Sweet Dreams

While going through my playlist the other day I came across an amazing lady I thought I should share with you again.  You may know but if you don't its the wonderfully talented Ali McGregor.   I first discovered Ali many years ago by pure accident at the Melbourne Comedy festival and only a bit of research that I discovered that I had actually seen her perform with Opera Australia.  

I adore the fact that Ali sees so much beauty in the music she works with, but most of all I adore the way she can rework a song.  After attending her Late Night Variety Act during the comedy festivals I have never been able to listen so certain songs the same way again.  For instance Kylie Minogue's song "can't get you out of my head" will now always seem like a song for a stalker thanks to Ali's great reworking of it.  

So in honor of this amazing songstress I thought I'd share a clip of her performing "Sweet Dreams (are made of this)"originally by the Eurythmics.  It may be a song that has been covered a lot by the likes of Marilyn Manson and even Emily Browning in the movie Sucker Punch, but there is just something so beautiful about Ali's version.  So I hope you enjoy.

Hey mr postman

 

In this age of twitter, email and Skype (to name a few) its rare that we get excited by going to our mail boxes as there only ever seems to be bills lurking there or a ton of junk mail.  However this week I was pleasantly surprised to see a package from Woodend waiting to greet me.  Inside this plain white package was a gift of joy from an artist who is very dear to me; Tom Dickins.  As a proud supporter of his music since I discovered him last year I was overjoyed to find to hard copies of his CD's signed and waiting for me in my mail box.  Not only were these copies signed but they had a personal message on them for me which made them ever more special.  It warms my heart to think that Tom took time out of his day to sign these for me and send them.  So needless to say these are now in pride of place on my Music wall and they are being listened to over and over again on all my playlists, which makes me even more excited about his current project which so many of us are helping to support.  

So please get out there and support your local music acts.  They need your love and support, coz you never know just how much a kind word or a cd/merch purchased can help them to achieve their dreams.  If you like what they do, show your support it all counts.

my new pride and joys

Fight Like a Girl

 

Thanks to Ms Selma I was given a copy of the new release songs of the amazing Emilie Autumn collection known as F.L.A.G or the full title as Fight Like a Girl. Based on her autobiographical novel, The Asylum for Wayward Victorican Girls the album has been described as "an operatic feminist treatise set inside an insane asylum, wherein the female inmates gradually realize their own strength in numbers."  

All I can say is it's amazing and I can't wait to get my hands on the CD with its beautiful artwork.  The music ranges from dark electronic, haunting 18th century harpsichord and almost classical beat-poetry.  I'm not sure how long Australian fans will have to wait for the official release and long awaited tour but when Emilie does return to our shore she will be greeted with joy.  So far I do have a few fav's like "we want them young", "if I burn", 'The Key" and of course "Fight like a girl".  This is a must for all fans.

Tom Dickens a musical angel

Music means so much to me, and its no secret that I love artists that play from the heart.  If your music has a story to tell then let me hear it and especially if your an independent artist let me share in your passion.  This probably all stems from growing up around struggling musicians and artists but I believe we are all here to support the arts in all its forms.  

Thanks to the many independent artist I listen to and attend performances of I have been introduced to so many more amazing talents out there.  It was just over a year ago that one such artist introduced me to The Jane Austen Argument whom I adore.  Which of course has lead me to listen to the works of Tom Dickens on his solo projects.  

Tom Dickens describes himself on his website as "an independent musician, singer, songwriter, performer and director based in Melbourne. I am a solo artist, and also a founding member of The Jane Austen Argument"  Personally I see him as a musical angel who's music cuts you to the core then holds you while you give over to emotion.  Its hard for me to choose a favourite of his songs but if push came to shove I would have to say "the Unchartered" is my pick. There is just something on about this piece that draws me in and wants to fall asleep to it only in the hope that I dream of a world where everything is possible.

Which brings me to another ask of you all dear readers.  

As Tom says "it is such a exciting time to be a musician right now.  The rules have changed.  The relationship between the artist and the audience is just so much closer than it ever has been before" which means you can now really show your support.  Put your money and support right behind the artist; cement the connection that says "I love what you do and what you create".  So please watch the vid link below and pledge what you can to help this amazing melbourne dream creator make his dream come true.

