The SoundLounge

Fyah Walk

In just a few short years, Byron Bay-based reggae band Fyah Walk have established themselves as one of Australia’s most unique and vibrant roots-reggae acts. Formed in 2007 when frontman Simon Jerrems relocated to the NSW North Coast from Melbourne, the aim was to create an authentic Aussie-reggae signature sound, rather than merely imitating foreign roots influences. Their debut 2008 album Sunrise Red firmly solidified their reputation for injecting the traditional reggae sound with a fresh and contemporary energy.

Having launched their second exciting album Ocean Sounds earlier this year, and following it up with some dynamic live shows – including their impressive stage performances at WOMADelaide in March – Fyah Walk are expanding their audience Australia-wide. Recorded in Melbourne, the new 14-track album was produced by renowned producer Damien Charles (aka ‘King Charlie’ of The Red Eyes), then mastered by France’s Daniel Fournier on a 1959 Fairchild Compressor Limiter – an extremely rare and legendary piece of sound equipment. The result is a powerful album that touches on a panorama of moods and lyrical messages, with heavy bass lines balanced by beautiful three-part harmonies and eclectic jazz infusions.

Bypassing an over-produced roots sound, Jerrems songwriting delivers the real deal, with powerful messages of humanity that reflect his spiritual views and alignment with the values of the Rastarfari movement. The band’s songs offers a wide range of rhythmic variations, from the hard-edged scatting rap and dancehall style of ‘Long Road’ to the deep grooves and lyrics of ‘Hold On’, the driving ‘steppers’ rhythms of love song ‘Tell You What’ and the epic, anthem-like track ‘Are You’.

CC the Cat

Gold Coast/ Byron Bay hard-working reggae rockers CC THE CAT are back at the Soundlounge to launch their much-awaited debut album INNA BABYLON JUNGLE. Two years in the making, their genre-mashing reggae/dub/disco/funk voyage explores love, sex and politics in the urban jungle and is a call out to nature, community and the healing power of music.

Recorded in basements, bedrooms and crazy studios from the Gold Coast to Lennox Head, the album features the anthemic songs and soulful vocals of frontwoman CC the Cat, the amazing dub FX (and Jess Buckley/Eddie Vedder voice) of Gold Coast soundMaster Boyd Luadaka, Ozzy Mistress of Bass Tracy Stephens (Marshall and the Fro, Hussy Hicks), the incredible unstoppable Guy Anderton on drums, with heavenly visits by special Julz Parker, Miles Matheson, Katia Demeester and Roberto Roschel.

Coming to ya live n direct, with their boody-shaking, house-packing live show, CC THE CAT launching INNA BABYLON JUNGLE at venues and festivals across Australia in 2010.

Hayden Hack Infusion

Infusing the flavours of Funk, Jazz, Afro-beat and the underlaying dance beats of the Reggae nations - The Hayden Hack Infusion honours the musical journeys of their travelling namesake. Hailing from South Africa, Hayden Hack has travelled the world playing his own brand of Funky Rootsy high spirited, high vibrational music. From some of South Africa’s finest venues to busking in the UK and Asia, Hayden Hack has watched the world from a viewpoint that only an artisan can, and is writing songs that represent his experiences of the emotional and cultural influences of these interactions.

Always holding a love for Australia from his many visits, Hayden has now settled in Queensland where he lives with his Wife and family in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. He now delivers the music of his travelling stories with his new band and friends, Mitch Ruggles (Bass), Wayne Reid (Drums), Steve Mcleish(Percussion and midi madness) and Paddy Kiernen (Acoustic Guitar).

“There has been a unifying of musical passions and a strengthened belief that has vitalised the songs and can only be achieved in this group dynamic. It has taken the music to another level of depth and delivery and given it a unifying crispness. It is also just a great privilege to be playing music with these talented people” says Hayden. If you enjoy all shapes and colours of music - then you are sure to be inspired by the pure blend of talent and the broad sonic palette that is The Hayden Hack Infusion.