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! 

OFFICIAL RELEASE DAY! APRIL 11

 Yee-Harrrr!!  It's out!  

STILL BREATHIN' BLUES has donned it's glad-rags and is ready to strutt it's stuff.   With 14 original tracks for your listening delight,  if you like, love, or are in-love with "the Blues"  you are going to enjoy this one!.   

It's infused with many different Blues flavours including, classic blues, rock, jazz, folk, soul, street.  You may recognise a hint of Tom Waits [my fav blues artist] Bessie Smith [also a fav] Billie Holiday [another fav] :) ...and more.

The album is available via download  at Bandcamp (where you can listen free first)    .....          or    .....    on a rather flash Flashdrive  which can be ordered via direct email.  (#the Flashdrive also contains bonus items - see below - and is postage free in Australia].   Email for details:  Email direct

In the meantime, here's a little taste ...Meet Billy!   #Track No.2  Bad Billy Blues

 ##BONUS ITEMS available separately for download or included with Flashdrive there is a beaut Ebook - in pdf format - which contains all the lyrics, recording and session notes, anecdotes about the songs and recordings, and session photos ...  plus a short video "meet the groove'rs"  of the musicians involved in the project.  Check the Bandcamp page  or email for details [above].

Meet the Groovers

 

PRE-ORDERS ARE AVAILABLE NOW!

Direct email for details.   Official launch date 11th April.

secure your copy via *Download  or  *Flashdrive   .... direct orders get a free BONUS treat with a collection of all lyrics from the album with recording notes, anecdotes about the tracks, studio photos, and more - in Ebook formate emailed direct to you.

Embracing the Season ~ ANY season

 In this month's issue of Trad&Now Magazine - a review of the Christmas album "Embrace the Season"

   And even tho' the songs were written with a Christmas flavour - the message/s in the song/s are relevant for any time in our life.  Tracks like  "Try a Little Kindness" for example, where the lyrics reinforce that in the most difficult times, a kind word, an unspoken hug, a thoughtful action, a small generosity of the heart, can change one person's moment, day, life.

You can listen to the album on my bandcamp page here:   

Maureen's Bandcamp page 

The magazine also has some great articles including one on the vital importance of our wetlands - and linking my "Song of the Wetlands" Album for some free giveaways.     You can read more on the magazine's website:   Trad&Now mag  it's Australia's leading Folk, Blues, and Roots publication for over 20 years.