Debra Manskey

Where Did The Time Go?

2011-07-18T10:26:00.001+10:00

So, where did the last two years go?

Good question - one I'm not sure where to start. Like all of us, life gets in the way while we're busy making other plans.

Personally, I've been facing some demons the last couple of years and slayed some big dragons. Glad to say I seem to be coming out the other side now - though there's still more to do!

Musically, it's been a very exciting time. A new duo project, new instruments and more ideas than I can deal with all at once!!! The Fringe Dwellers started about 12 months ago with the wonderful Malcolm Battersby, amazing guitarist, songwriter and decent bloke! We sent some tunes to friends and somehow found ourselves with radio airplay in the US and are garnering quite a reputation for our live shows.

Solo shows are still on the agenda and I now have a Facebook fan page for Debra Manskey. The current profile pic is the front cover of my forthcoming solo CD "The Woman On The Edge Of The World", due for release later this year. Please become a fan for info on touring, CD launches, preview tracks etc.

There will be more as time permits but for the moment, that's all folks!

St Albans Festival

2009-05-01T15:45:00.007+10:00

Hello Friends,

I had the pleasure recently of playing at St Albans Folk Festival, nestled in a very pretty valley at the back of the Hunter/Hawkesbury region, north west of Sydney. (The rainbow below was one of the first things I saw when I arrived just on dusk Friday night)

This is a small festival with a very big heart! The calibre of acts was outstanding, and included established performers such as Enda Kenny, Pat Drummond & Karen Lynne, Mothers of Intention, Marcus Sturrock, Ami Williamson and my personal favourite - Beez. There were also many newcomers and less well-known acts including Mark Jackson (pictured below with Jane) who is based in Newcastle and is a great entertainer. I was also very impressed with Ecopella, a vocal ensemble led by Miguel Heatwole, who focus on songs about the environment. Other excellent acts to look out for are Jane Harding, Phil Stormer, Racz 'n Waters, Beautiful Losers and Nerds & Music.

It was wonderful to catch up with Tas-based writer/performer David O'Connor - who's now on the Grey Nomad trail and looks very well and happy. David tells me he's now a "former performer" and despite having retired from the stage, still floored audiences at Saturday's Blackboard concert. While I agree with him that there are many wonderful young performers coming into the scene, I hope David reconsiders retirement as he obviously still has so much to offer audiences.

I also met Arch Bishop - story-teller, larrikin and all-round good bloke. Arch was MC at the main marquee when I played on Saturday and ran packed out Poet's Breakfast sessions on Saturday and Sunday. As you can see below, he made my purple hair look pretty tame!

Below is Kathy O'Hara, sound engineer and recycler extraordinaire! When she's not trying to make musicians like me sound good, Kathy makes art from found objects. In the pic Kathy's using a broken microphone clip to measure out the morning coffee - now that's recycling!

Despite patchy weather this year, this is a wonderful family-friendly camping festival that I'd recommend to anyone interested in folk & roots styles. It's held annually on the Anzac Day weekend and really does include something for everyone (including the kids!) and is surprisingly close to Sydney. I hope the organising group can keep up the momentum and great work while maintaining the necessary balance - small is very beautiful!

Hearty congrats to the organisers (all volunteers) who made it possible..... and personal thanks to Bilbo, Lainey, Mark, Alison and especially John & Kath for all your warmth & hospitality.

A December Doodle + Album & Tour Updates

2008-12-10T11:03:00.018+11:00

Well, another year comes towards it's close and I've just celebrated another milestone. (Thanks to all of you who sent birthday wishes.... the celebrations are still continuing!)

But now it's time to look back and reflect before continuing forward to what comes next! (Love and thanks to Saria Phillips for this pic from The Peacock Theatre earlier this year).

Recording News

It's been a strange year in that I've done very little touring or live gigs but I have finally recorded that solo studio album. It's being mastered at the moment and though I haven't set a final release date it will be coming out in 2009. The artwork & design have taken shape in my head but I won't be able to confer with my design guru Sazi, til early in the new year.

The recording process was great fun and working with Bat was a joy - I think we spent as much time laughing and drinking too much tea as we did working. Hopefully that will shine through in the finished product - which incidentally, now has a name - 'The Woman on the Edge of the World'. Pre-orders are doing well but I'm happy to take more, email me if you're interested.

JPF - 'we're all in this together!'

In the latter half of this year I've finally had time to get active and connect with some other writers/composers/performers across the world through the Just Plain Folks community & web forums. I've been getting their newsletter for about a year and I really like where they're coming from. Although it's primarily US based, there's a lot of European & UK-based contributors, plus a good number of irreverent Australians to keep everyone on their toes! Everyone's equal and the serious contributors are all there to learn and connect.

Speaking of which, I got this amazing link through one of the JPF Danish contingent. The Playing for Change Foundation is based in US but is active in bringing change through music & art to areas in Tibet, Africa, India as well as the US. They use multimedia very effectively and I highly recommend the Playing For Change Song Around The World on their YouTube channel.

Touring in 2009 & Beyond!

Planning is underway for Melbourne & country Victoria, Adelaide & Brisbane to promote the CD - probably mid year.

Please feel free to get in touch if you particularly want me to come to your area to play or run a workshop. Email me details and I'll do my best to include your town on the itinerary. Plus I'm well into working out a quick US tour in 2010 to promote the new CD. The latest twist is to go to the UK for a few weeks first (which I know will make a number of you happy) but it's a lot to get my head around at the moment.

Also, I had the joy of connecting with WHUM Community Radio (98.5 FM Columbus & 98.3 FM Seymour) in the US. Based in Indiana, they would have to be the friendliest station with the most eclectic playlist ever - they play Bat too! I was listening to their live webcast and chatting online to the station manager when I heard one of my songs ('Silent Running') from 'Live Sampler'. It was a lovely moment and apparently not uncommon. Bat had a similar experience as did UK-based singer/songwriter Mark Forde. (Check out Mark's song 'Skies Big & Blue' - it's a cracker!) Mark's planning a US trip too and we're trying to work out how we can do a live-to-air together for them when we're in the States.

Meanwhile, thanks to you all for your ongoing support & the very best to all of you around the globe for the holiday season, let's hope it's a peaceful & prosperous 2009 for us all!

Love & best wishes,

Debra

Big Birthday Bash = Big Gig Next Weekend!

2008-11-21T09:32:00.003+11:00

I remember when I was turned 25 and thinking how awesome it was that I'd survived to see it - I really did have a misspent youth!

Now comes the next big landmark - 50 years!

Please (if you're able) come and join me at The Lark Distillery, Macquarie St Hobart, Saturday 29th November 2008 to share some fine Tasmanian liqueurs, listen to some great music (in particular, Ed Guglielmino from Brisbane) and celebrate this landmark in my life.

Yes, I will play a few tunes but the important thing for me is being with you!

'Live Sampler' review from UK

2008-11-21T08:41:00.006+11:00

If you have an interest in acoustic music I recommend a visit to FolkWords website, run by Tim Carroll. Tim's writing a book about folk music - what it is, what it's becoming and what it means to those who love it. I found him through FolkWords on MySpace only yesterday and it makes interesting reading.

Tim also writes reviews of current releases and the following arrived at my online office (MySpace) overnight........ I nearly choked on my coffee this morning!

'Debra Manskey - a voice with depth, range and power'

Just occasionally you hear a voice that remains with you forever, no matter the singer moves on or the band implodes – the voice remains. There are of course many individual voices and interpreting distinction is down to the listener. Voices that remain riveted to my memory are Roger Chapman (Family), with his tremulous vibrato, Peter Hammill (Van der Graaf Generator) and his distinctive vocal acrobatics and Tim Goulding (Dr Strangely Strange) master of the weird folk song.

Now I've another voice to add to my list, Debra Manskey, (sometime lead singer with Australian folk rockers, the Wild Pumpkins at Midnight – sadly now defunct).

Debra’s voice is an instrument of depth, range and power that once heard is not forgotten. Often, singers accompany an instrument, and usually that’s a guitar. Debra turns that model on its head and her voice becomes the lead and the guitar drifts into the background – in fact you could dispense with it altogether and just listen to that voice.

