Links to Raelene's Loved Artists

Here are some of the people who have had a big influence on my music, and helped me to make it happen, or whose music I simply happen to love:

Mal Webb
Those of you who have been to my most recent performances at festivals may have noticed I'm starting to use a new toy! It's called a loop pedal, and it allows me to sing harmonies with myself onstage! I first got the idea by watching Mal who does great things with his loop pedal.... and with hisvocal percussion, and his trumpets, and his guitar, and mir... what's that things called? I'd be surprised if there's an instrument Mal can't play. And musically he's mind blowingly original and brilliant. And extremely quirky. (He even plays a little on my CD Dancing Stars and Moonlit Mountains.
www.malwebb.com

Penelope Swales
Penelope also uses a loop pedal. But that's not what I like about her. She is just a gutsy woman, accomplished singer and musician, and has some really interesting songs. Oh, and she played at one of my CD launches, and was a sexy guset Venus at a performance of my cabaret a few years ago.
www.penelopeswales.com

Tiffany Eckhardt
Tiffany gets as close to country as I like my music, but it's sweet simple (with some more complex and beautiful instrumental arrangements) and I find her lyrics really poignant sometimes. I love singing along to her CDs, and I even cover one of her songs. You may have heard me. It's Leap of Faith. It always gets a good audience response.
www.tiffanyeckhardt.com

Jugularity
These guys are hilarious. Really hilarious. Combine this with some of the best musicianship in the business and wow! They did me the honour also of playing at one of my CD launches. And so I got to have fun and laugh and dance as well as do my thing on stage. Some of the nicest and most generous people you'll meet too.
www.jugularity.com

Chris Smithers
If a voice can be rough and silky at the same time, this is it. It's a dark choclate sound with granules. It leaves you feeling gently caressed as he plays the most amazing and lively folk blues guitar. Oh and that song "No Love Today". The story of my life really.
www.smither.com

Liz Frencham
Liz is such a beautiful bass player and singer. Probably best known for her work in the band Jigzag, and In the duo Frencham Smith (with Fred Smith)I like her best as a solo artist. Oh, well maybe I REALLY like her best when she's onstage with me! (She played with me for my Sydney and Canberra CD launches.)
www.lizfrencham.com

Kristina Olsen
Described as "one of the most entertaining and compelling performers on the international folk circuit" Kristina would have to rate as one of my all time favourite performers and songwriters. As well as inspiring me to begin writing, and giving me some wonderful tuition as a performer and songwriter, I just love her live performances, and her CDs (especially "Truth of a Woman" and "Duet"). She writes songs, not fluff! Funny, sincere, genuine and an incredible musician.
www.kristinaolsen.net

Deborah Hocking
Deb writes fantastic songs, has a great voice, really gripping rhythm guitar playing, and happens to be a good friend, and an inspiration. As a member of my songwriting group, she often provides invaluable feedback and criticism of my songs.
www.deborahhocking.com

Lil' Fi
Lil'Fi is a Brisbane based blues singer/songwriter. She has fronted Delta Rhythm Kings in the past, is the convener of the annual Ladies Sing the Blues festival and was a co-founder of the Flannellettes, a 10 voice a cappella blues group. But I know her for her work at Woodford Folk Festival where she manages the Blues stage and sometimes treats us by singing on it. An incredible voice and stage presence.
www.lilfi.com

Merri-May Gill
Merri-May is hilarious. Really hilarious. You've gotta see her live to really get how great she is. Every time I see her I get blown away anew by some aspect of her stage craft or musicianship. Although much younger than me, she's been an invaluable mentor.
www.merrimaygill.com

David La Motte (U.S. singer songwriter)
I'm pretty new to the David La Motte experience, but since buying his double live CD: "Good Tar", it has rarely left my CD player. Having had the pleasure and honour to meet him as well, my first gut reaction was "This is a really beautiful person." It comes across in his performance and his songs too.
www.davidlamotte.com

Colcannon
What can I say. Colcannon are really different to all the other stuff I've mentioned, but they're great. Australian contemporary folk with a celtic flavour and great arrangements mixed in. Originals and covers from all sorts of artists.
www.colcannon.net