SEPTEMBER 2008

Some brilliant news this month - national TV airplay, Foxtel & Austar digital radio play, an official nomination for a prestigious Gold Coast Honours Award, a digital single via BP Records, a free mobile phone ringtone and more.

GOLD COAST HONOURS AWARDS
John Harley Weston has just been nominated for a prestigious Gold Coast Honours Award by readers of the Gold Coast Bulletin newspaper. (There are half a million people on the Gold Coast of Australia). The awards, now in their 6th year, recognise those who inspire the community with creative spirit, courage, sense of community and passion in their chosen field. The awards night is on 24th September at Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort. John says, ‘I’m humbled to be nominated for a Gold Coast Honours Award. It’s great to be able to spread the word to other musicians that hard work along with support for organisations like Cancer Council Queensland or Amnesty International can physically help people and inspire others to do more and be better. I like to think that realists just live in the world but idealists create the better parts of the world we live in’.

SATELLITE MUSIC AUSTRALIA
Next time you’re walking through a major shopping centre or flicking through radio stations on Foxtel or Austar Pay TV you’ll hear John Harley Weston’s music. Several songs from the new album have just been added across their Homegrown radio channel, as well as a few select picks going into their Hot Contemporary and Special Events channels. This is a serious result for an independent artist to be included on these stations. Satellite Music Australia (a division of Fairfax Media) has the largest digital music database in the southern hemisphere. Their playlists are also used by major retailers, hospitality and businesses like Novotel, Ibis and Mercure Hotels, Dan Murphy’s, Coles Supermarket, Officeworks, Freedom Furniture, Spotlight etc.

OLYMPIC THANK YOU TO CHANNEL 7 TELEVISION & FANS
Many thanks to Channel 7 Television for including two John Harley Weston songs on their Beijing Olympics playlist. (Waltzing Matilda and Believe In Yourself). Having this kind of support is proof that John’s music is up there with the best of them, striking a chord with millions of real people.

And a very big thank you to fans who have already bought John’s version of ‘Waltzing Matilda’ via iTunes. Being a supporter of The Olympics and Human Rights all proceeds during the Games went to Amnesty International.

NEW SINGLES via BP RECORDS:
Both songs chosen by Channel 7 (Waltzing Matilda and Believe In Yourself) will be released as digital singles via BP Records.....details to follow shortly.

FREE MOBILE PHONE RINGTONE
To say thanks for your support so far here’s a free John Harley Weston mobile phone ringtone for you and anyone you know. It’s pretty cool...it says, ‘What do you want....what do you want from me?' Click here

SONGWRITING ACCOLADES:
The consistency of great songwriting across John’s new album 'Welcome Back To Reality' is becoming apparent; three songs 'Whatever Makes You Happy, Welcome Back To Reality' and What Do You Want From Me' made it through to the in the Semi Finals of the UK Songwriting Contest (2008). Nine songs made it through to the 2nd round of the Australian National Songwriting Contest (2008) and two songs, ‘Believe In Yourself’ & ‘Let Your Life Begin’ received highest level and honourable mentions respectively from Billboard World Songwriting Contest (2007).

If you haven’t already bought it, heard it, reviewed it or played it on your radio station listen here.

TAKAMINE & D’ADDARIO
John Harley Weston is already endorsed by the great Takamine Guitars and D’Addario guitar strings. We’d like to thank both companies for adding John’s profile to their websites.

http://www.takamine.com/artists/bio/john_harley_weston
http://www.daddario.com/DaddarioArtistDetails.Page?ActiveID=2049&ArtistId=17598

ATTENTION EVERYONE
If you have friends, family or media who may be interested in this email please forward it to them.

GIGS:
Sat 11th October
12 noon
Marina Shopping Centre
Hope Island, Gold Coast
Courtyard area

More gigs here

AUGUST 2008 (Take Waltzing Matilda to iTunes Gold during the Olympics)

From reading the late July news below you may already know, two of John Harley Weston's songs have been chosen by Channel 7 Television for their Beijing Olympics Playlist. That’s brilliant news for this hard working artist!

