Read + Write + Report
Home | Start a blog | About Orble | FAQ | Sites | Writers | Advertise | My Orble | Login

Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk - Music Australia

Xavier Rudd Gets Real With PETA Asia-Pacific (LINK)

May 8th 2008 18:52
Australian singer and songwriter Xavier Rudd first got our attention with his addictive blend of socially-charged lyrics and reggae, acoustic and folk-infused sound. When we found out that this Platinum-selling environmetalist was also a vegetarian, we knew it was a match made in PETA heaven.

Xavier Rudd recently sat down to do an interview with PETA Asia-Pacific. Not only do we have insider info on Xavier Rudd's latest record, White Moth, we also found out what made him realize that going vegetarian was the right thing to do.

“When I realized how animals have to suffer in the meat industry, I decided never to eat meat again,” says Rudd.


PETA Asia-Pacific has teamed up with Missy Higgins, Sophie Monk, Hilltop Hood, Kisschasy, and Imogen Bailey in the past to raise awareness about animal rights issues.

You can find the feature here: PETAAsiaPacific.com

55
Vote
Shared on
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Rennek - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   


Dave Dow

March 2nd 2008 09:35
There are few performers who can captivate an audience with just vocals and a guitar alone – but Brisbane-based Dave Dow is certainly one of these anomalies. His personality shines through on stage, stopping passer-bys in their tracks as he demonstrates his musical aptitude and vocal skill on an eclectic range of styles ranging from Motown classics to current Top 20. As a performer, there is little Dave hasn’t mastered.

Playing in bands since he was 16, he has always worked part-time in the music industry, often supporting his love of the craft with mundane work elsewhere. But this wasn’t going to be the case for long – its not like you can keep a performer of this calibre out of the spotlight, so eight years ago he put everything else on hold and starting pursuing music full-time. And he hasn’t really looked back since. He’s traversed the globe performing from gigs in every outpost of Australia, to New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, South Africa and China. This year he’s gearing up for a six-week stint performing in New York and is hoping to break into the music scene in the States and Canada.


When not traveling overseas, Dave has supported some of the biggest names in the Australian music industry, and some impressive international visitors. From the likes of Wendy Matthews, Coloured Stone, Yothu Yindi, James Morrison, Marina Prior, Darlene Zschech and Phil Emmanuel to Ministry of Sound (UK), Russell Crowe, Lucky Dube, Lole (NZ) and Ba Cissoko (West Africa), he moulds his musical style to suit any occasion. So versatile is this performer that he has gone from grooving through the hits of Motown one set, to lending his vocals to the plastic pop hits of the current charts just to suit his audience. It doesn’t matter to Dave – it is all music and it’s all about audience enjoyment.

The breadth of his repertoire is impressive and he can master songs not only by some of the most legendary artists of our time, but also perform songs from chart topping female artists on occasion. This is an impressive demonstration of his skill as a musician and the multi-instrumentalist makes everything look like it is the easiest transition to make in the world. It’s no surprise then to find he can play in front of any kind of audience, from Aboriginal communities to schools and backpacker hostels, to corporate events, gigs at Parliament House and shows in prisons, hospitals, restaurants and churches. His blend of roots, soul, R&B, gospel, jazz, funk, Motown, soft rock and current hits means his music appeals to everyone regardless of age or musical preference.

www.myspace.com/davedow
www.myspace.com/davedowmusic1
68
Vote
Shared on
Comments (1)Comments (1) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
   


Steppin Razor interview

October 12th 2006 05:41
Interview with LUKE (Bass) and ANDY (Vocals, Guitar) from STEPPIN RAZOR



Some songs...
These Pictures - click to listen
Tell Us What You're Gonna Do - click to hear

How did the band get together?
LUKE: I met Dave and Andy through my other band’s singer Jo (the New Justice Team) who live with them and we basically liked all the same shit so we placed an add in the drum (Drum Media) for a drummer. We got a reply from some guy named Petey but when we went over to his house to practice he wasn’t there and his dad kept on saying how much of ‘a mad cunt’ his son was on the drums, it was weird. Then we got a rely from a guy in Nowra, Adam, who has been our drummer ever since. We asked Mark to play sax in our band after the Optionals dismissed him and we heard him play with the Last Hemeroids and Riot City and thought he would fit in well and that’s Steppin’ Razor to this day.

