JUNE/JULY 2008

Bumper mid-year sale! New album 'Welcome Back To Reality' special offer for July only - only $10 plus postage (that's 50% off). Click here. You can listen free here.

Big thanks to all fans who have already bought my new album 'Welcome Back To Reality' and to those of you who have put comments on my myspace page. I've had over 5000 listens on myspace.....that's huge! Thanks so much for your support. It means everything.

Lots of fans have been asking me how the new album is being received by radio and press. Well we're starting to get some airplay around the world and press so far has been great. I've listed all radio stations that have playlisted (several plays per day/week) songs off the new album here. I 've shown the stations web addresses so fans can make requests to get even more airplay. The more requests you make the more bigger commercial stations are forced to take notice of the music. You wouldn't believe how hard it is to get airplay on big stations. I'll keep updating the list as stations add me to their playlists. I've also listed all newspaper/magazine articles that I know about.

On a serious note I heard recently that Laureen Large from England (who has been a fan of my music since hearing about me through the Wet Wet Wet forum) died last month. I send my thoughts to her family and hope that time will make their pain more bareable. I now think of Laureen when I'm singing my song 'Whatever Makes You Happy' which urges us to live now. As John Lennon said, 'Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans' and losing a friend makes you realise that you have to live 'large' every day.

John's new album 'Welcome Back To Reality' was officially launched at Cancer Council Queensland’s ‘Relay For Life’ at Carrara Stadium on 31st May 2008. The crowd who walked all day and night to raise funds for charity were given a second wind when Weston, showing his many years of live experience, immediately connected with them, cheering them on by performing uplifting songs from his new album like ‘Believe In Yourself’, ‘Let Your Life Begin’ and title track ‘Welcome Back To Reality’ which went down a storm. Rousing versions of Aussie anthem ‘Waltzing Matilda’ and the Australian classic ‘Throw Your Arms Around Me’ had hundreds of people singing along. John would personally like to thank everyone who bought CDs on the night. As well as performing free, 20% of CD sales went to Cancer Council.

MAY 2008

John Harley Weston’s new album ‘Welcome Back To Reality’ is on sale now. The official launch is not until 31st May but our fans, friends and family are numero uno so we’re letting you know 1st.

The album is only $20 plus postage here.

You can listen free here....we’d love to hear what you think.

A multi-instrumentalist, John Harley Weston engineered, produced and performed 90% of the album himself…….and funded 100% of it. Now that’s an independent artist! But without YOU we’re nothing...it’s all up to you now.....we hope you love it as much as we do. To add that final touch of class the album was mastered and pressed by Sony, Sydney. There’s some great quotes below from big names in the music industry....they obviously know a good thing when they hear it.

PAUL PITICCO (manager of one of Australia's biggest bands Powderfinger, Bernard Fanning and the Grates) says 'Congrats mate. DIY has worked great for you .....you should write a "how to" book. It has been great to watch it grow. Here's to your continued success'.

MARK HOLDEN - (Australian Idol judge, music producer and songwriter)
Hi John.....really good site you have for listening - excellent material - good onya...'

KHALIQ GLOVER (Los Angeles based Grammy award winning recording/mixing engineer for Prince, Justin Timberlake, Herbie Hancock, John Mayer, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, Santana, Sting, Marcus Miller) says 'Wow, you sound great. Great songs and craftmanship and your singing is spot on..'

TONY BEARD (drummer/guitarist with Peter Frampton, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Bee Gees, Daryl Hall, Dave Stewart, Jeff Beck, Wyclef Jean, Madonna, McCartney, Jeff beck etc). He says 'Whatever Makes You Happy' is a hit and a great metaphor'.

JOHN 'SWANEE' SWAN (Iconic Australian rock singer - Swanee co-wrote one of the songs on John Harley Weston's new album). He says, 'The album sounds great John. I loved being allowed into your life as an artist and a friend. You can hold your head up very high my friend, your a class act.'

COLIN BUDDS (Australian Film/TV Director) says 'the song 'Righteous son' makes you really take notice.....this new album sounds like it's going to be the more essential John Harley Weston'. (Righteous Son is about the Australian Van Nguyen who was hanged in Singapore for carrying drugs).

The above quotes/testimonials have all been authorised for use.

APRIL 2008

Well.....at long last the new album 'Welome Back To Reality' is here.......I'm actually looking at it and listening to it. It sounds brilliant and the artwork is awesome. Thanks to Sony in Sydney for doing such a great job mastering and pressing it. The first online CD sales bought from this very website have just been mailed today to some die hard fans in Australia, the UK and USA. It's hush-hush at the moment - only fans on John's personal mailing list know the new album is available to buy right now. The official release will be at the end of May so get it now and be first to check it out. It's only $20 plus postage. To buy a copy click here.

MARCH 2008

MASTER CD LOST IN POST:
Yes, well it seems that Australia Post have lost my new album master disc. The master disc was posted ’registered post’ at the beginning of March to Sony (Sydney) for CD duplication - along with the final artwork and all the necessary legal documents.....never to be seen again.

Luckily Sony is the company that did the final master CD itself so they are preparing another disc as we speak and next week the album will finally be getting pressed. Big thanks to all at Sony, Sydney and a big raspberry to Australia Post for passing me around their labyrinth of ’we don’t know’ staff for a week. No doubt I’ll receive the original package in my mail box in 2 months.....now that’s service. At least if I don’t get on tour this year I can say my album’s traveled the country already.

