Hidden Gems

 Happy to report - after last month's post about new music - that I found some little gems recently in the most unlikeliest of places.

Here in Newy (Newcastle NSW for the non local readers) another new pop-up venue has been drawing interest this year. Housed in a disused factory with a bit of rustic charm, one Sunday afternoon a month, local artists perform for guests who bring their own shared afternoon tea, and sit on old, recycled recovered, or restored chairs, lounges, ottomans and soak it all up. It's quaint, it's quirky, a bit like its offerings, you never know what you're going to get, and midst it all there are some absolute gems! And if you don't know about it, you'll never know about it!  Oh, and did I mention that it's free? (or now and then, a gold coin donation)

All over the country there are little undiscovered jewels like this happening, where undercovered live music is creating it's own underground scene. This month, along with a small group of my 'tribe', I enjoyed an afternoon of laugh-out-loud and 'wow' moments, with artists ranging from a couple of uni students through to some over-the-hill-ers. All with a common thread - a passion for their music and a willingness to share it with an appreciative - and sober - audience.

Mixed among some great original music, were some highly original takes on other covers. 

And no, I'm not going to tell you where it is. Some things shouldn't be just handed over on a plate for others to pick and choose. Little gems like this deserve to be ferreted out - a lot of the fun is in the searching, and the discovery.  But I will give you a hint: start with your local folk clubs. You might be astounded at how SOME clubs have evolved over a couple of generations. And you might also be astounded at just how many of the biggest stars today, got their first start in their local supportive folk scene. 

Pre-show setup - decor: shabby chic, recycled, restored, recovered, rescued

 

Searching for Originality

 Here in Oz, as we move from a chilly winter into the beginning of Spring, my thoughts roam to emerging from winter hibernation. It's around about this time of year when my social life starts to kick back into gear! And it's also when new creativity tends to start knocking on my door. 

So recently, I played for a little local fundraiser, to a lovely appreciative audience who'd never heard music like mine before....that is, Original music. And I'd played mostly my comedy works [plus my tribute to the homeless track - "Man of Uncertainty"] which meant in an afternoon of just lovely music - from some delightful artists I might add - only one eighth of the program contained any new music. 

I suspect that may be indicative of where the music industry is at, currently. Not that new music isn't being made, but that new music isn't being heard. Maybe that's why I get so bored so quickly when I turn on the radio, or drop in to a pub or club. They're playing the same old, same old, music I was listening to 20, 30, 40, 50, years ago. And if you're a regular reader here, you'll know I'm very anti the streaming channels - (music theft has never been alright by me) -  they control your listening based on their algorithms.

And why do I enjoy finding and listening to new music? Because it reflects what's happening currently, today, in our world, in our society. It challenges our thinking, our attitudes, offering different perspectives, and more. We are what we listen to. A nostalgic trip into the past may be comforting but living in the past denies us the opportunity to live in the present. And it is only when we are present in our life, that we can determine how we want to live in the future.

So this spring, I'll be digging into who's playing where, who's playing what, and who's making new music. And maybe I'll get inspired, encouraged, and enthused to share the news. 

Bandcamp-A good place to find new music ... in here you can find heaps of Original artists ... try Anousha Victoire and Su Morley  and Clark Gormley just for starters!

 

Is Everything Old becoming New Again?

 Like many of us, I've had to replace my computer recently and the new computer doesn't have what my old computer had - a CD player/burner. So I've been looking online for a replacement and discovered something: Not only is Vinyl making a comeback, but there is an increasing demand for CD players with USB and Bluetooth capacity!

   Why? Well, for one thing, it seems that serious music lovers are unhappy with the restrictions of streaming - which is fine for casual listeners - but for genuine audiophile's its not good enough. True music lovers want to own their music not rent it. They want to listen to all the nuances in the music they choose, which streaming squeezes out in the compression process. And for true music lovers, for whom music is NOT simply the wallpaper in their life, to be able to access the nostalgia and memories contained in their own specially-chosen collection, is a joy that no streaming service can match.  

And that's not being a music 'snob' ...that's being a human being who has found their home, their heart and their individual choice in their music. 

 

Got the Winter Blues?

 ....then chances are, you're not getting your daily fix of good music.  Nah, i don't mean the commercial stuff on your radio while you're getting ready for work or whatever your day has planned for you. I mean, are you getting your daily 'fix' of music that touches your heart, your soul, your spirit, or your funny bone? When we talk about life balance, taking time to listen to a variety of music - the sort that touches the emotions that your heart is craving at just this time - is a great place to start.   

It's mid-winter and I'm surrounded by people with covid, flu, and 'unidentifiable' bugs! So I recommend a spoonful of "Feverish" off the Still Breathin' Blues album  ...you can listen and download here: FEVERISH  ...or for my ageing mates who agree that in these later years, EVERYTHING aches - in winter and in summer,  then  what about a little "Senectitude Blues" to help you smile the damn things away : SENECTITUDE BLUES

Stay warm, keep smiling, and never stop grooving!