Hi All. It’s been a while since i have written, perhaps I have been too swamped in Facebook land.
After much thought, I decided to quit my job and start an engineering degree while continuing my journey as a songwriter. Lately I have found solace in some great music makers, Sam Cooke, Bob Dylan, Tom Waits and Ron Sexsmith.
I recorded one of my favorite new discoveries, for my friends David and Kate.
I have been in the studio with two talented men, Roger Bergodaz and Shane Reilly and I’m getting ready to unveil the new songs to the world. The first is called Ain’t That Pretty and last week I made a little film for it with my good friends in Fremantle.
Keep an eye out here for the film, which will be released in time for christmas since we unwittingly filmed a minature nativity scene which features.
In the meantime, look at the work of my talented friend, Arlene Bax.
After a month of preparation and last minute flight, CD pressing, car, hotel and couch booking, the Tim Rogers tour started last weekend. I released a limited run of 100 discs of a new release, all recorded at home aptly titled Home Recordings #1. Half have sold already, to an energetic bunch of Victorians who came out to watch us play.
First stop was the beautiful and newly renovated Palais in Hepburn Springs. It’s only an hour and a half from Melbourne and run by a lovely local couple who have rallied local muscle to get it completed in time complete with new pizza oven, new bar, all the while maintaining the old world charm. I had never met Tim properly before that night and as soon as he stepped on stage that night he said some very kind words about my performance. I had to pinch myself. You never know how these tours are going to go, you and a stranger have to live in each others pockets for a month. With that sorted, I settled in to watch his show. The man really bares all, knows how to write a damn good song and can work the crowd like a master. I’m going to learn a lot on this tour.
Next stop was Cobram, on the banks of the Murray river on the border of Victoria and NSW. We were spoilt rotten by Paul, Nicki and all the staff at the Beach Cafe. Notably, Andrew the sound engineer mixed us using an iPad from a table with a glass of wine.
And a rather dejected gaffer taped Koala adorned my mic stand.
After playing a fun show to a packed house, the wine flowed freely and I declined a 2am swim in the Murray. Apparently a fast flowing current not to mention a 5 degree air temp. I must be going soft.
Tim Rogers uses the word ‘ridonculous’ in a song. That is all kinds of awesome.
On the way home I visited Lake Mulwala, it was a scene from a horror movie, an abandoned Motel and this desolate but beautiful view of the lake…
This week we cross the Tasman to Tasmania, my childhood home. More soon.
Lx
P.S. If you want to buy a copy of Home Recordings #1 and you can’t make any of the shows, send this lovely lass an email and she’ll get one to you – alyce.guy (at) blackyak.com.au
P.P.S. We got a review for a show at the Corner Hotel on June 3rd…
It’s been quite a while since my last confession. I thought what better time to write one than on the eve of a tour with Tim Rogers around this big brown land.
Since I last wrote, a lot has happened. I finished the Custom Kings tour with new friends, frequent flyer points and a bunch of new songs and embarked on a trip to the US. Things didn’t go to plan in the love department so I came home early with a sore heart and still more songs. Despite the rocky road, I did get to experience the amazing town of New Orleans in all it’s desperate and damaged glory. You really can feel the sadness oozing up through the pavement but on every corner there is a bar and in every bar there is a bunch of musicians turning that sadness into music. I went out one night and just walked around with my jaw down to my knees. Jazz, big band, country, blues, jug bands and kids on the corner with their instruments stopping traffic, tourists and locals.
When I got home I spent a lot of time in the studio and at home finishing all the songs I had been writing. Here is a demo of a new song I’ve been working on…
There are a bunch more and I’ll put them on my soundcloud soon.
I have just found out I am going out on tour and into the great unknown with Tim Rogers from legendary band You Am I. I’ll be missing out on his the Melbourne show because I am doing a show at the Corner on June 3rd supporting my dear friend Jess McAvoy for her farewell. She has some incredible special guests: Wally DeBacker (Gotye), Liz Stringer (one of my favourites), Ezekiel Ox (from Mammal) and the force of nature Dallas Frasca. I’ll be on stage with the band, which consists of Craig Shanahan, Tom Spender and Steven Clifford. It’s one not to be missed. You can get tickets from the Corner.
Sending my love from the shore of the Derwent river in Tasmania (have you heard about MONA?) to you, where ever you are. See you out there on the road next month. Lx
PS Here is an amazing video I found on the New Scientist website. This guy could surely make anything sound good but I love the concept.
I wrote a new blog on myspace about what I’ve been up to the last few months. Click here to read it.
About to head off to NSW and WA on the second leg of a national tour with killer Melbourne band Custom Kings. See you in your town over the next few weeks. Thanks all who came to the QLD shows last week.
Leena x
PS I made this killer hot sauce the other night to have with dinner…
All you need is those tiny hot chilis, onion, garlic, ginger, vinegar, vine ripened tomatoes, sugar, a whole lot of love and a strong stomach.
Leena is currently locked away in Fremantle, Western Australia working frantically on her new EP. The release will be early next year. Stay tuned for more details!
As for upcoming shows, Leena is thrilled to be involved in the Peats Ridge 2009: Sustainable Arts & Music Festival. She is joining the line up with the likes of Lamb, Sarah Blasko, Jeff Martin, The Panics, Passenger, Bertie Blackman, Jack Ladder to name just a few.
We have a special offer available until Friday Dec 11. The first two people to click here can have discounted Season Passes to the festival. Choose 1 or 2 tickets from the artist box and type the password prsartist. They are half price at only $150!
Tues 29th Dec ‘09 – Fri 1st Jan ‘10 Peat’s Ridge 2009 – Glenworth Valley Peats Ridge, NSW
Leena is also heading to New Zealand for her first ever show there. Please spread the word and let any of your long lost cousins in Christchurch know that she’ll be doing an intimate set at the Dux for one night only.
Wednesday 13th Jan 2010 @ 8.30 Dux Deluxe (The Dux) *Free admission* Christchurch, NZ
Leena will also be playing her own band shows early in the new year around Australia. To be announced soon.
Thanks for your support this past year, looking forward to a big, happy, healthy and busy 2010.
