Singer songwriter Simon Kelly is the latest signing for Embryo Records and his repetitious rootsy poetry has drawn comparisons to Paul Simon and JJ Cale with subtle African and reggae rhythms.Xpress Magazine writes “Kelly is a man defying convention, setting his beat driven acoustic balladry to the hypnotic sway of the Caribbean, but coating it with lush, whisper like vocals. Kelly is unlike any other singer songwriter Australia (at least) has seen".Rip it Up magazine says “With his acoustic guitar-driven brand of mellow pop, Simon Kelly could be Australia’s answer to Jack Johnson. His solo debut mini-album, has some real gems, including Train, a catchy, almost onomatopoeic ode to love lost via distance. Other standouts are Cloud on the Corner, a nicely-paced musing on time and change, and Rainbow of Humans, which layers guitar, didgeridoo, slide guitar and strings to create an atmospheric soundscape".Kelly’s live shows are making a stir on the WA live scene; he has recently played shows with Blue King Brown, Bob Evans, Lior, The Audreys, Ash Grunwald and Serena Ryder and he is already getting bookings for several summer festivals including Peat’s Ridge in NSW, and the Bridgetown Blues Festival.Kelly cut his teeth playing in teen rock band Wasted Youth who supported the likes of Silverchair, You Am I, The Cruel Sea, Bad Religion and The Cramps, played The Big Day Out twice and toured Australia with Suicidal Tendencies all by the age of 19. A lifestyle move from the city to the country after finishing a bachelor of arts degree provided a time for reflection and a backdrop for playing and developing his acoustic guitar stylings. During this time Kelly also managed to tour Australia with the Circus providing an interesting mix of life experiences and observations from which to draw inspiration from.After spending a couple of years playing various rural pubs and taverns in the Southern corner of Western Australia, Kelly reconnected with Ross Stewart from Embryo Records who heard a track on local ABC radio while holidaying in the area. A few phone calls later and some studio sessions were organized with the outcome being seven inspiring tracks of mellow southern roots infused with subtle reggae undertones - simple yet brilliant. His self titled debut mini album was produced by acclaimed producer HiRO? at Bold Park Studio and the single ‘Train’ received airplay on Triple J and high rotation on numerous community radio stations across Australia.Simon has recently completed a full length album, which was released in September to full houses in both Perth and the South West. The album was recorded by industry veteran Jeremy Allom, who has worked with names such as Bjork, Massive Attack and David Bowie. The album features performances from some of Western Australia’s best musicians, including Shaun Sibbes (Eskimo Joe), Alex Archer (Kill Devil Hills), and Ben Franz (the Waifs). Simon now regularly gigs with a five piece band and their energetic live shows have attracted a considerable following around the live music venues of Perth and Fremantle.
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Simon Kelly - Train
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