There are so many levels in her vocal repertoire. Her range soars from soft and faintly unearthly with leaps and sweeps, through raw, demanding and edgy to driven, aggressive and unsettling as it reaches out to command attention.

Debra has only released a four-track EP 'Live Sampler' but promises a solo studio album, 'The Woman on The Edge of The World' due out in mid-2009. Frankly, that’s not soon enough - this is a talent that you have to hear, and the sooner the better.

Tim Carroll
FolkWords

New Studio Album + Live Sampler Sold Out

2008-07-02T15:22:00.002+10:00

New Studio Album

Yep, that's right! Very excited to announce that I've started recording and particularly pleased with tracks so far.

I've decided to keep it as 'real' as possible, so it'll be sparse (me & my Seagull guitar) and getting to the heart of the songs, rather than adding a full band and loads of overdubs and a production to match!

Money permitting, I hope to be releasing it by the end of 2008. I'm starting to take pre-orders so email to put your name down now.

'Live Sampler' Sold Out - Songs on MySpace

Originally intended only as a demo for promoters, radio stations and festivals, it kinda got out of hand mighty quickly! Copies have ended up in the strangest places all over the planet and my thanks to all of you who supported me and bought it.

A few people have requested copies through my MySpace page and if enough people are interested I could do a very limited run to satisfy need. I've uploaded 'Driving Into The Storm' and 'Drowning On Dry Land' to MySpace so email if you're interested in owning a copy.

Meanwhile, stay warm if you're in the south or cool if you're in the northern hemisphere. Either way take care of yourselves!

Debra
x

Tasmania This Weekend - Melbourne Next Weekend

2008-02-06T15:22:00.000+11:00

Tasmania This Weekend

Just found out I'm playing this long weekend at Sunday School, 10th February at The Loft, 142 Liverpool St, Hobart. This is my first gig for 2008 and will be an ideal warm-up amongst friendly faces before heading off to Melbourne for next weekend. (The pic above is one I took at The Loft late last year at the inaugural Sunday School)

Doors open at 2pm & I'm sure there'll be the usual $7 jugs and sausage sizzle - a Sunday School tradition.

Expect the unexpected.

Melbourne Next Weekend

Above is the poster for the Melbourne Mini Tour next weekend. If you live in that part of the world, it'd be great to see you at a gig or a workshop. Please pass the word round your networks!

Looking forward to it all but especially the Dancing Dog Cafe in Footscray. I called in there when I was in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago and met with the owner, Ben. He seems a really nice guy and is doing good things to promote the arts (and really seriously good coffee!) in Footscray.

I'll be running a 1pm workshop "Introducing Songwriting" and a 3pm workshop "Singing For Everyone". Both would be suitable for beginning to intermediate songwriters and singers and I'm offering both for $25 waged/$20 unwaged. The only down-side is that numbers are limited so please ring 0406 694 662 or email debra.manskey@gmail.com to book your place.

Just to keep me out of mischief, I'll be performing at the cafe that evening - all acoustic & unplugged. Guests will be announced soon.

Can't wait!

When the Universe Listens

2008-01-31T17:37:00.000+11:00

My Incredible Support Network

It's been a very strange ride the first few weeks of 2008. Having my car stolen and incinerated was simply awful but nevertheless, I went ahead with a much planned and longed for holiday in Melbourne over the Australia Day long weekend. I'm so glad I did, it was only a four day break but apart from not getting enough sleep, I've come back invigorated.

That's largely because of you folks. I can't thank all of you enough for your beautiful messages and offers of assistance from around the planet as well as in Australia. Brief examples; my dear friend Mark who I've known since school offered so much (as he always has) all the way from Broome, and Kerrie from Melbourne who I only met at a workshop last year but has a gentle, giving heart bigger than the state of Victoria.

What Goes Around, Comes Around

The day I got back from Melbourne (within an hour of getting off the plane in fact) I got a phone call from a nice-sounding fellow who said he was from Tasmania Police. Had I heard of the project U-Turn? Yes I had, U-Turn is a very comprehensive diversionary program which supports young people and trains them in automotive competencies. Each course rebuilds a donated car in their 10-weeks of training and the car is then passed on to someone in the community. He'd seen a copy of an article in the Mercury about my plight and wanted to meet to discuss my situation. Imagine my shock when he suggested that I be the recipient of this course's rebuilt car!!!!!

I still can't quite believe it but I like to think it's the combined effort of all your positive thoughts - thank you all so much!

Love to you all,

Debra

PS: Gig news for Victoria in the next day or so and I'll post a review & some pics of Melbourne Big Day Out.

Lightning Does Strike Twice

2008-01-22T14:29:00.000+11:00

Dear Friends,

I'm writing to you all to let you know how my year's started. Many of you will remember that my car was stolen about 18 months ago (just after my guitar was taken) and dumped a couple of blocks away when it ran out of petrol. I was lucky that time, not too much damage and I got the car back. I remember the police saying to me at the time it's unlikely it'd happen again.

Well, it seems that lightning does strike twice.

Some time on Friday night or Saturday morning (11th or 12th January) my little Astra (affectionately known as TaCar) was taken from the corner of Church and Warwick St, driven to Claremont and then torched. It seems that car theives all watch CSI these days and want to get rid of DNA evidence.

Being a working musician it means I'll have to put plans to go to Launceston and Burnie on hold a while longer and of course, I didn't have car insurance - on my income there's no way I could afford it so I have no means of recovering financially either.

But as a person dealing with a permanent back problem, I'm afraid it's got much bigger ramifications and will seriously restrict my mobility and independence long term. Luckily I live close to town and at present I can get around (albeit slowly) with my chic Melbourne shopping trolley. The police have told me bluntly that mine was one of many cars stolen that weekend and there is no state assistance available through the courts or otherwise.

I'm posting this to highlight not only my plight but those who are worse off than me, who live out of town, don't have as strong support networks, who maybe aren't as verbal as I am.

Anyway, I feel quite heart-broken, I loved my little car and the independence it gave me. I've already had to pass up a job as I can't get to it on public transport and that's really depressing.

Any suggestions? If any of you know of any ultra cheap cars in Hobart please contact me

Take care one and all

Adelaide Tour - Part 2

2007-11-27T14:54:00.000+11:00

Here's the random pics I always end up taking everywhere I go.....

Adelaide Tour - Part 1

2007-11-19T14:14:00.000+11:00

It's all quite odd being back in South Australia, the state I was born and raised in. All in all, I've now lived away more years than I've ever lived here and it feels like it! Just after I arrived the 2nd test against Sri Lanka started, and the match was being played in Hobart. Sitting in the air conditioned hostel, I felt suddenly and quite profoundly homesick - a very strange feeling indeed!

My Sunday off really drove it home. I know my way around this city very well but found myself doing really touristy things but also photographing things, buildings and places that meant something to me as a child. Walking down King William St yesterday on a very summery Sunday morning I was transported back forty years or more and could hear my father telling me about the history of Adelaide and it's settlement while I skipped and hopped, playing my private game of maintaining my grip in dad's hand and jumping from flagstone to flagstone without "treading on the cracks and break my mother's back".

Sweet memories - but just that now. For some things there really is no going back.

The Gigs

The Grace Emily

The day I got off the plane I had a first gig at The Grace Emily in the funky end of Waymouth St. The Grace is getting quite a reputation as one of the places to play for original, indie musicians. It's quite a small room but it's got great atmosphere and the staff are very chilled. (I particularly loved the shrines to Ernie Sigley and Bert Newton!)

The support was a trio (who don't have a name as yet I think??) Simon on guitar and vocals, Craig on percussion & bass and Sarah on violin and backing vocals. (The pic's a little dark but you'll get the idea!)

It was close to Sarah's 21st birthday so it became an impromptu party. Also, just to add another nice note, it turns out Simon & I have a mutual friend in the Hobart scene. Somedays it seems such a small planet!

All in all, a very pleasant way to start out a week in Adelaide!

Sarah's Cafe

No relation to the Sarah above (Well, I don't think so!) Sarah's Cafe has become a mainstay in the Adelaide latin & jazz scene. Centrally located in Leigh St (just off Hindley St) Sarah's is a really nice place to chill out, eat great food and indulge in the bevvy of your choice. It also hosts after work music sessions every Thursday & Friday and weekly salsa dancing classes.