Also if you want to hear this music in the flesh come join me and others at the Balaclava Hotel, Melbourne this friday night (june 8th) and cheer on this brilliant artist and his sings his songs for us.  You will be really glad you braved the cold melbourne weather to hear him.  Much love to you Mr Dickens from this little tikidoll

A call to arms - we are the media

This is not my normal "wow Amanda Palmer is amazing"; ok so in a way it is but its also about all of the people out there that make a difference.  This is a call to arms you could say.

Personally I am a big lover of the arts - music, movies, art, theatre you name it I will give it a chance.  I believe that the power of the arts especially music is more than I can express.  Music has changed my moods, locked in memories of people and places, not to mention inspired me. All day I had been checking my Twitter feed to see what was going on and Amanda's was in overdrive with thank yous but I couldn't see the reason why so much love was being shared over the world.  In fact it wasn't till I got home and jumped online to watch the GeekandSundry channel did my YouTube homepage explain it all to me.  Once opening the page I saw Amanda had uploaded the vid you see above and it all made sense.  It is a call to arms for her new record/artbook/tour all on Kickstarter.

 

Basically Amanda and the GTO need some help to fund their music.  The fundraiser lasts for 30 days with the aim to raise $100,000 for the album/tour/artbook.  Now that's a lot of money when the minimum pledge is $1, thats a lot of love from fans needed.  And thats exactly what Amanda and the GTO have recieved.  

On saturday night I put my money where my heart is and pledged to help this project and thanks to many others the stats look like this (as of monday when i checked.)

BACKERS : 10,382

GOAL: $100,000

PLEDGES RAISED: $571,299

DAYS TO GO:24

WOW!!!!!! is all I can say, and yes this does restore my faith in a world where digital priracy is everywhere.  This is people saying I will give YOU the ARTIST the money to SUPPORT YOU.  Every time I watch the clip I get teary as I reminds me of the days when artist were supported by individual people not just large corporations. 

I also thought I would share what amanda has said on this all about 15 hours ago on the kickstarter page.

"Update #1: welcome to the project! HOLY FUCK 

GOOD LORD.

we did it, dear comrades. we're doing it.  do you see what's happening for cry-eye?  i thought this would work, but i didn't know it would fucking EXPLODE!!!!!!

i have so much to say to you all, but let me point out the most important thing, really, truly:

YOU GUYS CREATED THE RAGING FIRESTORM that made this crazed success possible.

YOU YOU YOU.

from the moment we launched, i watched you all spreading the link, creating facebook groups to get the house parties, supporting at whatever level you could, telling people what you'd done…i watched the twittersphere and blogosphere going BERSERK with shared information: that was YOU, that was not me. 

 it's still happening. 

the word about the record and the kickstarter is spreading like madness....via the people who are supporting it. 

THAT'S HOW IT WORKS. so THANK YOU. we all did this together.

thank you not only for backing at whatever level you did: but for BEING THE MEDIA. 

no rolling stone, no spin, no TV, no radio...none of that. 

PEOPLE POWER. 

 

this is the new way, motherfuckers: we come first - the media follows. not the other way around.

we all went to work and we all did our part to spread the information.

and look what it did. the whole world is watching, and it's awesome. the SCALE of this means we're making history.

 

i've been doing this crazy job for a long, long time. and i've never felt stronger, braver, and more supported...i feel like i'm crowdsurfing on a sea of 10,000 loving arms.it's the best feeling in the world.

so.....

you're going to be getting lots of updates from me and the team, starting NOW...and i'm going to try my darndest to make you all thrilled and happy as hell that you chose to back this epic undertaking.

and seriously? WAIT UNTIL YOU HEAR THE RECORD....you're going to flip your shit. 

i go into the NYC mastering studio with john & michael this thursday to finalize the sound and song order. i'll try to get some video for you.

i love you all so much.

i'm in a bit of a daze. things are about to GO MENTAL....thanks for being on this beautiful ride with me, the band, and my whole team.

yesterday we did a photoshoot in NYC with my friend kyle cassidy...and this one's for you guys:"

So from one fan here in melbourne i say "I LOVE AND SUPPORT YOU".  Yes we are the media, yes we are the ones who can hold the special ones in this world high, we CAN support each other.  LOVE YOU AMANDA FROM TIKIDOLL

I'm the One That's Cool

 

 

No secret here that I consider myself a bit geeky.  Sure if you saw me at super nova I was the one in the purple wig dressed as Gaz you would agree.  What you may not of know is while walking around the convention I was listening to one of my new fav songs "I'm the one that's cool" performed by the Guild.