Wow! I just got a phone call.......the package has been found and is now making it’s way across Sydney with DHL couriers........miracles can happen.....or maybe it’s the threat of a myspace blog.

Hoots!
John Harley Weston

BRAND NEW ALBUM RELEASE 'WELCOME BACK TO REALITY'
ONLY $20 AUSTRALIAN

It's hush-hush at the moment - only fans on John's personal mailing list know that the new album is available right now. The official media release will be at the end of May.

About the album - when you’ve won national & international awards releasing new material can be daunting. Not so for John Harley Weston. Welcome back to the essence of great songwriting; strong melodies, a variety of teasing hooks and coherent lyrics that inspire and uplift. It's all wrapped in hook driven, acoustic guitar-based rock, seasoned with folk, alt country, roots and blues. Weston's writing is reminiscent of the message songs of Ben Harper and Bernard Fanning. That common thread is evident from the cajun-flavoured ‘Whatever Makes You Happy’ to the Sheryl Crowesque ‘Believe In Yourself’ on to the epic self-discovery song ‘Welcome Back To Reality’. It continues with ‘Let Your Life Begin,’ revealing shades of Paul Rodgers, through to the bluesy ‘Wouldn’t Miss A Day’ and on to the Johnny Cash styled ‘Righteous Son’ about Australian, Van Nguyen, who was hanged in Singapore for carrying drugs. Comparisons aside Weston’s style is individual in it’s own right. There’s also a cover version of the Australian classic, 'Waltzing Matilda'. And the album artwork - courtesy of a 10,000 year old mandala from the dawn of civilisation. Pure harmony! Don't take our word for it - check out what top industry people say here. Take a free listen here. To buy click here.

MOBILE PHONE RINGTONES
More awesome news. The hugely successful myxertones.com is the largest and fastest growing mobile phone ringtones company. With over 10 million mobile phone downloads per month they are HUGE! Myxertones are so impressed with John’s music they may even make him a FEATURED ARTIST. We'll let you know if that happens. There are five John Harley Weston mobile phone ringtones to choose from - for only $1.50 (US). There’s even a FREE ringtone. All ringtones are from songs on the new album ‘Welcome Back To Reality’. Click here.

 

FEBRUARY 2008

A very happy New Year to everone. I trust you are all well and had a great festive period. May it be a safe, happy and prosperous year for you all. 2008 is already off to a great start for John Harley Weston....

BRAND NEW ALBUM RELEASE 'WELCOME BACK TO REALITY'
ONLY $20 AUSTRALIAN

'Welcome Back to Reality' is now on sale. It's hush-hush at the moment - only fans on John's personal mailing list know that it's available right now. The official media release will be around March/April because we are currently talking to a major Australian distributor and need to coincide the official release with them should they say yes.

About the album - when you’ve won national & international awards releasing new material can be daunting. Not so for John Harley Weston. Welcome back to the essence of great songwriting; strong melodies, a variety of teasing hooks and coherent lyrics that inspire and uplift. It's all wrapped in hook driven, acoustic guitar-based rock, seasoned with folk, alt country, roots and blues. Weston's writing is reminiscent of the message songs of Ben Harper and Bernard Fanning. That common thread is evident from the cajun-flavoured ‘Whatever Makes You Happy’ to the Sheryl Crowesque ‘Believe In Yourself’ on to the epic self-discovery song ‘Welcome Back To Reality’. It continues with ‘Let Your Life Begin,’ revealing shades of Paul Rodgers, through to the bluesy ‘Wouldn’t Miss A Day’ and on to the Johnny Cash styled ‘Righteous Son’ about Australian, Van Nguyen, who was hanged in Singapore for carrying drugs. Comparisons aside Weston’s style is individual in it’s own right. There’s also a cover version of the Australian classic, 'Waltzing Matilda'. And the album artwork - courtesy of a 10,000 year old mandala from the dawn of civilisation. Pure harmony! Don't take our word for it - check out what top industry people say here. Take a free listen here. To buy click here.

MOBILE PHONE RINGTONES
More awesome news. The hugely successful myxertones.com is the largest and fastest growing mobile phone ringtones company. With over 10 million mobile phone downloads per month they are HUGE! Myxertones are so impressed with John’s music they may even make him a FEATURED ARTIST. We'll let you know if that happens. There are five John Harley Weston mobile phone ringtones to choose from - for only $1.50 (US). There’s even a FREE ringtone. All ringtones are from songs on the new album ‘Welcome Back To Reality’. Click here.

OCTOBER 2007

John Harley Weston spent the first 6 months of 2007 at #1 on ther ILR Australian Indie Radio Charts......and it's still difficult getting commercial radio play.....what gives? I remember one Music Director from a big radio station said to me 'keep raising your profile and making waves and we'll HAVE to play you eventually'. Well mate, I've sent a few tidal waves your way over the last couple of years. Winning national competitions, being at #1 for 6 months on the indie charts and check out these brilliant quotes from industry big hitters like Powderfinger's manager Paul Piticco and Australian Idol judge Mark Holden - click here.

