- Alicia-C One Woman, One Guitar. Vivacious singer - unique songwriter - guitarist Alicia-C is a born performer. Recently returning from an extensive tour through North America, United Kingdom and Europe, Alicia-C is establishing herself as an extraordinary guitarist, pushing the boundaries of rock and playing up a storm with an almost obsessive fascination and devotion to songwriting. Alicia's influences are extremely evident in her original compositions. Influences such as Santana, Steely Dan, Led Zeppelin, Ani Difranco, Jimi Hendrix and Jeff Buckley just to name a few.
Website: www.alicia-c.com
- Andrew Pendlebury Frequently cited as one of the finest guitarists in the nation. Andrew was inspired by players like Lenny Breau, Les Paul, Jimi Hendrix, James Burton, Jimmy Bryant and Chet Atkins. He has been a member of some of the countries best known bands including The Carll Myriad Band and The Dugites, and 1987 saw Andrew branch out with his first solo album "Between the Horizon and the Dockyard". Pendlebury's fourth solo project "Don't hold back that Feeling" went on to win the 1993 Aria for "Best Adult Contemporary album". This gifted composer has a strong catalogue of works across a broad range of genres from theatre music to blues, classical, country, and contemporary and venturing into composing music for live theatre has bought him many accolaides from the critics and audiences alike.
- Anthony Garcia An Australian Guitarist / Composer is regarded as a musician with enormous creativity, technical mastery and artistic expression. Eager to learn more about his ancestry Anthony travelled to Mexico where he established a guitar program at The Autonomos University of the Yucatan. After four years in Mexico as artist/teacher Anthony returned to Australia to fulfill his dream of performing his own music.
- Avatar A fiery guitar driven ensemble, with a diverse repertoire drawing upon styles such as pop, flamenco, tango, samba, calypso and bossa nova.
- Bitchy Boy Melbourne based Bitchy Boy play a fat, funky mix of catchy songs underpinned by bitchin' guitar-based grooves. Fronted by Mark Hughes on vocals and guitar, with Ashley Smith on bass, Paul Richards on drums and new member Jenni James on backing vocals, Bitchy Boy have gigged consistently on the Melbourne live scene since they formed in 2001. Bitchy Boy successfully launched their debut EP, Time Thief in September 2003 at Manchester Lane (Melbourne CBD) with an 8-piece band, playing to a full house with queues outside - a first for the venue. With the Time Thief EP out now through The Elements Music Bitchy Boy are gearing up for a big year.
Website: www.bitchyboy.net
- Behind Crimson Eyes The band's music says it all. Luscious guitar melodies combine with driving rhythms, and vocal harmonies juxtaposed against vocalist Josh's brutal screams. All in all, a unique but brilliant combination. The band quotes a wide range of bands as influences: everything from Story Of The Year and Matchbox Romance to From Autumn To Ashes. While their recorded work is impressive to say the least, it is the Behind Crimson Eyes live show that truly sets them ahead of the field. With energy from start to finish, the band gives their all every time they step out on stage.
- Blind Beatroot The Beatroot’s go from searing guitar riffs to sultry female vocals. Their unique blend of roots music is riveting and hard to define. With such diverse influences as Ben Harper, John Butler, Etta James,Stevie Ray Vuaghan, Pete Murray, Hendrix and the Allman Brother’s! They have a knack for reading the audience and giving them what they want, A GOOD TIME! The band plays their rootsy original music with a variety of finesse and musicality. They can play a smooth number that borders on Motown soul then rock the house with a big blues tune. Playing mostly blues, it seems insane the way they sometimes play a jazz song, follow it up with country music, and make it seem logical. They have taken on the challenges of language barriers playing in Denmark, Germany, England, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Austria, New Zealand, Japan and the USA as well as here in Australia.
What is Blind Beatroot? Find out for yourself! They surely aren’t boring.
Website: www.blindbeatroot.com.
- Brett Garsed Brett has played on numerous tours and albums with John Farnham and Olivia Newton John as well as touring the US and Japan with Nelson. He has been an instructor at Musicians Institute in Los Angeles as well as releasing albums with TJ Helmerich, Gary Willis, Ric Fierabracci, Dennis Chambers, Scott Kinsey, Shawn Lane, Frank Gambale, Kofi Baker, Virgil Donati and Derek Sherinian. Brett's most recent release is his solo album "Big Sky" and his band which fetures Angus Burchall on drums, Stuart Fraser on guitar and Craig Newman on bass opened for Steve Vai on his recent Australian tour.
