This week sees Diesel take to the stage of the Bangalow Bowling Club for a show on Saturday. A mainstay on the Aussie music circuit, he reflects on his time as an artist.
Diesel, after 25 years in the music industry, how have you seen things changed? Considering the music industry is a relatively new industry it has seemingly changed a lot in 25 years, with the advent of digital being one of the biggest if not the biggest factor for changes. Artists are able to control the creative process and produce ‘end quality’ results achievable before only by spending huge budgets.
How has your approach to making music changed? Although I have become equipped in the art of producing music it still is the basic process of playing out an idea, usually on guitar, that has popped into my head or following something that has come about by having an instrument in my hands (usually again, guitar!) and seeing where it will take me, so in a way, nothing and everything has changed.
What advice would you give new musicians looking at establishing a career in music? Firstly it’s probably a good thing if you really love music because there will be times where that may be all you have. I think ultimately look after music and music will look after you.
With such a huge back catalogue of songs to draw from, how do you draw up a set list? What songs stay, what songs go? It gets harder with each new album, not a bad problem I guess. I’m always trying to bring songs back in to the fold after they have drifted off for no particular reason. This tour is really about that, rounding up a collection of singles, some familiar to me, some lost friends.
With well over 100 songs under your belt, do you still find inspiration for writing new music? How has your approach changed or matured? I don’t tend to look behind and reflect on what I’ve done so to me it’s all relatively new each time. There are so many subtle twists on the human condition – how many shades of blue are there?
Who have been the people who inspired you as a musician? Jimi Hendrix really made a huge impact on me as a guitar player, as did Ian Moss. I was lucky to have been the seventh child in a large family of music lovers who were constantly bring records home, including my father who loved jazz and blues.
What are the albums on your playlist at the moment? Jake Bugg Shangri La album, Neil Young Zuma album, Frank Ocean Channel Orange album.
What should we expect for your show at the Bangalow Bowlo? My goal is to try to cover as much musical ground as I can. The solo show has allowed me to really experiment with pushing the envelope.
Bookings to bangalowbowlo.com.au or call 6687 2741.
Take your Car to Falls
You may have purchased your ticket to Falls Festival but if you are bringing your car you will need a pre-purchased car pass. The cost is $30 per vehicle for the duration of the festival for campers, $30 a day for single-day parking, although if you arrive with a car full of ticket holders, you will be refunded onsite. This is an effort to reduce car traffic to the festival. While tickets are sold out, locals are still able to purchase tickets to Falls. Only the purchaser needs to be local and can buy up to four tickets each. For parking, carpooling, and festival information go to the byron.fallsfestival.com/locals.
Interrupted Kabaret
Realartworks.Inc are hosting their annual Most Kabaret this Friday at the Lismore Workers Club. Last year’s event saw more than 400 people attend the Kabaret as part of a successful fundraiser to see local band The Bridge, a band with/out disability that travel as cultural ambassadors to eastern Europe.This year, will see performers from a number of communities that are socially marginalised, perform at a professional level to the northern rivers community.Most excitingly the night will be headlined by Australian band and now international act Rudely Interrupted. In 2008, Rudely Interrupted were the first band living with disability to perform for the UN in New York City. Lismore will be the only regional Australian town that Rudely Interrupted will play for during their 2014 Australian Tour. Excited to unleash their new tunes onto the world, band member Brooks says the band are keen to be known for the quality of their music and not their disabilities. ‘What a musician chooses to play is the art; that choice is not influenced by, let’s say… having one leg; they are almost always influenced by the emotional world around their conscience. And so are we. But our expression is characterised by the physical traits and I also think this gives us a style,’ says Brooks. ‘And I can see a day where we will be accepted as artists in our own right, a group of passionate indie rockers giving it their all.’
Lismore Workers Club on Friday from 6pm. Tickets available from 0411 716 144.
Halloween Horror Show
Get in the spirit of Halloween at the Hotel Great Northern by dressing up dark and spooky. The lineup features Drunk Mums, from Melbourne, Jesse Pumphrey, DJ Chris Bradley and Elegant Shiva. Elegant Shiva is one band who stink of knowing and thinking that they are god’s gift to woman and man, and this, my dear friend, is what separates them from many new bands out there today. From the first beat to the last, this band live is what rock ’n’ roll dreams are made of. High-octane rock, and prizes for the best dressed. Friday.
Blisstas at the Rails
The Samba-Blisstas create a party vibe and carry it with them everywhere they go, so come and join the Blisstas – it will change your life! Director and founder Paul Barrett has been spreading the love of communal drumming since the 90s, gathering his energetic troops and spreading the rhythmic infection! Thundering through the streets in their wild, whacky costumes and riotous red rhythms, this silly syncopated street troupe will leave you sweaty and screaming for more! The Samba Blisstas play the Rails on Sunday from 4pm.
Billi Jam
This Sunday sees Billinudgel Hotel present the long-running and ever-popular Sunday Jam Session. This week special guest are: Kellie Knight – vocalist and guitarist, and Paul Brewer on bass. All jammers welcome, so be early to ensure a spot. Supported and hosted by local musicians Grant Robertson and Lyne Davis. Kicks off 3pm.