John's hard at it in his studio finishing off his album. What do you reckon John? This month, next month, January.......'Leave me alone' he says, 'I'm concentrating'. Rest assured it's not far off.

We've already got loads of pre-orders for the new album. It doesn't cost you anything to pre-order but you'll be first to know when it's ready. Just email us at info@johnharleyweston.com

JULY 2007

JOHN HARLEY WESTON STILL #1 on the ILR RADIO CHARTS:
John Harley Weston’ s song 'Brothers and Sisters' has spent 26 weeks at #1 on the ILR Isonliveradio Australian Indie Radio Charts. That's half a year.! We're getting around 60 airplays a week on different charts with different songs. Big thanks to all at isonliveradio.com
Details at http://www.isonliveradio.com/radiodial and scroll down to charts.

Please continue to request John Harley Weston airplay on your local 'commercial' radio stations.

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL SONGWRITING CONTEST 2007:
Not one but two of John Harley Weston's new songs scheduled for the forthcoming album have just gone through to the 2nd round of judging in this year's Australian National Songwriting Contest. You'll remember that John won this comp in 2005 with Last Days of Summer - rock category. That's a national competition in a country with around 21 million people. Listen at www.johnharleyweston.com/soundbytes.htm

BILLBOARD WORLD SONGWRITING CONTEST 2006/7 (14TH ANNUAL CONTEST)
Great news - songs off John's forthcoming album are already winning awards. We received certificates this month from Billboard World Songwriting Contest - a Highest Level Honourable Mention for new song 'Believe In Yourself' written by John Harley Weston and Sandy Jones (another Scotsman). John also received an Honourable Mention for 'Let Your Life Begin'. To quote Billboard, 'this is an impressive feat'.

THE NEW ALBUM:
John's writing, recording and producing most of the new album at home on Tamborine Mountain in Queensland, Australia. We've spent the last month rebuilding computers ....serves him right for being a control freak. Thanks to John's brother, Gordon, who happened to be in Australia last month, for all his II. T. Help....and whisky drinking skills. (Gordon runs web design company www.citrusgreen.com in the U.K.)

John’s new album will be released later this year. You can pre-order by emailing your details to info@johnharleyweston.com or contacting us via myspace

Thanks for tuning in

MAY 2007

MORE SONGWRITING WINS
Billboard World Songwriting Contest 2007 - Highest Level Honourable Mention for the uplifting rock/country crossover song 'Believe In Yourself' and Honourable Mention for the cruisy acoustic rock tune 'Let Your Life Begin'. Both tracks will appear on John's forthcoming album. As Billboard say.....'this is an impressive feat'.

NEW ALBUM
John's new album was scheduled for May 2007 release. Computer meldown has put the release back to Aug 2007. The joys of technology!

FEB/MAR 2007

CHECK OUT THE AUSTRALIAN INDIE RADIO CHARTS:
This week John Harley Weston is still number 1 in the ILR Australian Indie Radio Charts. Isonliveradio syndicates radio shows to over 200 radio stations worldwide. John's been getting 60 radio plays a week in Australia alone. Big thanks to all the stations and listeners for their support. The # 1 song is 'Brothers & Sisters' off John's current album 'Hope Harbour'. Last week John was #1 AND #2 with 'Brothers and Sisters' and 'Last Days Of Summer'. You'd never know it was the last days of summer here in Austrlalia - it's 35 degrees today in Queensland. Phew! Go to http://www.isonliveradio.com/radiodial and scroll down to charts.

NEW ALBUM
John is currently working on his second independent album scheduled to be released July 2007. It's definitely a rock/country crossover album......from the songs already recorded feedback from other artists, managers, film industry people in Australia, USA and the UK has been great. Sneak preview of a few songs at http://www.johnharleyweston.com/soundbytes.htm

INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING CONTEST
For this competition we got in to the second round - fierce - there's always next year......Billboard and Unisong Songwriting Contests are still to be finalised.....keep you posted.

JAN 2007

2007 is off to a flying start for award winning Queensland (Australia) based singer-songwriter John Harley Weston........

Catch John performing at the Queensland Premier's Australia Day Celebration Fri 26th January at The Piazza, Southbank, Brisbane. All day event. John Harley Weston performs in the Piazza at 4pm.......then behind the Piazza at 5:30pm. More gig details below.

Watch Channel 9 TV 'Brisbane Extra' Thu 25th Jan to see John Harley Weston advertising the above gig.

MORE SONGWRITING SUCCESS....
John is currently working on his second independent album scheduled to be released April 2007. He's already entered some of the worlds toughest songwriting contests with a few of the finished songs. This week we received news that not 1, not 2 but 3 of John's new songs have advanced to the next round of judging in the 2006 International Songwriting Contest. Based in Nashville, USA this competition is judged by the like of Tom Waits, Brian Wilson, Macy Gray and the presidents of all the major recording and publishing labels. With over 14,000 songs entered making it through to the next round is already a great accomplishment and a sign that John's next album is going to be a beauty. We'll let you know how the competition develops.

