December Already...

Hi Everyone,

First of all, sorry for the lack of blogs and the like here. We pretty much use Facebook for our day to day stuff, so this site is a little neglected.

Speaking of which, we've found out that the website has a problem at the moment, and we're not able to update it (which is why the gigs page is out of date). Paul is currently putting together a brand new site that was originally supposed to coincide with the new album launch, but it looks like we might have to pull it forward a bit.  The Store is still working, if fact the whole current site is fine, we're just not able to update it from our end (something to do with an out of date thingamywottsit according to Paul). Hopefully this blog will get inserted correctly!

So, we only have the one gig for December, and that's next Saturday Night, the 7th of December. This is a Christmas show with our good mates Sasta, and after last year's adventures we all decided we just had to do it all again. Tickets are selling fast, but there are a few left. Details are through the link below.

The new album is coming along better than we imagined. We have a whiteboard of over 22 Tracks filled with notes, remarks and revisions, and the songs are sounding incredible. Deciding what to include is going to be tough. This will be an album of original material, written by all of us and we're all very excited about how it's sounding. The four of us have very different song writing styles, but there's a lovely thread of 'Sunas' through everything. We've been deliberately not playing the new songs at recent shows as we want to hold off and have a series of special concerts next year.

Right, that's about it for now. Thanks to all of your who have been ordering CD's lately -ABC Classic Drive here in Australia seem to have put Ride On/Black is the Colour on rotation again lately, and it's always fun when we get a flurry of orders and emails after it's played!

More information on everything, come like us as https://www.facebook.com/sunasmusic

Cheers,

Mannie, Michael, Sarah & Paul

Another New Trailer Video up!

It seems to be developing into something we do when we're on tour (so expect some more when we head south in a couple of weeks!)

Who Ate…All The Pies? A Dark, Sunasy mystery short…

Make sure you watch until the very end…if you dare!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year, Everyone!

All of us in Sunas hope you had a lovely start to 2013 (and if it involved a shocking hangover, I hope you sorted it out with a greasy breakfast, bucket of strong coffee and if all failed, hair of the dog!). We celebrated by performing at the Irish Club. Bar my family, the lads in Sunas are the next best people to bring in the new year with. Thank you so much for your support over the last 12 months. Here's what's happening for the coming year:

We recently held the Sunas Annual General Meeting at Mannie's place in December (yes, we really do have these every 12 months, they are essential for planning the Sunas year. That and I'm an obsessive organiser). The first half of this year is looking wonderfully busy for us - we're heading to the Cygnet and Tamar Valley Folk Festivals next week with a smattering of Hobart gigs in-between, the madness of St Patrick's Day, then we're officially appearing at the National Folk Festival in Canberra and Australian Celtic Festival in Glen Innes on the May Day weekend, and we've organised studio time in April to record a brand new shiny Sunas album to be released later in the year. This is all before June - whew!

There is lots of smaller tours planned for the latter half of the year as well, to Sydney, Melbourne, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide and New Zealand. Watch this space. Also, if you are in these cities and would be happy to host us performing a house concert, please get in touch, because we love house concerts!

I also plan on blogging a lot more regularly, too - a couple of you got in touch and said you wanted more updates here on the website rather than just on Facebook. Thank you for the feedback! I am happy to do this -  it felt odd not keeping you all in the loop on our antics. PLUS, I'm thrilled to let you know that the return of the tour blogs are back, beginning with our upcoming Tasmanian tour! We will also (FINALLY) be putting up a lyrics page so you know exactly what we're singing. Some of you have asked me to name the rivers I sing about in 'River'. The hardest part is spelling them!

One last thing - I want to tell you a lovely story that happened to us late last year while performing at the Irish Club. We played 'Caledonia' by Dougie MacLean, and at once I saw a man begin to dab ferociously at his eyes with his business shirt sleeve. He tried to maintain his composure throughout the song, but his eyes continued to well with tears - obviously this song meant a great deal to him. Afterwards I went up to him and asked him what Caledonia's relevance was to him. He replied by saying this: 'I've been away from Scotland for thirteen years and I'm going back home next Tuesday'.

WELL. That set me off with welling tears! What beautiful moment for him. I felt tremendously grateful that firstly, Dougie wrote such a stunning song of longing for home (thank you, Dougie), and that the fellow was willing to share with me how relevant the song was to him. THIS is why we make music. Moments like that are simply priceless.

So after a bit of a novel, thank you for reading. Thank you for the feedback - we hear you. Now let's get our music engines revving :)

Love Sarah (and the Súnas boys)

Christmas Bonus!

From now until Christmas Eve, if you buy a CD from our online store we'll include a very special gift. We might even get Sarah to gift wrap it for you. And no, it's *not* Mannie...

RICKY WANTS YOU!

