News

Pine Street. 30th December, 2011

Dave and Susie




Album News 24th November, 2011

'Mini Launch' shows

Hey folks,
I hope you're well.

Just wanted to let you know about a few upcoming shows..... possibly a 'mini launch' of sorts.

The new album is still only available through my website
http://davecalandra.bandcamp.com/album/gone-too-far?permalink
I haven't released it on itunes yet as I've been working on film clips for two of the songs and ideally, I'd like to release it to the media when the first clip is finished......
However, I have no idea how long that will take!!

In the time being, there are a few cool little things happening;

Wednesday November 30th I'll be performing at the screening of the film 'El Mar Mi Alma' at Manly Cinemas.This is an incredibly beautiful surf film focusing on the ocean as a way of life, rather than just the sport itself.
http://www.manlycinemas.com.au/Movie/Surfing-El-Mar-Mi-Alma

On Thursday, December 1st, I'll be performing at Absolute Soiree, with Ben Fink and Dale Caldwell.This gig is one of the rare treats in Sydney where you can listen to music in a room filled with cushions and candles....

And on Friday December 2nd I'll be down at the Manly Fig with Carpe Idiotus and Fiddlers Feast.This gig is another Sydney gem, tucked away from the eyes of the mainstream... with allocated seating.
Please visit the website for booking details www.themanlyfig.org/Bookings.html.

Thats all for now!
All the best for the silly season
Ciao xo


NBMF 1st November, 2011

It's on again...

Hey folks,
Hope you're well.
Just wanted to post a link to the Northern Beaches Music Festival website;

http://northernbeachesmusicfestival.org

This is a great community event, and the music is pretty good too :-)

Hopefully see you there!
ciao
x


Album Preview 23rd July, 2011

Here it is folks!

Howdy

Well it seemed never ending, but I'm glad to say the new album 'Gone Too Far' is done and ready to unleash on the world. For your listening pleasure I've set-up a few soundclips on the Music page and the lyrics will be up shortly.

You've been very patient, and tolerated my total lack of communication (I'm terrible at multi-tasking), for that I thank you with all my heart. As a special treat I'll be making 200 preview copies available for those of you who can't wait for the album launch.... (mail order only :-)


Thanks for stopping by, and I look forward to seeing you again soon.
album launch and tour details will be up in the near future

ciao x d.



shack part 2 29th November, 2010

When requesting a song from the band, just say "play my song", or "it goes something like this", then hum a few bars. We have a chip implanted in our heads with an unlimited database with the favourite tunes of every patron who ever walked into a bar, and all songs ever recorded, so feel free to be vague, we love the challenge.
If we do not remember exactly what tune you want, we're only kidding. Bands know every song ever recorded, so keep humming. Hum harder if need be... it helps jog the memory.
If a band tells you they don't know a song you want to hear, they either forgot that they know the tune or are just putting you on. Try singing a few words for the band. Any words.
If one member halfway knows part of a chorus, the rest of the band will instantly learn the entire song by osmosis. Knowing this, if the band still claims to not know your song, it helps to just keep requesting the same song every time there is a break per set, followed by the phrases, "AW COME ON!" and "YOU SUCK!" Exaggerated hand gestures expressing disapproval from the dance floor are a big help as well, such as thumbs down, or your middle finger. Put-downs are the best way to jog a band's memory. This instantly promotes you to the status of "Personal Friend Of The Band."

Entertainers are notorious fakers and jokesters and never really prepare for their shows. They simply walk on stage with no prior thought to what they will do once they arrive. An entertainer's job is SO easy, even a monkey could do it, so don't let them off the hook easily. Your request is all that matters.

