Karise Eden is arguably one of Australia’s finest new female blues singers, with a vocal fire and passion suggestive of Melissa Etherdige, Anastacia or Beth Hart. All natural talent with a soulful voice borne of a hard knock life, the depth and feeling she expresses when she sings makes it hard to believe she is still only 25 years old. Karise has broken ARIA chart records and sold platinum and gold albums but it’s her intimate, acoustic shows where her visceral connection is most apparent.

For one weekend in November Karise Eden will perform live and acoustically at select Melbourne venues. Karise Eden will be road testing a few new songs while in Melbourne too, so don’t miss out on these three intimate gigs!

KARISE EDEN MELBOURNE DATES
Fri 3 Nov – Bird’s Basement, Melbourne VIC
Sat 4 Nov – Old Hepburn Hotel, Hepburn Springs VIC
Sun 5 Nov – Flying Saucer, Elsternwick VIC

Ticket info from www.kariseeden.com.au

Ahead of her Melbourne acoustic gigs, we asked Karise to share with us her 5 favourite acoustic-based songs and the reasons why she loves them.

Sometimes I cry – Chris Stapleton
What a fantastic artist he is. His vocals are to die for!
Would love to collaborate with him one day!
I have learnt this one on guitar, play it in my own time. Amazing track!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Lq3Av1IA8rc

Me and Bobby McGee – Janis Joplin
Of course the one & only Janis comes into the mix.
This is also my mother’s favourite song. Reminds me of good times at home as a kid.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sfjon-ZTqzU

Hear My Train A-Comin’- Jimi Hendrix
What a legend. One of the first Jimi Hendrix songs I heard. One day I’ll learn this one on guitar… one day… haha!!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IPtv14q9ZDg

Send my love (to your new lover) – Adele
Wow what can you say about this track. It’s amazing.
Ultimate empowerment. I’m a huge Adele fan.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fk4BbF7B29w

Falling – Jessica Mauboy
Love this track! It’s great to hear Jess stripped back.
the vulnerability lyrically in this track is amazing.
I also play this track in my personal time. Great song.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2-JLf7dhMpY

The Brothers, Angels & Demons with Rose Tattoo show came to The Palms at Crown in Melbourne last night and rocked the house like never before. There was so much oz rock dna on stage that the experience was never going to be innocent!

Rose Tattoo is one of the most influential rock bands to come out of Australia and last night proved that nothing’s changed. Angry Anderson still commands a stage and the music is as threatening as ever. Joining the Tatts’ riffmeister Dai Pritchard on stage were the legendary Bob Spencer on guitar and AC/DC’s original bass player Mark Evans. Add John Watson on drums and you’ve got pub rock in its purest form.

Dave Gleeson out front of The Angels is one of the most enigmatic performers in the country too and does the classic Angels hits proud. Apart from the ever-solid Brewster Brothers, Bob Spencer returned to the stage to lend a hand as well. Even the plush Palms showroom at Crown is not immune to the iconic refrain to Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again. Too much rock n roll is never enough and at Crown last night, the audience witnessed the very best.

Jason Rosewarne was side stage and captured some amazing photos

After a record-winning hiatus Hoolahan  return with their unique take on literate pop songs packed with minor-key guitar hooks and bittersweet harmonies.  Re-uniting with producer  Wayne Connolly, Hoolahan have delivered their long-anticipated new album ”Casuarina” and they’re launching it with a tour beginning tomorrow in Wollongong.

Lead single “Ev’ry Time You Go” is a deliberately aching pop/rock song that uses the bands signature sound and reverb-laden guitars to traverse through themes of ‘murderous times’ and ‘memories of sober nights’. It haunts like the feeling of leaving somewhere or someone behind.

Songwriters and childhood friends Tim Kevin and David Orszaczky grew up together in Canberra, swapping tapes and learning guitar via the pause/play button. Soon after moving to Sydney they formed Hoolahan with Harry Roden and Neil Bateman.

After a handful of early singles, the band’s debut King Autumn was the first album released on Sydney’s revered Ivy League label. Now hailed as a “lost classic”, upon release it earned glowing reviews and national airplay.