Website: www.brettgarsed.com.
- Brett Weldon One of the winners of the Cole Clark and Harper Guitar Awards 2004, definite crowd favourite Brett Weldon and The Little Death absolutely blew everyone's minds at the Palace St Kilda last November. His powerful and melodic voice combined with the sweet simplicity of the acoustic guitar is making audiences stop what they're doing and just listen. Brett Weldon is an electric performer, who leaves audiences gasping for more.
Website: www.brettweldon.com.
- Bron Ault-Connell If anyone needed to know the power of visualisation, the reward of focused determination, and unswerving persaverance, then they need look no further than Bron Ault-Connell's road to achievement. Bron saw her first Tommy Emmanuel concert and that night decided that fingerstyle / chord melody guitar playing was for her! She is the first female guitarist to win Young Guitarist of the Year at the Frankston International Guitar Festival in 2004.
Website: www.bronault-connell.com.
- Chris Wilson Enjoying The Journey -
Chris has been an essential part of blues and rock music in Australia since taking the stage with the Sole Twisters twenty years ago. Stints with Harum Scarum and Paul Kelly and the Coloured Girls followed, and the end of the 80s saw Wilson as one of our finest vocalists, harmonica players and songwriters, fronting the superb Crown of Thorns. His instrumental gifts have been utilised on recordings by the likes of James Reyne, Hunters and Collectors and Renee Geyer. He has won the respect of many overseas artists including Bob Dylan who made a special trip backstage to shake Chris' hand after a show together in 1992! Chris Wilson is a master of his craft.
- Cockfight Shootout To see them perform is to see four guys with passion for their music, who know each other's styles and strengths, and truly love what they are doing. At the 2003 Livid Festival in Melbourne, Cockfight Shootout were voted by Melbourne music lovers to perform on the PBS local and live stage, which they did, to one of the biggest crowds the PBS stage had all day. Cockfight Shootout's sound is unique. The combination of great songwriting, a will to be original and the chemistry of four friends set this band apart.
Website: www.cockfightshootout.com.
- Corey Christiansen Began playing the guitar at the age of five and studied with his father Mike Christiansen, (a seasoned performer, writer, and educator at Utah State University) until he finished his bachelor degree. The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival awarded Corey with outstanding big band guitarist in 1995 and outstanding solo guitarist in 1995 and 1996. Corey has a musical background covering many styles of music including jazz, blues, classical, bluegrass, folk, rock and popular music, this has enabled him to perform in a number of different settings.
Website: www.coreychristiansen.com.
- Christina Giorgio Christina first began performing at the age of nine in theatre groups around Adelaide in South Australia. At the age of 16 she began singing in music theatre productions in both Denmark and Australia and in her late teens experimented with a number of bands and recording groups exploring jazz and blues influences. Her early 20s were spent travelling around Australia, South East Asia and Europe with an acoustic guitar in tow and the folk roots sound that now defines her song writing and vocal style was born. Christinas's souring vocals, simple songwriting style and thoughtful lyrics are winning support and praise from audiences of all ages and walks and her contagious enthusiasm is sure to continue winning her more.
Website: www.sunnysounds.net
- Deco Deco is a relatively new band to the Melbourne live scene, however there is an abundance of talent and experience behind it. Recorded over the last 12 months at Birdland studios, Deco's debut album Move On has the charm to win over the listener with their hook-laden familiarity. The songs reflect a well-defined style that clearly draws from a pedigree of influences from '70s Ziggy era bowie to the urgency of late '80s power-pop heroes Huskere Du, Swervedriver and The Posies. Ultimately, Deco has its own sound and style; the title track Move On is a sure-fire radio hit as is Pimps and Thieves - a great introduction to Deco and its set of excellent Australian rock'n'roll.
- Dean Thomas Acoustic, songwriter as well as author, written many songs on the blues genre, inspired by Skip Sail, Bob Brozman and Ric Faulkner.
