KYLE LIONHART

Long-haired, barefooted, street-performing band The Fergies are a homegrown outfit committed to finding their own voice and sound through a catchy, toe-tapping original repertoire expressing their folk, indie, soul and rock influences. Since forming in late 2007 the award-winning band has experienced a steady rise in momentum, playing for tens of thousands of people all over the country. Their rich five-part harmonies and irresistible, tambourine-shaking, guitar-strumming, folk-dancing, electrified energy have attracted a broad and uniquely loyal fan-base of all ages, genders and walks of life, drawn to The Fergies’ and their vibrant original music.

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.

“I’m blown away by the song writing.. I’ve heard so many original compositions, being a writer, but that was amazing.”
Anna-Maria La Spina

“The Lyrical raises the roof of all and any venue he plays, truly inspirational.”
MX Magazine

“When it comes to his writing, well… He’s not called The Lyrical for nothing..”
Scene Magazine

“With an infectious blend of roots reggae and hip-hop in toe, The Lyrical commands a strong stage presence as he spits his politically charged and socially conscious expressions,”
The Music

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.

A culmination of musical ideas, the original nucleus – the Bearfoot Trinity – spawned in 2013 from a fusing of styles, expanding into a reggae sextet, fuelled by a fondness for good groove, and spurred on by awareness.

At the beginning of 2015, we released ‘Babylon’. Fans dug it. Radio liked it. We had our friend, Jesswah, remix it.

And then we dropped ‘Impolite’. Infectious. Hooky. It spread. Triple J liked it. Community Radio couldn’t get enough. Fans sung it out loud. The Vibe Tribe had begun…

To say thank you, we released a remix (again, by Jesswah) of our big fat dub baby, ‘Feed My Soul’, also as celebration of the release of ‘Babylon’.

During all that, we rode the rollercoaster of gigs and festivals; Ocean Street World Festival, Big Pineapple Music Festival, Caloundra Music Festival, and topping it off with a massive run of shows at Woodford Folk Festival 2015/16.

Driven by a thirst to bring out more songs, and encouraged by a Queensland Music Award win for Best Blues/Roots release, we marched onwards…

Teaming up with producer Paul Bromley (who previously recorded ‘Impolite’) at the Tanuki Lounge, Bearfoot busted out two more tracks, both different in style and speed, yet distinctly Bearfootish, to add to the two previous songs, as well as a special recording of one of their first collaborations (working this time with long-time friend and producer Brian Goodworth), the band will, finally, release their debut EP.

Push is one of the premier cover bands on the far north coast of Australia. The band has gained a reputation with venues and music fans as one of the most energetic and entertaining bands available today.
Push are hip, now, relevant and entertaining, keeping up to date with the latest trends and songs while throwing a few surprises in along the way.
A mix of youth and a wealth of experience provide the solid foundation that lead Push in a constant drive for perfection.
With an extensive range of music and performance experience, Push is a perfect choice for your venue, private function or corporate event. The band is able to cater to a wide variety of audience tastes and styles of music.
From smooth groove dance to burning rock from such varied artists as Split Enz, The Divinyls, Baby Animals, Maroon 5, Pink, Bruno Mars, Thirsty Merc, Hoodoo Gurus, Powderfinger and ACDC, Push bring a professional entertainment package to all events.
The band ensures that from the time of booking the band, to the last note that’s played, all the client’s needs and expectations have been met to the very best of their ability and at a high level of service and professionalism. And just like their brand of rock, Push’s youthful exuberance will guarantee your venue to rock out in a big way

The Ninth Chapter perfectly captures the dynamic funk and groove style that has seen them become a mainstay on Australian music scene with their new, and much anticipated, single “Waterfall” (2:50)

While remaining firmly in the funk genre that has won them rave reviews across the country, “Waterfall” harnesses an unmistakable soul and blues undercurrent that signals the next evolution in TNC’s sound and performance.

“It’s a song about new found relationships and where that will take you. In the 10 years TNC has been together we have all evolved musically but also personally. ‘Waterfall’ is about a journey that I think everyone can relate to” – Jaz Munro – Lead singer and guitarist

Born from a love of jamming, the live environment is where TNC are at their best, showcasing a dynamic brand of funk and groove that they are becoming increasingly well known for on the East Coast of Australia.

Festival Appearances: Woodford Folk Festival (2011, 2014), Bello Winter Music 2015, Wollombi Music Festvial 2014, Caloundra Music Festvial 2011, Surfing the Coldstream 2014, Dunoon Bluestomp 2013, Bellingen River Festival 2013, Open Arms Festival 2008.

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.