After years of working with bands from Africa to the Middle East and honing his reggae, ska and mento expertise, Nicky has drawn on his musical journeys and philosophies to produce his first ever solo work, Planet Juice. This collection captures songs that have been sitting in the bag for years to new tunes – freshly squeezed.

His new work sees him getting back to his roots; spending more time on the drum kit on top of a kaleidoscope of other instruments including the ukulele, marimba and guitar. With a rich and exciting life so far, this album marks a new phase in Nicky’s musical journey, where the artist stands before the canvas, holding the brush alone. “It strangely took me a while to get started on these songs. I kept finding subconscious excuses to avoid the studio. Eventually I allowed myself to be vulnerable and feel the fear a little. It was the blessing the adventure needed. I now realise the possibilities are endless.”

With a passion for culture and people, Nicky has travelled extensively, immersing himself in the music and culture of places such as Ethiopia, Morocco, Jamaica, Europe and his birthplace Malta. Consequently, the music produced by this peace-lovin’ troubadour is a melting pot of fun, adventure and exotic sounds of the people and places he loves.

The live performance still holds sacred for Nicky who is eternally committed to creating a sense of community and unity whenever he plays. It is not uncommon for Nicky to go off on some magical tangent in order to really connect with an audience. Flying by the seat of his pants is something Nicky welcomes.

“I’m always aware of the active energy of a crowd. Believing in the moment and kind of steering that spontaneous beast can result in something really special. Absolute positive vibrations.”

Nicky has built a solid reputation in the music industry via many projects including conducting the 30pce Melbourne Ska Orchestra to playing drums on John Butler’s award-winning ‘Sunrise over Sea’ to being the Artistic Producer for the Multicultural Arts Victoria “Visible” project. Over the years he has formed and played with bands purely for the love of the music and the adventures they create. Some of these activities include:

• Touring extensively with the Bomba band (Reggae/Funk),
• Banana Oil (Jazz)
• Bustamento (Calypso/Mento)
• The Truth (Funk)

He has also made time to collaborate with other artists producing significant albums such as:

• Drums and Lions with Dereb Desalegn (Ethiopia)
• Nerbu Message with George Rrurrambu (Australian Indigenous)
• Bomba Vs Laroz with Laroz Haim (Israel/Tel Aviv)
• A collection of Maltese traditional songs with his father Nicol

HighLife – an Afro, funk infused psychedelic, groove group with South African Singer and guitarist Hayden Hack and his 6-piece funk family. Sharing a vibe with the likes of Fela Kuti, all the players of the highlife style and a 70s-circa Zappa, see HighLife as a musical experience that will make you move and smile – usually both at once.

Incorporating West African percussion, saxophone, flute, highlife guitar licks and arrangements. Add to this a social commentary outlook on lyrics with a vocal range from Hack himself that spans gravelly to falsetto.
Hack has evolved the outfit from a simple duo to what it is now.

Two EPs and their debut album, “The Colour Of…” [Under the name The Hayden Hack Infusion] followed and quickly set them up as one of the most reputable live experiences in South East Queensland. They’ve shared the stage with the likes of Natalie Rize (Blue King Brown) & Notis (Jamaica), Wild Marmalade, Kooii, Kingfisha, Ash Grunwald and Afro-Dizzi Act and captivated audiences at Woodford Folk Festival, Caloundra Music Festival, Island Vibe and Kuranda Roots amongst many more.

With an infectious live show to get you up and dancing, HighLife will give you a beat, a musical lure you will not be able to ignore, a groove that will weave it’s way into your subconscious and entice you to bounce around in an African infused fashion with a huge smile spreading across your face as though in a happy musical trance.

Late For Woodstock formed in May 1998 in Noosa Qld and soon became one of the coast’s favourite bands playing “the music we grew up with”. Almost 18 years later, the boys are still pulling big crowds and crankin’ out some of the best songs ever written, in true style. So get on the bus, and come to a show, and see what all the fuss is about !!

