Listen to the first single from the album here.Two of Australia’s hottest young guitarists take us on a trip through time and around the world of classical guitar.“Andrew Blanch and Ariel Nurhadi are the rockstars of Nylon-Acoustic Classical music. Whilst their technicality as musicians are immediately apparent, so also is their love for music and performing.” On SoundsAndrew Blanch and Ariel Nurhadi are “two stunning young guitarists” (Sydney Arts Guide) who have been performing together since 2014, touring as a duo as well as with baritone José Carbó in The José Carbó Trio. They have been described as “breathtaking” (Canberra Critics Circle), and praised for their “dazzling guitar playing” (ArtsHub).Alchemy, their debut recording, takes us on a journey through history and around the world, through beloved works by Debussy, Rameau, Piazzolla, Albéniz, Falla and Granados. The album also features the acclaimed ‘Three Duets’ by the late Australian guitarist and composer Phillip Houghton – including ‘Alchemy’, the first piece that Andrew and Ariel performed as a duo and the piece after which this album is named.This is a gorgeous album, full of classic pieces beautifully performed, and announces major new stars in the already-glittering galaxy of Australia’s classical guitar community.Amongst the exciting emergence of a new generation of classical musicians, guitarist Andrew Blanch stands out. Armed with formidable talent, passion, and conviction, Andrew has carved out his own path to much acclaim. His independently released album ‘Spanish Guitar Music’ (2015) which Jim McCutcheon of Soundboard Magazine (USA) noted as “one of the best debut albums I’ve ever heard” marked the auspicious beginnings to a busy and multifaceted musical career today.As a soloist, Andrew has been awarded numerous prizes in international competitions including first prize in the Adelaide International Guitar Competition (2019) and the Melbourne International Guitar Competition (2015). His collaborations are extensive and he is commissioning new works for the guitar from celebrated Australian composers Daniel Rojas, Felicity Wilcox, Jessica Wells and Robert Davidson.Andrew, based in Sydney, Australia, is managed by Tier 1 Arts and plays a 2014 Greg Smallman and Sons guitar. Andrew graduated with First Class Honours from the Australian National University in 2013 where he studied with Timothy Kain and Minh Le Hoang.Ariel Nurhadi is a Sydney-based guitarist, active on the performing circuit having toured extensively through Australia and New Zealand. Ariel has performed with some of Australia’s leading musicians and singers and his love of collaborative projects continues with The Jose Carbo Trio, his guitar duo with Andrew Blanch and a forthcoming project called The Great Acceleration with Ensemble Offspring and Topology.Ariel is a graduate of Timothy Kain’s renowned guitar class at the ANU, which he completed with first-class honours. During his studies, he developed a keen interest in historical performance practice, with a focus on the interpretive style of Andrés Segovia.TRACKLISTING Jean-Philippe Rameau: Pièces de Clavecin (1724) (arr. Sergio & Eduardo Abreu)1. Le Rappel des Oiseaux2. Musette en Rondeau3. Rigaudons 1 & 24. Allemande5. Les CyclopesClaude Debussy6. Clair de Lune from Suite Bergamasque (arr. Ariel Nurhadi & Andrew Blanch)7. Cakewalk from Children's Corner (arr. Julian Bream & John Williams)8. Peter Madlem Monte Carlo9. Isaac Albéniz (arr. Miguel Llobet) Evocación from Iberia10. Manuel de Falla (arr. Emilio Pujol) Danza from La Vida Breve11. Enrique Granados (arr. Emilio Pujol) Intermezzo from Goyescas12. Radamés Gnattali: Suite Retratos13. iii. Anacleto de Medeiros (Schottisch)

