Listen to us on JANGO -
http://ping.fm/isAT2
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Monday, September 28, 2009
WHY I WRITE ABOUT THE SPIDER
My friends ask me what's with the spider references in my songs. Well, I like to write about fear and all that jazz and have had a number of recurring spider dreams throughout my life. I have I guess a fascination and deep fear. I like looking at spiders. There's something very cute about them. They try to go about their day but sometimes we get in the way, which is what I did last Thursday.
Oh also, if you haven't noticed I also write about planes too. I love watching them like a freak but riding them is a little scary. Plane dreams too.
I have a day job given that I'm a true blooded indie artist. Not to say I wouldn't sign to someone who'd pay for my record and PR. Oh no I definitely would because being an indie is about self power but it's also about crucifying yourself financially. Hmmm!
Anyway, I was at my day job. I've had a great deal of meetings lately. So many that the would meeting almost makes me physically sick. So, here I was at a meeting. I felt this little creepy crawly thing run down my skin underneath my top. It really wasn't sassy or interesting. Discretely, I tried to brush the creature away. Anyway, I then went to another meeting. I was facilitating it. I felt pretty sick during it and noticed I was sweating. Thinking "hmm I hope I'm not coming down with something". I noticed my leg was burning a bit.
So post all the meetings I left work and headed home. But still felt sick and my leg was burning even more. It was strange. I got home and you know inspected my leg. I had this strange rash. It was more like the capillaries had burst. I was feeling so hot. I had a cold shower. When I got out the rash seemed worse. So I iced it. Anyway, I started feeling pretty sick, dizzy and had a headache.
For the rest of the night I pondered about going to the Doctor. I'm one of those annoying worry warts. You know. Like the first little prickle in my throat I'm suffering. Well, this time I probably had a real reason to worry.
On Saturday we did a show. I still wasn't feeling too good. During the show I nearly passed out. It was horrible. My head the nausea and the dizziness seemed to come back....wow.
Saturday night I found myself getting to know the toilet seat. You know what I mean.
Luckily being a sickly soul I had some Maxolon. Eventually the drug kicked in and I got to sleep.
So Monday still not well. I finally took myself to the doctor. The Dr thinks I might have been bitten by a red back. Apparently, the venom takes some time to work its way through your system. Also, the burning in my leg was an indicator too. The nausea, dizziness, toilet hugging, head aches.
Here I am on my bed. Waiting for it all to exit my body. Freakn black little nasty bum with her red stripe. Avoid them at all cost.
Burning leg, strange rash that appears a little later, nausea, head aches, dizzy spells go straight to the doctor and be very inactive so the venom don't explore you.
Oh also, if you haven't noticed I also write about planes too. I love watching them like a freak but riding them is a little scary. Plane dreams too.
I have a day job given that I'm a true blooded indie artist. Not to say I wouldn't sign to someone who'd pay for my record and PR. Oh no I definitely would because being an indie is about self power but it's also about crucifying yourself financially. Hmmm!
Anyway, I was at my day job. I've had a great deal of meetings lately. So many that the would meeting almost makes me physically sick. So, here I was at a meeting. I felt this little creepy crawly thing run down my skin underneath my top. It really wasn't sassy or interesting. Discretely, I tried to brush the creature away. Anyway, I then went to another meeting. I was facilitating it. I felt pretty sick during it and noticed I was sweating. Thinking "hmm I hope I'm not coming down with something". I noticed my leg was burning a bit.
So post all the meetings I left work and headed home. But still felt sick and my leg was burning even more. It was strange. I got home and you know inspected my leg. I had this strange rash. It was more like the capillaries had burst. I was feeling so hot. I had a cold shower. When I got out the rash seemed worse. So I iced it. Anyway, I started feeling pretty sick, dizzy and had a headache.
For the rest of the night I pondered about going to the Doctor. I'm one of those annoying worry warts. You know. Like the first little prickle in my throat I'm suffering. Well, this time I probably had a real reason to worry.
On Saturday we did a show. I still wasn't feeling too good. During the show I nearly passed out. It was horrible. My head the nausea and the dizziness seemed to come back....wow.
Saturday night I found myself getting to know the toilet seat. You know what I mean.
Luckily being a sickly soul I had some Maxolon. Eventually the drug kicked in and I got to sleep.
