Tamworth Rage Page
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Paul Hicks
 
 
 
 
Hope the universe is being kind to you this week. Just a wee reminder that we’ll be playing in Melbourne next Wednesday night, before traipsing off into the nether regions of Queensland for the annual Gympie Muster.

 Paul Hicks & band (support - Charles Jenkins from Icecream Hands)
 Wednesday 15th August
 Northcote Social Club
301 High St, Northcote
$10 at the door (doors open 8pm)
For more information phone 03 9489 3917 or visit www.northcotesocialclub.com

Hope to see you there.
Slainte, Paul

2007 ‘BEAT THE WINTER BLUES’ FESTIVAL
Nice to see so many familiar faces at this recent, fast growing festival in North-East Victoria, especially those who travelled long distances. Our second annual Sunday night dinner and show at Milawa’s Food on Wood restaurant was a sell-out, with bookings already being made for next year!

NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB, MELBOURNE – WEDNESDAY 15TH AUGUST
After a great ‘Food for the Journey’ launch night in June, the band and I will be playing another show at this excellent music venue. Make sure you get along early to catch an opening set by Charles Jenkins from the awesome Ice Cream Hands. Doors open at 8pm – tickets $10 at the door.

2007 GYMPIE MUSTER, QUEENSLAND – THURS 23RD TO SAT 25TH AUGUST
I’ve been fortunate enough to be asked back to play this iconic Queensland Music Festival and will be taking the new band up with me. Last year was a blast and this year is set to be just as good with acts such as Augie March, Thirsty Merc, The Black Sorrows and too many others to mention, also performing. For more information, go to www.muster.com.au
WWW.PAULHICKS.COM.AU
 If you’ve visited the website recently, you will have noticed that it’s undergoing some renovations. My good mate Scott and his team have come up with an awesome new design. In the meantime, keep an eye on my Myspace site for details of upcoming gigs and I’ll let you know when the main site is back up and running (will be worth a visit!).
Best wishes
Paul
 
Melbourne CD launch announced
June 2 , 2007
… songs such as Give me love first, Carpenter’s Son and Buffalo River Road may help
to propel him to the upper echelon of Aussie personal songwriters …
- Keith Glass, Capital News, May 2007
New album Food for the Journey by singer/songwriter Paul Hicks is getting plenty of attention
from the critics.
It follows on from Kettle of Fish, Hicks’ debut solo album, which inspired Melbourne music
journalist Jeff Jenkins’ to proclaim in Rhythms Magazine “Paul Hicks should be Australia’s next
country superstar”. Jenkins also included Kettle of Fish amongst his top albums for 2005
alongside Bernard Fanning’s Tea and Sympathy and Ben Lee’s Awake is the New Sleep.
Hicks is now returning to Melbourne, launching Food for the Journey on Thursday 14th June at
the Northcote Social Club. He’ll also be fronting a new line-up, which comprises Mark Stanley
(formerly of Irish folk/rock band The Mary Janes), who recorded, produced and played drums
and Robbie Melville who played guitars on the new album, along with Natalie Bartsch on keys
and Josh Bridges on bass. Melbourne songstress Ju Buxton, who sang backing vocals on the
album, will also make a guest appearance. Hicks is clearly excited about the launch.
“A big part of the sound that we achieved on Food for the Journey, is attributable to Mark,
Robbie and Ju, so it’ll be great to have them on board when I take the new songs to the stage.
I’m also really looking forward to re-interpreting some of the older material with the new band”.
The new line-up also reflects the shift in style from much of Hicks’ previously released material.
“The first album was pretty much in the roots-country style, which was emphasized by much of
the instrumentation – y’know, fiddles, mandolins and pedal steel. The new songs seemed to
demand a different approach, and so we went for a tougher, guitar-based sound. Reproducing
that on stage meant putting together a different line-up”, Hicks said recently.
Also featuring on the bill is legendary Australian singer/songwriter/guitarist Dave Steel. Steel,
one-time member of iconic Melbourne band Weddings Parties Anything is well known for his
musicianship and rootsy songwriting.

