Snez Music

Snez E-News - GREEN ... finally!

2012-02-19T15:23:00.000-08:00

Hello my lovelies.

I've had such a wonderful weekend : ) Two amazing shows in a row, I'm still just coming down from them. My weekend started at the Northern Beaches Music Festival at the Tramshed with a radio interview on Northern Beaches Radio following.

On the Sunday I had a wonderful show at the Blue Mountains folk club in Lawson, with myself, Stewart and Lindsay and with Chris Gillespie launching his album and James Morrison opening up the show.....
Such a fantastic audience, while we were performing an artist and musician herself, Janet Saunders, starting painting pictures of us, I love the mountains, it's so bloody creative!!!!

GREEN....Finally!!! - Anyway enough of this huff and kuffufle, this is the moment I've been waiting for. 'Green' is finally released!!!! Yay! Below is the film clip, shot by Nuh! Productions. I would love to know what you think. Please feel free to post it around to anyone you like, embed, re embed, tweet, facebook it....The more it gets out there the better.

Another massive thank you to Dulce, Paul and Ange from Nuh! you guys are awesome, and once again the cast and crew for making it very easy to enjoy the experience : ) xxx

Remember you can still rate 'Green' on Triple J unearthed, if you haven't already - click here!

If you were planning to purchase 'Green' on itunes, unfortunately there has been a technical complication with getting the song on air, so email me directly and I'll organise getting the song to you, otherwise I'll keep you notified when it's available on itunes. Shit happens!

smell ya later

snez xx

SNEZ Blog - Triple J, Pics, vids, and leopard skin leotards

2012-02-07T03:14:00.000-08:00

Hello people
What a busy week I've had. We had the cast and crew screening for 'Green' with a couple of VIP tickets going out to fans and friends. I had such a wonderful night. Check out some pics at Nevaeh Photography. A big thank you goes out to Mars Hill Cafe, who has supported our project from the beginning. The clip will be released on Feb 20 on this website and will also be available at Nuh! Productions website.

GREEN on Triple J Unearthed - Number 9

I also wanted to thank you guys so much for your support on facebook, emails and face to face : ) At the moment 'Green' is number 9 on the Triple J Unearthed pop charts and number 75 on the overall charts...this is very cool... Keep rating and reviewing and pass it on to your friends. Keep the ball rolling man!!

Ange (from Nuh! Productions) and I promised that if 'Green' hits number 1 we'll do a an acoustic comedy version of 'Green' for you (on film) which may involve some dancing : ) and maybe some 80's style leotards. You will want to see this I promise haha.

GREEN on radio

Last week I mentioned that 'Green' was selected for the AirIt Radio Campaign where radio stations Australia wide can select my songs and download them into their playlists. At the moment 'Green' is playing Australia wide on Coast FM in Central Coast, 2MCE in Bathurst, 3 WAY FM in Warnambool and a bunch of others I'll reveal later.

CHECK OUT THIS SHORT CLIP FROM THE MUSIC CLIP, edited & filmed by Ben Brunnekreef - All photo's courtesy of Nuh! Productions. For more pics visit FLICKR.

Ok, smell ya later

snez xxx

SNEZ E-News & Blog - Greener!

2012-01-30T21:30:00.000-08:00

Hello again

I've been staying indoors for most of last week with all the rain, but a good excuse to actually do some work. Who's to say it's not a blessing?

The edit for 'Green' is almost complete with a cast and crew exclusive screening this week on the Thursday the 2nd. I've still got a couple of VIP double passes, so send me an email , first in, best dressed! You will get a sneek peek at some of the new songs from the album with a live performance with myself and the band.

Check out some more pictures from the film shoot courtesy of Nuh! Productions, and you can see more pictures at FLICKR.

This week 'Green' and a couple of my other tracks from the new album have been selected to be included on the Amrap AirIt Website, which is a catalogue of songs for radio stations around Australia, which is very exciting, you can see my profile here!

GARDENING
In between all the the promo stuff I'm doing, I've been trying to grow some vegetables up here in the mountains and it seems that I'm not having any luck.

Although yesterday I ate my first broccolli from my garden : ) It was small, but very tasty. Stewart and I had to fight for it, he got a black eye unfortunately. Oh well, what can you do!

CHECK OUT THIS SHORT CLIP FROM 'GREEN
SHOT BY BEN BRUNNEKREEF

Ok, smell ya later
snez xxx

Snez E-News & Blog - GREEN YAY!

2012-01-24T15:09:00.000-08:00

GREEN' will officially hit itunes on February 20th in hand with the music film clip produced by

Nuh! Productions that we shot late last year. It's getting very exciting, with the promo machine churning away. Today Stew and I sent 'Green' to be mastered at Abbey Road Studios, I'm very keen to get it back and see how it sounds.

In the meantime, check out these pics and behind the scenes snippets fro the filmclip.Visit FLICKR to see more pics from this blog. All photo's courtesy of Nuh! Productions.

ET, Chidi & Arnold

WIN VIP TICKETS FOR SCREENING OF GREEN

We're in the second draft of editing 'Green' and it's looking great, I can't wait till I share it with you all : ) As extra promotion myself and Nuh! Productions are offering 4 double VIP passes to the private screening of 'GREEN' for cast and crew.

All you have to do is
1. Go to Triple J unearthed, register for free, then rate and review 'Green'

Somebody's getting violent

2. Email Us, and you'll go in the draw to win a double
   pass.

    Winners will be announced next week. The more ratings
    and reviews I get on triple j, the higher up the charts I
    get and more chance of getting airplay. Let's get 'Green'
    on the charts peeps!!!

    In the meantime, check out this behind the scenes vid,
    shot by Ben Brunnekreef, courtesy of Nuh! Productions.

Patrick, our clapper loader

Keep an eye out, next week for some more pics and vids on 'Green'.

The new album is available to pre-order too, so send us an email. If you pre-order the album '8 Lives Left to Lose', You will recieve a free download card with a few extras including songs, video's and things that are not available to the general public.

Thats it for me, smell ya laters....Snez xxx

Snez E-News & Blog - Facebook in real life!

2012-01-19T15:19:00.000-08:00

I thought this was bloody hilarious : ) Let me know what you think!

2012-01-13T21:14:00.000-08:00

Hey there

I'd love to report to you that I have just recorded the last song for the album...the creative part is over and I have a mixed sense of relief and sadness that's it's over, now begins the hard slog of promotion and knocking on doors so people can hear it. I'm looking forward to sharing those songs with you soon : ) The single 'Green' is being released on itunes on February 20th, with the film clip, so keep an eye out on my website for it.

Some of you may not know that I'm a huge fan of Johnny Cash....Stewart cringes even as I say his name haha!
I love the hillbilly stuff, it makes me laugh. When I feel down, it makes me happy, so I decided to share with you a you tube clip...don't judge me...just love me : )

Johnny Cash and Melanie singing 'Silver Threads and Golden Needles'

Anyone else out there who's a closet Johnny Cash lover?
smell ya later
snez xx

Snez E-News & Blog - Happy New Year : )

2012-01-03T23:37:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone : ) This year my resolution is much the same as last years. I plan to take my guitar playing to the next level and play some high quality shows, amongst a bunch of other things I have to do.

2011 has sort of been a tough year for me, lots of things popping out of no-where, but it's been very exciting. From lauching into the solo performing, the north coast tour up to cairns, the green film clip and recording the album, these are some of the highlights.

Over the next week I'll start booking shows for my North/East Coast Tour and also prepare the promotional stuff for 'Green'. I need help from you guys in terms of reviews and requests on certain websites, will let you know when all that happens.

Stay posted for some behind the scenes footage from the 'Green' shoot coming up over January.

Smell ya later

SNEZ E-News & Blog - Christmas Done! New Year Here we come!!!

2011-12-28T00:36:00.000-08:00

Hello and Merry Christmas to everyone. With the New Year coming on, I'm realising how much I have to organise with the new album, single release and clip, organising the tour and doing promo, I'm feeling a little bit overwhelmed....Help????

In the lead up to Christmas, Stewarts daughter, Kristy, orgranised a christmas carol concert for two nursing homes in Sydney with a gang of us singing the old carols. It was an amazing experience and I enjoyed it so much and I think all the different men and women at the nursing home really enjoyed it too. Check out these pictures.

Thank you everyone for your support throughout the year, your kind emails of encouragement, for reading my newsletters and blog posts and for listening to my music. I hope you all have a wonderful christmas and lets hope for a beautiful new year in 2012.

Smell ya later

snez xxx

SNEZ E-News & Blog - My sisters in the studio & Nuh! Christmas Video Yay!!!

2011-12-17T01:48:00.000-08:00

Yo folks,only a week till christmas. I've already started to feel and guess the presents under my tree : )

Check out this cute christmas video that Nuh! Productions made featuring Stew and I and a few people from the cast and crew of 'Green'. If you're thinking of getting a music video or any kind of production, or photography I would highly recommend these guys.....they are organised and FUN! Which is very rare to find!

CHRISTMAS WISHES

It's going to be a pretty massive year for me in 2012, I'm already dying for a break and I haven't even started. 'Green' is in the process of being edited, I saw some snippets of it a few days ago and it looks FAB. I can't wait to share it with everyone in February. 'Green' will be available on itunes as a single in January.

Also the new album now titled '8 Lives Left to Lose' is being released in April with a launch to be organised and a tour following. Pre-Orders for the album will begin in February with special bonuses for people who pre-buy. Will let you know the details soon.

Diana & Suzi my sisters, adding vocals on a song, check out the video below

Brain washing my little neice Mia, to be a musician

Anyway I'll leave you with a short video of my new song 'So I sing this song' my women's lib song. I got my two sisters in the studio to add some vocals to some parts. It was a hoot : ) Check it out!!!

Sister ACT!!!!

Ok, smell ya later
snez xxx

SNEZ E-News & Blog - Life after Green

2011-12-01T16:56:00.000-08:00

I spent most of the day after the 'Green' shoot feeling like I had hit the peak of my career and it all goes down from there!!! haha which is so ridiculous considering I'm working on an album release and an upcoming tour!

Anyway, editing begins in January with an exclusive screening for cast and crew and then release of the clip and song in February, which I am looking forward to. I'm going to need all the help in the world to try and get it out there, so if you have any ideas please send me an email.

Here are a couple of pics that Stew took from the 2 days shoot, I'm not going to give too much away though, you'll have to wait.

Arnold, Chidi & Etienne - The dancers

Make-up with Carren

This was the first scene shot, you can see Jim on my left!

In the meantime, I'm back to working on the album, Stewart and I wanted to get all the songs recorded by the end of December, just finished recording a vocal on a song called '8 Lives left to Lose' 3 more songs to go!

smell ya later
snez xxx

Snez E-News & Blog - 'Green' It's a Wrap!

2011-11-29T15:24:00.000-08:00

So it's a wrap! The shooting of the 'Green' film clip took place Monday and Tuesday and we're done. We had such a fun cast and crew and I just wanted to thank everyone who was involved. Special thanks to Ange, Dulce and Paul from Nuh! Productions for their dedication, professionalism and humour. Elana and Patrick from the main cast and the dancers - Etienne, Chidi and Arnold, the extras and the fabulous people behind the scenes, who were working their arses off! Rebecca from wardrobe who made me look fantastic : )

Now the footage goes to the cutting board, keep an eye out on my website for a sneak peak at some pics from the shoot and behind the scenes videos.

Snez xxx

Snez E-News & Blog - Freebies & Green

2011-11-24T15:39:00.000-08:00

Helloo folks
Another exciting week with lots of gigs and preparation for the 'Green' Film clip.
We had a wonderful couple of shows in the mountains starting with the annual 'Composers' night in Blackheath at the New Ivanhoe Hotel. It's always a pleasure to play to people who appreciate original music. Stewart played Ukelele and backing vocals and Lindsay playing djembe and shaker and all the light stuff....which might have been very difficult for a rock drummer to do.

COMPETITION
On the way to Love Lawson festival the following day I took this picture of Lindsay. Here's a competition for ya! If you can guess what Lindsay's doing in the middle of the bushes you will WIN a FREE 4 CD Pack including an album by Stewart Peters, 2 compilation CD's and one by ME : ) Just in time for christmas.

On the run from the cops, after he beat a man with his drum sticks after the love lawson festival
He's just come off his schitzophrenia medication and we had been chasing him all afternoon
Taking a leak on a native plant which died immediately afterwards
Make up you're own answer in the comment box below : )

GREEN CLIP
We had our last rehearsal at Mars Hill Cafe yesterday which was very exciting. It also eased my mind about how things are going to run on the shoot day. Everyone on the team has been so organised which is amazing.

Me, Elana who plays the waitress & Patrick who is my boyfriend

Dulcie who is on camera & Ange who is director

Rehearsal at Mars Hill Cafe

DO YOU WANT TO BE IN THE CLIP?
We still need some extras. If you're interested in being part of the film clip please contact us asap. The shoot is at Mars Hill Cafe in Parramatta on the Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th November. All day shoot. Food provided, no pay. Email me with a pic and contact details.

Thanks, smell ya later
Snez xx

Not at Cafe Zuppa Tonight or next week

2011-11-20T15:19:00.000-08:00

Hey folks, just letting everyone know that I won't be playing at Cafe Zuppa in Katoomba tonight, or the following Monday, due to the 'Green' Film clip shoot landing on those Mondays. But come along the 3rd week, with Christmas carols and some original songs ....xxx

SNEZ E-News & Blog - Extras Wanted, Green & Mind Body and Spirit!

2011-11-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

Hey Folks

Here is a little snippet of me at the Mind Body Spirit Festival early in November. The video footage taken by Grace O'Neill who has come onboard the snez team recently. Also photographs below by Leah Campbell. They both did a wonderful job. Thanks girls.

PICS AND VIDEO BY LEAH CAMPBELL & GRACE O'NEILL

Stew joined me on some backing vocals and djembe

GREEN CLIP - EXTRA'S WANTED
Only 2 weeks before the 'Green' film clip shoot by Nuh! Productions. I'm excited and scared. Cast and crew are all in place, with our first rehearsal this week, which went really well, with Angela directing us, if I could only keep my bib out of it! Ange just had an arm operation, so wasn't faring too well, but did extremely well considering the circumstances and the extreme bloody heat

Rehearsal with cast and Ange directing.

Rebecca from wardrobe popped in to get our outfits sorted


Patrick who plays my 'Himbo' boyfriend and Elana who will be playing the blonde 'Bimbo' waitress. These two are fantastic at what they do. Elana actually played a scene in 'Packed to the Rafters'.

We have one more rehearsal at Mars Hill Cafe in Parramatta. We need 5 extras for the shoot so please email me asap if you want to be involved. The dates of the shoot is 28th and 29th November. It will be a long day and it's at the cafe in Parramatta. Email me if you want to be involved.

Anyway that's enough for now, smell ya later

Snez xxx

SNEZ E-News & Blog - In the studio with 'The Watchmaker'

2011-11-09T22:41:00.000-08:00

Another busy week, recording the album. We have 16 song and we’ve got 8 songs done….phew!!!! Check out this footage of ‘Watchmaker’.

WELCOME LEAH AND GRACE TO THE SNEZ TEAM

Also I’d love to welcome some new members to the SNEZ team. Leah and Grace will be helping out in the photography and video part of my website. So if you see them at my shows say Hi. The girls came with me for their first session to the Mind Body Spirit festival and captured a bit of the ambience and they did a fantastic job. I’m so excited that they’re onboard, they feel like my little children : )

Grace, Stewart and Leah - behind stage at Mind, Body Spirit Festival 2011

Pics and vids of that on my next blog. If you would like to join the team and feel you can help out in any way,then shoot us an email.

LINDSAY BACK FROM TOUR WITH MEATLOAF

Lindsay has finished his tour with Def leopard and Meat Loaf, so we’ve got him back in the studio to add drums to some songs. So it's nice to have him back again : ) We even did a little show at the open mic last week and it was so much fun.


Lindsay laying down the law!!!

ILLAWARRA FOLK CLUB REVIEW

My show at the Illawarra Folk Club went really well. Stew and I were running late and we made it just in time, being the first act on the bill. We also bumped into Rosie McDonald and her band. I played solo with Stewart coming on board to play a little djembe and backing vocals.

Rosie McDonald and her band - can't remember everyones name for the life of me!!! Sorry.

GREEN FILMCLIP
Shoot day have been confirmed for the Monday 28th and Tuesday 29th November...yikes. I'm starting to panic now. I'm excited too. We have a fabulous cast and crew organised by Nuh! Productions and a team of dancers for the middle 8 of the songs......You won't catch me dancing that's for sure! I've got two left feet!
A huge thanks to Mars Hill Cafe in Parramatta where our script is set. They have let us use their space for free and I really appreciate it too. Mars Hill Cafe has changed alot of lives including mine!
We may need some extras for the filmclip, so if you're interested send us an email.

ET and Arnold coming up with a dance sequence for 'Green' at Parramatta Park.

Stay tuned for the next blog with pics and vids from the 'Green' film clip, Mind body spirit festival and more.

Smell ya later
snez xxx

SNEZ E-News & Blog - a song by Leanne Hawkins

2011-11-03T17:32:00.000-07:00

Yellow folks

A singer/songwriter friend of mine Leanne Hawkins, has recorded a song called 'Momma' with a clip to go with it. This clip is very special. It's a song that has a strong message and is the true story of children who have been institutionalised and have become know as 'Forgotten Australians'.

The clip is part of the National Museum of Australian Exhibition launch Life Inside Childrens Homes 16th November 2011.

Please check this video out and spread the clip - I didn't know this even existed, so I'm sure many other's don't either.

'MOMMA' by Leanne Hawkins

Leave her a message or comment if you can.

snez xxx

SNEZ E-News & Blog - Festivals, shows and stuff!

