an eclectic album, Spaces in Between, which was a finalist at the 2012 Dolphin awards. Holding his trusty twelve string guitar firmly and with a swag of new material Cheynne is putting the finishing touches on new material recorded with his long time guitarist Toby Andrews, drummer Matt Akehurst and introducing special guest Matt Bone (Starboard Cannons) on bass.
Firesongs for the Soul III is called Burnished Gold and it showcases the trio who have been playing together for the past year. ‘The new sounds are like a wild west cowboy lost in the canyon in American Indian times,’ says Cheynne.
The story has an interesting twist in that Cheynne in his other life is completing a Masters at Southern Cross University and this EP will be the first instalment of three EPs across three genres. ‘I want to research all the micro decisions and thought processes an independent singer songwriter makes in the journey of the idea genesis to the final recording and associated packaging. We have filmed the process and hope to put out a mini-documentary associated with the project.’
Cheynne will be performing with his trio on Sunday at the Sphinx Rock Cafe
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