…to come to the Sunas and Sasta Christmas Show, Saturday 1st at the Irish Club, from 7pm

A Small NSW Tour

All the details are on our Gigs Page

An ARIA Nomination!

It is with immeasurable pride that we can announce that Sarah has been nominated for an ARIA (Australia Record Industry Award) for her solo album, As Night Falls. Sunas played on three of the tracks (and Paul and Mannie played on most of the others) so we kind of get to share in the glitter a tiny bit!

New Video Clip Up

Hi all,

There's a new clip up on YouTube of us performing 'Cruel Sea' at the recent Folk at the Friary. Hope you like:

Sunas -Cruel Sea Video

Follow us on Facebook

Hi Everyone.

Although we keep this website up to date, most of the action happens over on the Sunas Facebook page. We're very active over there (which is why this blog has fallen off a tad), so come along and say hi.

https://www.facebook.com/sunasmusic

This site is currently going through a massive rewrite that should see it looking a whole lot cleaner and simpler. Not that we don't like it the way it is, but it's time for a wee change.

Cheers,

SMP&M

Sarah's Debut Solo Album is now Available

Sarah's first solo project, 'As Night Falls' is now available from within our own Store. Sunas played on three tracks, along with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (that was fun!), Shane Nicholson, Irish accordion maestro Alan Kelly and the legendary Mike Scott from the Waterboys.

It's a gorgeous mix of traditional, contemporary, orchestra, electronica and Sunas, and debuted at number 16 in the charts!

Don't forget to select the correct destination (Australia/Rest of the World)

Celtic Road Now Available in our Store

Our latest album, Celtic Road, is now available from within our own Store. It includes the bonus DVD Live in Concert.
Don't forget to select the correct destination (Australia/Rest of the World)

Mannie's Neurum Creek Festival

Where to start… It was a gorgeous morning as I made my way to the scenic camping spot, which is Neurum Creek. I had missed two of the three amazing days of music and mischief and was anxious to see as much of the day’s program as I could. My iPod loaded with music from most of the artists performing at the festival, I happily made my way through Woodford and on to Neurum. It was great to see my fellow bandies and their families, hugs from all and then the essentials, Cider, yes Cider! After being regaled of the previous days of activities, I quickly settled into what can only be described as a brilliant day! It was lovely to see so many friends, all in one spot and with the backdrop of lush hills and the haunting melodies of the fiddle and guitar of Emma Nixon and Tony Vandermeer, I knew the day was off to a cracking start! Beautiful harmonies of gospel singers and the amazing cloudstreet, were only slightly contested by the laughter of children, as they played close by.

I was very excited about the Poachers playing later that afternoon and was planning on capturing some of their magic on film,

“Hey Spielberg, do you want a coffee”?

“Only if you’re making it, Paul”.

So he started to boil the water, as he enlightened the nearby kids on the dangers of playing around a hot stove. Then as if he had never mentioned the dangers of boiling water, Paul started dancing around the stove. For a few seconds I thought Paul was doing a Chuck Berry routine, as he held one leg up in the air and slapped it, as if he was strumming a guitar. Wow! Supper and a show! Then came the realisation that the tortured look on Paul’s face wasn’t Paul trying to belt out a tune, but the scream of pain. Damn, I was starting to get into it! My God, it wasn’t looking good, Paul’s days of performing Swan Lake with the Russian Ballet where over. Being the only one at the scene, I had to help!” I don’t know if we can save it Paul” I don’t think he saw the funny side of this! So I got ice and cold water, and then drank it in a shady spot. No you all know me better than that, I had alcohol instead of water, No really I helped him! At that point Sarah turned up and quickly set off to find our friend Bob who is not only a great guy, but was a First Aid person. I have to say that, Paul did really well to contain his emotions, as his leg blistered like a strip of bacon on a hot grill! Before you could say, anyone want eggs with that, Bob had arrived and sprung into action, patching Paul’s Leg and saving his career in the world of interpretive dance! “Damn you”, I say Bob.

So first came the, “Could I have a water please, Mannie” then it was “can you help me to my chair” then it was “ do you think you could make me a coffee and fluff my pillows” to “I want a jet and a house on the edge of a lake with a room full of guitars and an iPad 2”. Only joking, in all fairness to Paul, he really did soldier on, as we had to perform within half an hour of Paul scolding himself. He got on stage and played his little heart out. You rock, Paul.

I did get to video one or two of the amazing Poachers set. Thanks again to everyone who hung around to hear us play. Once again thanks to Angela Don and Keith for inviting us, and to everyone who helped make it a fantastic weekend!

Take care.

Mannie.

A Long-Overdue Update

Sorry.

It's been far too long since we've actually blogged about anything. In our defence, we have been terribly busy (and a lot of our day-to-day communication takes place of Facebook most of the time -it's just quicker and far more immediate). But I thought I'd take a moment to post a little something.