- Dreadnaught Have become one of Australia's most diverse and dynamic heavy rock bands. Combining the elements of rock and metal Dreadnaught create music that is as unique as it is powerful. The band have toured regional and metro Australia extensively, performed regularly at the countries leading metal / hard-rock festivals including Metal for the Brain, High Voltage and Brisbane's Over-cranked. '02 / '03 saw tours with Nevermore, Strapping Young Lad, and supports slots on Nickelback's initial promotional tour before the release of 'Silver Side Up'. Dreadnaught have entered the studio again in September last year. The LP, due for release in early 2005 will contain 11 rock anthems to blow your socks off. Look out for it on Road Runner Australia soon ...
- Dukes of Windsor A new Melbourne band, Dukes of Windsor, are earning significant industry praise for their music. From the group's inception in October 2004, the band has already managed to record a debut EP with Bill McDonald and Pete Luscombe (Paul Kelly) with assistance from Swedish hardcore producer duo Pelle Henricsson and Eskil Lovstrom (The Refused). Dukes of Windsor are Jack Weaving (vocals), Oscar Dawson (guitar), Scott Targett (keyboard), Cory Blight (drums) and Bobby Manila (bass). Watch out for them in 2005 as they establish their inimitable style and over the top sound.
- Ed DeGenaro Has been a working musician since age 18. His resume includes David Byron Band, Accept, Hammerhead, Alcatraz, producers David Rosenthal (Rainbow, Robert Palmer) and Roy Thomas Baker (Queen, Cars) and work on various feature movies, TV commercials and major labels such as EMI, Atco and Atlantic. As an engineer his resume includes Elliott Sharpe's last release Secular Steel, and the upcoming Henry Kaiser release 156 Strings 11. Currently he is working on his long overdue new CD tentatively titled Gods And Monstas.
Website: www.eddegenaro.com.
- Epik Hailing the Mornington Peninsula the four-piece emo rock band, Epik, are an energetic and enthusiastic group of young guys. Not only are they all passionate about what they are doing that makes them so good, it's the willingness to enjoy themselves on stage that makes them a great act to go and see. Epik are no strangers to the local scene, having played many shows on the Peninsula such as the Somerville Mechanics Hall and the 21st Century Nightclub. They have gained great exposure to the local young people, which led to the release of two of Epik's songs on the compilation of 'Ballads By The Bay 2'. There is no doubt these boys will be around for a long time yet.
- Epicure From the tranquility of regional Ballarat to becoming the owners of two tracks in the 2003 Triple J Hottest 100, Epicure are stamping their authority on the rock scene with their latest album "The Goodbuye Girl". The album features a host of new tracks and includes successful singles Armies Against Me, Life Sentance and So Broken. The album's sound shows a clear progression for the act, both professionally and creatively and highlights the strength of the band as both songwriters and players. In early 2004 they played to sell out audiences at the Falls Festival in Lorne and The Big Day Out in Melbourne.
Website: www.epicuretheband.com.
- The Exploders The Exploders have gained recognition regionally in both Ballarat and Geelong over the past six months as well as within the Melbourne music scene with gigs at venues such as The Espy, The Ding Dong Lounge and The Duke of Windsor. Bursting with energy, catchy riffs, hooks and grooves, this group is well worth a look. You may find the need to dance infectious, instinctively breaking into uncontrollable Go Go, Pony and Shag moves.
- Famous By Association Are creating musical waves down Melbourne's southern suburbs, with their own brand of guitar driven punk rock music underscoring some pretty impressive melodic vocals. Influences cut across a wide range of tastes from Haradcore to Pop/Punk. With several original songs in their repertoire, lyrics deal with issues close to the band. FBA have been playing gigs all over Melbourne and regional Victoria. They also represented Victorian Bands in the 2004 Sydney Grand Final of the Hard Rock Cafe's Future Rock Competition.
- The Fauves Across seven albums The Fauves have become one of Australia's most loved rock bands. In 1988 four friends from Mt. Eliza High School formed the group taking their name from the early 20th century art movement Fauvism. It was the release of the band's third album, the ARIA-nominated Future Spa that took the band to a new level of popularity, fuelled in particular by the hit single 'Dogs Are The Best People'. Subsequent sell out tours saw The Fauves confirm they are a live band of exceptional standing.
