Blue Pie news, views, people and events:
SOUTHPAW
http://www.southpawmuzik.com/
Southpaw , OUTpsiDER
Southpaw was a 4 piece melodic rock band, based in Sydney, that evolved into the Southpaw project. The sound of Southpaw is unique and floats between the raw power of Led Zeppelin combined with the vocal beauty of Jeff Buckley.
Southpaw created songs with an atmosphere to take people away, even if just for the duration of the song. So if there’s someplace you’d like to be, let Southpaw take you there. Listen to the tracks loud and see what you can ...
GORDON WALLER:
In contrast to today's world of disposable artists, Gordon Waller is a genuine star that has lived it and still lives the life today.
He has had gold records, No.1 hits and still writes with the same passion that he did 40 years ago as singing duo with Peter Asher. Peter & Gordon met back around l961 at Westminster School in London who shared the same passion for music and became friends fast. Today Gordon works with Blue Pie Productions as the North American A&R Manager. He still performs and hosts his own radio show on Blue Pie web radio called "LIVING IT."
Peter and Gordon, www.peterandgordon.com, were the Everly Brothers of the British invasion that prefigured the folk-rock of the mid-60's. They harmonised in ear pleasing intervals, strummed acoustic guitars in tandem and recorded an impressively consistent string of hit songs. They were devout students of folk, blues and rock 'n' roll, and they fitted this amalgam through their own pop-flavoured English sensibility.
Peter Asher was the older brother of Jane Asher, Paul McCartney's girlfriend for much of the 1960's. It was through this connection that Peter and Gordon gained access to one of the few Lennon-McCartney compositions unrecorded by the Beatles, the aforementioned "World Without Love". Two other Lennon-McCartney songs became huge hits for Peter and Gordon: "Nobody I Know" spent six weeks in the Top 40 in the summer of 1964, peaking at No.12, and in the fall of 1964 "I Don't Want To See You Again" spent six weeks in the Top 40, peaking at No.16. "Woman" spent eight weeks in the Top 40, peaking at No.16 in the spring of 1966 (the last hit which was written by McCartney under a pseudonym). Suddenly Peter and Gordon were among the most recognizable faces of the British Invasion.
Peter and Gordon also turned out to be astute song finders outside the Lennon-McCartney sphere, recording spirited versions of tunes by Del Shannon ("I Go To Pieces"), Buddy Holly ("True Love Ways"), and Phil Spector ("To Know You Is To Love You"), all of which charted well inside the US, making the Top 40. As a duo, they appeared on every major music television show of the era, including the Ed Sullivan Show, Shindig, and Hullabaloo! They performed on tour with many major acts of the era, including the Beatles and the Rolling Stones. Following a four-year, ten song hit spree, Peter and Gordon went their separate ways in l968. Peter Asher decided to pursue a career in Production, leaving Gordon to carry on his own, performing solo and writing songs. In 1970 he came to America to record a solo album in New York entitled, ".and Gordon," which did not see the light of day due to the lack of promotion on the album. In l971 Gordon was approached by Tim Rice to play the part of Pharaoh in the musical "Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" at the Edinburgh Festival. Due to its success, the play toured London in several prominent theatres where he received standing ovations every night for the run of the play. In June l975, Gordon got married on the Australian shores, but as fate has intended, starred again in the same play but in Sydney. The reviews and audience reception were outstanding, and at the end of the Australia run Gordon decided to give stage work a break, but continued to write the occasional song, many of which are yet to be recorded.
Today, Gordon has his music publishing company with an exclusive list of writers and performers developing their talents and careers, and has recently finished the sound
track for the film "James Dean - Race With Destiny" which consists of original songs written by Gordon and his friends.