Greetings fellow travellers,
Nice to see some nice things being written about the new album. For Keith Glass’ take on it, check out May’s Capital News magazine or to hear what Jeff Jenkins thinks, pick up a free copy of June’s JB Hi-Fi MAG, when you’re next in one of their stores. The track ‘Making my way back home’ has also been added to the ABC’s Oztrax website. You can listen online at http://www.abc.net.au/oztrax/
BUYING ON-LINE
Well what do you know? You can now pick up a copy of Food for the Journey from the comfort of your own home, office or wherever you have an internet connection. Simply click on either of the following links to purchase online:
http://www.play4me.com.au/search.asp?LOC=2000&q=paul+hicks&l=&f=&x=0&y=0
http://www.heraldsunhit.com.au/search.asp?LOC=3000&q=paul+hicks&l=&f=&x=9&y=4
Of course you can still buy from us directly – just send us an email for details.
 MELBOURNE CD LAUNCH
 Be sure and keep free the night of Thursday, 14th June for the Food for the Journey CD launch at the Northcote Social Club, High Street, Northcote. Doors open at 8pm. For more details including pre-purchasing tickets, visit http://northcotesocialclub.com/. We’ll send out a few more details shortly. Hope you can all make it along!
 WWW.PAULHICKS.COM.AU
 A few of you may have noticed that the website is currently undergoing renovations. The new look and feel is going to be amazing! In the meantime, you can find out what we’re up to at http://www.myspace.com/paulhicksmusic.
Stay well,
Paul
 
Hello good people of the newsletter list,
Hope this finds you exceptionally well and inspired. I must again apologise for the lack of news in recent months but I can assure you we’ve had our noses to the grindstone here at Paul Hicks Inc...

NEW ALBUM – FINALLY!!!
OK, we’ve toiled for months on this little bugger and we think we’ve got it just right. The album is titled Food for the Journey and I’m really pleased and very excited with the results. A few tracks from the album have just been loaded on to my Myspace site, so you can have a listen and judge the tracks results for yourself. To listen, visit www.myspace.com/paulhicksmusic. If you’d like to be the first in your street to own a copy (signed if you like), feel free to email me to arrange payment and delivery at the special price of $25 per CD, including postage. The CD was to be in shops the week beginning 28th May, though I think JB Hi-Fi in Melbourne may have a few copies already available. I’ll be announcing CD launch details for Melbourne and Sydney as soon as they’re confirmed.

GIGS
Have just arrived back in Australia after an impromptu European visit which included Food for the Journey CD launches at The White Hart hotel in Whitechapel, London and The International Bar, Dublin (ah, I can still taste the Guinness...). Both gigs went exceptionally well and I hope to get over there again soon. In the meantime, I have a few gigs coming up in this part of the world, so hope to see a few of you at one or all of them:


    Sun 13th May (1pm) - Amulet Vineyard, Wangaratta-Beechworth Road, Beechworth VIC (with Marc Paola on guitar)
    Sat 9th June (7pm) - TBC, Echuca VIC (Supporting Peter Denahy www.peterdenahy.com)
    Sat 14th Jul (3pm) - ‘BEAT THE WINTER BLUES’ FESTIVAL, Rose Hill Estate Wines, Milawa VIC (with Marc Paola on guitar)
    Sun 15th Jul (7pm) - ‘BEAT THE WINTER BLUES’ FESTIVAL, Food on Wood Restaurant, Milawa VIC (with Marc Paola on guitar)
Well that’s about it for now. Would love to hear what you think of the new tracks. Please drop me a line when you’ve had a listen.
Slainte, Paul
 
PS – I have finally been enlightened as to the phenomenon known as Myspace. Check out my new page at www.myspace.com/paulhicksmusic . Who knows, maybe we can be friends?
For more information including upcoming gigs, visit http://www.paulhicks.com.au or http://www.myspace.com/paulhicksmusic
 
 
SO, HOW’S THE ALBUM COMING ALONG?
Again, thanks for the emails and for enquiring. I’m recording in Melbourne with Mark Stanley, formerly of Irish band ‘The Mary Janes’. We’re a fair way into it now. Several songs are sounding brilliant I reckon (but what do I know, I’ve lost perspective!!). There’s still the all important vocals to be added, so we’ve still opportunities to botch it all up, though I don’t think we will (anyone know a good singer?). A couple of songs need to be worked up to the level of the others, but on the whole it’s sounding pretty mighty. Be warned, it’s stylistically quite a bit different to ‘Kettle of Fish’, but hey it’s all part of the journey. I’m very excited and can’t wait to give you all a listen. Not sure on a release date as yet, but rest assured yous’ll be the first to know!
Have a great weekend and I’ll be in touch again soon.
Slainte, Paul
 
Hi all,
Hope this finds you well and warm, especially for those in the nether regions of this wide, brown land.

Well, after a stint as a part-time farmer-of-sorts, am now settling back into life in the city, albeit of the rural variety. It's kind of strange not waking up to the sounds of birds and cattle, but with no more fences to mend, cattle to sell and so on, it's freeing up my time a lot more, so can't wait to stretch the legs and roam a bit wider!