Firstly, I have to say thank you. A big, fat, jelly-wobbly thank you to everyone who bought the last cd. It's taken us all quite by surprise. Celtic Road made the top 10 list for ABC Classics & Jazz bestsellers of the year, which for an unknown folk band from Brisbane is pretty cool. The DVD (made by our amazing friends over a NoSuchStudioCollective) is still on rotation on cable TV over 6 months after it was released.

And we're going to do it all again in a couple of months. We're flying down to Sydney to record another album with the ABC in January. It's shaping up to be a busy end of the year for us. As some of you may know, Sarah has her own huge ABC solo project that gets underway in a week or so, and Sunas are contributing a few songs to that (along with some fantastic big name people that she'll reveal later on). You can read all about it at here. We've also got the Gold Coast Festival coming up, along with a nice road trip down to the Bellingen Festival next month. December sees a few local shows, but mainly us closeting ourselves away to write the new album which hopefully we'll debut at the Music by the Sea Festival show in early Jan. Then we'll combine the recording with a trip back to the Illawara Festival and a possible, very special trip to Melbourne. That'll be a busy couple of weeks!

Next year is already on the brew. We'll be off to as many festivals as will have us, recording yet another cd, then later in the year we're planning on heading back overseas.

It certainly is interesting times. Now, back to writing the Neurum Creek blog...

Ten Years in Sunas

In February of this year I celebrated ten wonderful years with Sunas, and started reflecting on my journey. Goodness - how does one condense ten years worth of experiences and memories into a smattering of words?

I joined Sunas in 2001 when I was 19 years old. I came from a classically trained background in flute, having done all of my grades and smashing a 92% mark on Grade 8 (no apologies for bragging there, it is still one of my biggest achievements!). As much as I loved (and still love) classical music, I was so burnt out by the rigidity of it. There is no room for improvisation, no 'funky version' you can practice for exams, and I began to resent it. My flute was an extension of myself, but I began to think that surely there must be more than just classical music.

Oh yes, there was. Musical theatre!

I enrolled in a Bachelor of Music Theatre uni course & spent a year in Mackay learning the ropes of singing, dancing, tech work, lighting, costuming, workshops & major performances from some of the most incredible teachers in Australia. I loved that year of uni. Unfortunately the dancing was valued very highly, and I have two left feet. My version of dancing makes me look like a frog in a blender. So after a year of music theatre, I came home to Brisbane and started wondering what else was in store for me. One night in February, my Mum & Dad went out to the local Dooleys at Meadowbrook (now known as the Meadowbrook Hotel) with some friends of theirs. My Dad came home raving about this band that was playing, called Sunas. My parents knew I missed music desperately, so after having a look at the line-up (guitar, fiddle, bouzouki & keyboards), Dad enquired as to whether they were looking for a flute player. The bald guy in the band promptly replied, 'Are you sh*tting me?!' Apparently Sunas had been advertising for a flute player who could sing harmonies for months.

WELL. Dad gave me their card and told me they wanted me to send them an email listing my experience. I'd had NO experience in Irish music, but I loved the music from Riverdance & Lord of the Dance (I know - I literally was 'green!'), and I knew just enough to know that I wasn't keen on Foster & Allen. My Mum told me that I should really sell myself and make them think that I would be perfect for the job. Keen on impressing all of Sunas, I sent off a ten page email (I kid you not!) to Paul & Helen telling them how qualified I was.



Paul later told me that everyone killed themselves laughing at my email, because I sounded completely wet & eager. Oh well :) But they loved my enthusiasm enough to want to meet me. We all met up for the very first time at Gilhooleys Chermside, which was Sunas's next gig. That night I met Mannie McAllister (bouzouki & mandolin), Rachel Witney (vocals & fiddle), Helen McDiarmid (keyboards & vocals) & Paul Brandon (guitar).The first song I heard them play was 'Ride On' by Jimmy McCarthy. I completely fell in love with this type of music after watching Sunas play. Their songs & tunes were tight, their sound was so full! And they laughed a lot. I REALLY wanted to be in this band.

I had two auditions (neither of which were known to me!). The first one was simply having a chat over a coffee. They wanted to know about my musical background, but they also wanted to know if my personality would fit in with their peculiar brand of humour. I took the piss out of Mannie & Paul in the first 15 minutes & passed Round One. Round Two was my ability to pick up tunes quickly. Apart from a crash course in jigs & reels from Mannie & Helen, I was on my own. But I love to improvise, and the very first tune I learnt was Charlie Harriss's on my brand new Clarke D whistle. I passed. I was a member of Sunas! Sarah Calderwood (flutes, whistles, vocals). Mannie & I bonded immediately. He's such a naughty boy, we'd giggle and talk utter bollocks for hours. Not to mention rehearsing like demons - it was so lovely to find someone who was as obsessed with music as I was. I love Mannie to pieces, he's my best friend and like a brother to me. Helen & I bonded over crap songs & our dirty, cracked humour. She was my second Mum and a wonderful musical mentor. I miss her every day. Paul & I, well, we bonded in a different way - we argued & traded outrageous insults a lot - we were best friends, but each other's wit-sharpening post (and still are). Paul & Mannie challenge me to be the best musician I can be – they have certainly kept me on my toes. Early on I began to view Sunas not as a band & business, but as family. That’s how we roll, yo.