Late For Woodstock blast out a bunch of some of the greatest rock classics from the 60’s & 70’s. Tune In, Turn On & Rock Out to the sounds of The Doors, CCR, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Neil Young, The Rolling Stones, Rodriguez, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and too many more t

When you first encounter him, soft-spoken Kim Churchill seems like an archetypal blond, blue-eyed surfer from southern New South Wales. But behind his laidback demeanour and even tone, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter has a secret: he’s an extreme risk-taker.

Churchill spent 18 months working on the follow-up to his breakout LP, 2014’s Silence/Win, and received a stamp of approval from his record label. Album-release plans were drawn up and Churchill began to field offers from festivals and concert promoters around the world. But the new record – polished and accessible – didn’t quite feel right. At the last minute, Churchill decided to throw it out and start again.

BYRON BAY ‘OCEAN FUNK’ TRIO MARK RIDOUT & THE RHYTHM PLAY ROUSING & RHYTHMIC HEART SONGS INSPIRED BY LOVE, NATURE AND SELF DISCOVERY.

Born in London, Singer-songwriter Mark Ridout has supported the likes of Ed Sheeran and Kate Miller-Heidke, playing renowned UK venues such as The Troubadour and The Bedford, and touring the United States and India before moving to live in Australia 7 years ago. His voice has been described as “hugely expressive” (Hotpress Magazine, UK), reviewed music for BBC radio and had his song ‘All My Sides’ featured on Australian feature film ‘Weevil’. He has also worked facilitating creative music programs for the mental health service in Australia and in the UK..

Having played Splendour in the Grass (AU), Byron Bay Surf Fest (AU), Mullumbimby Music Festival (AU) & Brighton Fringe Festival (UK), and recently embarked on their first tour to Bali, this vibrant band of brothers continue to share their debut EP ‘Dive into the Water’ recorded in Byron by Jordan Power (Xavier Rudd, Angus Stone) with a deep kinship, sense of purpose!

Embracing the future without losing sight of the past, OKA draws upon their indigenous connection to place and country to create their signature feel good Australian earth sound, an irresistible blend of influences spanning house, big beat, reggae-dub, Roots, Jazz and world music.
A mashup of dance & downtempo electro beats marinated in the mystical spirit of the Dreamtime.

After their involvement in the 2000 Sydney Olympics together, the OKA journey began the following year and they continue to bring the joy, fluidity and simplicity of their positive music to a much larger, growing audience on a global stage. Independently selling over 170,000 albums, they have shared the stage alongside inspirational acts Arrested Development, Finnley Quay, Xavier Rudd, Dehli to Dublin, Kinnie Starr, Digging Roots to name a few.

The Lyrical (Karl Smith) has become a rising star of the music scene in Brisbane. The Sunshine State capital has always been a hotbed for new talent in a variety of genres and the acoustic/hip-hop/reggae scene is now no exception to that tradition. Following in the footsteps of Ben Harper, Bob Marley, Michael Franti and Xavier Rudd, The Lyrical reflects the ingenuity and musical aptitude it takes to be a great artist. The “unique blend of beat-boxing meshed with folk guitar and socially conscious lyrics” (City News) is fast becoming one of those artists who demand your attention.

Marshall grew up on the NSW far North Coast area of Byron Bay and was aptly named after two of music’s greatest rock/bluesmen (Jimi ‘Marshall’ Hendrix and Johnny ‘Dawson’ Winter) Marshall Dawson Okell was born on April 13th, 1979, into a Rock n Roll arena, with a guitar case for a crib. His father Glenn was a Melbourne based rock-n-roll guitarist who nourished his son’s musical appetite with Hendrix, Winter, Waters, Little Feat and AC/DC. 

Marshall became well known for his lead in the group ‘Marshall and the Fro’ . The group released 2 albums and an EP between 2005-10. The 1st self-titled full album in 2007, ‘Marshall and the Fro’, set the stage for a new wave of pumping surf mojo roots and blues, including the hugely popular tracks ‘Get Up’ and ‘Thongs’. The 2nd album ‘Friends for Life’ followed suit in 2010. Marshall and the Fro graced the stages of festivals including Bluesfest, Woodford, The Quiksilver Pro and more. In 2011 Marshall and the Fro became simply Marshall Okell .

