Post To Wire presents: James Thomson, Davey Craddock & Roland Kay Smith

James Thomson:

In 2012, James Thomson released his debut, self-titled album to a series of glowing reviews from publications like The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, Stack, Rhythms Magazine and more. They unanimously commended Thomson’s song writing skill as that of a troubadour beyond his years.
Clearly inspired by artists like Townes Van Zandt, Sun Kill Moon and Neil Young, James caught the attention of the Americana community in both Australia and America, and was soon sharing stages with the likes of Mark Olson (The Jayhawks), Simone Felice (The Felice Brothers), Robert Ellis, Jonny Fritz and more. In 2014, following a three month journey through the strange corners of the American Deep South James finished recording his eagerly anticipated second album, Cold Moon. The 12 striking songs which make up this new record blend blues, folk, country and soul with elements not so easily defined, moving Cold Moon well beyond standard singer/songwriter fare.

Davey Craddock:

Western Australia’s wide-open landscapes, boomtown growing pains and ever-marching suburban sprawl are the backdrop to Americana artist Davey Craddock’s acclaimed songwriting. And like the skyline of the city he’s based in, Craddock’s profile has grown fast in the past 18 months.
After winning Group of the Year at the WA Country Music Awards and receiving multiple WAM nominations, 2015 has seen Craddock’s and his band The Spectacles’ break onto the national stage. Current single Better Alone has received airplay on Double J, Triple J, Saturday Night Country, ABC Local and community radio nationally with influential roots blog Timber & Steel declaring “their name has been plastered all over the blogosphere and everyone seems to be singing their praises. Not sure what all the fuss is about? Then you need to listen to Better Alone”. Americana blog Post To Wire echoed the sentiment: “If you haven’t heard Davey Craddock yet then you need to… if you’re reading this blog then you appreciate great alt-country, blues and rock ‘n’ roll and Craddock combines all of the above with real verve and emotion”.

Roland Kay-Smith is a Sydney-based songwriter and musician. He has performed in bands Smitty & B. Goode, Roland K Smith & the Sinners, and Walrus, with whom he won triple j’s Unearthed. On 30 January 2015 Roland released his debut album Sailing by the Stars. The album was made using all acoustic instruments including piano, guitar, dobro, banjo, drums, upright bass and harmonica. When Roland performs live he performs solo with acoustic guitar, voice and harmonica. Think Bob Dylan, Townes Van Zandt and Justin Townes Earle. Some sad, slow stuff, but some louder, rowdy stuff too.
Roland has performed in venues in Australia, London and New York, he is currently touring Australia in support of his new album.