folk

Grace Petrie began performing in 2006 as a solo vocalist and acoustic guitarist, and self-released an eponymous album that year, followed in 2007 by second album Feeling Better. In 2010, the advent of the Conservative-led coalition government following the (UK) general election influenced Petrie, who is a socialist, feminist, and lesbian,[2] towards an increasing emphasis on politically focused songwriting, from a left-wing perspective. She made her debut appearance on Glastonbury's Leftfield stage at the invitation of Billy Bragg in summer 2010, and widely praised third album Tell Me A Story followed, including signature song "Farewell to Welfare".[3][4][5]

In 2011, Petrie toured with comedian Josie Long. Fourth album Mark My Words followed, including the song "Emily Davison Blues"[6] – a comment on media reaction to the 2011 riots. A special film directed by Chris Shepherd for the song "Rise" from the same album was screened on Channel 4 as part of the TV series Random Acts.[7] In 2012, Petrie took part in the "Anti-Capitalist Roadshow"[8] alongside Roy Bailey, Robb Johnson, Leon Rosselson, Peggy Seeger and others. She has also performed gigs with other political folk artists such as Chris T-T, David Rovics and Dick Gaughan, as well as political indie/punk rock bands like Thee Faction and Colour Me Wednesday.

In 2013, Petrie released her fifth album Love is My Rebellion with new backing band The Benefits Culture, consisting of Jess Greengrass (percussion) and Caitlin Field (bass).[9]

Petrie has made an annual appearance at Glastonbury since 2010[10] as well as regularly playing festivals such as Towersey, Greenbelt Festival, Latitude and others. She has toured nationally with Emmy the Great, Billy Bragg and comedian Robin Ince, and has made several appearances on BBC Radio 4's The Now Show. In 2014, a live concert recorded at St. Pancras Old Church was released on CD and DVD.

In 2015, she released the album Whatever's Left.

In 2016, Petrie along with numerous other celebrities, toured the UK to support Jeremy Corbyn's bid to become Prime Minister.

In a world of borders, walls and big brother, we look for a higher power. With disillusion of our leaders, hatred of the top 1%, and fake news drowning our feed, who speaks for us?
Silly cat videos, DIY life hacks, and stupid memes have taken the place of harmony, flatpicking, and nose bleeding banjo tunes.

Row Jerry Crow are here to bring meaning back to your ears.

Precise, ridiculous, mind bending, bowel destroying Bluegrass for the next century.

So clean the seamen of the poop deck, cast the rear admiral to the bowels of the ship, pick up an oar and let us find land together!

The first offering from The Pleasures (Catherine Britt and Lachlan Bryan’s new outfit) is “The Beginning of the End”. Americana twang meets dirty rock n roll on this sassy single with its themes of mischief and recklessness - the perfect antidote for these austere times. Britt and Bryan’s perfectly matched vocals holler over a stomping, swaggering band, leaving us in no doubt that The Pleasures have come out swinging!

A 70s-psychedelia inspired music video accompanies the single, and it’s filled with the energy and intensity you can expect at The Pleasures’ upcoming live shows.

While Catherine and Lachlan already have established careers, this collaboration which began with a late-night sms exchange, quickly ascended into a feverish fortnight of writing and recording. The project represents a significant stylistic shift for both artists. Their debut album is already in the can and is set for release later in 2022.

“Lachlan and I have always clicked in life and in song” explains Catherine, “and we’ve always had an unspoken understanding and respect for one another. These songs came so easy - they flowed out of us like a raging stream. I just want more honest, real music in the world, and I couldn’t think of a better person to make it with!”

“I don’t think know anyone else who feels and understands country music the way Catherine does”, says Lachlan. “She sounds authentic because she is authentic. When she opens her mouth and sings you can hear the neon lights buzzing, you can taste the tequila and you can barely see for the cloud of smoke. It’s all that stuff that people try and fake – they try and put in on – but it’s like she was just born with it”.

“The Beginning of the End” was released January 21 2022 through Beverley Hillbilly Records via MGM Distribution.

The Pleasures will play their first shows in February at the following venues:

Wednesday 9th February – The Grant Junction Hotel – Maitland NSW

Thursday 10th February - Lazybones Lounge – Marrickville NSW

Wednesday 16th February – Ziggy Pops – St Kilda VIC

Thursday 17th February – Brass Monkey Cronulla NSW

A rescheduled show in April at the Welders Dog in Tamworth for

Tamworth Country Music Festival will be announced soon.

Matt Hansen is a multi-instrumentalist and producer from California. His music combines elements of pop, rock, and folk to create a unique sound. With a wide variety of instruments ranging from the electric guitar to the mandolin, Matt is able to create music with a wide range of textures.
Early Life & Career
Born in 1985 in California, Matt grew up playing music from an early age. He began playing drums and guitar in his early teens and eventually picked up other instruments such as bass, banjo, mandolin, harmonica and more. After graduating high school he moved to Los Angeles and began performing as a session musician for various artists. He also started producing music for various indie labels.
Music Releases & Collaborations
In 2016 Matt released his debut album 'The World Through My Eyes'. The album featured 10 tracks that showcased his musical talent by blending multiple genres together. Since then he has released two follow-up albums 'Somewhere Out There' (2017) and 'A Million Dreams' (2018). He has also collaborated with other artists such as Lindsey Stirling and Tycho.
Latest Projects
Matt continues to write and record music. Recently he wrote the score for a short film titled 'The Unseen'. He's also been working on an instrumental album which will be released later this year. His latest single is titled 'Let Go' and was released in April 2020.
Influences & Style
Matt credits artists such as John Mayer, Jeff Buckley, and Radiohead as some of his major influences. His style is often described as being melodic with intricate guitar work. He also incorporates aspects of folk and jazz into his music which adds a unique flavor to his songs.}