If a metal band had played at the club a few weeks ago, the next band that follows will automatically know every metal tune the previous band ever played, even if the current band is a country or blues band. It's the law. Feel free to yell "AC DC or SLAYER!!" to a band that plays strictly originals or jazz for example. Conversely, Deadheads may yell for Grateful Dead tunes at a dance or metal band.
IMPORTANT
When an entertainer leans over to hear you better, grab his or her head in both hands and yell directly in their ear, whilst holding their head securely so they cannot pull away. This will be taken as a n invitation to a friendly and playful game of tug of war between their head and your hands.
Don't give up! Hang on until the singer or guitar player submits. Drummers are often safe from this fun game since they usually sit in the back, protected by the guitar players.
Keyboard players are protected by their instrument, and only play the game when tricked into coming out from behind their keyboards. Thought difficult to get them to play, it's not impossible, so keep trying. They are especially vulnerable during the break between songs.
TALKING WITH THE BAND
The best time to discuss anything with the band in any meaningful way is at the middle of the song when all members are singing at the same time (such as a multi harmony part). Our hearing is so advanced that we can pick out your tiny voice from the megawatt wall of sound blasting all around us.
Musicians are expert lip readers too. If a musician does not reply to your question or comment during a tune, it's because they didn't get a good look at your mouth in order to read your lips.
Simply continue to scream your request and be sure to over emphasize the words with your lips. This helps immensely. Don't be fooled.
Singers have the innate ability to answer questions and sing at the same time. If the singer doesn't answer your questions immediately, regardless of how stupid the question may seem, it's because they are purposely ignoring you. If this happens, immediately cop an attitude. We love this.
HELPING THE BAND
If you inform the band that you are a singer, the band will appreciate your help with the next few tunes, or however long you can remain standing on stage. Just pretend you're in a Karaoke bar. Simply feel free to walk up on stage and join in. By the way, the drunker you are the better you sound, and the louder you should sing.
If by chance you fall off stage, be sure to crawl back up and attempt to sing harmony. Keep in mind that nothing assists the band more than outrageous dancing, third and fourth part harmonies, or a tambourine played out of tempo. Try the cowbell. They love the challenge. The band always needs the help and will take this as a compliment.
VERY IMPORTANT
Remember to allow enough time to make it from the stage to the bathroom in case of an emergency. On stage accidents are bad form. The band will carry on.
BONUS TIP
As a last resort, wait until the band takes a break and then get on stage and start playing their instruments. They love this. Even if you are ejected from the club, you can rest assured in the fact that you have successfully completed your audition. The band will call you immediately the following day to offer you a position.

See you at the next gig -- The Band


Album news 24th February, 2010

Hey there,
Thanks for dropping by.
So you might have noticed that I'm pretty slack about updating my website...
but believe me, it's for your own good!
I could harp on about studio time, microphones, recording gear, session musos, new amplifiers, old amplifiers, writing, re-writing, recording, re-recording and pain-in-the-arse- software..... but I'll save you the trouble of sifting through those details for something of interest.

The album is coming along slowly but surely...and I'm kinda keen to finish it 'cause I've put the rest of my life on hold until it's done, hence the no-gigs for a while thing. It's sounding pretty bluesy so far, and a little bit psychedelic (or maybe that's just the drugs talking!).

Rest assured, as soon as I have some news worthy of spamming you with......I'll be onto it.

Until then, adios amigos.
Big love
x d.


Autumn goodness 3rd April, 2008

news n stuff

Hey there,

As you can see, Ive been incredibly slack with updating my news and gigs of late....there are plenty of things I want to tell you about but rarely find the time to do it! Anyway, here goes;

Last December I had the honour of being involved in a reconciliation project called Its All Relative.....a fairly ambitious event, involving feats of logistical magnitude, and human endurance! The main focus of the trip was bringing two busloads of indigenous people down from the Northern Territory to NSW, with an emphasis on family bonding, exploring new country, and reconciliation. One bus was for Anangu people from the central desert, and the other was for Yolngu people from Arnhem Land, then there were support vehicles with team crew and film crew.....the trip was also filmed to be made into a docco at some point in the future.

My official role was Campfire Singalong Guy... although my guitar saw more use as a paddle during flooding, a cricket bat during lunch breaks, and a weapon during dinnertime when food was scarce! Although I did manage to pull out a set at the reconciliation event.... and with the help of Paulie on drums, bodged my way through a very distorted version of wipeout (i was told the event could not finish until one of the bands played that song!)
Overall it was an amazing experience for everyone involved, and one day I will get around to posting some photos from the trip.

As for new music, Ive spent the last few months fine tuning new songs and re-writing old ones.....the culmination of these efforts with hopefully materialise in the form of two new albums. I wont go into detail now, but rest assured, the reason why Im taking so long with this project is there is a hellofalot of work to do! Anyway, Ill keep you up to date as it comes along.

Thanks for checking in,
best wishes
x d.


Surry Hills Festival 16th September, 2007

October tours

Hey,


I've got a few good gigs coming up this October...kicking off with a show at my favourite venue in Sydney on October 7th. The show is called M.A.S.S. (musicians-and-singer-songwriters), its a songwriter showcase held in an old sandstone hall, and its hosted by one of sydneys best songwriters Michael John Azzopardi http://www.myspace.com/musiciansandsingersongwriters


The following week sat oct 13th, I'm playing at the Surry Hills Festival, check the site for details http://shnc.org/FestivalPromotion.htm   .Renowned for being one of Sydneys' best local festivals! Its free, and fantastic.