So Monday still not well. I finally took myself to the doctor. The Dr thinks I might have been bitten by a red back. Apparently, the venom takes some time to work its way through your system. Also, the burning in my leg was an indicator too. The nausea, dizziness, toilet hugging, head aches.
Here I am on my bed. Waiting for it all to exit my body. Freakn black little nasty bum with her red stripe. Avoid them at all cost.
Burning leg, strange rash that appears a little later, nausea, head aches, dizzy spells go straight to the doctor and be very inactive so the venom don't explore you.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sunday, September 20, 2009
There'll be no bevans here.....
I've been living inner city ever since I moved out from the comfy house my parents owned in the suburbs. Being from the North side of Brisbane I'm well acquainted with bevans.
....However, I ask when did they move into the city burbs.
Recently I've noticed a spike in bevans in my neighbourhood. Have you also noticed the bevans who populate fortitude valley now too.
Each night and day I hear them at least twice revving their boosted up beef head cars. It's frightening. They are hear in the inner burbs breeding. More move in each week.
They are head because of the modern living facilities. The pumped up apartment blocks.
The come in their subarus with their neon lights and muffs.
Once when I was young and had no voice, my mum and sister arranged a date for me with a bevan. They didn't know that the gent was a bevan. He lived in our street. Walking to the bus I'd pass by reluctantly and he'd be working on the car. Then to my horror he started cathing my bus on non-bevan days.
So, he found me in the phone book and rang. I heard my sister on the phone saying "oh yeah Kate loves to play pool....sounds good. I'll just get her for you."
I found myself a couple of nights later at a bevan party somewhere on the south side...yes cliche but it was out near Woodridge. We arrived at some friend's party. There were beefed up bombs and yuppy bevan cars too lying around on the bevan's lawn etc.
We go inside the bevan house. He and his other bevan friends went to play pool. Oh yeah I love playing pool. But the girls aren't allowed to play pool. They have to stand around watching their boys play, swing beers and talk cards and probably boobs too.
I'm bored and ashamed. I go to the bathroom to find nudy pictures all over the bathroom.
When I return the girlfriends are all sitting around talking about their boyfriends and how they don't pay them any attention. There's no way I'm going out with this guy again. I'm so bored. I can't believe my despair.
The guy asks me if I'm having a good time. I reply "No I'm not and I'd like to leave".
His friend says "Why don't you put her in the back of your wagon and do her good".
"I'd like to leave right now!!"
He wasn't a bad guy he just was into bevan things and had some really dodgy friends.
As we get into the car to leave, he says "Do you mind if I do a 360 burn out"
"If you must" I reply.
I never saw him again after that.
Now, there are bevans in the inner city.
....However, I ask when did they move into the city burbs.
Recently I've noticed a spike in bevans in my neighbourhood. Have you also noticed the bevans who populate fortitude valley now too.
Each night and day I hear them at least twice revving their boosted up beef head cars. It's frightening. They are hear in the inner burbs breeding. More move in each week.
They are head because of the modern living facilities. The pumped up apartment blocks.
The come in their subarus with their neon lights and muffs.
Once when I was young and had no voice, my mum and sister arranged a date for me with a bevan. They didn't know that the gent was a bevan. He lived in our street. Walking to the bus I'd pass by reluctantly and he'd be working on the car. Then to my horror he started cathing my bus on non-bevan days.
So, he found me in the phone book and rang. I heard my sister on the phone saying "oh yeah Kate loves to play pool....sounds good. I'll just get her for you."
I found myself a couple of nights later at a bevan party somewhere on the south side...yes cliche but it was out near Woodridge. We arrived at some friend's party. There were beefed up bombs and yuppy bevan cars too lying around on the bevan's lawn etc.
We go inside the bevan house. He and his other bevan friends went to play pool. Oh yeah I love playing pool. But the girls aren't allowed to play pool. They have to stand around watching their boys play, swing beers and talk cards and probably boobs too.
I'm bored and ashamed. I go to the bathroom to find nudy pictures all over the bathroom.
When I return the girlfriends are all sitting around talking about their boyfriends and how they don't pay them any attention. There's no way I'm going out with this guy again. I'm so bored. I can't believe my despair.
