Sorry normally I'm pretty good at getting things done but I've been absolutely rubbish lately. Hands up, guilty as charged, but I have finally put together a few artists who follow and support me on Instagram who I genuinely think produce some pretty cool music. This is just a few in time I'll add to it but little and often is always best 😊.

I hope you do go check out at least one because it's always nice to support people who put in real effort to something they have genuine passion about. The music industry is tough and unforgiving, part of the reason I doubt I'll ever think about trying to be commercial so I admire these guys.

Here you go then, enjoy!

1). Goldkey Only has one song out so far but I absolutely adore it. Very chilled, you'll see it's very "me". Indie Folk.

2) Carolina Wray Two brothers with a heavy blues rock sound they are very cool. Naughty words though so not for younger readers (says the woman who calls her songs S**t it out's 😆).

3). A Part Of. Has a few albums out and I'm working my way through them, I loved his first one. Bucket loads of talent here with an experimental indie acoustic feel.

4). Soloman Jakobsson. Stunning and I mean stunning finger style acoustic guitarist who is a genius with harmonics. His music is beautiful to listen to it really is.

5). Brittany Pfatz. Beautiful singer with an edgy style, mainly acoustic pop but really nice.

All these were found via Instagram so it's a lovely way to share music you probably wouldn't find otherwise. It's nice to be able to throw even a tiny bit of support to others who are on the same journey albeit via a different road! I hope you enjoy them.

As for me I'm plugging away so much to do. Tom reluctantly gave me a very general guess about how long it would take to get where I want to go. I understand his hesitation it's a tough thing to answer but his list of disclaimers was hilarious. Anyway he thinks around five years which is fine by me it's what I hoped for, although I did think he would say a lot longer in truth, so to hear him say that helps a lot. Makes it less of a ghost I'm chasing and more solid. Of course it's up to me to keep this momentum going to get there but I honestly don't think I'm anywhere near up to speed yet because we have some barriers still remaining that are preventing me from taking off the handbreak.

Update on the song too, it's really coming together but at the same time is going to require some major effort to get it where I want. Over the verses I've added some really really slow Gilmore style bends & slides on electric with loads of echo which sounds amazing but will require a lot of work to really nail as it provides the atmosphere. I've worked on the piano a bit and I've really worked on the outro to bring it down from "chorus" and that's sounding much better. But to tie the three sections together perfectly is going to be really hard. Worth it though because I have so much belief in this song. It's still not "me" but it's getting closer.

Back to work then and I want to try and get more nice songs for you.

Probably not but I'm going to try and enlighten you anyway!

To be honest until about a year or so ago I had no interest in funk other than the odd fun song but I've come to love it.  That's because I looked into it more and discovered a huge range within the genre from rock to jazz and by mixing and matching a whole bunch it makes for a very cool playlist.  It's tricky without giving you hundreds of songs to listen to but here are ten of my favourite to try and persuade you to dig a little more :)

If you have Spotify I've put these in a separate playlist that you can find here.  In no particular order here are ten wicked songs to try out.

1)  Phyllis - Lettuce (more on the Jazzy side this one but very very cool)

2)  Paul Newman - Lefties Soul Connection (one of my favourites songs full stop, if this doesn't get your toes tapping nothing will!  It's got that organ vibe and some kick arse funky drums!)

3) Robot - Five Alarm Funk (if you want a lot more rock in your funk this is just brilliant!)

4) Solutions - Euforquestra (this one is very Ska/Reggae and the lyrics are great, very catchy)

5)  Jamflowman - Twiddle (another of my fav songs, brilliant story, great music and they mix it up big time it's like 3 songs in one!  Great piano, great guitar and brilliant bass - too much to love.)

6)  If I'm In Luck - Dumpstaphunk (more rocky again and it's got Flea on bass nuff said!)

7)  Killing - The Apples (jazz & funk merge beautifully for this version of Killing In The Name.  Hard hitting and brilliant - simply brilliant).

8)  I Got The ... - Labi Siffre (oldie but just brilliant and you'll recognise the riff as every man and his dog has borrowed it from Labi.)

9)  The Seed (2.0) - The Roots (this one's on the edge of squeaking into the funk category but if you like a bit of rap then this is great, seriously addictive).  Warning:  Swearing in this one.

10)  On The Sly - The Bamboos - (I had the pleasure of seeing these guys recently with Kylie Auldist and they were FAB.  This song is my favourite of theirs and it's G R E A T.)