NEUMANN MICROPHONE ENDORSEMENT DEAL
This week John became one of the few artists in the country to get an endorsement deal with the elite Neumann Microphones based in Berlin, Germany. Since 1928 Neumann mics have been used by many great artists, from the Beatles to Bryan Adams to Beyoncé as well as orchestras, radio presenters, film and television broadcasters and just about every world-class recording studio. What a fabulous endorsement to get. Thank you to Neumann. See http://www.neumann.com

INDEPENDENT RADIO NETWORK
In relation to John's current album 'Hope Harbour' we'd like to thank ILR, (isonliveradio) the Australian based radio and TV network who syndicate shows to over 200 radio stations worldwide. Through ILR John has been getting approx 60 radio plays a week on Australian independent radio including 'The Australian Real Underground Music Show'. From 'breaking pop' to 'Australian indie' to 'late night country'.....some of John's pro peace songs are also picking up airplay on Christian stations. We've also receiving plays on the World Indie Top 40 countdown. (The proof that sharing information helps independent musicians - thanks to my songwriter friend Kitana for putting me on to this one).

Details at
http://www.isonliveradio.com/playlists/lookup.php?q=john%20harley%20weston

INTERNATIONAL RADIO PLAY:
Talking about radio - do you live in Nashville or anywhere else for that matter? Check out http://www.moozikooradio.com who are playing 'Brothers And Sisters' off John's album 'Hope Harbour'.

How about Tampa, Florida? Tampa Bay Indies Radio Station are playing John's music see http://www.bspass.com

RadioFly1 in the USA is broadcasting to 3 million people. They are now rotating 'Beautiful Day In The City' off John's album 'Hope Harbour'. See http://www.radiofly1.com

Loads more stations....too many to mention.....the snowball is getting bigger.

PRESS:

SCOTTISH NEWSPAPER - THE DAILY RECORD
Over 3 million readers weekly. After hearing that John (originally from Scotland) is having some musical wins downunder the Glasgow based newspaper called John in Australia last month and dropped in a wee article - many thanks. See http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/entertainment/therazz/daily/tm_method=full%26objectid=18066206%26siteid=66633-name_page.html

Many thanks for continued support from the Gold Coast Bulletin for 2 recent feature interviews/articles (Dec and Jan 2007). John has had articles in dozens of publications over the past year including Rolling Stone owned Australian Guitar Magazine, Australian Songwriter Mag, Glasgow Herald, Evening Times, Kilmarnock Standard, Tamborine Times, Beaudesert Times and many more......many thanks to you all.

GIGS:
John will be performing with long time Gold Coast guitarist Pete Devine at the following venues.....click here.

 

DEC 2006

Lots of news to come in 2007 - in the meantime have a great festive period and may 2007 bring you and yours happiness and prosperity. Spread it around.

SEPT/OCT 2006

The buzz about award winning Australian based songwriter John Harley Weston just keeps getting louder....

Firstly, big welcome to hundreds of new numberonemusic.com fans from USA, Canada and Europe who have asked to be included on this mailing list. (From Knoxville Tennessee to Berlin, from Rome to Hamilton Ontario - welcome aboard. We're glad you like John Harley Weston's music.

FILM SOUNDTRACK WORK:
This month John was contacted by a major US based film music production house who feed music to television and films including shows such as CSI, MTV and movies. Contracts have been signed and songs have already been submitted to a movie. Listen out for John's music on these and other top rating shows.

RADIO SESSION:
Listen to ABC Coast FM this Friday 6th October between 9pm-10pm. John Harley Weston interview and live acoustic performance. Live to air on Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast. Tune in online at http://abc.net.au/sunshine

A NEW SONG:
John is midway through a new solo album due for release late 2006 early 2007. Click on links below to hear soundbytes off the current album 'Hope Harbour' as well as a sneak preview of the forthcoming album. This includes the somewhat controversial song 'Righteous Son' about Van Nugyen the Australian who was hanged in Singapore last year for carrying drugs....a socially aware and moving song that ponders Van Nugyen's final thoughts. Musically the song is stripped bare to acoustic guitar and haunting choir......direct and disarming. Looks like the new album will be even more essential. Listen to soundbytes and songs including 'Righteous Son' at

http://www.myspace.com/johnharleyweston (full song) http://www.johnharleyweston.com/soundbytes.htm (bytes of several songs from forthcoming album including Righteous Son)

You can pre order a copy of the new album by emailing info@johnharleyweston.com

A CHANCE TO GET TRIPLE J AIRPLAY:
For a chance to get serious airplay on Australia's cutting edge station Triple J, please 'rate' John song 'Last Days Of Summer' at http://www.triplejunearthed.com/JohnHarleyWeston

TALKING ABOUT NEW SONGS - NEW SINGLE OUT NOW:
After fans of Frontier (John's old band in the UK) demanded new songs, John Harley Weston and BJ Cunningham decided to collaborate again. Frontier were signed to the huge Phonogram Records alongside Texas, Wet Wet Wet, Dire Straits and Robert Plant. After recording with the legendary Steeley Dan producer (Gary Katz) amongst others Frontier toured stadiums with Wet Wet Wet and Gun. What makes this interesting is that Weston is in Australia and Cunningham is in Scotland. The new 2006 music sounds great. As we mentioned in the last newsletter Frontier were recently placed no#89 in the UK myspace charts...not bad for a band that haven't even seen each other for 10 years. The third member of Frontier, bass player, Alan 'Bud' Greenwood has now been located so expect more tunes from 'Frontier'.