The guy asks me if I'm having a good time. I reply "No I'm not and I'd like to leave".
His friend says "Why don't you put her in the back of your wagon and do her good".
"I'd like to leave right now!!"
He wasn't a bad guy he just was into bevan things and had some really dodgy friends.
As we get into the car to leave, he says "Do you mind if I do a 360 burn out"
"If you must" I reply.
I never saw him again after that.
Now, there are bevans in the inner city.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Big Sound & Danny Goldberg
I wasn't overly nervous about our showcase at Big Sound until my manager told me that Danny Goldberg was coming to our show.
Danny Goldberg is someone you don't have in your audience that often.
He's worked with a great number of artists that I respect: Ben Lee, Nirvana, Stevie Nicks, Courtney Love....
Not only has worked with some of the world's biggest artists but he's also been king of a number of highly successful record labels. Wow.
We were on pretty late at the Troubadour. It's been one of my favourite venues in Brisbane as it's owned by some very lovely people too.
I think we played pretty well although I struggled with the sound on stage. Little vocals in my mix. You get a line check at these shows. It's not entirely graceful.
So....Danny stayed the entire set. I was a little out of my head when I heard the following night he had been telling some people that he really liked my music.
It was a real spin.
The days progress closer to CMJ....
Danny Goldberg is someone you don't have in your audience that often.
He's worked with a great number of artists that I respect: Ben Lee, Nirvana, Stevie Nicks, Courtney Love....
Not only has worked with some of the world's biggest artists but he's also been king of a number of highly successful record labels. Wow.
We were on pretty late at the Troubadour. It's been one of my favourite venues in Brisbane as it's owned by some very lovely people too.
I think we played pretty well although I struggled with the sound on stage. Little vocals in my mix. You get a line check at these shows. It's not entirely graceful.
So....Danny stayed the entire set. I was a little out of my head when I heard the following night he had been telling some people that he really liked my music.
It was a real spin.
The days progress closer to CMJ....
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Preparations for CMJ
We have been invited to showcase at CMJ in New York this October.
I'm very excited. It's been a dream of mine to attend and showcase at the event.
It's going to be hard work for us and we really want to make this work.
Being pretty much independent artists we really want to link up and connect with music delegates attending the festival.
It's a major goal of ours to link up with the college music scene as I'd like to tour my new songs in 2010 through the States.
I'm in the love with the USA. This will be my third visit and I'm so excited.
New York is a city with such wonderful contrasts.
We are already in preparation and tonight we just booked our accommodation in GV. My favourite location. Well, I also love East Village too.
Anyway, it's going to be great to back in New York.
It's just around the corner. Life is short. Opportunities don't knock on the door all the time. My motto is to make the most out of my life and to do this is to rock n roll in the Man!
xx
I'm very excited. It's been a dream of mine to attend and showcase at the event.
It's going to be hard work for us and we really want to make this work.
Being pretty much independent artists we really want to link up and connect with music delegates attending the festival.
It's a major goal of ours to link up with the college music scene as I'd like to tour my new songs in 2010 through the States.
I'm in the love with the USA. This will be my third visit and I'm so excited.
New York is a city with such wonderful contrasts.
We are already in preparation and tonight we just booked our accommodation in GV. My favourite location. Well, I also love East Village too.
Anyway, it's going to be great to back in New York.
It's just around the corner. Life is short. Opportunities don't knock on the door all the time. My motto is to make the most out of my life and to do this is to rock n roll in the Man!
xx
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Some Storms Have Names
Things are going along pretty smooth at the moment.
The band and I finally found a Brisbane based film clip company (The Picture Club) who were reliable, professional and mighty talented.
The guys have made us a sensational clip which we've been hearing rave things about too.
The clip took a full day of shooting and we had the loveliest crew (about 10 people) who looked after us. My makeup hair lady worked on me constantly. I've never seen my hair so BIG. lol
She was fantastic!!
We got to use this very special camera that had been used in Peter Jackson's King Kong - hellooo!
Anyway a big thanks to the boys at the picture club, particularly Jeremy and Gavin for helping me make this happen and actually giving a shit about true indie artists.
The band and I finally found a Brisbane based film clip company (The Picture Club) who were reliable, professional and mighty talented.
The guys have made us a sensational clip which we've been hearing rave things about too.