Following King Autumn’s release the band toured nationally, playing the Big Day Out festival and performing with the likes of You Am I, Grant McLennan and Robert Forster, Ash, The Vines and Swervedriver. Hoolahan split in 2007 but have remained close friends.

After a 10 year break the band headed into Turning Studios with multi Aria Award winning producer Wayne Connolly (Underground Lovers, Died Pretty, The Fauves, Cloud Control and You Am I), with additional tracking at producer/engineer Tim Kevin’s Tempe River Studios (Holly Throsby, Youth Group) and are now ready to emerge with the upcoming album “Casuarina”.

The cues are classically Antipodean, recalling The Go-Betweens and The Chills … yet bathed in piano, vintage synths and the layered guitar interplay that has hallmarked the band since their beginnings.

To celebrate the albums release Hoolahan will be hitting the road commencing tomorrow, bringing their legendary and unmissable live show to Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Wollongong .

HOOLAHAN UPCOMING SHOWS
Saturday 21st October  - Wombarra Bowling Club, Wollongong
Saturday 28th October – Lazybones Marrickville, Sydney
Sunday 12th November – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney
Friday 24th November – Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, Brisbane
Saturday 2nd December – Phoenix Bar, Canberra

HOOLAHAN CASUARINA TRACKLIST
1. The Morning Roll
2. Sales Retreat
3. Sick Fizz
4. On the Golden Sands
5. We Only Seem to Pass the Time
6. City Rain
7. Instant Gain
8. Ev’ry Time You Go
9. Eleven Miles
10. A Wrecker’s Light
11. Country Doctor
12. Pre-hysterics

Nostaligic indietronic duo Nakatomi have this month released their dark new single, Wooden Castle. The alluring futurepop track is accompanied by a Gondry-inspired clip, featuring the pair in a parable-like narrative complemented by the song. Wooden Castle lands ahead of the duo’s highly anticipated new EP set to drop in the new year.

Nakatomi, who are Emily Smart and Hamish Cox, are hitting the road to celebrate the release,are jumping on as headliners for Sad Grrrls Fest which kicks off in Brisbane on November 4, then moves through Melbourne on November 11 and finishes up in Sydney on November 18.

Wooden Castle is a great example of Nakatomi’s ability to encapsulate retro pop vibes with impressively current production values. The track is driven by clear percussion, vocal samples and a huge, conquering chorus. Produced and mixed by JP Fung (Client Liaison, Phebe Starr, Silverchair), Wooden Castle demands to be heard and will refuse to leave your head. Describing the inspiration behind the track, Emily says, “Wooden Castle evolved, using a red woods forest as the inspiration, and explores themes of feeling stuck and stifled whilst striving towards goals that seem out of reach. It’s a balance of mounting pressure, contrasted by a strength in acceptance of who you are, and not giving up on yourself even when people try to cut you down.”

The clip for Wooden Castle is a bit of a surprise; with such an 80s vibe musically most would expect a similar video – but Nakatomi go for the unexpected. Taking inspiration from 1920’s cinema and directed by Tim Lucas, the clip incorporates projectors, puppets, and full-body costumes to tell the fanstastical story. Emily describes, “It’s kind of a humourous backwards fairytale. Hamish wanted to do a clip where he didn’t have to do anything so we went with this idea so he had to spend the entire day dressed as a tree as payback. Hopefully spite makes for an excellent clip. There’s three characters, a woodsman, a bear and a tree, and they find friendship, battle fear and find strength.”

And this all is just the first taste of the upcoming EP from Nakatomi, a collection of songs that are as yet shrouded in mystery – but one thing is for sure, it’s set for release in early 2018 and it is going to be massive. Working away for the last six months in both Australia and Los Angeles, the pair have collaborated with some huge names for this release, including JP Fung, Tony Buchen (Montaigne, ASTA, East) Mario Spate (Tkay Maidza) and Luke Godson (Luke Million).

Giving fans a taste of what to expect from the live show, Emily teases, “People can definitely expect to hear unreleased songs off the upcoming EP. We’ve also just redone our live show with a new drummer, so new set up and new tunes! Our shows have never been bigger and we’re looking forward to bringing out some epic energy reserves for the Sad Grrrls tour.”