 
Hello there,
Been awhile, so I thought it about time to touch base and remind you that we're
alive and working up here in the sunny NE of Vic...

NEW ALBUM
Had a great day in Melb. last week working on pre-production with Greg and Mark.
Some very exciting ideas floating in the ether so can't wait to get stuck into
recording proper in late July. 11 tracks earmarked at this stage...stay
tuned...

Hope the sun's metaphorically shining in your neck of the woods (but hope you
get a bit of rain soon if you need it like we do!).
Slainte, Paul
For more information including latest news and upcoming gigs, visit
 www.paulhicks.com.au
 
If it sounds good (it’s alright)
Willie Nelson reckons there’s only two types of music – good and bad.

Paul Hicks agrees and has just released his salute to Willie’s way of thinking – If it sounds good (it’s alright) – as the second radio single off his Kettle of Fish CD.
The singer-songwriter grew up in North East Victoria listening to Elvis Presley and it’s his earliest memories of seeing “the King” on television that he refers to in the opening lines of the song.
The track features some of Australia’s finest musicians including Bill Chambers on electric guitar, Greg Hunt (The Ploughboys) on fiddle, John Edgar (Sara Storer band) on bass, Craig Pilkington (Mick Thomas and The Sure Thing) on baritone guitars and Dave Foley (Chris Wilson band) on drums.

If It Sounds Good (it’s alright) is the second single off the Kettle of Fish CD, with the first, A little Better Than That, reaching 56 on the country charts when it was released in May, 2005.

Kettle of Fish has drawn some stunning praise since its release in 2005 and was included in Melbourne music journalist Jeff Jenkins’ top albums for the year alongside Bernard Fanning’s Tea and Sympathy and Ben Lee’s Awake is the New Sleep.

“Paul Hicks should be Australia’s next country superstar,” Jenkins wrote in Rhythms magazine in January this year.

Hicks has a style that reviewers have trouble pigeon-holing, which is something that doesn’t worry him because it has led to some flattering comparisons with artists as diverse as
Paul Kelly, Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan.

“A fine new album of thoughtful, all-original material that comes on like a more rural Paul Kelly,” wrote Keith Glass in the April , 2005, edition of Capital News.
Rick Jenner followed up in the May edition with: “Country music is fortunate that our paddock is broad enough to accommodate some excellent talents who don’t specifically fit the mainstream country musical image – Paul Kelly, Graeme Connors, Kevin Bennett and The Flood have all been embraced heartily by country listeners. Now add Victorian singer/songwriter Paul Hicks to that category. The former songwriter and front-man for Melbourne roots country bands The Haybalers and Broken Spoke is a great storyteller, good vocalist and produces a mix of styles that evoke images as wide as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen”.

If It Sounds Good (It’s Alright) has been released through the NFS network (CD 103) after being listed at No. 32 on the ABC’s Saturday Night Country Top 100 list for 2005.
Inquiries to Dale Webster: (02) 6032 7590, 0427 852 344 or email info@paulhicks.com.au 
Paul Hicks can be contacted directly for interviews on 0421 341 799.
For further information and high-resolution images for print, go to www.paulhicks.com.au

MEDIA
Very nice of Melbourne music journalist Jeff Jenkins to include "Kettle of
Fish" amongst his top albums for 2005 in both Rhythms and Inpress magazines.
Very flattering indeed and encouragement enough (like we need it), to record
another album?

NEW ALBUM
Yes folks, plans starting to take shape for another CD, likely to be recorded as
early as April. Very excited about the new songs and about getting back into the
studio again. Will keep you posted?

I'm off to Tocumwal, so gotta fly. Be good to each other - see you 'round
the traps soon.
Slainte, Paul
For more information including latest news and upcoming gigs, visit
 www.paulhicks.com.au
 
Paul Hicks in good company
Respected Melbourne music journalist Jeff Jenkins has listed country roots singer-songwriter Paul Hicks’ Kettle of Fish
 at number nine in his 16 best albums for 2005.
Hicks sits just behind Ben Lee’s Awake is the New Sleep and two ahead of Bernard Fanning’s chart-topping Tea & Sympathy.
Jenkins has also repeated his assertion that Hicks could be country’s next big thing, a statement he first published in a glowing review of Kettle of Fish in Rhythms magazine in July, 2005:

Paul Hicks making country cool
He’s got the looks and the hooks. Paul Hicks could be Australia’s next country sensation.

