The Big Note

30/12/2024

I hope everyone has had a healthy, happy and safe Christmas holiday season and that that trend continues into 2025.
This may be a fairly accurate portrayal of why I sometimes play long tracks on The Big Note 😆

WKRP in Cincinnati playing Dogs of Pink Floyd

20/12/2024

Last Wednesday was my last Big Note on 3MDR 97.1 FM for 2024. I speak with Jason Lim, a Glasgow based musician and technologist who works between the worlds of traditional musical instruments/composition/production and experimental electronics.
With a work history as a multi-instrumentalist composer and studio musician, he now designs his own range of hardware and software instruments which are used by creators in studios, on stages and in art galleries around the world... he generously shared his time with me to talk about his musical journey and play some music he suggests for the episode as well as discussing said choices!

Playlist:

* Jason Lim - IL3_PERFORMANCE from Instruō Compilation 1 [2023] * https://instruo.bandcamp.com/
(& you can watch it here: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uEkxz9iJmEg - this video show Jason’s unique notation for the piece as he is playing as well!)
* Miles Davis - Freddie Freeloader from Kind of Blue [1959] Columbia
* Igorrr - Tendon from Nostril [2010] * https://igorrr.bandcamp.com/
* Gigantic Ant - Supergyro from Gigantic Ant [2015] *https://giganticant.bandcamp.com/
* Junction Pool - Bah Humburg (Instrumental Cover, arranged & performed by Jason Lim) * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uEkxz9iJmEg&t=569s
* Whourkr - Maximum Speed Limit Monotone Snare Audition [2012] * https://yanncoppier.bandcamp.com/
* Solar Cells - Charge & Separation from Warm Spell [2025] * https://eternalmusicprojects.bandcamp.com/album/warm-spell
* Bec Jean- Isn’t It Nice To Slow Down * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-LzsStcOj8
* https://becjean.bandcamp.com

Episode Image: Jason, Murdo and Jet lagged Jane (the Great) & I at the Instruo workshop, Glasgow, September this year.

13/12/2024

If the language of love and the language of music is universal, you would think that Love songs would be recognised as such no matter what background or culture you are born into, but according to a recent study by Yale researchers, it ain't necessarily so!
On the penultimate episode of The Big Note on 3MDR 97.1 FM for the year [11-12-24], we look into that and play a lot of different love songs along the way! ❤️

Episode 75 Playlist:
* Silken Dreams - Melbourne Songwriters Collective from Melbourne Songwriters Collective [6-12-24]
* Rise Up - Jessica O'Donoghue [31-03-22] Art As Catharsis
* Waste - Jordan Kenny from Who’s Seeking Who? [12-04-24]
* We Will Always Love You - The Avalanches from We Will Always Love You [11-12-2020]
* More Than What I Am - Yo Yo Sun [6-12-24]
* Cry - Xani [6-12-24]
* Playground Love - AIR from The Virgin Suicides Film Score [23-02-2000] Virgin
* Heartbreak Song - Cassidy-Rae [29-11-24]
* The Worst Person Alive - G Flip from Drum [11-08-23] Future Classic
* Sticky Situation - Bec Jean from Quarter Life Crisis [15-10-21]
* Love on the Loose - Willie J's 6V6s [29-11-24] Dave Laing Publicity
* This Must Be the Place (Naïve Melody) (Live) - David Byrne from American Utopia on Broadway (Original Cast Recording) [2019] Nonesuch
* Time Moves Slow - BADBADNOTGOOD from IV [17-5–16] Innovative Leisure
* It Wouldn't Have Made Any Difference - Tod Rundgren from Something/Anything [Feb 1972]
* Love and Other Drugs - Tkay Maidza from Sweet Justice [3-11-23] Dew Process
* You Didn't Try To Call Me - Frank Zappa & The Mothers Of Invention from Freak Out! [1966]
* Give Me Another Chance - Big Star from #1 Record [24-4-1972]
* The Passing - Josh Beadle Fennec [2019]
* The Law of the Jungle - Kilbey Kennedy from Glow and Fade [1-04-2017] Golden Robot Records

04/12/2024

Episode 74 of The Big Note on 3MDR 97.1 FM revisits the concept of Drones in Music and all around us. Along the way we play some excellent music!