UPCOMING GIGS/TOUR DATES:

SAT 04 NOV | THE BRIGHTSIDE, BRISBANE QLD | 18+
SAD GRRRLS FEST | Tickets: sadgrrrlsclub.com
SAT 11 NOV | THE REVERENCE HOTEL, FOOTSCRAY VIC | 18+
SAD GRRRLS FEST | Tickets: sadgrrrlsclub.com
SAT 18 NOV | THE RED RATTLER, MARRICKVILLE SYD | ALL AGES
SAD GRRRLS FEST | Tickets: sadgrrrlsclub.com

https://www.facebook.com/Nakatomiband/

JIMMY CLIFF

Bluesfest has delighted music lovers across Australia by announcing another 16 artists who will perform at the festival in 2018. In typical Bluesfest fashion it’s a truly eclectic mix of heritage artists, festival favorites and exciting new comers – there’s something for any true music lover.

YOUSSOU N’DOUR
SEAL
MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD
JACKSON BROWNE
JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT
GOMEZ
RAG ‘N’ BONE MAN
THE ORIGINAL BLUES BROTHERS BAND
JIMMY CLIFF
THE WAILERS
BENJAMIN BOOKER
HURRAY FOR THE RIFF RAFF
CANNED HEAT
WALTER TROUT
ANDRÉ CYMONE
THE TESKEY BROTHERS

Bluesfest Director Peter Noble comments on the latest announcement:

Our second Bluesfest artist announcement features a cross section of artists – from the greatest African artist of our time, to incredible singers (in a year we already have such incredibly great singers already announced), to the best in Americana, Reggae, Blues & Roots music and more. From top to bottom, I am so proud of Bluesfest’s new announcement of 16 amazing artists. When added to those already announced, and with more to come, it’s going to be very special Bluesfest. Each festival is a hand crafted labour of love. I work hard to present a truly world class event, and I take pride in it being very special, EVERY YEAR.

Headlining this announcement is iconic Senegalese artist Youssou N’Dour who according to Rolling Stone “is undoubtedly one of the most beloved artists in the entire continent of Africa”. He is also known to Australian audiences through his work with Paul Simon, Peter Gabriel and through his smash hit 1994 single “7 Seconds” featuring Neneh Cherry.

Seal is a true sensation. He first got the world’s attention with the hit “Crazy” and was launched into superstardom with “Kiss from a Rose”. He has sold a staggering 20 million albums around the world, won three Brit and four Grammy awards. He has recently won hearts in Australia as a coach on the popular program The Voice. In his newest album ‘Standards’ combines his unique voice with some of the greatest Jazz stands and swing classics ever written. Bluesfest welcomes this true legend of soul to their stage in 2018.

There is no doubt that Michael Franti is one of Bluesfest’s most beloved artists, so it’s a thrill to announce he’s back for the first time since 2015. A Michael Franti and Spearhead show is a celebration, where tears of joy are shed, new friends are made and souls are uplifted.

In an announcement that will make a lot of fans very happy, Bluesfest has added Jackson Browne to the 2018 festival. Browne has written and performed some of the most moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of song writing charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics.

Bluesfest welcomes Jason Isbell back to the festival in 2018 with his brand new album ‘The Nashville Sound’. Since he last performed at the festival he’s won 2 Grammys, as well as song and album of the year in at the 2016 Americana Awards. He’s an absolute star and it’s an honour to have him play at Bluesfest once again.

Bluesfest is proud to welcome Gomez back to Bluesfest for the first time since 2007! It’s also the band’s first tour in over 6 years, just in time for the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough album ‘Bring it On’. With so much to celebrate their festival appearance is not to be missed.

Rory Graham, AKA Rag‘n’Bone Man has injected an exciting new twist into the blues music he grew up with in his parental home in East Sussex bringing it bang up to date using the beats and production methods of contemporary Hip-Hop. Equally he resurrects age-old themes of loss and romantic pain with a voice so immediate, raw and expressive that it transfixes anyone in earshot with its sheer size and elemental power. It is with great excitement that Bluesfest announces Rag’n’Bone Man for their 2018 festival.

