Music
Bands performing as a part of Niffty 2010…
ALUKA
Born of three women who were perpetually frustrated by the false notion that you are either a ‘singer’ or a ‘musician’, Aluka is a far cry from the average ‘Andrews Sisters-esque’ a capella vocal group. Performing contemporary original tunes that incorporate intricate harmonies, body and vocal percussion, Aluka debuted in 2009 and since have, released their EP to a sold crowd at The Toff in Town, joined Clare Bowditch’s band, been invited to play at several festivals and voted one of 2009’s top ten local bands, Australia wide. Aluka have fostered a musical bond, forming gorgeous sound scapes of vivid sonic colour with nothing but their voices.
http://www.myspace.com/alukaband
Reviews:
“If they get any better, I am definitely going to have to fire them”
- Clare Bowditch
“…ridiculously good acapella trio Aluka (Cadmium Waking). These three girls have absolutely stunning voices and performing together they left the majority of the audience in disbelief.”
- Anthony Cabraal, PBS
ABBIE CARDWELL
One helluva self-taught banjo pickin’, guitar slingin’, harmonica totin’ chick with “the voice of a homesick angel”, Abbie is hailed in Melbourne, Australia, as ‘The Belle of Rootsy-Rockabilly-Twang’. Drawing inspiration from life and the roots of all music, Abbie grew up on a healthy diet of JJ Cale, Rickie Lee Jones, Tom Waits and Tony Joe White records. Condensing those influences into her own style and emphasising the up-close-and-intimate side of ‘laid-back’, has earned Abbie national and international acclaim. Playing a solo set, Abbie will showcase old favourites alongside songs from her soon to be released album The Bare Bones Session, featuring 11 songs recorded live with no editing and no overdubbing.
Reviews:
“The trend recently has seen performers taking themselves way too seriously or attempting to look cool and virtually aloof on stage. It seems a rarity to find an artist who is willing to engross themselves in the music and expose a little of their personality. Ms Cardwell is definitely of the latter. Abbie returned with a swag of inspired songs and experiences. These fine songs, with a slight country/bluegrass lilt, were delivered with a delightful voice and genuine charisma.”
Independent Weekly, Adelaide
“Abbie Cardwell’s voice is clear, controlled and engaging and it is easy to see why there are big things ahead for Cardwell. The relaxed rootsy tunes have got me hooked .”
- Rip It Up Magazine
KATE VIGO:
After the recent release of her first single and video clip, ‘The Way You Are’, which has been making radio waves around the country, Kate Vigo has made name for herself in the music scene. The greatly anticipated release of her second single ‘Someone Better’ will be followed with the launch of her new EP under the same title in 2010. The fast rising vocalist came into the limelight as highest album selling performer of the 2008 Melbourne Jazz Fringe Festival. Kate’s new sound embodies an eclectic mix of pop rock and subtle acoustic refrains teamed with programmed loops and intricate melodies. Kate finished a degree in fashion design and parallels can be found in Kate’s music and her love of fashion. Weaving together a distinct array of sounds, from Billie Holiday to Feist, by way of Prince and Aretha Franklin, Kate’s eclectic sound is distinctive, yet ever accessible and sublimely enjoyable.
Reviews:
“A little bit torch singer, a little bit pop, and a whole lot entrancing.”
Herald Sun, HIT
“In the wake of Lily Allen, Adele and Duffy, Britain has put out such an army of young, nice-but-mouthy-when-they-need-to-be soulful female singers. Vigo’s doing a damn impressive job of picking up our local slack in this department, proving as vocally cute, vulnerable and potentially feisty as any of the above.”
Rave Magazine