Is there anything that Ashleigh Cummings cannot do? When she’s not delighting TV audiences as Debbie Vickers on Puberty Blues, it seems she’s a budding songstress. She makes her recording debut on the sublime “Sleep,” the lead single from Dan Webb’s upcoming debut album Sandstorm.
Sandstorm is scheduled to hit stores on May 9. Dan’s proved himself to be a prolifically talented singer-songwriter over the years, so I’m sure that long-awaited album is going to be sensational.
Tag: Dan Webb
Dan Webb Wows with October Track
After the stress of moving house it’s so nice to sit down at my computer and chill out to some tunes. Of course the moving stress has now been replaced with where’s my spatula/nailpolish remover/bath towels kind of stress, but music has a way of dissolving that too.
My latest tune of choice is the latest offering from Dan Webb’s 12 Songs, 12 Months initiative. “Coming Up Roses” has a Beatlesque vibe that’s dreamy enough to calm my current mood. The project might be coming to a close in a couple of months, but don’t think we’ve heard the last of Dan. He raised enough money through his recent Pozible campaign to release his debut album next year. He should release it through his own record label Misdemeanor Records around May 2014.
Dan Webb Launches August Single and Pozible campaign
Dan Webb is back with “Sandstorm”, the August track in his 12 Songs, 12 Months project. It’s a dreamy number which reminds me of what the Beatles may have come up with if they ever tried to write a waltz.
If you’ve been enjoying Dan Webb’s free monthly songs, perhaps it’s time you gave something back. While Dan’s been happy to share these tracks free of charge, it takes money to make an album. Dan hopes you’ll share some of yours and donate to his crowdfunding campaign. All proceeds will help Dan fund his full-length album.
Dan Webb Does It Again
There’s still time to grab a free download of “Riot”, the latest free digital song released as part of Dan Webb’s 12 Songs, 12 Months project.
This month we’re treated to a sultry, keyboard driven number that might sound like the kind of riots that occur in smoky jazz clubs. Dan’s ably supported on this number by drummer Peter Marin (Passenger, Bertie Blackman) and bassist Joshua Jones (Dan Sultan, Gossling).
Dan continues to impress with these monthly releases. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for April!
Dan Webb’s Monthly Song Impresses
Dan Webb has done it again with “Shadows of a Maniac,” the second track released as part of his 12 Songs, 12 Months project.
This song is so unique. It’s funky and soulful with a psychedelic twist that I didn’t see coming. The Bamboos’ Kylie Auldist, who shared vocal duties on Dan’s January release “Departure” is on back-up duties this time around. The track also features The Cat Empire’s hornsmiths Keiran Conrau and Ari Farrar, driving beats from drummer Peter Marin, and some mean bass licks from Joshua Jones.
You can download this song, and enjoy all the music to come this year, at Dan Webb’s website.
Dan Webb Gives Away 12 New Songs in 2013
Christmas might be over, but Dan Webb doesn’t believe that’s any reason for the presents to stop. In 2013 he’s pledged that he’ll release a new song for free download every month. That’s 12 sparkly new songs to add to your music collection!
He’s set the bar very high with the first track “Departure,” a groovy number featuring Kylie Auldist of The Bamboos. If each song can live up to this one I’m going to be very impressed!
You can enjoy all the songs Dan is generously providing by logging on to his website this year.
Plenty of Places To See Dan Webb Play
Dan Webb seems to have enjoyed last November’s residency at the Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy, as he’s preparing to do it all again.
Dan will rock the pub every Tuesday night during February, providing the perfect anecdote to those mid-week blues. He’ll also play some shows during the St Kilda festival, so if you’re a local make sure you don’t miss those sets.
And if that’s not enough Dan for your dollar, you’ll be happy to note he’s also just joined Johnny Rock and The Limits. You might not know the name, but I’m sure you’ve heard their tunes in the Cornetto Endless Summer ads. Johnny Rock and The Limits are also touring during February, so there are plenty of opportunities to catch up with the talented Dan Webb this month!
1 February 2011 – The Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy (solo, supported by Kins and DJs)
8 February 2011 – The Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy (solo, supported by Tobias Cummings and DJs)
10 February 2011 – St Kilda Navy & Army RSL, St Kilda Festival (with Johnny Rock and The Limits)
11 February 2011 – The World Bar, Kings Cross (with Johnny Rock and The Limits)
13 February 2011 – Rotary Park, St Kilda Festival (solo)
18 February 2011 – X&Y Bar, Fortitude Valley (with Johnny Rock and The Limits)
15 February 2011 – The Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy (solo, supported by Archer & Bow and DJs)
22 February2011 – The Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy (solo, supported by Dotcoms and DJs)
26 February 2011 – Revolver Upstairs, Prahran (with Johnny Rock and The Limits)
Image used with permission from Dan Webb
“Hyperspace Clearance” – Dan Webb
Dan Webb takes his cues from the world of classic rock with his sophomore EP, Hyperspace Clearance.