Its official, the Blues in Bluesfest just got a whole lot Bluesier with the announcement that The Original Blues Brothers Band is alive and well and returning to the festival next year. It will be a feel good, sing along, can’t wipe the smile off your face kind of performances from some extraordinary musicians.

Jimmy Cliff remains a forceful voice of power and conscience, creating new music as vital and vibrant as ever. He completely blew us all away with his spectacular and energetic performances at past festivals; we can’t wait for him to do it all over again!

Bluesfest is wrapped to once again present one of the most significant bands touring the world today: The Wailers. Their prodigious mission, led by legendary Aston “Family Man” Barrett is to uphold the legacy of Reggae prophet Bob Marley. This band is the only authentic version of The Wailers currently touring, featuring musicians who played with Marley on records and stages across the globe. They will play a different classic album by Bob Marley and The Wailers plus other classic hits each night at the festival.

Benjamin Booker is a new breed of Bluesman. Based in New Orleans he draws his influence from post-War electric Blues, and garage punk. In 2017 he released ‘Witness’ an album that he created in response to the racial tensions facing America in 2017. The title track features Bluesfest favourite Mavis Staples. Bluesfest welcomes this exciting, innovative artist to Byron Bay in 2018 and are sure he’ll be the talk of the festival.

With musical influences as diverse as New Orleans, The Bronx and Puerto Rico, Hurray for the Riff Raff’s sound is all their own, and it’s sure to delight Bluesfest audiences when they take the stage at Bluesfest 2018. The band is fronted the dynamic lead singer/songwriter Alynda Segarra whose lyrics ambitiously interweave the cinematic stories of a wandering soul who finally realized she needed to connect with and honour her ancestors.

Blues n Boogie .. Boogie n Blues , no matter which way you phrase it only one name rises to the top: Canned Heat. Some say they invented the genre that made them a global phenomenon 40+ years ago. This legendary band will bring their unique blend of roadhouse electric blues, rock and boogie back to the Bluesfest stage in 2018.

Walter Trout is the beating heart of the modern blues rock scene, respected by the old guard, revered by the young guns, and adored by the fans who shake his hand after the show each night. Trout is a consummate musician, loved by many Bluesfest attendees.

It is with great excitement that Bluesfest can announce that in addition to his spots as special guest vocalist with The New Power Generation, André Cymone will also wow audiences with his own performances at the 2018 festival.  André Cymone is an American bass player, songwriter and record producer. Raised in Minneapolis, Cymone and schoolmate Prince laid the groundwork for the revolutionary “Minneapolis sound”. Bluesfest audiences won’t be able to resist dancing when this smooth hit-maker takes the stage in 2018.

Bluesfest is delighted to announce The Teskey Brothers for the 2018 festival. Honouring that old school Motown sound and working it into something of their very own, the Australian four piece stunned many in 2017 with their gorgeous debut album ‘Half Mile Harvest’. A raw combination of soul and blues, the record has warmed the hearts of listeners all around the world. After a string of sold out shows across Australia, USA and UK in 2017 the future is looking very bright for these four friends from Warrandyte. This is an act on the rise and not to be missed at Bluesfest 2018!

These artists join those already announced:

ROBERT PLANT AND THE SENSATIONAL SPACE SHIFTERS
LIONEL RICHIE
THE JOHN BUTLER TRIO
TASH SULTANA
THE NEW POWER GENERATION
CHIC FEATURING NILE RODGERS
FIRST AID KIT
JOSE GONZALEZ
MORCHEEBA
GOV’T MULE
LUKAS NELSON & PROMISE OF THE REAL
THE CALIFORNIA HONEYDROPS
ERIC GALES
BOBBY RUSH
DUMPSTAPHUNK
JOE LOUIS WALKER
RICK ESTRIN & THE NIGHTCATS

THE 2017 ARTIST DAILY PLAYING SCHEDULE IS AVAILABLE ON BLUESFEST.COM.AU

Festival and Camping tickets are now on sale through bluesfest.com.au or by phoning the Bluesfest office on 02 6639 9800