SAHRA:
With a truly magnetic and hypnotic voice, Australia's Sahra delivers not only the meaning of the lyrics but the true essence of the songs in her debut album, "Girl Parts". It is an intensely personal and emotive album where listeners experience an array of emotions in the lyrics: laughter as well as sorrow and tears. From a small country town north of Sydney, Australia, Sahra was introduced to the world of entertainment at an early age. As a child, Sahra was convinced that performing would be her life, which ultimately, led to opportunities as an actress on TV.
Her musical talent and angelic voice has seen her singing alongside high-profile Australian acts such as Vanessa Amorossi and Richard Clapton as well as touring with bands ceaselessly throughout Australia performing as a singer.
Since then, Sahra has blossomed into a striking pop-based singer-songwriter who, after meeting Damien Reilly, Director of Blue Pie Productions, was invited to record their first song, "Baby" with respected producer Phil Munro. For the debut album, Sahra and Damien set out to write a solid body of songs that would be timeless and that would be true to Sahra's vocal ability.
The first single released received critical acclaim, a remake of the 1978 R&B number one hit "Boogie Oogie Oogie" by "A Taste of Honey". It has since sky rocketed into the global scene, 577 million people was exposed to Sahra's rendition as it was licensed to the opening segment of the Iceland Fashion Week.
SLIMEY THINGS:
Slimey Things are a progressive experimental kitsch sci-fi electronic pop/rock band based in Sydney, Australia. The infamous group, known for their hybrid of infectious songs and energetic and upbeat live performances, Slimey Things have received much acclaim as one of the most unique acts in Sydney. Infusing lots of special effects, such as lasers, sci-fi and space sounds and explosions to give their listeners an outer space, movie-like reality as experienced back in the 80's.
A tight outfit for over five years, their unearthly sounds developed and evolved into an energetic blend of catchy pop, retro-futuristic rock, Zappa-esque metal, soundtrack music have seen their fan base triple since performing extensively around Sydney and the greater Sydney area.
Brought together by the enigmatic front man and guitarist Nick Soole, he unearthed other pseudo-pop maniacs, who on their own right are high-level achievers in their musical careers.
SLIMEY THINGS ARE:
Nick Soole - Composer/ Voice/ Electric Guitar Andrew Mortensen - Electric Bass/ Voice Matt D. Ward - Drums Ian Pieterse - Alto and Baritone Sax Tristan Baker - Laptop/MIDI Guitar/ Voice Daniel Pliner - Keyboards/Piano With widespread radio airplay and memorable "seared into your brain" with live performances; it seems only a matter of time before Slimey Things' catchy rhythms cannot be contained and breach into the earth defences.
TRACE ELEMENT:
Queensland's alt-heavy metal group started life 18 months ago in the Gold Coast when Nathan Ballard advertised in the local newspaper for band members. After a couple of line-up changes Trace Element's line-up was finally complete. Trace Element consists of Nathan Ballard (Vocal/Lead), Scott Chapman (Rhythm), Ben Doran (Drum) and Drew Carr (Bass/Vocals). Each band member are prolific artists, each having extensive experience, actively seeking to challenge themselves and their listeners through intense and provocative performances. Trace Element released their debut album, "Brand New Day", which became a hit on local radio. The band's regional success led to more prominent gigs where the band had gone from virtual unknowns to playing in front of a crowd of hundreds. "Brand New Day" became the fastest selling independent album released in the Gold Coast to date. Striking while the iron is hot, "Drowning", a track from their debut album became the most requested song of all time on Hot Tomato 102.9FM and eventually received national airplay throughout Australia. Blue Pie Productions spotted their exceptional talent and signed a publishing and recording deal with Trace Element. Soon after Blue Pie organised a management contract with Wayne from Voyager Music. To record an EP titled the "Forgotten Ones", the band decided to work with producer Richie Robinson (Audiolab) at Core Studios. The recording was completed within a week and is scheduled to be released early July 2005. With the combination of management support, Blue Pie and the guru production talents of Robinson, Trace Element's growing popularity, and the quality of the songs are sure to be a hit with the fans nationwide, spearheaded by their predicted hit song "Drowning". Their debut EP is a remarkable collection of great rock songs in the classic sense of the word.