“ … Paul’s debut album, Kettle of Fish, shows that he’s the real deal. The Tamworth fans with dig it, but it won’t alienate urban country fans.”

* Jeff Jenkins is a Melbourne music writer whose work is published in Rhythms magazine, Inpress magazine and TV Week. He has been a panelist on the Ten Network’s The Panel and a regular guest on Brian Wise’s Off The Record show on Melbourne’s RRR.

Paul Hicks is available for interviews on 0421 341 779.
Further information and publicity material can be obtained from Paul Hicks’ website at www.paulhicks.com.au .
Media inquiries to 0421 341 779 or 0427 852 344
 
Hey there,
Just a quick note to say thanks to everyone who's voted for 'If it sounds good
(it's alright)' in the ABC Saturday Night Country poll. Polling closes at the
end of October I think, so there's still time to get it in if you haven't
already! Feel free to forward it on to your entire address book as well (well,
we all love receiving these things...don't we, don't we?...). The 3 ways of
voting are:

1. SMS your vote to 197 55 222 - simply text 'SNC' and the number '32'
2. PHONE your vote to 1900 959 124 - again, enter the number '32'
3. Register your vote at http://abc.net.au/snc/hottest/vote.htm

While I think of it, here's a few gigs that have been booked for next year (get
out those new diaries). They're not on the website yet, but will have them put
up as soon as I get a minute:

TASTES OF RUTHERGLEN - CAMPBELLS WINES
One to mark in your diaries for next year! Greg and I will be playing on 11th,
12th, 18th and 19th March at Campbells Wines up there in sunny Rutherglen. A
great weekend.

RUTHERGLEN WINERY WALKABOUT - 10TH & 11TH JUNE 2006
Back again at Cofield Wines - come out and have a drink with us...another huge
w'end!
Hope to see you soon. Be good.
Slainte, Paul
For more information including latest news and upcoming gigs, visit
www.paulhicks.com.au

 DENI UTE MUSTER
Me and the boys (and girls) had an absolute ball over in Deni last w'end - still
recovering in fact!. Played lots of music, drank too much bundy, looked at loads
of utes and even slept in swags (we went the whole hog!!). Also saw lots of
great artists and can't wait to get over there again next year. Congrats to
Kate, Chris and all the staff and volunteers for putting on such a great event.

ABC SATURDAY NIGHT COUNTRY
Well it seems like a little track from the 'Kettle of Fish' album has been
getting it's fair share of airplay on John Nutting's national radio show. "If
it sounds good (it's alright)" has come in as the 32nd most played song on his
show for this year, which is particularly encouraging considering we haven't
released it as a single yet.

 Paul Hicks – Kettle of Fish

 
Hey friends,
Hope this finds you all happy and well in your corner of the planet. Has been a
few weeks I know, but it's been kind of hectic - you know how it is...

We had a huge long weekend playing during the recent Rutherglen Winery
Walkabout. Thanks to everyone who came along at saw us at one of the shows.
Was nice to see some familiar faces and meet lots of new ones! Cofield Wines in
Wahgunyah have booked us for the full weekend next year - something to pencil
in and look forward to.

I believe this month's Rhythms mag (Australia's best roots music mag I reckon),
will include a Jeff Jenkins penned article on the 'Kettle of Fish' album.
Should be available at Newsagents in the next week or so.

Katherine Blackwell is a talented young photographer who specialises in
capturing live performers. Check out her website at
www.angelfire.com/oz/katsbandpix/  PaulHicks/paulhicks.htm  to view photos from
one of the Songwriters gigs we did at The Terminus Hotel in Clifton Hill.
There's loads of great pics of other artists on Katherine's website - check 'em
out.
Finally, check out this link for a few pics by our Canberra mate Judy taken at
this year's Tamworth Country Music Festival -
http://www.countryragepage.com/artistsfansb05.htm
That's about it for now. Hope to catch up with you 'round the traps.
All the best,
Paul
For more information including latest news and upcoming gigs, visit
www.paulhicks.com.au
 
Hey all,
First of all, thanks to everyone who came along to the Melbourne Album launch at
The Cornish Arms last Saturday night. It was such a pleasure to play with all
the guys again - we all had a ball. Hope to do it with the full line-up again
soon.

Thanks also to everyone who has sent through good wishes both pre and post the
launch and to everyone who saw us in Geelong the night before (will be back
again soon). A number of people from the media were at the launch and I felt
bad for not thanking them for their support of the CD - it really is much
appreciated, so thanks.