If your not sure what I'm talking about I highly suggest you check out the Guild or Geek and Sundry channels to see some of the best vids on all things geek.  Plus thanks to Xbox many years ago this was where I first discovered the great web series The Guild about a bunch of MMO gamers. 

All of this introduced me to one of the most amazing gals; My geek goddess Felicia Day.  Felicia is not only stunning but she has a real understanding of what its like to be a girl gamer/geek, and thanks to her writing has helped show that were are more than just a stereotype.

Over the last few years the Guild web series has spread from just a few of us knowing to 100,000's of us logging on each week to watch the adventures of the guild.  Now we also get the joy of listening to vlogs about every thing geek.  Hence I thought I would share.

As always in this world of the independent media please support with the simple act of subscribing or even donating to this channel.

Just one more thing before I sign off, below are my favorite lyrics in this song.

Got my comics

got my games

all the things you thought were lame

Got my Cosplay

Fan fic too

Got you pegged as DFU

What I'm listening to

Its that time again when I share amazing bands.  Today's feature is the Jane Austin Argument.  If your unsure of who I'm talking about the Jane Austen Argument are a musical duo featuring Tom Dickins and Jen Kingwell. This amazing team will make you want to listen to track after track after track with the beautiful songs.  Some of you may have seen them feature with Amanda Palmer (hence where the clip below is from) or if you have frequented the Butterfly Club in Melbourne.

So please click, listen and hunt down more of their tunes

The JaneDear Girls

I was searching youtube.com the other night looking for new makeup and hair tutorials and I came across a young lady names Suzie Brown. After watching a great little clip I decided to have a look at what else she had put up and I came across her band The JaneDear Girls. If you haven't heard of these gals they are a country duo consisting of Susie Brown (vocals, mandolin, fiddle, bass, guitar, accordion) and Danelle Leverett (vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica).

Their music is a bit country and a bit rocknroll which suits my current mood perfectly, not to mention I love Suzie's style. So after watching a few clips I figured I'd share and of course you can purchase their album on itunes if your interested. So grab your cowboy boots, gingham shirt and hit that dance floor!!!

Music Review Time - Barry M

With my hair in rockabilly curls and bright red lips its time that I declare my LOVE for my new album from my favorite Australian Singer Songwriter Barry Michael. Now long time readers will know that my love affair with Barry's music has been a long time thing, ok so I've been a fan since the 1980's but really what's time when your in love.

Well as you can see above I have in my hot little hands a copy of his latest album I Am Your Sky (iTunes) which I do suggest you grab. Why you may ask????? Well because apart from being fabulous (yep major fan here and fingers crossed I can get a chance to tell him this in person) its a great album full of songs that make you want to dance and sing out loud too. There are some wonderful tracks like "can't we get along" that make you want to dance around the house regardless of who's watching. There may be some footage taken by my friends of me dancing around the garden to this song in very 60's style moves. Think Brian Setzer meets Elvis meets Paul Kelly!!!!

Then there are the songs that pull at your heart like "Over You" but not in that sad emo way, more like "I'm sad about this but that's ok" sort of a way. There is something in these tracks that speak more hidden meanings the more you listen to them. As I write this I am listening to the track "I have always loved you" which just makes you smile and want to hug your friends and family.

Oh and the title track "I am your sky" (which is a love song) speaks to me on many levels. Personally I hear it as more than just love of another person, for me its about a love that hides in everything we do. And with that said I will leave you to enjoy the title track of the new release and please jump onto itunes and buy this. SUPPORT LOCAL ARTISTS!!!!!!