If you do like funk then there's a whole bunch more in my playlist for you to try out.  So here is the link for that one!

Enjoy!

Time for another music lesson, it's an eclectic mix this time! If you missed it here is part 1 full of cool albums to try out. So here are 10 more fab albums you may not know but are well worth a go.

1) Black Cat Bones - Barbed Wire Sandwich

Before Rod Price showed his genius in Foghat he was in Black Cat Bones, a grungy UK rock blues band that never made it. They went through several line ups and only released one album but it's a cracking one! Rod Price on guitar is sweeeeeeeeeeeeet on their cover of Death Valley Blues.

2) As Tall As Lions - Circles

Laid back pop indie band As Tall As Lions had a few albums before disbanding and they have a really nice upbeat vibe. My favourite is Circles in particular the title track but it's all pretty cool.

3) The Heavy - The Glorious Dead

The Heavy have a unique sound, their music is all about that funky beat. Seriously the first song (Can't Play Dead) starts with a head nodding, toe tapping thwamp and it carries on from there. They've got some really catchy melodies, you'll know some from adverts and movies but all their albums are brilliant. I love their newest one from last year too it featured in my 2016 top ten.

4) Jesus Jones - Doubt

This album used to come with a warning label that it might blow up your stereo - too funny! Brilliant indie album from the 90's, these guys had a couple of hits then faded. They did have a couple more albums and Perverse is a really good one to check out too. My fav song on this album is Welcome Back Victoria - very catchy.

5) Little Barrie - King of the waves

Barrie Cadogan is another cool guitarist and these guys know how to rock. They've got a 60's blues, rock, funk sound going on - think Cream but more funky and you'll get the idea. All their albums are amazing and my favourite songs are Free Salute (from 'We are Little Barrie') & Pin That Badge (from 'Stand Your Ground') talk about F U N K Y.

6) Opeth - Damnation

Opeth have morphed a few times and normally they're too heavy for me (when they start to grunt I lose interest) but this album showcases their chilled side. It's got an Anathema/Antimatter vibe about it and it's lovely particularly 'In My Time Of Need'.

7) Brownout - Brown Sabbath

Take one seriously talented funk band, mix them with a helping of Black Sabbath covers and you get Brown Sabbath. This is one very very cool cover album with such great playing. They stay very true to the originals while managing to add a thick dose of funk to create a unique and very brilliant album. Apparently a second helping has just been finished .... I can't wait!

8) Rodriguez - Searching For Sugar Man

This is the soundtrack from the film and features a collection of his brilliant songs. I won't post the story here but if you don't know it you should go check it out, it's a strange tale about success and failure and how second chances can come from the most unexpected places. I love his style and also check out The Avener reworking of his song it's VERY cool.

9) Five Alarm Funk - Abandon Earth

There's a bit of a funk theme in this one but as I'm so into it right now and learning how to play you'll forgive me if I indulge plus funk is awesome! Take heavy rock and mix with jazz infused funk and this is what you get. You're going to love it or hate it but I think it's brilliant if somewhat mind blowingly odd!! Such an unusual mix but very cleverly and professionally done and these guys can PLAY.

10) Jimmie Vaughan - Do You Get The Blues

My biggest guitar inspiration, I love everything Jimmie does. So many people don't know who he is let alone how amazing a guitarist he is but this is my fav of his albums. Also please check out the album (Family Style) he did with his brother Stevie Ray, the two play off each other so brilliantly. And if you want a more flashy Jimmie then go listen to some Fabulous Thunderbirds - very cool. Personally I like Jimmie when he's telling stories with his guitar.

I can't end the year without listing my favourite 10 albums from this year now can I?

It's been a great year for new music and I've discovered so many new ones to add to my ever growing list of influences.  Spotify has been a great tool for me in this journey and if I'm repeating myself then it's for a good reason but streaming is fun, buying is cool - to keep music alive, evolving, varied & fun we need to keep on supporting all artists especially the little guy.  Just a little.

Click on any image above to visit these brilliant artists and enjoy more of them.

So to it then, what are these masterpieces that tickled my fancy above all else..!? 

