Aurora Jane
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Aurora Jane

Sunbury, Victoria, Australia | Established. Jan 01, 2014 | INDIE

Sunbury, Victoria, Australia | INDIE
Established on Jan, 2014
Band Rock Funk

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This band has not uploaded any videos

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"A Collector of Experiences - Asian Age - Mumbai - Monday 26 May 2008"

It’s easy to wear your heart on your sleeve. But not when it’s put out for
anonymous scrutiny. Aussie songstress Aurora Jane — Jane Hole off-duty — makes a living out of it; pitfalls be damned. On a fourth performing, and umpteenth casual visit to India, she cuts a languid, easy-going figure before a gig at the eclectic Blue Frog club. The punishing tour schedule is obviously taking its toll, and despite a rude awakening from a 9pm nap, she’s more than happy to drop pearls of wisdom within the sound-proofed surrounds of the matchbox green room. “Yeah it’s always a risk when you put something out there. Whether it’s a grand political statement or something deeply personal. But I’m only worried about people expecting the same thing all the time,” she says.

There’s a distinct vagabond feel to the music, and not without reason. Despite being quintessentially Australian, she confesses to have invariably picked up a sort worldview, something that comes from “having so many friends in a lot of different countries, in and outside the musical community. Like a lot of them back home are people of aboriginal ancestry. Of course I travel a lot.” One such trip led to the recording of parts of her latest album in New Delhi. “The melodies are always in my head. And then...traveling around the world and India you pick up so much to write about,” she says.

On stage, the camaraderie is obvious when she’s joined by fellow Aussies Massive Change, and the outfit settles quickly. With a sound that can only be described as a kind of reggae-funk bluesy groove, they switch seamlessly from Hendrix covers to original favourites, even debuting on-stage renditions of tracks off the latest album Universal Language. Jane’s very much the focal point, but it’s the ringing basslines that keep it all together. Their inspirations are evident — Marley, Hendrix and the Chili Peppers get more-than-passing nods — but that’s not to say it’s hackneyed. In fact, the laid back, folksy feel is as engrossing as it is original.

In the past, she’s had bones to pick with, among other people, former Oz prime minister John Howard, but recently and most interestingly — the powers-that-be in India’s north-east. On visits to headline the last few editions of the Roots Festival in Shillong, Jane admits to have been taken in enough to write a song about the experience. “It’s fascinating to see their struggle…just to be recognised for their unique cultural identity,”she says. “Diversity is good. Every culture’s got to have an identity. But there’s so many things that are similar on a global scale. Sometimes the smaller truths are not represented enough in mass media,”says the flame-haired “outsider”. And who’s to disagree?


- Himanshu Bhandari


"A Collector of Experiences - Asian Age - Mumbai - Monday 26 May 2008"

It’s easy to wear your heart on your sleeve. But not when it’s put out for
anonymous scrutiny. Aussie songstress Aurora Jane — Jane Hole off-duty — makes a living out of it; pitfalls be damned. On a fourth performing, and umpteenth casual visit to India, she cuts a languid, easy-going figure before a gig at the eclectic Blue Frog club. The punishing tour schedule is obviously taking its toll, and despite a rude awakening from a 9pm nap, she’s more than happy to drop pearls of wisdom within the sound-proofed surrounds of the matchbox green room. “Yeah it’s always a risk when you put something out there. Whether it’s a grand political statement or something deeply personal. But I’m only worried about people expecting the same thing all the time,” she says.

There’s a distinct vagabond feel to the music, and not without reason. Despite being quintessentially Australian, she confesses to have invariably picked up a sort worldview, something that comes from “having so many friends in a lot of different countries, in and outside the musical community. Like a lot of them back home are people of aboriginal ancestry. Of course I travel a lot.” One such trip led to the recording of parts of her latest album in New Delhi. “The melodies are always in my head. And then...traveling around the world and India you pick up so much to write about,” she says.