Hello Panda

Its no secret that I have a geeky side, probably doesn't help that I work in a very geeky work place 5 days a week. However everynow and the something really makes me smile in the tech world, and this week its a new Ipod dock that I found. Yep its an ipod dock in the shape of a panda!!!!

Sure I already have an ipod dock in my study that works perfectly well but....it doesn't look like a panda. I'm still yet to test out the sound on this cutie but I have a feeling it may be coming home anyway and my dull ipod dock can go live in the guest room. Surely that's enough justification????? Hey if your going to have a house full of technology it might as well make you smile as well as be practical.

Preparing for EA

One of the 'duties' of my friends is to help me discover new music and my dear friend Vustoxn in Sydney I have been introduced to the amazing Emilie Autumn. Add to the fact that Vustoxn is flying down for one night to take me to Emilie Autumn's show on Tuesday night; I can say that its been a quick love affair with Ms Autumn and her works.

If you don't know about Emilie she is an American singer-songwriter, poet, and violinist. Autumn draws influence for her music—the style of which she has alternatively labeled as "Victoriandustrial". Her shows incorporate elements of classical music, cabaret, electronica, and glam rock with theatrics, burlesque and "flamboyant" outfits. So in other words this is more and theatrical production than just an other concert.


If you have been reading my twitter you will see that I have been listening to her music for most of this week, which means I've had her songs stuck in my head for a better part of the week. All in all I'm loving her work as there is a sweet yet dark element to it which works well for me. So far I'm addicted to "Thank God I'm Pretty" and "Marry Me" which are two songs that have a "marie antoinette" quality to them.

Well I'm off to have a fashion crisis over what I'm going to wear on Tuesday night....wish me luck

Thank Goodness for Aussie Music

A big smile is on my face at the moment thanks to Australian artist Wally De Backer or as he is more commonly known these days by his stage name Gotye. I'm not sure exactly when I first discovered his music, I think it was around 2006 when I first got my hands on this album "Like Drawing Blood". I admit I had the CD on repeat so much I actually wore it out and had to invest in a second and then the digital download.

So its no surprise that when I was given a copy of his latest work "Making Mirrors" I was over the moon. For me his music is amazing as it reaches across so many different genres and there is a track for almost every mood. A big thanks also goes to the Australian radio station Triple J who first introduced me to this wonderful artist and have been playing the album for me. I have put up a clip from the album its called "Somebody That I Used To Know" and features another great artist Kimbra, who I am also getting hooked on. There is just something about this song that makes me want to turn it up load and belt out the lyrics. So please have a listen.

I would also like to invite you all, if you like the sound of Gotye's work, to go out and buy the CD or jump online at Itunes and get the album. All artists should be supported and I urge to support our local talent as they make amazing music and should be supported to make more. If you do jump on itunes grab the deluxe version as it has a digital booklet and video clips including the making of the album.

So a big virtual hug to one of my favorite Australian artist Wally De Backer, I love your music and I look forward to many years of great work from you.

30 songs in 60 days challenge pt5

5. A song that makes you sad
Bad Wine and Lemon Cake by The Jane Austen Argument

performed by The Jane Austen Argument with Amanda Palmer

This song was on a recent release of Amanda's (yes you all knew she'd get in this list at some point) and thankfully she introduced me to The Jane Austen Argument and the beautiful sound of Tom Dickenson. I find his voice so captivating that I could listen to him sing for hours on end. I have actually been lucky enough to not only see The Jane Austen Argument perform here at the Butterfly club in melbourne but also with the amazing Amanda Palmer. This song does make me sad but in a good way, if there is such a thing. It just reaffirms my belief that music is food for the soul as it can lift you up, hold you and often say what you can't seem to. Enjoy!!!!

30 songs in 60 days challenge pt3

3. A song that reminds you of someone
Your Guardian Angel by The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

This song was recently given to me as part of a tradition I have with my friends. I ask all my friends to give me at least one song/artist that I have never heard of before in an effort to expand my musical taste and to understand what interests my friends. Needless to say every time I hear it I am reminded of them. It makes me think of our friendship and the amazing time we have together not to mention that I know we will always be there for each other, as we have been through a lot together. So to my dear friend if your reading this THANK YOU!!!!

new music

I am always in search of new music. Well maybe not the new lastest up to the minute style music but new to me. One of the best ways I've found to discover diverse bands, songs and music is general is to ask those around you what they are listening to. Personally I also ask all of my new friends to make me a playlist of songs they think I should hear. Sometimes I've heard it before and other times I get given rare gems that I never would of found without their help.