The clip took a full day of shooting and we had the loveliest crew (about 10 people) who looked after us. My makeup hair lady worked on me constantly. I've never seen my hair so BIG. lol
She was fantastic!!
We got to use this very special camera that had been used in Peter Jackson's King Kong - hellooo!
Anyway a big thanks to the boys at the picture club, particularly Jeremy and Gavin for helping me make this happen and actually giving a shit about true indie artists.
"Tarantula" is creeping
I've been writing songs since I was in my teenage angst years in high school. Songwriting was something I took up naturally because it replaced diary writing. With songwriting or poetry you can be as cryptic as you like. Plus having a nosey siblings and parents made me even more determined to hide my thoughts on paper.
Anyway "Tarantula" is going to be the title of my next album. I've never been someone who writes fluffy candy and not that fluffy candy is a bad thing, it's just not something I can do well, so, I steer clear of it. Also, I'm Cancerian and in all the personality tests I've done over the years it seems I have a strong emotional trait which leans towards too much contemplating and over opinionated ideas etc etc. So, my songs sometimes appear bleak to some but to me they're not that one dimensional. In fact they're not bleak and they're not happy. To be they just comment on reality ie my perceptions of it.
"Tarantula" is going to be a collection of very new songs and some older ones that I wrote a while back. To me, my songwriting is about my truth. The things that I perceive as truth if you get me.
The truth about "Tarantula" is that it's a collection of songs about a whole range of topics including:
Anyway "Tarantula" is going to be the title of my next album. I've never been someone who writes fluffy candy and not that fluffy candy is a bad thing, it's just not something I can do well, so, I steer clear of it. Also, I'm Cancerian and in all the personality tests I've done over the years it seems I have a strong emotional trait which leans towards too much contemplating and over opinionated ideas etc etc. So, my songs sometimes appear bleak to some but to me they're not that one dimensional. In fact they're not bleak and they're not happy. To be they just comment on reality ie my perceptions of it.
"Tarantula" is going to be a collection of very new songs and some older ones that I wrote a while back. To me, my songwriting is about my truth. The things that I perceive as truth if you get me.
The truth about "Tarantula" is that it's a collection of songs about a whole range of topics including:
- Climate change - "Take Cover and Run"
- Letting go of self-control - "Some Storms Have Names"
- The floods and fires of 2009 - "Fire and Floods"
- Love without wisdom - "Sofia Doesn't Kiss Straight"
- Lost love (typical theme) - "Airport Terminal"
- Apnea and anxiety - "Pretty daughter blues"
- Mass hysteria through media - "Boom"
- Nostalgia - "Kudos"
- Our mundane existence in an office - "Life On Repeat"
- Lying in the middle of your country and our land - "Under My Bare Bare Feet"
- Life in a flat inner city complex - "Lost Opportunities"
So far we've done some demos of "Some Storms Have Names" and "Take Cover and Run". I'm pretty happy with where we're taking the songs. Who knows what will happen. I tend to write for myself rather than the radio now. I wrote for the radio with my EP and got airplay but I can't listen to the EP anymore because it just doesn't feel right. I don't want to write for today. I just want to write to get through the day.
Recording - day 1 - 30/05/09
"Some storms have names"
My dad is always telling my profound things. I always have this urge to impress him with the knowledge I've gained from my own learnings but he still always manages to win and astonish me with his insight into life. I'm from a family of control freaks. A great family and one that I love. Some artists come from unhappy families well I didn't, thankfully.
Last year my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. A cancer that seems to be extremely common these days with the older blokes. Anyway, around that time there was an article in the Sydney Morning Herald that my dad read. The article was about how we try and control our lives and how we strive to be happy. It questioned "happy". It kinda spoke about accepting reality, being a realist and letting go. My dad gave it to me because, well he thought it was an interesting read but also because I have my own demons around control. After we found out about my dad I felt pretty numb, unsure and worried. Worried for him and my mum. I started thinking about losing my dad. Both my parents are now in their 60s. It feels like a fragile period. So I read this article and it really made sense to me.
After visiting my folks I wrote "Some Storms Have Names". It's a personal song and is about my own struggle for control in my life. Struggles with anxiety, the reality of my dad's situation and the small things we worry about like a white spider on the wall and up a notch to a plane ride. I have a fear of flying.