- George Byrne George had been writing songs for a couple of years and after backpacking through Spain he finally bought a guitar from a busker in Madrid and a little tape dictaphone and wrote a heap of songs on the road. As soon as he got back to Sydney he hooked up with producer/drummer Tim Powles and - after a run of long nights in Tim's studio - the five track Iron Skies was born. The EP is an electric mix of alt-Country and early Pink Floyd. The lead track "Goldmine" with it's slide parts and rolling swagger, is the perfect backdrop for George's "just slept in" voice. "Moonshine" comes from an edgier angle; "The Pictures" is a gentle epic; "Paint It Grey" an intimate acoustic tune and "Sail", the final track, is a "Pop" song dressed in a sparse, organic arrangement. Ragged, melodic and raw, it is a unique and confident debut.
Website: www.georgebyrne.com
- GIT Comprises of three gorgeous gals, (and one bloke) who strum, pluck an' pick their way through the best of Gospel, Swing, Bluegrass, Rockabilly, Country and Western. These girls have been described as the Andrews Sisters of country. Their close harmonies, built from three very special voices fill every venue and every heart. Git has enjoyed enormous success during their 5 years of performing. Travelling overseas & nationally with their popularity ever increasing. Currently launching their new CD entitled "Flowers".
- Guitar Fight Club You are the featured guitarist!! Rock up with your guitar, plug into one of the five rigs, and jam loudly over backing tracks in front of everyone!! Five people at a time will be asked to come on stage and plug into a rig. You'll get eight bars to a jam over the backing track and then it's the next guitarist's turn. Each group of five gets 2 x 10 minutes backing tracks to go nuts over, then it's the next group's turn. The backing tracks are Metal, Funk, Fusion and Blues. Leave your egos at home, we're here to play, not judge. All ages/playing levels welcome. So bring your electric and let's get hectic! Guitar Fight Club hosts: Doug Steele, Gary McKay, Gary Stafford and Quirkore the Destructor.
Website: www.guitarfightclub.com
- Gus and Frank Since 1997 Gus and Frank have been entertaining audiences with their unusual blend of throbbing bass riffs and infectious melodies. Frank takes his audience on a captivating journey through twisted tales of love gone wrong, psychotic serial killers and deviate fairytale characters. With the release of their first single So Entertaining, Gus and Frank's massive cult following has propelled them to the top of music charts and request shows across the country including Triple J and Nova. This unprecedeented radio support of an unsigned band has seen Gus and Frank embark on a sell out national tour - unheard of for an independent group.
- Higher Heights Reggae band who will be appearing at UnityFest 2005 on Sunday, 2 April at Ballam Park, Cranbourne Road, Frankston.
- The Hornets Trio Are a stellar band of musicians that play a smooth blues flavoured style made up of original meterial and well chosen blues covers. The Hornets features such well known musicians as guitarist Jeff Burstin from Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, Wayne Duncan from Daddy Cool on bass, Chris Tabone from the Bad Loves on drums and Craig Horne on guitar and vocals. They released their second CD, entitled, 'Can't Live With You' last year to rave reviews. The Age named The Hornets...'The best blues band in Melbourne. The band has recorded a new album that is currently in the mixing stage and will be released in late May early June.
- Jennifer Batten Jennifer has played all kinds of styles from straight ahead rock, metal, fusion, blues to funk. She had spent 10 years playing for Michael Jackson travelling the world as his guitarist. Later she became involved with Jeff Beck touring and recording with his band for several years.
Website: www.jenniferbatten.com
- Jimi Hocking Jimi Hocking's affinity with the guitar started as a boy when his father, Kevin Hocking (a well known pianist and composer) realised that Jimi was more interested in Chuck Berry than his piano lessons, and so presented him with a primitive acoustic for Christmas. Although known to many as an electric performer, Jimi has always been a keen acoustic player. Describing his solo performances as 'eclectic folk', songs for an acoustic album were being subconsciously compiled.Jimi continued to play the live circuit, as well as taking time out to conduct educational guitar seminars. He received glowing compliments from all who witnessed his playing, including the likes of the Emmanuel Brothers and blues legend BB King.2003/04 saw Jimi on the road a great deal, throughout Australia and to the USA once more. He also took out the coveted MBAS Blues Performer of the Year for 2004, winning a trip to Memphis in early 2005 to compete at an international level.
