'Evelyne' by Steve Garvin

'Evelyne' is the new release from songwriter Steve Garvin who now makes the transition to vocalist for his debut single released through Brooklyn's Dala Records.

Long time Dala fans will be familiar with Garvin's skill as a songwriter helping to pen some of the label's signature tunes including the Northern Soul favourites 'Breathin' Hard (Over You)' by Camellia Hartman and the nuanced protest number by vocal duo Mel & Kim, 'Bad Man'.  Steve's talents have also led him to collaborations with The Hook Brothers as well as the mixing of Georgia Lee Johnson's 'Languages' EP from earlier this year.

With the help of long-time friend, Dala founder and producer, Billy Aukstik, the Illinois native takes his spot centre-stage for his Beatles-inspired ballad, 'Evelyne', whereby the two have carved out something of a fitting tribute to the heroes that proved early inspirations to Garvin, including John Lennon, The Beach Boys, American Analog Set, amongst others. 

While the song in itself may boast a lush arrangement, the bitter sweetness of 'Evelyn' depicts an aggrieved breakup with albeit earnest lyrics like "Love is never a simple thing, there's no telling what it could bring, cos no two people are the same, oh Evelyne, I'm sorry".

With Garvin also playing acoustic guitar on the track, the band is rounded out by Jim Bertini on drums, Joey Farber on guitar and Aukstik himself on Hammond Organ.

As a brief aside, a quick visit to Steve Garvin's Bandcamp page also reveals a new demo available entitled 'Your Touch' which pairs him again with guitarist Joey Farber.  It's a really elegant track that also deserves your attention.

'Evelyne' by Steve Garvin is available to purchase from the Dala Records store.

Blue-in-GreenPODCAST_#9_Chelsea Wilson

Welcome to Episode_#9 of the Blue-in-Green:PODCAST which are released on the first, second and third Mondays of the month. This podcast series runs in conjunction with the online radio station, Blue-in-Green:RADIO which celebrates 21st century soul, jazz, funk, Latin & hip-hop music. These shows are designed to give you some insight into the incredible range of talented presenters we're so lucky to host from all over the world and to geek out musically with us.

This episode sees Imran venture to Melbourne, Australia, to speak with the incredibly inspirational Chelsea Wilson.  Singer, songwriter, musician, DJ, Artistic Director... an immeasurable talent that we couldn't have been happier to spend time with.  We discuss Chelsea's new album 'Chasing Gold' (which you can read our review of here), her experiences touring around the world, her love of jazz and her documentary on Kerri Biddell amongst other of her musical inspirations.

'Hangin On' by Kyle Lacy

"I'm keeping up appearances,
Hanging on by a thread,
Still keeping it together,
I'm keeping it together."

These are the killer opening lines to the brilliant new single from Dala Records' Kyle Lacy.  Gut-wrenching words that resonate with people the world over and reminiscent of classic soul music like Smokey Robinson's unforgettable break-up number, 'The Tracks of My Tears'.

And it's certainly these classics, and others, that Lacy has turned to whether it be as just a fan or for inspiration.  Those classics like Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Chuck Berry... even 1950's Rockabilly has had a huge impact in shaping Lacy’s music as evident by his Harlem River Noise album ‘Currents’ (released in 2017) with collaborator Cody Gibson which further celebrates dancehall rock’n’roll and rhythm & blues music.  Such is the authenticity and commitment to traditional standards that the band’s Bandcamp page cites the ‘Currents’ album as being “recorded to 2” tape, mixed onto ¼” tape” and “mastered on a computer from the future”.

Propelling his adoration for time-honoured music even further, Kyle Lacy now finds an apt home under the roof of Brooklyn's Dala Records.

Dala – and its founder Billy Aukstik – have developed a real art form of sorts for scouting diverse and versatile talent that are always a perfect fit for the label's authentic, soulful aesthetic and captured through their distinct analog sound.  Whether it be the "folky soul" of Georgia Lee Johnson, the Northern Soul of Camellia Hartman and Mel & Kim, or this awesome brand new single.

'Hangin On' serves as a magnificent two-man performance between Lacy and Aukstik with Lacy tackling drums, bass, guitars, piano and songwriting duties, leaving Aukstik to typically excel on organ and trumpet.  It's a thrilling pairing with equally thrilling results – the combination of Lacy's poignant opening lyrics, lamenting over a portion of his life that has since passed, sitting over Aukstik's symbolic church-esque organ is magic.

Lacy later sings with touching honesty “But I keep hanging on, hanging on, I think I’m losing the fight”.  Unfortunately, these can also be gut-wrenching words that resonate with many as well which is what ultimately makes music - and this song - so special.

You can purchase 'Hangin On' by Kyle Lacy through the Dala Records store.

'Chasing Gold' by Chelsea Wilson

Spearheaded by the disco-tinged single 'Real Love' in 2018, Melbourne's Chelsea Wilson officially follows up her 2014 debut album release with 'Chasing Gold' through her House of Valerie Joan imprint.

We've previously gushed about Chelsea's boundless talents - as a singer, songwriter, producer, DJ, radio presenter, documentary filmmaker, Artistic Director for the Stonnington Jazz Festival, Deputy Chair of Music Victoria... this renaissance woman’s achievements are truly extraordinary as she continually finds ways to push herself to new limits.  The release of Wilson’s brand new album serves as a fitting testament to Wilson's enduring efforts.

Chelsea Wilson's debut album from 2014, 'I Hope You'll Be Very Unhappy Without Me', presented heartbreak with a refreshing honesty as exemplified not just by the album's title but by songs like 'Through With Lovin You', 'Bitterness' and 'If You Don't Want Me'.  The album is genuinely a stunning and sincere soul record, lovingly embraced by soul music fans, and boasting musical contributions from some of Australia's finest funk & soul names.  Amongst the jaw-dropping talent featured throughout the album included Jake Mason and Ivan Khatchoyan, from the funk outfit Cookin on 3 Burners, appearing on production and drums respectively; Lance Ferguson on guitars from funk band The Bamboos and backing vocals and song-writing provided by Freestyle Records recording artist Candice Monique, amongst a host of other stars.

While 'I Hope You'll Be Very Unhappy Without Me' languished within heartbreak, 'Chasing Gold' is that light at the end of the tunnel...

A decidedly more optimistic album in mood and tone, it's a complete joy to listen to.  The music is heavy on strings and Nile Rodgers-esque guitar making elements of the production a fitting homage to Chic's glory years.  Once again, an elite array of Australian talent is assembled for Chelsea's sophomore effort - production on this outing is shared between Wilson and the prolific bassist and producer, Ross McHenry; additional production is provided by the returning Jake Mason, and string orchestration from Ross Irwin of The Bamboos.

While first single 'Real Love' sets the album off nicely, there are plenty more highlights to be found in 'Take Back The Night', 'I Won't Choose You' and 'Chasing Gold' but the album's absolute scene-stealer comes in the form of the album's second single - and a song that wouldn't sound at all out of place on Chelsea's 2014 debut - the incredible 'Breaking Down'.

Famed also for her stage performances, this is certain to be an album that would excel in a live setting.  Chelsea Wilson's immeasurable talent has earned her a second exquisite piece of work and cemented her legacy as one of the premier names amidst Australia's ever burgeoning soul music scene.  With great excitement, we look forward to what album #3 will deliver in time.