Playlist:

* This Land - Charlie Needs Braces [13-11-24] This Much Talent 3:33
* Steamin’ - Relevant Elephants [03-12-24] 4:57
* Mundagudda - GLVES [21-11-24]
* Stoney Bridge - Willebrant [22-11-24]
* Signal - reafferance - Zeitgeber [13-09-24] Art As Catharsis
* Two - Daniel O'Toole from The Sound of Flowers [15-11-24] Cascade Rumble Records
* Karma [Ft Uncle Kev Starkey] - Byrd of Paradyse [14-11-24] Darkwood Studio Record Label Service
* Movement 7 (feat. London Symphony Orchestra) - Floating Points & Pharoah Sanders from Promises (feat. London Symphony Orchestra) [26-03-22]
* Tomorrow Never Knows - The Beatles from Revolver [5-8-1966] Parlophone
* Ommadawn Part 1 - Mike Oldfield from Ommadawn [Nov 1975] Virgin Records

03/12/2024

I've found myself revisiting my much loved and well worn copy of Mike Oldfield's third album, Ommadawn lately. (I blame (Doctor Doug Helvering on You Tube who uploads his reactions to an eclectic range of music on his Daily Doug channel) listening back to Part 1 of Ommadawn certain aspects of the recording really stood out for me this time though. On tomorrows The Big Note (from 9-11 am) on 3MDR 97.1 FM I will discuss this and more, as I revisit the topic of Drones.

Send a message to learn more

27/11/2024

For Episode 73 of The Big Note on 3MDR 97.1 FM we continue to celebrate Aus Music Month!
Melbourne’s live music culture thrives, supported by a network of iconic venues, passionate audiences, and a steady stream of new talent. The city continues to celebrate its music heritage while evolving to meet the challenges and opportunities of a modern, interconnected world. I talk a little bit about the history of Melbourne’s live music venues as well as play some fantastic Australian music, new and old! Also, don’t forget it’s Aus Music T-Shirt Day tomorrow!!
https://www.ausmusictshirtday.org.au/

Episode Image: Moi in my Big Scary T!

PLAYLIST:

* The Fireball At the End of Everything - Something For Kate from Leave Your Soul to Science [28-09-12]
* When Fusion Ruled the Earth - Spiderbait from Ivy & the Big Apples [14-10-1996]
* Love You More - Kee'ahn [07-11-24] AANTHOLOGIES
* Alinta - Barkaa from Big Tidda [30-08-24]
* Everything’s Broken - The Blue Hotel [05-03–24]
* Weathered - Mast Gully Fellers from The Great Divide [27-10-23]
* Sin Bin - Cosmic Psychos fro Mountain of P**s [01-06-21] Go The Hack Records
* Stranded - The Saints (Official) from I’m Stranded [21-02-1977] EMI
* Elsie - Divinyls from Desperate [January 1983]
* New Years Eve - Danger Den [27-09-24]
* Walk On The Water - Richard Clapton from The Great Escape [February 1982] WEA
* Bullroarer - Midnight Oil from Diesel and Dust [21-08-87] Sprint Records
* Suburban Boy - Dave Warner from Mug’s Game [November 1978] Mushroom Records
* The Healing Power of Helpless Laughter - Don Walker from Live Lightning [22-11-24] Thrillhill Music
* Birds - Mr Alford [25-11-24] Independent
* Absolutely - Eurogliders from Absolutely [11-10-1985] CBS

26/11/2024

Wednesday morning (27th November) on The Big Note on 3MDR 97.1 FM I will be playing some great Australian music, new and old, to continue our celebration of Aus Music Month and try (if I give myself enough time) to explore the history of the great live music scene Melbourne has.
The albums shown here are of some great Oz artists, many of whom I have been lucky enough to see play live in Melbourne and many whose music I will be playing on show 73 of The Big Note.
I hope you can join me from 9 - 11 am!

Music: The Fireball At the End of Everything - Something For Kate from Leave Your Soul to Science [28-09-12]

19/11/2024

I'm not in the studio tomorrow morning but have prepared a pre-recorded show for your listening pleasure! It's still Oz Music Month so we still have an all Australian music serving. This time the focus is on punk rock in the Australian context, veering off into different sonic waters in the last part of the show.
From 9 - 11 am on 3MDR 97.1 FM