The only downside from the weekend was me hitting a roo just as I was nearing
home and wiping out the front, right lights. Better do a few more gigs to cover
it, which leads me to...
 With a style critics have compared to the great storytellers Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Paul Kelly, emerging singer-songwriter Paul Hicks has already been tagged as someone destined for big things.
 
While the launch of his debut CD, Kettle of Fish, this Saturday at The Cornish Arms, Brunswick, marks the start of official promotion, the body of work has so far drawn nothing but stunning praise in early reviews.
“... a fine new album of thoughtful, all original material that comes on like a more rural Paul Kelly … his lyrics are concise and he has something to say whether it be confessional, observational or accusational … Kettle of Fish has a lot to offer."
 
- Keith Glass, Capital News
“Singer-songwriter Paul Hicks is set for big things, I am absolutely positive of it. Just wait until a few more people discover his debut album Kettle of Fish and its stunning collection of tracks, which span the length and breadth of his chosen genre.” **** Four stars.

– Jamie Horne, The Border Mail
“Country music is fortunate that our paddock is broad enough to accommodate some excellent talents who don't specifically fit the mainstream country musical image - Paul Kelly, Graeme Connors, Kevin Bennett and The Flood have all been embraced heartily by country listeners. Now add Victorian singer/songwriter Paul Hicks to that category. The former songwriter and front-man for Melbourne roots country bands The Haybalers and Broken Spoke is a great storyteller, good vocalist and produces a mix of styles that evoke images as wide as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen.”

- Rick Jenner, Capital News
The launch of Kettle of Fish coincides with the release to radio of the first single from the CD, A Little Better Than That, available on NFS 96.
Kettle of Fish is being distributed by One Stop Entertainment, phone (07) 3279 2754 www.onestopent.com.au
FACT BOX:
Paul Hicks’ Kettle of Fish CD launch
Saturday, May 28, 9pm
The Cornish Arms Hotel, 163A Sydney Rd, Brunswick, phone: (03) 9380 8383
$10 entry or $30 including CD
Support by Brent Parlane
www.paulhicks.com.au 
For more information and interviews contact:
RUM Entertainment - Rebecca Urquhart McCarthy
Ph/fax:(02) 4285 1461. Mobile: 0439 730 460
rumentertainment@bigpond.com
 
Hey everyone,
Been awhile since I've bombarded you with an email. Hope life's treating you
well.

For those in Geelong who can't make it down on Saturday night, we're playing a
wee gig on the Friday night (yes, the 27th), at the De La Ville Hotel, 54
Little Myers Street, Geelong (10pm kick-off).

I'll also be dropping in to have a chat on the wireless whilst down in the big
smoke. If you're able, tune in:
 
MELBOURNE CD LAUNCH
Well, I finally got around to it. Am very excited to be coming back to Melbourne
and playing with The High Kings again (Greg Hunt - fiddle/mandolin, John Edgar -
Bass, 'Rockin' Ronnie Mahony - Drums, and honourary 'High King for a day (or
two)' Garret Costigan - Pedal Steel). There'll be plenty of special guests as
well, so lock it in your diary now! Looking forward to seeing everyone again.

MEDIA
Check out this month's Capital News mag for a Keith Glass feature article on the
'Kettle of Fish' album (available most newsagents I think).

Also, keep an ear out for a track from the album when you're next doing the
grocery shopping or being put on hold by some corporate entity. A company that
provide said music to the large supermarket chains etc. have just added a track
to their playlist - not sure which one (sorry Bec, couldn't open the file from
here. I'm such a luddite!).

THOSE BLOODY MCKENNAS - LAST NIGHT AT THE VINE HOTEL...
Had a great night last night at The Vine seeing a terrific band, Those Bloody
McKennas. Lovely folk too. Consensus amongst us was that they're kind of a
cross between REM and Jethro Tull (with Celtic trad influences). Anyway, you
need to see them. Had a great night enjoying a few beers with Georgie, Richie,
Nell, Kate and others.

Finally, this week saw the sad passing away of our family friend Trish Doyle.
Our thoughts and prayers and with Adrian, Francis, Jacinta, Chris, Leah and
their extended family at this sad time.

OK, that's about everything for now I think. Thanks for the emails - I'll get
back to you shortly (I promise!).
Cheers, Paul
For more information including latest news and upcoming gigs, visit
www.paulhicks.com.au
 
Hey all,
EASTER SATURDAY AT THE VINE HOTEL, NORTH WANGARATTA
A reminder for those in the vicinity of north-east Victoria that I'll be doing a
show at the historic Vine Hotel in North Wangaratta this Saturday night. Great
pub, terrific food, should be terrific night. Kicks off at 8pm.

