ELLIE LOVEGROVE SHARES SOARING NEW SINGLE ‘I’M GONNA FLY’ FEATURING THE LATE GREAT UNCLE ARCHIE ROACH + ‘SONGS FROM THE KITCHEN TABLE’ AN ILLUSTRATED COMMEMORATION OF ICONIC ARTISTS ARCHIE ROACH + RUBY HUNTER OUT TODAY
A soaring and potently stirring debut outing from Ngarrindjeri singer-songwriter Ellie Lovegrove, the brand new single I’m Gonna Fly features none other than the late great Archie Roach AO, with the revered storyteller’s familiar vocals seamlessly blending into Lovegrove’s empowered tones. A soulful celebration of growth and letting go, I’m Gonna Fly also heralds the release of Songs from the Kitchen Table; the ultimate illustrated commemoration of iconic Australian creatives Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter. Vividly told in songs, stories, photographs and tributes, Songs from the Kitchen Table is set for release today, Wednesday November 15.
Following ongoing collaborations with an array of esteemed Australian musicians over the years, I’m Gonna Fly unveils Ellie Lovegrove’s first official single release, with the poignant serenity flowing throughout the track attesting to Lovegrove’s powerful growth and aspiration that she experienced alongside reaching out to Archie Roach himself after spending time on the road with the iconic late artist. “After sharing some time touring with Uncle Archie and listening to his stories, I had commuted back to Adelaide and written the song in a time of deep reflection,” shares Lovegrove of the I’m Gonna Fly origin story. “With just the first verse and the chorus, I wasn’t sure as to where to go next and humbly asked if Uncle Archie would be interested in hearing what I had and if he would be interested in collaborating on the piece. I had no expectations, if anything I just wanted to share with him as he had with me and I was deeply taken back when I was told Uncle had included a verse to the song. To then be able to intertwine our voices together in the last chorus was a really special moment for me. I’m Gonna Fly is a song I wrote about breaking free from things I felt were holding me back from being true to myself. It’s about personal growth and being in alignment with my miwi (Spirit) and trusting that despite the trials and tribulations I may face, if I am true to myself and my spirit, I will prosper, spiritually, mentally and therefore physically. This song is very sentimental, and it is about growth, letting go and overcoming those heavy feelings change can bring. I feel as though it will create a life of its own as different people interpret the lyrics to their own circumstances.”
Working alongside producer Craig Pilkington to bring the glowing new single to life, alongside a beautiful accompanying animated clip, I’m Gonna Fly extended Lovegrove’s personal experiences into sublime new heights, with her musical journey coming full circle from growing up watching Archie Roach on TV to the pair performing I’m Gonna Fly live in person together at Adelaide Fringe in 2015. “The first and last time I had the privilege of performing this song with Uncle Archie was in the Spiegeltent at the Adelaide Fringe when I had opened for him,” reveals Lovegrove. “I grew up watching Uncle Archie sing on TV. Having all of my family telling me how he was singing of the experiences our people have faced, I never would have thought that I would get to meet him let alone work/share space and stories and collaborate with him one day. Uncle Archie with the support of Aunty Ruby, to me, are to be considered one of our community’s most precious Story Tellers and Song Keepers. Their voices and music are timeless, and their stories will live on through all those that have had the privilege of hearing them.”
Fittingly released on the same day as the incredible new book Songs from the Kitchen Table, I’m Gonna Fly continues the soaring and enduring legacy of Archie Roach and his craft, as well as the love of music he shared with his life partner and long-time musical collaborator Ruby Hunter. Featuring stunning illustrations, lyrics to over one hundred of Uncle Archie and Aunty Ruby’s songs, stories behind the compositions, artwork and beyond, Songs from the Kitchen Table was lovingly curated by Archie’s manager and friend Jill Shelton, with forewords also penned by the duo’s friends and musical collaborators, including Emma Donovan, Paul Kelly and Jack Latimore. A snapshot and a celebration of one of Australia’s greatest creative partnerships, Songs from the Kitchen Table also offers a testament to the ongoing power of plain-spoken truths.
A gifted singer-songwriter, mother, Aboriginal health worker and community advocate for First Nations People, Ellie Lovegrove has been sharing her stunning vocals with the world since the age of 10, first performing for her family and friends before inescapably capturing the hearts of Australia as a Top 12 finalist on Australia’s X Factor in 2013. Mentored and coached by international artist and producer RedFoo during her time on X Factor, Lovegrove went on to be the recipient of the New and Emerging Talent Award at the National Deadly Awards in 2013, and also won the Channel 9 Young Achiever of the Year Award, and the NAIDOC Youth of the Year Award for the SA Southeast. Over the years, Lovegrove has also connected and collaborated with the likes of Troy Cassar-Daley, Jessica Mauboy, Emma Donovan, Emily Wurramura and Paul Kelly, and has previously teamed up with hip hop artist Jimblah, which also saw her feature on two triple j Like A Version peformances. A popular and sought-after performer at First Nations corporate events in South Australia, Lovegrove recently featured on Tony Minniecon’s single The Truth in 2021, a song for reconciliation written by Minniecon which was debuted live at the annual Reconciliation SA National Reconciliation Week Breakfast.