Despite the fact that I don't really fit those genre types, it was a lovely little gig, very laid back and thanks to Andrew for having me.

SCALA @ The Joiners Arms

SCALA is the Songwriters, Composers And Lyricists Association Inc and they've been running a weekly origianal music night for twenty years - an awesome achievement in a smallish city like Adelaide and a fantastic boost to original musicians in any language.

I was on the bill with Craig Battams, Gred Chiapolino and The Amanda Emblem Experiment - all very fine Adelaide-based original musicians. It was also really nice to play at the Joiners. I think it was one of the pubs my dad used to frequent many many years ago and it's a typical old-style Adelaide pub. Low-built, Gawler stone, return verandah, friendly staff and great home-cooked meals.

It was a really lovely gig, probably the nicest of the tour. Partly because of the audience but a lot to do with the organiser, Rob Childs. Rob's been the stalwart and mainstay of SCALA for all of it's 20 years and his love of music - and more particularly original music - shows in all he does for the organisation and the people who play. He even picked me up from the hostel I stayed at and delivered me back to the door at the end of the night. Awesome!

I met up with people who knew family who now live in Singapore and even worked with friends in Hobart. Also, it was great to play for a fresh audience, who for for the most part haven't heard me sing before or at least since I was in Wild Pumpkins. I think that's one of the great attractions at the moment of touring, getting a fresh reaction from folks who haven't heard me before.

On Tuesday night I went back to the Joiners again but this time to run a workshop and share songs with some of the SCALA members. Again, this was a delightful experience and I was so pleased to be amongst a group of experienced composers. Increasingly, I'm getting a heap of satisfaction from balancing gigs with workshops. It's one thing to get up on stage and just do it, it's entirely another to share the creative process and analysis with other like-minded souls.

On the whole this was a fantastic trip - despite the insanely hot weather! - and I'm already thinking I'll be going back before the middle of next year.

The Nicest Hostel in Adelaide

And one last tip - if you're looking for somewhere to stay in Adelaide, check out Sunny's in Franklin St.

It's a great little hostel, walking distance to everything important in the city (Central Market, Rundle Mall, Hindley St, Elder Park, Art Gallery and the Torrens) and the hospitality is second to none! While it's not a palace, it'd have to be one of the friendliest hostels I've stayed in for ages and the rates are very very reasonable. John, the owner, is a sax player and one of his full-time residents (Gary) is a chef who makes everyone pancakes for breakfast every morning. Yum!

Adelaide November 07

2007-11-17T11:47:00.000+11:00

Well, I'm here!

It's taken a while to find a public access computer but better late than never!!! Unfortunately, there's no USB access on this one so pics will have to put up at a later date.

So far, so good. The gigs have been great but the weather has been totally outrageous. Every day since I arrived (last Wednesday) has been over 30 degrees Celsius. Despite having grown up in Adelaide I'm just not used to the very hot weather anymore and I think the one saving grace is that it's a dry, desert heat - a la the southern mediterranean - and not the humidity of Sydney or the pseudo English summer of Tasmania - where everyone goes troppo as soon as it gets over 25 C!

Anyway, despite feeling like I'm melting, it's been great fun and I'm looking forward to my last spot tonight at the Joiners Arms in Hindmarsh.

More pics and chat about Adelaide later..... now I really must go and watch the cricket - the second test against Sri Lanka being played in Hobart...... it makes me feel a wee bit homesick, which in itself is truly bizarre!

Melbourne Tour October 2007 - The Last Word

2007-10-23T14:59:00.000+11:00

Photos arrived today from Michael Reynolds, a fellow I met at the Brunswick Hotel. He is a very talented guy, can recite CJ Dennis beautifully as well as take really nice live pics.

As promised, I'm posting them. I've reduced the original resolution so they load before the next ice age!

Melbourne Tour October 2007 - Part 4

2007-10-21T13:02:00.000+11:00

View from the rooftop of Victoria Hall

Melbourne City Library

This was one of my favourite gigs in a long time. City Library is in the heart of Melbourne (253 Flinders Lane) and every other Friday lunchtime (12:30-1:30pm) they play host to a live musician upstairs in their gallery. It's called Acoustica in the Gallery and is highly regarded as a singer/songwriters dream gig.

The atmosphere is great and I had a wonderful time sans pa, playing my originals to a very appreciative audience of library goers. Also, the staff are just wonderful - nothing was too much trouble and I felt very well cared for.

If you live in Melbourne or are just visiting, I recommend you check this out.

Collingwood Neighbourhood House Workshops

Not particularly well attended but it really didn't matter - I had an awesome time and got to hang out with two of the nicest folks I've met in the community choir movement in Victoria. Jim & Aina were there for all the right reasons and we had a very productive day.

I've since heard back from them and it seems that some of the strategies I offered were appropriate and I'm looking forward to catching up with them again when I'm back in Melbourne in January 08.

The Neighbourhood House is right at the base of one of the housing towers on Hoddle St and is a really great space. I thought Dawn (who books the space to itinerants like me) was wonderful and really easy to work with. Despite the lack of numbers, I will be using it again for sure.

The Whole Gamut Acoustic Music Society

The last gig of the tour was Sunday afternoon, the first really nice day in ages and a taste of the summer to come. It was really great fun and once again at the Brunswick Hotel.

An old friend of mine, Penelope Swales was supposed to be on the bill but was taken off to Canada while on tour in the US. In her stead, Kate Eve (who I haven't seen for almost 20 years!) was first up and her delightful set was warmly received.

Gluefoot (in solo guise of Derek, his guitar and some electronic magic) was also on the bill and I've been playing the new CD "How Bout You Calm Down"since I've been back in Hobart. I really like the whimsical nature of this gentle music with the probing lyrics and confess I've been getting any visitors to my place to listen to it.

Photos from this gig are on their way, courtesy of Michael, a WGAMS regular, who also graced us with a recitation of some CJ Dennis.

Sadly, the WGAMS is going into indefinite recess at the end of 2007 as the two Peters who run it are both busy professionals and needing a break. That means only two more monthly treats of interesting, original acoustic music - unless some enterprising soul/s take on the challenge!

Peter P kindly drove me to the airport after the gig (that's how well these people treat their artists!) and I was a little sad to be flying out but also very tired after a week of pretty frantic activity. It was a great tour and I'm already looking forward to next month in Adelaide and January back in Melbourne.

Melbourne Tour October 2007 - Part 3

2007-10-21T12:33:00.001+11:00

An Aside About The Word "Hate"

While I was in Melbourne I was wandering up Swanston Street when my eye was taken by the Green Left mob, selling their paper and trying to get at least some dialogue happening with us passers by.

When I was much younger I used to like badges, particularly ones that were vaguely political but ambiguous and (I think like many of my generation) wore them like my mum wore brooches. I remember a particular favourite was "Social deviants against the bomb". There was a young woman next to a board of badges proclaiming "Howard Hater". Given that we're now at last into the real campaign, I thought it might be time to make a little quiet protest of my own again.

I asked if there was anything else less blatant to which this young woman turned on me and said, "but don't you hate him?"

I replied that I certainly hated what John Howard had done to the country, despise what he represents or how he has no idea what life's like for anyone on a low income - anyone like me. However, I felt that he was probably very sincere in doing what he felt was the right thing for the country. In short, I don't hate the person - I hate the politics.

Somehow, I had committed the great sin.... is the concept of "sin" applicaple to the Demorcratic Socialist Party? A question for another time I think...... in this instance, I dared to not hate the perptrator of so many of the social woes of the past decade.

I suggested that the button "Stop HoWARd" was more my statement, with the letters "stop" and "war" in blood red. I further suggested that the notion of applying a personal hatred at the feet of any individual was perpetuating the very principals that Howard and his government stand for. The very same principals of patriarchal control that have been shoved down our throats for more years than can be counted.

There's more than one song in that.

Somedays I despair of what we - Australians as a nation - have become.

