I thought I might put this one up as it’s one of the best I’ve had published.

DON’T CRY FOR ME

TARA SIMMONS HAS SPENT THE PAST THREE YEARS WORKING TOWARDS THE RELEASE OF HER STUNNING DEBUT ALBUM SPILT MILK. MATT O’NEILL WONDERS IF THE WORLD IS READY.

It’s always a curious experience finding a rose in one’s backyard – especially if you do not have a rose bush. There’s something fantastically satisfying in finding something inherently beautiful and gloriously unique in an area you had previously considered familiar and, to a certain degree, predictable.

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Brisbane chanteuse Tara Simmons has long been one to watch on the Australian music scene and now she will deliver as she launches her debut, full-length record Spilt Milk.

With many an industry and individual accolade having been thrown at her over the last couple of years, Tara has caught them all running, tied them into a nice little bundle and popped them on the shelf to focus on the writing and recording of her most significant release yet. After a year in the making, Tara will romantically launch Spilt Milk in front of a home town audience at The Judith Wright Centre in Brisbane on Saturday February 14 2009 before embarking on an extensive national tour.

With her first two EPs (2006’s Pendulum and 2007’s All The Amendments) and the EP compilation (EPilation) having delivered her a Q song nomination and Next Crop selection by Triple J, followed by several songs being selected to feature in the nationally acclaimed film ‘All My Friends Are Leaving Brisbane’ – Tara has since been seen performing solo, with band and alongside the likes of Brisbane avant-garde troupe Topology.

With her unique ensemble of dual cellos, synth, keys, double bass, drums, and beat samples made from anything and everything, Tara has established herself as an artist who has deliberately taken a large step, a hop and a shuffle to the left of the traditional singer/songwriter realm.

Her sound has been be best described as; heartfelt-skittering-sample-..based-electronica-folk-pop – or more simply – abstract pop, it’s her subtle and lingering voice which ties the whole package together delivering an album that is heartfelt and emotively honest – regardless it’s fair to say the stage has been eloquently set for Spilt Milk.

Tracklisting – Split Milk
1. We Are
2. When You Say That I Don’t Care About You
3. Everything But The Kitchen Sink
4. Shake
5. Domino
6. Meet In The Middle
7. You And Me
8. Long After The Boy
9. Silent
10. The Worst Of It

Spilt Milk – Album Launch
Saturday, Feb 14 | The Judith Wright Centre
420 Brunswick Street | Fortitude Valley

with special guest Dan Parsons

Pre-sale tickets available – http://www.jwcoca.qld.gov.au/

As of next Thursday night, I’ll be playing around the traps as a soloist as well as playing shows with my band. The whole idea is provoked by expensive touring experiences and by playing solo I’ll be able to get out of Brisbane a lot more.

Speaking of which, my next solo show will then be at Pure Pop Records in Melbourne January 18. It’s a bit of a wussy attempt at playing down south again but this year will see me making quite a few more trips. I’m heading down to catch a favourite band of mine from the UK called Cinematic Orchestra which I’m sure will be an amazing experience. If you haven’t already heard of them you should check them out.

It’s Friday night and I’ve returned home from a show at Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art with Topology. I must say, it was pretty exciting to play a venue where I have seen some of my favourite musicians play before. Topology played an amazing show, the sound was great and I feel incredibly privileged to have shared the stage with such amazing musicians again.

I thought i might take the time to upload a recent review from the Sydney Morning Herald I’ve had sitting here collecting digital dust on my hard drive. It’s nice to know I have my home towns approval.