Byron Bay Gig Guide - Music, Entertainment and Events in Byron

Vanessa Baker is a solo performer who features with the Electric Eclectic, Greg Lyon’s Hip Replacement, CBD Dub Project and Liquid’s live funk / DnB party The Good Foot.

Which 5 tunes would you say are 'so hot right now' and why?
I have to admit I don't at this point in time keep up with the latest releases and cool new artists, unless they come into my sphere naturally. Living in Byron does tend to be a little like existing in a beautiful bubble of paradise, so I am not in touch with certain things, like commercial radio/t.v etc.

So when I am sent new music tracks by artists people think I'll dig they may be 5 years old already, but for me it is a new and timeless discovery of musical inspiration. So, I like lotsa different music and genres of.... just has to have an element that grabs me, takes me somewhere inside or lifts me up out of my busy lil head.

1. Sex On Fire - Kings of Leon.
2. Everybody Here Wants You - Jeff Buckley
3. Anything by awesome Melbourne dub band, The Red Eyes.
4. It's Love – Jill Scott
5. Anything that a tech/house producer called 'Herbert' produces...he works with Roisin Murphy from Moloko.

Which music genre do you prefer to play?
Like the colours of my wardrobe, I like a range of styles, depending on what and how I want to express myself. I love to dance, so I do love writing and singing dance music, from drum 'n' bass to deep and tech house. I love funk, new soul, and jazz also. But my soul heart stuff is expressed when I play piano and sing.

Do you make and play your own music?
Yes I sure do. Have early memories sitting at a piano as a four year old, lightly caressing the keys and singing my lil hearts stories. But yes I do write and enjoy collaborating with the kindred kind when that comes about also. It's like a divine moment in time, when you meet and connect with another musically... truly. Feel pretty damn lucky to have this outlet of expression and connection to others.

What can I expect from a Vanessa Baker gig?
Depending on the gig, whether it's a dance/club vibe, funky/soul gig or an intimate piano show... you can expect to be lifted, transported to another place where you forget your woes and sweat till you drop, or hopefully feel you've been shown a glimpse of emotions that you feel yourself and always an element of hope and light… I like to tap into those around me, to reflect what I feel in that moment, and to be the most truthful I can be at that time. It's not always easy, but is infinitely rewarding.

What is your favourite thing to do in Byron Bay?
I have spent time equally in the city, outback and the divine place it is, Byron Bay... and definitely feel this is a home for me. No matter where I travel and what other sources of stimulation and inspiration I find, Byron’s beaches and exquisite night skies are where you'll find my lil gaze and time off are spent.

You can see Vanessa Baker at the Rails: January 9 (with the Electric Eclectic), Liquid: January 10, and Satori on Belongil: January 18.

Shelly Hughes is an established solo performer and co-frontwoman for CBD Dub Project.

1. Which 5 tunes would you say are 'so hot right now' and why?
uno- 'Balance' Sara Tavares. She's a Portugese singer with a song that makes me happy every time.
dos- 'Jolene' Ray laMontagne. I get the feeling he doesnt like people. he does music for himself. And he's beautiful.
tres- 'Midnight Marauders' Fat Freddy's Drop. Sweet lord above I love this song.
quatro- Things from the Island Vibes festival---- like Mr Laneous singing 'Searing Life' or 'Good thing mummah'.I saw him support Saritah and I couldnt understand a word he sang, but he has my heart in a jar around his neck for more time to come yet.
cinco- 'Hate on Me' Jill Scott. Poets with balls.

2. Which music genre do you prefer to play?
I like to sing funk music. I like gettin loud and funkin it up. But when people are really listening- I love to sit in a corner and play my guitar and sing sweet little love songs. And when other people want to join in- thats where the reggae and the dub comes out. Sweet harmonies all night long.

3. Do you write and play your own music? 
Yes. I teach singing at Hothouse. I head there early and sit down at the piano and let stuff fall out of me. Sometimes it's good and I cant stop singing and sometimes its just falling. But I love it. There are no rules.
Then my songs translate to my guitar playing and then to band members, and evolution occurs.
I hope to record some of my favourites again soon.

4. What can I expect from a CBD Dub Project gig?
CBD is an organic, growing, changing landscape of musos and the songs are composed and arranged by Reuben (aka booby, Boobster, Boohooben). The band are beautiful, talented, fun lovin chicks and dudes. You can expect to see Sonia Leeson and I harmonizing and loving the joy of singing together.
Expect unique, original dub. Horns, rappin, fat bass lines and things that sound like aliens have landed.
You can expect to close your eyes and dance and have fun.

5. What is your favourite thing to do in Byron Bay?
Drink coffee at the Blues Fest. Latte with chocolate on top in one hand, a ... in the other and someone like Raul Midon in front of me. That's a picture of me happy.

Shelly's album Azucar is out now. Have a listen on her Myspace.