The EPIC FOLK East-Coast Tour 10 October 2011
What a whirlwind! I was so lucky to join Khristian Mizzi & The Sirens on their tour with Beth King and the Hemingway Collective during this September/October, and Oh! What a ride!
The journey set off from Melbourne with a gig at Gertrude’s Brown Couch, and it was a fantastic turn out, with those ready to wish the band well.
With a hired bus, trailer, and with the forever trustworthy van ‘Theodore’, we loaded up and headed on our way.
16 days, 12 gigs, 2000 kilometers. The days began to bleed together pretty early, so forgive me if I leave anything out. I was a newcomer to the East-coast region and many of the towns and country side were stunning. We camped incredibly close to the shore at Umina beach. A beautiful setting, where ducks ate some of our food, but the ‘Epic Folk’ lifestyle began early with both bands settling into the spa in the evening.
Sticking to beaches. Our time at Seal Rocks was so special. It’s amazing how the unplanned moments can stay with you forever. Steve, at the Treachery campsite, was so accommodating and was keen to let the bands play at the site. So with a car battery for the source of power, and the campers as the audience, music played into the night. And even when the power ran out, a keen camper donated his car to keep the music going. A full set up of instruments, amps and speakers in the middle of the bush is a majestic sight. Bassist and sound engineer Frank did a great job ensuring that the mix was perfect. Again, I must send cudos to Steve, it couldn’t have happened without his kindness and support and additionally, I must thank Tim (he runs the Café in the grounds) he donated cash for a slab for the band on their tour. It was such an amazing tour, besides the amazing music that drives it, it’s so great to feel the warmth of those who were once strangers support it and for the new friendships between bands.
We were so lucky to enjoy fantastic weather for the majority of the trip. All of our camping adventures were enjoyed without a drop of rain. We travelled between inland farms, rolling hills, majestic mountains, clear sandy beaches and saw so much of this beautiful country. Campfire moments are always savored. Acoustic music, new friends, midnight snacks and a lot of laughs.
The Pheonix Pub in Canberra felt like a little bit of Melbourne in Canberra. The punters there enjoyed and supported good music, the venue was great and both bands were well received.
Also, the Federal Hotel in Bellingen was a memorable gig (firstly, I tried the most delicious oysters ever – thanks Tristian), Dan’s team won the football and both bands performed together at the end of the night in true ‘Epic Folk’ style.
What I don’t get, is how these guys didn’t get exhausted after so many straight gigs. Every set seemed better than the last, and rather than run out of energy, they were more enthusiastic as the tour continued. Every morning I awoke with a new song stuck in my head and looked forward to the next gig. And I gotta send a big thanks to Khristian for smashing out one of the best endings to ‘Fallen Through’ at the Music Kafe.
I can’t imagine what it was like for Frank, not only did he play in both bands, but he frequently plays the role of sound technician too. He managed to earn himself a minor break when the wonderful Dan Redgrave joined the tour. In Byron Bay, Bellingen, Brisbane and The Gold Coast, he kindly volunteered his services. With his funny stories, warm friendship and support.
I guess what really helped plug things along were Jess’ culinary skills as she ensured we were well fed for the trip and the Collective deserve a major thanks as they were so prepared and organized in getting this tour up and running. After the new friendships made, we are looking forward to what the future holds next.
Pictures will soon be posted on this site........stay tuned....
We're on the road to....- September 15 2011
Please forgive the lack of updates! It has been a busy time.
The Sirens having ben working with Beth King and the Hemingway Collective in putting together a tour up the coast of Australia. You can check out all dates on the gig page. Additionally, the band just picked up their new tour EP from the printers today! And we would love to thank Ashley MacLennan for his excellent work on the albums cover art and Steve Arthur at Bayonet for helping create the bands commemorative tour t-shirts!
Are you gonna go my way? - April 27 2011
Just a general update fo ya'll not in the know. KM&TS are still in the studio recording their new album, sure it's taking a while, but why wouldn't it when you're having fun creating great music with good friends. I'm hoping, if we're lucky, that the album release will coincide with their planned East-Coast Tour. If half the band can tour Canada, why can't the whole band tour Australia? All imperative details can be found on the web-site in future months!