*Man With Golden Helmet - Radio Birdman from Radios Appear [1977]
*Finder’s Fee - Hard-Ons - Official from I Like You A Lot Getting Older [04-10-24] Cheersquad Records & Tapes
*Stay The Same - Beddy Rays [15-11-24] Artists Only
*Multicolour - Oscar the Wild from She’ll Be Right [17-11-23] Habit
*the great guitar of universal compassion - bodies of divine infinite and eternal spirit [20-09-24] Dinosaur City Records
*Horsegirl - DOWNGIRL [15-11-24] Ruckus PR
*Replacement Boyfriend - Boyfriend TV from For the Teenage Soul 16-10-24
*Ain’t No Shame - Queenie from New Moult [30-08-24]
*Running Buddy - Mitch, Please [31-10-24]
*Where Can I Stand - Outback Empire [12-11-24]
*As a Metaphor - Light Burst from Light Burst [07-11-24] Eternal Music Projects
*One - Daniel O’Toole from The Sound of Flowers [15-11-24] Cascade Rumble Records
*Aarti Jadu x Puscha - Puscha [22-08-22]
*Inner World - Nat Grant from Folding [15-11-24] Eternal Music Projects
*Lay Down - Brad Stafford [08-11-24] Feral Media

13/11/2024

It's still Aus Music Month, so on The Big Note, Wednesday mornings on 3MDR 97.1 FM I continue to play 100% Australian Music this week (following on from Freo's excellent Mad Mile Music Club which is always 100% Australian)

Playlist:
* Soufflé by Mighty Horse (Featuring Delirious Delicious Delphine) [08-11-24]
* Under The Milky Way - Jimmy Little from Messenger [2000]
* Forgiveness - Nakai Ni Wortawor - Bortier Okoe [22-11-24]
* Haunted - The Blue Hotel [05-03–24]
* We Are The Youth - Hotel Bed [05-11-24]
* Devil at the Backdoor - Josh Orange from Birds For The Bayou Open Road Sounds [01-11-24]
* BITEME! - Vinted Vineer from Tobi Yum [12-09-24]
* Ford Capri - Ansett [01-11-24 ]HTM Entertainment
* Streets of Your Town - The Go-Betweens [July 1988]
* Acheron - Three Wise Monkeys from Pseudomonarchia Daemonum EP [07-11-24] CERCA TROVA
* When You Go Home - Light Burst from Light Burst [07-11-24]
* Orb - Glass Beams from Mahal [22-03-24]
* Rated X - Lady Lazarus [29-09-24]
* Nostalgic - King Stingray from For The Dreams [08-11-24] Civilians
* Pyramid On The Moon - ObserversBand from Robot Dawn [05-07-24]
* A Ribbon To Hold Us - Big Scary from Wing [25-01-24] Pieeater

Episode Image: Boofhead me in the studio modelling my new most excellent King Stingray "For The Dreams" T-Shirt!
**Don't forget, it's Aus Music T-Shirt day on the 28th of November!

06/11/2024

Episode 70 of The Big Note on 3MDR 97.1 FM sees us celebrate Aus Music Month with 100 % Australian made music. I talk a little bit about the history Australian music and also have the pleasure of chatting with Naarm/Melbourne musician Simon Rigoni from 2 Inch Tape about his music and upcoming Sunday sessions at The Wildflower Picture House & Bar 318 St Georges Rd, Fitzroy North VIC.

Playlist:

*I’ll Be Gone - Spectrum [1971]
*Roads - imber [24-10-24]
*Entangled - Minhy from Mbody [22-10-24]
*Dear Daughter - Xani [23-07-24]
*Lachrymose - Morrigan & Wilding from These Women [27-01-24]
*My Girl Is On Fire - Mark Howard [31-10-24]
*I Don’t Make Mistakes - Drew Wilson [01-11-24] JIBE
*On The Flipside - Fawkner Walking Society [18-04-24]
OMG - The Tullamarines [30-10-24] Beehive PR
*Emerald Skies- Rob Edwards [02-10-24]
*No Free Will In America - 2 Inch Tape from AMERICA [2019] Room 29 Records �
*Home - 2 Inch Tape from What I Need [20-11-23] Room 29 Records
*Psycho - Beasts of Bourbon from The Axeman's Jazz [1984]
*Chewing Gum - Amyl and The Sniffers from Cartoon Darkness [28-10-24] Virgin Music Australia
*The End Of The Road - Big Scary from Wing [16-02-24] Pieeater




Episode image generated using Diffusion Bee with the prompt "Kangaroo playing a Guitar in the Australian outback" sorry, I'm lazy.

30/10/2024

Today's Big Note (Episode 69) on 3MDR 97.1 FM I discuss the current state of live music in Australia. I also speak with Naarm/Melbourne artist Bec Jean about Music, Inspiration, Gigs and Education and her upcoming single launch as well as play some cool toonz!"