THE WANDI PUB
I had a really great Sunday arvo/evening at the legendary Wandi pub last
weekend. What a way to spend a day, sitting on stage in a beautiful beer garden
looking out across the mountains. A very big thanks to outgoing publican Ron
Jamieson for his tremendous support and to incoming publicans Bill and Lynne
for their wonderful hospitality. Enjoyed it so much we're doing it again in
June!

CONGRATULATIONS
Well, I can now officially extend my congrats to little sis Kerry and fiance
Chris who announced their engagement on the weekend. Nice work guys, another
wedding to look forward to!
 
Hey everyone,
Don't know about you, but things have been pretty hectic up this way. Still
there's heaps to do and the year's slippin' away already (what happened to Feb?
I think I missed it...).

I've decided that it's time to get fit again and so have just returned from a
40km ride around the area with a (slightly) fitter mate of mine. Having not
ridden for a few years I reckon it's gonna take me a least a couple of days
before I can sit down again - just in time for this weekend's gig...

MEDIA
Keep an eye out for Keith Glass interview/article which will pop up in either
the April or May issue of Capital News magazine, Australia's monthly country
music mag...
RADIO
Thanks muchly to the community stations that've been giving the CD a run. Keep
an ear out for the first single 'A little better than that', which will be
released nationally in May to all country-friendly radio stations.

CONGRATULATIONS
After a year of sad news for our family, finally some good stuff! Congrats to
brother Mick and sister-in-law-to-be Simone who finally tie the knot on Sunday
week. Similarly, congrats to littlest brother Paddy who was engaged to the
lovely Kirsty during the week. The grapevine has it that their may be more in
the wings - watch this space!

Hope to see ya round the traps soon.
Cheers, Paul
For more information including latest news and upcoming gigs, visit
www.paulhicks.com.au
 
TAMWORTH 2005
We had a great week and received plenty of good feedback this year, both from
the solo gigs and the band CD launch at The City Tavern. Was fantastic to meet
up with all our Tamworth Festival muso mates and other friends that we've made
over the past couple of years. Was also great to meet loads of new friends from
all over, who came along to the gigs (hey folks!). We've already been asked
backfor a string of gigs next year, so we look forward to catching up again then
if not before (see NSW tour details below). We'll see if we can get some photos
from the festival on the website (if anyone has any, would appreciate it if you
could shoot them through to me).

Unfortunately my Tamworth experience was cut short when I received the call on
the eve of the CD launch, that my Mum had passed away. As a few of you will
know, she was diagnosed with terminal cancer 2 months ago, though she actually
passed away due to a cardiac arrest suffered after enduring a hip replacement
operation (which ironically went very well). As I mentioned above, the CD
launch nevertheless went really well and we played her favourite song, 'The
time I get to you', for her. Though I've only personally told a handful of
people, the music grapevine is undoubtable alive and well, and I'd like to
thank everyone who sent through emails, text messages, cards and flowers. As you
can imagine, the last week has been a bit of a blur and so I'm sorry if I
haven't responded earlier. Your thoughts have meant a lot. The funeral and wake
went really well and were a fitting tribute to a beautiful woman.

NSW TOUR
Over the past few months I've received emails etc. from friends asking if and
when we'll be playing in their area. Well, I've bitten the bullet and will
start organising a tour for later this year. So far we've had requests to get
to Albury, Wagga, Orange, Dubbo, Gunnedah, Tamworth, Coffs Harbour, Sydney and
Campbelltown, so we'll use that as a starting point and work around it. If
anyone in NSW has any other suggested destinations, would appreciate it if you
could send through details of suggested venues so that we can contact them.

NB - we'll also come down to Melbourne ASAP and will also try to organise a
little run around Gippsland (thanks Rhonda).