Melbourne Tour October 2007 - Part 2

2007-10-21T11:11:00.000+11:00

At Victoria Market

The Good Folk Club

This is a wonderful little weekly event, held at the Brunswick Hotel on Sydney Rd. It's organised by Alicia from The Good Booking Agency (who also organise The Good Country Club at the Edinburgh Castle Hotel). Besides feature acts, every week there's an Open Stage competition that's been attracting some very classy new performers.

I was really pleased to meet Canadian chanteuse Erika Werry, who played the opening spot. She's not only a beautiful singer and a very capable songwriter but a lovely young woman who seems really at home in Melbourne. I hope she can come to Tasmania in the months she has left in Australia, I think a lot of locals here would love what she does.

This was also a great night for me as I got to hook up with my friend and fellow former WPAM member Nick Larkins. He's about to go on the road with The Dan Rumour Band over the Australian summer to promote their new album - after he's completed his assignments for Melbourne Uni!

The Lomond Hotel

Thursday was a spot at The Lomond, an iconic pub at the end of Nicholson St. After a few idyllic warm and windy spring days, the weather broke in a big way and it was a pretty awful night to be going out. Consequently, the rain kept a few away but it was still a nice, intimate gig with Tonchi Tosh and his crew, Matt Earl & MC Jaezed supporting. Tonchi's been in the studio in recent weeks and I'm really looking forward to hearing this latest CD. This fella's got a helluva future ahead of him and is definitely and artist to watch!

Part 3 & 4 to follow and will include more of my photos.

Melbourne Tour October 2007 - Part 1

2007-10-18T10:31:00.000+11:00

St George slaying the dragon, outside State Library, Swanston St

A Little About Melbourne

After a week on remote and windswept King Island, arriving in Melbourne is always a bit of a shock. I got to my accommodation (Victoria Hall in Russell St) about 6pm Sunday evening, and felt quite overwhelmed by the number of people wandering around the streets in the CBD. By Monday I was acclimatised and totally engaged in it!

To my eyes, this is a much more European city than Sydney. I lived in Melbourne back in the mid-80's and although it's changed in many respects since then - just as all Australian cities have - in many others it's very much the same. In amongst the steel and glass of homogenised late 20th century architecture, one can find gems like the statue of St George (above) outside the State Library building on the corner of Swanston & LaTrobe Streets, on the edge of the CBD.

The pace of life has always been quite different in Melbourne too. Unlike Sydney, which never seems to stop these days, Melburnians in my experience, work just as hard but are more inclined to stop and relax with just as much intensity. After all, despite the protestations of many interstate fans, this is the home of Australian Rules Football and an institution.

I didn't get a lot of time off while I was there but took a few pics of things that grabbed my fancy. I also managed to catch a great exhibition at the RMIT Gallery in Swanston St, "Living Elvis", celebrating 30 years since the King's earthly demise - brilliant!

The Gigs - Singers Workshop with Sweet Sassafras

Monday afternoon, I got on the Belgrave train and travelled to the end of the line, up in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges. There I was met by the wonderful Deidre, Jennie and Kerrie from Sweet Sassafras Community Choir, ready to run a singing workshop with them that evening. I felt like a princess - treated to cake and coffee beforehand at a wonderful little cafe in Belgrave and a chance to chat and get to know these amazing women a little better. Kerrie was my contact for the choir and frankly, without her the workshop wouldn't have happened - she is a powerhouse of positive energy!

The hall where the choir meet every Monday night is at Sassafras Primary School on the Mt Dandenong Tourist Road. It's big enough to accommodate everyone but small enough to be cosy and a good space to sing in. I had a hoot with these folks, some of whom were attracted by Kerrie's very organic-looking posters and not regular members of the choir. I know some of them joined the choir that night and I wish them all the best in their personal journey of song.

There's a tremendous celebration happening across Victoria at the moment, a resurgence of the power of massed voices and community singing, and many beautiful songs being performed. As a songwriter, I see another strand to this tapestry.

So many times I hear people say "I love that song, gee I wish I could do that" and when I suggest that they can, they close up and say "I can't write songs". Digging a little deeper, it's often the vulnerability that one feels, the sense of exposure that holds us back from taking the quantum leap from interpreting other people's music to composing our own. There is also a very big underlying notion that songwriting is the domain of the individual. What I set out to do with the Sassafras mob was show that it's in all of us and guide them through a very simplistic shared songwriting model.

By the end of the night (a brief two hour session) we had an original harmonised round and a lot of yellow envelopes strewn about with lyrics for future songs that came from the group. It was wonderful and I really look forward to hearing more original work from this choir in the future.

King Island October 07

2007-10-17T16:41:00.000+11:00

What a week! I arrived on the island Sunday afternoon, a slightly bumpier intro than I've had on previous trips.

On the ground, King Island was living up to it's name as the place where "Nothing Ever Changes But The Weather". Well, not strictly true. The weather did change every five minutes or so but the kids I was working with had certainly changed. Mostly grown in stature but also in attitude and outlook. The new-found maturity of many of the kids I'd worked with previously was quite beautiful.

In between blowing a gale and being balmy and spring-like, it poured with rain and I wondered if I'd brought enough warm clothes with me! Nevertheless, I didn't have time to think about anything as mundane as being warm for the next seven days as we got into the swing of rehearsals for the KIDHS Theatre Restaurant.

Prior to my arrival the students and staff had chosen a theme for this year - sustainability - and some of the material that they wanted to sing as a choir. Big Yellow Taxi (Counting Crows version) We Are All In This Together (Ben Lee) and I suggested Saltwater (Julian Lennon). With only a week it was a bit impractical to try and develop original work as well as performance skills so we opted for doing covers. The Grade 6 class were also keen to get involved so we developed an arrangement of the Saint Saens melody If I Had Words (with lyrics by Fitzgerald & Keeley).

Everyone seemed a little tentative to start with and I recall feeling a bit panic-stricken around lunchtime Monday, but by the end of school Tuesday everyone seemed to be pulling together better and I knew we'd be ok. The outstanding efforts of staff and students got us all over the line!

It was a shame I couldn't stay for two weeks and perhaps next year we'll organise it better so I can do that, but this time round I had to go to Melbourne to fulfill long-standing engagements for gigs and workshops. In fact, when the students were giving their main performance the following Thursday night, I was playing at the Lomond Hotel in Brunswick! I left messages with staff that afternoon to wish everyone well but I admit it was difficult not being there.

Reports I've had back are that it went very, very well. The theme of sustainability is one that's very close to the hearts of these kids and they worked incredibly hard to develop theatrical and revue-style pieces that would portray what they feel, think and (in some cases) fear. I guess what most of them want is the same as any generation that's come before - a safe, clean and secure world to live in.

All power to them!

Leaving The Island Again
7th October 2007

Notes from King Island

2007-10-03T15:25:00.000+10:00

Oh how I love being on tour!

Despite the inconveniences of not having particular books, music (and at present extra woollies!) at my fingertips, there’s something deeply satisfying about being on the road.

One thing is that there’s less decisions that need to be made about what top will I wear today, which automatically leads on to less clothes to wash!

On the down side, I have reason to believe there’s a gremlin that lives in my backpack which swells and slowly takes up more room as the days go by. Moving this morning from Parers Hotel to private accomodation in Currie on windswept King Island, I was shocked by how little space there is in my pack. Of course it has nothing to do with all the extra paperwork I’ve accumulated in four days away – not a bit! At this rate, by the time I’ve finished in Melbourne, I should’ve accumulated enough mass to fill three suitcases.

Perhaps the best part is returning to places that you know are winners and King Island is just that. Despite the wild weather and bumpy ride in on Sunday afternoon, this is one of the most welcoming places I’ve experienced on the planet. I really recommend this island for holiday makers of all ages. This is one of the best places for cheese and beef anywhere I've been in the world.

The reason I’m here of course is to continue work with music and drama students at the district high school. It started for me last year when I came over for a week to run a Writers’ in Schools project. For a very small school, isolated in the far western Bass Strait the results that came from that initial week were mind-boggling and material that came from that was presented as part of Tasmanian Living Writers Week.