Are you happy with how it’s been going?
LUKE: Yes.

You recently played a few shows in Brisbane, how was that?
LUKE: Brisbane? We didn’t go to Brisbane what are you talking about buddy? Maybe you should do a little bit of research before you interview bands pfft idiot.
(Editor's note: He's joking, they did go to Brisbane)

Favourite shows, and why?
LUKE: Brisbane was probably the best show we have ever played because it was so awesome, a lot of people were getting into what we were playing. We made loads of friends, it was just all round awesome.

There aren’t many people doing skapunk in Sydney (or doing it well at least) at the moment… how do you guys feel about that?
ANDY: Ska doesn’t have the best image at the moment, and I think a lot of bands and fans steer clear of the genre. It kinda sux but we don’t mind that much because we like playing on bills with bands of different styles.

I’ve heard people compare you guys favourably to the Last Hemeroids (it probably helps that you guys reference them by doing a cover of one of their songs). Are you down with this comparison?
ANDY: Hemeroids were a fun band, I remember seeing them the first time back at Green Square and really getting into them. They were pretty much the first punk/ska band that I really got into and saw live. It’s cool if we are being compared to them in that sense, cause I always did enjoy them.


What direction would you like to see the band go in?
LUKE: North east.
ANDY: The way things are going at the moment is cool. We got some shows in Brisbane and Melbourne, and I think we all like travelling and playing Sydney shows too. Music-wise, I would hope we keep coming up with new shit.

Three of you guys play in other bands (at my last count Andy played in at least three). Is it hard to work around?
ANDY: Nah not really, we have a set day and time to practice and when it comes to gigs they don’t conflict too much and we’re all pretty flexible.

Upcoming plans for shows/tours/releases?
LUKE: We’re breaking up. Nah just joking we’re going up to Queensland at the end of July and then going to Melbourne at the start of August and we will be releasing another CD in September, if you want any details check the website out www.steppinrazor.info

Where can people get your EP?
At our shows, Resist Records or get in touch via our website. I hope this discussion has been enlightening.

And some questions I just felt like asking Andy in particular...
How does fronting a band compare to doing keyboards in the Signals?
ANDY: It’s different, I see the Signals as more of a fun band, with the razors I put a lot more of myself into the band. Fronting requires a bit more nerves, and usually a bit more beer...

What are your lyrics predominantly about? Is there a unifying theme at all?
ANDY: Most of the lyrics are about social issues, I usually get an idea when I hear or read something that pisses me off. I think good lyrics prompt listeners to investigate what the song is about through subtle references to issues. Our newest song is about the democracy in the biotechnological industry, and I guess I would really like people to read up on how there are only 4 or 5 large companies running the whole show. That’s the ultimate aim, but recently I have started writing stuff that affects me personally.

How many instruments do you play exactly and what are they?
ANDY: haha, I play piano and keys mainly, and some others not very well, like guitar, accordion and have had a go with trumpet and clarinet, violin, ukelele and some other stuff. I really like trying out new instruments regardless of whether I can play them or not

I hear you might be forming a more folk-styled band... tell me about it
ANDY: hahahaha. Yeah, it’s in the making, I really just want a band I can play piano accordion in. We probably won't be making an appearance for a while tho

Cheers guys
No, thank you
59
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Luke - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   


Chaz. H. Scally cds

October 6th 2006 10:47
Chaz. H. Scally
demo
I scored this for free at a PCYC show where Chaz. H. Scally played their first show. Basically the band is three members of Penrith ska-core band Titan Outfits with an added bassplayer. I think I actually prefer this band to Titan Outfits, it’s more melodic and rock/punk based, and they were tight live so this CD is actually a really good indication of what they sound like. There are four songs, the best of which is probably the opener “Attack in Progress”. There isn’t much else to say… the best bits are when they all sing for the big group vocals. I like it