2011-10-24T20:29:00.000-07:00

Hey folks

lotsa gigs over the last few weeks.
I haven't played with the band for a while, so the Oatley Lions Village Festival was a good excuse for us to get together with Chris and Lindsay. Lindsay our usual drummer is bloody touring with Meat loaf of all bands and had to decline our high profile show : ) How dare he!!!!

Chris our bass player, hooked us up with his drummer from the Dead Setters - Steve Gunning, which saved our lives. It ended up being a beautiful day and great fun for the whole band, with lots of little kids dancing to 'Lenny's Old Tin Shed'.

Apart from that, we've recorded about 9 tracks for the new album and it's coming along very nicely indeed. More pics and vids coming later in the week with footage of me putting down some vocals for a few songs.

UPCOMING GIGS
I've got some cool shows coming up - solo - with an appearance on a few songs by Stewart on Ukelele. It's funny how Stewart keeps creeping back into my live performances : )

Thurs 3rd November - Mind Body Spirit Festival - Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour - 3.30 PM

Friday 4th November - Illawarra Folk Club - City Diggers, Wollongong - 8 PM

Smell ya later

snez xx

SNEZ E-News & Blog - In the studio with Simon Crosbie

2011-10-18T01:33:00.000-07:00

One of Jo's artworks as a guide for my face painting

Hello again people

I’ve had a very creative week, it’s been wonderful.

I met with Joanne Pedro also to discuss ideas about the front cover of my album.

We had a pretty productive session, narrowing down to two main ideas. Inspiration from the Rolling stones – Tattoo You cover – which I love the face art.
Also there was an original painting of Jo’s which we’ll work from too (pic on the left). I absolutely love what Jo does : ) Things are moving along nicely.

RECORDING '58'

We’re onto final touches of ‘58’ with our friend Simon Crosbie coming in to ad a bit of blues harp to the song. You might know Simon from some our big shows, he played at the last Clarendon show.

I really enjoy the way he plays the harp : ) He also played the harp on Gypsy Soul Album 'Crazy Does what Crazy Wants.

Session with Simon Crosbie on harp

'GREEN' filmclip
I also just finished a meeting with the guys from Nuh! Productions. We've set a date to shoot 'Green'. Location is at Mars Hill Cafe in Parramatta. I'm looking for extras...so if you're interested email me : )

Grace - Production assistant

Ange and Paul from Nuh! productions

I have had some fantastic solo gigs the last couple of weeks. Here's some pics from my show at City Diggers in Wollongong opening for Rachel Delgato and Nothing But Jam.


City Diggers, Wollongong

pics taken by my sis Diana

SNEZ E-NEWS & BLOG - In the studio with Red Dirt Wanderer

2011-09-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

Hello once again. Lots of great things have been happening since I've been back from tour. I've got two residencies each Monday and Saturdays at the local café's in Katoomba as a solo artist, so I am really looking forward to strengthening my guitar skills and presence as a solo act.

If you're around the Mountains I'm playing at the Savoy Café on some Saturdays and Café Zuppa every Mondays from 6 - 8 PM FREE entry.

RECORDING THE ALBUM

We've started recording the album with 'Red Dirt Wanderer' first cab off the rank. Check out the video with Lindsay coming in to lay down some drums, we also had local blues harp player Stuart Hall drop by to add some harp to the track.

I'm really excited about it. I didn't think this song was going to make it on the album, I thought it didn't have enough strength, but it's starting to sound fantastic. I still have to record the lead vocal, but I'll do that as it starts to get warmer in the mountains.

We're not too sure if we'll use the harp it in the final mix yet, because we wanted to get Lester to put some didge on it, not sure if it will clash.

Our new song 'Friendship Pin' is well under way. We're keeping this song pretty simple – guitar, piano and a bit of 'vibe'. Nice.

ALBUM COVER IDEAS

I'm starting to looking at ideas for the album cover and have come up with an idea to get my face painted with intricate patterns. So I've asked Sydney based artist – Joanne Pedro if she could have a go at that…I'll be meeting her in October to discuss ideas. I really love the art of Jo. Below is a painting titled 'The Playing Card' by Joanne Pedro Click here to see some other work by Jo

SNEZ E-NEWS & BLOG - Humph Hall, Gretsch drum kits and lettuce!!!

2011-09-05T23:51:00.000-07:00

Hello again

What a lovely week I’ve had.

Our first show back in Sydney was a house concert at Humph Hall in Allambie Heights. I would have to say it’s the best show I’ve had all year. This place was designed for concerts and the audience was wonderful. Gosh I was on a high for 2 days after the show : )
Have a look at some pics at www.humphhall.org - click on SNEZ

Wayne, Stew, Me and Gial - Humph Hall : ) Awww looks like a family photo.

Here’s a clip shot by Wayne at Humph Hall of 'You Were Loved'

Also check this out. It’s a boy named Will Hobkirk. His father Paul, brang Will to my show at Humph Hall. They’ve seen me once before years ago at Ironfest in Lithgow and it was a nice surprise to see them. They had one of my very first CD’s, (home pressed) that I’m very embarrassed about and Will got me to sign it : )Will has been working on his guitar and I tell you what, he plays better guitar than me, that’s for sure!!! Check this out!!! Very impressive.

Will Hobkirk on Guitar

NEW ALBUM

Well we have begun the album, starting with ‘Red Dirt Wanderer’. Not sure if this song will actually get on the album, it’s not one of the strongest of the lot. Lindsay came in to test out our new gretsch drum kit and lay down a part for the song, it sounds great. Stewart also put on a bit of guitar, dobro and bass as well as some foot stomps which was lots of fun. There will be a video for you on next weeks blog : )

Lindz on those drums : ) and Stewart mixing.

SETTLING IN

I have settled in nicely at home. Planted some lettuce, tomatoes and basil in the garden, amongst other things and will wait and see if they survive up here in the mountains, I have had moderate success as a gardener. I love being out there it’s so relaxing, so I try and do it every morning for a little bit until the the guitar calls me

Lettuce and Carrots, not sure why I'm showing you this, but I think I'm proud of my babies.

Ok, until next week, smell ya later

Snez xxx

SNEZ E-NEWS & BLOG - Home Sweet Home

2011-08-29T19:47:00.000-07:00

HOME SWEET HOME

So we're home. We've been back for over a week and although I have mixed feeling it sure is nice to be home. Hot showers, lots of space and lovely spring weather and my laptop is fixed, no files were lost : )

In reflection about the tour I really felt this has been a wonderful set of shows I've done to date. I chose my shows very carefully this year, no pubs : ) We mainly played at café's, markets and house concerts. Apart from the small community minded farmers markets in Nimbin and Lillian Rock, most of the markets we played at were a waste of time and I won't be chasing those up.

I felt my music was really acknowledged around the east coast, I got bunches of flowers from people, heart to hearts, ended up in deep conversations about songwriting and even got a presents from Warren and Cheryl from Yamba Street Café – A chopping board made from Cedar Wood from their farm….it really was wonderful.

Cheryl and Warren from Yamba Street Cafe

The areas I'd like to develop a bit more are in Lismore, Nimbin, South Grafton and Newcastle. I really feel I've got something along the East coast and I can't wait to head up that way again next winter.

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO - NEW SONG WRITTEN ON TOUR

NEW ALBUM

So I have about 16 new songs to work on for the new album and I'm pretty excited about it. At this stage the title of the album is 'Don't wait for the applause'….what do you think? The title say's a lot for me and also for Stewart. So much time is spent pouring my heart out, doing promo and forcing people to like my music and at one point I said to myself, 'Don't worry about all that, just sing, don't wait for the applause, the accolades, the appreciation…do what you love to do…' so I think this album will follow in this vein.

Keep your eyes on this blog, I'll have some videos and pics as we work on the album, with snippets of new songs uploaded here.

THANK YOU

Once again, thank you everyone who followed our tour, I really appreciate your support. Thank you to all those people who let us stay at your home while traveling including Richard and Christine, Izzy and Lynne, Steve and Terumi, Kerry….and whoever I forgot, it made life a lot easier.

Snez & Stewy

xxxx

Gypsy Soul Tour Diary - Homeward Bound

2011-08-18T19:11:00.001-07:00

We’re on the last week of our tour with 1 show left at Yamba Street Café. We got back to brissy for the second leg of our tour on the 10^th August with a fantastic show at the Kookaburra Café, part of the folk club. It was a very attentive audience. Really enjoyed myself. No PA, totally acoustic. We were invited back there any time, which is lovely.

After the show, Vinny the van karked it. The fan belt died and we had to be towed back to Kerry’s place 40 minutes away at midnight. Pain the arse!

Stew, Freddy, Me and Kerry at her place in Springfield Lakes

We rang Lube Mobile the next morning and they gave a cheap quote and they said they’d have it fixed by mid afternoon, which was great because we had an early gig at Music Kafe in West End that afternoon. Stewart recorded all the jingles for Lube Mobile.

Then it all got complicated…..

The mechanic misquoted. It turned out to be a bigger job than he first thought, and he said it would cost another few hundred dollars. The Mexican stand-off ended with the mechanic saying ‘Take it or leave it’ with the van all dismantled in front of us. With an air of regalness Stewart retorted “Don’t you know who I am” … just like in the movies. “I wrote all the jingles for Lube Mobile, and I’m going to call management about all this!” … Stewart wasn’t sure if the weird look on the guys face was a look of ‘shitting his pants’ or just thinking Stewart was a weirdo. Anyway Stewart did call Lube Mobile’s Managing Director and things were sorted out very quickly. It’s nice to know we have friends in high places!

We still had to cancel the gig at the last minute, which was a horrible thing to do to Sandy at the music kafe, considering we had 2 sets that she had to find replacements for. I felt really bad. We also had to cancel a couple of others appointments too.

Surely nothing else can go wrong? Wrong!… next day my laptop died! I won’t find out until I get home if I’ve lost everything in it. Stewart got the flu and asthma at the same time and by that time I was feeling a bit downtrodden.

The Channon - Rainforest, near Lismore

We left Brisbane on the Friday. Stewart accidentally stole some of Kerry’s cutlery (or he says it was an accident!). We headed to Lillian rock, 8 kms out of Nimbin. We had a farmers market gig there and I wasn’t really expecting a special show. But it turned out to be fantastic: so relaxed, the stage overlooks Blue Knob mountains – nice view. Everybody was so friendly and I even got 7 organic avocado’s for a $1.50 and a loaf of organic bread ….nice!

Freddy's still cute as ever : )

After Lillian Rock we headed to Lismore. We’ve been here for a week and I really like it here. It’s a nice combination of hippies and conservatives. Lots of music, art and cafes … and free hot showers at the Bus transit centre, which is the main reason we’re sticking around.

So we’re expected to be home next week on Wednesday night. It will feel really weird being in a house again with lots of space and not enough nature. I’m sure we’ll adjust very quickly : )

Snez x

Gypsy Soul Tour Diary - Coconuts, Crocs and homebound

2011-08-09T00:35:00.000-07:00

5^th August – Heading Home

We spotted a croc on the Mowbray River, near Port Douglas...our first crocodile, my mum will be so pleased with me : )

So we're on the home stretch. I'm pretty sad. We've been hanging around Port Douglas for the last 2 weeks, making friends with other travelers and people dropping by our van when they hear music, to jam and share songs, going for bush walks in the Daintree and heaps of swimming. It's been so nice : ) I couldn't bear to leave, but we have gigs waiting for us in Brissy. We've given ourselves 6 days to get to Brisbane and staying with our friend Kerry again.

Hanging out in the Daintree Forest, Unfortunately Freddy had to stay in the van

No Crocs at the Daintree but I did find this suspicious looking predator : )

We're playing a few folk clubs and markets and I'm looking forward to getting back into performing, although I'm not really eager to get home at all. I feel I could do with another month on the road. In saying that, I have to get straight into recording the new album when I get home. We've already demoed most of the songs for the album, now it's a matter of picking the ones we feel are strong and start recording vocals, piano and guitar parts. That's always a mixture of excitement and fear : )

Check out this Video - Coconuts, Crocs and homebound

Cooktown, the furthest North we could go before it turned into 4WD tracks

So, what have I learnt on this trip? I'm not sure, I've been reading a lot, I found a book by Naomi Wolf called the 'Beauty Myth' for $2 at a second hand shop and really got into that. Beware, I'll be writing some angry songs about Women's Lib!!! Haha. And I'm on my second read of 'Women who run with wolves'. I find that book so inspiring. There is no 'Us and Them' mentally, it's just such a poetic, special book to be read by men and women alike….. it's my bible. I have also learnt that every time I feel sad, down, depressed, angry or don't really know how I feel, I should just pick up the guitar, or get some paint and create, draw, write, dance or go for a long walk on the beach and it all dissolves away and I feel good again…

Eating a coconut we found on mission beach, we're heading south and homebound now : (

We get home at the end of August, with plenty of shows in Sydney and blue mountains, I'll be doing more solo shows and stewart's going to take a breather.

Talk to you soon

Snez xxx

'Mr Moon' film clip officially released

2011-07-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Hello from Port Douglas.

I thought while I'm not doing anything at all at the moment, I may as well upload my film clip of 'Mr Moon' from the Gypsy Soul album. I would really appreciate any comments about what you think and also would love it if you could share it around with friends, family and muso's. Facebook it, tweet it and myspace it. It's the only way that we can get our music out : ) with help from you : )

We had a ball making this clip so I hope you enjoy it.

Snez xxx

Paste this link into any website, status or profile http://youtu.be/DF1xMip2x8Y
or to embed an actual video player into a website click on the link above and find the 'Embed' button.

Gypsy Soul Tour Diary - Sea Cucumbers, Snorkels and Boxing

2011-07-21T01:57:00.000-07:00

10th to 21st July - Heading North still

Well our days have been spent climbing our way up north. I spoke to a friend, Jim (shipstone) and he mentioned that Mission Beach was very beautiful and to make sure we stop there. So we did and he was right. We ended up staying for a week.

There is a fair bit of cyclone devastation still from cyclone Yasi. Apparently most of the businesses sold after the cyclone. Lots of roof damage and trees all over the place still.

Mission Beach - The cyclone has torn all the trees apart.

There is a big crackdown on backpackers and campervans heading up north. So we’ve been moved on from spots a few times. It’s not as free and easy as the outback.

We’ve spent our time snorkeling on the Great Barrier Reef, swimming, drinking milkshakes. You would think in this climate and with the sea as my inspiration I’d be flowing with ideas for songs, but I have nothing….I’m blocked! I’m trying not to panic. I’ll just pick a fight with stew, I’ll get upset and emotional and the flow will be back again.

On the 'Calypso' heading out to the Great Barrier Reef for a snorkel

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO - SEA CUCUMBERS, SNORKELS AND BOXING

The coral at low tide - we didn't have an underwater camera sorry....the sea cucumbers were amazing! a bit like normal cucumbers but slimy and bigger.

On our travels, many tourists said that Cairns was crap, the traffic was bad and too many tourists. They said Broome was crap too and we loved it. So we kind of ignored that. Sure enough we looooved Cairns. I was really impressed actually.

Kick boxing - the girl said I hit too hard!!! I had some agro to get rid of.

There was a huge outdoor pool in the plaza in the city that you could for free, they were supporting fitness by providing free fitness classes throughout the week including kickboxing, zumba and yoga….So we took advantage of all of it…the price was just right for us poor musos….there was even free hot showers!!!!! Holy moly.

CHECK OUT THIS NEW SONG 'FRIENDSHIP PIN'

We are now at a rest area in Port Douglas. We’ve been here for 4 days. It’s so relaxed. Freddy is doing well, sniffing and pissing as usual. Ok folks see ya later!

Port Douglas - This is where we camped.

Gypsy Soul Tour Diary - Crocs, Whales and Rum - Bundaberg, Rockhampton

2011-07-07T17:38:00.000-07:00

2^nd to 5^th July 2011

Hello from Emu Park : ) I’ve had an eyebrow wax, freddy has had his hair cut, Stewart is just as smelly as ever and we’re trying to head up North as quickly as possible to get the warmth…and I can tell you its getting warm : ) We’ve reached Crocodile territory, so from now on we will have to be careful when stopping near rivers and lakes.

Very streamline : )

We’ve spent most our time driving and we’ve spent a few days around Calliope, Bundaberg, Emu Park and Rockhampton. There are some beautiful beaches out there and we’ve been swimming…it’s still a bit icy. Spotted lots of Dolphins and a few whales…..

At the Bundaberg Rum Distillery

We dropped in on an Artists Colony near Calliope. It was this huge acreage with little huts for artists to exhibit their art and some workshops and spaces. We asked the lady ‘Angela’ if they were interested in us playing at the Markets they had the next day. So we hung around….

Check out this video - Crocs, Whales and Rum

Emu Park

Meanwhile back at home in the mountains, it’s getting windy and cold. Our neighbour rang us today and said that one of our old humongous eucalyptus trees came down on her shed and squashed it. Her power is out, along with many others in the street…yikes! Blackheath seems to be a disaster zone!

Next on our blog I’ll share some new songs with you, as well as the usual video and pics.

Smell ya later dude!

snez xxx

Gypsy Soul Tour Diary - Goodbye Printer, Hello Pancakes....and Cairns Here we come!!!

2011-06-28T20:32:00.001-07:00

25^th June – Heading to the Gold Coast

Hello there, I’ve had a few restful days, sleeping heaps and taking in the sun. It’s getting warmer and warmer. Tomorrow we’ve got a show at Carrara Markets. Never played there before, but in the past big city markets haven’t really been successful for us. Unless I put on a leotard and do some gymnastics in the middle, better yet, I’ll get stewart to do that, he’s very flexible : )

Spoke to Lindsay (our drummer) the other day, everyone says it’s cold up in the mountains with a bit of snow even. Lindsay, as you know was the drummer with the choirboys for 14 years and they’ve been re-united for almost a year and they are going very well. Good news is that the Choirboys are doing a national tour with Def Leopard and also with Meatloaf from October. So that’s really exciting. ONYA LINDZ!!!!

