The SoundLounge

Band of Frequencies

With an ethos of freedom from any limitations, Band of Frequencies draw their influences from a vast spectrum of roots, rock, reggae, soul, electronic and psychedelic styles to create their own expression. The band coined the phrases Free Soul & Cyclonic Sonics to describe their intentions to "allow the present moment to evolve into a sound future while reflecting a deep respect for all who have come before us." It’s this spirit that resonates within passionate music lovers who have embraced their sound. It's this essence that has lead to invitations to grace the stages of diverse festivals, at home and abroad, and record soundtracks to several internationally released surf films.

Band of Frequencies are often also joined by guest musicians including environmentalist, free surfer and close friend Dave Rastovich who's melodic percussion and cosmic array of instruments bring a welcome addition to the group. Shannon and Dave recently featured in 'The Present', a highly acclaimed surf film by renowned Californian filmmaker Thomas Campbell (Sprout, The Seedling) in a trip to West Africa where they recorded music with local griot musicians and surfed some incredible waves.

In September 2011 Band of Frequencies toured California supporting the non- profit organisation ‘Surfers for Cetaceans’ as part an ocean awareness campaign called the TransparentSea Voyage USA, contributing there skills by writing, recording & uploading 23 songs in 23 days. Other guest artists featured on the voyage were Angus Stone, Isabel Lucas, Chris Del Moro, Denny Arberg & Tristan Prettyman. The voyage was very successful in bringing attention to the amazing local Environmental organizations on the Californian coast fighting to preserve ocean life & its intricate ecosystems.

(www.transparentseavoyage.com)

The tour also lead to the Band of Frequencies being invited to perform on the North Shore, Hawaii as part of the Triple Crown Surfing events for Billabong, the major sponsor of TransparentSea Voyage USA.

A highlight being a run of shows on the shore of the famous ‘Banzai’ Pipeline as the finals were taking place for the Billabong Pipe Masters.

"Prepare to have your musical thirst quenched. Byron Bay's Band of Frequencies dabbles in the whole pallet of musical genres; Bluesy rock drips away into skull-melting lullabies that pitter-patter like rain into jazz-fusion grooves that inevitably wander off somewhere else altogether."

Travis Ferre (SURFING Magazine, USA)

Kooii

Kooii's new album 'In this Life' is available in stores now through Vitamin Records. The album can also be purchased or downloaded through the vitamin website at www.vitamin.net.au. Kooii rises from Brisbane and shines a vibe of the city and it’s surrounds. Its music strikes a chord with young and old. Songwriter, singer and trumpet player, Peter Hunt, provides the seeds of most of the groups songs. He is joined by Dom Hede (drums), Tom Hinchliffe (bass), Lachlan Mitchell (guitar), Conan Griffiths (guitar) and Darcy McNulty (sax). Together they create the groups’ distinctive flow and sound that reflects the members’ love for reggae, jazz, african and folk music.

Kooii's debut album ‘Beads on a String’ (2005) is a landmark Brisbane release that captures their unique sound in a much-treasured collection of songs. Recorded in a humble West End studio, it showcases that brilliance of both the producer Paul Bromley (Beautiful Girls) and chief songwriter, Peter Hunt. It is an album of timeless quality that continues to generate interest and respect for Kooii, both locally and internationally.

Tracks from the album have received airplay in the US, Brazil, UK, Canada, France and community stations across Australia. The album made the top 20 and scored rotation on more than a dozen college stations in the US. They have appeared at festivals across Australia including The Woodford Folk Festival, The Kuranda Reggae Festival, Reggaetown ,Valley Fiesta and the band have toured up and down the East Coast alongside Blue King Brown and more. They were included as part of a compilation for the March 07 edition of the Rolling Stone magazine, featuring prominent Australian artists who have been a part of the John Butler Seed program.

Kooii began some 7 years ago as a duo with the intention to sing simple songs and harmonise. The music still manifests this but reaches further into levels created by the mix of musicians now in the group.

Step It Up

Step It Up has been a premier funk and new jazz band since the 90's in Australia. Their releases include their classic first album plus numerous compilation tracks on labels including Ubiquity, Creative Vibes and One Movement. They have received much airplay on Australian national broadcasters JJJ and ABC, also on UK Jazz FM. Their instrumentals have been found perfect for movie, tv and multimedia synchronisations.