October 27th and 28th I'll be at The Wheatsheaf Hotel in Adelaide...this is another favourite venue. Check the gig guide for details.


Thats all for now. See you soon!


x d.


Oz tours 2nd July, 2007

Tas., Qld. + S.A.

Hey there,
Just wanted to let you know about a few upcoming tours where you can catch some tunes and catch up for a drink. In a fit of madness I agreed to play two weeks of gigs in Tassie this July.....so if you are down in that part of the world, come out and say hi. At that time of year I will need all the encouragement i can get!!

In August I'm heading up to the Sunshine Coast for a few gigs....this will be my first trip to this area so I'm looking forward to meeting new friends and catching up with the Wintermoon Crew. On Saturday August 18th I'll be playing at the Upfront Club-Maleny, with very special guest Rebecca Wright, and sunday 19th I'll be at Peregian Originals, Peregian beach, Noosa.
www.rebeccawright.com.au

Further down the track, I have just confirmed a weekend of shows at The Wheatsheaf Hotel in Adelaide for late October. This is a fantastic venue, one of the best rooms I've ever played, and it will be great to play there again. Saturday October 27th, I'll be opening up for alt country duo The Yearlings, and Sunday 28th I will be headlining the Sunday session. If you are in Adelaide, come along a say hi, it will be a good one!
www.theyearlings.net

Thats all for me. check the gig guide for more details.
x d.

ps. There may be talk of a new album in the not too distant future!


Wintermoon Festival 26th February, 2007

news'n'stuff

Hey folks, hope all is well.


In early May I'll be performing at Wintermoon Festival, just outside of Mackay in Qld. This is a truly beautiful festival site, bordering on the Eungella National Park, and run by a fantastic group of dedicated individuals. Please visit their website and take a look for yourself  www.wintermoonfestival.com 


 In the time-being I'm trying to stay local and reduce my mileage by playing around Sydney. Last year I clocked in at over 45,000 Kms worth of touring. It was avery exhausting experience.......and one that proved to be fatal for my last two vehicles! So this years plan is to keep it local and use the extra time to start work on a new album. Have a look at the gig guide for details of upcoming shows, and hopefully I'll see you out there somewhere.


Best wishes


x d.


December Festivals 25th October, 2006

Hey there,

With summer rapidly approaching, it seems like ëFestival Seasoní is just around the corner, so I just wanted to give you a ëheads upí of where you can catch me in December....


Kicking off December is the Folk, Rhythm and Life festival, held near Wangaratta, Victoria. Friday, Saturday and Sunday Dec. 1, 2 and 3. Iím not sure of my exact playing times but Iíll keep you posted closer to the date. Check out the site www.bilyana.com


A few weeks after FRL is the Falmouth Festival, held on Saturday December 16th, in Falmouth, East Coast Tasmania. This is a beautiful spot with a fantastic line-up (Iím almost as excited about watching the other bands as I am about playing there!). It will be a great day with heaps of good music, so if you live in TassieÖ donít miss out on this one. www.myspace.com/falmouthfestival


And last but not leastÖ.Sunday December 31st Iíll be performing at Peats Ridge Festival, just north of Sydney. This yearís festival runs Boxing Day to New Years DayÖso if you donít have any plans for new years it would be great to see you at Peats Ridge. www.peatsridgefestival.com.au



Alrighty then, hope to see you at a gig soon

x d.


Go West young man.... 29th August, 2006

WA tour dates

Hey there,
Just filling you in on my whereabouts for the next few months....If you are in the South or the West of this country, please come along to a gig and say Hi!
Wednesday September 6th at The Retreat, Sydney Rd. Brunswick, Victoria- with special guest Ben Smith.
Friday September 8th at The Wheatsheaf Hotel, George St. Thebarton, S.A. with special guest Cow.
Saturday September 16th at Settlers Tavern, Margaret River, WA.
Sunday September 17th at The Bootleg Brewery, Yallingup, WA.
Tuesday September 19th at The Perth Blues Club/Charles Hotel, Perth W.A.-double bill with Mike Elrington Trio
Wednesday September 20th at The Indie bar, Scarborough W.A. with special guest Andrew Winton.
Thursday September 21st at The Swan Hotel in Nth. Fremantle W.A. with special guest Aminah Hughes.
Sunday September 24th at Legends Bar and Cafe, Albany W.A.
Friday September 29th at The Pier Hotel, in Esperence W.A.