On stage, the camaraderie is obvious when she’s joined by fellow Aussies Massive Change, and the outfit settles quickly. With a sound that can only be described as a kind of reggae-funk bluesy groove, they switch seamlessly from Hendrix covers to original favourites, even debuting on-stage renditions of tracks off the latest album Universal Language. Jane’s very much the focal point, but it’s the ringing basslines that keep it all together. Their inspirations are evident — Marley, Hendrix and the Chili Peppers get more-than-passing nods — but that’s not to say it’s hackneyed. In fact, the laid back, folksy feel is as engrossing as it is original.

In the past, she’s had bones to pick with, among other people, former Oz prime minister John Howard, but recently and most interestingly — the powers-that-be in India’s north-east. On visits to headline the last few editions of the Roots Festival in Shillong, Jane admits to have been taken in enough to write a song about the experience. “It’s fascinating to see their struggle…just to be recognised for their unique cultural identity,”she says. “Diversity is good. Every culture’s got to have an identity. But there’s so many things that are similar on a global scale. Sometimes the smaller truths are not represented enough in mass media,”says the flame-haired “outsider”. And who’s to disagree?


- Himanshu Bhandari


"Parallel Skin (review) - Triple J Unearthed, Australia"

This is a great track from a solid hard working independent Australian act. The production is tasty, great feel, great guitar sound, great vocal sound, in your face and real. This is tha good stuff.

5/5

Guest Reviewer:
Carlo Santone (Blue King Brown) - Carlo Santone - Blue King Brown


"Parallel Skin (review) - Triple J Unearthed, Australia"

This is a great track from a solid hard working independent Australian act. The production is tasty, great feel, great guitar sound, great vocal sound, in your face and real. This is tha good stuff.

5/5

Guest Reviewer:
Carlo Santone (Blue King Brown) - Carlo Santone - Blue King Brown


"Universal Language (review) Tsunami Magazine, Australia"

Split yourself in two and buy a couple of these CD's. Internationally seasoned singer/musician Jane Hole offers an amazingly diverse collection on this, her second studio release. Here, she explores a bigger band sound, playing with Massive Change. Jane also co-produced the album. Since her debut in 2004, Lismore based Aurora has developed an eclectic style through which she expresses her poetic insights (I know, it all sounds so new age cliche, but hang in there). Guests on this album include Nat Pa'a'pa (Blue King Brown), Mel Watson (Fruit), Arjun Sen, Ember Swift & Lyndell Montgomery. The tracks display Jane's wide vocal range, from the sharp call of 'Rise' to the smooth raunchy bluestones of 'Move Over' (featuring Watson's horny horns). Colours is a beautiful soft ballad written in the desert, to which Jane travels with the Music Outback program (taking music to remote aboriginal communities in Central Australia). Standout track has to be 'Seven Sisters', a hymn to freedom.

9/10

(Manna Banana) - Manna Banana


"Universal Language (review) Tsunami Magazine, Australia"

Split yourself in two and buy a couple of these CD's. Internationally seasoned singer/musician Jane Hole offers an amazingly diverse collection on this, her second studio release. Here, she explores a bigger band sound, playing with Massive Change. Jane also co-produced the album. Since her debut in 2004, Lismore based Aurora has developed an eclectic style through which she expresses her poetic insights (I know, it all sounds so new age cliche, but hang in there). Guests on this album include Nat Pa'a'pa (Blue King Brown), Mel Watson (Fruit), Arjun Sen, Ember Swift & Lyndell Montgomery. The tracks display Jane's wide vocal range, from the sharp call of 'Rise' to the smooth raunchy bluestones of 'Move Over' (featuring Watson's horny horns). Colours is a beautiful soft ballad written in the desert, to which Jane travels with the Music Outback program (taking music to remote aboriginal communities in Central Australia). Standout track has to be 'Seven Sisters', a hymn to freedom.

