Family band, The Sulli-Vans – country singer-songwriter Kevin & his kids KJ (12), daughter Cha-Cha (10) and son Jet (6) have performed over 120 live shows since hitting the road in November 2020. Following a jam-packed Tamworth Country Music Festival, The Sulli-Vans now release an album featuring unique versions of the songs they perform on tour including much-loved Australian classics, country music and contemporary hits.

Some of the highlights from the 14-track album include: ‘Down Under’ (Men At Work), ‘Coat Of Many Colours’ (Dolly Parton), ‘Sounds Of Then (This Is Australia)’ (Gang Gajang) and ‘The Two Of Us’ (Birds Of Tokyo). “The Sulli-Vans” album was added to the family’s schedule after they were inundated with requests for recorded music after each live show.
‘Sounds Of Then (This Is Australia)’, the simultaneous radio single is identical with the traveling family band’s recent adventures while on tour. Kevin adds, “The changing landscapes, the weather, the diversity of Australia, the natural amphitheatres, the harmonies, it all just sums up of our life perfectly.”

Whilst the last few years have been challenging they’ve also been a blessing for former forensic police crime scene investigator Kevin Sullivan and his family, including wife/tour manager Belinda. They’ve travelled/entertained right across Australia AND performed on national television, auditioning for the inaugural The Voice: Generations in January 2022.

Whilst the chairs didn’t turn, the family loved performing for the judges and studio/national audiences. The Sulli-Vans continue to be overwhelmed by the love and support they receive from old and new fans alike. An untelevised highlight from the audition was the performance of Kevin’s original track, ‘Outback Australia’ requested by country music super-star judge Keith Urban.
"What you have just showed us right there, is the epitome of what this show is about, your beautiful Australian family spirit was so present and gorgeous!" Keith Urban - The Voice: Generations

To watch ‘The Voice: Generations’ audition CLICK HERE

The ‘Sulli-Van Tour’ started in Queensland, and they have since taken their music to communities and towns across New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Northern Territory & Western Australia. From casinos to roadhouses to caravan parks and house concerts they’ve performed in Cape York, The Kimberleys and at iconic festivals such as The Man From Snowy River Bush Festival in Corryong, Victoria and the Drovers Camp Festival in Camooweal, Mt Isa, Queensland, Nambung Country Music Muster (Western Australia) where they received a standing ovation from over 2000 people. Just this past month they performed at The Man From Snowy River Festival, Back O’ Bourke Festival and with the legendary Bill Chambers (Kasey’s dad & Kevin’s one-time single duet partner on ‘High Country Snows’) at the Tamworth Country Music Festival.

In 2021, The Sulli-Vans were featured on Channel 7’s The Morning Show WATCH HERE and in The Daily Telegraph READ HERE

The Sulli-Vans now look forward to performing at Big Country Festival in Berry, NSW (alongside Lee Kernaghan, Adam Brand, Shannon Noll & US country platinum-selling band Lanco) on Saturday May 7th where they will launch their brand-new album “The Sulli-Vans”.

“THE SULLI-VANS” ALBUM IS RELEASED FRIDAY MAY 6th

As the country music community deals with the disheartening news that the Tamworth Country Music Festival has been postponed till April 2022, Michelle Little wanted to do her part in keeping the music playing.

With a ‘let’s keep going’ motto Michelle has decided to move up the release of her latest single, ‘Why Didn’t You Stop Me?’ – the second single from her most recent album, “Invincible”, released in July 2021.

This track was penned a few years ago while the artist was living in Brisbane (she currently resides in Sydney’s Inner West), whilst it has gone through a few changes since then, Michelle loves that it has a bit of sass to it. It was created in the vein of old school country with a harmony group like the great Jordanaires who recorded with Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley.

Ellen Tefanis maybe be a new face to Australian country music but not to the broader music community. Born and raised in Port Pirie, South Australia, Ellen’s love of music is all thanks to her dad George; a fellow musician (drums) who performed in various local cover bands over the years. Ellen herself, showed an interest in music when at just eight years of age picked up her first guitar. Singing and song writing are equally as important to the now 24-year-old.

As a teen, Ellen was also a part of the local cover band circuit before 2011’s X Factor winner Reece Mastin discovered the young guitarist on social media and personally invited her to perform at one of his concerts in 2014. As fate would have it, this experience would not be a one-off when just two years later Ellen was chosen to perform live by Keith Urban at his Brisbane show of the 'Ripcord World Tour'.

A video of the performance has had over 7 million views after being featured by US magazine ‘Taste Of Country’, to view

CLICK HERE 

This experience was not only a dream come true moment but a turning point in the young musician’s career after Keith Urban praised her talent and recommended she start singing and creating original music. Ellen shares more, "I still can't believe that I had the opportunity to play with Keith Urban. Keith is the reason why this is all happening as he was the one who encouraged me to start singing and becoming my own artist. Since then, I have been so focused on my original music, and I am so happy he gave me that nudge to become an artist myself".

The debut single, ‘More Than A Hat’ came to Ellen via local singer-songwriter and family friend, Brian R. Sickles. While the lyrics were composed by Brian, 19 years ago in Folsom California, USA, the track has since had a title change from ‘Cowboy (More Than A Hat)’ and the version we hear today was melodically re-arranged by Ellen and father, George. The song was intended as a social comment on how some people think that style and fashion are worthy substitutes for integrity and personal substance. Produced at Sydney’s 301 Studios by Stefan Du Randt (Adam Eckersley and Brooke McClymont), Ellen’s guitar is celebrated and Arlo Sim, The Voice Australia’s 'Team Keith' finalist can be heard on backing vocals.