Teeny Tiny Stevies, the kids band with the cool factor, have unveiled their new single and animated video ‘Had You To Teach Me’, and also announced their eagerly-anticipated album Thoughtful Songs for Little People, which will be released August 7th. The third album from sisters Byll and Beth Stephen is the follow up to their 2018 ARIA-nominated set, Helpful Songs for Little People.WATCH VIDEO HEREBeth explains the initial story behind ‘Had You To Teach Me’:“The song began in response to watching my son learn to walk. Like so many of our songs it begins from the perspective of the child, but this time ends from the perspective of a parent or care giver. It’s one of my life’s great pleasures watching my son learn everything from scratch. But there’s also this constant pull and push trying to work out when to step into help and when to back off. Already so early in his life I’m feeling that constant contradiction between overwhelming pride for his achievements and then sudden grief knowing he no longer needs me in the same way that he did before. I know one day he’ll think I’m terribly uncool, so I’m savouring the moments he thinks I’m the be-all and end-all“.Byll explains how the song developed further: “When Beth sent over the first version of this song I knew it was going to be special. Melodically it already had the simple magical elements you strive for when writing music, which meant the challenge was making sure we didn’t overcomplicate it. The song gave me a nostalgic feeling, so we lent right into that and wrote lyrics in a linear storyline about growing older and looking up to your parents as your most important teachers. Then we swung the perspective around in the last verse by writing it from the parents point of view about their children. And that’s why you’re crying..”The heart-warming animated video was created by the band’s long-time collaborator Simon Howe, with a sweet storyline between the Sugar Glider and her brother as he teaches her how to fly. ABOUT TEENY TINY STEVIESTeeny Tiny Stevies create inspired and educational music which encourages conversation between adults and children. What began as a side-hobby for sisters Byll and Beth (who also play, record and tour in folk/pop band The Little Stevies), became so fun and effective that before they knew it, their debut album had become a word-of-mouth sensation with parents around the country.The band’s beautifully-animated music videos, including ‘Boss of My Own Body’, ‘I Ate a Rainbow’, ‘Sleep Through the Night’ and ‘Boy or Girl Colour’ continue to be hugely popular on ABC Kids TV, and to date have received over 8 million views on iView.Teeny Tiny Stevies’ first ever national tour sold out in a matter of days, and their second - which was set to be their biggest, culminating in a performance at Sydney Opera House - was cancelled due to coronavirus. They are looking forward to rescheduling the tour and performing to families around Australia as soon as they can. 

Listen to the first single from the album here.Be transported back in time to the salons of 19th-century Paris by one of Australia’s finest historically inspired ensembles.Acclaimed period-instrument ensemble Ironwood revive the sounds of the French Romantic through works by Louise Farrenc and Camille Saint-Saëns. These wonderful piano quintets provide contrasting glimpses of the rapidly changing tastes of mid-19th-century Paris, from the Schubertian Classicism in Farrenc’s piece to Saint-Saëns’ incredible work that seems to move from the Baroque to Blondie (yes, really!) via cabaret and the shimmering sounds of early Hollywood.Ironwood’s novel interpretation of these works reflects the ensemble’s research into historical performance practices, informed by very early acoustic, electrical and piano roll recordings – including some by Saint-Saëns himself – and by contemporaneous written texts by French and Belgian musicians. Through this research, coupled with the sounds of gut-strung stringed instruments and an original Érard concert grand piano from 1869, this recording re-imagines the expressive sound world that these composers envisaged for their sumptuous music.Louise Farrenc is a remarkable figure, a composer, pianist and teacher who was incredibly influential in her own lifetime – especially unusual for a woman in the early 1800s. In 1842 she became the first female professor to be appointed at the Paris Conservatoire, where she taught piano for thirty years and was successful in fighting for pay equal to her male colleagues. A star during her lifetime, her music was largely forgotten during the 20th century, but the resurgence in interest in female composers in recent years has seen herworks restored to prominence. This is the first recording of her work released on ABC Classic, and possibly the first-ever Australian recording.Camille Saint-Saëns is far better-known today, with works such as Carnival of the Animals and his Third (‘Organ’) Symphony frequently recorded and