26^th June – Carrara Markets on the Gold Coast

Well the markets were as expected….Not really great – For me that is. Nobody was really listening, but I wasn’t really disappointed because this is what I was expecting. Made $20 and that was a struggle…around the corner a 13 year old boy in a gold jacket singing Piano man was making a fortune – Good luck to the fella!

It’s just another reminder to pick my venues to suit my music and the markets I’m realizing is not the place for my music. After the markets we indulged in some naughty market style food and called it a day…..

Getting stuck into the pancakes..mmm!

27^th June – Sounds Original Showcase

On the Sunday we played to a very nice audience at the Indigiscape Centre in Capalaba, near Brissy. There were 3 floor spots and we were the main act run by singer/songwriter Aislinn.

Aislinn and Me!

The quality of the performers was pretty high standard. It kind of reminded me a little of Western Fringe – it was very relaxed. We had Greg Moffat who has played and written songs for people like Bill Chambers and then Jake Lloyd Jones who played folk and sang political songs. Fantastic afternoon.

Jake Lloyd Jones - Blurry pic...sorry

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO - GOODBYE PRINTER, HELLO PANCAKES....AND BRING ON CAIRNS

28th and 29th June - The Cave, Nobby Beach and Brisbane Unplugged

2 more shows left for June and then we're taking a breather for a few weeks as we head up to Cairns. The money from our shows has paid for our petrol and food, I'm not too sure what we'll do now and if we will even make it to Cairns. I plan to do a few open mic nights on the way to keep my guitar practice happening. We've been staying with an old friend of Stewart's since we've been in Brissy. Nice to have a warm bed, hot showers...thanks heaps Kerry : )

We played at The Cave on the Gold coast on Monday 28th June. It was a nice alternate type of venue with 3 other acts on as well. The audience were polite and really enjoyed our music. Not sure if I'd play there again, not my scene once again.

The following day we played at the New Farm Bowls Club which was part of 'Brisbane Unplugged'. What a fantastic night. A great way to finish the first part of our tour. The audience was so attentive. It was a concert setting which was a bonus. I really enjoyed myself.

There is no footage or pics from the last two shows. It always happens, that at the great shows, we're too busy to take pics.....where's Nathan when you need him!!!!

I have to take my own pics dammit!

Anyway thanks for tuning in. I will still keep updating my blog everytime something intersting comes up and also posting new songs I've written and ofcourse finally releasing the film clip for 'Mr Moon' in the next week or two.

Smell ya later and stay in touch...I seriously need an eyebrow wax...thank god for the fringe! Is that a fringe or just my eyebrows??

Snez xxx

Gypsy Soul Tour Diary - Goats and Being Bogged - Mullum, Nimbin and Mt Burrell

2011-06-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

Thursday 16^th and Friday 17^th June

We left Lismore in the evening after the show at the Art Gallery and headed straight for Mullumbimby. We knew where we were going so it was not an issue driving in the dark. When we got to our regular camp spot, we backed in. It was 11PM and we were bloody bogged! My heart sank. I’m revving the car and stewarts yelling at me telling me to stop revving…. We were stuck. The grass was muddy. Thank the lord above Stewart found a piece of rubber on the road and within 10 minutes we managed to get out. Phew!!!

Saturday 18^th June 2011.

Stewart and I have always loved Mullumbimby. It’s not too far from Lismore or Byron Bay. It reminds me of the Blue Mountains except a lot warmer. Today we have a show at Lulu’s Café in town. It’s a relaxed atmosphere and we’re playing over lunchtime.

Lulu's Cafe, Mullum

In my first set I felt I didn’t even make an impact. People were eating their lunch and chatting, so I kind of treated it like a rehearsal for my solo stuff. It is disappointing though. In our second set, it picked up. I’m not sure what was different but people were listening intently and enjoying our music and signing up on my mailing list. Our tour is shaping up to be a great with the audiences, especially in areas which are a little more alternative. They seem more open to original new music.

We have a pretty full on weekend. Tomorrow we have two shows back to back in Nimbin and Mt Burrell. Heading into the bush. I’ve heard it’s really beautiful in those areas and I’m really looking forward to it.

Check this out -

We left for Nimbin straight after the show so we could dawdle our way up. There are not a lot of camping or rest areas in Nimbin and the signs are pretty clear that you can’t park in parking lots or parks. So we traveled a fair bit out of the way to Tuntable and parked in a spot that we weren’t too comfortable with.

As the evening went on it was pitch black and quiet. As we were drifting to sleep, a car pulled up near us. They switched their lights off and then there was screaming. Stewart and I froze in our beds and wondered what to do next. I grabbed the keys ready to make a getaway incase we needed to. We crawled to the front seats and waited….shiiit!

After about 20 minutes they left….and so did we…. We found a parking lot in Nimbin!!!! Some places you just know when you turn up that it’s not a good vibe.

Sunday 19^th June 2011

Nimbin markets were so nice. It was small and everyone seemed really friendly and open. We played under some shade outside, along with a few local artists, with goats grazing the grass just beside me as I was singing. I was really moved by Nimbin and the general feeling about it. I’ll have to think about what it was. I regret not being able to hang about afterwards, we had to rush off to Mt Burrell which is 20 minutes away in the bushes.

Nimbin Markets - on the right - the first act - You'll hear their music on the video, for the life of me I can't remember their name it was something like 'Earth mother' ....

I made a flag for the markets which they'll be piecing together with everyone else's.

So many people on our trip so far said that the Sphinx Rock Café in Mt Burrell is a beautiful place to perform and just a wonderful atmosphere and they were right. Everybody was so welcoming and the kids were dancing and singing, it just felt like something out of a movie.

There was a lady who missed our show and she bought my CD anyway which was very kind. She just wrote an email to say she really enjoyed it.

‘Hi there, just bought you CD from at Sphinx Rock Cafe, 'tho I missed the show......Knew I'd love it !! .... seeing your feet in the pindan coloured sands in the pic..... as a fellow gypsy nomad wanderer .... I have spent the evening dancing round my studio (even getting it somewhat tidied in the process).... think I'm nearly up to the 3 play thru !!!
Can't wait to be able to dance to you live......hope I can catch you on your return south......
Love Light and Rainbows ....Megg CD is simply stunning !’

All in all a wonderful weekend of gigs at some special places; sold cd’s, people on the mailing list and had people leaving wearing my badges….Nice!

Now we’ve got a few days off and we’re off to explore! Our next stop in a week will be Gold Coast.

Had a swim and cold shower today at Cabarita Beach....I'm set!

Hang Loose!

Snez xxx

Gypsy Soul Tour Diary - Mud, Rain and Luxury Beach Apartments - Hastings Point & Lismore

2011-06-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

13^th, 14^th and 15^th June - YAMBA, NSW

We camped a few k’s out of Yamba. Cheryl from the Yamba Street Café said that the rain storms and flooding were centralized in Yamba. Well we spent two days at this campsite and it was pouring and at one point it got pretty scary in the night because branches were flying everywhere and the rain was just beating down heavy on the van. We weren’t too sure if we would be bogged in the morning.

Lynne and Izzy said that Raleigh and Bellingen we’re flooded and that they were actually flooded in at Raleigh. We just missed the floods I guess. It’s all a bit scary. We haven’t been keeping up with the news really, so we might get on the internet.

Here's a pic from Facebook - Izzy with a rather pretty umbrella : ) This is back at Raleigh where we only left a few days ago....

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO - Mud, Rain & Luxury Apartments!

We are at Hasting Point, near Byron now. We have some friends, Richard and Christine who live in an apartment overlooking the beach, it’s beautiful and it’s also warm and sunny, which I’m pretty happy with. Richard is an old friend of Stews, he used to work in ABC radio and give Stewart lots of radio airplay.

The apartment at Hastings Point - B&B Rooms available...food beautiful....fully recommended Haha

View from the balcony - Nice!

The full Moon - apparently it is an auspicious day and night and a good time to set some goals, so the astrologers say...my goal is to sit in the sun today : )

We’ll have to backtrack on Thursday for a gig in Lismore at the Art Gallery there. I hope we’re not heading back to storms. I’m looking forward to it.

The views and the beach here at Hastings point are beautiful. I really need to move to the beach!

Me, Richard & Christine and freddy the glamour!

16^th June 2011 – Lismore Regional Gallery

We've never played at a art gallery before so we weren't too sure what to expect or who would turn up! Well, our show was a 6.30 PM start in a beautiful acoustic room in the gallery surrounded by lovely artwork. It was a treat to play in this room.

Although we've had some really good gigs on this tour, this was the first time I felt I really connected with some of my more 'challenging' songs. One audience member even gave me a flower because he said 'You've given me a gift and stillness with your song 'Useless' so I'd like to give you this gift'....Nice! He still buy a cd though hahaha. But Cd sales were good and they've invited us to play again when we come through.

It was such a relief to have an audience that I felt really listened and really understand some of more esoteric lyrics.

No pics, nathan was there! and Stew was too busy looking at the artwork.But check out the video above for some footage of the night.

Smell ya later

snez xxxx

Gypsy Soul Tour Diary - South Grafton, Yamba, Nathans last day

2011-06-12T21:05:00.001-07:00

10th and 11th June – South Grafton

Our next stop was at the emporium at the Alchemy café in South Grafton. We’ve been there before and Peter and Annie who run the whole thing are amazing. They’re run off their feet with good business. Peter creates food like artworks - on the menu the description of his nacho's goes something like this

'People try to copy my nacho's but I just laugh in their face haha'
....and it did taste pretty good too.

In Front of the Alchemy Cafe, South Grafton

We weren’t too sure how it would go because they don’t open at night anymore so we were doing another lunch time show. We’ve got two in a row here. It ended up being a small crowd on the Friday with people just popping in for lunch during a break from work and they would end up staying and watching. A real attentive audience. I was very happy with how that went. My voice is starting to get pretty tired and sore so I had to pay attention to how hard I pushed my voice. We sold a bunch of CD's too which is great.

Still at the Alchemy Cafe

During our break I was busting to go to the toilet. I went and opened the door to the toilet because the lock doesn’t work properly. There was a lady sitting in there 'clenching!'. I apologized and went off in a fluster. Meanwhile other people were trying to go to the toilet too. Then stewart went to the toilet, knocked, no one answered, and he opened the door.......The lady was still there clenching. All of a sudden Stewart was at the centre of it all with the lady screaming at him 'I'm not leaving until my poo is flushed!'....haha, meanwhile 15 minutes later I'm still busting to go!

It's not long before Nathan has to leave us. It has been fantastic having him on board, he's so easy to get along with. No trouble at all!.....(I'll give you all the dirty details later).

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO

12 June - Yamba
We arrived in Yamba the day before our show and noticed a big sign saying 'Casey Donovan' had a free show at the Yamba Bowling club...what better way to kill some time on a rainy night. Casey Donovan is the girl from idol from a few years back. Her tour was called 'Big, Beautiful and Sexy'. Unexpectedly it was a fantastic show. She's got a big voice and we even got up and danced for a bit at the end.

It seems our shows are getting better and better. We had another good show here at the Yamba Street Cafe. The new owners Cheryl and Warren have only just taken over the business and have not yet had live music there. It seems that cafe's are a good way to go. I'm selling lots of CD's at cafes. It takes a bit of work to win them over, but when I do, they stay till the end.

We had our last lunch here with Nathan before we saw him off and then to my surprise Cheryl and Warren presented me with a beautiful bunch of flowers. I really didn't expect that and also a generous donation for petrol. We'll be playing here on the way back down. They waved us all off from the door of the cafe, I felt like taking them on tour with us : )

Cheryl, Daughter (forgot her name) me and Warren

Nathan headed one way and we headed our way. It's been raining steadily for 2 days and we're stuck in the van until it stops. We're just in a rest area about 30 k's after Yamba. Lismore is our next gig, but we've got a few days to get there.

Nathan, you will be missed. xxx

Adios

Snez xxx

Gypsy Soul Tour Diary - Dorrigo - pics, vids

2011-06-09T22:34:00.000-07:00

Wed 8^thJune – Dorrigo

I'm pleased to report that we had a fantastic show at the Food Angel Café in Dorrigo. Hooray. It was a lunch time show so we weren't too sure what to expect, but we had a great crowd, took a bit to win them over and I did. Sold a few cd's and then headed over to Juan's Café to talk to Bridget who runs the Dorrigo Folk Festival in view of getting a gig there next year.

Pictures from Food Angel Cafe in Dorrigo up in the mountains.

Nathan and Stew

Check out this Video of our time in Port Macquarie and Dorrigo

Dorrigo has been freezing in the night time. Poor Nathan had to go and buy extra blankets to keep himself warm. After the show I contacted Izzy (Peter Knox) a friend of mine from when I was living in the Illawarra. When I first decided to sing I decided to enter a talent competition and someone got me onto Izzy to teach me a bit of mic technique and other stuff. He was really nice to me and offered his skills for free. I was 20 then. How the times passes very quickly. I've kept in touch ever since. Peter's stage name is Izzy Foreal, but these days everyone calls him Izzy. He is the main man from the famous 80's band the Zarzoff Brothers.

Lyn, Izzy, Me and Stewart at Raleigh

Izzy and his partner Lyn live in Raleigh on a beautiful shared acreage and the directions to their place were somewhat complicated, but simple once you know.

We were greeted with a massive take-away pizza each 'Man they packed the toppings on up here'. Needless to say there was not enough oxygen in the van that night from our 'pizza emissions'.

Me and Leo at Raleigh

Lyn showed me and Nathan around the property. It was wonderful to find out that Lyn has actually read 'Women who run with the wolves'. She read it 20 years ago and I'm reading it now. This book has affected my outlook on life and creativity quite a bit.

After Izzy and Lyn's house we headed off this morning towards Grafton for a show at The Alchemy Café tommorrow - 9th June. We played there last year on tour so I'm looking forward to it. Another midday show, it must be the fashion.

We're camped close to the busy highway tonight, maybe the traffic will lull us to sleep. When we got there we found an old shell of a snake lying on the ground…yikes!

The shell of the snake

Anyway smell ya later.

Snez xxx

Snez - Gypsy Soul Tour 2011 - Newcastle and Maitland

2011-06-06T03:24:00.000-07:00

Hello again. Slowly but surely we’re heading towards the warmth and sun. Have already been for a swim, it was freezing, but it was still a swim. Had to get a shower in somehow. Freddy is doing well he's already found a couple of bones on the side of the road and loving it.

Saturday 4^th June

We spent Friday and Saturday morning at Lake Macquarie. It was beautiful. Freddy got to play with lots of other dogs and we just caught up on sleep. We were waiting for Nathan to arrive on Saturday around Lunchtime. He’ll be taking photos and video’s for the next week and half while we’re on tour.

Lake Macquarie - Hanging about and killing time

Also had a game of soccer while we were at it!

Tonight we played at the Royal Exchange theatre in Newcastle. We played there last year and it was a fantastic show, lots of people, sold a heap of cd’s and I was expecting the same to happen. Unfortunately numbers were low that night. I did a great performance, but it’s hard to feed off the vibe of the audience when it’s so small. At the same time my show was going on the Newcastle folk club had a show on which probably took all the numbers. It was disappointing, but I’m used to it by now : ) I’ll just keep plodding along singing my songs and enjoying the opportunity to play them to crowds big or small.

That night we finished up late and drove to Maitland and had to find a camp spot in the night…Maitland markets here we come.

CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO

Sunday 5^th June

In the morning we accidentally slept in and ended up being in a bit of a rush. We had a show at the Maitland markets from 10 am to 1 PM. These markets were massive.

They set us up at the entrance where people came in and out. It was pointless, we had people just passing by, no audience. We were playing our original songs for donations and hoping people would buy our cd’s. By the time we finished our first set we had made a dollar. I continued on and did another set solo to get some practice in and didn’t get a dime or sell a cd.

Stewart decided to do a test. He pulled out Khe Sahn, Kenny Rogers and a John Denver song, singing in a mock country voice and all of a sudden people were throwing in coins from all over the place…he made $20 in ten minutes…..Bastard!

Goes to show you what people really want. Well my songs is what I do and so I’ll just have to keep finding good audiences when I can. Nothing more I can do there.

I really hope the quality of the shows we’re doing picks up. We’ve got a series of lunchtime shows coming up this week in Dorrigo, South Grafton and Yamba and I'm looking forward to those.

Tonight (Monday) we’re in Port Macquarie, we're snuggled up in the van with the sounds of the beach in the air. It's very nice and I"m ready to go to sleep at 7.30 pm : )

Thanks, talk to you later

Snez xxx

Snez Blog - Gypsy Soul Tour 2011 - So the tour begins.....

2011-06-03T02:24:00.000-07:00

So the tour begins…..

Thursday 2nd June

We set off on Thursday afternoon. Stew and I were frantic leading up to going away with the burden and pressure of packing our whole world in the small space of the van. We were at each others throats most of Thursday and weren’t too sure how we’d survive performing that night.

Our van packed full with the bikes on top - we can hardly fit in!

So our first gig on this tour was at Mars Hill Café in Parramatta. We had a very intimate crowd, caught up with friends for dinner and then shared our stories and songs.

We had the whole band come up for this show and it was fantastic to catch up and say goodbye. It's me, Stewart, Freddy (the dog) and Nathan (video) after this show.

The band set sounded fantastic, but unfortunately I felt Stewart and I were very rusty, my voice was a bit tired and stressed and I wasn’t happy with how my side of the performance went.

Although it was great to have a rehearsal for when we get to Newcastle. We’ll be performing in a concert setting so the pressure will be on. So it was probably good to get the dud gig out of the way : ) Check out this video shot by Nathan at Mars Hill Cafe on the nightl.