Playlist:
*Fire On High - Electric Light Orchestra from Face The Music [1975]
* Roll With The Punches - Oscar the Wild [25-09-24] Habit ~ Available on bandcamp!
*The Sherriff - Mansplainers [29-10-24] ~ artist is on band camp! (No music yet, but merch!)
*Rose Coloured Glasses - Cassidy-Rae [23-08-24] ~ artist is on band camp!
*All We Are - Tori Forsyth from ‘All We Have Is Who We Are’ [03-05-24] Island Records Australia ~ artist is on band camp!*Hot Sand - Nuria Music from ‘Sweetest Thing’ [25-10-24]
*Just These Crumbs - Fundamental Shift [15-10-24] Andrew Muecke
*July - Ellie. (Ellie Gibson) [18-10-24] ~ Available on bandcamp! *Spiders - Bec Jean from Quarter Life Crisis [2020] ~ Available on bandcamp!
*Implode by lifegarden from ‘Ecology Love and Existential Dread’ [10-09-24] ~ Available on bandcamp!
*World Burn by lifegarden from ‘Ecology Love and Existential Dread’ [10-09-24] ~ Available on bandcamp!
*Ballad For A Hospitality Worker - Loukoumi [10-09-19] ~ Available on bandcamp!
*The Things I Do - Bec Jean [01-11-24] ~ Available on bandcamp!
*Fun Detector - Mal Webb from Not Nor MAL [02-09-2016] ~ Available on bandcamp!

29/10/2024

I'm interviewing Bec Jean this morning on The Big Note on 3MDR 97.1 FM. We talk about the challenges facing live music, smaller venues and independent artists these days along with the importance of education. Bec also talks a bit about her upcoming gig (this Saturday from 2pm at the Bergy Bandroom 64 Sydney Rd Brunswick!) and suggests some cool music which I will be playing!

23/10/2024

Episode 68 - Visual Music

On Episode 68 of The Big Note 3MDR 97.1 FM we delve into the phenomenon and history of audio-visual performances, immersive, multi-sensory experiences associated with musical and artistic performances, from Cave Art to the "Colour Organ" of the 1800's to modern day Virtual Reality and Holograms (well I don't actually talk about Holograms, but I could in future episodes). Visual spectacle accompanying musical performances is well established now, but where and how did it start?
Episode Image: Frank Zappa & The Mothers Live at The Filmore East in New York, featuring a "Joshua Lightshow"

Playlist:
* The Lady Don’t Mind - Talking Heads from "Little Creatures" [1985]
* Just A Little - Abbey Lane [16-10-24]
* Say Something - Hotel Bed [22-10-24]
* Fear Not - Mitch Tambo from “Tambo Jams Vol 1” [03-07-24] Walanbaa Music
* Back & Forth - Evelyn Glennie, City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong & Jean Thorel from Alrich, Jenkins & Rorem: Mallet Concertos [2021]
* Oscillators and Resonators - Mal Webb and Kylie Morrigan from "Notey and Noisy" [2024]
* Colour The Night - Max Savage from "Colour The Night" [13-10-24]
* The Colour Upstream - Good News Now We Can Eat All The Vampires [16-08-24] Walking Horses
* Where Has All The Colour Gone? - Camille Delaquise [10-05-24] Sparrow Poetry
*Colours - daste. [19-06-24]
* One of These Days - Pink Floyd from "Meddle" [1971]
* Little Umbrellas - Frank Zappa from "Hot Rats" [1969]
* Things I Do - Bec Jean [02-11-24]
* Friend - The Rions from "Happiness In A Place It Shouldn’t Be" [27-09-24]
* Where Are We Now? - David Bowie from "The Next Day" [08-01-2013]
* Signals - Brian Eno from "Apollo: Atmospheres and Soundtracks [1983]
* Resonance and Dampening - Mal Webb and Kylie Morrigan from "Notey and Noisy" [2024]
* And She Was - Talking Heads from "Little Creatures" [1985]

22/10/2024

Local live music is the BEST! ~ Bec Jean comes out of an academically induced hiatus to release a new single "The Things I Do" with band and friends. Experience her delicate but powerful vocals and consummate song writing at The Bergy Bandroom, Saturday Nov 2nd from 2pm onwards.
Tickets at Oztix or at the door!
https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/0cc040b5-9915-4e19-824c-fcfa00103ad4

18/10/2024

Here's a another little video of Mal Webb and Kylie Morrigan performing live last Tuesday night for a prerecorded interview & performance in the 3MDR 97.1 FM studio - "Tension & Release" from the show "Notey & Noisy"
I would like to thank them for coming in and sharing their music and experiences with the audience of .1fm & The Big Note ❤️

https://malwebb.com/notnoi.html