Festivals a go-go - March 29 2011
March was a fun month. KM&TS played the Boolarra Folk Fesitval and recieved the same warm welcome that they have become acostomed to over time. The festival seems to get bigger and better every year, with the calabre of artists, plus street stalls and beautiful Gippsland weather I still wonder how this whole thing is free! So if you've never made it the the BFF before, try and make the effort next March!
After the BFF the band also played the largely community supported Basin Music Festival. This year KM&TS played at Acorn on the Forrest and rocked the full room of festival goers and the punters outside. Suffice to say another gig at The Basin is on the cards in the very near future.
Down in the Valley - February 27 2011
Last night Khristian was invited to play solo with Steelbirds and Andrew Ferguson at Old Gippstown. The reception in the valley is always so amazing and this gig was no exception. More gigs in Gippsland are gonna have to be on the cards yeah? Let's hope so! Band or solo, it's always a very special evening in the valley.
Where is my mind! - February 16 2011
Admittedly, I am a bit behind on the updates of late. Since the crew returned from Canada they have been in the full swing of recording. Those who added themselves to the email address received the Canada update and if you haven't joined yet and would like to, simply send an email to 'contact@khristianmizzi.com' with 'Add me' in the subject heading.
If you'd like to read about the Canada experience, Alexander Ross wrote an entertaining and intriguing article in the 'BC Musician Magazine' called 'Adventures of the Festival Arts Bus'.
With a lot of gigs this March the crew hope to see you guys soon!
Build a Bridge - July 6th 2010
This morning Frank, Alex and Jess from the Festival Arts bus had an interview on CKUT FM Montreal radio station. If you'd like a listen you can tune into the abridged version here. The track goes for 11 mins. Frank, Jess and Alex talk about touring on the big yellow bus and are followed by a track from Khristian.
Live video recording at the Railway - June 23rd 2010
Huge thanks to Canada Lynx Records for posting two songs from Khristian & Franks gig at the Railway Club in Vancouver. Click here to watch 'Silent Treatment' and 'Miss You' live. Accompanying the boys on the drums was 'in-house' drummer Shawn Killaly.
Coming to you live on CiTR Radio - June 19th 2010
This morning Khristian & Frank appeared live on CiTR 101.9 FM's Friday Sunrise show in Vancouver. The great news is that you can listen to the podcast of the show here.
Khristian & Frank talk about their experiences in the band, play live in the studio and also play a tune by RPG Radio. Hope you enjoy it!
It begins... - June 15th 2010
Four days after arrival, the guys played their first gig with three other bands in East Vancouver at Timo's Art Gallery. The gallery was filled with art from the Vancouver area and was kinda like Siebii's.
On Wednesday the 16th of June, Frank and K will perform at the famous Railway Club in downtown Vancouver. Word around town is that this is the place for upcoming bands in the area to showcase their work to the die hard music fans and to promote and launch albums (kinda like the Wesley Anne)
On Friday morning, Frank and K have a spot on UBC (University of British Columbia) Radio. They'll be interviewed and playing live on the program. College radio is pretty popular over there.
On Friday the boys head to Montreal via the Entheos Festival.
stay tuned....
Get Taken For a Ride in Canada this Summer!!! - June 2010
In a wee few hours Khristian & Frank will be landing in Vancouver, Canada to begin their 'Khristian Mizzi & Friends' tour on The Festival Arts Bus, a multi-arts project which will travel to various festivals and events around Canada. You can become a friend of the FAB group here. Also, if you are a performer you can JOIN THE BUS! You don't need to be a musician, there will be a variety of independent artists, musicians and performers. Here at the KM&TS site we will frequently update where the boys will be performing and letting you know what they get up to in their downtime.
There is going to be a FAB official launch party on the 16th of June. and it will be the boys first official gig overseas!
Time to Syn! - April 2010
In March, Khristian & Frank were interviewed by the guys at Syn FM/1700. You can watch the interview and an acoustic version of 'World Turns' at the Sound & Vision page
The Boys Are Heading to Canada
Yes, it's true. Khristian and Frank are packing up and heading to Canada for a cool three months. Stay tuned for further details on gigs and what else the boys get up to!