Luch opened up (luciano Mesiti) with a set of his original songs and he was very well received. Then proceeded to request my songs all through out my set…thanks Luch.

It’s going to be a long trip to cairns and I’m really looking forward to it. We have Nathan (judd lee) coming along for over a week taking footage of stuff that happens on tour and our shows, also taking photographs. I hope he can handle my mood swings! So look out for pics and video’s coming out here on my blog every couple of days.

Friday 3rd June

Jim and his famous pancakes

So it’s Friday. We stayed at our friend’s Jim’s (shipstone) house and awoke to an amazing plate of pancakes – nice start to the tour – I had five big ones. Then had a cuppa and took freddy for a walk and took off. Thank you Jim for your pancakes and dirty stories.

mmm pancakes with honey and lemon!

We’re parked at a rest area now, overlooking beautiful lake Macquarie near Newcastle. Nathan will be meeting us here at the rest area tomorrow morning. I've just finished editing and typing this blog and I'm ready to drop off to sleep...mmm

Please feel free to email me or make comments on the blog : )

Luv ya

Snez xxx

Snez E-News and Blog - pics, vids, tour stuff, solo stuff and Freddy

2011-05-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

Hey peeps.

TOUR STUFF

Only a couple of weeks before we head off on tour in June. I remember the weeks before we went off on our outback trip we were very stressed and I'm starting to feel that way again…I"ve got lots to do, lots of phone calls, solo gigs and family stuff to squeeze in before I go as well as editing Mr Moon, a community video for the Port Kembla Youth Project Harmony Day, organizing promotional material for my tour and bits and pieces….blooody hell. I feel overwhelmed as I type.

I am very excited to get on the road. The good thing about touring is I only have two main things to deal with 1. Do a fantastic show 2. Socialise with my audience…..because we don't have an office I can't really do much promo stuff or business stuff related to my music except for write up a blog and newsletter every now and then. I get to write songs, perform and do radio interviews and read lots and swim at the beach…it's fantastic. Mmmmm I can't wait. Freddy can smell that something is going on : )

What a cutie : )

Our first leg of the tour takes us through Newcastle, Maitland, Dorrigo, Grafton, Byron and Mullumbimby, then through Murwillumbah, Gold Coast and Brisbane. This will be 4 weeks worth of gigs with about 4 a week. It's going to be full on and I'm sure I'll get my chops together nice and strong. I was planning to do part of the show with Stewart and a section of it solo.

We're then going to take a couple of weeks break to head up to Cairns and the surrounding areas and possibly find a nice spot to stay for a while. We'll be heading into croc territory again : ) The only concern about the tour Stewart and I have are financial concerns. We had money set aside to pay for most of the petrol on our 3 month trip, but as time has passed, that money got used up to pay bills….in other words…we're broke. On this tour we have lots of great gigs comprised of cafes, markets, art galleries and house concerts, although these will be satisfying shows, most of the gigs we are doing for free and relying on CD sales and donations….every cent will be saved for petrol as we go along…so dependant on finances we could be stranded in Brisbane for a few weeks : )I have applied for a touring grant which I will find out about in mid may, so cross your fingers and your toes for me.

Nathan is still onboard to film the first couple of weeks of the tour, so I'm pretty pleased about this new addition to the touring family….eventually we'll probably add to that with a photography and hopefully the full band at certain gigs…that would be nice.

Nathan talking with Stewart

STEWART'S ALBUM IS RELEASED

Stewart's new album is finally released titled 'Don't Fit Don't Care'. It is available to buy now for only $20 with postage...noice! Visit www.stewartpeters.com to hear some samples or email Stewart to buy a copy stewart@soundshedmusic.com

Unfortunately there will be no launch before we head off on tour, but maybe if we all send a mass email begging him to do a concert....he might respond to the masses.

SOLO STUFF
My plans for my solo career are very BIG : ) I am planning to be professional enough to perform real concerts by the start of next year. So I'll be putting in the hard work this year. I've worked up a 40 minute set and so far it's going well, although I am very hard on myself. Occasionally Stewart can't help himself and he'll come along and play shaker or djembe with some of my songs, which I love. The duo re-united….nice : )

Check out Part 2 of my video diary of recording demo's for my new album

Apart from that, some of my solo gigs coming up are

The Excelsior – Glebe – 19^th May – 7.30PM – 45 minute set

Manhattan Lounge – Martin Place – 20^th May – 8 PM – 40 minute set

The Excelsior – Glebe – 26^th May – 8.30 PM – 45 minute set

Yokay smell ya later

Snez xx

Snez E-News and Blog - Pics, vids, easter egg hunts, Mr moon film

2011-04-25T19:31:00.001-07:00

Yellow folks, Happy Easter

The band and I had a fantastic time shooting ‘Mr Moon’ at Medlow Bath in the Blue Mountains. It was a gorgeous sunny day which we were hoping for. The location was the van, roaming around the streets where Lindsay (drummer) lives. This all happened on the Thursday just before Easter.

Inside the van

Nathan getting a shot lined up

I was pretty nervous. We had Chris (bass), Dom (driver in the film) and Nathan (camera) all coming up from Sydney. I was feeling a tad nervous, not knowing how smoothly it would all run, but lo and behold it was so much fun.

Chris and Lindsay and me

Dom

Mr Moon will be released Mid May with a small launch to be announced. So hopefully you’ll be free to come and watch it. CHECK OUT THIS BEHIND THE SCENES VIDEO

EASTER EGG HUNT

I had a quiet Easter, caught up on a snooze and then pretty much worked through it all, with a break to do an easter egg hunt that stewart organized.

Check out the video of my exciting easter egg hunt : ) 1 Person – 9 eggs…woohoo!

There is only one month left until we head off on tour in June, so time is creeping up on me, I’ve got lots to do before we head off. I've got several solo gigs in May so keep an eye out on the blog. This Sunday 1st May, I'm at the Monkey Bar in Balmain at 7.30 PM with a 30 minute set. So come along it's FREE.

Next tuesdays blog will feature some more demo's from the new album, so stay tuned.

snez xxx

Snez E-News and blog - Pics, vids, choirboys, in the studio

2011-04-19T21:35:00.000-07:00

Hey Folks

This week, me, Stewart, Chris (bass player) and Vicki (Chris’ wife) all went down to Penrith Panthers to support Lindsay (our drummer) who was playing with the Choirboys at the Evans Theatre. Mark Gable (lead singer) was in fine form, hitting the high notes even though many years has passed since their hit ‘Run to Paradise’.

It was a fantastic rock show, lots of energy. Lindsay loves to hit the drums real hard, opening the show with a solo drums. All the woman screaming out for him. He loved it. Seeing him hit those drums I wondered how he could ever tame himself down to play in our band with the snare and djembe and shaker : ) We were very proud of Lindsay.

Lindsay in front of the Merch desk : )

At the end of the show along with Chris I had to wait in line to get my arm signed by the famous Lindsay Tebbutt at the merch desk : )

NEW ALBUM COMING IN 2012

Apart from that, I’ve been down in the studio recording some demo’s before we head off on tour. New songs which might make it on the album if they cut it, so that’s been keeping me busy. I plan to start recording the songs properly when we get back from tour. It’s always nerve wracking writing new songs and comparing them to others you’ve written, questioning whether this next album is any good???? Check out this video in the studio.
I apologize in advance for the off the shoulder look….still in my pyjama’s!!!

Tour Calls Done!!! Onto Mr Moon film clip

My tour calls are just about finished now I’m onto promo, ringing radio stations and sending press releases. My next project is filming a clip for Mr Moon which takes place tomorrow at Medlow Bath with the whole gang and Nathan coming up to film and our friend and muso Dom driving us around.

I've spent most of today fixing up the van for filming : ) The shoot is going ahead rain, hail or bloody shine!!!

The inside of the van, ready for the shoot of 'Mr Moon' tomorrow

SOLO SHOWS CONTINUED

waiting for my turn at the open mic gig!!!!

Did a couple of solo performances this week and last week. The main problem I have is consistency I think. One show I’m good the next I’m horrible. It might have something to do with having a good sound on stage, having said that, it’s not really a good excuse. I’ll keep ploughing away at that and hopefully get better each time.

Kelly's On King, Newtown and Town hall Hotel, Newtown

Just putting it out there, I'm looking for someone to come along to shows and do reviews and write articles to include in my blog, if you fancy yourself a writer email me

Anyway talk to you later, new post coming next week

snez xxx

Snez E-News and blog - pics, solo shows, new album etc

2011-04-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

Hello

It's been a while, my video camera has stuffed up so no vids in this episode, sorry, hopefully it will be fixed by next week.

Just incase some of you didn’t know, I’m a vego and I didn’t realize for a long time I was low on protein so I wasn’t functioning as well as I should have….low and behold I found SPIRULINA. I tell you what, my life has changed, I’ve got so much energy, hence why I’m writing this at 5 am in the morning. Along with my energy comes a little bit of aggression (I was already a bit aggressive to begin with), but I’m still adjusting…watch out Stewart : )

I've celebrated my birthday on the 8th April, had my family up to visit which was really nice. I very rarely remember my age these days, only because I don't care. The only thing I like about birthday parties is PRESENTS!!!!

Stew and the birthday cake - Me blowing out the candles - my mum

Apart from my health diary, things musically have been plodding along nicely, my days are consumed with booking tour dates, sending press releases and practicing and performing solo. Also lately I’ve been doing cover artwork for other people’s albums which is exciting and brings in a bit of dosh.

The latest album cover I’m working on is Dom Gannon’s debut album called ‘First Time Round’. It’s been very exciting seeing the album develop over time. Will let you know more about it once we get further along. You can also contact Dom to know more about the album at music@domgannon.com

STEWARTS ALBUM - TO BE RELEASED IN MAY

Also Stewart is working on his solo album to be released in May called 'Don't Fit Don't Care' which is shaping up to be a well balanced group of songs. I’m also doing the artwork for this project. If anyone wishes to pre-order Stew’s album please contact him at stewart@soundshedmusic.com

GYPSY SOUL - still available

Good news is that I’ve had to re-order some more copies of ‘Gypsy Soul’ because I’ve run out, which means I’m selling a few here and there. It’s always nice to know that you’re loved. So if you're still interested in buying 'Gypsy Soul' they're still available at record stores Australia wide, itunes and Waterfront Records as well as from me. The prices vary at different outlets. Click on the picture for more info.

NEW ALBUM TO BE RELEASED NEXT YEAR

After the tour I'll be working on a new album, Stew and I are slowly recording acoustic demo's of new songs I've written so I'm really excited about that. It will be released next year with another tour lined up for that one...phew!

SOLO SHOWS

April and May is a big month for me and my solo music stuff, I’ve got lots of gigs in Sydney so drop in if you’re in the area.

Solo at Petersham Bowling Club last week hosted by Mark Lucas from the Dead Setters

Wed 13^th April – Town Hall Hotel, Newtown – 7 PM – FREE
Mon 18^th April – Kelly’s On King, Newtown – FREE
Tues 26^th April – Leichardt Town Hall – East Timor Benefit Concert – Tix on the door

Sun 1st May - Monkey Bar , Balmain - 7.30 PM

Fri 6th May - Illawarra Folk Club, Wollongong

Thur 19th May - The Excelsior, Glebe 7.30 PM - FREE

Thur 26th May - The Excelsior, Glebe 8.30 PM - FREE

These are not listed on my website. So keep an eye out on my blog.

Anyway that’s all for now, look out for the next blog, next week.

Snez x

Snez E-News and Blog - Canberra, The Basement, vids, pics and FREE Download

2011-03-18T21:14:00.000-07:00

Hello people far and wide : )

Back from Canberra safe and sound. We've decided to head over to the ACT every couple of months to build up a crowd at The Front Gallery and Café. We have amazing support by the venue as well as ABC Radio 666 Canberra, so we popped in to have a chat with Alex Sloan from the morning program. It was lots of fun and just as I was finishing 'Peter Pan' James Valentine walks in. He obviously wasn't there for me, he dropped in to chat with Alex on the show : )

Have a listen to the interview with Alex from ABC

Click on Track 7

Snez at Ivanhoe Hotel - solo. Photo by Paul Cosgrove

Check out Paul's interesting Website - More than just pics

www.photoswordspeople.com - Snez is featured on the NEWS Page

Exciting plans and ideas for my music

I heard news not long ago that 'Green' was a semi finalist for the international Song competition. Unfortunately didn't make it into the finals, but it's bloody better than a poke in the eye that's for sure.

Also while we're on the subject of 'Green'. I'm working on my new album which will be released early next year and currently working with Nuh! Productions who work very closely with indie artists making film-clips. They will be helping me create a film clip for 'Green' to also be released as a single early next year, which is very exciting. We're currently working on the script ideas with a view to shoot in September this year.

Check out 'GREEN' here - FREE DOWNLOAD

The film clip for 'Mr Moon' are underway, with the shoot happening this Monday with Nathan. Location : the streets of Medlow bath : ) will take lots of pics and keep you updated with how things go, this all depending on the weather, it's very misty up here in the mountains, so there is a chance we may to to reschedule.

The Basement - 14th March SOLO

The basement show was a success. I was really happy with my performance. There is a very big difference in practicing at home and being on stage. I felt comfortable and at ease. I do need to brush up on my uptempo songs, which are my weakness, but one step at a time. I even got paid…..and ….. I didn't have to share it with Stewart or anyone else…..it was MINE! That was nice.

Thank you to those who came along to support me xxx Check out this short vid for snippets of the show - Not great quality, I apologise in advance.

REVIEW FOR MY SOLO STUFF

Also here is a review from Caroline Woodford that hosts a showcase in Blaxland that I played at this week.

Blaxland Tavern March 16th SOLO

Snez is a superb vocalist who only started to accompany herself on guitar since January as she usually is accompanied by Stewart and she did a fine job. They run the Western Fringe Songwriting Group which meets one Sunday a month at Mars Hill Cafe in Parramatta. It was the first singer songwriter event I attended, having only written one song, which I didn't dare to perform at the time, and it inspired me to get my act together and return to Mars Hill Cafe a few months later where a very encouraging guy called Russell Neale got me up on stage. We all enjoyed Snez's beautiful, thought provoking songs about love and spirituality. Her last song was very emotional and had quite an impact. She told us one of her favourite quotes is "Laugh, sing, dance and create." I think it might become one of mine, too.

Art and other stuff

Apart from that, I'm taking a couple of days off to recharge (I always say that...its my way of procrastinating), I've just cleaned my art space and I'm planning to do some major damage to it this week : ) The room won't stay clean for long, it's not in my nature.

Here are some of my latest artworks

It's not van gogh but who cares! create! Talk to you later

Snez xxx

Snez E-News - gigs, pics and vids

2011-03-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

Well my performance at The Basement SOLO is looming!

Although I’m well rehearsed and practiced, when guitar is not your natural instrument, it will take a long time to feel comfortable. I’m am excited and nervous. This new project of playing solo has given me a new lease of life in the music scene. I feel so liberated.

Kelly's on King and on the right Blackheath Folk Club

I’ve been hopping from open mic to open mic trying to get some practice in. Check this video out of me playing a few songs at Kelly’s on King in Newtown. I feel this has been my best solo performance to date.

In other news: Stew and I are heading off to Canberra this week for one show and a radio interview. On the last couple of tours we’ve stopped in Canberra and played at The Front in Lyneham and both experiences have been wonderful. So I’ve decided to develop an audience in the ACT. We’ll be heading back there every couple of months.

TOUR PLANS

My tour plans are underway, full steam ahead. I’ve got about 10 shows booked heading up the east coast. I can’t wait to get on the road, I’m acheing for it. When we’re traveling I’ve got nothing to do except write songs, read and perform…it’s fantastic and I also feel healthier physically.

Nathan (our film maker) will be joining us on tour for a couple of weeks to document parts of our tour which we’ll feed through the blog to let you all know how we’re doing. I’m really excited about this aspect of our trip.

Also there is a possibility that Lindsay (our drummer) is likely to come along for at least a week. I suspect it’s not going to be as rock n roll as the choirboys…we’ll be drinking water and eating sushi : )

MR MOON TEST SHOOTS

Mr Moon test shoot took place at lindsays place this week with Nathan coming round to do some shots. Just as we were setting up the van which is the main feature in the film, Stewart turned the car on and the battery was flat…this took about 40 minutes to fix. Luckily it was only a test shoot, everyone was patient : )

Snez and Nathan discussing shots

Nathan - film maker and Stew trying to start up the van

SHOWS

12TH March - The Front - Lyneham ACT

14th March - The Basement - Solo, Sydney

Our winter tour starts in June check out the shows at www.snez.com.au

Anyway guys, talk to you soon

snez xxx

Snez E-News and Blog - The Clarendon Report : )

2011-03-01T20:24:00.000-08:00

So life after the Clarendon ….PHEW!

We ended up doing a jam packed show to a good but small audience. I wanted to thank all those that came to the show to support us, it really made our night and it was great to see some familiar faces too and hopefully you all enjoyed my songs...old and new!

The night opened with country music singer/songwriter Allan Caswell. Allan is most known for his song ‘On the Inside’ which was the theme song for the television show “Prisoner’. Not only did he perform his hit, but so many new and wonderful songs from his new album ‘Behind Bars’. Stewart also featured in Allan’s set, playing some nice licks and fancy chords to his songs…

Allan and Stew

We came on next opening with the song ‘Green’ which was a energetic start to the show and things sort of went wild from there : ) We had the full band, Chris on bass, Lindsay on drums, Stewart of course on guitar and then our special guests Lester on didjeridu which went down really well and Simon on blues harp for a couple of the new songs. Thanks guys for your support on that show.

Lester on didge and simon on blues harp

Fitting all of us on stage was a struggle, but lots of fun and I’d love to have this line up again. The Clarendon was very supportive of our show and that I’m grateful for.