As wonderful as that was, it’s been even more rewarding for me to return (this is now my third visit) and see/hear new work from existing students as well as advise new writers, performers and composers. Maintaining contact with students has been a continuing joy for me and I’ve also had a student come to Hobart and stay with me as part of her Year 10 work placement, just so she knows how hard it is to be a jobbing musician! I really look forward to seeing some of these kids in years to come and I’m sure I’ll end up going to their gigs, buting their CD's and generally cheering them on.

Meanwhile, I’m getting ready for next week’s gigs……. Even though first up is a singers’ workshop with Sweet Sassafras up in the Dandenongs. If you’re interested be at the Sassafras Primary School at 7:30pm for a couple of hours of fun and general vocal mayhem!!!

Tuesday night I’m headlining at The Good Folk Club (Brunswick Hotel) with support from Canadian singer/songwriter Erika Werry.

More gigs and workshops throughout next week but full tour dates are on MySpace - http://www.myspace.com/debramanskey

Catch you all soon!

Adelaide Tour - Advance Notice

2007-08-10T10:45:00.000+10:00

Hi everyone,

Just a short note to let you all know - and esp those of you in South Australia - that I'm planning to come to Adelaide in November.

Booked so far are a SCALA Original Showcase gig on Saturday 17th and a SCALA "Join Us" Workshop, Tuesday 20th November. Both will be held at The Joiners Arms, 9 Manton St, Hindmarsh

SCALA are the Songwriters, Composers & Lyricists Association, a much respected organisation who run weekly original showcase gigs and monthly workshops.

It's been a very long time since I've played a gig in Adelaide - I think the last time would've been Adelaide or Flinders Uni or maybe a Fringe Fest gig with Wild Pumpkins in the late 80's. It'll be really interesting to see who shows up!!!

Keep watching - there'll be more to add in the coming weeks.

Take care,

Debra

PS: Hope to have a full (and detailed) list of Melb dates finalised by next week!

Too Long Between Posts!

2007-08-03T19:07:00.000+10:00

I guess this is what happens when life gets in the way!

I've been so busy getting a tour together for Melbourne in October, teaching, running workshops and staying warm that some things got a little neglected this winter - apologies!

Melbourne

I'm heading off to Melb & King Island again in October. A full list of gigs & workshops will be posted here and on the MySpace page once it's all finalised.

Confirmed so far, Thurs 11th Oct Lomond Hotel (with the wonderful Tonchi Tosh) Frid 12th Oct Acoustica in the Gallery, City Library (lunchtime gig) and Sunday 14th Oct Whole Gamut Acoustic Music Club @ The Brunswick Hotel.

Really looking forward to this trip as I haven't been away for a while. I don't know about you, but winter always makes me think of travel to warmer climes - even if it's only across Bass Strait!

More Travel?

Interestingly this winter, I've also been looking seriously at the prospect of heading off to the US for a few weeks in '08. It seems that I have quite a few fans there and I'm exploring the idea of running some specialist workshops in the eastern US and maybe doing some intimate coffeehouse gigs too. If any of you have knowledge of good intimate spaces/shows you think would be appropriate (esp in the New England area) please let me know. I'll keep you posted here and on the MySpace page.

Meanwhile, I discovered this today while looking at potential US festivals. Those of you who know me well enough to share a meal, know how much I love chili in all it's wonderous, flavoursome forms..... well, I think I've found my nirvana in the National Chile Pepper Food Festival in Bowers PA. This year will be the 12th annual festival so it's obviously a popular event.

And this is Slim, winner of the 2006 National Jalapeno Eating Contest. I think he's awesome and I love his firey chili waistcoat!

Take care and love to you all,

Debra

February Gig Pics

2007-03-03T17:03:00.000+11:00

Here's some pics from the last gig I did at the Peacock Theatre a couple of weeks ago. (That was the Bat Band CD/DVD launch.)

Unfortunately, they're all slightly out of focus - but for those of you interstate and overseas who've been asking for current pics, I hope it'll at least give you an idea of what I look like these days!

King Island Article & Lottsa News!

2007-03-01T11:44:00.000+11:00

King Island Article

A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Mike Bingham, regular columnist with Hobart's Mercury newspaper. We talked about lots of stuff but mostly the Tasmanian Writers in Schools Project, how the Hydro & the Dept of Education are doing good things by funding this project and how awesome the kids of King Island are.

The article and pic are going to be published in this Saturday's paper - that's 3rd March - where's the year going???

For those of you who can't access a hard copy go to the Mercury website on Saturday and look for Mike's regular column.

'Live Sampler' Airplay & Update

Apparently, ABC local radio and Edge (Hobart Community Radio) are both playing tracks from the 'Live Sampler'. It's great to see them continuing their strong support of local artists - thanks folks!

Also, cheers and sincere thanks to all of you who've bought copies of the single since I released it late last year. Originally, I just wanted a taster to send out to radio stations, festivals and such to give them an idea what I do these days. Selling them was unexpected - particularly this many!

Meanwhile, the only way to purchase it is still through me. If you want a copy they're AU$11 plus postage but please email me first to organise payment and a shipping address.

Bat Band New CD/DVD Now Available

This is the much-awaited CD/DVD 2-disc extravaganza 'All This Time' from one of the best bands in Tasmania and some of the nicest people on the planet. I'm hoping to have some of the extraordinary cover art and pics from the launch up here soon.

The inclusion of Jamie on rhythm guitar and especially two girls, Bails and Crystal on sax and vocals respectively has made a really huge difference to fattening the sound as well as creating an on-stage balance.

No idea when their next gig is but it's not something to miss out on! Contact Mal Bat for further details about upcoming gigs and purchasing the CD/DVD.

Dream Awake New EP Cover Art

Who are Dream Awake? You might remember them as Ten Bears but this former Tassie, now Melbourne based trio have just finished their debut EP 'The Key Tree'. I really love the cover and couldn't resist putting it up here. Jill (Bass/Backing Vox) contacted me a few days ago to let me know they've got a couple of the new offerings up on their MySpace page from the EP. Go check it out and give them your feedback!

Dream Awake won't be back in Tassie til later in the year when they're playing at the Moonah Arts Centre. Meanwhile, email them to find out how to purchase the EP.

Jay Fraser on TripleJ

I happened to be near a radio on Monday evening that was tuned to the J and a very enigmatic little tune caught my ears, not at all like the usual formularised 'hohum' that's on there of late. Imagine my delight when I realised it was friend, northern Tasmanian singer/songwriter Jay Fraser.

He's launching his CD 'Losing Home' here in Hobart in April but I recommend a trip to his MySpace page for further shows and tunes to listen to.

Upcoming Gigs - 'A Month of Sundays' Hobart

The only one to look out for in coming weeks is 29th April part of the 'Month of Sundays' series being run at the Backspace Theatre in Hobart. The idea is to mix original musicians of various styles with film-makers, comedians and anyone else who's doing innovative things in any field of performance and showcase them over the month of April on Sundays (hence the cute name).

Being at the Backspace is always a treat, no matter if you're a performer or the audience so keep an eye on the MySpace page for further details.

Not a lot planned currently due to life getting in the way of performing and writing taking precedence over everything at the moment! The Famous Fidel keeps being a good boyfriend (read 'annoying and bossy but I love him for it') and getting me to slow down and look after myself better. I might try - tomorrow!

In the meantime, take care and I look forward to hearing from you all soon!

Deb
xxx

So Long Between Posts - A New Guitar in the Family!

2007-02-23T20:25:00.000+11:00

So Long Between Posts!

I can't believe it was September since I last posted anything here!

So much has happened since then it's difficult to know where to start.....
but first up, thanks to those of you who've been hassling me in recent weeks to get my act together and start writing again!

I had a fantastic finish to the year with another trip back to King Island (and some of the most talented kids on the planet!) and some time in Melbourne after.

A New Guitar In The Family

I think this is my biggest news of late 2006 and isn't it pretty?

It's a brand new Canadian Seagull S6 Cedar and I've slowly got used to it and had a pretty fun summer of lazing around with it. The interesting thing is it's the total opposite of the Fender F25 that was stolen last August. (No word still from the police on that by the way, but thank you to all of you who've been asking - I really appreciate it!)

