Sultans of Sydney

Recently befriended a whole bunch of street artists painting the city whacky. Met one of the guys through a friend of a friend at a party and since have been hanging out with the bunch in their gallery at 55 Enmore rd Newtown.

The ‘Oh Really’ gallery is the perfect place for anyone who wants to wander in and gaze at canvases or even sit on the couch with a beer and a sketchbook. This totally laid-back atmosphere are what these guys are all about. Plus their artwork is super. 

Last thursday night the boys asked me to perform a tap dance to open their ‘culture jam’ event on the premises. People flocked from all over and filled up the tiny space with great vibes and casual chit chat. Later the tunes got rolling when some MC’s started free-styling to a band.

Another band followed and soon instruments began to rotate around everyone amongst all the radical dancing. Meanwhile two live artists ‘Kwan’ & ‘Sribla’ were contributing to the atmosphere in creating a really kick-ass collaboration on the back wall.

These have inspired me to pick up my sketchbook again. Maybe even try out this ‘paste-up’ business. Who knows? So Sydney art-fiends – check it out. 

OH REALLY

 

back wall of 'oh really' by ears and max

 

Soul Sensations

You know you get to a point in your music collection when you are completely over everything you have and are looking for some kind of major inspiring breakthrough in new and rarely discovered music? 

I am currently at this point and thrilled to have found a small collection of artists who I found via their own collaborations with other artists such as the much loved koop album I own.

LISTEN - http://www.myspace.com/koop

ANE BRUN

I discovered this beautiful voice many moons ago when she joined forces with Koop on the ‘Koop Island Blues’ a song which I will never tire of…

Her personal work is much a different style from that of Koop, she dwells in the genres alternative/folk/acoustic and hails from stockholm in Sweden – which does make her albums hard to get a hold of in Australia.

I took her music with me on my travels to Austria and now every-time I listen I think of nothing but long train journeys peering out into the snow covered trees and pastel coloured cottages.     

LISTEN - http://www.myspace.com/anebrun

RON SEXSMITH

I don’t know much about him but he worked with Ane on a track called No.6 which I am absolutely in love with. It is very big-band broadway style and you can listen to it on Ane Brun myspace.

Ron himself is from Toronto in Canada and considers himself to be part of the folk/rock genre. I would go as far to say there is a bit of soul in there too. He has a very smooth voice that attracts me – this kind of lazy sway in his voice that reminds me of very classic old film musicals. 

I recommend checking out his cover of Brandy Alexander…

LISTEN - http://www.myspace.com/ronsexsmith

BRITTA PHILLIPS & DEAN WAREHAM

Are a couple of very talented vocalists. Dean used to run a band called Luna and then has progressed to solo and duo projects with Britta. Britta is an amazing woman with an incredible vocal range as demonstrated on the track ‘you turn my head around’ on their latest album Back Numbers.

Together this New York pair work beautifully – producing a very lyrical electric/folk sensation. If it is any good reference Dean sounds very very similar to the lead singer of The Panics. 

LISTEN - http://www.myspace.com/deanandbritta ( I recommend playing the video )

TEITUR

Is a friend of Ane from Stockholm and has collaborated with her on occasion. He has a very expressive voice and his music is extremely varied. He is currently about to release another album called The Singer.

I don’t know a whole lot about him only that I really adore what music he has to offer in the way of acoustic/folk rock/alternative. I suggest you listen to his cover of Louis Louis…

LISTEN - http://www.myspace.com/teitur

X-Wray

This cafe’ has satisfied my post-drinking trauma many late mornings. In this token Fremantle relaxed and cultured atmosphere – you can enjoy all kinds of meals including vegetarian/organic and tapas. The interior hosts all kinds of decorations and artworks to gaze upon while you devour your dinner. However, I most enjoy sitting in the leafy alfresco area enjoying the sunshine, abusing the free wireless internet and the service of some very cheerful staff. You can visit X-Wray on 3/13 Essex St. Fremantle for breakfast lunch and dinner till 11pm. The food is affordable with Entrée at $8, Mains from $8 – $16.50 and Dessert $4 – $9.