To hear a soundbyte of the new song 'Be Careful What You Wish For' go to http://www.myspace.com/thebandfrontier The song is available to buy as a CD single or as an mp3 download via iTunes.

ACOUSTIC IN THE PARK:
The inaugral event on Sun 10th September at the magical Southbank Piazza in Brisbane definitely had the feel of a huge festival in the making. John Harley Weston performed with his long time guitarist buddy Pete Devine and the crowd were in rapture......

PHOTO:
From ABC612 radio session live from the Ekka Royal Brisbane Show

GIGS: John Harley Weston supporting Aussie legend 'Swanee' Fri 13th Oct....all gig info here.

AUG 2006

ACOUSTIC IN THE PARK - SOUTHBANK, BRISBANE - SEPTEMBER:
Southbank Corporation in Brisbane are hosting the inaugral 'Acoustic In The Park'....to be held at Southbank on the Brisbane River on Sun 10/9, Sun 19/9, Sun 26/9. John Harley Weston will be performing at the opening gig on Sun 10th September. Time TBA - check out gigs closer to the time.

TRIPLE J UNEARTHED:
Australia's cutting edge radio station Triple J is running a brand new online comp for unsigned/independent acts. Have a look at the link below. Once you sign in you can 'rate' John Harley Weston's song 'Last Days Of Summer'. The more ratings/reviews the more chance of hearing it on Triple J. Sadly for us penniless musicians we have to give the song away as a free download so here's your chance to get a copy of the song that won the Australian National Songwriting Contest 2005 (rock category) absolutely free. (For a short time only)

http://www.triplejunearthed.com/JohnHarleyWeston

MYSPACE - CHART SUCCESS:
Here's an interesting thing - John's old band in Scotland 'Frontier' are number 89 in the top artists charts in the UK on myspace.com There are currently thousands of bands on myspace from the UK. Not bad for a band that hasn't played together for 10 years. Check it out - click here. Frontier were signed to the huge Mercury Records (London) and recorded some great music with some big producers. A couple of singles were released but the album is still unreleased. The boys still own their publishing - wey hey! $$$! Due to thousands of fan requests John has recently been collaborating again with BJ Cunningham the Frontier guitarist and a new song 'Be Careful What You Wish For' will soon will available on myspace. Have a listen to some of the old stuff in the meantime - that late 80's early 90's rock is 'IT' right now. Don't forget to become a 'friend' while you're there so we can let you know when the new song is available. For future reference here's the Frontier site http://www.myspace.com/thebandfrontier

MORE MYSPACE:
We've just revamped John's myspace site - check it out http://www.myspace.com/johnharleyweston

AUG/SEPT GIGS: click here

PUBLIC REVOLUTION:
The coolest Australian based website for independent music - some amazing unsigned acts out there. John Harley Weston is currently being played on Public Revolution radio - top right of main page - flick through to track 14. You can also download mp3s from this site http://www.publicrevolution.com

RAW AUDIO:
Music lovers and bands should check out Raw Audio. Podcasting great independent music and video http://www.rawaudio.com.au

JULY 2006

Just can't stop the music.....

MORE AWARDS FOR JOHN HARLEY WESTON'S FIRST SOLO ALBUM 'HOPE HARBOUR':

While the winner of the current Australian National Songwriting contest is hard at work on new songs for another album the accolades keep pouring in for songs off his current album 'Hope Harbour'.....this time from the judges of Unisong International Songwriting Contest who gave birth to songwriters Burt Bacharach, Jimmy Buffet, Stewart Copeland, Mick Fleetwood, Indigo Girls, Glady's Knight, Peter Frampton, Lisa Loeb, Bonnie Raitt, Don Was and well, I'm sure you get the picture.....

John scored in the top 20.....no easy contest. The name Unisong may not mean much to some of you but this competition is run by serious songwriting professionals and judged by the likes of Desmond Child (Jimmy Barnes, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, Cher, Kiss, Robbie Williams, Hall and Oates, Ricky Martin, Kelly Clarkson) and Dianne Warren (Elton John, Tina Turner, Streisand, Aretha Franklin, Mary J Blige, Christine Aguilera).

John scored in the top 20 rock category with 'Last Days Of Summer' and also got a high honourable mention (top 15%) for 'Brothers And Sisters' in same category. Both songs on John's album 'Hope Harbour' which you can buy from here.

Make no mistake - when you're consistently getting national AND international songwriting awards you're doing something right. Seems the overseas market are really taking notice of John Harley Weston. Who's going to be the first major publisher/record company to put an offer on the table.....we'll let you know.

To recap on recent achievements - from 2005 to 2006

Winner current Australian National Songwriting Contest 2005 (rock)
Highest level Honourable Mention - Billboard World Songwriting Contst 2006
Top 20 - current Unisong World Songwriting Contest 2005.
Endorsement deals with Takamine Guitars and D'Addario Strings.
Voted in top 5 best vocalists in the independent music world by Dale Kawashima a heavy-weight U.S. Music Publisher who has handled the catelogues of major recording stars. (Sony ATV, Giant, Mercury).

Then of course there's the national and international press, radio play, record sales and digital downloads.....thank you to everyone who has contributed to our success so far.

RADIO: If you are a radio station or operate a podcast and would like to play these award winning songs please contact us.

