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The Chemist: Featured Canadian Music Fest Artists!
19/10/11
Well, it's been a while between updates we must apologize, but The Chemist have been locked away working hard on their debut album and aside from the occasional show here it's all been about writing and recording. We'll have something of a blog from the guys soon about what has been going on in their world, but in the meantime The Chemist are currently featured artists in the spotlight section of the Canadian Music Festival Website. Check it out right here! Held in 2012, the festival will take place March 21 - 25 in Toronto!
Eskimo Joe: Filmmakers - We want you!
16/09/11
How good it this!? Eskimo Joe want you guys out there to create the clip for the latest single 'Echo' from their new album GHOSTS OF THE PAST! The comp is open to everyone and the winner will get their clip serviced worldwide and $4k cash! Check out all the details over on the Eskimo Joe site!
Steve Parkin announces Perth shows
30/08/11
After releasing his incredible solo album ‘Mighty Big Light’ earlier this year, Steve Parkin, one of Perth’s most endearing singer songwriters, is bringing his shiny pop songs to the stage. After months of rehearsals with a new band, Steve Parkin will hit The Bird in September and Ya-Ya’s in October.
With the single ‘Sun Stealer’ doing its thing on the airwaves, Steve Parkin has garnered support from commercial radio in Perth and regional WA, along with a strong community radio following on the east coast. After years spent writing and playing in other bands (Autopiliot, Basement Birds) and co-writing (Eskimo Joe), Steve has quietly chipped away at perfecting his own songs. There’s no doubt about it, Steve Parkin has some serious song writing clout. ‘Mighty Big Light’, represents a consolidation of Parkin’s experience thus far and the new roads ahead.
Don’t miss Steve Parkin and his band, perform these one off shows in September and October!
STEVE PARKIN – PERTH DATES
THURSDAY 22 SEPTEMBER
THE BIRD, NORTHBRIDGE
Tickets at the door
SATURDAY 22 OCTOBER
YA-YA’S, NORTHBRIDGE
Tickets at the door
What the critics are saying about Steve Parkin’s ‘Mighty Big Light’…
“After listening to this CD for a good solid week, it’s become one of those that I put on and play, and re-play and re-play [repeat to fade]” 8/10 stars – Live Guide
"The vibe of this album suggests it would be an experience to see it live. The album and lyrics set the scene beautifully" – Rip It Up
“Mighty Big Light gets better and reveals more with repeat listens….It should help put Parkin's name on the musical map as a formidable tour de force” – The Dwarf
“Husky vocal, sweet harmonies” - Beat
“One of the strengths of Mighty Big Lights however is the diverse composition of each song” – Beat
www.steveparkin.com.au
www.dirtdiamonds.com
The Chemist + Robert Forster
22/07/11
Check out this great photo of The Chemist boys hangin' with the legendary Robert Forster of The Go-Betweens, backstage at thier ARTBAR gig together last Thursday
Photo by Court McAllister
Eskimo Joe's recording studio The Wastelands: update
20/07/11
Eskimo Joe are currently in the middle of building their very own recording studio called The Wastelands…. check out a couple of sneak peek shots from the construction here- HQ
JOIN STEVE FOR BREAKFAST ON 96FM TOMORROW!
15/06/11
Steve will be dropping in on the 96fm breakfast team in Perth this Thursday morning to serenade us with an acoustic track and to talk all things Mighty Big Light! Make sure you tune into 96fm between 8 and 9am Perth time to hear it!
STEVE PARKIN - ON PERTH'S 96FM!
10/06/11
You can now request "Sun Stealer" on Perth's 96FM! All you have to do is go to the site right here, scroll down to the Request a Song box and enter the details! Too easy!
You can also phone in a request to RTR FM, and if you want to see the great clip for Sun Stealer - directed by AFI award winning film-maker Nick Matthews you can now request it on MAX and Rage!
ESKIMO JOE - WHEN WE WERE KIDS
25/05/11
Thanks to triple j, the new song from Eskimo Joe "When We Were Kids" is now available as a free mp3 download for a limited time! You can grab it on the New Free Music blog right here!
STEVE PARKIN - SUN STEALER (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
20/05/11
Following on from the release of Steve Parkin’s solo album, Mighty Big Light, he now has a brand new film clip out for single ‘Sun Stealer’. The clip is the creation of Nick Matthews, an AFI Award-winning filmmaker who trained on productions including Steven Spielberg’s HBO series ‘Band of Brothers’, Working Title’s ‘About A Boy’ and many BBC and Channel 4 documentaries.