10) Paul Dempsey - Strange Loop
9) Birds Of Tokyo - Brace
8) The Last Shadow Puppets - Everything You've Come To Expect
7) St Paul & The Broken Bones - Sea Of Noise
6) The Heavy - Hurt & The Merciless
5) Sticky Fingers - Westway (The Glitter & The Slums)
4) Red Hot Chili Peppers - Dark Necessities
3) Slaves - Take Control
2) Congos - Egomaniac

And finally (and probably controversially)

1) Black Pistol Fire - Wake The Riot

Raw music at it's best - such a big sound from just two guys and so much variety in there.  Hugely fun album, highly, highly recommended.

n.b (all the above images are of my personal CD's & records to show that I practice what I preach.)

Some days I need a little pick me up while others are painful to live through, some days the world is simply perfect.  Some days I just want to chill, some I'm full of energy and I want to rock out, some I'm happy, some I'm too happy (yes too happy can be a bad thing especially for someone like me), and sometimes I'm just right - haha I'm sorry, I couldn't resist the naff Goldilocks reference, but you're probably expecting these daft jokes by now!  

But no matter the day, or how I'm feeling or what kind of mood I'm after ...... the one song, no matter what's happened (or not happened), that is always perfect, my favourite song in the whole world is ....

Otis Redding - "Down In The Valley".

Most people I've played this for know Otis Redding obviously but a large number have never heard of this particular song so just in case you havent had the pleasure of hearing this wonderful tune here it is.  Enjoy and I hope you have a 'just right' day!

 I follow my favourite bands on Twitter as its a great way to stay up to date on the latest news. It's an effective method of finding new artists too, especially up and coming artists. In fact a few actually found me and introduced themselves. Here are five who have a wicked sound. Give them a try and rock on!!✊ haha sorry that was disgracefully cheesy!😁

Jack Conman

Jack has a silky voice that's just lovely to listen to, he's a lovely bloke with a crazy work ethic. His percussive guitar playing is really cool and music can be upbeat or really chilled but it's always so nice. I have great faith in a successful career for Jack.

http://jackconman.co.uk/
twitter.com/JackConman

​Matt Steady

​Matt is an incredible man, recently giving up a successful career to pursue his music full time. He is packed to the rafters with talent and his music is wonderful, go check him out he has an unbelievable list of things he's already achieved and not just in music. I wish Matt all the success he deserves going forward.

mattsteady.com/
https://twitter.com/MattStoicSteady
mattsteady.bandcamp.com
​
Jhonny K & The Krew

Modern Blues Rock band which a great singer who reminds me a lot of Zak Brown, he's got a well lived sounding growl that's perfect for their blend of blues, rock & country that makes them really bouncy and fun to listen to.  

www.jknation.com/
​https://twitter.com/krewtunes

Alex Roberts

An English singer songwriter with a 'countryfied' Jack Johnson vibe about him but with a much more appealing rugged storytelling voice.  He's got that country meets blues acoustic sound and his stories come out of his songs really really well.  Love this guy I could listen for hours - so glad he found me!

www.alexrobertsmusic.com/
twitter.com/AlexRobertsMus

Cookin' On Three Burners

I've featured these guys a few times but it's justified they're a great friendly bunch of Aussies with some seriously cool funk based music.  They feature other artists as guest lyricists such as Kylie Audist often and have a well balanced mix within their music.  Great music to make the most of your good mood.

https://twitter.com/Cookin3Burners
www.facebook.com/cookinon3burners

Support, support, support

Whenever I promote new bands I always recommend you check them out on whatever streaming service you use but if you like them or any other new band you find please go buy something from them - even if it's just your fav song.  Support is crucial to music artists, streaming is cool I'm a big fan as you know, I feel it opens doors, but they need proper support.  If you can't buy go see one of them and have a wicked night out instead.  I own an album from all these guys and I cannot wait for Cookin' On 3 Burners to come to Sydney next year.  As always - Enjoy!

Sitting in my living room, headphones on and 10cc crooning away - I'm ready to write!

I love to promote music, I want the world to share my passion and I want the wonderful musicians out there to get more support so here is part one of my how to find new music series.  I'll start with the obvious, most of us have spotify but maybe not fully realise it's potential to discover new artists & genres.  So here are my tips for digging through it.

www.spotify.com

Related Artists

When you "Go To Artist" you'll see a list of related artists.  This is a good place to start, take one and listen then click their related and so on and so on.  Keep going until you find something different - be brave!

Compilations

When you click on the "About" link in an artist you will often see "Discovered On" (scroll down!), these are a good place to look for other similar artists you may have missed.