performed. Though these works have assured his place in the mainstream of classical music, during his lifetime he was a progressive and ground-breaking composer, foreshadowing elements of composers in the French group known as Les Six and even Stravinsky.Ironwood is a renowned Australian period-instrument ensemble admired for its historically informed exploration of repertoire from the late Renaissance to the late Romantic eras, as well as its support of newly commissioned works. Established in 2006, the ensemble draws on a wealth of experience and expertise, bringing together specialist leaders in the field. Ironwood has presented at the major festivals and concert series around Australia and has toured Europe and America. With several innovative recordings on the ABC Classic and Vexations840 labels, Ironwood is regularly broadcast nationally on ABC Classic and around the world. Ironwood has partnered with Musica Viva and has collaborated with The Song Company, Ensemble Offspring and a broad spectrum of Australian composers, exploring both old and new music in wide-ranging contexts.  TRACKLISTING LOUISE FARRENC 1804–1875Quintet for piano and strings No. 1 in A minor, Op. 30[31’10]1 I. Allegro 12’502 II. Adagio non troppo 6’173 III. Scherzo (Presto) 3’544 IV. Finale (Allegro) 8’17 CAMILLE SAINT-SAËNS 1835–1921Quintet for piano and strings in A minor, Op. 14 [32’25]5 I. Allegro moderato e maestoso 11’216 II. Andante sostenuto 6’247 III. Presto 5’398 IV. Allegro assai, ma tranquillo 8’58

Australia has voted Ludwig van Beethoven’s epic Ninth Symphony featuring the “Ode to Joy” as their number one in the Classic 100: Beethoven.ABC Classic’s annual Classic 100 countdown was set amidst the global backdrop of coronavirus lockdowns, with the Ninth Symphony a fitting choice for top spot as people have sought to connect through music across the world.This 8CD set contains music from all 100 of the best-loved works by Australia’s favourite composer, Ludwig van Beethoven: the easy grace and charm of his youth, his groundbreaking symphonies and string quartets, the anguish and triumph of his struggles with deafness, and the visionary genius of his final years.It includes a brand new recording of the famous ‘Für Elise’ by Tamara-Anna Cislowska, ABC Classic presenter and internationally-celebrated pianist. She joins a Who’s Who of Australian performers, including Jayson Gillham, Nicole Car, Gerard Willems, Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Anna Goldsworthy, the Goldner String Quartet, the Seraphim Trio and more.In 2019, Beethoven was revealed as Australia’s favourite composer, topping the Classic 100: Composer countdown. And so in 2020, to celebrate his 250th birthday, we dedicated the Classic 100 to Beethoven.Beethoven epitomises the hope and humanity at the core of music’s purpose, from the inspiring story of the deaf man who became the greatest composer of all time, to the moments when Beethoven has provided a soundtrack to the great events of history, to the comfort and joy of his music in our everyday lives.Classic 100: Beethoven by the numbersFavourite Forms 26 Sonatas 13 String Quartets 10 Concertos 9 Symphonies 4 Overtures • Trios 3 Romances • Sets of variations 2 Fantasias • Fugues • Sets of incidental music Masses • Quintets • Rondos 1 Adagio • Allegro and minuet • Bagatelle Ballet score • Battle piece • Concert aria Set of dances • Octet • Opera • Oratorio Septet • Serenade • Sextet • Sonatina Song • Song cycle Dark horses The highest-placed works making their Classic 100 debuts: · Egmont Overture (#13) · Romance for Violin and Orchestra No. 2 (#24) · Coriolan Overture (#30) Earliest piece: Fugue in D major for organ (1782 – aged 12) Latest piece: String Quartet Op.130: Finale (1826 – aged 56) 22 Solo pieces (1 musician) 41 Chamber works (2–7 musicians) 37 Orchestral works 51 pieces featured a piano Beethoven in previous Classic 100 countdowns 48 unique works across 13 countdowns The Choral Symphony has featured 7 times; the Emperor Concerto 6 times Five #1s: · Classic 100 Piano (2004): Moonlight Sonata · Classic 100 Concerto (2007): Emperor Concerto · Classic 100 Ten Years On (2010): Choral Symphony · Classic 100 Voice (2016): Choral Symphony Classic 100 Composer (2019): BeethovenCan’t get enough Beethoven? ABC Classic have also made a playlist featuring all the movements of all the