It's a dreadnought shape - not a small body; has a fairly low action but a wider neck than the Fender; big sound and loads of bottom end but the thing I like best about it is the extraordinary seperation of sound on each string. It has a gutsy but really warm sound and sounds absolutely the bees knees miked up through a well-run pa! Alistair the Almighty (sound engineer extraordinaire) was all but drooling over it after my most recent gig and commented on how lovely it was to hear a new acoustic that didn't have the lack-lustre 'un-natural gloss' in sound that seems to dog Maton and Cole Clark guitars.

Last weekend I played my first serious gig with it since I've become used to it. That isn't to say that the other gigs I've played haven't been important - more it's the first longish set I've done since I've really started to feel at ease with the instrument! It was a support spot and CD/DVD launch for The Bat Band at the Peacock Theatre and in absolutely sweltering heat - a great workout for the guitar and for me!

I've also been writing some new material, learning the rudiments of slide guitar from my mate Peter Thompson (one of the sweetest and most talented people on the planet), playing way too much xbox with Fidel (those of you who know him understand it's the perfect nick for him!) and watching some good, interesting and sometimes indifferent movies.

Cricket

I can leave this world a happy woman - I have bowed before the urn, read the poem with my own eyes and seen a good deal of the paraphenallia that goes with The Ashes when it toured Australia in January. My dear friend Flip was at the MCG when Warnie took his 600th wicket - lucky man, and I watched the Australian test team take England to the cleaners for the test series.

As for the One Day Tri-Nation Series here and the Chappell/Hadley Cup in New Zealand.................. I really don't want to talk about it.

For the unitiated, I recommend a trip to Cricket Australia's official site http://www.cricket.com.au/

Meanwhile, I've got to go and make home-made hotdogs for dinner. It's a tough life and someone's gotta do it!!

More news in coming days about King Island and the Tas Writers In Schools Project.

CD Launch/Girls Night Out - The Show Must Go On

2006-09-08T10:11:00.000+10:00

Next Thursday at Trout Bar & Cafe I'm getting together with three of the best and brightest female singer/songwriters in southern Tasmania.

This is not a women-only gig but an opportunity to celebrate women performers and writers. I hope this will become a semi-regular event at least, but that depends on interest.

Also, (at long last) I'll be launching my CD single 'Live Sampler' which was recorded at the Peacock Theatre earlier this year.

Lana Chilcott (bless her!) is letting me use her guitar for this gig, as it's extremely unlikely that I'll ever see the Fender again.

Stolen

2006-09-08T09:56:00.000+10:00

Stolen from my home in South Hobart but a very unique vintage Fender acoustic - virtually unsaleable in Tasmania. It's likely to have left the state by now and the police have no clue.

Its a standard small-body Fender F25, approx 35 years old but with a lot of very obvious work done to the neck. I've included a pic of the last gig I played with it - a couple of weeks ago for Tas Living Writers Week. It was in a new SKB roadcase, which also had my Boss tuner in it.

If you have any information - no matter how small or seemingly insignificant - please let me know. I'm prepared to not press charges or ask questions if the guitar and case are returned to me in good order.

I am heart-broken.

King Island - Part 2: The Project

2006-07-25T16:17:00.000+10:00

The Project: 'Right Here - Write Now'

It was agreed by general concensus of the major stakeholders - the kids - that this is what we should call the thing. I'm pretty happy with the title because it fairly accurately portrays what the project was about and (perhaps more importantly) what's come out of it so far.

I say so far because many of the pieces that students wrote while I was there weren't complete in their minds and they consider them works in progress. I have no doubt that the finished works will be of immense interest to anyone interested in island culture from all over the world, and I think there'll be quite a lot of other work that comes from kids on King Island as a result my brief time there.

I did some very quick 'taster' workshops early on in my trip and I must say I was extremely surprised by the quality of work that came through. I always consider them 'on the run' and not really of any great value except to open the eyes of participants to the possibilities of songwriting as a means of creative expression - these sessions are always too brief. But here it seemed that these kids were intent on grabbing the opportunity given with both hands - they had things to tell the world and they weren't to be put off by anyone! We talked about sense of place and the good things and bad things about living on the island. Many of the boys were into football and surfing as well as motorbike riding and muttonbirding during the nesting season.

A Short Note About Muttonbirds

For those of you not from south eastern Australia I think a brief explanation is in order....... the Short-Tailed Shearwater travels more than half-way round the planet each year to get to its nesting sites in southern Victoria, northern Tasmania and predominantly the Bass Strait islands. They are traditional food and medicine of Victorian and Tasmanian aboriginal people and are harvested in a traditional manner. People put their hands down the nests and remove the fledgeling birds, which are killed immediately. This is one of the few wild birds in Australia that are harvested commercially and the practice is heavily licensed and regulated. There's some excellent information on the birds and their amazing migration at the Tas Park & Wildlife page. Unfortunately, its not uncommon to find tiger snakes have been there first and on King Island I heard some great tales from some of the boys of how to work out if the nest is empty and finding extremely well fed poisonous reptiles instead of fluffy chicks!

If you are curious muttonbird's available commercially in Australia through specialty food outlets - the kind of place that sells crocodile meat would sell cooked muttonbirds. I've eaten muttonbird years ago when I first moved to Tasmania and found it way too oily and fish-flavoured for my taste. The consistency of the meat is like a wild duck but it tastes like extremely rich sardines to me!

The Project: Who's Who in the Zoo

As the project progressed it was clear who the really keen students were and we bunkered down for some intense sessions all day Thursday and Friday morning. The school principal (a wonderfully positive man, Charlie Stubbs) asked if a presentation in front of the school was possible Friday afternoon. So we had a deadline and a performance to prepare for! Also, I upped the ante by inviting the participants who wanted and were able to be my support acts on Saturday night at the Boomerang by the Sea. (I've never seen a bunch of kids look more scared and excited at the same time!)

So, for the final leg of the project, I ended up working with Sophie, Breanna, Nick, Marie, Tiana, Bronny, Steph, Meegan, Jayden and Justin. (There was also one adult participant from the school community, Kelly.... but more on Kelly next post!) The music teacher, Duncan McFie was extremely generous and gave us free run of the music centre, heaps of his time and expertise and even became our sound engineer for the school assembly and Boomerang gigs.

My school liaison, teacher Peta McFadzean (also my rock) made sure the logistics of everything ran smoothly. From having the kids out of their normal classes to organising ticketing with the mighty school office staff for Saturday night, nothing was too much bother for her. It was a classic team effort where everyone was equally important to both process and outcomes and I think we all learnt a great deal. There was tremendous feedback within the group for each others' work and suggestions were made positively and without bagging or putting anyone down. We were there for each other.

This became particularly evident when Nick had an accident on Friday morning, ended up with stitches and couldn't play bass for Breanna's song anymore. Marie switched from drums and played bass with only a couple of hours' practice - what an effort! Also Meegan, who opted not to be involved directly in composition but was there for everyone with her quiet support and lovely harmony singing.

Meanwhile, as part of the Tasmanian Writers In Schools Projects, students were asked in July to contribute to an e-zine that will be published soon on the net. A sample is available here.

Next post, what they wrote and pics.

King Island - Part 1

2006-07-25T15:57:00.000+10:00

I think the best way is to take this in small bits..... it was too beautiful and too many things happened for just one post.

Suffice it to say the project was a success, and I'm already in discussion with KIDHS to go back in early October for a follow-up.

Cape Wickham Lighthouse is on the landmass in the picture (I could just make it out from the plane) and that's the tallest lighthouse in the southern hemisphere. Anyway, this is how I left the island on Sunday and you have to admit it was rather lovely!

Links City

2006-06-28T11:09:00.000+10:00

I've been doing heaps of research (hours and hours of it) just recently on music related stuff and thought it would be good to share some links.

General Stuff

Open Directory or DMoz - this is a european-based site that is edited by volunteers (like Wikipedia) There's a lot of music links here but some of the pages are now sadly out of date.
MusicMoz - this is the same deal as the Open Directory but specialising in music. As its newer it's not as advanced but I think will eventually outstrip the dmoz site in terms of focus and specialist info. (I've applied as a volunteer editor here.)

