Benjalu
Emerging Newcastle roots rock band, benjalu have already received more recognition in their short musical career, way above their expectations.
Despite only playing together since March 2006, benjalu have impressed music aficionados across Australia, winning numerous awards for their original music and their warm live shows.
benjalu's radio - friendly tracks were further honoured at YouthRock awards, when the band were given an additional award by fellow Novocastrians Silverchair, recognising their strong and original song-writing talents. These songs have also caught the ear of local commercial radio station 105.3 NewFM who has taken the band up and down the coast, where the band played as one of the featured acts at The Australian Body boarding Championships at Dreamworld QLD.
The band has also featured at festivals Strike-back and High Voltage, sharing the stage with artists such as True Live, The Beautiful Girls, The Sleepy Jackson and Josh Pyke. Other highlights include hitting the stage at the Sydney Royal Easter Show 07/08 and support slots including Kate Miller-Heidke, Jon Stevens, James Reyne, Dann Hume (Evermore), Rogerthat and Paul Greene. Throw in a regional tour with MUSICOZ winners Solver, benjalu are making the most of the excitement surrounding them, whilst keeping very busy on the road.
Inspired by a life on the waves and a sleepy little coastal existence, benjalu's tunes draw influence from many diverse styles, such as early jazz and blues, roots and today's modern acoustic contemporary musicians.
Their sound is full and lush, with warm songs to keep by your heart and take you through life's journeys.
After an overwhelming response at their EP Launch December 2007 (The Brewery, Newcastle), benjalu are looking forward already grown in their local scene.
Band Members
Ben 'Gumby' Gumbleton - Acoustic Guitar & Vox
Luke Elsley - Guitar, Harmonica & Backup Vox
Anthony Morris - Bass Guitar, Clarinet & Backup Vox
Brett Foreman - Drums
Jason Lowe
Natural soul that can't be faked, a command of his instrument that's well beyond his years and a voice that any seasoned performer would die for, is what makes just turned 19 year old Jason Lowe,so unique.
Although Seeded in the 'roots/folk' genre, Jason's original flavour of deep, emotionally charged melodies capture any audience while his exceptional skill as a lap steel guitarist allows him to flow freely into just about any style.
Grant Walmsley's Agents of Peace
Grant Walmsley is the founder, songwriter/guitarist of the legendary Screaming Jets.
The Newcastle born and bred surfers latest quest sees him returning to his roots as singer/songwriter/guitar player, fronting his new band 'Grant Walmsley's Agents of Peace'.
The 'Agents of Peace' explosive live show is a phenomenon incomparable to anything else.
The Agents swap instruments, and have a double bass, saxophone, piano, slide guitar, harmonica, organ, acoustic and electric guitar, crazy drumming and percussion, and on top of it all, flawless 3-part harmonies.
Grant has even created and developed some of his own unique instruments for the band, in order to play them all at the one time.
The prolific songwriter has over 100 songs which he is recording for future releases and is constantly writing songs . "I am going through my most creative period and am making the most of it. 60-70 hour weeks are standard at the moment".
He has become equally passionate about spreading a positive message throughout his travels and spreading peace, love and respect mixed with good vibes, good songs and a great sound.
Bringing the experience of performing 3,000 live shows all over the world to his new project has seasoned Grant for his role as the multi-talented front man of the 'Agents of Peace'.
He is the lead singer, guitarist, drummer and percussionist... all at once!
The 'Agents of Peace' feature some of this countries finest musicians.
Rod Ansell on harmonica, sax, guitar and vocals.
Allon Silove on double bass, mandolin and vocals.
Travis May on piano, organ and percussion.
Songs are available for streaming/download at the following locations:
Grants Web Site
Agents Web Site
Myspace Page
Triplej Unearthed
Pure Volume
Contact: Grant Walmsley
agentsofpeace@aapt.net.au
PEACE LOVE & RESPECT
Kaylah Anne
Rising star Kaylah Anne is building a strong reputation around the Newcastle and hunter valley area. A regular performer at many venues like Hexham bowling club, Kaylah has had outstanding success in the past 12 months and in January 2008 graduated from the Australian College of Country Music.
Her original songs have already been played on Newcastle's 105.3 NEW FM. 100.9 Port Stephens FM, Tamworth's 100.5 FM and 2TM, but now Kaylah is making another step up the ladder.
Her forthcoming EP has been produced by the multi award winning Rod McCormack, and the first single, written by Kaylah Anne, is a great introduction for Australia to this talented singer/songwriter.
Pure vocals and a strong hooky song make for an excellent entre to the EP.
Myspace Page
Web Site
Of The Red Sea
Of the Red Sea are a band from Newcastle that are not constrained by the standard alt/indie/rock template.
Formed in 2007, their sound blends alt/indie/angular rock and ambient sounds with the warmth, intimacy and authenticity of folk/roots.
Jenni B
Jenni B has begun to stir up the streets of Sydney! The 23-year-old has been composing songs for over a decade, with captivating compositions on both the guitar and piano.
Her instrumental guitar solos have earned Jenni B the title "the female Tommy Emmanuel".
Vocally and lyrically, Jenni B delivers a passionate expression that sets her apart from other artists who perform folk, soft pop/rock and blues.
Over the past few years Jenni B has performed hundreds of gigs across Sydney at venues such as The Basement, Hopetoun Hotel, the Cat & Fiddle, the Sandringham and many more.
Jenni B also busts out cover gigs to show off her wide range of styles and abilities.
Dactyl Spondee
Dactyl Spondee are a duo of bi-pedal, carbon based life forms based in the coal-raped city of Newcastle.
This quasi-urban-neo-hippy pair accidently blend elements of folk, grunge and self-deprecation to make their own brand of 'Humble Pop'.
Capturing the energy akin to artists such as 'They Might Be Giants' and 'Magnetic Fields', mixed with styles reminicent of 'Iron & Wine', 'Daniel Johnston' and 'Morrisey', when you hear that peculiar jostling between the jocular, satirical and occasionally melodramatic you can be 97% sure you're listening to Dactyl Spondee."
Myspace Page
The Rum Corps
The Rum Corps are a newly formed grungy folk rock outfit from Newcastle Australia.
Combining the harsh gravel of a newly tarred road in the vocal stylings of singer/songwriter Kyle Phillipson, with melodic tamperings of Cello, Bass and thumping Drums.
The Rum Corps exude a shambolic vibe through their savage interpretation of rural inspired folk balladry, a sound reminiscent of long rainy nights spent with red wine and Bob Dylan albums.
Myspace Page
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