MUSIC
Ampersand to release debut single Sunshine Coast band Ampersand will debut its first single Originality on online platforms from 25 January 2024. The release follows two years of non-stop success for the independent nufunk/soul/retro pop fusion band which recently performed at the Caloundra Music Festival. A free launch event hosted by Solbar and featuring singer Harriet Wensley will welcome Originality into the world on 28 January. Ampersand is an entertaining, energetic and evolving group featuring two spectacular lead vocalists backed by a tight, innovative trio of keys, bass and drums. The band members have varied skill sets, an unshakeable support of each other, and can effortlessly improvise and converse musically while creating their own unique sound. Off the back of performances at Noosa Alive! and a continuing residency at Noosa Social, Ampersand recorded Originality in response to public demand from a supportive community. Confident, outspoken and unapologetically direct Originality is an ode to originality and inspired by experiences with copycat musicians. It calls-out those who can’t seem to find selfmotivation and inspiration within themselves
without resorting to imitating the music of others. Co-written and arranged by the whole Ampersand team, Originality features vocals, lyrics and melody by Katie Brown and Isi Semmler, keyboards and chords by Jarrod Tutbury, bass by Jed Green, drums and percussion by Orlando Hamilton-Craig and guitar by featured guest artist Doc Hamilton. It was recorded, engineered and produced by Scott Mathison and Justin Tresidder at Yama Nui Studios and mastered by Paul Blakey. Originality was made possible thanks to the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund provided through Regional Arts Australia and administered in Qld by Flying Arts Alliance. Visit: Instagram: @ampersandbandnoosa.
SPORT
Cooper Roberts
Eumundi Dragons celebrate success Congratulations to Cooper Roberts who was a member of our fantastic Eumundi Dragons U10s team in 2023. The boys won the final on 18 November 5-2 against a strong team from St Thomas More School. Cont. p28
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