works in the Top 100 – every single note from Australia’s favourite Beethoven pieces! Head here to listen.Classic 100 Beethoven – Track ListCD11 Symphony No. 9 ‘Choral’: IV. Finale (Ode to Joy)2 Piano Concerto No. 5 ‘Emperor’: II. Adagio un poco mosso3 Symphony No. 6 ‘Pastoral’: I. Pleasant, cheerful sensations awakened on arrival in the countryside4 Symphony No. 7: II. Allegretto5 Symphony No. 5: I. Allegro con brio6 Piano Sonata No. 14 ‘Moonlight’: I. Adagio sostenuto7 Violin Concerto in D major: III. Rondo8 Symphony No. 3 ‘Eroica’: III. Scherzo CD29 Piano Sonata No. 8 ‘Pathétique’: II. Adagio cantabile10 Piano Concerto No. 4: II. Andante con moto11 Triple Concerto: III. Rondo alla Polacca12 Piano Sonata No. 23 ‘Appassionata’: I. Allegro assai13 Egmont Overture14 Für Elise15 Missa Solemnis: I. Kyrie16 Piano Sonata No. 21 ‘Waldstein’: I. Allegro con brio17 Piano Concerto No. 3: III. Rondo18 Choral Fantasy: Excerpt CD319 Piano Trio No. 7 ‘Archduke’: II. Scherzo20 Fidelio: Prisoners’ Chorus21 Violin Sonata No. 5 ‘Spring’: IV. Rondo22 Violin Sonata No. 9 ‘Kreutzer’: III. Finale23 Symphony No. 8: I. Allegro vivace e con brio24 Violin Romance No. 225 String Quartet No. 15: III. Heiliger Dankgesang: Excerpt26 Symphony No. 4: III. Allegro vivace27 Piano Concerto No. 1: III. Rondo28 String Quartet No. 13: V. Cavatina29 Mass in C major: I. KyrieCD430 Coriolan Overture31 String Quartet No. 14: I. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo32 Piano Sonata No. 17 ‘The Tempest’: III. Allegretto33 Piano Sonata No. 15 ‘Pastoral’: IV. Rondo34 Piano Concerto No. 2: III. Rondo35 Piano Sonata No. 29 ‘Hammerklavier’: I. Allegro36 Symphony No.1: III. Menuetto37 Rondo a capriccio ‘Rage over a Lost Penny’38 Violin Romance No. 139 Wellington’s Victory: II. Victory Symphony40 Piano Sonata No. 32: I. Maestoso – Allegro con brio ed appassionato CD541 Leonore Overture No. 342 Große Fuge43 Violin Concerto in C major (Fragment)44 Symphony No. 2: III. Scherzo45 Cello Sonata No. 3: II. Scherzo46 String Quartet No. 16: II. Vivace47 The Ruins of Athens: Turkish March48 String Quartet No. 7 ‘Rasumovsky No. 1’: IV. Thème russe49 Septet: III. Tempo di Menuetto50 Piano Trio No. 5 ‘Ghost’: I. Allegro vivace e con brio51 Cello Sonata No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo52 Piano Sonata No. 31: I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo53 String Quartet No. 9 ‘Rasumovsky No. 3’: IV. Allegro molto CD654 The Creatures of Prometheus Overture55 Piano Sonata No. 26 ‘Les Adieux’: I. Das Lebewohl56 Diabelli Variations: Excerpts57 Piano Sonata No. 30: I. Vivace, ma non troppo – Adagio espressivo58 String Quartet No. 8 ‘Razumovsky No. 2’: IV. Finale59 Oboe Concerto (Fragment: Largo)60 Octet: IV. Finale61 String Quartet No. 12: I. Maestoso – Allegro62 Rondo for Piano and Orchestra63 Horn Sonata: III. Rondo64 Mandolin Sonatina in C major65 Fantasia in G minor66 Mandolin Adagio67 String Quartet No. 10 ‘Harp’: IV. Allegretto con variazioni CD768 Leonore Overture No. 269 Leonore Overture No. 170 An die ferne Geliebte: VI. Nimm die hin denn, diese Lieder71 Piano Sonata No. 12: III. Funeral March72 Cello Sonata No. 1: III. Allegro vivace73 Christ on the Mount of Olives: Wir haben ihn gesehen74 Romance Cantabile (Fragment)75 String Quartet No. 2: IV. Allegro molto quasi presto76 Adelaide77 Wind Quintet: III. Minuetto78 Piano Sonata No. 1: III. Menuetto79 String Quartet No. 11 ‘Serioso’: IV. Larghetto espressivo – Allegretto agitato80 Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola: V. Allegro scherzando e vivace81 Andante and Variations for Mandolin82 Organ Fugue CD883 Trio for Two Oboes and Cor Anglais: III. Menuetto84 German Dances, WoO 8: No. 1 in C major85 Andante favori86 Cello Sonata No. 4: I. Andante87 Quintet for Piano and Winds: III. Rondo88 String Quartet No. 4: III. Menuetto89 Sonata for Piano Four Hands: I. Allegro molto90 Cello Sonata No. 5: III. Allegro fugato91 Piano Sonata No. 18 ‘The Hunt’: III. Menuetto92 Piano Sonata No. 5: III. Finale93 Piano Trio No. 4 ‘Gassenhauer’: II. Adagio94 String Quartet No. 6: III. Scherzo95 Piano Concerto No. 0: III. Rondo allegretto96 Piano Sonata No. 13: II. Allegro molto e vivace97 Flute Duo: I. Allegro98 See the Conqu’ring Hero Comes: Variation No. 1299 Wind Sextet: III. Menuetto quasi allegretto100 Ah! perfido