BRIAN ELKINGTON:
'A Mark in Time", a new CD of original songs by Brian Elkington, is a refreshing example of the best of the acoustic singer-songwriter genre. The album reflects the talents of a gifted song writer; who has received several awards and nominations for his songwriting. His songs have great depth and richness, beautiful melodies and memorable lyrics.
Friends, family, home, accidental lovers and true love are some of the chapters in this story, each one part of the lyrical journey, with steps familiar to us all. It is heartfelt music that everyone can relate to.
"Husband's lament" covers the coming to grips with life's choices. "Odyssey" tells the story of 10 years of chasing opportunities in music all around the United States.
Brian grew up in the United States and moved to Sydney 14 years ago. Brian first started playing guitar and writing music at the age of 17. He has played his original songs at some of America's greatest venues, including Gerde's Folk City in Greenwich Village and the Bluebird Café in Nashville. In the US, Brian made some industry buzz playing in a duo with his friend Daniel Mohs. Known as "Elkington Mohs" they spent a decade travelling around the US playing music, including many of Brian's original songs. They had a great vocal sound and lots of loyal fans. Unfortunately, the duo had to break up when Brian moved to Australia.
Brian and Daniel spent some time playing their music in Nashville and Brian pursued his songwriting. Several of Brian's songs were published and recorded during this period and he's got many more great songs which were written in Music City. After moving back to Minnesota, Brian met a girl from Australia and decided to get married. A few years later he and Jane moved to Sydney where they now live with their three beautiful daughters.
TOMMEE:
Indonesian born artist, Tommee has gathered a wild following from the release of his debut album, "No Added Sugar," thanks to his trademark Kecapi (a twenty-string instrument crafted in Indonesia) and urban jungle groove vibes. An incredible voice that echoes remnants of legendary luminaries such as Bob Marley, Tommee draws great music from his idols while exploring a unique music style all of his own.
Tommee's soulful vein music exploded onto the scene in early 2004. The ever so familiar foot tapping rhythms of Tommee's soulful jam leaves audiences spellbound wherever he goes. His charismatic presence, his combination of style and love of ethnic musical instruments encouraged an edgy, unique sound where it is described as roots, blues, folk, reggae, gypsy, world music - all of which does not encompass one entity but welcomes all.
He landed on our shores 20 years ago, calling Sydney home. His determination to continue his musical journey by spreading his soulful jams throughout Australia led him to secure a role as keyboardist with the infamous contemporary jazz ensemble, Kalabash. This gave Tommee the opportunity to extensively tour Australia, playing in major festivals and support acts such as The Wailers, Ziggy Marley, UB40 etc.
Tommee has since spent time working on his original compositions, creating more musical harmonies and rhythmic melodies with the Kecapi. Apart from working on this album, his skill on the Kecapi has seen Tommee performing as guest musician with other prolific artists such as Bob Brozman and Harry Manx.
Tommee was born in the heart of the jungle, in a village called Bima in Sumbawa Island on the Eastern side of Indonesian archipelago. His musical journey began in his mother's kitchen, where he amused himself with an orchestra of instruments including the pots and pans and plates and buckets.
At the tender age of 12, his music teacher spotted his natural talent and star quality, introducing him to drums. It was at this point Tommee's inspiration for music escalated where he mastered traditional and ethnic string and percussion instruments including the guitar, piano, Kecapi, Gambo and Kenong.
DINO JAG:
In the days of reality talent shows such as X Factor and Pop Idol, Dino Jag is somewhat of a coherent source of inspiration for other aspiring musicians. It's been a long and varied journey, where Dino has travelled disparate musical terrains with an insatiable thirst for fresh sounds and vibrant energy. When Dino first erupted into the Australian music scene with the rework of the classic Stevie Wonder's hit, "Superstition", little did the world know how far this dude from "the City of Churches" would go to confound the public.