2012 heralded a year of heartbreak for Marshall as he lost his father to terminal cancer, as well as his close friend and co-producer Brian ‘Birdy’ Burdett, during the making of his posthumously named third album. ‘Birdy’ drew upon the raw emotion that enveloped Marshall during this time and gave rise to a more soulful, mature approach to song-writing.
Now in his 30’s, with up to 200 live gigs a year as part of his repertoire, Marshall has developed into a rocking bluesman like no other. His ever-expanding list of musical accolades includes the 2012 ‘Best Blues & Roots Artist’ at the Oz Music Awards. He has won ‘Album of the Year’, ‘Song of the Year’, ‘Best Male Vocal’, ‘Best Protest’ and ‘Best Blues & Roots Artist’ at the NCEIA Dolphin Awards. 

With years of playing now under his belt, Marshall has made a notable return to the music of his youth, in his fourth, yet to be titled new album. The result is a deep, raw, honest, dirty blues sound that grabs you by the throat and then sooths you with a sweet honey tasting musical medicine. There are pure guts, sweat and emotion in his latest material that leave you exhausted and elated in their wake.

Be warned. Marshall has emerged with a new level of addictive, heart and mind altering musical energy. This guy doesn’t just make music. He’s a roaring powerhouse of a man, and this album will get under your skin, into your blood and course through you like a visceral super-high of the likes you won’t come down from easily.

MOVE. AND BE MOVED. FIND YOUR FLOW AND GO ABOUT EACH DAY TO THE RHYTHM OF YOUR OWN MAKING. 

That’s the theme of 2018 for Byron Bay singer, ukulele strummer and drummer Bobby Alu. It’s been a long-time personal and musical mission for the tropical ambassador, too.

Amidst smooth harmonies, rhythms inspired by a strong family lineage of Polynesian performance, and unassuming grooves that work a gradual, smile- inducing high through even a casual listener, Bobby Alu tunes have a way of sneaking into the subconscious and taking up residence. Every now and then, one will pop up as a toe-tapping reminder to take it slow, enjoy the ride. It’s the curator of calm’s way – deliver island-time vibes with gentle optimism rather than forceful instruction, and encourage the type of reflection best achieved in a hammock. Though it’s not all palm trees and daydreams – there’s a robust energy in Alu’s mastery of traditional Samoan log drums, and a vitality to his songwriting that nods to world, roots and pop intelligence.

Sharing a well-nurtured and lengthy musical connection with producer and multi-instrumentalist tour buddy Paulie Bromley (The Beautiful Girls, george), Alu’s recorded and live presence has been boosted from a range of creative alliances. Having dedicated his world-class percussion skills to touring internationally with Xavier Rudd over the past five years, it was time for the equatorial folk of Bobby Alu to chart its own dedicated course again. Following the exploratory self-titled debut (triple j Roots ‘n All top 10 album of 2010), the clear stylistic intention of 2013’s Take It Slow, and the cruisey attitude of 2015’s Bay Sessions EP, 2018 sees Alu back in the studio. As usual, he’ll be observing the ebb and flow of life and locking into his tried and always true grooves, though with the fire that comes from holding a 20,000 strong crowd captive with your beats, as well as the care that can only come from serenading your nearest and dearest by a coastal camp fire, with an instrument handed down from your mother.

“Friendly Enemies” is an acoustic covers duo/trio, the brainchild of musicians,Peter Hayes & Ben Brennan. An organic concoction of guitars, bass and two-part vocal harmonies, that Incorporates drum loops & beatbox percussion, delivering an eclectic repertoire of music from an array of era’s in an acoustic blues/roots/rock format. Guaranteed energy and entertainment to suit any collective in any environment. Providing a soundtrack to relax with a meal & a drink, whilst also being able to amp it up, keeping patrons moving, singing & most importantly, drinking!

Wild Marmalade are the world’s original high-energydidgeridoo dance band heralding from the small town Byron Bay, Australia. Fusing the ancient sounds of the didgeridoo with contemporary dance beats, their sound is a meeting of Si’s synth stylee didgeridoo drones with the explosive beats of Matt Goodwin on drum kit.