Australia has voted Ludwig van Beethoven’s epic Ninth Symphony featuring the “Ode to Joy” as their number one in the Classic 100: Beethoven.ABC Classic’s annual Classic 100 countdown was set amidst the global backdrop of coronavirus lockdowns, with the Ninth Symphony a fitting choice for top spot as people have sought to connect through music across the world.This 8CD set contains music from all 100 of the best-loved works by Australia’s favourite composer, Ludwig van Beethoven: the easy grace and charm of his youth, his groundbreaking symphonies and string quartets, the anguish and triumph of his struggles with deafness, and the visionary genius of his final years.It includes a brand new recording of the famous ‘Für Elise’ by Tamara-Anna Cislowska, ABC Classic presenter and internationally-celebrated pianist. She joins a Who’s Who of Australian performers, including Jayson Gillham, Nicole Car, Gerard Willems, Richard Tognetti and the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Anna Goldsworthy, the Goldner String Quartet, the Seraphim Trio and more.In 2019, Beethoven was revealed as Australia’s favourite composer, topping the Classic 100: Composer countdown. And so in 2020, to celebrate his 250th birthday, we dedicated the Classic 100 to Beethoven.Beethoven epitomises the hope and humanity at the core of music’s purpose, from the inspiring story of the deaf man who became the greatest composer of all time, to the moments when Beethoven has provided a soundtrack to the great events of history, to the comfort and joy of his music in our everyday lives.Classic 100 Beethoven – Track ListCD11 Symphony No. 9 ‘Choral’: IV. Finale (Ode to Joy)2 Piano Concerto No. 5 ‘Emperor’: II. Adagio un poco mosso3 Symphony No. 6 ‘Pastoral’: I. Pleasant, cheerful sensations awakened on arrival in the countryside4 Symphony No. 7: II. Allegretto5 Symphony No. 5: I. Allegro con brio6 Piano Sonata No. 14 ‘Moonlight’: I. Adagio sostenuto7 Violin Concerto in D major: III. Rondo8 Symphony No. 3 ‘Eroica’: III. Scherzo CD29 Piano Sonata No. 8 ‘Pathétique’: II. Adagio cantabile10 Piano Concerto No. 4: II. Andante con moto11 Triple Concerto: III. Rondo alla Polacca12 Piano Sonata No. 23 ‘Appassionata’: I. Allegro assai13 Egmont Overture14 Für Elise15 Missa Solemnis: I. Kyrie16 Piano Sonata No. 21 ‘Waldstein’: I. Allegro con brio17 Piano Concerto No. 3: III. Rondo18 Choral Fantasy: Excerpt CD319 Piano Trio No. 7 ‘Archduke’: II. Scherzo20 Fidelio: Prisoners’ Chorus21 Violin Sonata No. 5 ‘Spring’: IV. Rondo22 Violin Sonata No. 9 ‘Kreutzer’: III. Finale23 Symphony No. 8: I. Allegro vivace e con brio24 Violin Romance No. 225 String Quartet No. 15: III. Heiliger Dankgesang: Excerpt26 Symphony No. 4: III. Allegro vivace27 Piano Concerto No. 1: III. Rondo28 String Quartet No. 13: V. Cavatina29 Mass in C major: I. KyrieCD430 Coriolan Overture31 String Quartet No. 14: I. Adagio ma non troppo e molto espressivo32 Piano Sonata No. 17 ‘The Tempest’: III. Allegretto33 Piano Sonata No. 15 ‘Pastoral’: IV. Rondo34 Piano Concerto No. 2: III. Rondo35 Piano Sonata No. 29 ‘Hammerklavier’: I. Allegro36 Symphony No.1: III. Menuetto37 Rondo a capriccio ‘Rage over a Lost Penny’38 Violin Romance No. 139 Wellington’s Victory: II. Victory Symphony40 Piano Sonata No. 32: I. Maestoso – Allegro con brio ed appassionato CD541 Leonore Overture No. 342 Große Fuge43 Violin Concerto in C major (Fragment)44 Symphony No. 2: III. Scherzo45 Cello Sonata No. 3: II. Scherzo46 String Quartet No. 16: II. Vivace47 The Ruins of Athens: Turkish March48 String Quartet No. 7 ‘Rasumovsky No. 1’: IV. Thème russe49 Septet: III. Tempo di Menuetto50 Piano Trio No. 5 ‘Ghost’: I. Allegro vivace e con brio51 Cello Sonata No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto ed espressivo52 Piano Sonata No. 31: I. Moderato cantabile molto espressivo53 String Quartet No. 9 ‘Rasumovsky No. 3’: IV. Allegro molto CD654 The Creatures of Prometheus Overture55 Piano Sonata No. 26 ‘Les Adieux’: I. Das Lebewohl56 Diabelli Variations: Excerpts57 Piano Sonata No. 30: I. Vivace, ma non troppo – Adagio espressivo58 String Quartet No. 8 ‘Razumovsky No. 2’: IV. Finale59 Oboe Concerto (Fragment: Largo)60 Octet: IV. Finale61 String Quartet No. 12: I. Maestoso – Allegro62 Rondo for Piano and Orchestra63 Horn Sonata: III. Rondo64 Mandolin Sonatina in C major65 Fantasia in G minor66 Mandolin Adagio67 String Quartet No. 