Hailing from South Australia, Dino was nominated three years in a row from 1995 as South Australia's Music Industry Award's (SAMIA) "Best Male Vocalist" while performing with rock band, Stolen Waters. Dino is one of music's true mavericks and Australia's best export. He had the opportunity to work with the world's greatest musicians such as Ray Columbus, Sir Paul McCartney and Rusty Anderson. A singer-songwriter and producer, his dynamic remixes of the tracks "She's a Mod" by Ray Columbus and the invaders vs. Dino Jag and "Hurt Myself" by Rusty Anderson vs. Dino Jag. Rusty Anderson is the legendary guitarist for the Sir Paul McCartney band and a super star in his own right. The Hurt Myself track also features Abe Laborial Jnr on drums and Sir Paul McCartney on bass, backing vocals and guitar.
These releases are now circulating at the top of the international music scene. Due to his remix projects with Blue Pie Productions and Damien Reilly, he has remixed and produced everyone from Adelaide singer, Candyce where he co-wrote, "This is not a sex song" through Chart Records. He was the vocalist, co-writer and producer of the soundtrack for "Cure of the Talisman" with track "Every Single Day" as well as the theme music for Channel 7's "AM Adelaide" morning TV show with the track, "When the sun kisses the ocean".
Recently, he recorded and co-produced a cover version of "Play That Funky Music White Boy" late last year, which was signed to Odessa Mama Records. Not stoppin just there, he immersed himself into every aspect of music. Keeping true to his love of music, Dino is a trained vocal coach where he provides vocal training two days a week at a local music school. Dino has approx 20 regular students and he always believes in giving back to the youth of tomorrow.
Blue Pie Productions ltd
www.bluepie.com.au
damien@bluepie.com.au
DAMIEN REILLY - CEO - BLUE PIE PRODUCTIONS & PRODUCER:
His diverse and far reaching global networks in technology provide Blue Pie Productions with a market leading edge in web based communication systems. Damien has built systems for some of Australia's leading companies including Energy Australia, Cotton Australia, KPMG AUSTRALIA and Intelligent Smart Cards to name a few. The practical applications and integration of web based communication systems into business are his specialist skill. This provides significant market leverage to the Blue Pie team. Sales experience runs high with Damien with having generated solid sales over the past 5 years for his clients.
Damien has over 15 years I.T experience with senior positions being held at various corporate postings in the past 10 years. Damien is on the board of the Drs News Letter as the Technical Director and is the CEO of Blue Pie Productions www.bluepie.com.au He is an accomplished musician, composer and producer with numerous international recording credits to his name. Blue Pie Productions has been receiving critical acclaim world wide with Damien leading his team with a many successful licenses of Blue Pie Productions catalogue being completed over the past 2 years. The most recent placement of one of Blue Pie's artists remix's of Petula Clarks No 1 US hit DOWNTOWN in a serries of public service announcements for the " I Love New York Campaign" with Kathleen Turner doing the voice over. The firm has completed dozens of license deals and placement of Blue Pie artist products within Australia and overseas.