Check out the video from the night shot by Nathan Judd Lee. It includes the band and you'll get an idea of how the night went.

A big thank you to Marian Caswell, Vicki Mearns and Stuart Kennedy for taking some pics on the night. You can’t have too many pictures can you!

So where to next you ask?

This week we’re doing a test shoot for the film clip ‘Mr Moon’ with Nathan and the guys up here in the mountains before we do the real thing at the end of March.

I also received great news from a film production company who has offered to film a professional film clip for me in return for them using one of my songs on their film. That’s pretty call. I’m currently talking to them about it…..I’d like to have a film clip for my new album for next year…..The songs I have put forward are ‘Green’ and ‘58’…What do you think?

Anyway that’s enough from me. I hope you enjoy the video and I don’t bore you too much. Up in the next issue I'll have some pics and video from a solo show I did at Kelly's on king in Newtown.

Snez

xxx

Snez E-News and blog - pics, the clarendon and other stuff

2011-02-23T00:29:00.001-08:00

Hello everyone, how you all going?

I've had a stressful couple of weeks especially with the Clarendon show coming up this Friday. To cancel or not to cancel that was the question. The numbers have been pretty low with pre-booking, even up until now, and Stewart and I were discussing whether it was worth going ahead. There were so much time, energy and costs involved with promoting the show, it felt like a big waste to kill the show.

After my initial embarrassment about not being able to bring in a big enough audience, I decided that we should go ahead no matter what happens and most of all have fun. Allan seemed really keen to perform also.

We invited the band to come up to one of our local pub gigs at the carrington to rehearse some of the new songs and it sounds pretty good. Also while I’ve been away Stewart had Lester the didge player pop in and have a jam to ‘Gypsy soul’…..apparently it sounds fantastic..I haven’t heard it yet. I'll hear it on the night.

The Carrington over the weekend with the band

Mia, me and my mum before going to the church

Also the weekend that just passed, I went down to visit my family. My sister Suzi and her family were down from Singapore for Mia’s christening. So we had a nice time re-connecting with family. Mia is growing up very quickly. She is starting to wave to people, almost crawling and on the verge of saying ‘Mum’. Very cute and scarey....I wander what life has in store for her.

Suzi's husband is Serbian. So the church service was at the Serbian Church in Wollongong.

No other news at the moment, will post a blog after the clarendon with some pics, videos and info of how the concert went.

In the meantime there is still time tp purchase tickets for the show on Friday on 4782 1322 or go to www.clarendonguesthouse.com.au. Tickets are $20

Talk to you all soon.

xxx

Snez E-News and blog - videos, pics, rehearsal and the big show!

2011-02-13T01:40:00.000-08:00

Hello again

Another big week. We’ve spent most of our time rehearsing for our big show at the Clarendon. With a trip over to Chris’s place (bass) to run through some songs we haven’t done together for a while….Also a jam with Lester who will be dropping by the Clarendon to do some didge on a few songs….Only 2 weeks to go till we play at the Clarendon and I’m looking forward to it.

Rehearsal at Chris's place

Lindsay deep in thought!

Numbers are climbing for our show, but as per usual as an indie artist you have the pressure of filling up the room, so as not to embarrass yourself in front of the venue booker and venue as well the punch to the ego when you’re performing to 5 people. Oh well that’s the way of the indie world….You just gotta plug along, at the end of the day the reward is far greater as an indie artist then being a slave to the industry. So you just keep moving and remember to always have fun!

On other news, I took a drive to the Blackburn hotel in Katoomba to do a solo gig, with Stew in tow for moral support and also for his videography skills. It’s always a bit nerve racking turning up to a venue you haven’t played before, so I was a bit toey and then what do you know, bloody Lindsay turns up (our drummer) for added moral support, that just turned up my stress levels up a notch!!!!I was in fear of ruining my performance reputation with him, he's only seen me play with Stewart.... Though I did appreciate his support and wise words of wisdom.

Check out this little video of ‘You were loved’ that Stew took at the Blackburn. It may be a tiny bit blurry…will have to do something about that one day!

Anyway that’s all for me, if you’re around please come along to the Clarendon on the 25 Feb, opening with Allan Caswell. Tell a friend, the best way to build up an audience is by word of mouth…so get those chops moving people : )

The Clarendon Guesthouse

02 47821322 or book here

Friday 25th Feb - 8 PM

Entry $20

See ya xxx

Snez E-News with new songs, videos and gigs

2011-02-06T01:33:00.000-08:00

Hello folks

It’s been a very hectic week for me. I have so far performed at 3 open mic nights and moving along very swiftly, I got a bit ahead of myself and started to book 40 minute gigs, which I’m regretting….I just want to get out there and do it!

I had my very first real solo gig at Mars Hill Café in Parramatta yesterday along with two other artists. A 40 minute set of originals and I was shitting my pants! Stew was there to take notes and film the show. He enjoys not having to do any work and just coming along as an audience member, eating cakes and drinking milk shakes…isn’t that the life!

The video ended up being blurry so I decided to share some songs from my lounge room.

I think I did a good show, I made a few mistakes that nobody would really notice, but my overall performance was confident…getting better and better. The fear for me is that I’ve taken a step down from such a dynamic show with Stewart and the band, that I’ll never be able to engage an audience as a solo act. My fear was put to rest for this gig as I sold my first ‘Gypsy Soul’ cd too : ) Nice.

On other news, I’ve got a really intimate gig at the Hive Bar in Erskinville on Monday the 7th Feb. It only fits 40 people and guaranteed to be a good show. The evening kicks off at 6.30 pm with a couple of opening acts and then I’m on around 8 ish.

I'll leave you with one more song. Let me know what you think : )

Adios Amigos

Snez E-News with Pics, videos of Tamworth Country Music Festival

2011-01-27T20:35:00.000-08:00

Hello,

We arrived back safely from Tamworth. I can’t believe how many singer/songwriters and performers there are. There was a performer every metre in Tamworth and we were one of them.

We had a lot of fun. We drove up a couple of days before the with our film-maker and photographer Nathan in tow to document our time there. Thank you Nathan, you did a fantastic job, we were planning to sleep at a rest area, but were kindly invited to stay with the rest of band in rental home.

Nathan - go the cowboy hat! and on the right the Stew and Lindsay (our drummer)

Clearly I need some sleep

On arrival we met up with our bass player Chris, who also comes up to Tamworth every year to play with his other band the ‘Dead Setters’ at Joe Maguire’s Pub. At the pub we also met up with Lindsay our drummer, so we were re-united again….awww.

Above: The Dead Setters and on the right - Chris (our bass player)

We spent the night wandering the streets, dancing, joking and just being plain dirty! Had noodles at a noodle shop against the background of some bad Elvis renditions. Check out this video of our time in Tamworth - Some of it is shot on iphones, still cameras, so quality may not be great.

We spent our arvo rehearsing - We haven't played with the full band for a while, so we definitely need to refresh.Our gig at ASONG was a small one, so it was pretty much on and off for us, although we gave it everything we had, I came off stage with a bleeding finger and blood spraying everywhere because of the tambourine….umm I mean because I was throwing myself around the stage…haha….Rock n Roll!!!!!

Clare and Denny and the gang from ASONG were there set up and ready to go, with lots of artists from Sydney as well as a couple of up and coming country singers like Teneile and also a veteran Kim Cheshire. Even got to hear Denny get up there and sing…nice!

Rehearsal back at the house

Check out the little video I put together that might give you an idea of what we did, featuring the band, Vicki (chris’s wife), Nathan and general crowd. I hope you enjoy it. In summary I would say that our music is too pop for country!

BTW – We were thinking about getting a band name eg: Snez and the Cliché’s….anyone got any ideas?

thanks

snez xxx

SNEZ E-News for Jan - Pics, vids, pianos, christmas and other stuff

2011-01-16T18:13:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy New year : )

Stew, Freddy and I spent a very family orientated Christmas Eve and day together with my family and also Stew’s family. I Looove Christmas and most of all I love pressies big and small.

Freddy asleep on one of his pressies and on the right - Stew's children, step mum & dad who has dementia. He just turned 88

lazer tag a week after christmas - Stews kids - Andrew and Kristy

It was particularly special because my older sister Suzi and her husband John were coming from Singapore with baby Mia. It’s the first child in our family and my mum went bonka’s. Her eyes were glazed with delight at the thought that soon (christmas eve) little Mia would be arriving and would be in her arms again….

Baby Mia - obviously not in the christmas spirit, me and little sis in the back there hogging Mia

Everybody was on my case about when I was going to have a baby. After fending off questions with ‘I’m not having any’ just to fuel the fire, I dug into a cake and drowned my sorrows. I’m happy to babysit for a few years thank you very much. Although I think motherhood is the most spiritual experience you could have as a woman…I’M NOT READY!

Check out this video of Christmas time at our house with Stew, me, Stew's kids - Kristy and Andrew - This fab video was edited and shot by Kristy

In the thick of the Christmas rush with last minute shoppers, Stew and I got the brilliant idea to go and check out a few Grand Piano’s. This was very exciting. We maybe should have left it after all the festivities. But there we saw her, this black sleek Yamaha baby grand piano that drew a tear from Stew’s eyes and gave me a jolt in the heart.

The new piano has arrived

The nickname ‘Black beauty’ that Stew used to fondly call me was forever gone and passed onto the damn piano. Anyway basically the piano is ours. It arrived yesterday and it is a beautiful sounding instrument. Set up in the studio and we have already recorded a few parts to test out where to set up the microphones.

The other good news is I get to have the old upright victor upstairs to write songs on….nice!

stew's first touch - it was a tear jerker and the big old piano going upstairs

Singer/songwriter Dom was hanging out at our place recording his debut album at the studio when the piano arrived....here's a pic of Dom lifting the old upright piano up the stairs all on his own. Unfortunately we had to amputate that finger not long after we got it where we wanted it.

I have so many plans and ideas this year and the first one is to play solo. Just me and my guitar. Yikes! It’s a bit scary, I’ve been practicing since the outback tour and I’ll have some solo shows at open mic nights in January and February. It doesn't matter how much you practice at home, when you get in front of a mic the dynamics change and the fear lifts up a notch. I won’t be advertising these if you can understand I’m incredible stressed about it hahaa. I’ll be doing this pretty much all year to practice with the idea that I'll have an hour set by then.

Second on the list is booking my winter tour. The days are moving so fast and I’ve managed to book 4 gigs up the east coast. I’m planning to get stuck into it when I get a bit of motivation up my sleeve - I'm still bloated from all the food at Christmas time. We’re heading up to Cairns this time, so I’m looking forward to spending a lot of time on the beach. I’m applying for a touring grant to hopefully be able to take at least Lindsay our drummer for the moment and also we will be joined by film maker Nathan Judd Lee for 3 weeks to document our tour, so I'm really looking forward to it.

Nathan and Stew deep in thought

Last but not least check out the gig guide on myspace to see where we’re playing. We’ve got a couple of local shows so please come and see us play. In particular we’ve got a very special show coming up in February at the Clarendon featuring 6

time winner of the Golden Guitar Award – Alan Caswell – 25^th February.

Talk to all again soon, I'm off to Tamworth Festival on Thursday yeehaa!

Snez xxx

SNEZ blog and E-NEWS, music, pics, stories and blah blah

2010-12-07T22:17:00.001-08:00

Hello

It’s been raining for a couple of days now non stop. I love the rain though, it’s very comforting. It’s 12.30 am, I can’t sleep so I’ve decided to write my blog.

Over the last couple of days we’ve had singer/songwriter :Luciano Mesiti up at the studio, recording a new EP of beautiful songs. Along with songs he came bearing gifts of homemade scones….nice!

While luch was here we finally put up the christmas tree. We’ve been so busy with other stuff there hasn’t been a chance for us to put it up. Which is a shame because I normally put the christmas tree up in November so I can get enough christmas spirit out of it!

Notice the Homer Simpson on top of the tree : )

On a musical note, We had a great gig at the Newtown venue Shush, 'Salute Our Songwriters' promoting more local content on radio. Managed to get 20 people to the gig, our label was happy with that. Thank you so much for everyone who responded to my plea of help, whether you made it or not. I really appreciate your support : ) The bonus was that we got asked to perform at the Tamworth Music festival in January 2011...we really are turning country ....yikes!

Very low res pics, taken by Dean Wignell - will need to buy the real pics off him : )

Got lots of new songs I’m working on lately, finishing the ones I started on tour and just demoing them with guitar and voice. I think I got a couple of good ones, but don’t really know yet.! Over the next week or so I'll post them up here for you guys to hear, let me know what you think : )

Also a friend of my is releasing her debut album 'Too close to the sun' by Lelly K. She has two launch dates coming up, but in particular she has a show at the Gearin in Katoomba, in which I will be opening up with a few songs. Come along and support her if you can.
Dates are all on the posters.

xxxx

Gypsy soul Tour bits and pieces, videos, pics

2010-11-16T18:27:00.000-08:00

Hello

I'm back from ....Singapore..... If I thought Darwin and Broome were scorchers, Singapore.... was even hotter. My little sister and I went over to visit my older sister Suzi and her husband John, who've had a little baby girl Mia.

me, missy the dog, little sis Diana, Older sis Suzy, Mia and John

Me and baby Mia

My little sis and I were of no help whatsoever, considering we've never had a baby before, all we found ourselves doing was fighting over whose going to hold Mia.....haha. We ate like pigs and put on the kilos and couldn't stop laughing on the plane, I think we drove some people crazy with all the giggling and punching and prodding going on.

Don't ask me why we've got matching outfits! This is me and my lil sis killing some time

Having a face mask

Mr Moon - Number 7 on the Australian Songwriting Competition
Apart from that when I got home a friend of ours, Bob Mac, let us know that 'Mr Moon' got to number 7 for the Australian Songwriters competition in the 'Open' category. It's not number 1, but it's better than a poke in the eye : )

House Concert in Concord
Yesterday (Sunday) we spent a gorgeous afternoon performing at a house concert. Kathleen and Nigel Routh from ....Concord.... won the prize of a house concert back in May. It was a beautiful sunny day and a very relaxed concert with food everywhere and lots of fun and laughter. I really enjoyed it. I think house concerts are the ideal show for me, so if you're interested in hosting a house concert in your loounge room, or even if you're curious about how it works, just email on management@soundshedmusic.com and I'll send you an information sheet.

PDA Awards
I am madly plastered on the computer trying to fill out an application for the Professional Development Award that APRA is running. It's a prize of $12,000 and bloody oath I need the money to fund my next album as well as work on some other little projects in the pipelines. So I'm doing the best job I know how of presenting an application that looks professional.....see how it goes.

Anyway enjoy the pics and video of the gypsy soul tour. It's a clip while we were in Brewarrina. Had a show at the RSL there. Stew's having a jam with a local guy. Sorry the footage quality is terrible, I'm experimenting on Utube, if anyone has any clues!

Talk to you soon and if you're in the mountains this week I have a small set as part of the Rhodo Festival in Blackheath at the Ivanhoe Hotel on Sunday. Show starts at 5PM, but I'll be on around 6 pm singing about 10 minutes worth of songs. It's a local composers night for Blackheath....

xxxx

Gypsy soul tour video, art and bits and pieces

2010-11-02T17:14:00.000-07:00

Gypsy soul tour - video, art and bits and pieces
Hello

Hows it going? I've had a pretty full on time since we've been back. Catching up with lots of people and just trying to sort out what I'm going to do till the end of the year. Apart from songwriting and performing I've been out and about enjoying the blue mountains sun, gardening and pottering around, waiting for some inspiration to come my way.....I think it's coming.

I've got a fantastic industry show coming up on the 2nd December called 'Salute our Songwriters'. This will feature some up and coming and emerging artists including myself and headlining with 'Gangajang'. I'm really looking forward to this show.
Buy Tickets from me $25 ($5 goes to the artist selling tix)

This is a very short video of Stew trying to fix the speaker while we're in Dubbo. the speaker blew up and we weren't too sure what we'd do. Unfortunately I was trying to upload another one of me writing a song, but I'm having so much difficulty uploading on utube.

I've also just booked The Clarendon for a very special show in February and just secured the second artist to play before me. We're going to try some new things in this show, so I'm starting to look at set-lists and muso's that I can call upon to bring a certain flavour to this one, already spoken to Lester who's a didgeridu player from the Didgeridu Dingo's. I'm looking forward to also playing at my home town, The clarendon is my favourite venue. Hopefully we'll see u there next year.

I'm off to Singapore this week on Thursday for a week. My sister Suzi and her husband John have had a baby girl. She's 3 months old (Mia) and me and my little sis are heading over there to spend some time with Mia and hopefully do some shopping....(If I can keep up with my little sister : ) I can already see the blisters on my feet!

Anyway hope you enjoyed the little snippet of video, it's not a Steven Spielberg production, but close enough : )

xxxx

Gypsy soul Tour video and bits and pieces

2010-10-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

Hey there folks

As promised here is a short video from our trip. I'll keep this going each week for the next couple of weeks. If there are things you would to see on my blog please let me know and I'll try my best to include it.

Since we've been back Stew and I have been off to Noosa for a week. Stewart had to present a workshop about 'Music in Marketing and Jingles'. We had a fantastic time. 5 star all the way - a bit different to the last 3 months that's for sure.

I am now well and truly settled in, now for my next plan of attack is...any ideas?

Sometimes it gets so overwhelming thinking about music videos, press releases, getting cd reviews, how to get on radio, how to create a buzz!!! But the one thing I need to get all this stuff happening is MONEY!
While I was in a state of unmotivation yesterday(I don't think that's a word), we had a friend over and I said to her 'Do you think my music is good? because Stew and I can't seem to get any industry support whatsoever'.

She made a few valuable suggestions. She also said that in regards to my songs and my live shows that they were fantastic, but that my networking skills sucked! (She didn't use those words : ). She was not wrong either. I'm not too good networking and making contacts with the right people. I just want to play in my room and create.