10 ‘Harp’: IV. Allegretto con variazioni CD768 Leonore Overture No. 269 Leonore Overture No. 170 An die ferne Geliebte: VI. Nimm die hin denn, diese Lieder71 Piano Sonata No. 12: III. Funeral March72 Cello Sonata No. 1: III. Allegro vivace73 Christ on the Mount of Olives: Wir haben ihn gesehen74 Romance Cantabile (Fragment)75 String Quartet No. 2: IV. Allegro molto quasi presto76 Adelaide77 Wind Quintet: III. Minuetto78 Piano Sonata No. 1: III. Menuetto79 String Quartet No. 11 ‘Serioso’: IV. Larghetto espressivo – Allegretto agitato80 Serenade for Flute, Violin and Viola: V. Allegro scherzando e vivace81 Andante and Variations for Mandolin82 Organ Fugue CD883 Trio for Two Oboes and Cor Anglais: III. Menuetto84 German Dances, WoO 8: No. 1 in C major85 Andante favori86 Cello Sonata No. 4: I. Andante87 Quintet for Piano and Winds: III. Rondo88 String Quartet No. 4: III. Menuetto89 Sonata for Piano Four Hands: I. Allegro molto90 Cello Sonata No. 5: III. Allegro fugato91 Piano Sonata No. 18 ‘The Hunt’: III. Menuetto92 Piano Sonata No. 5: III. Finale93 Piano Trio No. 4 ‘Gassenhauer’: II. Adagio94 String Quartet No. 6: III. Scherzo95 Piano Concerto No. 0: III. Rondo allegretto96 Piano Sonata No. 13: II. Allegro molto e vivace97 Flute Duo: I. Allegro98 See the Conqu’ring Hero Comes: Variation No. 1299 Wind Sextet: III. Menuetto quasi allegretto100 Ah! perfido

ABC Jazz is excited to announce the release of I Wrote A Song For Her, For Me, the debut album by Jayden Blockley. This is gorgeous, old-school music-making – a quintet of friends collaborating to create something new and pure.One of Australia’s rising jazz stars, Blockley was the winner of the 2018 Generations in Jazz James Morrison Jazz Scholarship. In recording this album, he gathered an incredible group of musicians from all over Australia to create their unique sound. Recorded with the ABC’s Mal Stanley in Melbourne in July 2019, this is the sound of a mature and exciting young songwriter and group leader emerging before our eyes.Jayden writes, “There is liberation and reward to expressing your feelings into a creative process, whatever form it may take. Being creative is such an undervalued quality of our humanity, and the creative process wasn’t something that I appreciated until embarking on this project. I didn’t consider myself much of a writer before this record and writing music wasn’t something that felt entirely natural to me, but it’s been the single most rewarding experiences of my musical journey. I’ve come to realise that even if there was nothing in the world to dedicate my songs to, I’d still write them because it’s the process of creating something meaningful to me that I cherish so much, hence the title I Wrote A Song For Her, For Me.Many of my tunes are inspired by my experiences growing up in Perth and the subsequent struggles and homesickness after moving away to study. Bao was written for my mum when I was feeling particularly homesick one day in Mount Gambier. It’s become an unofficial tradition for us to make dumplings together every time I come back home. I grew up on a road calledDarwinia Loop, so Darwinia is a tribute to some of my close friends and neighbours who I share fond memories growing up with. I didn’t originally intend for the album to be about my home in Perth, but it’s what I'm reminded of every time I hear it, so for me, this record is also a tribute to all the things I love about the home I grew up in.Assembling the musicians on the record was like putting together my dream team of people I really wanted to play with. When planning for the project, I considered recording in Sydney and in Perth, but eventually decided Melbourne was the best option simply based on my vision for the personnel.Will Pethick and I grew up playing together and have lived together for a few years whilst studying in Mount Gambier. We’ve developed a trust and great understanding of each other’s phrasing and sound, which worked perfectly for the amount of rubato writing that I did. He knew exactly how and where I wanted to place the notes. Theo Carbo has been someone I’ve wanted to play with ever since I met him. He brings such a vibrant palette of sounds and textures, which really brought my songs to life. I’d played with Patty Danao for a few years through uni and heard him play many times with James Morrison’s band. Patty