That's enough for now. Stay well and we hope to see you soon.
Cheers, Paul
PS - look out for a 'Kettle of Fish' CD review by David Dawson in Melbourne's
Beat Magazine this week.
For more information including latest news and upcoming gigs, visit
www.paulhicks.com.au
 
Hey everyone,
Happy 2005 - hope it's a good one for you!
The boys and I had a great time over New Year down at The Stump in Port Fairy.
The hospitality was (as usual) superb, the crowd was enthusiastic and the
weather was thankfully very nice (for that part of the world). Thanks again to
Brian and Kim and all the staff and regulars for a great weekend. We'll be down
there again for a couple more shows during the Port Fairy Folk Festival.
CD
Thanks to everyone who's purchased so far and for all the positive emails. It
certainly makes the effort all worth while! If you know of anyone who'd like a
copy, they're also now available at the following outstanding retail outlets:
JB-Hi Fi - Elizabeth street, Melbourne
Leading Edge - Wangaratta
You can of course still get 'em from me by dropping an email.
AIRPLAY
Thanks to local radio station OAK FM for getting behind the album and giving it
a good old-fashioned thrashing. Listen out for it in coming weeks on PBS FM and
RRR FM (both in Melb.) and ABC local radio.
That's about it for now.
All the best, Paul

PS - Had a incredible gig at the Ararat Prison last month, performing for the
inmates. Incredible because it was obviously a very different environment, but
equally because they were so enthusiastic about the music. I've never played a
gig where every member of the audience files past at the end, looks you in the
eye, shakes your hand and sincerely thanks you for going out of your way to
come and play! (as you can guess, they don't get much in the way of
entertainment over there). Plans are afoot to take the whole band down there
sometime this year. I know there's a lot of excellent artists on this email
list - would thoroughly recommend doing it if you get the opportunity. It's an
important experience.
 
KETTLE OF FISH CD
Thanks to everyone who has bought it so far and for the fantastic feedback. Has
been really overwhelming and very much appreciated.
We aim to release it to radio etc. once a distribution deal etc. is sorted (it's
at the top of my NY 'to do' list, really!!). Apparently it has snuck on to a
station in NSW though (probably the ABC), as even the local record store here
in Wangaratta has had enquiries (sincere thanks to whoever organised that).

Am just about to shoot out the door to play a gig for the inmates at H.M. Prison
in Ararat this evening. Really looking forward to it - hope I don't see any of
you there (that's the first and last time I'll probably ever mention that about
a gig!).
Travel well, Paul
 
KETTLE OF FISH (the CD.)
You're not going to believe this but it's finally in for pressing! I've been
listening to the damn thing for a couple of months now, so it's kind of funny
to think that hardly anyone else has heard it and it's still completely new.
I'm not sick of it yet though, which has got to be a good sign and I'm really
pleased with the production and artwork.
Anyway, whilst we start sorting out licensing/distribution etc., we're running
off a limited number which will only be sold at gigs ($25 each). Given that a
number of people have been asking about how to get hold of it though, I'll also
be happy to post out copies to anyone on this email list for $20 + postage ($3
in Australia, $5 overseas. Add an extra $1 for each additional CD). The CD
contains 11 original tracks and comes with a full colour 8 page booklet
(includes lyrics). Just the thing for those last minute Chrissie presents!
If you'd like to order, there's 2 ways that I can think of:
1) Send a cheque made payable to PDH MARKETING PTY LTD to:
RMB 9006
Wangaratta VIC 3678
Don't forget to include your postal details.
2) Deposit the appropriate amount to the following account:
Account name: PDH Marketing Pty Ltd
BSB: 033-174
Account number: 18-7355
If you do deposit directly to this account please send me an email to let me
know when it went through and for how much, and also advise the postal
details.
The CDs will be available for posting in the first week of December. If you'd
rather wait and have a listen - no worries, we'll have some samples on the
website in the coming week or two (I'll let you know when they've been posted).
That's enough for now I reckon. Hope all's well in your part of the world.
Cheers, Paul
For more information including latest news and upcoming gigs, visit
www.paulhicks.com.au
 
'KETTLE OF FISH' UPDATE...
Fuelled by REAL coffee and gourmet treats from the Binh Minh in Victoria
Street,
Richmond, we had a very productive and enjoyable day yesterday, mastering the
album at 'Moose'. Once the artwork is done and the CDs pressed, I'll post
samples of a few tracks on the website so you can have a listen and then tell
me how lucky I am to be surrounded by such talented and creative people...
Cheers for now,
Paul
For more information including latest news and upcoming gigs, visit
www.paulhicks.com.au

NEW ALBUM
As some of you might know, I've been spending a good deal of time down at
Audrey Studios in Richmond, Melbourne, working on my first album. The album's
tentatively titled 'Kettle of Fish' and will include a few of the tunes that I
played with the Spokes, plus a few newies - at this stage, 12 songs in all.

