SAT 23rd

Get swept away with “Really Want”, a song from Damien Binder’s most recent album “While the Wind’s at Your Back”. Reflecting a deeper maturity and thoughtfulness since Kiwi singer/songwriter Damien’s previous album (“Til Now”), “While the Wind’s at Your Back” explores memory, loss and hope, combined with a gentle and optimistic spirit infused with wry humour. With a zephyr of promising performances throughout Sydney, “Really Want” is sure to launch “While The Wind’s At Your Back” to the top of Australian music with much anticipated performances across Sydney.

Boasting his 11th album, JFK’s latest release, “Is This Not Paris?” is a conceptual collection presenting songs based on a strong filmic theme. With a cultural maturity developed through expatriate status in Berlin, Hong Kong, Holland and London; living by the motto “Have Songs, Will Travel”, Kennedy and his band’s new album continue to establish Kennedy’s musical themes of travel and heartache. The original Newtown Troubador is back.

As part of a musical dynasty, Luke has amassed a cult following as one of Sydney’s most original and innovative young songwriters and performers. “Byron Times” is the single from his latest album “Golden Ages”. Luke has already featured in compilations alongside Australian music royalty such as John Butler and Paul Kelly. With infinite melodic sophistication, Luke’s musical lineage has provided him with the opportunity to see every major act in England and the USA which has led to the successful development of Luke’s own musical gifts.

Two unique voices, flowing harmonies and captivating songs bring Nick and Liesl a loving reception wherever they go. Their distinctive sound is the coming together of two singer/songwriters with influences ranging from Nick’s love of Cat Stevens and James Taylor to Liesl’s classical songbooks. The track "Marjorie" has been a live favourite following a number of festival performances and supports for artists such as Kate Miller-Heidke, Kasey Chambers and Shane Nicholson.

Growing up in the inner western suburbs of Sydney has helped produce a talented solo acoustic artist with a diverse range of styles encompassing urban roots, R’nB and organic pop with jazzy overtones. Many compare Van's music to Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Jason Mraz, only with an R’n B twist, a kind of 'storytelling with a groove'. His fourth album "Together" is a duets album working with a range of artists from all different styles of music.

Listening to the debut album by classical guitarist Alex Chudnovsky you cannot help being moved by his evocative, lyrical playing. But it is his compelling personal journey that led this Russian born musician all the way to Melbourne, Australia that informs the songs and leaves the listener with an insight to the extraordinary events that led to the making of this record. “This album is a summary of my musical Journey as a classical guitarist and composer”. Check out www.alexchudnovsky.com

Returning from cold and misty Dublin, nouveaux Sydney-sider Tim Walker is getting nostalgic. His latest record is a contemplation on winter, a time when we all do a bit of mental stocktaking. It’s "city meets country; white meets black; youth meets age; and innocence meets experience." The man who’s lived a thousand lifetimes takes you on a roadtrip through the Australian psyche with a melee of geographically inspired narrative folksongs.

Whether they are writing songs about lost love, inner-city angst or political injustice, Sydney blues & roots combo, Iron Bar Hotel pride themselves on their organic sound and approach to their music. With the support of blues and roots heavyweights such as John Butler behind them, the band are creating quite a buzz on Sydney's Roots scene with their jam infused shows and honest, poetic lyrics.

SUN 24th

Listening to the debut album by classical guitarist Alex Chudnovsky you cannot help being moved by his evocative, lyrical playing. But it is his compelling personal journey that led this Russian born musician all the way to Melbourne, Australia that informs the songs and leaves the listener with an insight to the extraordinary events that led to the making of this record. “This album is a summary of my musical Journey as a classical guitarist and composer”. Check out www.alexchudnovsky.com

With uplifting, soulful, and at times, haunting vocal melodies, Bianca Meier walks the earth with the sunshine, bringing to you an organic and original source of folk/roots music. With ‘a voice that carries like a songbird and a guitar that strums like a road trip’, Bianca will endeavour to grab you by the heart and pull you under.

Dubbed, ‘Australia's latest guitar legend in the making’, Luke Koteras has a unique vision, dedication and talent for writing songs that are musically dynamic and uplifting yet introspective at the same time. Luke plays a blend of new age acoustic music with a modern flavour, encompassing acoustic finger-style playing and the occasional stab of electric guitar. He presents a blend of original tunes along with a blinding selection of groove, roots rock, blues and fusion.

Although Daxton hails from Australia, his new album "Two Roads" pays homage to Texas music, following the path of Steve Earle and Delbert McClinton. On stage Daxton comes across like he was born to play, his unique guitar style blending perfectly with heart-worn vocals. Daxton's band "The Sweet Lips" have recently gained exposure in the US with the track 'Moody Liz' featuring on the new TV series “Doll House” from the makers of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel.

At just 21 years old Lana has shared stages and guitar picks with many of the country’s finest, opening sets for Diesel, Fruit, Iota, Old Man River, Angus and Julia Stone. And at the heart of this beguiling folk artist is a passion for life and unapologetic sharp-shooter lyrics that look you square in the face and dare you to look away. Lana is about to head off to Europe through April and May.

paul applekamp

A collision of styles, schizophrenic through song and eclectic by nature "Where You Go" is the brainchild of Sydney songwriter Jesse Morris in collaboration with ‘the 3 Beans’, Lucille Wilson (strings/flute/melodica), Andrew Hutchings (drums/percussion) and Shane Kellahan (bass). The single draws upon flavours of acoustic groove and reggae combined with a message that reminds you to lose yourself in what and who you love.

“Remember You” is a scintillating track taken from Daniel Dawes’ latest album “Strange Things”, conceived through an assemblage of like-minded musicians whilst on a break from his "other" band the Winters. With his previous single receiving JJJ airplay and video support on Rage, Daniel is on the verge of much greater things.

MON 25th

Connecting with the simplicity of life, while laying bare the bones of the human condition, is what Dear Orphans and their music are all about. Whilst highly influenced by traditional bluegrass the band maintain that their stylistic manifestation is purely sentimental. "What I love about bluegrass is that it's music written by people battling with real life. And sometimes the reasons they are writing and playing that music are to rise above that and set their sights on something higher" says co-writer Nick Payne.

Born on the great American seaboard, by way of Scotland and Wales. Andrew Barnum now calls himself a resident of the Antipodes. Intertwining elements of folk rock, soul and country, Andrew’s music is available through John and Jane Records.

Matt Heath is a Sydney singer/songwriter. His crafted acoustic ballads 'Sweet You' and 'Oxygen' recently featured on the compilations Grow Your Own - Upload 1 and Homegrown Roots Vol 3 alongside the likes of Paul Kelly and John Butler (available on iTunes). He is currently performing numerous Sydney shows and working on a forthcoming EP.