Lions not Idol
In May last year the community enjoyed the first reunion of the legendary Sydney northern beaches band Lion Idol, who rocked the Peninsula in the 80s and 90s, kicked off the live music scene at the beachside Moby Dick Club in Whale Beach and maintained a faithful following over 15 years. The band and the community had such a great night it led to the band’s deciding to make this an annual event, so we are pleased to announce a second reunion of the band at Federal Hall on Saturday. Lion Idol comprises now local musicians – drummer and percussionist James Cox, bass player/guitarist/vocalist Terry Villis, guitarist/vocalist John Bushelle, together with guitarist/vocalist Milton Brown, well known for his outstanding human aid work with SurfAid International, plus original members of the renowned Bilgola Bop Band, Jonty Erwin on guitar/keyboards, harmonica and vocals and Chuck Davis on vocals. Lion Idol will play a mixture of the repertoire the band trotted out originally, plus a lot of material the band members have composed and encountered in their own various musical paths since their farewell concert in Sydney. They play the Court House Hotel in Mullum on Friday and are the featured band for the annual Federal fundraiser on Saturday at Federal Hall at 8pm. Gourmet Pizza from 7pm. Gold coin donation for entry.
Ray has his Day
Byron Bay-based singer/songwriter Ray Sorenson brings more than 40 years of experience as a musician to the fore with the release of the first single Blue Haze off of his forthcoming debut long-player Silent Writer. A well-known musical force on the north coast of NSW, Ray has spent most of his life writing and touring the region; however, he never found the right time to dedicate to releasing an album of his own material. This accomplished musician has set out to record an album that is the perfect representation of his life. The Blue Haze single is the start of a new journey for the father of two and one that looks set to welcome him into the Australian country scene with open arms. He plays the Bangalow Bowlo on Friday. Doors: 7pm, show: 8pm. Presale tix: 15 + (bf); Door tix: $20
Richard’s Mind
Sydney five-piece Richard In Your Mind launch their psychedelic new art rock album Ponderosa this Thursday at the Byron Beach Hotel. Ponderosa is Richard In Your Mind’s most melodic, dynamic and fun release yet. Created over the last two years, the album is a meticulously crafted, joyous, and bizarre collection of songs showcasing a plethora of strengths from this unique band. Sitars, synthesisers, vocal harmonies, groovy beats and an array of found sounds combine to create a kaleidoscopic pop dream of an album. From the singalong pop gem Hammered to the beautiful and dreamy Shooting Star,Ponderosa is a journey of exploration, discovery, spontaneity and escapism. Band leader Richard Cartwright explains the album’s name: ‘Ponderosa is the name of the ranch where the Cartwright family lived on the old TV show Bonanza, he says. ‘Being a Cartwright myself, people often make references to my distant television cousins, so Ponderosa to me is a quest to find the elusive imaginary ancestral ‘home’. Like most quests, it is the journey that is important, and often what one seeks outwardly one can only find within.’ If that sounds too heady, don’t worry. Cartwright and his core band of surrealists have a way of taking the slightly off-kilter and converting it into beautifully relatable art. Ponderosa is no exception.
Catch them on Thursday!
Whole lot of Soul
Uke Night at the Court House Hotel in Mullum welcomes back to centre stage the towering purveyor of good vibes Soulman O’Gaia for this month’s theme, Soul Motown Disco. Miss Amber and Stukulele also proudly present The Fis – Fiona Knight and Fiona Dell – for some 3-part sista harmony action. Join the mailing list for the link to the songbook at www.ukemullum.com. Always a great night with or without a ukulele. Boogie on down and testify from 6.30pm, Thursday. Adults $10 kids $2.50.
First Stop: Bluesville Station!
Bluesville Station are back on track and full steam ahead after studio sessions for their seventh album. ‘The boys have some great new tunes locked down which will feature on the forthcoming album,’ says guitarist and band leader Brad Palmer. ‘Oh yeah, our fans expect us to deliver the goods, and we dig it,’ says Brad. Maybe a sneaky preview of the new songs?
Thanks to sites such as Spotify and other streamers the band can now reach a global audience with their brand of blues rock. Sick of waiting for the bus? Then jump on board the Bluesville Station Express when they head to Lennox Hotel on Saturday from 9.30pm. A show not to be missed!
The Name of the Rose
The music of Cassie Rose takes you to a place not all dare to venture. A place of honesty and heart… enchantingly deep, yet sweet and soft… with a gentle groove to keep you swaying. Her sound is an alternative acoustic infusion of flavours… and her debut EP Destiny is a true representation of this. With the release of her EP, Cassie will be doing two launch shows with a full band, one on the northern rivers where she now resides, on Wednesday at the Rochdale Theatre, Goonellabah. Show starts at 7pm; doors open at 6.30pm.
Tickets $11 presale online at www.cassierosemusic.com or $15 at the door.
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