Playlists

Dig through others lists and see if you can find something cool.  You can do this by searching for a style, a few keywords, a band you already like or if you want to be adventurous put in a surname (be totally random!) and look through whoever pops up, see what Joe Bloggs is listening too and try a few out.  You never know what you'll find - I actually found a few cool playlists and new artists this way.  It's silly but fun.  If you find a great playlist why not go see if the member who created it has any more cool ones?

Spotify Discovery Features

Spotify already has several ways to search, I don't think they're anywhere near as good as digging because they're geared towards what's already popular but they can be a good place to start.  Their Discover, Genre, Radio & New Releases are all good for a browse.

Check Out Your Mates

See what bands you're friends have been listening too and share playlists with each other especially if you have different tastes.  Quite often new music just takes a few listens for it become familiar for you to like it a lot more.  Be open, give it a shot you may surprise yourself.

And remember folks if you love the music - support the artist, go buy a CD or record or download (I personally like to own the music I've paid for so I hate iTunes).  Side note - it's GREAT to see vinyl being so popular again, I'm a big geek (I mean fan) and yes I do play mine all the time!  www.mix.com.au/music/news/2016/12/vinyl-outsells-digital-downloads/

That's it for now - hope you find something very cool!  I'm signing out with Mother Nature by The Orb playing now.  These guys are so cool - even David Gilmour thought enough of them to record an album with them.  Check em out!

If you want some more inspiration here is a list of the bands I own CD's for - compilations aren't included.  Be brave try a couple out - and I'm not proud of all of these, there are some very guilty pleasures in there!  I'll do a seperate one for all the Spotify bands that are on my "buy wishist" another day.

I've already posted about my guitar muses but every now and then I'd like to introduce one of my musical inspirations not specific to any instrument.

Nick Drake is a beautiful guitarist, often playing in unusual tunings.  But it's his singing that I find so amazing, he's haunting and sad but yet so uplifting if that makes any sense.  Such a sad story with a tragic end but at least his music lives on in the hearts of those who came after him.

The film above is lovely if somewhat sad but if you don't have time for that check out his albums, Pink Moon is his most popular but Made To Love Magic is my favourite which has some songs that never made his other records including my favourite Joey.

Here is my effort to play the beginning,

​Not me – I haven’t gone anywhere! I thought I’d go a smidge off track with today's post, do something a bit different and bring 5 awesome albums to your attention you may have missed. Some are by bands that are very well known but it may have been a while since you listened, or you may be a younger reader (I’m very young at heart so it’s all cool!) and not experienced these bands – lucky you to have found me! Just kidding of course! Some are less well known but NEED to be heard. If you only try one please try Dirty Sweet.

The Cure – Disintegration

They were truly in genius mode on this album, I know we all know the cure but you need to be reminded – and don’t forget to listen to Mixed Up too which is such a cool album showcasing remixes of some of their best, in fact all the Cure, pre 'happy phase', is amazing (yes in my opinion only!).

Dirty Sweet – American Spiritual

Sadly, this band wasn’t to be – and I MEAN sadly because this album is absolutely amazing stuff. It became one of my sons, my husbands and my teacher’s fav’s after I recommended it. You’ve been warned (haha – you’ll get the joke if you check it out)! DON'T MISS THIS ONE.

Sneaker Pimps – Bloodsport

Not for everyone but well worth trying because it's like marmite this one - if you like it you'll love it. This trip hop band went down a different road for their last album, a kind of bridge between the first ‘”trip hop pop” album and the second more stripped, it was their best, not just their best it was a damned good album full stop. Every song is great and I think it’s held up well over the years. It’s still trip hop (ish) but also a bit rocky, a bit pop, a bit funk – well it covers lots of bases.

Fun Loving Criminals – Come Find Yourself

Naughty language in this one! These guys hit pay dirt on their first attempt, it’s cool, it’s funky, and it’s real good fun. It’s rap, funk, pop but most of all it’s original and even has samples from Quentin Tarantino’s films, how do you get cooler than that! If you missed this one go check it out, they are smoooooooooooooooth!

Cookin On 3 Burners – Blind Bet

Another one I passed on to my teacher that he loves! These guys are an Aussie funk band but they refuse to be typecast. This album starts off with the coolest riff and takes it from there, lots of variation and lots of very very VERY cool playing.

Wow I can't believe how hard I found it to pick just five. I have hundreds that NEED to be on this list but we'll get there. For now I hope you find at least one you like - Enjoy!