I didn't intend for the lyrics to be a particular way or think about the theme. It just seemed to come out. I think at the time I was quite angry and worried. The situation made me realise that the reality was that my life was changing. Not that things were bad but life in my family had changed.
----
So Day 1
We arrived about 10 am at Blackbox studios. I was very nervous but eager to get started.
The goal for the day was to record the drums and bass for "Some storms have names" and "Take cover and run". It took a while to set up. Drums mainly and tuning. It was all very exciting. I love being with the band. It's a lot of fun but they are great people, great friends and really an amazing support to me.
We recorded takes for "some storms" and had a listen back last night. Magoo is amazing. The songs are already coming together. We've compressed "some storms" to be fairly neat but the feeling is there. The drums sound fantastic. Already i want to get this song out but patience is a virtue I truly need to improve.
Terry's bass lines are always right on the note. He's a classic bass player. Very rare now. I've never worked with anyone as talented as him and he's an absolute gem.
We managed to get the drums and bass for "Take cover and run". This is different from "Some storms". I'll talk more about that one later.
I'm very happy with Magoo. He's very concise and is steering us well I reckon.
My dad is always telling my profound things. I always have this urge to impress him with the knowledge I've gained from my own learnings but he still always manages to win and astonish me with his insight into life. I'm from a family of control freaks. A great family and one that I love. Some artists come from unhappy families well I didn't, thankfully.
Last year my dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer. A cancer that seems to be extremely common these days with the older blokes. Anyway, around that time there was an article in the Sydney Morning Herald that my dad read. The article was about how we try and control our lives and how we strive to be happy. It questioned "happy". It kinda spoke about accepting reality, being a realist and letting go. My dad gave it to me because, well he thought it was an interesting read but also because I have my own demons around control. After we found out about my dad I felt pretty numb, unsure and worried. Worried for him and my mum. I started thinking about losing my dad. Both my parents are now in their 60s. It feels like a fragile period. So I read this article and it really made sense to me.
After visiting my folks I wrote "Some Storms Have Names". It's a personal song and is about my own struggle for control in my life. Struggles with anxiety, the reality of my dad's situation and the small things we worry about like a white spider on the wall and up a notch to a plane ride. I have a fear of flying.
I didn't intend for the lyrics to be a particular way or think about the theme. It just seemed to come out. I think at the time I was quite angry and worried. The situation made me realise that the reality was that my life was changing. Not that things were bad but life in my family had changed.
----
So Day 1
We arrived about 10 am at Blackbox studios. I was very nervous but eager to get started.
The goal for the day was to record the drums and bass for "Some storms have names" and "Take cover and run". It took a while to set up. Drums mainly and tuning. It was all very exciting. I love being with the band. It's a lot of fun but they are great people, great friends and really an amazing support to me.
We recorded takes for "some storms" and had a listen back last night. Magoo is amazing. The songs are already coming together. We've compressed "some storms" to be fairly neat but the feeling is there. The drums sound fantastic. Already i want to get this song out but patience is a virtue I truly need to improve.
Terry's bass lines are always right on the note. He's a classic bass player. Very rare now. I've never worked with anyone as talented as him and he's an absolute gem.
We managed to get the drums and bass for "Take cover and run". This is different from "Some storms". I'll talk more about that one later.
I'm very happy with Magoo. He's very concise and is steering us well I reckon.
Recording - day 2 - 31/05/2009
We finished off "Some Storms Have Names" working on guitars and vocals.
The band were great and stuck around to hear how the song panned out.
This isn't a typical song for me. I don't know but I wrote it pissed off and a little freaked out and I think we've got the mood of the song nailed. There's nothing sing sing about it.
I'm a little nervous because I don't really know what other people will think of the song. All I know is that when we have played it live, people have really paid attention and got right into it.
I think I write best when I'm on edge to be honest. I can't wait to hear what Magoo does with the song. I wish it were mixed and ready now.
Finally I have written a song that needs to be played loud.
I'm always listening to bands like Queens of the Stone Age and thinking "man I wish I could write something crazy and loud". Then I got pissed off with everyone and everything and wrote this number.
Yey!
The band were great and stuck around to hear how the song panned out.