Victorian Sites

I'm looking at going over in the next few months so a lot of my current research is based around this and also breaking venue sites into Melbourne Metro and Victorian Country files. The following are mostly media-related and I've got an emphasis on gig guides

Indie Initiative - is a national site but has a weekly gig at The Greyhound Hotel in St Kilda. The mailing list is good and quite informative.
Beat Magazine - was one of the first free street-zines all the way back in the 80's. Still very good for Melbourne news.
Buzz Magazine - covers Tasmania as well as Vic/Melbourne Metro. I write for this mag ocassionally and Peter the editor is very approachable if you're a Vic/Tas muso with something to say.
Ballarat Indie Music - very informative and lots of other info such as podcasts, venues & artists.
The Dwarf - has come a long way since it's inception in Hobart a few short years ago, and the Melbourne section is now the recommended gig guide by Indie Initiative.
Melband - is probably the front runner in the list at the moment. Friends of mine have used this with great success since moving across the water earlier this year.
Melbourne Gigs - is just that and also has reasonable listings of individual venues.
PBS 106.7 FM - has a very good gig guide and used to welcome contact from new artists - as all community radio stations should!
Triple R FM - another good radio station and gig guide.

I think that'll do for now but I'll put more up later. Believe me - there's literally hundreds of 'em!

Other Things of Interest

2006-06-25T14:20:00.000+10:00

Last night's meeting up with Dan wasn't the only thing that happened.

Bat News

Nice touch that my mate Bat was doing the sound for 'Big Low'. Latest news on the Bat front is that the DVD is almost ready. We did very nicely out of the May 20th gig - Bat got a DVD and I got a CD single! Thanks again to all those of you who came, it was a special night. I guess the next thing is we both need to think about our respective launches!!!

Somewhere Nice to Stay in Tassie

The Venue is off Wooby's Lane and part of the Salamanca Arts precinct down on the docks in Hobart and surrounded by great coffee houses, restauants and galleries. It's a great little place to play and listen to music and the licencee, Dave Gunton is quite a character. Apparently Dave's finally moved to Bruny Island and the website looks lush! If you're looking for somewhere to get away from it all, check this out. Dave and Rachel are fantastic hosts!

Stephen Eastaugh

Seeing Dan again last night made me think of many people I've lost contact with over the years. One of them is Australian-born artist Stephen Eastaugh, who I looked up on the internet today. Stephen did posters for Wild Pumpkins back in the 80's when he was studying in Hobart and was a treasured friend of the band. (The last one I saw was a wonderful pumpkin-headed monster from when the band were touring europe in the early 90's. If I can find a copy I'll scan it and put it up here.) His artwork (like the man) is fascinating and deceptively straightforward

Big Low in Hobart

2006-06-25T12:46:00.000+10:00

Big Low in Hobart

Last night I went to The Venue (in Salamanca for those who know Tas) and caught up with my friend Dan Tuffy and his band 'Big Low'. Now living in Holland, only Dan and Marc Constandse are here in Australia this time round. (That's Dan on the left and Marc in the middle.)

Marc plays a range of percussion instruments, bandoneon (a kind of accordian pictured) and has a wonderful, blues-laden voice. I loved the atmosphere these two generated and would recommend their music to anyone who likes good atmospheric, acoustic music. It's been described as Paul Kelly meets Tom Waits but I think there's something distinctly 'Dan' about it that rather defies description. Go see it for yourself.

Unfortunately, this is the end of the tour and the only means Australian audiences will have is through CD's or travelling to europe!

If you speak Dutch, this is an interesting article and review of their last CD, 'No Tears in Paradise'. CD's are available through Smoked Records in Holland or nonzero or Shock in Australia.

Chastised I Type

2006-06-23T18:11:00.000+10:00

Yes, I know its been three weeks since I've posted anything.

I'm sorry.

Can I come out of my room now?

Seriously, its been more than a bit stupid the last month but I've been busy! Life has taken all kinds of weird turnings recently but all in all I've been enjoying it.

The Friendly Ghost: Producers Night

This was on Wednesday night and was a good case in point of life pointing me sideways. Three people I knew were putting work on there, Spreckenstein, Nudge and Scot Cotterell. It was run like a classic chalkboard event - 15 minutes to introduce and push play on the cd player on stage. That meant there was a lot of new music that I knew absolutely nothing about - exciting! It was held at The Trout Bar, North Hobart and I've just written a 250 word review for July's Buzz Magazine (hard copy distributed in Victoria & Tas).

Once its gone to press I might start putting those pieces out here as well - I'm not sure if my editor's putting them in the online version?? I really should check, shouldn't I?

Meanwhile, I got into a great chat with Dave (publican/lover of original music) up at Trout and it looks like there's gonna be some shows in August/September..... I'll let you know the dates as soon as they're confirmed.

Stay warm and will post more soon - promise!!!

King Island Confirmed

2006-06-01T15:54:00.000+10:00

Nice to also have this definite at last. I'll be on the island for a week, working with the students at the District School and aiming to produce work for performance during Tasmanian Living Writers Week in August.

Also, the admin staff at the school (bless 'em!) have offered to organise a gig the last night I'm there at a local restaurant. Boomerang by the Sea is well worth checking out - it looks a totally spectacular place to eat and play! I've asked that we get some locals involved in this as well. I think it would be in keeping with the project if this is a true community event.

Nothing's been confirmed yet but I'll let you all know as soon as I find out.

It's still seven weeks away - but I can't wait!

The First Day of Winter

2006-06-01T15:44:00.000+10:00

Yes, its the first day of winter in the southern hemisphere, its wet and miserable and I think I'm coming down with a cold!

But I'm too pleased to feel sick.

All the good things I was hoping for with the live recording have come to fruition! I've put a track out on MySpace ("Silent Running") and it's still sounding ok to my ears. I've alerted the mailing list and had some very nice feedback - thank you all so much!

Now to get the printing, copying and distribution underway..................... my head hurts!

Slightly Brighter Friday

2006-05-26T18:12:00.000+10:00

Despite a load of personal crap this morning (mostly involving bills & too little money to pay them all immediately!) it's turned out to be a slightly better day than yesterday.

The news of the day however, is potentially gobsmacking. I've been told the quality of the recording from last Saturday's gig is outstanding. I'm going to have a listen to it tomorrow in the studio and bring a copy home, see if I can live with it as it is.

I know I played well but this is a bit of a turn up for the books! It's highly unusual to get really good quality on a number of tracks from one live concert. There's invariably glitches, if not in performance then in sound quality or equipment failure - that's why you usually see a list of venues on the back of live albums. Bat (who's studio I'm using) tells me that in his opinion it passes muster admirably, and this is a man who's opinion I value very highly.

It seems a little too good to be true but I will try and contain my enthusiasm and wait til tomorrow!

Bleak Thursday

2006-05-25T10:01:00.000+10:00

Well, it's very dim outside - winter is definitely on its way if not already here. Yesterday my car spat the master cylinder and I'm looking at a lot of money I don't currently have to fix it. (For the unitiated that's the thing under the bonnet that holds the brake fluid and hydrolically controls all wheel brakes.) The one thing I'm grateful for is that it happened when it was up on the hoist at the local garage. It could've happened when I was driving.

I'm feeling like I could set up a whole blog just about cars and the ridiculous ways we've become so reliant on them. But I won't.

King Island Update

As always, there's a balance to be found - with the bad comes the good. I've got confirmation that the King Island trip is going ahead. I'll be on the island Monday 17th and fly out Sunday 23rd July. Hoping for a gig at the Golf Club 21st or 22nd but have to see if I can organise it to get some other local island musos to play too. Again, will post out here and on myspace as soon as I know I'm really pleased and excited about it as this is one place I've never been and always wanted to go!

Recording Update

I think I'm still on a high from last weekend's gig - it was a beauty! - but feeling a wee bit nervous about this weekend's recording session. And I think it's totally appropriate to feel like that. Let's face it, as a musician and writer, it isn't every day that you commit your creations to a particular interpretation that will be held up as the gospel for ever and a day. That's why live performance is so important and so damn hard to record properly. Those little gems are ephemeral, once delivered they're gone and only live on in the minds of audience and performer.