Nick’s prestigious background a bonus, as it was only after viewing another of Nick’s creations for a small Adelaide indie band that Steve decided to ask him to help create the new clip – “As soon as I saw [his other clip] I knew I wanted Nick Matthews to make ‘Sun Stealer’. Its such a widescreen, cinematic pop song, I knew the vision had to match. I love the way Nick (and his DOP!) paint with the camera. Each shot is languid, really ‘old school movie’ pretty. I just wish I could have afforded 35mm film! Next time, Nick!”
Says Nick “with sun stealer I wanted to tell a very simple tale that uses natural light to drive the story. I’ve always been interested in myths and this clip is a nod to the many stories about people who become transfixed or enamoured by nympths.”
“Sun Stealer” is available on the album ‘Mighty Big Light’, out now at all good retailers and digital distributors.
Check it out here –
http://www.nickmatthews.com
http://www.steveparkin.com.au
Steve Parkin is supporting the legendary Tim Finn at 3 great Lizotte's locations throughout NSW and is giving 2 lucky fans the chance to see him live! All you have to do is go to the competition page by clicking the above image, describe your favorite Tim Finn or Steve Parkin song from their latest albums in 25 words or less to go in the running! You'll have to be super quick though as the competition ends the morning of Friday 13th!
NEW ARTIST SIGNED! INTRODUCING KATHRYN ROLLINS
27/04/11
Kathryn Rollins is a singer/songwriter from Perth, Australia. With influences ranging from Jeff Buckley through to PJ Harvey and Villagers, she was raised on a diet of Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson and trained from a young age by her father on jazz harmony and guitar. Now, at just 21-years-of-age, she already has a catalogue of soulful and lyrically imaginative songs that are raw and honest with an old jazz flavour. Likened to artists such as Cat Power, Laura Marling and Feist, expect to be captivated by her mesmerising voice and intimate acoustic performances.
MIGHTY BIG LIGHT NOW AVAILABLE
22/04/11
At last, Steve Parkin's long awaited album 'Mighty Big Light', has been released, which means it's available on iTunes and in good record stores everywhere! You can check out all the latest news about the release, along with some great acoustic track-by-track videos from Steve on his site right here. Check it out!
"TURN IT AROUND" ON iTUNES
18/04/11
'Turn it Around', the first single from Steve Parkin's Mighty Big Light LP will be available to download from iTunes on Friday March 25th! A B-side will also be exclusively bundled with this release which is only available through the iTunes store.
THE BEAUTIFUL GIRLS
28/12/10
The Chemist are getting set to embark upon a massive tour with The Beautiful Girls throughout January, which will take them all over Victoria, NSW and Queensland. Check out The Chemist tour page for the full details and tickets.
THE CHEMIST - HOTTEST 100
22/12/10
Vote for The Chemist in this year's Triple J Hottest 100!
STEVE PARKIN - MIGHTY BIG LIGHT
03/12/10
As you may be aware, Steve Parkin's been a busy man working away on his biggest project to date, his latest album entitled "Mighty Big Light" which is due to be released in Q1 2011. This solo record is, by his own admission the conclusion of his resolve to create the "shiniest, brightest, pop record I had in me to make.” Keep an eye out for some big announcements regarding Steve and his latest project over the next few weeks. You can keep up to date with the latest on Steve's Facebook.
LULLABIES TOUR WRAPS UP
30/11/10
Well, The Chemist's Lullabies & Other Lies headline tour has drawn to a close after 9 dates, 5 states and some great times. Check out the post-tour wrap up blog on The Chemist site!
THE CHEMIST & RAGE TOP 50...
12/11/10
RAGE has listed the clip from "Lullaby #1 (Mercy)" for the annual RAGE Top 50 extravaganza. If you love it, please shout it out loud...or at least tell the folks at Rage right herewww.abc.net.au/rage/50
THE CHEMIST TO PLAY WOODFORD FOLK FEST
26/10/10
INSOMNICAS, THE CHEMIST, TO HIT THE ROAD
21/09/10
"It all begins tonight in R-r-r-adelaide!" blog The Chemist. "Then Brisbane, Hobart (yezza, Tassie included), Sydney and Melbourne." Excited about hitting the road for a whirlwind run of live shows supporting Silversun Pickups and Birds of Tokyo, the guys are already looking ahead to a massive end to the year. Squeezing in Coaster Festival in Gosford on Sept 25th, and doing a bunch of gigs with Boy & Bear all throughout October, it's all leading up to The Chemist's first national headline tour in November. Showcasing the latest "Lullabies" EP, the aptly titled "Lullabies and other Lies" tour will take the guys through QLD, VIC, SA, WA and NSW. Check out The Chemist site to see the full list of shows.