[ Click here to read more ]
79
Vote
Read MoreRead More Comments (3)Comments (3) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Luke - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   


Steppin Razor

October 2nd 2006 10:24
Steppin Razor
Self-titled
I don’t know if you’d call this a demo because it sounds pretty spotless and looks like a regular CD, so I’ll just assume this is an (ahem) “debut EP”. Steppin’ Razor are a Sydney-based ska-punk band… Think Rancid, Last Hemeroids, Operation Ivy, all that sort of thing, complete with a sax player. The EP kicks off with an instrumental but I don’t really dig instrumentals so I won’t comment… the rest of the CD is good though. ‘Criminal’, ‘All About Control’ and ‘Tell Us What You’re Gonna Do” are all great catchy tracks with great gang-choruses, and “Politics” just sits really well with me, not because of it’s lyrics or anything, I just like the shape of the song I guess. Anyway, if you like ska-punk even a little bit then you should get yourself a copy of this EP because it’s rad


[ Click here to read more ]
57
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Luke - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   


The Signals

September 14th 2006 05:05
The Signals - current lineup


HEAR SOME TUNES


[ Click here to read more ]
62
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Luke - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   


Backy Skank

August 16th 2006 05:42
Backy Skank
Backy Skank at the Vic on the Park, taken a few years ago.


Hear some catchy Backy Skank tunes


[ Click here to read more ]
48
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Luke - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   


The Porkers

August 9th 2006 04:00
The Porkers
The Porkers, porking for some 20 years now!


Music


[ Click here to read more ]
50
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Luke - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   


Mister Coffee

July 26th 2006 09:50
Mister Coffee
Mister Coffee


MP3s


[ Click here to read more ]
52
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Luke - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   


Detox Unit

July 3rd 2006 11:26
There's not really much I can write about Detox Unit... they're an old Western Sydney ska/punk band who broke up around, oh shit, I dunno - probably 1999 or 2000 at the latest. I don't have reference points to read up on them at so I'm writing this strictly from memory.

Here's some MP3s (right click and save


[ Click here to read more ]
48
Vote
Read MoreRead More Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Luke - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   


The Lyrical Madmen

June 19th 2006 07:57
The Lyrical Madmen were an 8-piece ska/reggae band from the Northern Beaches of Sydney. They broke up just recently, playing their last show about two weeks ago. Here's some cool and groovy MP3s...

RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE


[ Click here to read more ]
62
Vote
Read MoreRead More Comments (2)Comments (2) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Luke - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   


Chaz. H. Scally

June 14th 2006 07:41
Chaz. H. Scally are some Penrith dudes who have been keeping skacore alive (pretty much all on their lonesome) in Western Sydney for the last couple of years. They're the perfect mix between hardcore and ska, they don't disservice one side in favour of the other - they keep it REAL yo!

MP3s (right click and save


[ Click here to read more ]
60
Vote
Read MoreRead More Comments (1)Comments (1) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Luke - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   


Steppin Razor

June 10th 2006 02:01
Steppin Razor are a Sydney-based ska/punk band in the vein of Rancid, The Clash, H-Block 101, etc, etc. They formed in late 2004 and have pretty much filled Sydney's ska-punk niche... coming at a time when bands of this nature are either few and far between or of a lesser quality. Their original drummer Adam has been recently replaced by Tome. They follow in the footsteps of much-loved defunct Sydney ska-punk band 'The Last Hemeroids', of which Sax player Mark was a former member.

Some MP3s (right click and save


[ Click here to read more ]
60
Vote
Read MoreRead More Comments (1)Comments (1) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: Luke - Category: Reggae, Ska & Ska-Punk
   




[ Music Australia Home ] [ Create A New Post ]

MusicJourno's Blogs

I have no other blogs :(
Moderated by MusicJourno
Copyright © 2006 2007 2008 On Topic Media PTY LTD. All Rights Reserved. Design by Vimu.com.
On Topic Media ZPages: Sydney |  Melbourne |  Brisbane |  London |  Birmingham |  Leeds     [ Advertise ] [ Contact Us ] [ Privacy Policy ]