Timber and Steel

Image courtesy of Stobie Sounds

Stobie Sounds is a non-for-profit community record label based in Adelaide, South Australia, which releases music from up-and-coming “roots” artists. The label was set up by volunteers as a means of supporting roots musicians, and has been doing exactly that. Stobie Sounds release limited edition, hand-printed, DIY albums made from recycled materials, and whilst they’ve only been releasing small batches of albums from emerging musicians, their significance or quality of production is not to be underestimated. This label have put out superb albums from some of SA’s biggest talents including Bearded Gypsy Band, Cal Williams Jr and Kirk Special, as well  as (amongst many other things) putting together a concept album last year comprised of reworked versions of songs by Big Joe Williams, by various contributing roots artists and groups.

The concept/compilation project is an annual event for Stobie Sounds, and this year they’ve really broadened the possibilities for contributions. Instead of asking for contributions of re-worked covers, they’ve decided to call for original compositions based around the poetry of Frank The Poet (AKA Francis McNamara). This is a fantastic opportunity for any artist to have their music released by one of the remaining “good guys” is the music industry. If you’re not familiar with Frank The Poet’s work; no matter- it doesn’t take long to learn about. The subject is interesting, engaging, and will provide inspiration by the bucket-load.

Stobie Sounds are seeking submission from anybody- local, interstate, or international. On the subject, the label said; “Apart from celebrating this important body of Australian folk literature, we want to link in local Adelaide artists with like minded scenes around the globe. We did this pretty successfully with the last compilation These Are My Blues: A Tribute To Big Joe Williams.”…”The only thing artists need to know is that we want the album to be dark and brooding. Dirgey. Epic. Intense. We’re not looking for naff garden variety bush balladry or rough imitations. This is an album recorded in 2011 and we want it to sound like that.”

So if you think you can explore the works of classical Australian literature in the language of today’s roots music, then head to this page to learn more about the specifics of the project, or get in touch with Stobie Sounds via this link. If they receive enough quality contributions, their minds are open to making the release a double-disc album with two different artists’ interpretations of each of the 12 poems, so get proactive and get writing.