Allan Caswell is a Singer/Songwriter of enormous talent,
with two #1 songs on Australia's Rock Charts and 400
of his songs recorded worldwide with "On the inside"
topping the British Charts twice ten years apart!!. With An
ARIA award, an APRA Award, 5 Gold Guitars, a platinum album,
two gold singles, a gold video and 4 gold albums for his writing
and production work on the hugely successful children's albums
by Don Spencer, to his credit Allan's resume is among the most
impressive in Australia. His concert delivery - sensitive, sardonic
and satirical is a real crowd pleaser.
His new album 'Don't Count On it' with Gangajang's legendary Buzz
Bidstrup shows a new and harder edged side to this ever creative
talent.
Pat Drummond forged his formidable reputation in Sydney hotels in the late 70's and early '80s and he has made an enormous impact in the festivals and concert venues since 1991. His 'stand up' comedy songs on the amazingly successful 'Naked Poets' CDs in recent years have given him an impressive national profile, but his comedic genius is, however, only a narrow glimpse of this truly remarkable Australian talent.
Described by his peers as a
'Songwriter's Songwriter,' his solo work over 9 albums has profoundly
impressed the critics and his fans alike. Three Bush Laureate
Awards, three TSA First The Song Songwriting Awards,
five final nominations in Toyota Country Music Golden
Guitar, voted Independent Country Music Artist Of the Year
in 2000; he writes everything from hard-edged politics and
mini-movie novelettes to 'gritty realism' biographies set within
the framework of the five-minute song. High power lyrics and his
legendary on-stage delivery make him a spellbinding addition to
this show.
Brent Parlane
Brent Parlane, must definitely be one of the best singer/songwriters
in Australian Country/Folk, one who has doggedly followed his
own muse and one who can be rated alongside the likes of John
Prine, and Nanci Griffith, and one who can be relied upon to deliver
the goods. Since 1993 when Brent won the Golden Guitar for
Best New Talent, he has racked up seven final nominations
and four albums including the classic ABC album, "Tex
Loves Daisy" in 1995.
His new album through Shoestring, 'Happy Note', is a powerful
and intense piece of work by an artist at his peak. Parlane characteristically
pulls no punches and refuses to shy away from tough issues.
Karen Lynne's writing and performance achievements are
myriad. Her win in The Victorian Country Music Awards this year
came hot on the heels of 5 Grand Finalist nominations in "Golden
Guitar" Awards and The TSA "Contemporary Country Song
of the year" in 2001 (With Pat Drummond). That award
followed up her 1999 win for "Grandma Used to Say" (Co-written
with Heather Field and James Gillard)
It is inevitable, however, that her songwriting is often overshadowed
in the public eye by her prowess as a singer. Karen is an absolutely
stunning vocalist whose 4 albums have become firm favourites with
broadcasters around Australia. Two Top 5 singles in recent times
and if the enthusiasm of her fans is any indication, many more
to come..
K'crasher, Shoestring new signing, is unique. She has a crystal clear voice, and a sense of humour, warmth and conviction that distinguish her as an entertainer who can immediately establish a relationship, both friendly and intimate with her audience, moving them to tears one minute and laughter the next.
"I only sing songs that I believe in, I can't sing what I don't feel. " she says. Maintaining a balance in performances between the serious and the light hearted, K'crasher's influences are wide and eclectic. At home with the blues or soul music, her performances of her own compositions have received enthusiastic acclaim wherever she performs them. Powerful lyrics drawn from her own experiences connect with people at a profound level. K'crasher is capable of being both bitingly insightful and compassionate at the same time, not to mention stark raving Mad.