LULLABY #1 (MERCY) NOW AT RADIO
09/09/10
2 down - a 3rd on the move! And moving at a rapid rate no less. Tues 19 Oct at East Brunswick Club, Melbourne. These Melbourne Boy & Bear 'Blood to Gold' shows are selling so fast that blink and you'll miss out. Very very exciting for all involved - so thank you all! Don't stop now - get onto the East, if you haven't already! www.eastbrunswickclub.com
FOR ALL THE INSOMNIACS IN THE HOUSE...
31/08/10
It is with great excitement that we announce The Chemist's second EP, "lullabies" which will be in stores from September 17. Here's what lead singer / songwriter Ben Witt had to say:
"Due to the steadily inflating statistics that indicate the world, in its chaos, is flooded with people struggling to get a good nights sleep, we thought it a good idea to record an EP conisisting of sweet, soft lullabies. You see with an already established, untapped insomniac market, we are bound to sell a few copies.
I conceptualised the EP on the Sunday & had finished writing the four songs by the Friday. I set myself a schedule of waking at 8:30am, dressing for work with a tie, enjoying my scrambled eggs & instant coffee, then settling down to writing for the remainder of the day. I wrote the groovees & parts on an old cheap keyboard, so it was a relief to hear them work once I had taught the band the songs.
I found writing to a theme helped with the pace in which the lyrics were complete. It also helped musically in regards to instrumentation, the idea was to use pretty, dream-like sounds including the music box, glockenspiel, vibraphone, etc. However, the initial ambition of adhering to the traditional sentiment of a lullaby was challenged by a penchant for silly irony, so there are a few twists on the disc.
Although the EP is simply titled "lullabies", there were a few working titles before the decision was made...here are a few...
- The Slumber Rhumba
- Sweet Dreams Are Made Of Cheese
- Que Slumber
We decided not to roll with any of these for obvious reasons.
The EP will be released on the 17th of September for those interested."
LULLABY #1 (MERCY) NOW AT RADIO
21/08/10
And ready and waiting for your requests! Jump onto Triple J super request to give it some more spins!
IT'S A SHOWCASE ... REVIEW!
18/02/10
Formed by Eskimo Joe & Catherine Haridy, Dirt Diamond Productions is a brand new label giving emerging musicians a platform to be heard. DDP brought their first two signings over to Sydney for a label showcase, with Perth popster Steve Parkin and alt rockers The Chemist making up the bil
In his silver blazer, Steve Parkin hit the stage looking the part, joined by a particularly special support - The Backing Tracks, aka Eskimo Joe. Eskis proved to be the ultimate accompaniment, pumping out tight tunes while still allowing Parkin to shine.
Kicking off in perfect pitch, Parkin appeared nervous, though it wasn’t until third track California that he truly relaxed, found his groove and sunk into the performance. As his band emptied stage, The Chemist keyboardist James Ireland joined Parkin for a simple ballad executed beautifully.
There was no questioning the confidence of The Chemist, kicking off their set with some disjointed pop and charisma too natural to be faked. The wonderfully unpredictable style of the four piece exploded in Heaven’s Got A Dress Code and continued building to the final beat of One Thing On Your Mind.
As his band filtered off stage frontman Benjamin Witt stood alone in the spotlight with his mic & pedals. Using only his voice, he created a breathtaking harmonic mashup that really was amazing and musically unique. Staccato, surreal and stunning, this showcase was electric; a great way for DDP to launch.
-Brearne Cavallaro, The Music Network,
http://www.themusicnetwork.com.au/,
http://www.facebook.com/notes/the-music-network/review-the-chemist-steve-parkin-ravals/314684180671
IT'S A SHOWCASE
14/01/10
Dirt Diamonds is "showing off" it's first two signings! Steve Parkin with a special guest band and The Chemist are headed east this Feb for two very special shows.
Melbourne - Monday 15 Feb at Toff in Town, www.toffintown.com
Sydney - Tuesday 16 Feb at Raval's, www.raval.com.au
Tickets are limited so get in early.