PAUL RODGERS/FREE/BAD COMPANY - the fan website allrightnow.com
After reading a review that likened John Harley Weston to Paul Rodgers (who recently fronted 'Queen') the coordinator of Paul Rodgers fan website in the USA has just run a feature link to help promote John's album 'Hope Harbour'. Check out http://www.arnnewsheadlines.com/july.htm

GIGS - see Ric's Bar Brisbane gig Sun 13/8 - and more. Click here.

THE DIGITAL EXPLOSION:
John's album 'Hope Harbour' is now available to over 2400 physical CD stores in America and worldwide.

www.cdbaby.com is a website based in the USA. Independent artists send them a few copies and they sell our CDs to cdbaby customers. But it's much bigger than that. They not only sell hard copies of John Harley Weston's album Hope Harbour to people who order from cdbaby online, they have also distributed it digitally to the likes of iTunes and loads of other digital download sites. In addition to this you can now order a hard copy of the album at thousands of over the counter retailers in 24 countries through their unique Super D One Stop ordering process www.sdcd.com

APPLE iTUNES
Here's the direct link where you can buy 'Hope Harbour' songs/album on iTunes

ONLINE PUBLIC REVOLUTION:
A new revolution for music lovers. Australian based independent music sales on line. These guys are awesome. Check out John Harley Weston's page. Public Revolution.

MAY 2006

It just gets better and better....

BILLBOARD WORLD SONGWRITING CONTEST:
John Harley Weston's song, the humanitarian lament, 'Brothers & Sisters' has just received a top category Honorable Mention in the 13th Annual Billboard World Songwriting Contest. That's huge!

As if that's not enough 'Last Days of Summer' (the song that John won the current Australian National Songwriting Contest - rock category - with) received an Honourable Mention too. That's another nod of approval this time from overseas songwriting judges. Just goes to show that our Australian judges know what they're talking about.

The Billboard certificates received today recognise that this is a very high achievement for such a contest considering the quality of this year's entries and shows that John Harley Weston is writing at the highest level.

Wait until they hear the songs off the next album..... (it's under way)

We need more radio support for our winning songwriters so if you are a radio station why not give 'Brothers and Sisters' or 'Last Days of Summer' a spin right now or schedule them for your play list. 'Brothers and Sisters' was produced by Sandy Jones and Graham Duffin (Wet Wet Wet). 'Last Days Of Summer' was co-written with U.S. based drummer Tony Beard (Hall and Oates, Go West, Paul McCartney) and produced by Sandy Jones (Wet Wet Wet).

Both songs are featured on John's current album 'Hope Harbour'. To buy a copy click here or download from iTunes.

SONGWRITING :
It's a whisper at the moment but a handful of John's songs are in the hands of a very well known Australian performer who is currently in pre-production on a new album. At the performer's request John's songs are being pitched alongside works by the Finn Brothers (Crowded House), Don Walker (Cold Chisel) and other noted writers. We'll let you know the outcome.

MYSPACE.COM
If you are on myspace.com you can now talk to John at http://www.myspace.com/johnharleyweston

At myspace you can also view a video of John's Channel 9 television interview. The video features an impromptu jam with legendary Aussie singer John 'Swanee' Swan and acclaimed Canadian slide guitarist Kirk Lorange.

FRONTIER:
Frontier was John's old band in the UK signed to Phonogram Records. Many of you have asked if you can get a hold of Frontier CDs. Here's a link where you can buy 2 singles. 'Lonely Heart' is an original song written by the 3 Frontier writers (John Harley Weston, BJ Cunningham and Alan Greenwood) produced by the legendary Steeley Dan producer Gary Katz and 'The Sun Is Gonna Shine Again' was a cover of the old Graham Parker song produced by Texas producer Kenny McDonald. John's voice was a little higher then....must have been the tight jeans. Here's the link http://www.musicstack.com/search/frontier

John Harley Weston is endorsed by TAKAMINE guitars AND D'ADDARIO guitar strings.

See what the critics are saying - click on link on left of page.

APRIL 2006

Hi everyone - more great news

For gig info including great support slots to John 'Swanee' Swan and Future Native both this coming weekend 21st-23rd April click here.

ANOTHER ENDORSEMENT DEAL:
We would like to thank D'Addario guitar strings who are now endorsing John Harley Weston. D'Addario strings are used by the likes of Ben Harper, Keith Urban, David Gray, Sheryl Crow, Lenny Kravitz, The Offspring....

You may remember in our January newsletter that John also scored a prestigious Takamine Guitars endorsement putting his name alongside artists such as Jon Bon Bovi, Springsteen, Troy Cassar-Daley, Linkin Park, Simple Plan, Eagles, Garth Brooks.

Difficult to obtain, endorsement deals not only help artists financially but they are a serious nod of approval from the big hitters in the music industry.

CO-WRITING:
John has rekindled a writing collaboration with BJ Cunningham (UK guitarist from John's old band 'Frontier' who were signed to Phongram Records UK). And I've got to tell you - the creative sparks are flying. In the years since John and BJ last worked together BJ has been involved in post production on some big projects with the likes of Robbie Williams, Oasis, Madonna, U2. BJ Cunningham's website is http://www.cunninghamsongs.com For those who are interested there is a very early Frontier video (1992) featured at http://www.myspace.com/thebandfrontier. A song produced by the great Gary Katz (Steeley Dan). Video directed by an Australian, Warren Manelly. For musicians; BJ also runs the website http://www.audioandrecording.com where you can get some great recording tips used by top producers.