I had a moment of clarity! The way I see it is I have 2 options.

1. To sacrifice my creativity and focus on the business aspect of music
2. To sacrifice the business side of the music and focus on the creativity

Well the burden was lifted off my shoulders. I decided to go with number 2. I decided that I'm a creator of things whether it be music, paintings, gardening, cooking food. I'm happiest when I'm doing these things and hopefully good fortune follows.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy the video - short and sweet, next week I'll post another video and an interview from the ABC radio.

xxxx

Gypsy soul tour diary - Home at last

2010-10-12T22:47:00.001-07:00

BACK HOME
We’re back home. What an adventure we’ve had. Although it was an fantastic experience it’s always nice to come home to your own bed and toilet : ) What have Stew and I learnt on this tour? Well...I’ll try and make a long story short.

I wouldn’t trade the experience I’ve had playing at all those regional and remote area pub gigs. They’ve taught me how to speak to some of the toughest crowds, how to catch their attention even if it’s just for a second. They clap if you sang a good song and if they don’t clap it means that you need to work on the song a bit more. If I speak frankly and honestly I can tell you that out of the 30 gigs we did in those couple of months; 8 of them were successful ‘Snez gigs’. Those eight were
comprised of house concerts, small unconventional cafes, markets and concert situations. It’s clear to me, this is where I fit.

Some of the pub gigs were really just ’Petrol Money’, after a while they hurt your musical soul.
Playing in a venue; performing songs that are really important to me and then having people talk all over that is heart-breaking. I questioned so many times - ’What can I do to get these people’s attention?’. I tried lots of tricks and ideas, I performed my heart out, but at some gigs, at the end of the day, they want to hear ’Khe San’. That’s okay : ) There’s a band out there that’s dying to feed that audience, but unfortunately, I’m not one of them.

I realised quick smart that the place I sold the most CD’s, touched hearts and felt on top of the world was sitting in front of a group of 20 people in a small café; telling stories and jokes and making people feel so comfortable that they would actually dance to one of my songs. That’s special and that’s what I want and will work towards on any future tours.

The trip Stew and I took, holds so many memories and so many colours. We met many colourful
personalities and saw so many beautiful sunsets and starry nights. This trip really inspired us in a creative way - Visually and musically. We just couldn’t wait to get back home and put some of these ideas down.

We’ve been home for 2 days now. Adjusting and enjoying our luxuries, although it would be nice to get rid of some clutter around the house. I’ve already painted 3 paintings like a mad woman, belted the hell out of my guitar and planted some tomatoes in the garden. Both Stew and I have got songs starting to brew from the wonderful experience we’ve been through.

THANK YOU
Stew and I would love to thank everyone who followed our blog throughout our journey. I really enjoyed writing it. If you didn’t get a chance to read some of the stories go to www.snezmusic.blogspot.com. Lot’s of pics and anecdotes. Through out the next couple of weeks I’ll be posting some video’s and recordings from ABC radio, so keep your ears peeled : )

XXX

Gypsy soul tour diary - Canberra and heading home

2010-10-10T02:55:00.001-07:00

8^th October 2010....

Today we have a house concert at Janes place. Getting back into NSW I’m starting to get a flu again, I think the change in weather is causing a few cold and flu issues. I think I’ll sleep for a week straight when I get home : ) We get back home for 4 days and then Stew and I have to fly to Noosa – Stew is presenting a workshop on Marketing with Music – a workshop specifically about the jingle business. Not bad, we’ve been doing it rough for 3 months and when we get back we can rest in a luxury apartment for 5 days…..that will be a treat.

I spent the morning helping out Jane by doing a bit of tidying around the house and setting up the seating for the concert. I’m really looking forward to this.

Our performance areas at Jane's house..

Stew pondering over brekkie while I'm breaking my back cleaning : )

Evening

People were meant to be arriving at 7PM for a 7.30 start, but it didn’t turn out that way. People were wandering in anywhere between 7pm to 8 pm so we had to wait for late arrivals. We didn’t plug in and play until 8.30PM. Tonight’s gig we were playing for donations. The hat was being passed around, so hopefully with that and a few CD sales we’ll get a few hundred dollars.

The night started off well, with Jane dancing around and joining in with the Tambourine during certain songs. After a while I had to confiscate the tambourine : ) Some songs don’t work with the tambourine…I’m sorry Jane : ) There was a lot of wine and champagne being passed around so our audience was a little rowdy.

Snez and one of our audience members 'Debbie'. Freddy was a hit at the concert. His ears always get in the way of a good shot!

House concerts are not really a huge thing in ....Australia..... In ....America.... they’ve taken off like a storm. So I’m hoping that I can get a tour next year comprised with more house concerts because it seems like the place for us.

Some of our guests waiting for the show to start

Tomorrow morning we’ll be heading off for our last gig in Nowra at the ‘Tea Club’.

Sunday we’ll be home.

9^th October 2010....

I rang The Tea Club in Nowra this morning to confirm that all is good with the gig and the lady that answered who was the owner said ‘I don’t think we’re opening today….can you hang on’ as she spoke to her husband. Meanwhile I’m building up some ‘why-weren’t-we-told!’ fury while I’m waiting for her to return to the phone…. “A frigin’ phone call wouldn’t have gone astray!” Anyway she tried to fob me off and told me to call back in 10 minutes. I told her that I’m on tour, on the road now and heading for Nowra and I need to know NOW whether I’m coming to Nowra or NOT!

She said “I think it’s safe to say you won’t be playing…but ring back in 10 minutes and we’ll give you the number to Eric who is the independent booker". I already had Eric’s number because I remember organizing the gig with him. I left a firm message on his mobile to ring me back urgently. We made an executive decision to start heading home. I was so angry that the muso’s are always the last to know. It’s so disrespectful. I’m always making an effort to be polite and professional and I’m realizing in the music industry, polite is not always the way to go.

I definitely made a mistake in leaving my phone call to confirm the gig on the morning of the gig. I should have done that days ago. I’ve learnt my lesson to take care of business from my end and to stand up for myself when I feel I’ve been wronged.

Anyway Eric rang and turns out he hasn’t worked at The Tea Club for some time. He sold the venue a while ago and these new owners couldn’t handle the live music part of the business and cancelled a few acts, but didn’t get around to letting most of the musos know! Typical. Eric was very apologetic and I felt a bit better about the situation. He told me about another possible gig in the Shoalhaven: he’s setting up a venue on a farm and said we’d be welcome any time to play there, the next time we come through. Sounds interesting.

So our tour was cut short. I didn’t mind really. I’m starting to get the flu, got a headache and feel a bit burnt out. I’m looking forward to getting home and having a rest for a couple of days. We headed over to my parents house who live in Shellharbour, to catch up and stay over night. It will be nice to see them and get a home cooked meal and an old familiar bed … and our own bathroom – luxury : )

As we drove home Stew and I looked at each other and realised ‘Hey! We just made it all the way to Broome and back, safe and sound successfully’. Man! We’ve got heaps of new stories to tell and a whole new outlook on life, which I’ll share with you at our next local show. Coming from the country into the city feels so weird (so many rules), but I’m sure we’ll adjust very quickly. Freddy will be so depressed when we get home : )

I just want to thank everyone who’s been following the blog for your support. I will post one last blog tomorrow and then through the next couple of weeks I’ll be posting video’s and other things on the blog, so keep an eye out.

xxx

Gypsy soul tour diary - Canberra - The last stretch

2010-10-08T05:22:00.001-07:00

7^th October 2010

We’ve got 3 more gigs left on the tour and then we’re home. I’m really itching to get home now because we’re so close – ha ha. We had our interview on ABC Canberra with Genevieve Jacobs on the morning program a couple of days ago to promote our shows here in the ACT and it went very well. I really enjoyed the interview and her questions were interesting and a little different from the usual. I’ve got a few quotes I can use too :) The more I do it, the better I get at being a bit more natural and not so nervous.

We got to play ‘Red dirt Wanderer’ first, the new one - which I totally stuffed up the words in the first bloody verse too! … I was kicking myself. I was holding on to grim death as I was searching for words to fill in the verse that I forgot…. Nobody noticed, I just sang right through it as if that’s the way it was meant to be : )

A nice thing that Genevieve said about the second song ‘Don’t Forget Me’ was that she felt that I was singing from the heart and that I wasn’t just another girl writing about cars, boys and money using “cookie cutter” formula’s (her words). That really made me feel good. We were invited back again anytime we were in the ACT. I’m really forming some strong relationships in the ABC in certain towns around Australia, and I’d love to strengthen that.

That afternoon we headed off to our friend Jane’s place, who lives in Amaroo about 20 minutes from the city. We met Jane for the first time at a creative focusing workshop a few years ago, we didn’t really become friends, we just kind of spoke to each other a few times. Then on our earlier tour in February in Canberra she saw my face in the paper and turned up at one of my gigs and we’ve kept in contact since….so we’re staying at her place for 4 days (4 days in a house! Wow!) and we even have a house concert at her place on Friday which I’m really looking forward to.

Last night on the 6^th Oct – we played at the Hippo Bar in the city. It was a cocktail bar! We carried the PA up two flights of stairs…shish! The Hippo bar is kind of like ‘Ruby’s Lounge’ in Surry Hills. Very upper class and swish and a bit too ‘cool’ for us. It was clear that the audience was a bit too cool also, although they clapped most of the songs.

We did 3 sets with all our original songs and I don’t think they’re were really appreciated fully, considering the words were probably not heard. The background music between sets was Rnb and Top 40’s type of music, so we knew we weren’t in the ‘clique’.

At one point I called ‘Cats in the Cradle’ as a fill in song. As soon as Stew started to sing, we both looked at eachother and thought “Oh shit, not here!” This wasn’t a ‘Cat’s in the Cradle’ gig! I leaned over and I said to Stew “I think we’ve been in the country for too long”….haha.

I don’t think we’ll play there again. Although the audience was polite and the actual bar was beautiful; our songs seemed to be a bit too ‘Happy’ or ‘uncool’ for that environment. Oh well another lesson learnt.

7th October 2010

Tonight we’re playing at the Front Gallery Café and Bar. We played here earlier in the year on tour. A fantastic venue. It’s kind of like Mars Hill Café in Parramatta, but a little smaller and The Front serve alcohol. Last tour we had a quiet one, so we weren’t too sure if the same would happen.

Bad shot of the Front Gallery outside

When we set up ready to go for 7.30 pm it was looking rather quiet – uh oh, just a few people milling around. As soon as we started to perform people started turning up and actually sitting and listening, you could’ve heard a pin drop….aaah this is what I’ve been waiting for.

I’ve been reading a book I bought on the tour about how to be your natural self – be the wild woman – ‘Women Who Run with the Wolves’. The one thing it says is that to find that wild woman (or man, I guess) within yourself you need to be creative, through things like singing, dancing, painting and storytelling or whatever inspires you. Well, I think I’m actually becoming an okay storyteller! … not just through my songs but even through my explanations of the songs. That ‘shy Snez’ is almost gone and the wild (wild as in ‘natural’) woman is becoming stronger and stronger. I hope this doesn’t sound a bit new age, but it’s the only way I can explain it and I wanted to share it.

We played on till about 9.30 pm and then sat around and got to know our audience, it’s the best experience I’ve had in a long time.

Sorry haven't had time to take pics over these days : )

Gypsy Soul tour diary - Tumut long weekend

2010-10-03T17:22:00.001-07:00

2^nd October 2010

So one week left to go on our tour … I’m half eager to get home and half scared. This morning we started packing away some of our blankets and laundry because we won’t be sleeping in the van for the rest of the tour, we have accommodation every night now … that already feels a bit weird.

Today we’re making our way into Tumut. It’s only an hour away from Wagga. We’ve got two gigs at the Oriental Hotel. We’ve played there before (a Valentine’s Day kind of thing in the restaurant) and then it was a pretty relaxed gig. Except that this weekend is the long weekend and the ARL & NRL grand finals are on…..so the crowd might be a bit more ‘up-vibe’ than the last time.

Col (the owner of The Oriental), mentioned he had heard our interview on the ABC Riverina and said “They gave you heaps of air time didn’t they”…. Yep, bonus. Will post the interview on here in a couple of days.

So now to our own, private hotel room (the good news is Freddy’s allowed to stay inside too)! They don’t use the hotel to accommodate people so Freddy won’t be a problem. They only accommodate the visiting bands. I’m pretty impressed with Col. He’s always trying new things to get people to the pub with music. He even set up his own festival called ‘The Ori Big chill’ which was a big event at the Tumut showground.

The room at The Ori

Anyway as we settled into the room, I began looking around at all the posters of bands who’d played here and I noticed my poster on the wall from the last tour … and then right next to it on a pin board were a pair of pink undies that said ‘Rock Chick’ on them ….and a red flush came over my face “Oh shit, they’re mine. I wondered where I’d lost them!” I must have left them behind in the room on the last tour and they’ve put them up on the pin board!

My undies on display for the world

Okay, so I got over my initial embarrassment and horror and realised how hilarious it was …. so, naturally, I’ve left them up there and put my ‘Snez’ postcard and badge next to them and wrote ‘I think these are mine!’ Oh well, I can’t take things too seriously in the music biz.

Evening

We were set up in the main bar. A bit different to last time. It was quite rowdy when I came down to set up my microphone and there were about 30 women dressed in bright novelty outfits….hens night… yikes! Stewart and I had to hide the distinct look of terror in our eyes. They’re the worst to entertain: they have little respect and can get nasty when they’re drunk – memories were flooding back to Stew from his gigs in the 80’s.

The Ori in Tumut – an old photo, it’s done up now

Anyway Stew was dealing with setting up the foldback and one of the hen’s night women came into the performing area, stood behind the mic and started touching things and started pressing buttons on the foot switches and said “How do I press all these buttons”. Stew (who prides himself on not ‘suffering fools at gigs anymore’) asked her very firmly “Step off the stage and I’ll tell you!” Uh oh, this is going to be a very long night!

Thank God about 5 minutes before we were about to start, they got up and left! … so there, being rude to drunks does work J The remainder of the crowd were fantastic. We were performing our own songs and a couple of men were dancing and having a good time.

At one point one of the men ‘Tom’ (well, he said his name was Tom) asked if he could get up and sing ‘Delilah’ with Stewart … why not, these guys were nice guys. And of course, Stew knew ‘Delilah’. So I stood back and let them take over while I played tambourine and percussion – over shadowed once again : )

Stew and Tom singing 'Delilah'

It was a great night. We had an audience to feed off until a bit later when it got quiet again, so we even got an early mark and finished about 40 minutes early.

Tomorrow our gig starts earlier at 7.30 pm. It should be the same sort of crowd. Maybe stew can teach me a verse of Delilah – just in case. Mind you Stew’s lyrics sounded a bit rude last night – not the original Tom Jones version I’m sure!

4th October 2010

This time next week we'll be back in Blackheath. We've got a couple of things to do in Tumut this morning, but then we'll be racing off to a campground to get half way to Canberra. We've got an interview on ABC Canberra tomorrow at 11.30 am.

Four gigs left to go.....

Gypsy soul tour diary - Wagga Wagga

2010-10-01T23:04:00.001-07:00

30^th September....

Talk about lead foot! Yesterday we were in SA, today we passed through Vic and now we’re already in NSW. Will be in Wagga Wagga tomorrow morning. The petrol prices have come down a fair bit since we got into busier areas. There’s no more red dirt since we passed Port Augusta in SA. All green grass, what a change : ) farewell the outback – so sad. Not much to say today. We’ve just been driving, driving and more driving. The countryside since Port Augusta, thru Mildura and into Wagga is green and lush - they must've had heaps of rain - beautiful.

After Port Augusta

Freddy savouring the green grass

It’s pretty difficult being an independent artist. Especially when I’m on tour. The industry doesn’t care unless you fit the trend with the hundred others at the time and very rarely will you get a compliment or some kind of acknowledgement. It’s easy to get in a rut or unmotivated. If I was doing it just for recognition I’d have given up long ago, because it seems I’ll be waiting a long time for that.

But every now and then I get a nice encouraging email from a fan or someone in the underground music scene. Or I get an offer or compliment from some unexpected place, that makes it all feel worthwhile … and today was one such day. Today I got 2 lovely emails : ) So, I savor the moment and enjoy that little extra boost it gives me to keep going on and on and do the music that I love and I hope moves people too.

Saving a turtle off the highway! A semi trailer had just missed it - Poor tyke

1^st October 2010....

We’re in Wagga … no 'outback' here: no crocs, no stingy things, no heat, no red dirt :) This morning we headed over to ABC Radio in Wagga to promote our gig here and also the 2 in Tumut. We’ve had an interview with Chris Coleman before, on our tour this way in Feb. The interview was fantastic.

Normally they have you on for 5 minutes and a song: real fast, in and out. Today he asked a lot of interesting questions and we performed new 2 songs. We were on air for close to half an hour. It’s the most comfortable I’ve felt at an interview.

Waiting in the foyer of the ABC Riverina - made up and dressed up - looking 'human' again :)

The one question he asked was “So what is touring like? Did it live up to expectations and will you be doing it again?” So I told him “Well, to tell you the truth most of my performing life I thought touring would be glamourous and exciting. Now I know, it’s definitely not glamourous … but it is exciting! Living out of the van makes things a lot harder to prepare for gigs, you don’t have the comforts you need.” Along with all the fantastic gigs we’ve done, there were a lot of disappointing gigs. It would be 50/50 good and bad and I guess this is where I have to learn which gigs to take and which ones not to. The bad gigs are like a kick in the gut, (Stew just looks at me as if to say “told you so”) but the good gigs are amazing and keep you going. They remind me why I’m doing what I’m doing. So YES I will tour again!

