Behind The Front and Kitten Jam presents GENERATION NU SOUL.

A special pop-up event that highlights unique musicians with a flair for individuality, substance, and raw musicality. You never know where we’ll be and who we’ll showcase.

Generation Nu Soul features the unique and incomparable talents of Sydney local artist SARSHA SIMONE! After two years on hiatus being a mother, Sarsha Simone is back!

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GENERATION NU SOUL

“We are a generation that defines new boundaries.
A generation that knows the power of music is to move, to feel, to inspire.
We are GENERATION NU SOUL.”

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SARSHA SIMONE //

Sarsha Simone’s name may be unfamiliar, but there’s a warmth in her voice that feels like home. It could be the similarity to soul singers from the past; the echoes of the late, great Etta James, or perhaps the recently departed Amy Winehouse. Or, it could be more familiar than that, which isn’t surprising given that Sarsha Simone used to perform under the moniker ‘Roxie Ray’ with the Australian funk and soul revival outfit Dojo Cuts, and has appeared as a guest vocalist on soul and hip hop tracks with artists from the far reaching corners of the world.

Sarsha Simone blends vintage soul sound with a hip hop sensibility. Recent collaborations on tracks with established international artists such as MC’s Ty and Rashaan Ahmad as well as respected French producer DJ Moar, along with an EP, Gold, produced by Sydney based Twitch simply hint at what’s to come from this modern day chanteuse.

It’s through the gift of motherhood that she has been able to her tap into her creativity with zest. Equipped with gutsy lyrical content that will shed light on exactly who the enigmatic woman is behind the ballsy voice, Sarsha Simone is more than ready to deliver.

Using the elements of music and fashion as a means of self expression, Sarsha has produced something fresh and new. From Vaughn to Wonder Sarsha is touched by many vintage classics drawing from tradition and ignoring trend. With the raspy tones of soul and the attitude of hip hop, Sarsha’s sound will touch audiences far and wide.
When asked what i s important to Sarsha she simply replies “The mind is everything. What you think you become.”

Look out for an upcoming interview to be launched at the end of April featured on renowned New Zealand based BLACK MAGAZINE by internationally respected fashion photographer THOM KERR who recently shot Kimbra and Janelle Monae for their imminent Australian Tour.

Sarsha Simone headlines GENERATION NU SOUL with a special acoustic performance of her EP ‘GOLD’ produced by DJ Twitch.

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“Although she is a newcomer, she has the type of voice that sounds as if it’s been here before.” – Lady J, SoulBounce.

“Ray never brings anything less than pure soul vocals in a song, and she makes sure to let you know why she’s the featured vocalist.” – Soultracks.

“Roxie Ray could sing the phone book and I would buy it” – Craig Charles of UK BBC6’s Funk & Soul Show.

“She has that perfect balance of soul and control and her voice is as highly individual as our own Kylie Auldist and Lanie Lane.” – John Hardaker, The Orange Press.

“It’s raspy in part, but it’s smooth as well — almost like Winehouse’s raw voice on her debut Frank.” – Alan Weedon, Who The Hell.

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Sarsha Simone Website: http://www.sarshasimone.com/

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THE SEPTEMBERS //

The Septembers developed with the merging of a vibrant South African indie folk singer, and an Australian producer of electrified soul music. Their music is chocolate flavoured and smooth, as they infuse their respective musical influences to create a unique ‘soul infused’, lounge bar sound.

The combined creative powers of James Chatburn and Donna Arendse are realised as they create music under the moniker, The Septembers. After a long songwriting hiatus, Donna left her original indie folk band Riley and Donna, to explore her own identity as a solo artist.

Donna steps forward as songwriter, while James explores his creativity as producer, resulting in the creation of their self-produced debut single, Riverbed. With heavy influences from Little Dragon and Bonobo, think reverb laden electric guitar, sharp beats, eerie backing vocals, and a mellow soul vibes.

Riverbed, released in December 2013, has already captured the attention of local and national radio stations, having had a number of plays on both Triple J Unearthed, and Triple J, been added to playlists of international stations in Brussels and the USA.

Inspired by the legacy of Donna’s great aunt, South African anti-apartheid political activist Dulcie September, the name originates from Donna’s grandmothers’ maiden name, September.

“Riverbed” is a slow burning, atmospheric and down tempo groove that recalls Little Dragon, Sade and Erykah Badu. – Bruce Warren, The Key (USA).

Riverbed has such a great groove to it. Combined with such smooth vocals, I can imagine this song being spun at a bar around dusk.” – Nikita Andrea, Raindrops And Rooftops

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“A great voice here. It’s more soul than it is trip hop but it’s making the right moves.”– Dave Ruby Howe, Triple J

Riverbed has such a great groove to it. Combined with such smooth vocals, I can imagine this song being spun at a bar around dusk.” – Nikita Andrea, Raindrops And Rooftops

“Well this is just lovely! Her amazing voice is so smooth and wonderful it takes just makes you wanna hit ‘repeat’ straight away. But equally as good is the sultry lounge vibe of the music that lifts this track up to a solid 5 stars. Everything about this track oozes class and professionalism.” – cloudhex, Triple J Unearthed Reviewer

“What a great track for chilling out on a summer afternoon, drink in hand, sand between my toes….can’t wait to hear more!” – Rhea Rhobertson, Australian Folk Musician

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Blog: http://theseptembersmusic.tumblr.com/
Soundcloud: http://soundcloud.com/theseptembers
Triple J Unearthed Profile: http://www.triplejunearthed.com.au/TheSeptembers
Twitter: http://twitter.com/TheSeptembers_
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theseptembersmusic
Instagram: http://instagram.com/theseptembers_

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WHERE: PLAY BAR 72 CAMPBELL STREET SURRY HILLS
WHEN: WEDNESDAY 30 APRIL 2014
TIME: DOORS OPEN AT 6PM
FREE ENTRY

All Photos credit to: Meriaam Mikhail Photography & Styling