Website: www.jimihocking.com
- Joe Dolce Harmonica and songwriting virtuoso, Joe Dolce is most recognised for his song Shaddap You Face, the most successful song in Australian music history for 25 years in 2005. A natural comedian and inspiring satirist, Joe's performance is truly unique. His set comprises unpredictable songs ranging from comedic, philosophical to political.
- John McCutcheon Is not only one of the best musicians in the USA, but also a great singer, songwriter, and song leader. John is a captivating storyteller and musician whose music is truly magical, he connects in concert with every member of his audience mesmerising with his talent, continuity and spirit. No one is able to blend traditional music and original material with ease, grace and power of John McCutcheon. Learning at the knees of some of the great traditional masters, McCutcheon mastered the banjo, guitar, fiddle, autoharp, mountain dulcimer and jaw harp, but the critics reserve their most lavish praise for McCutcheon's mastery of the hammer dulcimer, an instrument on which he is widely recognised as a world master.
- Josh Owen Band Armed with only his dreams and a guitar, Josh Owen set out fresh from completing his music course at NMIT Collingwood in 2000, looking to make his own musical way through life. He has steadily been building a reputation as a passionate and riveting performer and has recently supported and played with Tex Perkins, Ross Wilson and the Urban Legends, Rose Tattoo and Bomba, amongst others.
Website: www.joshowen.com.au
- Megan Bowman Contemporary roots that speak of love, truth, spirit, sex, doubt, injustice, evolution and revelation.
- Mistamash Joined the ever-growing vibrant Melbourne music scene 18 months ago. Since then interest has grown considerably in the band, as they continue to perform at Melbourne's best venues. Their fresh brand of rock consists of intelligent lyrics, with emphasis on harmonies and guitar work - their repertoire includes upbeat rock tracks you want to groove to and slower melodic tunes that you can't help sing along with.
A line up change in August 2003 saw the band settle nicely as a four piece and in September 2003 they successfully released their first independent EP - "Blame" at a sold out launch at Laundry.
From then the band enjoyed the experience of further live performances, writing new songs and recording their second EP titled "The M79 Sessions", it too being launched to a capacity crowd in september 2004.
2005 promises to be a big year for the band with release secheduled throughout the year.
Website: www.mistamash.com
- The Mercurials The Mercurials are a musical trio who have been attracting attention due to their unusual line-up, their mix of experience and innovation, and their imaginative repertoire (combining elements of blues, folk, rock and classical music). The group is composed of ARIA award winning guitarist Andrew Pendlebury, guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Mark Ferrie and Adi Sappir, an adventurous, young Israeli cellist and vocalist. They have won over audiences at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the Boite World Music Cafe in North Fitzroy and various nightclubs and bars around Melbourne and rural Victoria. The Mercurials recently completed a commissioned musical score for the Playbox Theatre Company's production of the Michael Gurr play, 'Julia 3' and are currently in the process of recording their debut CD.
- Michael Fix One man, one guitar, in the spotlight keeping audiences spellbound with his acoustic guitar. Winner of three CMAA Instrument of the Year, Michael has performed and recorded with symphony orchestras, appeaared internationally with Martin Taylor, Leo Kottke and Tommy Emmanuel.
- Morning Glory Morning Glory is a four piece band from the Frankston area. They play a unique style of high energy up-tempo punk rock/melodic rock. Although Morning Glory try to keep their own individual sound the influence of bands like Blink 182, sum 41 and one dollar short are evident. The band released a four track E.P last year and is a band to look out for in the future.
- Muriel Anderson Widely respected as one of the premier fingerstyle guitarists on the scene today, Muriel Anderson is the first woman to have won the National Fingerpicking Guitar Championship and is host of the renowned "Muriel Anderson's ALL STAR GUITAR NIGHT". Muriel Anderson's unique approach to the instrument virtually transforms the guitar into a lyrical choir, then a marching band, then a Japanese Koto, then a Bluegrass band, amazing audiences with her technique and endearing them with her sense of humor. As one of the country's foremost fingerstyle guitarists, her facility across the genres of folk, classical, jazz, bluegrass and international music is revered by guitarists worldwide. Muriel is the founder of the Music for Life Alliance charity.
Website:
www.murielanderson.com.