IT'S EASIER THAN EVER TO BUY A COPY OF THE ALBUM HOPE HARBOUR:
Buying a copy of 'Hope Harbour' from John Harley Weston just got easier. On this website we now offer 2 payment methods - '2Checkout' and 'Paypal'. '2Checkout' takes about 2 minutes. It's just as easy as buying from a major online store. 'Paypal' is generally for those people who have a Paypal account or want to set one up. Remember 'Hope Harbour' contains the song 'Last Days Of Summer' which won the Australian National Songwriting Contest 2005. (A little piece of Australian history). You can also download the album from the likes of iTunes or Wal Mart from as little as 88 cents a song. For more details click here.

Check out http://www.publicrevolution.com a new revolution in independent music sales and artist info. John is a featured artist at the moment. It's free to sign up and these guys know what they are doing http://www.publicrevolution.com/johnharleyweston

INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING CONTEST UPDATE:
Two of John's songs scored high in the notoriously difficult International Songwriting Contest. We got through to the 2nd round with 'Last Days Of Summer' (the song that won the Australian National Songwriting Contest) and made it into the 3rd round with 'Brothers and Sisters'. There's no disputing the fact that these songs are awesome. (Would someone tell commercial radio. It seems that without the muscle of a major record label behind you it's damn near impossible to get serious radio play....but with your help we can do it...see below).

BILLBOARD SONGWRITING CONTEST:
We're waiting to hear the results.

A NEW BOOK:
A good friend of mine in the film industry has just written a new book. The book is called 'The Assistant' by J.D. Forbes. It's an action thriller. JD has years of film making experience so I'm sure the book will be a best seller. At the moment you can get it at Dymocks at Pacific Fair, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. I'll add a link as soon as I have one.

RADIO PLAY:
Thanks to you guys and my PR team we've been getting some great radio play but it would be great to keep the rock rolling as they say. Make a radio play request for a song from 'Hope Harbour'. Perhaps 'Brothers and Sisters' or 'Beautiful Day In The City'. Here are a few Australian radio station numbers:

VEGA FM - MELBOURNE
Net request at http://www.vega915.com.au/music/netrequest.aspx
Tel: 132510 or Reception: 03 9425 2915
SMS: 19955915

VEGA FM - SYDNEY
Net request at http://www.vega953.com.au/music/netrequest.aspx
Tel: 132510 or Reception: 02 8569 7953
SMS 19955953

4ZZZ - 07 3252 1555
4KQ - 07 3394 0693
ABC COAST FM - 07 5595 2900 (Gold Coast)
ABC COAST FM - 07 3377 5222 (Brisbane)
ABC 612 - 07 3377 5222
B105 Brisbane - 07 3837 1053
BAY FM - 07 3821 0022
FBI- 02 8332 2900 -
HOPE ISLAND RADIO, Gold Coast - 07 5577 9999
HOT TOMATO, Gold Coast - 07 5571 1029/5519 2200
NOVA FM, national - 1339693
Radio National - TBA
RRRR - 03 9419 2066
SAFM - 08 9380 3380
SEA FM - national 07 5591 5000/1902 220 330
TRIPLE J - national 1800 055 536 or make a Super Request on the net http://www.triplej.abc.net.au/requests/
TRIPLE M - http://www.mrock.com.au OR
TRIPLE M - brisbane/national 07 3361 0104/02 9367 1000

JANUARY 2006

Before I start with the music nonsense I’d like to stop for a second…..

When you get to my age you don’t really have ‘fans’ as such. You have people that really like your music. I met John & Sue Williams from Canungra, Queensland (originally from England) when I was playing at Brunelli’s on Tamborine Mountain last year – they came to see me play on several occasions and we just clicked, we had things in common being from the ‘auld country’. Sadly I was told the other night that Sue was one of the 5 who died in the free fall aircraft accident on 2nd January 2006. An effervescent personality that this world is colder without. My thoughts are with you John and your family, extended family and friends.

Music news..........

INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING CONTEST: News from the U.S.A received today - two of John Harley Weston's songs 'Last Days Of Summer' and 'Brothers And Sisters' (off John's current album 'Hope Harbour') just advanced onto the second round of judging for the 2005 INTERNATIONAL SONGWRITING CONTEST. Well known for being difficult to crack, the comp, based in Nashville, has over 15,000 entries from all over the world. Judges include artists such as Tom Waits, Macy Gray, Joss Stone and industry pros from every major record label and publishing company. As most of you already know John won the Australian National Songwriting Contest 2005 (rock category) with his song 'Last Days Of Summer'. To receive another accolade from an international songwriting body is a great achievement. Final winners announced end March. http://www.songwritingcompetition.com

TAKAMINE GUITARS: We are proud to announce that John has just secured an endorsement deal with Takamine Guitars. Other world-class artists who have endorsement deals with Takamine include Jon Bon Bovi, Springsteen, Troy Cassar-Daley, Linkin Park, Simple Plan, Eagles, Garth Brooks. Thank you Takamine - your guitars are inspirational - especially their new Cool Tube Guitars - guitarists have a look at this http://www.takamine.com

MAJOR RADIO PLAYLIST ROTATION: More great news... 'Last Days Of Summer' has just been added to the playlist at Vega 91.5 Melbourne and Vega 95.3 Sydney. Vega is part of huge DMG Radio group. Playlist inclusion at a major commercial station means your song gets played a couple of times a day for a given period. It's a hard slog for an independent artist to get included on any major radio stations playlists (even after winning the Aust Nat Songwriting Contest) so thanks again to all at Vega/DMG. Your support is sincerely appreciated.