Drawing on rhythms from all over the world and inspired by indigenous sounds and the grooves of the present, Wild Marmalade’s high energy shows uplift audiences with their display of powerful, joyous and infectiously danceable music.

Wild Marmalade are a formidable force in world dance music. They have worked with Cirque du Soleil in Las Vegas and Montreal, toured Japan and Europe twelve times, the USA and of course in their home country Australia.

Jordan McRobbie is a Rock and Roots performer from Fremantle, WA quickly becoming known for his virtuosic ability on the 12 and 6 stringed guitars. He’s hit the ground running in the early stages of his career, taking out the gong for Blues/Roots Song of the Year at the WAM Awards, as well as supported high profile acts such as Fat Freddy’s Drop and Mat McHugh (The Beautiful Girls) and performed sets at The Woodford, Nannup and Fairbridge music festivals.

Showcasing his dynamic songwriting, strong vocals and intricate finger-style guitar work, along with his explosive rhythm section featuring Scott “Mister” Kociuruba on drums and Katie J White on bass, Jordan McRobbie & Wayfarer’s performances have had audiences around the country in awe.

Be sure to catch Jordan at one of his intimate solo shows or as the 3-Piece band Jordan McRobbie & Wayfarer before they venture back into the studio into the coming months to work on his sophomore album

The Lyrical (Karl Smith) has become a rising star of the music scene in Brisbane. The Sunshine State capital has always been a hotbed for new talent in a variety of genres and the acoustic/hip-hop/reggae scene is now no exception to that tradition. Following in the footsteps of Ben Harper, Bob Marley, Michael Franti and Xavier Rudd, The Lyrical reflects the ingenuity and musical aptitude it takes to be a great artist. The “unique blend of beat-boxing meshed with folk guitar and socially conscious lyrics” (City News) is fast becoming one of those artists who demand your attention.

Hailed by Santana as “The voice of the street and the band of the future!” Blue King Brown, ARIA nominated artist, is Australia’s premier live urban roots powerhouse. Their cross generational groove and socially conscious sound is Lead by the multi talented, relentless energy of Natalie Pa’apa’a. Powerful vocal & lyrical delivery’s meet a dancehall, roots, rock & afro groove mash-up built on an irrepressible percussive foundation.

With new album set to drop in 2014, the band released the first single, ‘Rize Up’ in 2013 (see video down the page) and toured Japan, Europe and North America, including appearances at the following festivals; GLASTONBURY (UK), MONTREAL JAZZ FEST (CAN), OTTAWA BLUES FEST (CAN), REGGAE ON THE RIVER (USA) & OSTRODA REGGAE (POLAND).

Byron Bay based artist Dan Hannaford has opened Australian tour shows for the likes of Charlie Musselwhite, Donavon Frankenreiter, Charlie Parr and Australia’s own Tex Perkins, Ash Grunwald and The Black Sorrows. 

May 2015 saw Dan Hannaford release his debut studio album “I Cried Bullets” recorded in Los Angeles. Lead single ‘Lay Down Your Guns’ had the accompanying film clip selected to premiere at Byron Bay’s 2015 International Film Festival.

Dan’s first independent album Rust and Dust (2012) was recorded at the Hannaford family’s heritage fishing shack ‘Hannarock’, in Red Rock on the NSW North Coast with blues/folk musician and producer Mike McCarthy. It featured as album of the week on ABC Radio and their collaboration single ‘I’ve Gone Fishing’ received major airplay on ABC Radio’s fishing show, The Big Fish.

Dan Hannaford’s musical career began when he played on a Channel [V] broadcast showcase in 2009 where he was spotted by record industry legend Seymour Stein who requested a demo. This led to the recording of the ‘Bootleg’ EP / demo in 2010.

Since then Hannaford has graced hundreds of stages all around Australia including performances at Falls Festival in Byron Bay, Australian Blues Music Festival in Goulburn, National Folk Festival in Canberra, Gympie Music Muster and Tamworth Country Music Festival. He’s also showcased his talent at the iconic Byron Bay Blues Festival being named on the bill alongside John Fogerty, Cold Chisel and Crosby Stills & Nash with his single ‘Deeper Water’ included on the Bluesfest 2012 compilation album.