Anyway, Chris invited us back to ABC anytime and he said he really enjoyed our music. I also got talking to the sound girl there – Alison and she was a mine of information about concert type gigs in Wagga and surrounding area. We exchanged details, she’ll be very handy next time we come round. The ABC has been wonderful and so supportive all around Australia – thank you Auntie.

Evening – Playing at the Tourist Hotel. There was hardly anyone there. We had an early start at 6pm, I suppose to entertain over dinner. It’s hard to enjoy a gig when you don’t have an audience to feed off. It turned out to be just another pub gig. People didn’t start coming in until about 8.30, with half the crowd yelling in the middle of a ballad because they got the ball into the left pocket at the pool table.

I’m over these types of gigs! I’ve made an executive decision to not do these types of gigs anymore after this tour (Stewart sighs quietly with relief). They’re soul destroying. No one cares about the songs. It’s not they’re fault, we’re in the wrong environment. I need to choose my gigs more wisely. This is the one thing I’ve learnt on this tour, that my music does not fit i that scene. I can make it fit, but then I’m compromising my true path.

So when I have to start booking gigs again for our next tour it will comprise of markets, house concerts (anyone want one?), cafes, folk clubs, festival and special halls etc.

This was the first gig I have to admit I did half-heartedly. I was over it. I felt like I was wasting my time. This is why I need to not do these gigs. Stew calls these gigs ‘petrol gigs’.
Tonight is the last night we’re spending in Vinnie the van. After Wagga, we’ve got accommodation at the Oriental Hotel in Tumut (nice venue) and a real hotel room for 3 nights (Freddy is allowed too!) and when we get into Canberra we have a friend who’s putting us up for a couple of nights.

One week left to go on the tour..... how time has flown : )

Gypsy soul tour diary - Kings Canyon and Coober Pedy SA

2010-09-27T19:45:00.001-07:00

27^th September 2010....

We passed the SA border yesterday and we’ve seen and done so much in between Uluru and Coober Pedy.

After Uluru we stopped by Kings Canyon which was about 300 k’s out of the way (if you can call that 'stopping by'), but we had the time and it was the only place we were allowed to take Freddy: no National Park - hooray! It’s starting to get very hot again ... nice

Heading up the steep steps to the top of Kings Canyon

The view from the top, a little further up you can see across to the Simpsons Desert

This is the sign at Kings Canyon -cute- look at the face : )

The guys at parks and wildlife were very creative!

After a mini picnic at Kings Canyon we headed off - we’ve been driving non stop since then. We need to get to Wagga Wagga on Friday for a 10 am interview with ABC Riverina and then a gig that night. Back from the 'tourist' thing to gigging again. We have a few gigs back to back from Friday onwards.

It’s the last leg of the tour and I’m feeling half nervous and half missing home. In 2 weeks we'll be back in Blackheath….yikes ... what will I do with myself when I get back home? Actually I’ve got so many visual art ideas that I’m dying to try out when I get home.

Today we were planning to just drive all day and get past Coober Pedy and then when we got to Coober Pedy we realised this was the town where everyone lives underground. It’s an opal mining town and the landscape looks like something from the moon: full of craters. We went to an underground café for a milkshake - weird, like inside a cave.

Landscape surrounding Coober Pedy SA ".. ground control to Major Tom..."

This is the town of Coober Pedy ... with a very handsome tourist in the foreground:)

We then went on a tour to an underground home called ‘Fayes Home’. Faye, who no-longer lives there, (she sold about 7 years ago) moved to Coober Pedy in 1963 when there was just one shop and the opal miners.

Fayes' entertaining area

Bedroom

She built and dug the underground house all on her own and then got two friends who were girls to help with the other 3 rooms – Talk about girl power! I’m impressed.

me and Colin - who lives here now

There's even an indoor pool!

It’s very hot in Coober Pedy and this is why most people live in underground houses. The temperature in the 'house' never goes above 25 or below 21 - perfect.

This is what a house looks like in Coober Pedy! You'll see little pipes scattered over the hill, that means that there are people living underneath!

Okay, enough underground living, we headed off around 4 pm and we decided to drive for another hour or two - we've got looong way to go till Wagga. Need to get to Port Augusta tomorrow.

About 50 k's out of Coober Pedy we passed a truck with smoke pouring out of the motor, it looked like it was about to explode. We pulled over and helped the driver open the cab and make sure it wasn't about to catch fire. There's no reception this far out, so Stew drove back with the truck driver (Ian) to towards Coober Pedy to get some phone reception to ring for help. I waited at the truck with his dog ‘Taz’ in case anyone nicked his (un-insured) tools….I don’t know what I would have done if someone tried to nick something "Sure, go ahead, take what you need"?

It started to get dark and Stew and Ian weren't back yet ... mmm "I'm sure I'm safe. Wolf Creek WAS just a movie!" .... and then they returned - phew, no need to look for his shotgun in the truck - nah, only joking mum and dad!

All sorted, a tow truck was on the way and Ian would spend he night in Coober while he sorted out repairs. So, "Our work here was done!" and we drove off into the sunset, yet another happy ending in the name of truth, honour and justice!! :)

xxx

Gypsy soul tour diary - Uluru

2010-09-25T23:35:00.000-07:00

23^rd September 2010

We have about 300 k’s to drive today to get to Uluru. Scott said that lot’s of tourists mistake another big rock on the way to Uluru for the real Uluru. Well, we saw the rock he was talking about, it was called Mt Connor. Can't see how people get it confused, considering this one was square and brown and Uluru is round and red ??? I took a pic anyway.

... is that Uluru ... or Mt Connor?

About 50 k’s out of Uluru we spotted the famous rock. It looked huge even from that far away ... ooo, exciting. I’d seen pics of Ayers Rock so many times, but now we were seeing it with our own eyes. I know that it’s just a bloody rock!, but hey it's a big rock :)

Uluru (Ayers Rock) 50k's away

I love the red sand

The Ayers rock resort is the only place you can stay at in Uluru and leaving Freddy in the van there was the only way we could see Uluru. There are lots of warnings about dingoes around here, so we have to keep a close eye on Freddy ... dingoes don't only take babys you know! Ayers Rock Resort has a LOT of accomodation, (we figure for around 1000 people a night) from five star to four star and ... well, el cheapo camping - that's our cue :) It's a whole town in itself, with shopping centres, post office, petrol station and heaps of restaurants.

Evening

We left Freddy in the van and headed to the bus stop for our Sunset Tour: wine and nibblies as we watch the sun set over Uluru - nice. The bus had about 30 of us, heading to the Uluru (Ayers Rock) 'viewing platform '.

Uluru from the bus - must've been excited, to take this pic!

When we got to the viewing platform our hearts sank as we realised it was about 800 metres from the rock! So dissappointed. There were about 30 coaches with about 500 people there, all taking snaps and jabbering on. We thought we'd be closer or maybe even touch the rock ... or something!! Oh well, Uluru is BIG business, and there are people to 'wheel-in, and wheel-out' :)

Tourists including us - Everywhere!

I was sure that seeing Ayers Rock would be a spiritual moment, but it wasn't unfortunately: too many people in the same spot. The bus driver said that you can walk on the rock, but the aboriginal people who own it now don't want people to walk on it, but if you do to be careful and be considerate.

Apparently a lot of people have died climbing the rock, well, actually falling off the rock - from chasing their hat in the wind! It's not a normal cliff, it's all sloped and apparently, if you get too close, you're at the point of no return before you know it. Not a good way to see Uluru :)

The bus driver also said to take a pic every 45 seconds and you'll see the colour of the rock change with the sunset. I did that for a while (just like all the other people), until that little voice in my head said "It's just a rock" ..... and then I continued taking snaps.

the light changes every 45 seconds

... oooo ... pretty

The sunset on Uluru was amazing. The rock goes from being brown to being red and then orange in just minutes.

Summing up, Sunset at Uluru is beautiful, but man ... it's just too commerical for us and that made it very hard to find any real spiritual feeling from it. Phew ... it was good to put the camera away ... it gets addictive!

xxxx

Gypsy soul tour diary - Heading to Uluru

2010-09-25T22:36:00.001-07:00

22^nd September 2010

We’re leaving Scott and Raelene’s place this morning - oh sad! Had to wake up at 7 bloody 30 am to say goodbye to Raelene who was heading off to work - 8 AM is usually my limit!!!. Raelene gave me a beautiful necklace made by her from native bush seeds - I love it!

Since we were up and about we got packing a lot earlier than we expected. Had our last warm shower and did our last load of laundry and borrowed my last piece of bread to make some toast with butter ... mmm : )

We got to talk heaps more to Scott about the culture and government involvement. They feel the government's 'Intervention' has generally been a good thing for the Indigenous people, especially the women and kids who feel a lot safer with police being much more visible. Apparently even when the army were brought in at the start, they were very helpful and did a lot of re-building campsites etc for the communities.

Galah's in the garden at Scott's place

I really learnt a lot about the aboriginal culture staying with Scott and Raelene. I'm especially interested in the Aboriginal art and the bush plants. They're setting up a 'bush-tucker' walk where Raelene will do tutorials about their culture, so I'd love to learn all about that. Raelene's mum invited us to come back and stay longer - so hopefully we can fit that in sometime soon. We said our goodbyes to Scott and the kids. Scott loaded us up with beer and wine for the rest of our trip. He reminded us "It's a bit hard to buy this stuff around here at this time of day": )

Some very old aboriginal art

We’re trying to make it half way to Uluru today. About an hour into our trip we stopped at a camel farm just out of curiousity. We had a ride on 'Eddie' the camel ... just like riding a horse really, but bumpier when the camel runs ... Stew said he was feeling every bump in a very personal place! It was fun but not as much fun when someone’s leading you on a rein : (

Give us a kiss 'Eddie'

As you can see by our clothes, it was sunny, but still cold

The owner of the camel took the pics and the girl in the pic, who was training, kept saying 'Eddie, c'mon lets go' and Eddie would just moan and groan - he wouldn't do anything until the owner came over and gave him a command. Typical male power thing going on there :)

Thanks for the ride Eddie

We found a camp spot early in the afternoon and just rested ... phew! Tommorrow we expect to be in Uluru ... yooohoo

Gypsy soul tour diary - Standley chasm and Simpsons Gap AS

2010-09-25T22:01:00.001-07:00

21^st September 2010

We found out the reason that our gig was cancelled at Hermansberg with Lulo Reinhardt was because there was a state funeral on for a local elder and everyone was in mourning. It’s not a good time to visit Hermansberg. Scott (stews bro) told us to steer clear from that area.

Today we decided to get out of the house. We’re not used to this many luxuries; being in the van so long : ) So we're heading to a place called Simpsons Gap and Standley Chasm.

Simpsons Gap - 'The Thinker' in the red centre

They’re both national parks, but we took a chance and snuck in with Freddy. There are so many bloody rules when you get to tourist areas ...gives me the shits!

Standley Chasm - Can u tell I did ballet for a few years

Because it’s been raining a fair bit these last couple of days some of the rivers and creeks have started to flow again and Simpsons Gap was filled up with water, so we couldn’t get to the other side.

Evening

We went to a didgeridoo show in town. Andrew, the owner of the the didge shop and the creator of the show had about 10 different types of didges, all in different keys with different tones. There was also a drummer and another guy that played drums and some very cool percussion.

Andrew - star of the didge show

At the end we all had a jam session. Stew got up with a couple of others and played the djembe (drum) and I played shaker and clap sticks. That was lot’s of fun. I felt like I haven’t performed in ages and I’m started to crave it : )

Stew on the djembe up the front

xxx

Gypsy soul tour diary - Alice Springs Continued

2010-09-23T04:29:00.001-07:00

20^th September 2010

This morning was spent in town at Alice springs to pick up some groceries and have a look at the Araluen Aboriginal cultural centre. We had a look at some of the art at the gallery.

They came from all over the different communities from NT. Some magnificent dot paintings. There were even old paintings from the 70’s made by aboriginal people on uneven blocks of wood. We noticed the more modern the paintings got, the more colourful they were. Whereas the traditional colours seem to be red, brown, ochre, black. Unfortunately, not allowed to take pics. We also visited the museum too.

Skeleton of the largest bird from 3 million years ago

skeleton of a cane toad...haha

Sculpture of a caterpillar outside the centre

When we got back to Scott's place (Stew's bro), Stew caught up on doing some recording work while Scott showed me how to use the quad bike (almost like a tractor). Off I went in the wind, speeding like a demon through the bush.

I really enjoyed myself on that. I was gone for a while and when I came back Stew came on the back of the bike and we went for a ride ... a fast ride:)

Stew spent the evening teaching Jake how to use the recording software in his computer. Jake wants to be a music producer for hip hop music : ) What better person is there to teach him?

The fire is on, the rain has stopped, we had blue skies today and we all have full bellies from dinner….nice : )

Gypsy soul tour diary - Still in Alice Springs : )

2010-09-19T18:48:00.001-07:00

19^th September 2010

mmm warm shower : ) It’s been pissing down rain and windy and freezing for a few days now. There are a lot of homeless aboriginals in Alice who sleep under the bridge on Todd river which is dry at the moment. Apparently there was news that the around the Todd river might flood - it’s actually normally dry, so I guess any water in it might be called a flood! So the police were busy moving the homeless people out from under the bridge and to higher ground just in case.

Apart from the rain, we awoke to a wonderful breakfast made by Scott including freshly hatched eggs and then a game of softball outside in the wind. It was freezing but we warmed up very quickly.

....and Yes, I did hit the ball : )

Spent most of the arvo just lazing about and now we’re about to give Scott and Raelene and the kids a little concert of our music.

Raelene’s mum came over in the night (She lives in a small house about 500 metres away on the same land). She’s in her 70’s and looks very well. Very feisty and strong willed. Lot’s of opinions and a very big activist in the aboriginal community.

Stew, Raelene's mum, snez and Jake

With this small attentive audience we did a half hour concert of our songs, which they seemed to really enjoy. Scott said they don't get much entertainment out here, except for austar.

Scott's son, Jake even requested 'Hotel California' which we gladly obliged him with. They even sang along to some of the songs. Soooo nice. I really feel in my element with small intimate audiences. Performing acoustically with no PA in a nice sounding room is the most beautiful experience for both Stewart and I. I'd love to do more gigs like this!

Scott, Raelene, Jake, Shae, Stew, Me and Freddy

We ended the night around the table eating freshly made creamed rice and catching up on family things. A very nice day!

Gypsy soul tour diary - Alice Springs continued

2010-09-19T18:31:00.001-07:00

18^th September 2010

We went to the music shop here to buy a guitar tuner for myself and got talking to the owner Darren who turned out to be a mine of information about the music scene in Alice Springs. I think the next time I book a tour I might ring some of the local music shops and speak to the owners first, because they might know the scene a lot better than anyone else in town.

Today we’re heading to Stew’s step brother’s place about 20 k’s out of Alice. Scott has worked for various Government Aboriginal departments over the past 18 years and his partner Raelene (who is Aboriginal) runs a business teaching cultural practices to people who want to work with aboriginal communities. So it will be nice to talk to them about that stuff and Stew hasn’t seen Scott for over 15 years. The last time he heard of them they were living in the bush.

Scott (stews step brother), Raelene, Shae and Jake

They’re still living in the bush, just outside Alice on a property that’s over 3000 hectares. Part of the land has been handed down to Raelene by her grandfather. Scott has built a house decked out with all they need and made it into a very beautiful home. Lot’s of space and lots of animals including 'Alvin' a naughty little cat who taunts Freddy, 'Tito' who is a bigger cat and looks after Alvin and 'Bj' who is a great bit rotweiler who has this face that looks like he's going to cry any minute, very gentle. Freddy's integrating very well.

Alvin in the back and Tito in front

Alvin teasing Freddy

Bj - Gentle giant : )

When we got there we spent hours talking about what they do with the communities they work with. Raelene even asked if Stew could write a jingle for a protest they’re doing about a Nuclear Waste dump the government wants to put in about 2 k’s from where their land is. Her sister also gave us a poem that her sister wrote about the land - which has even been given to Kevin Rudd and others in Canberra.

Here's a first verse of the poem by Kathleen Martin (Raelene's Sister)

'What the Land Means to Me'

When I look at this land,

let me tell you what I see

I see this great big land,

that means so much to me

This great land we have used for thousands of years

just to survive

Now we stand here before you,willing to fight to keep her alive

Gypsy soul tour diary - Alice Springs - dot painting

2010-09-19T18:15:00.001-07:00

17^th September 2010

Today I’m doing my ‘Dot painting’ workshop which I’m really excited about. It’s held at Desert Park, which is a huge park designed like a desert. It also has wildlife areas and workshops about the aboriginal culture, the wildlife and things in general about the area. Stew stayed in the carpark and relaxed while I took a look around.

Birds at Desert Park

The dot painting workshop was very interesting. Apparently dot painting traditionally was only painted on the ground with sticks and sometimes ‘ochre’ in the dirt. So it wasn’t lasting – a bit zen! It’s only in the last 40 years that dot painting has become a trend to paint on canvas. Dot paintings are generally painted with an aerial view.

The Class

My painting

The circles usually mean ‘Waterholes’ or ‘home’ and the dots leading from the ‘Waterholes’ to another waterhole means a journey or traveling. The ‘U’ symbol means ‘people’. Dot painting is the style of painting mainly in central Australia, but when you get to the top end like Darwin the style changes to ‘X-ray’ style paintings.

Blackheath to Broome Tour - dot painting

I was pretty happy with my painting. I painted Stew and my journey of this tour. So that’s a nice little memory to have. I might turn it into a card when I get home, like the others I’ve been selling at my shows.

The gigs have slowed down for us at the moment because of the few cancellations, but they’ll pick up again when we get into NSW and our schedule gets pretty busy.

