The Music MATTador: his magic continues

Our deep gratitude to the MATTador for sharing his passion with us each week....... he continues to amaze me & hopefully you as well.......

Well it may be a week later than I had originally planned due to an unexpected hijacking by some cowboys from WA however this weeks artist is worth waiting for. As mentioned briefly last week the Australian people have voted and this guy almost cracked the top ten. Coming in at number 11 in the Hottest Australian Albums of all time voted by Triple J listeners, Gotye (pronounced Gor-tee-er) with his album 'Like Drawing Blood' cemented it's place in music history. If you are yet to listen to this album in full it's well worth your time, a seriously impressive debut album that after a few spins will become a permanent addition to your 'favourite's' playlist.

Originally from Belgium, Wouter De Backer aka Wally to all of his Australian friends, moved to our wonderful nation as a young child and showed a passion for learning instruments early, the drums became his love and to this day remain the epicentre of everything Gotye.

His music is a layer cake of amazement that centres on a simple beat (played by Wally of course) added to the mix is a bunch of loops, a sprinkle of synthesized keyboard tricks and iced with a distinct and addictive voice. If this is your first introduction then prepare to be floored, with the sound of a four piece band and the song writing skills of a pop music genius Gotye is basically in a genre of his own.

When I listen to this music I get the feeling I am on a journey through a magical place, it's feels like you are being invited on a back stage tour of his innermost thoughts yet he wraps it all up in a melody that demands positive energy.

The second release from his forthcoming album (19th of August) 'Making Mirrors' is 'Somebody that I used to know' and features another wonderful Australian artist, Kimbra. The perfect example of simplicity and complexity entwined, it describes an obvious relationship breakdown, but yet again the infectious melody will have you looking for the repeat button over and over. I am sure this will soon make it's way on to the poisonous 'high rotation' playlists of all commercial radio stations so before it gets beaton to death please lend your ear to a master at work.......... Please enjoy..................................................

http://gotye.com/home.html - scroll half way down the 'home' page of this site to find the magic that is gotye!

Tarsha, Graham, Jase & Koby: Greg Dries, Moods Photography

We are pleased to share a few images from Tarsha & Grahams family shoot last week.... Their property was the perfect location for the shoot, the boys had a great time...... as did I !!!

Kids Portraiture

THe Music MATTador, weekly report, Moods Photography, Greg Dries

Thankyou MATTAdor for another fabulous introduction to another amazing Aussie Band...

This weeks selection was a no brainer, an amazing Australian artist who's new single has just been released with the album due to follow in the coming month. He featured at the pointy end of Triple J's hottest 100 Australian Albums of all time poll (only revealed last week) nesting himself comfortably atop the pedestal of my favourite number (that's a clue for any of you who know my favourite number).

Then before you know it, from nowhere, Crisis! I stumble across a band that completely blows me away.

My decision is still an easy one (although deliberated heavily at my own mental round table) for one reason. I began this journey as the MATTador in the hope that I could share amazing artists/bands with you all and by doing so spread the joy that music brings to my life, this weeks artist epitomizes that philosophy.

This Australian group have it's roots heavily embedded in the Western Australian coastline, 3 old friends with years of memories and who's connection with each other is clearly evident in their song making. Jake and the cowboys (possible the best band name of all time) formed in 2009, played locally in 2010 and began collecting their share of acclaim last year by winning the Australian Indigenous Music scholarship.

JATC create music on a diverse scale that is difficult to pigeon hole. Not only do they debunk the popular perception of the typical 'Indignious Artist' they fuse elements of folk, pop, country and as seen in their latest single 'Brotherman' a touch of good old fashioned rock all with absolute precision. As you will hear when you embark on the journey via the link below, these guys are extremely talented musicians.

Their three song EP delivers Rock one minute, love and longing the next while finishing off with a hand clapping song that bounces along like one big ball of energy. Lyrically very delicate and honest JATC albeit very young in their life as a band deliver extremely mature and consistently complete music that has me asking one question over and over. Why have they not exploded all over our radios? I think the truth is I may be just a little early, give these guys 12 months and you will all be able to say 'I knew about them a year ago'!

Known in the west for their passion for playing live, I personally will be the first to grab a ticket when they come to Brizvagas (they assure me this will be sooner rather than later). I will keep you all posted on the dates and hope that we could all make a night of it!!

The link is to their facebook page where they have only 226 'Likes' (this absolutely baffles me), i'm sure once you hear their music you will adding yourself as a fan before you leave.

without further ado please enjoy............................ http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jake-and-The-Cowboys/108699585821935

One of my favourite places, Greg Dries, Moods Photography

I thought I would share a personal image of one of my favourite places in Australia, there is nothing like arriving at Circular Quay on a ferry. The Bridge, the Opera House, a truly special experience....

The Music MATTador, weekly report, Moods Photography, Greg Dries

The past week we have been battling the dreaded flu, unbelievably nasty !!!!! Today though we are feeling better than we have for what feels like an eternity..... & my mood was dramatically improved when I read the report from our friend "The MATTador" ... Mrs Mattador knows her music as well, I certainly wouldn't be messing with her....

Hope you enjoy this weeks report as much as I did....

Well, I ate a piece of humble pie this week and to be completely honest it didn't taste that bad, in fact it was very sweet. After several attempts to 'try' and like this group simply because of who they are, I had written them off. Three individuals who on their own have made it to the upper echelon of Australian music and had tried their hardest to keep this project under wraps simply because of the stir it would create in the industry.

Mrs MATTadore says to me about a month ago - "hey i've found this new band, Seeker Lover Keeper", I cut her off in a hasty reply that went something like "Nuh I hate em, boring as, just cant get into them"!

There's my piece of pie right there!!

Seeker Lover Keeper is the collaboration of three amazing australian female musicians Holly Throsby, Sarah Blasco and Sally Seltman. Initially I had an underlying gut feeling that their sound echoed three individuals struggling to outdo each other in an epic battle to become the lead, however, upon release of their self titled debut album things became much clearer. The band decided to release three singles not one, each fronted by a different member in an attempt to showcase their uniformity and individuality. Their exquisite individual performances are perfectly supported by the accompanying duo, the three seem to almost enjoy watching each other shine while being genuinely grateful to be creatively involved.

I realised suddenly without any notice that I was taken by this song, I remember placing it (in my thoughts) as the perfect song to accompany an image viewing experience at the wonderful Moods studio. It's not that it was the first time I had herd it but on this specific occasion, for reasons unbeknown to me, the lyrics grabbed me and slapped me in the face. Whilst initially uninvited in my secure mental volt of 'great music', Seeker Lover Keeper has won over it's host, I am now more than happy to sit back and enjoy their sweet folk pop sounds and watch their journey with anticipation of what could evolve for these wonderful musicians.

The song chosen is 'Light all my lights' (lead is Sarah Blasco) please enjoy.......................................

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZpEAsKe3270