If you can't make any of these shows I'll be heading up north again in November then down to Victoria and Tassie again in December...so keep checking the gig guide, and drop me a line if you want me to come and play in your town!
See you soon
best wishes
xd


News and Stuff..... 30th June, 2006

Upcoming tours

Hey there,

Got a few things to tell you about......

Firstly,I'm very excited about my upcoming S.A. and W.A. tours booked for mid September. I haven't performed in either of those states before...only visited as a traveller...so I'm looking forward to meeting some new friends. Drop by the gig guide for a quick look at tour dates...more shows will be announced in the next few weeks.


Secondly...some more exciting news... I've been shortlisted for the JB Seed, a grant founded by John Butler of the Trio. If my application is successful they will provide the publicity for my upcoming tours....fingers crossed!


Thirdly, my old ep 'Ocean of Emotion" is now available online from Music-Plug...drop by and say hi...

www.musicplug.net/davecalandra



Hope all is well, see you soon

d.


Launch Tour Update 19th April, 2006

Tour Highlights

Hey there,
Just wanted to let you know that I made it home safely after two months on tour, despite losing another vehicle to the rigours of'The Road'.
Tasmania was beautiful and a pleasure as always. My highlights were the Escape Cafe gig in St. Marys and the Royal Oak show in Launceston. Thanks to the folks who came along to those shows. My other highlights were catching a few waves with Whitey at 'cattlegrids', and catching a show by Jez from byron bay. Thanks to Whitey, Rod, Stella and carmen for having me stay and good to meet you Linda, Pop, Rob and Sue.I'll catch you guys again next time i'm in town.

Victoria was very welcoming and turned on the good weather. My highlights were the Martians cafe gig with my good friend benny owen on percussion, experiencing surf at bells beach for the first time, and camping in a koala infested forest on cape Otway. Special thanks to Alex Toleman for supporting me at Bar Open in fitzroy, and thanks again to dallas and Felicia for taking care of me while i was in town. Huge thanks to Joy Stoneman for donating 'Pete the Pulsar'.....I couldn't have finished the tour without him. Many,many thanks.

My Sydney launch at the basement was a lot of fun, thanks to everyone who came along to show your support. Special thanks to Dallas Frasca, Jeff Curran and Amy Hill for your wonderful music. i have a live recording of this show, so I'll post a few tunes up on this site over the next few months.

The North Coast leg had a few special moments...mostly in the water(lennox Point and 'Boulders'), but some on land too! Huge thanks to the very talented Tom Cooney and the uplifting Rachael Brady for your support in Brisbane, and thanks to Jamie at The Troubadour for your help with the show. Special thanks to Steve and Tati, Mark and carlie, Andrew cafe and the goodna crew, Josh and Amber, and Zhian and Dave for having me stay.

I'll be back in Sydney for the next few months, so hopefully i'll see you at a show soon.
x. d


Alchemy Launch Tour 4th February, 2006

Oz East Coast March 06

Well it's about time..... If you are thinking that I'm stringing out my publicity for as long as possible, you are absolutely right! I spent way too long recording this album and now I'll spend way too long promoting it....just to be sure. Please check the gig guide for my full list tour dates, but I'll give you a quick list of the major Launch shows.


  • Wednesday March 1st@ The Republic Bar in Nth.Hobart. Tas.

  • Wednesday March 8th @ Bar Open in Fitzroy, Vic.

  • Thursday March 16th @ The National Press Club in Canberra, A.c.t.

  • Wednesday march 22nd @ The Oxford Tavern in Wollongong.

  • Tuesday April 4th @ The Rails, Byron Bay.

  • Wedensday april 5th @ The Basement, Sydney.

  • Wednesday April 12th @ The Troubadour, Fortitude valley, Brisbane.


If you have friends interstate who would be interested in these gigs, please spread the word...and definately tell everyone you know about my album launch at The Basement!!! My recent good news is that I am very pleased to have signed a distribution agreement with Vitamin Records www.vitamin.net.au. These guys have a great track record of releasing very cool music, a lot of it from the acoustic side of the spectrum..... my album will be available in stores through Vitamin from March 13th. Allrighty then, see you on the road somewhere, Big love x d.