Tell us about your new album/tour:
Current single Big Love –MGM. Album out March 23 – Also titled Big Love. We recently played Party in the Paddock w Meg Mac and Gang of Youths and want to tour the latest album “Big Love”. Starting with some big shows for our fans in Tassie. Then working our way around Australia touring the album during 2018. UK, Sri Lanka & USA are next on the list for 2019.
What’s your favourite work at this point in time?
I’ve written some new material, but ‘Your Will’ by The Sheyana Band featuring on our latest album “Big Love” is still a favourite, inspired by the death of David Bowie and the near death of my friend’s son.
How would you describe your sound in food form and why?
Like a Thai Beef Salad. A quality cut of Love is the meat in this zesty dish. Marinated in 1 part Rock, 1 part Rhythm & Blues, a splash of Tasmanian Country, a pinch of Heartbreak and seasoned with Hopes & Dreams. It’s then tossed with big handfuls of passion and life experience, drizzled in heartfelt storytelling, topped with a slice of Soul. Best eaten with your ears, hips and feet. Delicious!
Tell us a quick, on the road or studio, anecdote.
I was in the studio recording my lead vocal track, and we couldn’t get the sound or the vibe right. So I decided to do the vocals in my car. We ran a lead from the control room, (which was upstairs), out the window and across the roof, down and into my car. It was perfect! I was relaxed, the windscreen acted as a natural fold back with plenty of top end, I poured a shot of whisky voice and sat it in my cup holder to sip on. It was like I was off on a road trip without actually driving!…And we got a great vocal take.
What, or who, inspires you?
Which song do you wish you wrote?
Everlong by Foo Fighters, the ultimate edgy love song.
What’s next for you?
To spread our wings and take our music to events in Australia & overseas.
I’m planning a trip back to the UK during winter to do some solo shows and network to set up a UK tour with the band. I also have a good fan base in Sri Lanka and aim to take my band there for some shows.
Songwriting sessions ..
I’d also like to collaborate with other songwriters in 2018/19.. Im planning do some songwriting with The Sheyana Band drummer Beau Thomas for the next band album.
I would also like to do a solo album. My day job is playing gigs on The Spirit of Tasmania and people are constantly asking me for a album that sounds like my solo shows.
What’s your scene?
Rooted in the blues, we cross over into rock, soul & country folk/pop.
THE SHEYANA BAND ~ likened to Renee Geyer & The Baby Animals, with a spicy British/Australian undercurrent. Tassie’s gems from the Deep South.
The Sheyana Band are a collective of sterling masters at interweaving rock solid rhythms and tightly packaged toe tapping grooves steeped in blues and storytelling.
A songstress, songwriter and performer, Sheyana delivers passion and sultry vocals, with Mainwaring’s guitar chops and the rock-solid rhythm section of Jeffrey and Thomas creating an exciting blend of swinging rock, contemporary blues, vintage harmonies and Hammond organ.
The first single from the upcoming album is a toe tapping dance track with a classic sound.
Sharing the album title, Big Love clearly sends a message to the listener ‘to live is to give, so love big’. This album dovetails the dreams of a London girls migration to this, a significant milestone of rockin-blues and swinging soul-felt songs that are both emotive and accessible.
Recently performing at major music events in Tasmania including both “Skyfields” Concerts 2017, with appearances at Party in the Paddock & Forth Valley Blues Festival 2018, The Sheyana Band have received national & international recognition and airplay, supporting some of Australia’s most respected musicians including Hoodoo Gurus, Neil Finn, Meg Mac, Renee Geyer, Diesel, The Angels, Ian Moss, Bill Chambers.
The Sheyana Band features Tasmanian based, award winning singer songwriter, Sheyana Wijesingha.
Born in London, her recording career began in Australia with “Wash me in the water” and after teaming up with former Pale Rider’s guitarist Scott Mainwaring, produced the award winning “Two Birds” and “Keep the Change”.
While travelling to Sri Lanka to reunite with her father in 2015, “Keep the Change” hit the charts and she discovered her second island home and a new audience for her music. Inspired by the experience Sheyana began writing with a new passion.
Their latest 14 track album ‘Big Love’ takes this band to the next level, further developing their sound and songwriting skills.
The band were joined by Tasmanian blues artist, Pete Cornelius, for pre production sessions, before recording the album.
Sheyana has been performing & recording with award winning guitarist, Scott Mainwaring for the past 12 years. Later joining forces with seasoned bassist Dan Jeffrey & the very talented Beau Thomas on drums. The chemistry she has with her longtime band mates has inspired their best work yet.
“Big Love” was recorded & sound engineered by Al Future at The Chapel in Austin’s Ferry, Tasmania.
After Foghorn Music in Sydney heard some demo mixes from the album, they were impressed with the songs and our sound and keen to get on board.
The final mixing was done by Russell Pilling at Damien Gerard Studios, Sydney through Foghorn Music, and the album was mastered by grammy award winner William Bowden of King Willy Sound.
Big Love Album will be released on 23rd March 2018
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