9/10

(Manna Banana) - Manna Banana


"What is it? (Review) - Blaze Media, Adelaide, Australia"

Following up on their promising debut release of 2004, "Release", Aurora Jane - Jane Hole, Corey Keem & Andy Fry - have delivered an album of distinctive and intelligent tracks featuring their unique blend of rock, funk, jazz, and folk. Wisely the production values maintain a live, acoustic feel. The songs are fresh and appealing, often featuring complex riffs and shifting time signatures, a welcome antidote to the bland pop generally foisted upon us by commercial radio. A great first album. You can catch the band live at the wheatsheaf on the 25th or the Gov on the 26th. - Blaze Media, Adelaide, Australia


"What is it? (Review) - Blaze Media, Adelaide, Australia"

Following up on their promising debut release of 2004, "Release", Aurora Jane - Jane Hole, Corey Keem & Andy Fry - have delivered an album of distinctive and intelligent tracks featuring their unique blend of rock, funk, jazz, and folk. Wisely the production values maintain a live, acoustic feel. The songs are fresh and appealing, often featuring complex riffs and shifting time signatures, a welcome antidote to the bland pop generally foisted upon us by commercial radio. A great first album. You can catch the band live at the wheatsheaf on the 25th or the Gov on the 26th. - Blaze Media, Adelaide, Australia


Discography

'Holding Pattern'
Mojo Junction (2013)
(9 tracks produced by Aurora Jane)

'Deep End'
Blue Frog Records (2010)
(10 tracks produced by Aurora Jane & Tony Buchen)

'Universal Language'
MGM (2007)
(13 tracks produced by Aurora Jane & Sam Bartlett)

'What Is It?'
MGM (2005)
(12 tracks produced by Aurora Jane & Become Sound)

'Release' - EP
MGM (2004)
(4 tracks produced by Aurora Jane & Become Sound)

Photos

Bio


Inspired by the intricate inner world of dream imagery and our unconscious desires, Aurora Janes new album Holding Pattern reveals a colorful and surreal soundscape. Blending psychedelic 70s analogue warmth with upbeat funk, soaring rock and intuitive song-craft, Aurora Janes fourth album unveils an expansive creative evolution.

After spending 2012 on the international tour circuit, and early 2013 reconnecting with Australian audiences, this Winter Aurora Jane made the time and space to slow down, reflect and let the stories of the past few years on the road materialise.

Aurora Jane is the collaboration of Jane Hole and her rhythm section Tim Bennett (bass) and Marley Berry-Pearce (drums). Holding Pattern was born over a two-month period between studios in Melbourne and the Byron Bay Hinterland. A snapshot in time, the album celebrates the palpable excitement of a trio exploring creative reactivity. With a deep maturity evident in the lyrical content, Holding Pattern reflects an openness and honesty drawn from diverse life experience.

Touring the globe off the back of previous releases Deep End and Universal Language, Aurora Jane have built an extensive international fan base across North America, Europe and most interestingly India, where they have featured in Indias Rolling Stone magazine and performed to stadium size audiences.

Coinciding with the forthcoming album release Aurora Jane will launch a new concept project Mojo Junction. Jane stated recently in Rolling Stone: Mojo Junction will be a creative lifestyle website, a point where the international creative community intersects and can explore new music, culture, politics and art. I have been dreaming this up for years, and it is finally coming to fruition. My art and touring experiences have transcended simply making records for a long time.

Supporting the likes of John Butler Trio, Pete Murray, The Beautiful Girls, Blue King Brown, The Waifs, Rachelle Van Zanten and performances on many a festival including Big Time Up (Canada), Woodford Folk Festival (Australia), Festival of the Sun (Australia), Roots Festival (India) and Robson Valley (Canada), Aurora Janes live performance brings together their many layers of diversity with a captivating energy and groove. Catch Aurora Jane celebrating the release of Holding Pattern all through November.

Aurora Janes brand of funk infused pop-rock has won her many fans Rolling Stone

HOLDING PATTERN OUT INDEPENDENTLY NOVEMBER 1ST
DISTRIBUTION THROUGH GREEN MEDIA

Band Members