Jordie Lane is one of the most promising and respected songwriters to emerge from Australia in recent times. His songs are deeply personal and grounded in the heart and soul of human emotion. In 2009 Rolling Stone hailed Jordie’s debut album Sleeping Patterns as “one of the most assured records ever by a local artist”, while his 2011 follow up Blood Thinner was a finalist for … [Read more...]
Neville Staple – Podcast
The Specials were at the forefront of the ska revival in England during the late 70's. As punk was cutting a swathe through the establishment in Britain fuelled by the anger of the country's disaffected youth the ska movement broke out with a more articulate politicised view. Their solution wasn't anarchy, their anger was subdued by a need to get up and dance but to do it with … [Read more...]
Michael Franti – Podcast
Michael Franti first came to prominence fronting the hip hop band The Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy, particularly through the song Television, The Drug Of The Nation – a scathing attack on politics, corporate greed, sloganeering, the mass media and those who failed to question the messages they were fed or the motivations behind them in the “United States of unconsciousness”. … [Read more...]
Beth Hart – Podcast
Beth Hart. Wow, what a voice and what an incredible story! If you're not familiar with this Grammy nominated singer/songwriter here's your opportunity. Beth possesses one of the most phenomenal blues voices you're ever likely to hear, although she first broke through in the world of pop with the U.S edition of Star Search in the early 90's. Beth later struck gold with LA Song … [Read more...]
Louie Shelton – Podcast (Part 2)
Louie Shelton is an incredibly gifted and accomplished guitarist, a man in demand as both a session musician and producer who first made his name back in the 60’s as a member of the top flight LA session players known as the Wrecking Crew. In Part 1 of our Sound Distractions podcast Louie talked about his early influences, including Elvis Presley, who he met after the King … [Read more...]