Here's a pic of my very first rehearsal with Sunas (Rachel Witney took these pics - Helen was away on holiday at the time). Please don't rib me TOO much about my awful hair - not to mention the fact that I was blonde (Paul said I looked like a camel had chewed my head).



I threw myself into my new band - it was wonderful, and I LOVED the music! Rachel left Sunas 18 months later to focus on her family, and I became the lead vocalist. I was awful to begin with!  But Helen & Mannie were wonderful support & really helped me to 'find' my voice. I remember Sharon Shannon coming to Brisbane in 2004 with Irish singer Pauline Scanlon supporting her. Watching Pauline sing and the way she used the mic was a tremendous 'clanger' moment for me. I 'got' it, took the ball and ran with it, although I firmly believe that there is always something to learn, so am still developing my vocal technique to this day.

My musical heroes are Kevin Crawford, Flook, Matt Molloy, Kate Rusby, Pauline Scanlon & Karan Casey. My flute & whistle collection is still in its young years. I have exchanged my silver classical flute Max for a gorgeous blackwood Sweetheart flute, called Jeremy (Jem for short). In recent years I collected a cherry red aluminium MK low D called Ruben and a Benedict Stewart rosewood low F called Henry, and I'm STILL not finished (a Grinter is on order…). I name all of my instruments. Yes, they are boys names for obvious reasons.

Gigs are always the number one highlight for me. I cannot ever remember a time when I didn’t want to perform. There are days where I feel physically & mentally exhausted, but the second I step up on stage, everything changes. I’m home & comfortable, and there’s an audience to connect with.



I remember playing at my first ever folk festival - Woodford 02/03.  I saw Kavisha Mazzella, Trouble in the Kitchen and Jigzag for the first time and became an instant fan for life. Not to mention aspiring to become as accomplished in performing as they are! To me, Woodford is the type of festival that truly shows what humanity is capable of -for six days and six nights, our crazy world aligns, and we really do see a privileged glimpse of what world peace could be like. I adore everything about it. Yes, even the weather!

Wow, I just re-read this post. It’s rather epic! Ten years of crazy Paddy's Day gigs, of playing in the weirdest places imaginable, of line-up changes, of album set-backs and finish lines, of strength and heartbreak and success. But most importantly, ten years of making and sharing amazing music with amazing people, meeting the absolute love of my life, and the greatest amount of hysterical laughter I have ever been a part of. It's quite surreal looking back at all of this, because for me, Sunas is an ongoing journey. I'm not foolish enough to believe that Sunas will last forever, but I do hope that our musical journeys continue together for a long time. There is so much more I could have written, but I think I’ll save that for the next recap. Who knows where we'll be in another ten years?

The National

Flying can be quite nerve-wracking for us. In addition to all the clothes we have to pack (regular clothes and gigging attire, and often stuff for different climates), there are the instruments. For us, that's a guitar (big, checked in), a bouzouki (checked in), fiddle (carried), mandolin (carried) bodhrán, usually carried, sometimes stuffed into a suitcase), flutes and whistles (carried). Now, add to that the leads we take (one each, generally 35-footers), the floor boxes (5, each just over a kilo) and we're pretty close to the limit.

We're generally allowed 2 bags each, not exceeding 23kg. Added together.

Now add on the CDs. 100 CDs weighs 17kilos. We have 2 albums, and if it's a new recording, you need a lot of them. They sell. Then there's the T-shirts. This stuff isn't that optional -the money from the merch pretty much pays for the next set of flights to the next festival. The gig fee pays for the food, the drinks, the repairs, cabs to the airport, a new shirt, strings...

And for this festival, the National Folk Festival in Canberra, where it is currently 4 degrees C and we're staying in Tent City, we need to bring bedding. That's a lot of luggage.

Which is why I have to thank the amazing Martin and Jonathan from the ABC who managed to get us special musician luggage waivers, at literally the last minute (they arrived just before we left).

I'm sitting in the airport, waiting for our slightly delayed flight. Mannie and Sarah are sitting next to me giggling about something (probably me). We get into Canberra at about 10pm. We'll dump our stuff and hit the sessions.

It's going to be grand!

I'll blog when I can. Promise!

Paul

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Location:Brisbane Airport, Australia