It's a bit hard to be objective about it when you're so involved in the
project,
but we're all pretty excited about the way it's shaping up so far. The album is
being recorded/produced by Craig Pilkington (The Killjoys, Mick Thomas & The
Sure Thing) and features some of Australia's best players (Bill Chambers, Bruce
Haymes, Greg Hunt, Garret Costigan, Pete Somerville, Dave Evans, John Edgar,
Dave Foley and Rockin' Ronnie Mahony from the Spokes). We start mixing on
Monday and are shooting to have it pressed and ready to go by mid-November at
the latest. Can't wait to give you all a listen and hear what you think!

GREENER PASTURES
After years of threatening to ditch the city life and return to the bush, I
finally decided the time was right. Am based on 50 acres, just outside
Wangaratta in the north-east of Victoria, and though I've only officially been
here for about a week, feel right at home already. My first fews days have
consisted of killing one brown snake, witnessing the birth of an Angus calf
(ah, the circle of life.), built one barbed wire fence and fixed another.
Loving the space, the fresh air and the peace and quiet. Not missing the city
noise, traffic and pollution in the slightest! I reckon I could get used to
this.

I'll still be doing regular runs to Melbourne for gigs, so look forward to
keeping in touch and catching up with all my city mates.

That's enough for now. Hope life's treating you well.
Cheers,
Paul
For more information including latest news and upcoming gigs, visit
www.paulhicks.com.au
 
Scroll down to see 2004 Tamworth Photos
 
BROKEN SPOKE, BROKEN UP...
Well, after a fantastic 18 months or so, we've decided to call it a day. Side projects and the tyranny of distance have made it way too difficult to keep the band going. We've had a ball and we'd like to thank everyone for their great support, both of our gigs and our little EP, 'Country Roots Rock' (there's still a few collector's items left if you haven't got one yet!). We plan to go out with a massive party and as such, you're all invited to The Underpass @ The Terminus Hotel, for a final gig on Saturday, 18th September. Will remind you closer to the date...
I'll be carrying on solo, and playing with various friends. Will continue to keep you in the loop on upcoming gigs, which are also being posted on my new website - www.paulhicks.com.au .
See ya in the soup
Paul

(MICHAEL) JOHN HICKS - R.I.P. 18TH JUNE 2004
Unfortunately Dad passed away, peacefully, last Friday evening at Wangaratta Base Hospital. We gave him a huge send-off yesterday with in excess of 500 people packing out the church and spilling out into the grounds, followed by a few beers/cuppas at his beloved Rovers clubrooms.
Thanks everyone for the tremendous messages of support etc. during this difficult period - It's been really overwhelming and very much appreciated.

For more band information including upcoming gigs, visit www.brokenspokeband.com .
WWW.BROKENSPOKEBAND.COM 

If you've visited our website lately, you'll have noticed that there's been a few changes made, including the addition of audio samples of songs from our 'Country Roots Rock' EP. A big thanks to our new webmaster Stephen Oakes for rallying to the cause and doing such a superb job. If you need any website work done, Stephen can be contacted at soakes@soakes.com .
That's about it for now.
Adios
Paul
 
PORT FAIRY SHENANAGHANS
It's now Tuesday night and we've almost recovered from another huge weekend of playing down at The Stump in Port Fairy. Another couple of cracker nights with big crowds all out for a huge night. If the 4-setter, 1 o'clock finish on the Saturday night didn't quite do us in, the 6am lock-in session, jamming with some local musos certainly did!

We even managed to raise some more money for The Leukemia Foundation, after Mary suggested I put my old straw cowboy hat behind the bar, so that she and the rest of the punters could make a contribution by tossing their change in. I picked the hat up in Tamworth last year - it's one of those freebies that the sponsors give away. Anyway, it's now sitting proudly behind the bar atop a mannequin's head, with our scribbles all over it (from one dummy to another!). How much did we raise you ask? $280 in total which included $50 tipped in by Brian and Kim of The Stump. Not bad for just over a night of passing the hat around! A big thanks to some very generous folks who really know how to have a good time! We're looking forward to seeing y'all again at Easter.

Coincidentally, we ran into an artist fellow named Anders at The Stump. I was familiar with his fine drawings of various musos, as he displays them during the Tamworth Festival at our favourite pub - The City Tavern. He was holding an exhibition of his work at The Warnambool Gallery, which I also dropped in to have a look at - very interesting mix of really eclectic works! Anyway, we're looking forward to seeing the Spoke drawing at the next exhibition Anders!
 
Tamworth Festival 2004
Paul Hicks
from Broken Spoke
Joe Maguires Hotel
 
Paul Hicks (Photo Courtesy Judy ACT)
 
Paul Hicks Photo Courtesy Judy ACT
 
Judy and Paul
 
Paul (guest for Bill Chambers)
 
Print out and have the memories