PRODUCTION CREDITS INCLUDE:
All in the family compilation for East Timor - Co writer " Cry Freedom " with Nicola Quilter - Released 1994
Southpaw - Debut EP " Southpaw " Released December 1996
Caitlin - Debut EP - " Happy Green Pea" Released December 1997
Linzi O Band - Linzi O - Self Titled debut album - All bass tracks - Released November 2002
OUTpsiDER vs Petula Clark - " DOWNTOWN " - Released September 2003
Dino Jag vs Rusty Anderson - "Hurt Myself" featuring Rusty Anderson and Sir Paul McCartney Released digitally September 2004
Dino Jag vs Ray Columbus - " She's a MOD" Released digitally September 2004
Sahra - Debut Album " Girl Parts " Released May 2004 and digitally September 2004
Sahra - Boogie Oogie Oogie - Single - Released digitally September 2004
Good Music Compilation - Tracks " Hold on Tight " and " Wind up the Mill " - Southpaw and Sahra - Released June 2004
OUTpsiDER vs Peter and Gordon - Single - " World Without Love " and " I go to pieces " Released digitally September 2004
OUTpsiDER vs The Animals - " Don't Let me be Misunderstood " and " We gotta Get out of this place " Released digitally September 2004
CHART POSITIONS ACHIEVED:
" Hold On tight " - Sahra - No 5 in Milan Italy September 2004
" Downtown " - OUTpsiDER vs PETULA CLARK - No 96 on the ARIA charts December 2003
" Green Pea " - Caitlin - No 5 - National MP3 Charts Australia May 2004
" Marco Esu " - USE Angiola - No 1 Easy Listening Artist for MP3 Australia - September 2004
" Dino Jag " - No 4 for MP3 Australia - September 2004
Please visit BLUE PIE PRODUCTIONS website for details on our international license sales completed: http://www.bluepie.com.au
biography of Janice Marie:
http://www.janice-marie.com
Janice-Marie is unquestionably not a new kid on the block. Nor is she unfamiliar with the intricate machinations of the music industry. As founder and principal songwriter of the internationally acclaimed and Grammy award winning group A Taste of Honey, Janice-Marie is back in the spotlight that has long been her home.
A brief glance at Janice-Marie's musical accolades may seem daunting to both insiders and outsiders alike. A Taste of Honey's self-titled debut release, rocked the record industry in more ways than one. The release featured the multi-platinum international smash hit 'Boogie Oogie Oogie', a Janice-Marie penned composition, which garnered the group a Grammy. 'Best New Artist of the Year'. Janice-Marie was also nominated in two additional categories: 'Best R&B Single' and 'Best Vocal Performance by a Group or Duo', a phenomenal accomplishment for a new group. Janice-Marie, with the group A Taste of Honey proved their success was no fluke. Their second release, 'Another Taste' earned the group even more international acclaim. The album received the coveted Gold Prize in the 8th Annual Tokyo Music Festival. During that same awards ceremony, Janice-Marie was honored with the Gold Prize for songwriter. 'Do it Good,' another Janice-Marie composition, as well as the 'Another Taste' album were also certified Gold in Japan.
When speaking of Janice-Marie, some may say success comes easy. But perhaps it's more fitting to say, success comes naturally. As Janice-Marie resumes her rightful place in the forefront of the music arena, she is once again positioning herself as a formidable contender. Her unique sound and style is completely versatile. 'I like a variety of music. Classical music in the morning, Reggae in the afternoon. And in the evening I like to get my boogie on. At night, when the moon is right, give me love songs! I'm a ballad, fireplace, take-a-walk-up-in-the-hills sort of person,' says Janice-Marie. To this end, her music punctuates her diversity of spirit, a diversity that was successfully exhibited with the international mega hit 'Sukiyaki,' released on A Taste of Honey's third Album, 'Twice as Sweet.' Japan's Kyo Sakamoto's 1963 hit 'Sukiyaki',re-written by Janice-Marie in English and produced by George Duke, resulted in another Gold record and more international acclaim.
In 1984, Janice-Marie took a much needed and well-deserved hiatus. Although, Janice-Marie stepped off the stage, she never strayed far from her music. Over the years she has collaborated with such artists as rap artist Ice Cube for 'Gangsta's Fairytale 2', from the 'Predator' release, Positive K, on the certified Gold release, 'I Got a Man,' and Prince Markie Dee on 'So Very Happy'.
Janice-Marie's music can also be heard in several television commercials including Coca-Cola's Classic Coke and Rold Gold Pretzels for Frito Lay Inc. Currently, her music is also being featured in a Burger King commercial.