And that's the other thing I'm doing this weekend - listening over the recording of last weekend's gig. If there's anything moderately worthwhile there I'll put it up on myspace for you all to listen to and use it as a promo disc. It all depends on the quality and if I've been kidding myself all week about the standard of my performance! We'll see I s'pose but it's still nerveracking!

Meanwhile, got to get my regular article off to Buzz Magazine for the June issue. It should be out on the newstands in Victoria and Tas by mid next week.

The Bat Gig Filming Aftermath

2006-05-21T16:38:00.000+10:00

Post-Gig Thoughts

Thanks so much all of you who came along, emailed, sms'd and generally just wished us all well. It was a really nice gig, great audience and fantastic vibe.

While we were packing up the gear we had a quick look at some of the film footage and room audio. That in itself was surreal! Kinda like a bunch of sports nuts - immediately the match is over, they're busy checking out the game replay!!!! Seriously, it looks and sounds very good and over the coming weeks we'll be sorting out the best of it for promo purposes and I might possibly upload some of my stuff to the myspace page.

Recording

Next thing in my calendar is recording next week. So looking forward to it after last night's effort, but reproducing that kind of vibe is damn hard without an audience! Nevermind, I'll just have to keep myself focussed on how sweet last night was.

At this stage, I'm looking at an acoustic sampler of songs and picking the best for a single release. Four to six songs maximum. Of course, launch and purchase details will be on myspace and here as they become known.

Meanwhile, I'm tired this afternoon (4am finish this morning!!) so think I'll go and blob out in front of the tv for a while. At least I've worked out the time settings on this blog so that's not doing my head in anymore!

Wednesday Stuff

2006-05-17T14:56:00.000+10:00

Yes, despite the fact the date counter on the blog site says its Tuesday - its really Wednesday and there's stuff!!!!

Reciprocal Stuff

I've set up a profile and so forth at myspace (yeah, yeah..... so many of you've been telling me to do this for ages, I know!) and the addie is:

http://www.myspace.com/debramanskey

There's another blog there that I'll use for gig and CD launch dates.......... which will of course be seen first here.

Living Writers Week 2006

As part of Living Writers Week 2006 I'm going to King Island District High School to conduct a week of songwriting workshops with some of the students there. I'll be doing this in July and performing some of the work from that comes from that in performances throughout LWW in August.

Its a really exciting project for many reasons - particularly for me as I've never been to King Island before - and I love running these sorts of workshops. Everybody gains so much from the shared experience.

For those of you who aren't familiar, King Island is the northern-most island off the western tip of Tasmania. I'm told its very flat and windy but its internationally acclaimed for some of the best dairy cattle in Australia and consequently some of the best cheeses. I'm already under strict instructions from HIM to bring back a wheel of double brie!!!

I'll keep you all informed of dates, ensuing public performances, and any other media through this blog.

Momentous Birthday

Yesterday the most important man in my universe - my son - celebrated his birthday. I spoke with him on the phone last night and realised just how much I love him, cherish him and so grateful that he's in my life!

Gig Reminder

Sat 20th May, The Peacock Theatre, Salamanca Arts Centre $10/$5 concession 7pm start
This gig will be filmed and recorded - look forward to seeing you there!

Not a lot more to tell really. Its been a hard slog of a day - mostly I think because of the weather - very grey and overcast. I know it sounds like conspiracy theory but I get very easily jaded when the sun disappears for more than a few days!

Really looking forward to the weekend gig - Bat gigs are always the best fun!

Happy Mothers' Day

2006-05-14T16:41:00.000+10:00

To all my friends who are mothers - hope you had a great day.

I had a nice quiet few laps up at the pool and felt pretty ok after the first 250m. Swimming has become my new drug!

Started talking with the very pregnant woman who was sharing my lap lane. She's got nine weeks to go and pointed out her four others in the public area. As much as I wish her well, I'd rather her than me. I simply could not imagine anything more perverse than going through all that again!

Came home to a lovely phone call from my late mother's day present. He was born a few days after mothers' day quite a few years ago now and is almost as forgetful as I am over such things. On the other hand, he'll ring me out of the blue sometimes for no apparent reason, was thinking of me and just wanted to say hi.

Spent the rest of the day doing housework with HIM and prep for dinner tonight...... his parents over for mothers' day dinner...... on the menu tonight, tempura calamari, madeira roast chicken and veggies, garlic basil bread and home made lemon pudding. I love cooking with this guy, he's so good to work with.

Tomorrow, prep of a different kind...... time to get ready for the gig at The Peacock Theatre on the 20th with Bat and the Band.

Freedom of Expression

2006-05-13T10:33:00.000+10:00

A 10-Point List of Good Things I Can Do & Don't Have to Tolerate Anymore

After more than two years of it, I am no longer in a position of representing any NFP organisation, I have no-one's interests at stake apart from my own. Thanks to HIM I've been relearning lots of useful skills in the past couple of months.

As a result I've got together my 10-Point list of things I can do whenever I damn well please and don't have to do for anyone.

I don't have to be nice to anyone anymore because my employers demand it. (Including creepy board members)
I don't have to put up with being semi-public property and being harrassed anytime of the day or night. (Including creepy board members)
I don't have to put up with lousy sound engineering anymore to "keep the peace"
I can switch my mobile phone off for as long as I want.
I can tell the truth about what I think of people's music &/or performance. (Including creepy board members)
I don't have to go to gigs that I don't want to be at.
I don't have to play for nothing anymore.
I don't have to put up with purile, souless trash that masquerades as new music and can celebrate the real innovators.
I don't have to suffer fools, amateurs and wannabes. (Including creepy board members)
I can tell people to f@%k off when they annoy me. (Especially creepy board members)

Things to do on a day when feeling less crap & Gig Alert

2006-05-13T09:38:00.000+10:00

Gig Recording & Filming Alert - next weekend

It's a very overcast Saturday, finally starting to feel a little better....... to fill you all in its been a dreadful few months of pretty well constant illness since giving up cigarettes......... and I have to be better by next weekend.

Saturday May 20th, Peacock Theatre, Salamanca Place, Hobart Tasmania
"Bat" (With the Band) 7pm start
Supported by Debra Manskey (Ex Wild Pumpkins at Midnight)

For those of you who are still unitiated, "Bat" is Malcolm Battersby, one of the most amazing guitarists and nicest people in the known universe. Check out his website and have a wee chuckle. It needs a makeover but will get that in the next few months.

The Bat Band and I are planning to head out into the wild unknown of "the road" in the next few months so hopefully we'll be coming to a venue near you in the next few months.

Also, this gig will be recorded and filmed, so if you are in this part of the world and want to be part of the general mayhem, come along!

Cruise and Ferry Gig Opportunities

Anyway, another guitarist mate is coming over for coffee this afternoon. He's a covers man, specialising in 80's soft rock stuff - not my thing at all - but I respect how good the guy is and his right to listen to the cheesiest music known to the human race. I've found him the perfect job, working on cruise ships out of England. He's been desperately trying to find a suitable vocalist for the past two years to take up contracts overseas through an agent in Melbourne but there just don't seem to be the female singers out there that fit the bill.

If it wasn't for the fact that I couldn't do my own original material and I couldn't pack His Imperious Majesty (HIM = boyfriend) in my suitcase I'd probably head off for a six-month stint. The money's ok and accomodation is provided but it is hard work, performing six days per week or the duration of the cruise for shorter trips and no provision for time off or sick leave.

For those of you who are interested in such jobs, check out this page on the Vocalist UK website
It lists stacks of cruise ship and ferry entertainment links. Good luck!

That's all for this post. HIM & me are making old-fashioned baked beans today and I have to go take care of the navy beans so they don't overcook. Might put the recipe up if they turn out ok.... I haven't made 'em for years!

What to do on a day when you're feeling crap

2006-05-11T10:21:00.000+10:00

At long last a place I can rant to my heart's content!

I will try to link this to the website as efficiently as possible! Then again, maybe I'll wait til I get Lime Spider to do me a new pro site for the single release.

For the sake of all you old-time friends/fans, I'm posting a reasonably current pic..... enjoy!