This isn't a typical song for me. I don't know but I wrote it pissed off and a little freaked out and I think we've got the mood of the song nailed. There's nothing sing sing about it.
I'm a little nervous because I don't really know what other people will think of the song. All I know is that when we have played it live, people have really paid attention and got right into it.
I think I write best when I'm on edge to be honest. I can't wait to hear what Magoo does with the song. I wish it were mixed and ready now.
Finally I have written a song that needs to be played loud.
I'm always listening to bands like Queens of the Stone Age and thinking "man I wish I could write something crazy and loud". Then I got pissed off with everyone and everything and wrote this number.
Yey!
Changeling
I always liked the song "The Changeling" by the Doors during the phase when I was dangerously obsessed with Jim Morrison.
Lately, I've grown tired of using a solo name, particularly my own.
Every time I hear my name in full it takes me back to those days in highschool when my physical education teacher would always refer to me by my full name. She did that because I was in trouble a lot with her.
Once we were doing javelin which was a sport I was pretty good at. We were being tested and looked like I was going to score an A-. Anyway, after my final throw I walked across the terrace to collect my javelin when another student threw hers. It missed thank the ancestors but I turned and yelled something rather crude. My physical education teacher like always yelled out "Kate Bradley come here". She said I would now fail javelin and forced me to apologise to the girl. I was sorry of course and she said it was her fault but I ended up failing anyway.
So, lately I'm thinking it's time to retire my name and change. I've got two band name ideas.
I've got friends saying yes to one and no to the other and some other friends saying what are you doing changing your name.
I've always been a mixed bag but I just don't want to use a solo name anymore. I play with my band you know. I always have to explain things to people. For example, I'm solo but I have a band but I have my name and then a band name after that.....hmmmm.... come on. That's not catchy or easy to remember.
So, I have two names at the moment.
One my mum has says she likes which of course is "The Goodbye Horses" and the other she says she absolutely loathes and that it sounds like drugs. I feel a little like a teenager because I'm liking the one my mum doesn't particularly like because now I'm thinking that's cool!
Lately, I've grown tired of using a solo name, particularly my own.
Every time I hear my name in full it takes me back to those days in highschool when my physical education teacher would always refer to me by my full name. She did that because I was in trouble a lot with her.
Once we were doing javelin which was a sport I was pretty good at. We were being tested and looked like I was going to score an A-. Anyway, after my final throw I walked across the terrace to collect my javelin when another student threw hers. It missed thank the ancestors but I turned and yelled something rather crude. My physical education teacher like always yelled out "Kate Bradley come here". She said I would now fail javelin and forced me to apologise to the girl. I was sorry of course and she said it was her fault but I ended up failing anyway.
So, lately I'm thinking it's time to retire my name and change. I've got two band name ideas.
I've got friends saying yes to one and no to the other and some other friends saying what are you doing changing your name.
I've always been a mixed bag but I just don't want to use a solo name anymore. I play with my band you know. I always have to explain things to people. For example, I'm solo but I have a band but I have my name and then a band name after that.....hmmmm.... come on. That's not catchy or easy to remember.
So, I have two names at the moment.
One my mum has says she likes which of course is "The Goodbye Horses" and the other she says she absolutely loathes and that it sounds like drugs. I feel a little like a teenager because I'm liking the one my mum doesn't particularly like because now I'm thinking that's cool!
SXSW & New York City (2008)
Tour diary - Kate Bradley takes on SXSW
Kate Bradley is a singer/songwriter who is completely self-funded and unsigned, and she just got back from showcasing her talent at one of the world's biggest music conferences / festivals South By South West (SXSW).
Kate Bradley has been writing music and performing in bands since her early teens. In 2005, Kate released her debut EP “Don't You Choose Me” which enjoyed airplay on Triple J and great reviews. In addition to that, Kate Bradley was named by Billboard as an artist to watch for 2007. Following this mention, Kate performed at the Laneway Festival and won the Q Song rock award with her song “No Start / Red Light”.
Here's a bit about her time over in the USA.
Kate Bradley applied to perform at SXSW through sonicbids which is an online artist site that allows musicians to make paid submissions to festivals, CD compilations and other interesting ventures. Everyone should try it. You can get results!