has such a deep sense of groove and plays with a sensitivity that I knew would be perfect in this band. Sam Anning, as well as being the ultimate bass player, was one of my compositional inspirations. He was immediately onboard with my vision for this music, but also helped take it to places I couldn’t have imagined at first.All the players on this album have such a unique musical voice and they each get such a beautiful sound out of their respective instruments. Although the music I wrote was mostly fleshed out before I brought it in, they gave it so much life. They each left their own creative mark on the record.” TRACKLISTING1. Bao 7’562. Subconsious-Lee (Lee Konitz) 8’283. I Wrote A Song For Her, For Me 5’044. Song For A Better Day 8’455. When Will The Blues Leave? (Ornette Coleman) 7’276. Darwinia 6’007. The Straight And Narrow 9’398. An Ode To The Optimists 10’34 Jayden Blockley – saxophoneWill Pethick – tromboneTheo Carbo – guitarSam Anning – bassPatrick Danao – drums

ABC Music is thrilled to announce the release of ‘Beautiful World’, the new album by Frances Madden.One of the classiest entertainers Australia has produced in years, Frances has been described as ‘Australia’s rising star of jazz, blues and ballads’ by Sydney radio station Fine Music 102.5, and as ‘one to watch’ by ABC Jazz’s very own Mal Stanley.Beautiful World brings together a combination of jazz infused melodies entwined with some memorable pop hooks and occasional hints of gospel: from the hypnotic and seductive ‘The Tango Never Lies’ or the pulsating Latin rhythms of ‘Dancing in the Street’, to the emotive and soul stirring ‘Side by Side’. Set within a landscape of luscious arrangements, Frances delivers performances that are heartfelt, engaging and captivating. Her songs are filled with stories and lyrics that are at times inspiring and uplifting, while at other moments delightfully whimsical and playful.The title track ‘Beautiful World’ is likely to be a favourite at radio. Noteworthy too, is that Frances gives a nod to the late, great Peter Allen with her own arrangement and rendition of ‘I Go to Rio’.Frances plays to full houses at leading jazz venues and festivals around Australia. She has supported touring international artists including Dionne Warwick and Grammy-Award winner Gregory Porter as well as headlining at the acclaimed JZ Club in Shanghai. Her self-released first album If this were a dream went to #5 on the ARIA Jazz Charts.1. Beautiful World 3’222. Paris Melody 3’303. You’re Doing So Well 4’284. Side by Side 4’115. The Tango Never Lies 3’366. Dancing in the Street 3’327. Practical Magic 2’588. I Go to Rio 3’019. Sunday 3’1510. The One Who Walks Me Home 5’19Frances Madden vocals, piano, Hammond C3, keyboardCarl Dewhurst guitarsPhil Stack double bassTim Firth drumsHarriett Allcroft backing vocalsIan Cooper stringsKarl Laskowski tenor saxophoneRay Cassar trumpet

Multi award winning vocalist Jasmine Rae has announced her new album ‘Lion Side’ will be released on July 24th. The brutally honest songwriter and electrifying live performer has also released the video to her current single ‘Green Light’.‘Lion Side’ is a culmination of several years of soul searching, rigorous and often tortuous self-assessment, indecision and the need to find greater inner-purpose and direction. Ultimately, Jasmine Rae has rediscovered that her true path to self-enlightenment is through her music.“I took a long time to make this album, but ultimately I simply had to do it,”says Jasmine Rae.“Music has always been my way of thinking out loud and figuring things out. Writing and performing allows me to express those feelings… to be dramatic… be loud or be fragile… be emotional… and be real.” Recorded in both Sydney and Nashville with producer Lindsey Jackson (Jessica Mauboy, Tori Kelly, The McClymonts), Lion Side comes from an artist who is an inspiration to everyone around her, while often wounded, angry and fragile. In fact, she would even go as far as saying ‘Fraudulent’ at times.  The album’s current single ‘Green Light’,which is being embraced by both pop and country formats, reflects Jasmine’s battles with anxiety and indecision. “There are always opportunities: The opportunity to take action, or to purposefully let something go; to make a call or leave things unsaid; to change or try again or try differently,” says Jasmine Rae of the song. “No decision – is a decision in itself. This song is the inner dialogue of one of those experiences. These are some of the circling thoughts of doubt and indecision that drive me crazy.”Also available today is a second album release track with album pre-orders, ‘Carrying The Flame’. The song is a tribute to Jasmine Rae’s greatest mentor, and the friend who is now carrying on his legacy, while creating his own. “Being real is a superpower. It’s what heals us together.”It’s the mantra behind Jasmine Rae’s album Lion Side, which will be released on July 24, 2020