Fans/friends - the amount of calls/requests Vega get will determine how long the song remains on the playlist. Please, please take the time to send a request for 'Last Days Of Summer' by calling the station(s) or sending a web request from their web page(s). Details below:

http://www.vega953.com.au
Tel: 132510
SMS 19955953
Reception: 02 8569 7953

http://www.vega915.com.au
Visit the site to make a net request
Tel: 132510
SMS: 19955915
Reception: 03 9425 2915

Don't stop calling your own favourite radio station to request 'Last Days Of Summer' - all the major stations have a copy of the album (Hope Harbour) and there's only a month and a half left of summer.

PRESS FEATURES: John will have a full feature in the next issue of the Australian Songwriters Association magazine. For those of you who don't know John is currently featured in Rolling Stone owned 'Australian Guitar' magazine. Look out for an upcoming feature article in The Gold Coast Bulletin's new Paradise magazine.

OCTOBER 2005

JHW has just been voted one of the top 5 vocalists in the world at http://www.singeruniverse.com contest (Nov 2005)

JHW is now receiving airplay at http://www.radiocrystalblue.com a hot internet radio station based in Brooklyn New York. More stations to follow.

Watch out for article in the prestigious Australian Guitar Magazine - November or December issue.

The big online distributors have come to the party. You can now download John's music - single songs or entire album from US$0.99c per song (BARGAIN!) from distributors such as Apple itunes - full list of online distributors click here

CHANNEL 9 TELEVISION INTERVIEW NOW VIEWABLE ONLINE:
The following link will take you to John Harley Weston's Broadjam webpage where you can view a short television interview. As well as highlighting John's recent achievements the video features an impromptu jam with legendary Aussie singer John 'Swanee' Swan and acclaimed Canadian slide guitarist Kirk Lorange. It also focusses on the song John Harley Weston wrote for the Brisbane Lions AFL team. Follow link below then click on 'video'.
http://www.broadjam.com/artists/artistindex.asp?artistID=19703

I'm starting to write new songs for my second independent album. It may take some time....it may take some time as I have a 4 year old who wants to learn guitar and piano - at the same time as eating a peanut butter sandwich.

More October news to follow....

SEPTEMBER 2005

My thoughts are with the people of New Orleans and surrounding areas. And with the good people who are helping those who have suffered greatly to begin the recovery process. Daily news coverage of such a catastrophe reminds us of all the people in this world who are desperate need of help in one way or another. From the comfort of our own armchairs we can make a difference to those less fortunate.

AUGUST 2005

I trust you are all well and living life to the full.

It's been a few weeks since we spoke. I've been really busy over the past couple of months. Had my mum and dad here in Australia for 6 weeks which was brilliant. My little girl Mackenzie is almost 4 years old and it was great to have her gran and grandpa there every morning at 5am to let mum and dad sleep in. Grandpa is a bit peeved that he's now back in Scotland and has had to forego the hammock under the purple foliage of the Jacaranda tree for his old armchair in front of the telly back in Scotland. And Gran, who is now a master playdoh sculptor, only just managed to hold herself together at the airport on the way home. I'll definitely have to get back to Scotland over the next couple of years to catch up with some people or I'll be exiled forever.

Talk about busy - I've also been working on a movie here in Australia currently titled 'Voodoo Lagoon'. It's by British writer/director Nick Cohen. I can't give you specifics about the movie due to contractual obligations but it's been a blast. One of the actors has co-written music with Robbie Williams, Hilary Duff, Rob Thomas. I sometimes work in the Film Industry as an Art Department Coordinator which is incredibly exciting but frantic. It's a great way to meet producers and film music supervisors and working in the Art Department allows some of the creative flair to burn off. We've had some great sets, flash cars, planes, boats, tall ships and an awesome cast of actors. The movie is just about to wrap and for the next few months I'll be concentrating on writing/recording a new album. I've got some great songs in the bag already.

While I've been moonlighting in the Film Industry, my website gurus at www.citrusgreen.com have been giving my website a fresh new look. It's just finished and I've got to say I totally love the new look. (Thanks to Gordon Higgins and Alistair Higgins at Citrus Green).

I've been gigging a fair bit too. I recently opened an art exhibition by award winning Gold Coast based Polish artist/photographer Marek Coowatch http://www.widervue.com/ The Gold Coast Mayor was there and I have to tell you, my mum, who I took along to the exhibition since she was here in Oz on holiday, was so impressed to be chatting to a real live mayor. Glass of wine in hand she was like a swan on a golden pond.

Record sales are soaring thanks to you all. Getting radio play is another story though. If you have a spare minute let your fingers do the talking and phone/email your favourite radio station to tell them you want to hear a track from Hope Harbour by John Harley Weston. Same goes for music festivals in Australia and overseas.