Janice-Marie has been a featured guest on the 'Caryl and Marilyn Show,' and her music has been showcased on a variety of television shows including, 'Muppets Tonight,' 'The Nanny,' 'Access Hollywood,' 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,' 'Homeboys from Outer Space,' ' VH1,' 'Nothing Sacred,' and HBO's 'Breast Men,' to name a few.
In more recent years Janice-Marie has returned to the stage with live performances at the Universal Amphitheater where she was featured as the opening act for MCA's recording artist, Al Green. She has also performed with Lionel Richie and Gloria Gaynor to a full house at the Hollywood Palladium. Janice-Marie 1999 tours dates include North Carolina, Lousiana, Connecticut, Boston and San Diego.
Throughout the years, Janice-Marie's music has been covered, sampled and borrowed many times. Her music of yesterday is greatly responsible for the successes of numerous 'R&B,' 'Pop,' 'Rap' and 'Hip Hop' hits of today. Her music has a life of its own. 1998 produced four European covers including the new Peter Andre's single, 'All Night, All Right,' and Martin Carboo, a European recording artist, is climbing the charts with 'Boogie' (his version of 'Boogie Oogie Oogie'). In the United States and Japan, her song 'Delicious' is featured in the blockbuster movie, 'Step Mom,' and her music was also featured on MC Lyte's album 'Seven and Seven.' Her music is still widely played both here and abroad and now she has a new, younger generation of fans that have come to love 'Boogie Oogie Oogie' just as those of us who were around in the 70's.Recently, 'Sukiyaki' (with English lyrics written by Janice-Marie), was once again certified Gold, selling over one million copies for the recording group 4PM. To top it off, her music was featured in the motion pictures Contact, 54, and Mystery Man.
After such a prolific period working behind the scenes, it is only appropriated for Janice-Marie, the record producer, musician, songwriter and entertainer to return as Janice-Marie, recording artist. And, with that return comes Janice-Marie, "A Taste of Honey" back on the road in support of her brand new CD entitled "Hiatus of the Heart" boasting a sound with sweet melodies that go down smooth and easy, along with grooves that make your body move.
The new millennium finds Janice-Marie's music featured in a variety of television series and motions pictures including Early Edition (CBS), Beverly Hills 90210, the Martin Short Short Show, as well the motion picture Screwed, to name a few. Janice-Marie's career has been profiled on VH1's 'Where Are They Now" as well as "The TV Guide Channel", not to mention her profiles on "Extra TV" and "E! Entertainment", which are scheduled to air the beginning of June 2000. Janice-Marie has also been performing to sold out audiences across the country.
Janice-Marie has decided to take her place center stage and she does so with a style and grace that is all her own. Her new CD entitled "Hiatus of the Heart" contains song's of love and life. And...yes there are songs that will make you get up and boogie.
The first single "Love Is The Only Thing That Matters", has been climbing the AC 40 Charts. Simply put, radio loves it and we know that you will too.
Alice O'Neill of Hollywood Behind-the-Scenes writes in her review of 'Hiatus of the Heart', ... 'she seduces listeners with her vocal art and guitar expertise. She gives new meaning to the age-old longing to be free, in all its manifestations.'
If after listening to the 'Hiatus of the Heart' CD you find yourself inspired and uplifted, don't blame it on the 'Boogie,' blame it on Janice-Marie.
"The songs on 'Hiatus Of The Heart' reflect my journey through life's wondrous maze. Let Love Rain Down." Janice-Marie on album 'Hiatus of the Heart'.
To learn more about upcoming concerts or where you can purchase 'Hiatus of the Heart,' you can find Janice-Marie on the web by going to iuma.com. and typing A Taste of Honey or you can e-mail her at tasteofhoney2000@aol.com.
To have your cd considered for digital distribution, contact Damien through the Blue Pie website (damien@bluepie.com.au) or Yuya Joseph thru yuyajoseph@yahoo.ca
