Mushroom Music Publishing

16 November 2009 :

MUSHROOM SIGNS NEW ZEALAND ACT RHOMBUS

Rhombus have forged a well-deserved reputation as one of New Zealand's most original and energetic live acts, and have developed a strong following among international audiences for their eclectic and energetic blend of hip-hop, soul, funk and roots-reggae.

Splicing their brew of pacific “dub n' bass” together with socially conscious lyrics, Rhombus have been spreading the word since 2002, touring on both local and international stages, including Australia and Japan. Their travels on the Japan-based global NGO Peace Boat have also taken them through the Caribbean and the Pacific, spreading the values of sustainability, co-operation and peace.

The Rhombus production trio consists of Thomas Voyce, Simon Rycroft and Koa Williams, who operate from their Wellington-based recording studio. Working along side an abundance of local lyricists and instrumentalists including Raashi Malik; Anton Carter; Lisa Tomlins; MC Mana and Imon Star, the group has created three studio albums, as well as a full-length remix album. Their third, self-titled studio album saw guest appearances by internationally renowned vocalists including original Studio One DJ and singer Ranking Joe, as well as conscious Jamaican lyricist Junior Kelly.

Their unique sound has put them at the top of the New Zealand music industry, having performed alongside the likes of St Germain (France); Fat Freddy's Drop (NZ); Salmonella Dub (NZ); Michael Franti (USA); Dry and Heavy (Japan); Trinity Roots (NZ); Gomez (UK); Kora (NZ); Shapeshifter (NZ); and Katchafire (NZ). They were also billed for New Zealand’s Big Day Out in 2003 and 2006, laying testament to their profile in the local music scene.

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06 November 2009 :

NEW SIGNING| SHANE NICHOLSON

Mushroom Music has just signed acclaimed songwriter and charming gentleman Shane Nicholson. Nicholson has had a productive last few years with the release of his third solo record Familiar Ghosts which just scored an ARIA nomination for Best Country Album . This followed from his first No 1 album - the alt-country classic Rattlin’ Bones that was penned and performed with wife Kasey Chambers. Nicholson has recently exercised the role of producer, working with Mushroom Music artist Angie Hart on her majestic solo album Eat My Shadow. Mushroom eagerly waits to hear what this prolific artist is up to next.

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04 November 2009 :

NEW ZEALAND ARTIST SANDY MILL SIGNS TO MUSHROOM

Sandy Mill has a unique and glorious voice. Just ask the people she has worked with…

She started her career in Auckland with four piece, Avant Garde band Spacesuit with fellow band members Darryn Harkness, Ben Holmes and Gabriel White. Having recorded and toured their debut album the band needed to move on.

It was time for some funk; Sandy fronted The Roughness with Nick Atkinson, Sam Lockley, Tom Atkinson, Kingsley Melhuish and Nick Eagles.

In New Zealand, she has performed, written and recorded with a number of amazing artists including Pitch Black, Epsilon Blue, Juse, Subware, Dub Asylum, Cassette and Sean Donnelly of SJD, who she also plays live with. These are just a few of the alliances she has made in NZ.

Sandy Mill moves to London.

Sandy first came to the attention of the UK press in 2003 with the release of ‘Moving On’ through the renowned Chillifunk label.

She built an incredible reputation with some of the best producers in the UK and Europe as a strong collaborator, with a knack of coming up with strong hooks and top lines, as well as solid lyrical content, which has led to many 12” vinyl releases, dance music compilations and exposure in the club music scene.

In the UK and Europe Sandy had the pleasure of writing with Lofty and Dr Bob Jones AKA East West Connection, and Lofty’s project Notenshun where a number of their tunes have been released on Chillifunk records and then picked up by Irma records . Other collaborations include Dick Trevor of Green Ohm, Mathijs Duringhof of and Moto (Flying High Records-Utrecht) and USA producer legend Eric Kupper. While residing there she also Moody Allen, Scallymatic Orchestra managed to work with Fellow antipodeans Darryn Harkness of New Telepathics, and Paul Smith otherwise known as Smithmonger. As well as the fore mentioned collaborations, Sandy did session work with the likes of Boy George, Placebo, Basement Jaxx and producer extraordinaire Flood.

Presently Sandy Mill is writing toward a debut solo album which has been on the ‘to do list’ for some time, but as you can see, she has been too busy working on other peoples records. The time is right and she isn’t the only one excited about her forthcoming musical endeavours.

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23 October 2009 :

REGIONAL MUSICIANS URGED TO ENTER TELSTRA ROAD TO TAMWORTH

Aspiring musicians in regional areas throughout Australia have a fantastic opportunity to enter this year’s Telstra Road to Tamworth national country music search – via the new digital heat and separate songwriter’s category.

Ensuring that distance is no barrier to fulfilling your country music dreams, Telstra has introduced the new categories to allow regional performers and songwriters the option to submit their entries online.

The Telstra Road to Tamworth presents an exciting avenue to help emerging music artists take their country music career to the next level, with recording opportunities in Nashville on offer as the top prize.

Country music’s hottest female trio and Telstra Road to Tamworth Ambassadors, The McClymonts, said these new initiatives were a fantastic addition to the program.

“It’s really tough getting a start in the music industry, so opportunities like the digital heat help open up doors for emerging music artists,” said Mollie McClymont, a former Telstra Road to Tamworth Grand Finalist.

Aspiring songwriters have until 1 November to enter the songwriter category of the Telstra Road to Tamworth, while performers wishing to enter the digital heat have until midnight on Sunday, 15 November.

The winning digital heat performer and three best songwriters will receive a trip to Sydney to join thirteen other heat winners to compete in “Boot Camp”, the next stage of the competition.

Boot Camp is a series of music development workshops where contestants will gain valuable experience and advice from leading music industry professionals, as well as the opportunity to rehearse with a full band and perform at one of Sydney’s biggest sporting events – the Sydney Telstra 500 V8 Championships held at Sydney Olympic Park in December.

The top eight performers and two best songwriters will be chosen from Boot Camp to progress through to the Telstra Road to Tamworth Finals in January 2010.

For more information on how to enter the Telstra Road to Tamworth please visit www.telstra.com/beinvolved

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