Stew's new headlight

A venue that Stew and I have spotted in Alice Springs is ‘Monte’s’. It’s a very quirky looking venue with live original music on most nights. I’d love to play there when we come back. It has a nice vibe about it. We went to Monte’s tonight because they have about five live acts on and it’s Gypsy themed. Lots of samba and African music, drums and djembes. We danced our hearts out.

A view of Alice Springs from the top of Anzac Hill - It's surrounded by mountains

Gypsy soul tour diary - Alice Springs - ABC Radio Interview

2010-09-16T02:54:00.000-07:00

16^thSeptember 2010

Our interview was at 9.40 am, so it was an early start for us. This morning was freeeeeezing. It’s amazing, we only came away from extreme heat a few days ago.

We decided that we would sing our new song ‘Red Dirt Wanderer’ on air. I was nervous about that considering we have only played it live twice so far. We did a quick rehearsal in the van before we went into the studio. I just have to remember to smile through all the mistakes : )

The interviewer (forgot her name) asked me all the usual questions about the tour, I felt pretty relaxed and then we sang our song. It sounded great, no mistakes. 'Red Dirt Wanderer' has a really good feel to it.

Said our goodbyes, stole a sticker for my merch bag and then headed off.

We stopped at the Royal Flying Doctors service where they hold tours and info sessions about what they do and how the RFDS work. I really enjoyed that.

I got a call from Fran who confirmed that the markets gig was cancelled. So that was a real shame. The rain was pouring and so we spent most of the day at the shops to stay out of the rain.

We’re back at the camp spot now, snuggled in bed. Freddy is shivering and sleeping under all the blankets.

Tomorrow I’m booked in to do a ‘Dot painting’ workshop with a local artist at Desert Park. It's about time I did something creative with my hands, I'm missing my art space at home.

Ok, nighty nite : )

Gypsy Soul tour diary - Alice Springs NT

2010-09-16T02:46:00.000-07:00

14^th September 2010

Made it to Alice Springs today. It is definitely a lot cooler. We started to put on some layers that’s for sure.

We did a lap of honour and then got out of the car and walked down the Todd Mall. Todd Mall is where my gig is in a couple of days. Whilst strolling Stew spotted a Digeridoo music shop where they held 30 minute free didge classes and also weekly Didgeridoo concerts. We booked in to see the Didge show next week, but while we were there we stayed to have a free group Didge lesson. That was pretty cool. Got a few tips, with a bit of persistence I think I can master it : )

snezaridoo : ) All I could manage were fart noises

Andrew our Teacher

Stew reckons he should stick to the guitar : )

I’ve taken a liking to Alice Springs. It seems like a very creative area. Lots of stuff happening. Lots of music and art and at the moment the ‘Desert Festival’ is on, so there is a lot of activity. We're here for over a week : )

Stew also saw the local doctor about his ear infection. Nothing serious, just needs to take some drops. Turns out that the doctor was from Marrickville in Sydney and she moved to Alice six months ago. I was wondering why the doctor's appt was taking so long, they were blabbering on about stuff.

We found a camp spot in the bush a few k’s out of Alice. Very peaceful and quiet.

15^th September 2010

Tomorrow I’ve got a show at the Todd mall night markets. I’m meeting up at 3 pm with Fran today who works at the council and organizes the entertainment for the markets. She took me around Todd Mall to show me where the entertainment area was and she also said that it’s possible that the whole markets will be cancelled because of the downpour of rain. She felt a little guilty about that and tried to get me some contacts to get another gig.

She rang Scott who is the director of the Desert Festival and mentioned to him that I was looking for a show and I’d be available if someone pulls out. That was nice of her. She also got me in contact with The Rock Bar, who offered us a gig on Sunday. We went to check out the venue just to see if our music would fit in. It looked like it wasn’t the right place for us. It seemed to be another 'covers' pub gig. So we gave that one a miss - who needs money anyway!

We’ll see what happens tomorrow, I have a radio interview with ABC in the morning to promote the show and my album, so I’m excited about that. I get to do one song live. I always enjoy that.

Gypsy soul tour diary - Timber creek, Tennant Creek and Aileron

2010-09-13T21:27:00.001-07:00

10^th September 2010

Tonight is our show at the Timber Creek Hotel – upstairs in the bistro. We’re on at 6.30 pm to catch the dinner crowd. Most of the crowd will be tourists from the caravan park attached to the hotel.

Cane toads around Timber Creek - lick the back of this sucker and it's like your on an LSD trip apparently.

The downstairs bar gets very rowdy and is mostly filled with aboriginals. I’m noticing a bit of segregation in these country towns and I’m not sure how much of it is natural and how much of it is enforced.

We went upstairs around 4pm to set up early and get some free dinner. It’s Friday pizza night tonight and they said it usually gets busy…mmm pizza!

Evening - 6.30 pm

We started on the dot with people strolling in slowly. Soon we saw two sets of eyes peering at us from the side of the stage and these big wide smiles. We had gained our selves some little aboriginal fans. They weren’t allowed in without parents and also you weren’t allowed to just have a drink, you had to buy something otherwise you had to go downstairs.

With each song they slowly crept in and finally sat on some chairs right in front of us with big smiles.

Everybody seemed to enjoyed our original songs and we even tried out one of our new songs that we wrote on the road called ‘Red dirt wanderer’….it was a train wreck…haha nobody noticed except for us I’m sure. While we were playing, once again there were fights breaking out down stairs with the locals so we were competing with that.

Stew setting up the gear

Throughout the evening I was talking to the bar girl and I asked her about the segregation and she said that it really was a natural separation of colours. She said that the locals usually separated themselves.

Just to give you an idea of the bistro - before the show

When the night ended I asked the bar girl for our money and she said she knew nothing about us getting paid! uh oh! and that she’d go and ask Pauline (the boss) about it. She came back and said Pauline doesn’t know anything about it either double uh oh! and so she told me to come in the morning and speak to Rachel. It was looking like we were not going to get our money for tonight. I gave the girl an invoice, packed up and went to bed, with the hope that I’d be able to get the money in the morning. That's our Alice Springs petrol money, man!

11^th September 2010

We had to rise very early this morning because we had to get to Katherine which is 300 k’s for a gig at the Katherine Markets at 11 am. We awoke around 7am, showered, shaved and then I went to the reception to find out about the money. There were two girls. I asked for Rachel and they said she was asleep triple uh oh! and so I said "I need to be paid for last night". The two girls got all flustered and confused. So she just took the money out of the till and gave it to me - yeehah, payday! That was easier than I thought.

We got in the car and raced off to get to Katherine. It’s still a scorcher and I tell you what, I need an eyebrow wax real bad. My little sister Diana normally does them for me (she’s a beautician) and I don’t trust anyone else... I wonder if stew could help:) Also I get allergic reactions to certain waxes and it makes my eyes puff up…not a good look. So I’ll have to go with mono-brow until I get home.

Got to Katherine park at about 10.30am. We found a shady spot in the car park to leave Freddy and we then had to find a guy named Dez who is letting us steal an hour from his show for us to perform.

Katherine markets

Stew doing a soundcheck

We were pretty much busking for money, so we left the guitar case out, but at least there was a PA so people could hear us. We did our usual songs, a couple of new ones. It was really difficult to enjoy our show because the sound was not that great. Not a lot of fold back , but we just went with the flow. People were really interacting with us and that was the important thing.

My merch desk and money collector

After we finished I sold some CD’s and in particular these two girls were really taken with our music, they each bought our CD and then asked if they could have a pic with me. That was really nice. They seemed to be so excited to have heard us - nice. They were from Melbourne on a working contract for a couple months in Katherine.

Rangi, me and Janine - new fans : )

We made $40 from the markets, oh well sold some CD's at least. Norma, who organized the gig for me, asked for my bank account details so she could transfer some money to us – bonus.

After that, it was so hot that we went to our favourite milkshake place (we’ve passed through Katherine 3 times already) and ordered a chocolate milkshake with extra chocolate and a caramel milkshake with malt…mmmm. We decided to get the hell out of here. We wanted to get away from the heat.

We’ve got one more show in NT in Alice Springs at the night markets there. Apparently it’s so much cooler, so I’m looking forward to getting there.

First thing first, we stopped in at Mataranka because there is a hot springs there to cool off. It’s about 50 k’s from Katherine. It’s called ‘Bitter Springs’.

the rocks on the bottom were slimey so I was struggling to stay afloat so my feet didn't touch it.

I would have enjoyed it, only the water was warm and not at all refreshing, but it was beautiful to look at. We dived in, and let the current take us to the other end…..

step 1 - Walk down the steps

Step 2 - Watch the slippery steps!

Step 3 - That's gonna hurt in the morning

Step 4 - Watch out for crocs

After all our absurdities in the water, we packed up and headed to a new destination.

We then found a very basic camp spot and set up there for the rest of the day and night for a well earned rest.

12^th September 2010

We slept in very late this morning. I was so overly tired I couldn’t bear to get out of bed. I started carving another boab this morning after I had a dream of the artwork I was going to carve. That was nice. As soon as it started to heat up we packed up and headed off. We’re going to try and make it near Tennant Creek today.

Half way to Tennant Creek there is a place called Daly Waters. It’s a tiny township with petrol, pub and caravan park. They have a historic pub where we stopped in.

It was hilarious, the whole of the inside was covered with all sorts of things tourists had hung on the walls. Railings of bra’s above the bar, old guitars, postcards, stickers and lots of funny signs and jokes.

Daly Waters pub - Australia's most remote traffic lights

Funny : )

We decided to have some lunch and a beer for refreshments and Freddy was welcome to sit with us too.

We kept driving on and arrived at a place called ‘Three ways’. It was just a petrol station and a caravan park. We decided to stay at the caravan park for a shower and pool stop over.

Stew’s starting to get a blocked ear from all the swimming we’re doing and he’s not sure if he’s getting an ear infection, so we’ll have to head into the pharmacy or doctor in the morning, hopefully it’s nothing too serious.

13^th September 2010

This morning we went into town at Tennant Creek to pick up some groceries and then we went in search of a doctor. It was 12 pm and all the docs were out for lunch and wouldn’t be back till 2pm, so we have to wait until we get to Alice Springs for that. We should get there on Tuesday or Wed. So we kept driving.

Passed through a tourist spot called ‘Devils marbles’, big round rock formations made from granite. It is where the aboriginal people did ceremonial dances.

Devil's Marbles - Only one part of it, there were hundreds

There were lots of little walking tracks around there, we had a wander around, took some pics and then skedaddled.

Tonight we were aiming for a place just outside of Ti Tree. We stopped at the Ti Tree petrol station, nothing much else there. While Stew was pouring petrol an aboriginal man asked if he could get a lift 'about a mile' out because his car was there. Stew said we didn’t have room. He persisted. Then the man said that there was 4 of them. 2 women and 2 men.

While Stew went in to pay for the petrol, the four of them were hanging at my window begging for a lift and practically opening the doors to get inside. Stew finally came out with the guy that works at the servo and the servo man said that they were all good fellas but to be aware that a mile usually means 6 miles to them. So the 2 woman and 2 men squeezed in the back of the van. They looked hilarious.

The guys in the back of the van

Then they asked if we had any country music to play on the radio. I said "We’ve got Kasey chambers". That’s the only country we had in our ipod and they were happy with that. We passed a dead goanna and they started talking about how tasty goanna meat was and kangaroo meat was and I told them we were ‘vegetarian’. They said "What….you don’t eat meat?". That was an awkward moment haha.

Sure enough the 1 mile ended up being 60 kilometers to a place called Aileron. They just kept saying "We live where the ‘Big man’ is, just over that mountain". We weren’t too sure if we were being led astray for a while there, because there was no sign of any ‘Big man’ for a while.

Finally got to Aileron which was a roadhouse once again. There were big scultures of a ‘big man’ and a 'big woman' apparently made by Ted Egan's son.

'The Big man' in Aileron - about 20 metres high

Jumping out of the van

They got out, we took a pic and then one of the ladies asked "Can you pay us $30?". I said "You should pay us!" Then they kept asking for money and then for beer. We gave them a bottle of water and said our goodbye’s and took off.

The gang

We made it well past Ti tree and the weather was now cold and windy, the change in weather was quick. We’ll be in Alice Springs tomorrow.

I’m starting to feel a little bit scared of coming home actually. We’ve had such an adventure, I’m worried that I’ll be depressed without all the excitement. Mind you, I have heaps to do when I get back home, I won’t have time to think about it. Stew and I have already started talking about all the things we want to do when we get back, setting goals etc. One of my main goals when I get back is to start playing solo live. Just me and my guitar. I’ve been practicing while I’ve been on the road and it’s coming along nicely.Stew's goal is to build a wall in the studio for separate recording room and to set up a free 'Song Development' program for songwriters.

So we’re about 60 k’s out of Aileron at a rest area. Had dinner, all full and in bed early.

xxx

Gypsy Soul Tour diary - Lake Argyle and Timber Creek

2010-09-09T21:45:00.001-07:00

7th September 2010

We headed to Lake Argyle after a dip in Kununurra pools. The view is spectacular.

Lake Argyle

There is one tourist park there at the lake, but it’s over crowded and there are ‘no camping’ signs everywhere near the lake area and surroundings. We took a few pics and took in the view. The water was electric blue and gorgeous - almost tempted to jump in - but crocs about.

Lake Argyle

Lake Argyle is a man made lake and it runs into the Ord river dam, so it pretty huge.

On the way through to the lake we spotted a campsite near a lagoon called ‘Dead Horse Springs’.

It was excruciatingly hot, so we headed back to that place to find out if we could sleep there for the night. It was absolutely quiet, nobody around, we stayed away from the lagoon because of crocs and set up camp for the night. It was about 3pm when we got there, the sun was starting to go behind the mountains and there was a little breeze. It was a really nice spot.

8^th September 2010

This morning we decided that we wanted to spend the whole day doing absolutely nothing and considering there was a breeze here at the campsite, we made an executive decision to stay here another night. The sun came up over the hills and when that happened it was boiling, so we set up a annex….Gypsy soul style of course : )

Where's wally?

Shanty town ...

It helped to keep out some of the sun. But as the day went on it started to get hotter and hotter. We were handling that okay by dousing ourselves with water every five minutes. Freddy was frantically digging holes under the car to keep himself cool.

If you don't move - you sweat less....NOT!

We had made ourselves a nice little cubby house and I was wondering what my dad would be thinking if he saw us now : ) A few people came by and said ‘You’re in a bit of hot spot there aren’t you?’ and stew replied "Oh it’s not too bad actually" - not much!

We spent the day reading, playing the guitar and I started carving my boab egg that I’ve been telling you about. Not as easy as I thought, but I think I did an okay job – Stew already layed claim on it before it was carved. I’ll see how attached I am to it, before I give it away!

My first Boab carving - On sale now for $30 at all good stores

As the evening went on the breeze stopped blowing -- uh oh, not good. The heat was intense and the inside of the van was not very comfortable, there was just no way of consoling ourselves from the heat, dousing ourselves with water was not working anymore. We had dinner and then I started to get a headache, and then a tummy ache and then I started to feel dizzy.

We lay under the stars for a while, away from the van where it was a bit cooler. We attempted to go inside the van to sleep but it was like a furnace. I started to panic as I was getting worse and worse with my tummy and headache and then I vomited. Stew decided to start packing up the van in case we needed to go to the Kununura hospital because it was about 70 k’s from here. I think I was suffering from a bit of heatstroke. We thought we were fine because we were under shade most of the day, but this is unmerciful, hot country (as if we didn't know that). Stew said he felt like Burke and Wills :)

The tummy ache went on persistently and as I lay on the gravel Stew comforted me by singing some songs on the guitar and talking about Sunny Boy iceblocks! - well it worked for a while andI fell asleep to for a little bit. The worst of it was over. By that time the van had cooled down a bit and we went to bed. What a night! Now I know why it's called 'Dead horse springs'.

9^th September 2010

We vowed never to camp out in the open again in that kind of heat and headed straight back to Kununurra to the pool. I was still a little weak and weary, but I got through the night : )

After the pool (ahh, water) we made all the phone calls and emails we had to make.

I rang the Timber Creek Hotel to confirm that the gig was still on for tomorrow night. It’s all thumbs up and she’ll even let us stay at the caravan park there for 2 nights free. Bonus - and there’s a pool too.

I also emailed our next door neighbour Raymond about a gig he had organized for us in Alice springs with Lulu Reinhardt and unfortunately that was cancelled which is a shame. I was looking forward to that one.

We got to Timber Creek about 4pm - Back over the border to NT and settled in and dived into the pool. We had dinner and then decided to go and have a drink at the hotel and check out the venue where we’ll be playing – upstairs in the bistro. It’s pretty nice. An olden style bistro with the menu on a whiteboard. I thought that was pretty cute.

The bar below us was filled with the people, then on the street a 'friendly' fight broke out between two indigenous guys, which of course became 'unfriendly'. Their women were trying to stop them, swearing and yelling -full on. We got talking to the guy at the bar who was a tourist from Ireland and had been working there at the hotel for about a year.

He said that the indigenous guys who were fighting are regulars at the pub and they won’t do anything too stupid because they know that if they do, Pauline (the owner) will shut the pub down and there’s nowhere to go for 200 k’s either side to get alcohol. Pauline came on the scene and calmed things down saying "If you keep mucking up, you'll end up in jail tonight and no one wants that". Then the community patrol officers loaded up their van and took the troublemakers home. It's amazing how those guys sobered up when their booze was threatened by Pauline :)
The cane toads were out in the night and the guy at the bar said if we saw any to kill them. I don’t really have the heart to do that and neither does Stewart. We saw hundreds of them. He also said that if you lick the back of a cane toad it’s like taking LSD (mmm...I'll give that a go later) and if freddy gets poisoned by them, he’ll probably die. I’ll take a pic for you tomorrow night. It's much cooler tonight and I’m feeling so much better now : ) Thanks for asking.

xxxx