When not performing or creating music, Ellen is a Secondary School Teacher – specialist subjects include History and Music, and her classes range from Years 9 to 12. For musical heroes, no surprise that Keith Urban tops the list and Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Miley Cyrus, Sara Evans, Orianthi and Bon Jovi can also be found on Ellen’s playlists.

‘More Than A Hat’ will be available on all download/streaming platforms from Friday November 5th.

IMMEDIATE AIRPLAY/EDITORIALS WELCOMED & APPRECIATED

‘Invincible’ is the latest radio single from Michelle Little. The title track from Michelle’s 2nd album of original music was released in July 2021. The personal and final song of the album produced by Michael Carpenter, speaks of rising from the depths of despair to discover that you can survive anything this life throws at you.

“It’s raw and relatable and coupled with signature traditional country melodies, is one worth keeping in the collection.”  Haley Sheridan, Country Music Capital News Sept-Oct 2021

Michelle adds, “This song is of hope and overcoming adversity. Pushing on when you feel like you’ve got nothing left to give - that’s what makes me feel ‘invincible’. The inspiration for the song came from an Albert Camus quote that I would use as a kind of mantra whenever I felt like I needed that extra push. This line, really stood out for me “in the midst of winter I found there was within me an invincible summer”.”

Join Michelle as she celebrates the release of ‘Invincible’ (the single) with a LIVE FACEBOOK show tonight (Wednesday Sept 22nd) at 6pm AEST

“Different Kind Of High” may be Katelann Maree’s debut EP but she was born into a country music loving family. Growing up in Miles, in the Western Downs region of Queensland she was surrounded by music from both sides of the family. Her mum Sharon Grealy is also a singer/songwriter and was a member of the band Skin The Cat – regulars of the Tamworth Country Music Festival. And of course, her grandfather (on her dad’s side) was the inspiration behind the EP’s first single, ‘Grandad’s Guitar’ – Jimmy Grealy aka ‘Chinchilla Slim’ is remembered for his finger picking playing style. The single peaked at #2 on the iTunes Australia Singer Songwriter Chart.

From the age of seven, when Jimmy’s guitar was handed down to Katelann, she’s been singing and performing at festivals across QLD and NSW. As a teen, solo performances took a back seat as she was a backing vocalist in her aunty and uncle’s rock band, Band Camp.

In 2015 after being asked by a town local if she would teach her daughter to sing and play guitar, Katelann once again thought about her own solo career. In no time, Katelann was inspiring the next generation of singers and performers and at her mum’s insistence finally applied and was accepted into the CMAA Academy Of Country Music in 2020.

In addition to teaching basic guitar and singing to local children, the singer-songwriter also runs Katelann Maree Health and Fitness - personal/group training sessions and rehabilitation programs with the help of physiotherapists’ guidance for different clients. One of the reasons she became qualified in this area was to help with her brother’s recovery after he was injured by his horse in a feedlot accident. Sustaining multiple injuries including a broken pelvis, ribs, collar bone and brain damage, he spent months in a coma. Cody Grealy is now in a wheelchair and Katelann is assisting in his slow but steady rehabilitation.

Three of the four tracks on “Different Kind Of High” were partly written before attending the academy but with the expert guidance of mentors Catherine Britt and Melody Moko the songs truly came to life. When asked about her academy experience, Katelann says, “Before I attended, I never thought I was good enough. Not only did I learn more about singing, songwriting and performing, it’s where I realised you truly can make a career out of your dream.”

“Different Kind Of High” track by track:
1. Grandad’s Guitar: This was my debut single release co-written with both Catherine and Melody. The song talks of how I was gifted my grandad’s guitar and how I took on his legacy and learnt to play. It describes how I literally played it until my fingers bled hoping one day I could play just like him and how I know grandad would be singing along to my songs if he were still with us.

2. Troubled Man: Co-written with Melody at the academy, it was then called ‘They Don’t Even Ask’, but I felt a name change was needed to truly reflect what the song was about. The real-life tale of how after I separated from my ex-partner he decided to forfeit his duties as a parent and not help or contribute to our children’s upbringing. I could see not only he, but the children were missing out on so much. Eventually the kids stopped asking about him, but in the end it will be ok because I won’t fail them, I will pick up the pieces and fill the holes he had left in their hearts. Hopefully one day he will become the role model they need, and I will always encourage this.

3. Different Kind Of High: Co-written with Catherine, this song is based on the toxic relationship I had with the children’s father which was full of domestic violence, alcohol and drug abuse. It tells the story of how I had to remove myself and the kids from such a bad situation and relationship even though I loved the man I was leaving. In the end I knew it was for the best.

4. Be That Man: Another co-write with both Melody and Catherine – this track reflects on finding a new love and questioning whether he will be the man for me and live by his word. Ultimately a song of hope that he continues to treat me the way he does and if so, he will be the man I keep.

“Different Kind Of High” will be available on all digital/streaming platforms from Sept 24th, 2021

IMMEDIATE AIRPLAY/EDITORIALS WELCOMED & APPRECIATED