Tag: Central Coast

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sonora Studios Launches on the Central Coast

I’m pretty proud of my part of the world, so I’m always excited to hear of new developments on the Central Coast. The latest is the launch of Sonora Studios, the brainchild of acclaimed Aussie producer Jack Nigro. Jack’s worked with talents like DMA’s, Dune Rats, The Amity Affliction, Middle Kids, and stacks more, so it’s exciting to hear he’s set up shop here on the Coast.

His Sonora Studios is a two-story, purpose-built recording facility featuring Sound Space A’, an impeccably treated live room, alongside ‘Sound Space B’, a secondary production and mixing space. It hosts world-class recording equipment, including hardware from Neumann, Avalon, SSL, and Universal Audio, and in-house backline from Orange, VOX, Fender, Ampeg, and a 1975 Ludwig drum kit. In other words, it’s got the goods.

“Building my own studio was something I first wanted to do when I was about 15 years old,” Jack said. “Having my own space that I, and hopefully others, love creating in every day is a very special experience. I have always liked studios to feel relaxed, intimate and calm. I feel like this is the best environment to foster creativity and become completely immersed in what you are doing. We built the studio to cater for bands to be able to record live, a process I find very important for many of the artists I work with, and ensured our main live room space has a lively, organic sound to best capture acoustic instruments.”

Sonora Studios also offers mixing and mastering services. You can learn more about Sonora Studios, including how to use its services, at the website.

Image used with permission from beehive

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Whitlams Black Stump Band @ Avoca Picture Theatre, Darkinjung Country/Avoca Beach – 26 November 2022

I’ve seen The Whitlams and Tim Freedman solo countless times over the years. The ever-changing setlists ensure it never gets tired, yet I relished the opportunity to see them doing something completely new. When the Whitlams Black Stump Band stopped in to Darkinjung Country/Central Coast on Saturday, I got my chance.

After seeing my first gig at Avoca Beach Picture Theatre, I’ll be keeping a close eye on their gig guide. I’ve seen movies there in the past, but you don’t really appreciate its intimacy as much when you’re looking at a big screen. It’s such a charming space, oozing with warmth and good vibes. I had tickets in the front row and didn’t dare bring out my camera out, lest I break the spell.

Courtney Keil was already on stage when I found my seat. She’s got a sweet voice and a youthful energy that’s perfect for her brand of country-pop. Cass Hopetoun was next, another country act but one I connected with instantly. Her songs were much quirkier, with plenty of sass and edge. She’s also a really compelling performer. Watching her interact with her fiancé on guitar was so special. I’ve been blasting her album since the show.

While the walk-on music was familiar, this was a very different Whitlams show to any other I’ve seen. With only two-fifths of the outfit Whitlams regulars, the band could best be described as an offshoot. While Rod McCormack, Matt Fell, and Ollie Thorpe are new additions, they’re such accomplished musicians that they sound as if they’ve been playing with Tim and Terepai, and playing these songs, for years. I’d heard a couple of the new arrangements through single releases, but getting to hear so many great Whitlams songs in new ways was thrilling. I hadn’t imagined slide guitar, banjo, or steel guitar on these tracks, but I’m so glad I got the opportunity to hear them that way. Certain songs also suit a more countrified treatment than others, so the show featured some tracks that don’t usually make the set list. If you’re a die-hard Whitlams fan, that alone is worth the price of admission. We were also treated to covers from artists like Kris Kristofferson and Neil Young. As I said before, this was not your typical Whitlams gig.

There’s something special that happens when a band are really vibing. You can tell that these guys love making music together. When the band loves what they do, the audience always has a good time. The Whitlams always bring the party, but the novelty of this new project takes these songs to another level. If you consider yourself a Whitlams fan, make sure you see the Whitlams Black Stump Band at one of their upcoming shows:
1 December 2022 – Royal Oak Hotel, Therrernotepanner, Leterrermairrener and Panniher Country/Launceston
2 December 2022 – LongHouse, Nipaluna/Hobart
3 December 2022 – Palais Theatre, Melukerdee and Lyluequonny Country/Franklin
20 January 2023 – Capitol Theatre, Kamilaroi Country/Tamworth
17 March 2023 – Lizotte’s, Mulubinba/Newcastle
18 March 2023 – Adelaide Fringe, Spiegeltent, Tarntanya/Adelaide
24 March 2023 – Thornbury Theatre, Naarm/Melbourne
25 March 2023 – Memo Music Hall, Naarm/Melbourne
26 March 2023 – Archies Creek Hotel, Gunai Country/Archies Creek
31 March 2023 – Factory Theatre, Eora/Sydney
1 April 2023 – Princess Theatre, Meeanjin/Brisbane

Image used with permission from Wildheart Publicity

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Sounds Like Hits the Central Coast

The Florida Beach Bar at Terrigal has always been one of the hottest nightspots on the Central Coast, but it’s set to become even more sizzling with the launch of Sounds Like nights. Safia, Boo Seeka, and Surfdisco will headline the first of these indie-electronic club nights. Local DJs Steve Pike, Blake Richardson, and Kahl Page will warm up the crowds.

Sounds Like #1 will take over Terrigal’s Florida Beach Bar on December 4 from 6 pm until late. Tickets cost just $20, or $40 for VIP, and are available now from Oztix.

