Tag: soul

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Soul of Melbourne Celebrates Victoria’s Soul Scene

If you prefer more soulful tunes than the fist-pumping rock Australia is famous for, then The Soul of Melbourne compilation is for you. The passion project of Chris Gill (Northside Records) and Lance Ferguson (The Bamboos) brings together the best soul, funk, R ’n’ B, and jazz acts working in the Victorian capital.

This kind of music is still pretty underground, but this compilation featuring The Bamboos, Chet Faker, Electric Empire, and Clairy Browne & The Bangin’ Rackettes should help give it the attention it deserves.

Look for The Soul of Melbourne in stores tomorrow, November 9.

Image used with permission from Fuse Group Australia

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Wailers Headline Island Vibe

Island Vibe is heading back to Stradbroke Island this October for its seventh big year.

The 2012 line-up includes some stellar international reggae, soul, and dub acts including The Original Wailers, fellow countryman Prince Alla, Canada’s JPod, and Gaudi from Italy. Aussie performers including Kooii, The Upsteppers, and Chant Down Sound also have a place on the bill. And there’s more to come, with a second artist announcement planned just before the festival.

I think it all sounds like the perfect opportunity for a beach holiday, don’t you? Tickets are now on sale through the Island Vibe website.

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Dereb the Ambassador Brings Retro Ethiopian Soul to Oz

From Ethiopia to Sydney, soul singer Dereb Desalegn has come a long way. After moving to our shores he took up with the band Lion of Judah, but now he’s striking out on his own with the self-titled project, Dereb the Ambassador.

The first cut from this endeavor is “Etu Gela,” a dance floor filler taken from Dereb’s forthcoming self-titled album. This long-player, scheduled for a March 4 release, covers soul tracks made famous by Ethiopian artists in the 60s and 70s. To stay true to Dereb’s creative vision the album was recorded using equipment made before 1970.

Dereb will launch the single “Etu Gela” backed by a seven-piece band at Sydney’s Gaelic Club on December 15. It sounds like it’s going to be a foot-stomping good night!

Image used with permission from Other Tongues

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Ruby Noir Funk and Soul Nights at Ruby’s Lounge

You don’t need to head to New Orleans to experience big brass sounds and the best soulful funk around. Ruby’s Lounge is bringing these feel-good sounds to Melbourne with their monthly big band nights.

Known as Ruby Noir, the evenings look to transport patrons back to the prohibition era with its underground speak-easies, all with a fun modern twist. It kicks off on November 20 with the 10-piece Lowdown Street Orchestra. DJ Paper will also spin vintage tunes in between the sets.

It sounds like a lot of fun, so don your best glad rags and check out the action!

Image source: Thilini Mahaliyana @ Flickr

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

The Dynamites Bring Funked Up Soul to Bluesfest and Sideshows

One of the things I love most about festivals season is the chance to discover bands that might ordinarily pass us by. One such example is The Dynamites, a hot 10-piece soul outfit from Nashville preparing to play Byron Bay’s Bluesfest and a couple of sideshows.

With a healthy dose of James Brown and a dash of Motown and Memphis sounds, this great big band featuring industry veteran Charles Walker is set to wow us. They’re here in support of their first local release Burn It Down, which will hit stores on April 2.

While that album manages to catch some of the band’s energy, seeing them live with the horns blazing and rhythm section throbbing takes things to a whole new level.

“You can only do so much on a record,” explained Charles Walker. “The performance is a lot different. I can’t stand doing songs exactly the same. I have to stretch out a little bit. That’s part of my thing.”

You can catch the band at the following shows and see what the fuss is all about!

1 April 2010 – The Esplanade Hotel, Melbourne
2 April 2010 –Bluesfest, Byron Bay
3 April 2010 – Step Inn, Brisbane
5 April 2010 – Bluesfest, Byron Bay

Image used with permission from Heapsaflash