Beautiful World Gets a Review at the Luna Kafe - March 2010
Beautiful World got a great review at Luna Kafe. Luna Kafe review albums from all over the world and if you'd like to have a read you can access the link HERE
Listen to an Interview with Khristian on ABC Radio - December 2009
This week Khristian was interviewed by Celine Foenander on ABC Radio and talked about his music and new album Beautiful World. Click the link below to have a listen.
Kiss Me I'm Not Irish But I'll Learn - 22nd October
Ahhh, the luck of the Irish…On Thursday Khristian played a solo set at Paddy’s Tavern in Ferntree Gully. Paddy’s is a welcoming pub of which I think are very few and far between in many areas. Khristian played a combined set of originals and covers to a small and intimate audience and it was nice to hear Khristian play some of his solo stuff cause it’s been a while. Afterwards we enjoyed a good lock in session which only exacerbated my already inebriated state…good times :)
Wanna know some stuff? - October
Here's a link to some info about Khristian's background, influences and back story.
It's A Beautiful World at The Rainbow!!! 10th October
On Saturday night KM&TS returned to The Rainbow Hotel after a long hiatus since recording Beautiful World and the night was wicked! Just like old times The Rainbow soon filled up with fans and its loyal patrons who not only enjoyed KM&TS but the artists Asami followed by Jessica Moussi who came to play support.
Asami warmed up the evening nicely with their catchy and sweet tunes. Jess started her set with an acapella version of What a Wonderful World which made the whole pub hush, which was kinda weird…but kinda cool. Afterwards she played her originals backed with her guitar and Andrew Sheppard also got up to support with a few songs. If you get the opportunity to see Jess I highly recommend it! She CAN sing, she CAN play, you WILL enjoy!
Oh yeah, then KM&TH played two sets too! Did I mention THEY ROCKED. Their first set was more soulful and intimate and then BOO-YA! They went off. They played most of the tracks off the new album, plus my personal favourite Fallen Through – what a build up and what an amazing ending! Most of us are still left wondering though when will KM&TS get back into the studio so we can all have our own copy of the song World Turns to listen to at our own leisure???
Vote for KM&TS on Triple J Unearthed
Click on the following link to vote for the guys at Triple J - choose from your favourite tracks
W.K.H.
La Ofrenda
It's A Beautiful World
Manchester Lane, Edinburgh Castle & Burrinja Cafe - September 2009
On September 10th KM&TS headlined Manchester Lane to a great audience alongside Laura Hill. Followed by a set at Edinburgh Castle with Laura and Lisa Salvo on the 11th. KM&TS topped off the wknd with a special album launch at Burrinja Cafe organised by the lovely Charmaine and the helpful Bernie. It was a great night and now I just can't wait for...KM&TS TO RETURN TO THE RAINBOW THIS OCT 10TH!!!!!
THE ALBUM LAUNCH - August 2009
If you missed it, KM & The Sirens launched Beautiful World last week at The Northcote Social Club.
The band were rapt to see so many fans, friends and family come support them & the new album. The bus load from town (big thanks to Gene!) which brought KM's country roots supporters to the city, was a fantastic addition to the vast array of people that came to help celebrate the release.
The gig itself was awesome. First Shelly Seagal performed solo, just check out her myspace to get a sense of what your missing!!! Then RPG Radio, fronted by Darren Reston (Daz) performed a great set.
KM & TS played all of the tunes from the album and Khristian also got Giddon Symmonds to play his lap steel for Fallen Through and I'm Still Alive, which was really inspiring!
Jason Bunn, (who almost couldn't make the gig!) played along side Khristian with his viola for a lot of the early fan's favourites; Wishing. Those of you that don't know, Jason and Khristian played a lot during the Blue is Hope days and thereafter.
The day was full of energy and excitement. I loved it, it was so great to see so many people who have enjoyed Khristian's music and KM & The Siren's music in full force to support the guys. I can't wait for their upcoming gigs!
M x