Armed with a remarkable vocal range, a passion for caring for community and a sonic warmth that permeates beyond her creations and unforgettably into your soul, Ellie Lovegrove is a breath of positivity on the Australian musical landscape, and her debut single alongside one of the all-time greats is a spectacular introduction into Lovegrove’s brand new creative chapter, as she concludes, “I am very excited to be releasing my very first single. I am deeply honoured that my first ever single will be one that I was able to collaborate with Uncle Archie on. It has great sentimental value to me and has been sitting in the archive for some time, so to be invited to share it in partnership with Uncle Archie’s song book is incredible.”
I’m Gonna Fly and Songs from the Kitchen Table out Wednesday November 15.
CUB ANNOUNCES ‘LIV LOUD’ TO SUPPORT AUSMUSIC T-SHIRT DAY, FEATURING YOU AM I, BOY & BEAR, TOUCH SENSITIVE, CROOKED COLOURS, THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT, HOCKEY DAD, KELI HOLIDAY AND MORE
Carlton & United Breweries will support the local live music and hospitality industries to the tune of around $100,000 as part of CUB’s LIV LOUD 2023 program collaboration with Ausmusic T-Shirt Day next month.
Around 40 venues across the country are participating in the program’s inaugural year, with each venue to receive a cash grant to host live events on off-peak days throughout November.
Breakout artists such as Pacific Avenue and radio personality Matty O’Gorman will play alongside some of Australia’s leading acts such as You Am I, Boy & Bear and Touch Sensitive.
Additionally, CUB will donate funds directly to charity Support Act in December to further assist their incredible work delivering crises relief support, mental health programs and more across the country.
CUB Artists & Events Manager Marcus Knight said CUB’s LIV LOUD 2023 builds on its long-standing tradition of supporting a vibrant live music industry.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with Support Act to deliver this initiative and continue our long-standing tradition of supporting Aussie pubs.
“Venues will use the grants to bring these events to life, including paying the performers, production costs and hiring some extra staff. This will help bring punters through the door on off-peak nights when they might otherwise have stayed at home and help ensure they have a great time. Bands, trivia nights and live performances are a quintessential part of the pub. LIV LOUD 2023 not only supports them, but the broader hospitality industry too.”
Thrilled to be a part of LIV LOUD, Boy & Bear lead singer Dave Hosking said: “We are really looking forward to playing as part of the inaugural LIV LOUD lineup alongside so many other great acts supporting Ausmusic month, AusmusicT-shirt day and Support Act. And it’s so good to see so many gigs and tours coming out to regional venues after such a rollercoaster few years for the music industry.”
AusmusicT-Shirt Day, scheduled for November 30 this year, is coordinated by Support Act annually to raise urgently-needed funds for music workers in crisis. Aussies can show their support by buying an Aussie music t-shirt throughout November, making a donation to Support Act or setting up a team to fundraise.
Support Act’s CEO Clive Miller said: “We welcome this wonderful initiative from CUB to promote and celebrate live music during Ausmusic Month and encourage fundraising for the Ausmusic T-Shirt Day campaign. LIV LOUD 2023 creates opportunities for live performers and hospitality staff while giving people a terrific night out and supporting a good cause. It really is a win-win all round.”
Marcus Knight added: “CUB are proud to partner with Ausmusic T-Shirt Day and Support Act in 2023 uniting with Australian artists and the hospitality sector who consistently service the Australian community. We acknowledge and support the critical service of Support Act in the delivery of crisis relief to musicians, managers, crew and music workers.”
For all tickets and further information about LIV LOUD 2023, visit CUB ‘LIV LOUD’
For more information about Ausmusic T-Shirt Day visit www.ausmusictshirtday.org.au
DIESEL ANNOUNCES 2024 AUSTRALIAN FOREVER TOUR NEW ALBUM ‘BOOTLEG MELANCHOLY’ OUT NOW
Ahead of releasing his sixteenth studio album tomorrow, Australian icon Diesel has today announced a special run of shows in 2024, with the Forever Tour set to kick off in January next year celebrating Diesel’s brand new outing, the multifaceted masterpiece Bootleg Melancholy – available to preorder now.
Set to perform across Australia next January at Avoca Beach, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Margaret River, Sydney and Brisbane, including an appearance at the hallowed Sydney Opera House while in New South Wales, pre-sale tickets to these unforgettable evenings will be available for Diesel and venue members from 10am on Thursday 19 October until Sunday 22 October, with general public tickets on sale from Thursday 26 October at 9am AEDT. To keep up to date with all things Diesel, including upcoming tour pre-sale opportunities, head to dieselmusic.com.au/mailinglist.