Skipping Girls
03/07/09
Skipping Girl Vinegar are headed to Perth on their 'Music From Cold Places Tour' next weekend. Steve Parkin will be supporting the indie rockers at the Norfolk on Saturday 11 July in fine duo style. Come see Steve for his last Perth show before an Aussie tour.
RTR Fremantle Winterfest
17/06/09
In case you missed this morning's yarn, the stream is up on www.rtrfm.com.au.
The annual RTR Fremantle Winterfest has arrived - next Saturday 27 June, the cream of crop are playing at Mojo's and the Railway. Steve will be found warming the room and finishing the night at the Railway from 11:55 - 12:15 (precisely in rock in roll time). Don't miss the fantastic lineup brought to you buy the wonderful RTR.
RTR interview
13/06/09
With guitar in hand, Steve Parkin is headed into RTR for a chat with Peter Barr bright and early this coming Wed morning. He will be playing his new track, 'Starlight', live to air for the first time. Tune in to 92.1FM or, outside of Perth - listen on the web at www.rtrfm.com.au.
Pop down at the Rosemount
02/06/09
Melbourne-based indie pop darlings Dash & Will are headed west and have invited Steve Parkin to open their night. But he's not doing this one alone...in fine duo style, Steve is opening the night at the Rosemount next Friday 12 June. For more details and tickets visit www.rosemounthotel.com.au
Fly By Night
15/05/09
Live at the Fly it will be called. Steve Parkin is recording his set at the Fly By Night on 29 May to be released as a very limited edition live EP. Grab a ticket now as the show is selling fast. The one and only Bob Evans is returning to Perth to headline the evening with American funny man Steve Poltz in tow as main support. One complete night. To be on record. For all details visit www.bobevans.com.au or www.flybynight.org
The Lofty WAMi's
04/05/09
Safely delivered back to the big smoke from the southern excursion, Steve will be warming up his vocal chords at The Loft this Friday. Don't be late, he's on at 8.
Then on Saturday it's WAMi festival time! Steve is closing the stage at the Cultural Centre Markets from 4:20 to 5pm. See you there.
Southern Getaway
30/04/09
Mo Wilson and the Drivers have kidnapped Steve for the weekend and are headed off to the Settlers Inn Tavern tomorrow and the Dunsborough Hotel on Saturday. They are the venues to be at this weekend so grab all your mates and head out on a getaway.
Celebration time
22/04/09
Birthday's are one major excuse for a big party! Next week, young Mr. Steve Parkin will don the birthday cap in fine style at the Moon Cafe on Wed 29 April. Along in tow for the revelry is Woody from Red Jez. Come down for some lovely wine, tunes and celebrations.
WAMi kick off
6/04/09
It's nearly WAMi time again. Steve Parkin is lending his vocal chords and some sweet guitar to this Wednesday's evening's affairs. WAMi Media Launch is this Wed at Solace Bar at Metro City. For more details, contact WAM.
Mojo and Rhythm
1/04/09
Steve Parkin opens tomorrow night at Mojo's supporting Black Market Rhythm Company. Come down early for some drinks and tunes.
Mid-week extravagance
16/03/09
Head over to the Moon Cafe for your mid-week evening chill time. This week features Steve Parking with Gilroy and Wolves at the Door.
New shows for Steve Parkin
4/03/09
Tomorrow night Steve supports the infamous Charles Jenkins and the Zhivagos at Double Lucky in Leederville.
Then on Friday 13 March, Steve begins a big bill of great music at the Norfolk so get down early and plan to stay all night!
From one old haunt to a soon-to-be favourite new haunt for those who need a mid-week live music fix, Steve is playing with Gilroy and Wolves at the Door at Moon Cafe in Northbridge on Wed 18 March.
Steve Parkin kick starts 2009
16/02/09
Steve Parkin kicked off 2009 with a huge splash as a support act for Josh Pyke on his three sold out dates at the Fly By Night in Fremantle.
This week he steps out on his own not once but twice! On Thursday 19 Feb, he will be found at Double Lucky in Leederville heading a lineup of fellow singer-songwriters Gilroy and Jake Snell. Tunes start at 8:30pm with Steve on stage at 10:30.
Then on Friday 20 Feb, Steve lends a helping hand and a few tunes in support of Gimme Shelter. Fremantle Ports is sponsoring "Business Sponsors 'After Hours'" Event at the Fremantle Arts Centre Courtyard from 5pm on Friday night. All proceeds for the evening go directly to Gimme Shelter, a joint community initiative supporting St. Patrick's Community Centre Work with the Homeless.
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