It’s a suitably far out name for a disc which revels in the music of the 60s and 70s. It’s not a carbon copy of the acts that came before, but Dan certainly wears his influences on his sleeve. He allows the artists of the past to inform his music, adding a hint of psychedelia here and a whiff of progressive rock there.
Perhaps it’s my love of The Doors that makes “These Walls” the standout for me. I love its cool, rollicking bass line and lush Hammond organ. Vocally Dan Webb is a world away from Jim Morrison’s lush baritone, but if the band were to have gone in a different direction I imagine they’d have made a song like this.
Dan’s heavy handed piano style, quirky songwriting, and musical smarts make a big impression. He creates a really lush sound by layering up to six keyboards over one another; it’s reminiscent of Phil Spector’s Wall of Sound in the very best way. Clearly this is an artist who enjoys experimenting. On this disc we see him learning about his potential and sound. But rather than feeling simply like we’re listening to someone testing things out, we enjoy being taken on this musical journey.
In just four songs Dan Webb makes a big impression with Hyperspace Clearance, one which leaves me wondering where he’ll take us next.
Image source: JB HiFi website
Dan Webb Takes Up Evelyn Residency
Dan Webb is celebrating the silly season with a month long residency at Fitzroy’s Evelyn Hotel. The residency comes on the back of the recent release of his EP Hyperspace Clearance.
Dan’s shows are always something special as he embraces the spontaneity that comes with the live music experience.
“I’ve got a great band and I like to keep them on their toes so if I want to extend an instrumental jam or something … we’ll just go for it,” he explained. “Each show’s bursting with frenetic energy – it’s no dismal affair.”
As an added Christmas bonus, Dan will be supported by some amazing local acts including The Cuckoos, featuring some of the guys from Little Red, James Wallace’s solo project Wintercoats, The Smoke, and The Raffaellas. He’ll also be joined on stage for the last two shows by the mighty horns section from The Cat Empire.
Tickets are a meager $5, so make sure you check out at least one of these shows.
7 December 2010 – The Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy (Supported by The Raffaellas + DJs)
14 December 2010 – The Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy (Supported by Wintercoats + DJs
21 December 2010 – The Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy (Feat. The Empire Horns and supported by The Cuckoos)
28 December 2010 – The Evelyn Hotel, Fitzroy (Feat. The Empire Horns and supported by The Smoke)
Image used with permission from Dan Webb
Q & A with Dan Webb
Singer-songwriter Dan Webb is preparing to load up the van and get out on the road to support his new EP Hyperspace Clearance. But before he does I caught up with Dan to chat about the tour, the EP, and his love of the keys.
You’re touring along the east coast next month. Are you looking forward to getting out on the road?
I’m not gonna lie – it’s been hard organising this tour, but I am really looking forward to playing these shows. Myband members have been on holiday overseas for a few months so I’ve used that time to develop some new songs. I’ve never performed outside Melbourne so it’s really exciting.
This tour is in support of your new EP Hyperspace Clearance. What can you tell me about it?
I really set out to prove a point on my first EP. It was quite heavy compared to this new one. Capitulation was all about showing people that you can play rock music without relying on guitar. Hyperspace Clearance is taking that same concept but taking it to a whole new level by experimenting with some other styles and genres. It’s an EP with a focused direction, tied together by the theme of travel.
You produced this EP yourself. Why was that important for you?
I wanted to head back to the same studio with the same team of people and see if we could make something that sounded completely different to my first EP. I like setting myself challenges. I had a clear idea of which instruments and microphones I wanted to use and so I wanted to have as much of a creative input as possible.
What’s it like being on the other side of the musical desk?
I have to say straight up that the whole project wouldn’t have been possible without my engineer Matt Voigt. He’s responsible for all of the mixing and he did a really great job. I might be able to give directions, make suggestions and requests but at the end of the day, I can’t make a good recording without a talented engineer.
This is your second EP. How do you think you’ve grown since the recording of the first one?
I feel like I’m developing as a songwriter and I’m becoming a bit more confident and adventurous when it comes to writing songs. I was able to take more risks on this EP as a result. I wanted to explore a few different styles and approaches this time round. I recorded clavinet on a track called “Weekends” for example; it’s only there for a few bars but it’s really funky!