All of the myriad talents of Diesel‘s musical abilities coalesce on Bootleg Melancholy, an unabashedly exuberant 14-track LP that is at once the most diverse and most cohesive album Diesel has recorded to date. Loaded with hooks, these songs greet with the warmth and familiarity of a good friend, songs about family, mortality, childhood, and dreams. Travelling across time, place, and memory, this is rousing yet reflective pop music that celebrates the joys of everyday life while braving the difficult stuff – the challenges we all eventually face – with insights and tenderness. Featuring the single Forever, the listener is going to take from Bootleg Melancholy what they best need, whether the pop rush of an infectious chorus, the reassurances of a heartening lyric sung with Diesel’s trademark soulfulness, or the satisfying interjection of some exhilarating solos on vintage guitars. And for Diesel, this album finally feels like a return to some form of normality after the previous few years and releases, as he explains, “After recording and releasing two albums in a pandemic, it feels great to be releasing this new album! I’m not sure what normal is, but it feels great to be still doing this with others around me. It’s always inspiring for me to see the excitement of people, especially as the recording process starts out as very insular, in this case a one-man journey. It’s always a challenge to put into words what something sounds like, but I feel like there are a lot of influences going on, probably more than any record I’ve made but somehow it feels the most cohesive at the same time.”
Spending the pandemic years revisiting artists like TLC, Elliot Smith, Leon Bridges, Khruangbin and Angel Olsen, Diesel also dove deep into guitar sounds and the first three Prince albums as he worked towards new material amidst a backdrop of extreme uncertainty. Recording, mixing and mastering his latest album entirely on his own, with drummer Lee Moloney appearing on some of the tracks and Bernie Bremond on saxophone for Never Giving Up, Bootleg Melancholy is as much an exercise in catharsis and joy as it is a snapshot of Diesel’s own personal journey; a reflection on places past tread during a time when travel seemed a distant memory, as Diesel reveals, “I would describe this album as almost a travel log recall of all the places I’ve been or lived in, I kind of had to as we weren’t going anywhere! There are also a lot of bright sounding songs with quite close to the bone lyrics, I like to have that juxtaposition.”
One of Australia’s greatest success stories, the American-born Diesel, aka Mark Lizotte, has spent three decades weaving an effortlessly magic musical touch into his rock and blues-fuelled sounds, both as part of the band Johnny Diesel & The Injectors and, more recently, as a solo artist. With multiple #1 ARIA charting albums under his belt, six ARIA award wins and millions of streams alongside a legion of fans, Diesel’s creative skillset also expands beyond his own projects, with the talented artist also renowned for his work as a producer and multi-instrumentalist.
Now set to wow fans once again with his new album Bootleg Melancholy this week, Diesel is definitely not slowing down as 2023 draws to a close, with his extensive national tour in early 2024 marking just the beginning of another exceptional year for this creative powerhouse. “It’s always exciting bringing a song into the live realm,” shares Diesel of the upcoming 2024 Australian tour. “A lot of times I want to record it again after touring it! It’s also like bringing new friends into the fold with old friends. And I’m most excited to feel the reaction from the audience with the new songs, it’s always a ‘butterflies in the stomach’ kind of feeling – but I thrive on that.”
Diesel’s Forever Australian tour commences in January 2024, tickets on sale Thursday 26 October from 9am from dieselmusic.com.au
Bootleg Melancholy is set for release Friday 13 October via Bloodlines, and is available to preorder now.
DIESEL – FOREVER NATIONAL TOUR DATES
SAT 13 JAN 24 | AVOCA BEACH THEATRE, AVOCA BEACH NSW | AA | 8-10.15pm
Tickets available from dieselmusic.com.au
SAT 24 FEB | DUNSTAN PLAYHOUSE, FESTIVAL CENTRE, ADELAIDE SA | AA | 8-10.15pm
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets
FRI 01 MAR | ATHENAEUM THEATRE, MELBOURNE VIC | AA | 8-10.15pm
Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | 1300 446 925 | All Ticketmaster Outlets
FRI 22 MAR | REGAL THEATRE SUBIACO, PERTH WA | AA | 8-10.15pm
Tickets available from www.ticketek.com.au | 132 849 | All Ticketek Outlets
SAT 23 MAR | HEART THEATRE, MARGARET RIVER WA | AA | 8-10.15pm
Tickets available from dieselmusic.com.au
FRI 12 APR | SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE, SYDNEY NSW | AA | 8-10.15pm
Tickets available from dieselmusic.com.au
SAT 13 APR | THE TIVOLI, BRISBANE QLD | AA | 8:00-10.15pm
Tickets available from www.ticketmaster.com.au | 1300 446 925 | All Ticketmaster Outlets