The SoundLounge

Benjalu

Good vibes and good times run through the blood of the five mates known collectively as BENJALU. A message, sent via Chinese whispers is growing the cult following this band has, both nationally and internationally.

BENJALU ended 2011 on a high, with performances at Festival Of The Sun, Woodford Folk Festival and Peats Ridge Festival. Another successful year gone to reflect on, a new one is born. With it brings a whole new chapter to be written...

What we’ve heard so far:

“If practice makes perfect, Novocastrian roots outfit Benjalu must be close.” (Nils Hay, Rave Magazine).

“Young and exciting act.” (Nick Milligan, Reverb Magazine)

“Just infectious and hard not to get involved with their clever grooves and good feel.” (James Schaefer, Jam Magazine)

Microwave Jenny

Microwave Jenny is indigenous, Australian duo Tessa Nuku and Brendon Boney. With a name that stems from classic Aussie film "The Castle", Microwave Jenny’s genre-defying style is determined to bring fun and optimism back to the Australian musical landscape. Brendon and Tessa first crossed paths while rehearsing backstage at a show in 2005. The realisation they shared the same kind of musical direction and an undeniable chemistry was the catalyst for the first Microwave Jenny show. Tessa has a unique voice that will send an unforgettable tingle down the audience’s spine. Her alternative twist on the jazz and pop genres will carve a new spot in listeners’ hearts plus her ability to make an amazing choc-top ice cream will help make the Central Coast 24-year-old a force in the Australian music industry.

Combined with Brendon’s ability to eat choc-top ice creams, his heart-felt, blues influenced guitar and vocals the dynamic pairing promises something truly special. Brendon, also 24, had his first guitar when he was 10 but only picked it up and played nearly 7 years later when a severe shoulder injury ended a soccer career that had seen him travelling the world. This singer/songwriting duet's musical education doesn't end there though. Believing strongly in the importance of an artist's independence, they have been running their career completely on their own and learning plenty along the way.

Already a festival favourite performing at Bluesfest, The Woodford Folk Festival, Peats Ridge, The Fuse Festival, The Dreaming Festival, The Darwin Festival, Nannup Music Festival and The Australasian World Music Expo (AWME). Drawing influence from artists such as James Taylor, Van Morrison, Janis Ian and Joni Mitchell, they aim to promote good vibes, positive spirited music with honest and sincere lyrics.

Kim Churchill

Guitarist and songwriter Kim Churchill is a truly gifted soul. At just 19 years of age, his implausible talent and unique approach to his music is something to be in awe of.

Kim’s style is explosive, with intricate finger picking, percussive beats on the body of the guitar and two-handed tapping intertwined with an earthy stomp box, powerful blues harmonica melodies and a soulful voice.

His songwriting reflects his coastal lifestyle – growing up on the NSW South Coast with the surf at his front door, and now his nomadic life on the road. Kim’s achievements so far speak of the impact he has already had on Australia’s music scene – Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival, winning National Youth Folk Artist of the Year 2009, a national tour with Dallas Frasca, performing alongside Aussie artists such as Ash Grunwald, Jeff Lang, The Fumes and Lloyd Spiegel, and sharing the bill with acts such as Xavier Rudd, Ben Harper and John Butler. His knockout performance on Channel 9’s Rugby League Footy Show 2009 Grand Final special saw Kim perform his song “It’s This System” to over a million viewers.

Kim has just released his debut album “With Sword and Shield”, and the single “Loving Home” is receiving regular airplay nationally on JJJ and ABC Radio National, as well as local and community stations all over Australia.

Looking to the future – Woodford Folk Festival, Byron Bay Blues and Roots Festival, Australian Blues Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, and tours further afield to the USA and Canada – The future is bright for this promising young artist.

Kim’s music speaks beyond his years. He is living and breathing the vision he has had from childhood – performing his music to the masses – and right now he has the world at his feet.

“A star is born. Only 18 and already one of Australia’s best guitarist.” -Peter Noble, Director Byron Blues and Roots Festival “This kid is gonna be huge!” – Dallas Frasca

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