 

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Mountain Sounds Offers a Difference Kind of Festival Experience

I might be a little biased but I think I live in a pretty spectacular part of the world. If you’ve never experienced it, I suggest loading up your car and road tripping for the second annual Mountain Sounds Festival next February.

It’s in the beautiful Mount Penang Parklands and features an excitingly diverse line-up of talent such as The Kite String Tangle, The Griswolds, The Jungle Giants, SAFIA, Tkay Maidza, and the Central Coast’s own Daniel Lee Kendall.

Mountain Sounds isn’t your run-of-the-mill festival with pushy crowds full of posers and overpriced beer. Its focus on sustainability, chilled out atmosphere, and stunning surrounds helps set it apart.

Day passes are available, but I suggest really taking in all this spot has to offer and camping out. Mountain Sounds hits Mount Penang Parklands in Kariong on February 21, 2015.

Image used with permission from Positive Feedback

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Darren Percival @ Lizotte’s, Kincumber – 2 February 2013

I was blown away when I caught Darren Percival at Lizotte’s last September. This intimate Central Coast venue was perfect for showcasing the talents of this incredible performer with a knack for connecting for people. The impact he made on our television screens in The Voice was amplified ten-fold in the small surroundings of the “Cubby House.” So when he announced a return visit, we snapped up more tickets without hesitation.

Darren had a bit more material to play with this time around thanks to the recent release of A Tribute to Ray Charles. The audience embraced those classics tunes just as they did the covers Darren delivered on The Voice. I was particularly impressed by his takes on The Beatles’ “Blackbird” and Ray’s “Georgia on my Mind.” I’ve heard so many people put their stamp on the latter, but his soulful version stands out as one of the best I’ve heard. In hindsight perhaps encouraging people who’ve enjoyed too many of the house wines to take over the vocals on “Shower the People” wasn’t a good idea, but the singalong was certainly lots of fun. Familiar tunes made up the bulk of Darren’s two-part set, but he treated us to a few choice originals, including the stunning “Damage Down” heard on The Voice.

There was no support act; instead Darren played for close to three hours. We couldn’t believe it when we left and realised we’d enjoyed Lizotte’s hospitality for almost six hours that evening. But time flies in this place where good food and wine are in abundance, the service is always warm, and some of the world’s best performers entertain you from mere meters away.

As we were enjoying those delicious meals a Lizotte’s spokesperson came to our table and informed us Darren had announced more shows at the venue this April. Again, we didn’t hesitate to buy a few more tickets. The combination of Darren Percival and this wonderful venue is just impossible to resist.

Image source: own photos

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Cypress Hill to Headline Coaster Festival

The folks at Coaster have pulled off a massive get this year, securing Cypress Hill to headline the 2010 festival. As a Central Coast girl myself, it’s pretty amazing to think that the old school American hip hoppers will be at Gosford Showgrounds on September 25.

But who will join them? All will be revealed on June 4 when the Coaster team makes the first of their major line-up announcements. Check back here for all the details as they come to hand!

Cypress Hill Visits Fuse TV

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Thirsty Merc @ Wyong Leagues – 17 August 2007

To say Thirsty Merc’s current touring schedule is tough is an understatement. 22 shows in 24 days, they told the enthusiastic crowd at Wyong Leagues last night. It’s enough to make anyone tired.

If they were fatigued, the group’s support act, The Hampdens, didn’t show it. After scoring high-profile support slots with Rob Thomas, Ray LaMontagne, and John Mayer, it’s a wonder that this fantastic indie group hasn’t made a bigger splash. In some ways it’s also a blessing.

With their intimate, personal songs, The Hampdens seemed more at ease on this smaller stage. Susannah Legge is a captivating frontwoman with a stunning voice, somehow strong but ethereal. The lads in the band are quiet achievers, but no less important for their role in creating a uniquely lush soundscape. While the crowd may not have recognised The Hampdens just yet, they clearly appreciated their stellar set.

While The Hampdens were on top of their game, I wasn’t as convinced by Thirsty Merc. Technically, these guys are very good at what they do. Each and every note is where it should be, as clear as it appeared on the album. Sadly though, this just wasn’t enough. The band bounced around and gave energetic performances, but for the most part it felt like there was a distinct wall between the group and the crowd.

Towards the end of the night they began to talk to the punters and share personal anecdotes, and from this point the performance improved. Yet I couldn’t help but feel it was too little too late. When a band gives little of themselves on stage, I’m left feeling like I should have saved my money and listened to the CD at home.

It wasn’t all bad though. I was particularly impressed when lead singer Rai Thistlethwayte put down his guitar and stepped behind the keyboard. The songs became more pared back, less about a performance than a message. You could have heard a pin drop during “Homesick.” The penultimate track, “The Vision,” spliced with Stevie Wonder’s “Master Blaster,” was also loads of fun. “20 Good Reasons” was a perfect closer, giving the audience a chance to join in with a sing-a-long.

It’s sad that The Merc couldn’t give as much early on as they did towards the end of their set. Perhaps they were simply too tired from their gruelling schedule. The vocal Central Coast seemed satisfied, but it all could have been so much better.

Image source: own photo