- Ned Evett Is one of the world's foremost fretless guitarists, and the sumptuous sounds he seduces from his instrument's strings fuse rock and pop with jazz, blues and soul. Evett and his music are gathering increasing acclaim. He won the 2003 North American Rock Guitar Competition, and is earning the respect of a growing number of legendary performers, such as Joe Satriani. Evett plays a Fernandes Fretless Native Pro with a mirrored glass fingerboard of his own invention, as well as stainless-steel and aluminium fingerboards and tours extensively throughout the U.S. and Europe. He has staged nearly 500 concerts and clinics in the last six years.
Website: www.NedEvett.com.
- Nick Charles Virtuoso acoustic roots guitar music, blues, early jazz, ragtime, folk and country. Nick has been a performing and touring acoustic musician for over 25 years on the national scene and lately the international scene. He has been invited to and performed at international festivals from Edinburgh to Winfield Kansas, and supported a whose who of the roots music world including BB King, Taj Mahal, Guy Clarke, Chris Smither and Dan Crary. Nick continues to be in demand on the festival circuit for both his concert virtuosity and his guitar workshops.
Website: www.charlesguitar.com.
- Nigel Gavin It's a far cry from Long Island, New York to Aotearoa (the land of the Long White Cloud) where guitarist Nigel Gavin has been living for the past twenty years. But then the ground traveled in between has been a journey worth taking on this groundbreaking solo CD Thrum. Gavin's guitar technique was stretched by the disciplined process of composition through daily improvisation. His electicism and flexibility have become the highly sought-after spark in so many studio sessions and live musical callaborations.
- Phil Para Is an outstanding guitarist/singer/songwriter and undoubtedly one of the most exciting performers in Australia. Distinctive guitar talents push all the boundaries and are combined with exceptional vocal abilities and a powerful stage presence. Phil's energetic performance includes a remarkable degree of showmanship such as playing with his teeth and behind his head. Phil earns great respect from peers and audiences alike and attracts a cult-like following wherever he plays.
- Prettymess Came to life in 2003 featuring four guys whose musical backgrounds and influences are pretty diverse to say the least - and songs that are a classic blend of sparkling pop melodies, intelligent arrangements, lush harmonies, and of course, loads of guitars. Prettymess' first big success came from Rescue Me, lifted from the debut EP Surface Glow, released February 2004. It received regular rotation in Melbourne on Nova100, as did its success. Other Prettymess tracks have featured on the Lost Weekend and Shake Yer Pop Boomerang compilations.
- Ralf Jung Ralf has been on the international Digitech team for several years doing clinics and trade shows around the world with over 450 clinics under his belt. He has performed over 1500 live, and has shared the stage with the likes of Jimmy Bain, Sidney Youngblood, No Mercy and Bobby Kimball.
- The Redundant Outhouse Band The band deliver a deadly performance in what can only be described as the musical mallee mongrel of Australian young bloods. Slippery Dan, the old timey songster slides the devils’ dobro, whilst duelling dangerously with Mamma Caz‘s belting banjo, hung in howling wench holsters. An explosive rhythm section, driven cruel by cracking contrabass, digs these rockin’ roots deep and dirty for a brand new round of a grand old sound. Original in material and presentation, these four young roustabouts have been raiding water holes and shindigs since January 2002. The Redundant Outhouse Band just returned from the 2004 Australian Blues
Festival in Goulburn where they were publicly endorsed by Chris Wilson as “the most rockin’ band I’ve seen in ages.”
- Rory Ellis Is one of Australia’s leading new wave of acoustic performers taking audiences by storm, and impressing critics which is no mean feat. Having built a huge reputation at festivals and venues Australia wide in recent years, Rory Ellis is arguably one of this country's finest vocalists and songwriters. His music defies the simple folk categorization using a collection of progressive contemporary and roots music influences to create a style he labels Urban Folk. Rory delivers to his audiences both verbally and musically, forthright accounts of people their ordeals and personal experiences that usually remain unspoken in contemporary music. His second album 'road Of The Braver Man' was recorded in 2002 and is an album that crosses many musical boundaries, yet it melts these genres together to establish a strong Urban Folk feel.
Website: www.roryellis.com.
