Shortlisted for the Americana Music Prize in 2018, Kelly Brouhaha's brand of americana soul is as real as it gets. The South Australian songwriter & multi-instrumentalist spends most of the year around a campfire, travelling in her 1992 Toyota Hiace Van called "Pamela Vanderson".
Having spent the past 12 months touring with Beccy Cole & Libby O'Donovan on Aussie Road Crew, Kelly's seen first hand the magic of a 40,000 star hotel. Sharing the experience with 80 caravanning enthusiasts travelling through outback Australia on these intimate music and camping tours, it is in this setting where Brouhaha tells her stories best.
Her self titled debut album tells of leaving her marriage and mortgage behind in the pursuit of happiness. The single "40,000 Star Hotel" co-written with Aleyce Simmonds is a big, ballsy, freedom-esque blues which captures the heart of the Australian landscape and the lure of off-grid living. Choosing to pursue the road less travelled after learning of her father's alhzeimers diagnosis - this album produced by Shane Nicholson captures heartbreak and grief in a way that leaves you breathless.
A fresh face for country, this album was conceived at a DAG songwriting retreat. A product of community around an artist who until then, hadn't quite found a place to fit in the world of straight up soul and blues. With permission to slow things down and an affectionate nudge to write the truth Brouhaha finds her most honest songwriting to date with this record . A diverse first offering from an artist you absolutely need to hear. From big blues, to soulful country - it is real and raw and vulnerable.
"it's just so much fun, that girls got amazing pipes, she sounds like Amy Whinehouse - but with more of a soulful edge as opposed to a jazz hook" Nkechi Anele - TRIPLE J roots & all
"The Brouhaha has a gorgeous, powerful, dare-we-say Adele-esque voice, and her new song Don't Have To Write it Down is a fine vehicle for it" - RIP IT UP
Drummer Tony Boyd had stayed in touch during the hiatus. He wasn't going to let it rest. The two had agreed it was time to start something new. That'd be 'The Defenders'.
Principally a three piece ( although the band can extend to a five piece ) with an emphasis on 'groove'…with a capital G. Not just your average blues band either, although the blues is there….the band covers a wide range of styles and influences. There's also elements of Rock, Jazz, Latin, Funk & Soul with a strong focus on their original tunes.
In January 2019, Ross & Tony descended on Peter Northcote's inner-Sydney studio. The one-day session yielded their version of JJ Cale's 'Tijuana', although it was Harry Manx' version of the same tune that inspired 'The Defenders' version. RW & TB had also road-tested the tune many times.
The single will be released via direct-marketing and digital download ( only, sorry folks! ). There's a film clip to go with it. The track will be available on hard copy as part of an upcoming EP that the band is working on now. The Defenders live Sydney debut is at the Manly Fig, Fri 28th June, 2019.
Leanne is returning to live music after a brief hiatus to start her family. She has played sold out shows for the iconic Basement & Vanguard venues, having recorded her "Live at The Basement" CD/DvD in 2015.
A vocalist arranger composer & ace keys player, Leanne will take you to New Orleans & back. Her show features a tight band of local A-circle session musicians, including a horn section, to blow your mind.
Band Members:
Leanne Paris ; Lead Vocals, Piano, Keyboards
Paul Berton ; Guitars
Mick Stuart ; Bass, Vocals
Dave Fester ; Drums
Matt Handel ; Saxophones, Flute
David Weir; Saxophones, Percussion