In late November, Kate received a brochure in the mail from SXSW, promoting accommodation available for the conference. She thought nothing of it and tossed away the brochure. A couple of weeks later, Kate received her invitation to perform at SXSW. She didn't throw that invitation away.
“Two years ago I had hoped to someday get to SXSW. This was a major goal for me, and after 4 moths of preparation, I made it to Austin”
Despite not receiving any funding from any funding bodies, Kate was determined to get herself to the conference and introduce the world to her music.
The trip
Flight Brisbane to LA – March 8
I'm not a good flyer. On our way sailing through the skies we experienced your typical turbulance and what did I do....sweat and pray for the next 12 hours. However, I did notice another band on the plane, The Grates. They were seated in economy only two rows in front of us. I figured we had to be ok with them on board.
LA Arrival March 8, 7 AM
There's nothing like making a day back when you fly to the USA. With the Grates on board we touched down safely at Tom Bradley International Airport. Funny surname isn't it.
So, we get off the plane and are queued to go through immigration on a line with the Grates. We're all tired and our skin is dehyrdrated. I overcome my nerves and make small talk with Patience and Illana from the Grates. It turns out they're going to be recording somewhere in the state of New York. Wow....Golly....very cool! They are very friendly and enquire about our trip.
Next ...we all face the interrogating immigration officers and we all make it through the queues. I'm beaming with excitement as I allow the immigration officer to take my fingerprint and photo so that immigration, FBI, CIA and all the other beurocrats know who I am.
LA – Two days
We spend two days in LA and I attend a few meetings with music reps. Some arrangements are made.
Austin, Texas March 10
We leave early on a smallish plane (20 seater) which again terrifies me. But I'm blessed and surrounded by many music executives and another artist from Brisbane, Chris Pickering and his manager Leonie. So, I'm a slightly more at ease. We are surrounded by American music executives who are all loud. Interestingly, their conversation leads into a deep discussion about how shit the music industry is now for artists and A&R. I start to think “I don't want to be signed. Is this how it is?”
We arrive in Texas and it's hard to understand anyone.
I'm listed in the Austin Cronicle as “PJ Harvey Without The Mood Swings”.
It's a good thing people don't know my that well here.
Austin, Texas March 11
I rehearse with some very charming American lads who are my Goodbye Horses for the week.
They've come well prepared and have learned all my songs.
I buy some cowgirl boots.
I do my first solo show at Emo's bar, thanks to an invitation from Stage Mothers to do some side-shows. The gig goes well and Paul Kelly is in the audience. Paul Kelly is someone we've all grown up listening to and admiring. So, I'm numb with the realisation that I have to seize the moment and say hello. He makes it easier for me and says he enjoyed my set. Kelly asks me questions but I can;t remember them now. It's all a blur.
Austin, Texas March 12
We perform my showcase at Momo's as a band and it goes off. Because I am unsigned I expect a pretty poor turn out. All the avice I had received back home was that SXSW is all about signed artists so don't expect much. Well, I'm totally blown away when the venue is almost packed out for my showcase. I'm well received and the boys play exceedingly well.
Austin, Texas March 14
We play the Aussie BBQ. Another success for us. I get more contacts interested in what I'm doing. Cards are exchanged. Yes, you need that business card. Everyone has one!
A big thanks to Stage Mothers. They even had a drink named in my honour.
Following that I'm in a cab heading West to the mighty Whole Foods Market to play solo in front of a quieter crowd but again am well received. I make some fans who want to buy my CDs.
New York March 19
After a short break spending some time with my sister who lives in DC we do my final show in New York. It was a fantastic night and again we make connections with more US music reps.
Best of all, I get to perform on the same bill as The Panics and Old Man River.
Kate Bradley will be launching her debut album “The Deeper The Sand” Friday, May 16 @ The Troubadour. 16
Check out www.myspace.com/goodbyehorsesband to find out more.
Kate Bradley is a singer/songwriter who is completely self-funded and unsigned, and she just got back from showcasing her talent at one of the world's biggest music conferences / festivals South By South West (SXSW).
Kate Bradley has been writing music and performing in bands since her early teens. In 2005, Kate released her debut EP “Don't You Choose Me” which enjoyed airplay on Triple J and great reviews. In addition to that, Kate Bradley was named by Billboard as an artist to watch for 2007. Following this mention, Kate performed at the Laneway Festival and won the Q Song rock award with her song “No Start / Red Light”.