Multi Award Winning Country Music Artist Adam Brand is back with his new album, Speed Of Life.  Already labelled by critics as “his best and most positive work yet”.Produced by Luke Wooten (Dierks Bentley & Brad Paisley), the new studio album succinctly reassures fans that Adam is in a good place in life, following his record breaking “Milestones” tour in 2018 and the birth of his first child, a baby girl, last year. A relaxed Brand sings of life, love and laughter on Speed of Life.“The whole experience of making this album was a vastly different experience to all the other albums I’ve done in the last 20 years. It was a calm and stress free process and I put that down to the place in life I’m at. I felt no pressure in putting this album together… no urgency to find that big hit song… to be honest I let my heart guide me this time, and my heart was full of the wonderful notion of my baby girl who was about to be born. I whole heartedly believe she gave me that calmness and clarity in knowing what I wanted to sing about this time around." Says Adam.The new single ‘Fly’ is also released today and is a song that Adam describes as a prayer you want to give someone you love. The video was shot in the Nashville studio of Grammy Award winner producer Luke Wooten while Adam was there recording the song, as well as in Australia. A stellar career that shows no signs of slowing down with Adam nominated for multiple ARIA Awards, win 12 Golden Guitars, sell over half a million CDs & DVDs, as well as earn 3 x Platinum &  5 x Gold albums.Adam is scheduled to perform on CMC Rocks next week and Big Country Festival in May.Speed of Life is an example of how Brand continues to deliver as one of the modern giants of Australian Country Music. It seems that life really has been good to Adam Brand.Tracklisting:1. Speed of Life2. Life’s Been Good To Me3. Fly4. Messin’ Up A Good Thing5. Freakin’ Weekend6. Just A Love Song7. Baby I Miss You8. You Are Not Alone9. Don’t Wanna Let You Down10. Time Of Our Lives

Iconic Australian band Custard makes a welcome return in 2020 with their eighth studio album, ‘Respect All Lifeforms’, set for release on Friday May 22 via ABC Music. The album kicks off with lead single, the irresistible nationwide lockdown hit, ‘Funky Again’ - a catchy pop offering that mentions the Russian winter of Operation Barbarossa AND home renovations in one convenient 3-minute package.The accompanying video, directed by long-time Custard collaborator, ARIA Award winning Andrew Lancaster, skillfully combines the band’s three true loves - Jacobean architecture, social distancing, and late 70s New York funk.Custard circa 2020 features the classic line-up of David McCormack, Glenn Thompson, Paul Medew and Matthew Strong. Originally formed in Brisbane in 1990, Custard released a series of classic guitar pop albums over the next decade, including Wisenheimer, We Have the Technology and Loverama. The band developed a cult following, touring extensively across Australia and abroad, as well as producing a parade of unforgettable singles, including ‘Apartment’ and ‘Girls Like That (Don’t Go For Guys Like Us)’.After disbanding at the end of the 1990’s, the band returned in 2015 with new album Come Back All Is Forgiven, which was followed by 2017’s The Common Touch.In more recent times, frontman David McCormack has found a new legion of fans as the voice of Dad ‘Bandit’ in the smash hit ABC Kids series Bluey, which has quickly become the most watched program in iView history, with 21.3 million views to date.‘Respect All Lifeforms’ Track list:1. Couple’s Fight2. Funky Again3. Harlequin Records4. A Cat Called No5. Wishing6. Take the Skinheads Bowling7. The Min Min Lights8. Talkative Town9. Like People10. Watcha Waiting For11. Come Tuesday