- Scott Lewin Rootsy sounds, rhythmic grooves and catchy tunes mixed up to create an energetic and organic show, backed by grooving bass and percussive drums. Scott has been playing music for over eight years, in pubs, cafes, festivals, at parties and whenever someone pulls out a guitar. He plays solo and in a band. The key to his original music is simplicity and strong rhythm. His live performances are energetic and organic. Scott's self-produced CD True Romance will be available in the near future and features a varied collection of songs, ranging from moving and emotional narrative pieces to up beat rhythmic anthems.
Website: www.sunnysounds.net
- Sebastian Jorgensen After a decade travelling, studying and performing extensively in Europe and the U.K. with such luminaries as John Williams, Alirio Diaz, Paco Pena and even Jimi Hendrix, Sebastian's first encounter with the still intact cultural traditions of this country was during his first visit to the remote central Australian communities of Yuendemu and Papunya. His groundbreaking work in adapting the music of Aboriginal Australia for classical guitar has been both internationally and nationally recognised. Apart from his solo albums "La Guitarra", "Song of the Guitar" and "Tribute", Seb can also be heard on recordings with David Gulpilil, Waak Waak Jungi, Yothu Yindi and more recently Warren H. Williams.
Website: www.waakwaakjungi.com.
- Slava Grigoryan Artists as unique as Slava Grigoryan are rare. From busking on Melbourne streets to his award in 1998 as Young Australian of the Year for the Arts, Slava is a young man destined for a major international career as one of the world's next great classical guitarists. His playing calls for superlatives - the difficulty lies in finding the best ones. He is a consummate artist who makes the music he plays transcend the mechanics of the performance.
- Snake Australian Guitar columnist Snake, began playing aged 16 at the beginning of the shred era in 1986. Snake displayed an aptitude for mathematics and computing at a young age which led to solid understanding of music theory which was not common for rock players at the time. This led to a pursuit of complex and difficult ideas on the guitar, which is the mainstay of his playing today. As well as teaching guitar Snake has written for various publications, interviewed copious international artists, worked as a transcriber, played in numerous bands and performed guitar clinics. He is currently concentrating on his home studio and recording projects with his brother Darren Ely and local Melbourne musicians, including Revv Robb.
- Solvent Is a Melbourne based band, dedicated to applying integrity, consciousness and soul (vent) to their music. Although the heart of their songs are of a punk influence, they thrive on not limiting themselves to one particular genre of music. Integrating hardcore, groove, ska and heavy rock into their music, Solvent have emerged with a powerful, dynamic and vigorous set list. Lyrically, they explore philosophical, religious, political and social issues, either in a satirical or direct manner. And their gigs are a barrage of sweat-bearing energy, as they pride themselves on fresh, tight and entertaining performances. As a result of the last two years writing, rehearsing, playing gigs and most importantly good times, Solvent has just released their first EP Words of Mass Distraction.
- Spargo A blend of rock, pop, folk, blues, reggae and ska that makes for a varied yet thematically connected performnce, featuring previous Young Guitarist of the Year Award Winner, Andrew Wrigglesworth.
- Spectrum Mike Rudd and Bill Putt's musical partnership has endured all these years, still performing to live audiences nationally. Spectrum's presence on stage generates excitement and regardless of age or time, their popularity reigns. Performing songs from their current CD, " Spill - Spectrum plays the Blues", several of the songs covered on the cd, and performed on stage include:Baby please don’t go, I wanna know, Cross roads, I just wanna make love to you, Louie Louie.
The legendary "I'll be gone" often concludes the nights show, with a very active audience singing along.
- Texas Flood Is a three-piece band performing many styles of guitar based music. They have established a strong following in the Mornington area through performances at Davey's as well as the Mornington Swing and Blues Affaire.
- Trentwood A gifted entertainer, Ceberano developed a reputation as a sweet-voiced singer on his many film sets. Teaching himself to play the guitar, he eventually moved out of films and into the burgeoning karaoke industry in Japan, working as a session musician on countless karaoke discs.
Inspired by Jimi Hendrix, Ceberano became a prolific songwriter and eventually returned to Australia to pursue a career as a full-time musician. He formed Trentwood in Melbourne in 2002. In June 2003, Trentwood began its never-ending tour, which has seen the band perform in cities and regional centres around Australia.
Website: www.trentwood.net.
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