However this latest discovery is not from those offerings, in fact I stumbled on a 10sec track as the opener to a tv show. With a 10sec riff I was hooked and searched out the song writers only to discover The Pierces.

The album which I discovered was Thirteen Tales of Love and Revenge, and lets just say its fantastic. Their style is such a mix of artists but also unique, think Fiona Apple, Regina Specktor, a bit of the darker side of Amanda Palmer. My favourites are "Secret," and "It was You". "Boring" has a great dark feel and as weird as it sounds it reminds me of my fav gal from "Gossip Girl" Blair at her darkest. Be sure to jump on YouTube or Itunes and give it a listen, its well worth it.

Happy Hottest 100 day!

Here in Australia it's our national day of celebration, however for a few of us we celebrate the Triple J Hottest 100 instead.

I admit I am via bias to Triple J having been a fan most of my life and also having worked for the ABC for many years. For those of you who don't know what I'm talking about Triple J is the youth radio station of the countries big broadcaster ABC - Australian Broadcasting Corporation - or the aussie version of the BBC or ABC (usa). From memory its been going for about 20 years where the nation votes the best songs released for the previous year. Hence the countdown being held today will be voting on the best songs released in 2010. From what I last heard the poll attracts over a million votes via web and SMS voting. So in honor of this great day I'm heading to a BBQ to hear the coundown with friends.

Happy Triple J day.

Back to the laptop

Ok.... so I've been on a bit of break over the last few months, but I'm finally back at the keyboard.

And as a good start to the year I spent last night dancing to an amazing band called the Barons of Tang, a gypsy deathcore band. As we all know I adore different music and this melbourne band was no different. With a combination of musical styles that blend seamlessly into one including Tango, Rockabilly, Metal and Gypsy the use of massive horn arrangements, wicked guitar and amazing double bass playing it was hard to not want to dance around the very small venue we ended up in. Needless to say Bar Open is a great (if not small) venue which really puts you in the music as it swirls around you tempting you to dance and give into the amazing talents of the performers.

So if you get a chance to see this band its a must but be ready for an eclectic mix of sounds (and fans).

Fat Freddy's Drop Live at the Forum Melbourne

Sorry dear readers for the long radio silence. However I am glad to report I'm back!

Friday night finally came. Yep thats right the long awaited FAT FREDDY'S DROP concert. I've been counting down for months for this and finally at 8pm on friday the 26th the doors of the Forum Theater opened for all us fans.

With a great opening act to really get us in the mood it was no surprise it was a great night. It was one of those weird but cool nights. I saw staff member and their mates which was funny when I was introduced as "this is my boss", a funny statement to me when I'm out of uniform. I knew they were going, in fact this staff member was the one who actually let me know about the concert. So a big shout out to Hobbs for the heads up and what turned out to be my fav concert of the year.

However what was a complete surprise was seeing an old mate who I haven't seen in months. It was one of those see you across a crowded room, steal glances and see if its the right person. Then after the first act he made his way over and it was catch up time. It was fantastic to share the music and whats been going on in our lives over the last 6 months.

So my overall review. FANTASTIC NIGHT! cool music, surprise friends catch up, awesome location and finally got to see a band I love LIVE! Which makes me want to remind you all to take the chance and get out there in this big wide world. Even if you have to go alone you never know who'll you meet once your out there.

Musical Giggle

Sometimes we all need a bit of a giggle and this clip came across my desk. This group the Axis of Awesome can prove that all you need to write a great pop song is 4 chords. Have a listen and see how many you can pick!

Fat Freddy's at the Forum

Well its that time of year again. Bands on tour, festivals, daylight savings and a huge list of reasons why its time to embrace the spring sun and hit the town. Which all starts with my attendance of a concert at the Forum for Fat Freddy's Drop. This NZ band is making a trip across the water to bring their amazing tunes our way.

So in a few weeks we will all be there and yes there will be photos! So stay tuned!