Here's a bit about her time over in the USA.
Kate Bradley applied to perform at SXSW through sonicbids which is an online artist site that allows musicians to make paid submissions to festivals, CD compilations and other interesting ventures. Everyone should try it. You can get results!
In late November, Kate received a brochure in the mail from SXSW, promoting accommodation available for the conference. She thought nothing of it and tossed away the brochure. A couple of weeks later, Kate received her invitation to perform at SXSW. She didn't throw that invitation away.
“Two years ago I had hoped to someday get to SXSW. This was a major goal for me, and after 4 moths of preparation, I made it to Austin”
Despite not receiving any funding from any funding bodies, Kate was determined to get herself to the conference and introduce the world to her music.
The trip
Flight Brisbane to LA – March 8
I'm not a good flyer. On our way sailing through the skies we experienced your typical turbulance and what did I do....sweat and pray for the next 12 hours. However, I did notice another band on the plane, The Grates. They were seated in economy only two rows in front of us. I figured we had to be ok with them on board.
LA Arrival March 8, 7 AM
There's nothing like making a day back when you fly to the USA. With the Grates on board we touched down safely at Tom Bradley International Airport. Funny surname isn't it.
So, we get off the plane and are queued to go through immigration on a line with the Grates. We're all tired and our skin is dehyrdrated. I overcome my nerves and make small talk with Patience and Illana from the Grates. It turns out they're going to be recording somewhere in the state of New York. Wow....Golly....very cool! They are very friendly and enquire about our trip.
Next ...we all face the interrogating immigration officers and we all make it through the queues. I'm beaming with excitement as I allow the immigration officer to take my fingerprint and photo so that immigration, FBI, CIA and all the other beurocrats know who I am.
LA – Two days
We spend two days in LA and I attend a few meetings with music reps. Some arrangements are made.
Austin, Texas March 10
We leave early on a smallish plane (20 seater) which again terrifies me. But I'm blessed and surrounded by many music executives and another artist from Brisbane, Chris Pickering and his manager Leonie. So, I'm a slightly more at ease. We are surrounded by American music executives who are all loud. Interestingly, their conversation leads into a deep discussion about how shit the music industry is now for artists and A&R. I start to think “I don't want to be signed. Is this how it is?”
We arrive in Texas and it's hard to understand anyone.
I'm listed in the Austin Cronicle as “PJ Harvey Without The Mood Swings”.
It's a good thing people don't know my that well here.
Austin, Texas March 11
I rehearse with some very charming American lads who are my Goodbye Horses for the week.
They've come well prepared and have learned all my songs.
I buy some cowgirl boots.
I do my first solo show at Emo's bar, thanks to an invitation from Stage Mothers to do some side-shows. The gig goes well and Paul Kelly is in the audience. Paul Kelly is someone we've all grown up listening to and admiring. So, I'm numb with the realisation that I have to seize the moment and say hello. He makes it easier for me and says he enjoyed my set. Kelly asks me questions but I can;t remember them now. It's all a blur.
Austin, Texas March 12
We perform my showcase at Momo's as a band and it goes off. Because I am unsigned I expect a pretty poor turn out. All the avice I had received back home was that SXSW is all about signed artists so don't expect much. Well, I'm totally blown away when the venue is almost packed out for my showcase. I'm well received and the boys play exceedingly well.
Austin, Texas March 14
We play the Aussie BBQ. Another success for us. I get more contacts interested in what I'm doing. Cards are exchanged. Yes, you need that business card. Everyone has one!
A big thanks to Stage Mothers. They even had a drink named in my honour.
Following that I'm in a cab heading West to the mighty Whole Foods Market to play solo in front of a quieter crowd but again am well received. I make some fans who want to buy my CDs.
New York March 19
After a short break spending some time with my sister who lives in DC we do my final show in New York. It was a fantastic night and again we make connections with more US music reps.
Best of all, I get to perform on the same bill as The Panics and Old Man River.
Kate Bradley will be launching her debut album “The Deeper The Sand” Friday, May 16 @ The Troubadour. 16
Check out www.myspace.com/goodbyehorsesband to find out more.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