One of the songs is the Australian classic ‘Waltzing Matilda’ which is already receiving great reviews and been playlisted by several stations around the world. So we are officially releasing it as a single today 8th August 2008. But this is not just about John Harley Weston........it’s much bigger than that.

John says, ‘Now that my music is on the Olympic podium I’m putting my money where my mouth is. I support the Olympics and Human Rights and believe the spotlight on Beijing can only be positive – the world is watching. All proceeds made from iTunes downloads of my version of Waltzing Matilda during the Olympics will go to Amnesty International. They work tirelessly to protect Human Rights around the world. For fans - this is your chance to make a small donation toward a better world and fire up the music industry at the same time. Why? Because we only need about 5000 downloads (at $1.69 each) through iTunes online Australia Store to get in the top 10 national ARIA Digital Charts’.

To make it happen we need you to email everyone you know.....absolutely everyone....start the wave today!

The direct iTunes link ishttp://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?i=281408516&id=281408202&s=143460

Or if you are in iTunes just do a search for ‘Welcome Back To Reality’ by John Harley Weston and you’ll find ‘Waltzing Matilda’.

For the chart position to be recognised by Australia's ARIA charts your download must be from iTunes Australian Store and you have to live in Australia to do that. If you live outside Oz don’t worry you can still buy it.......maybe we’ll top the charts in your country too.

If you don’t have Apple iTunes application on your computer download it free here http://www.apple.com/itunes/download

Listen to BBC Radio Scotland (presenter Iain Anderson) playing John Harley Weston's vesion of Waltzing Matilda here.

LATE JULY 2008

OLYMPIC LEAP FOR SINGER-SONGWRITER JOHN HARLEY WESTON
Channel 7 Television Network have chosen two John Harley Weston songs (‘Believe In Yourself’ and ‘Waltzing Matilda’) to add to their 2008 Beijing Olympics playlist. That’s huge! Statistics say 5 million Australians will watch the official broadcast on Channel 7. The games will also stream online at Yahoo7 and on mobile phones via Telstra BigPond. Both songs are on John’s new album ‘Welcome Back To Reality’. We’ve extended the $10 July special offer to include August so get your copy now and see why this major tv network is taking John Harley Weston to Olympic heights.

John’s doubled his trips to the gym just incase he gets called upon to stand in for a sprinter. Being originally from Glasgow, he’s had plenty of experience running through the rough parts of the city in the wee hours.

To all television/radio/press....many songs on John’s new album ‘Welcome Back To Reality’ are suitable for not only sporting coverage but lifestyle shows etc. They have positive lyrical content and broad musical appeal. Follow links at the bottom to listen and contact us. We’d love to hear from you.

GREAT REVIEW IN EUROPE:
John’s new album just had a great review by respected European online music mag and radio station ‘Rootstime’. (Belgium). The review is in Dutch so for a few days we weren’t sure whether it was good or bad. Now we know it’s brilliant cause lots of industry people in Europe are contacting us citing this review and asking for a copy of the album. Some of the words used in the review are ‘...would make Springsteen green with envy’ and of John’s version of the Aussie classic Waltzing Matilda, ‘Weston’s intimate translation has to be added to the gallery of the greatest'. 

To view full article as PDF click here 

To view all press articles and much more click here 

WESTON GETS A PIECE OF THE PYE
Hard work does pay off.......John Harley Weston is proud to announce that he’s just signed with BP Records in Australia. BP are a record label, digital music store, publishing house, web radio station and much more. They are a new breed of I.T. driven music industry specialists who’ve secured licensing deals with over 300 major companies including 20th Century Fox, ABC Network Australia, Columbia Tristar, Dreamworks, Coca Cola, Toyota etc. One of the more significant propositions they provide is placing their artists music in film and television. Let me tell you, as an independent artist this is near impossible to do no matter how good you are. It’s a non-exclusive deal so John is still free to sign to other labels.

More great news - after that brilliant review in the Belgian publication ‘Rootstime’ we are now talking to a European distributor that not only deliver CDs to stores but also book tours and deal with promotion in Europe. 

AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL SONGWITING CONTEST 2007
Just heard this week - John has 14 entries (9 songs in 6 categories) that have just gone through to the 2nd round of judging at the 2007 Australian National Songwriting Contest. More at http://www.asai.org.au

RADIO:
Our list of 20 plus radio stations playlisting songs off the new album is growing.....added this month:
BBC Radio Scotland 
Radio 2RDJ (Sydney, Australia)
Radio Ijsselmond (Netherlands)

For full list of stations with links to request John’s music click here and scroll down to radio. We’d love you to email every one of them.

GIGS:
Sat 2nd August
Marina Shopping Centre
Hope Island, Gold Coast
Courtyard area

Sun 10th August
The Artist Festival 
Parklands, Southport, Gold Coast, Australia
John Harley Weston performs Sun 10th August 2pm
This is a free, 3 day event held by Arts & CI Central
Includes music, art, sculpture, dance, theatre etc
http://www.theartist.net.au
http://www.artsandcicentral.com.au

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 tohttp://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 my soundbytes page.

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) Soundbytes (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 tohttp://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 sitehttp://www.myspace.com/thebandfrontier

MORE MYSPACE:
We've just revamped John's myspace site - check it outhttp://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 fromhere.

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 oniTunes

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 Paradise Magazine.hn's invitation to come along and sample some world class songs. Stories have appeared in The Gold Coast Bulletin, The Sunday Mail and will appear soon in Life Magazine, Tamborine Times, The GC Sun, Tweed Times and Daily News, The Gold Coast Music Ind Assoc newsletter...........there will be others. John is also talking to ABC Coast FM, B105, Hot Tomato, Sea FM, Triple J, 612..........the list is endless....keep your ears open.

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.

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....

JULY 2005

What? July already, you've got to be kidding me. I must be getting dementia. Wait a minute...that sounds familiar. I'm sure I've said that before.

Alright, starting to work on getting more radio. It's a slog but you can help. Phone your favourite station and request a song off the album 'Hope Harbour' by John Harley Weston. (for some radio station numbers click here then scroll to the bottom of the page.)

JUNE 2005

What? June already, you've got to be kidding me. I must be getting dementia.

My CH9 Brisbane 'Extra' TV interview which was a lot of fun was aired Mon 13/6in Brisbane and Thu 16/6 on the Gold Coast. Transcript avail athttp://www.extraonline.com.au/shows/classics.asp 
If the trasncript is no longer there you can see it on this website at 'what the critics say'.

The interview involved JHW having a hot little jam with John 'Swanee' Swan and acclaimed slide guitarist Kirk Lorange.

Thanks to Channel 9 TV (presenter Doug Murray) and the rest of the 'Extra' team Brisbane and Gold Coast.

In the battle for radio play - thanks also to Renee Peterson at Sea FM (Fat 30 and Oz Made radio presenter). Played ‘Last Days Of Summer' Thu 9/6 and will feature the track for a week over then next couple of weeks. Big thanks to Coast FM for their continued support too. Also to 101.1 FM community station at Logan and Beau FM radio station too for continued support.

The Hope Island Marina Shopping Centre gig I did on 12/6 was a hoot. The Birdman Festival involved a huge platform set up that reached over the water in to the marina. (Beautiful white cruisers and luxury yachts, thousands of people milling around). Then a couple of dozen total fruitloops (some in flames) strapped on wings of various descriptions and took a flying leap as far as they could from the platform in to the water to see how far they could fly. 'Those magnificent men (and women) in their flying machines' didn't go 'uptodiupup' they just went 'downtiridowndown' but we all had a great laugh. It was all in aid of charity and the winners were less fortunate children. Fantastic day!

What else? I'm totally busting a gut trying to get 'playlist' rotation on commercial radio. With your help we really can get more radio play.

If you like JHW's music why not call 
your local radio station and request a song from the new album Hope Harbour. Unless a radio station get requests from their listeners they generally don't take notice of independent artists nomatter how hard they work. By calling your local station you would help enormously. If they don't have a copy let me know.

Click here for some Australian radio station telephone numbers

MAY 2005

Check out the links below to see what the Scottish press are saying..........

http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/hi/news/5039352.html 
http://www.theherald.co.uk/features/38908.html 

JHW GETS A VOTE FROM THE GOLD COAST MAYOR RON CLARKE

It's official, the Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke MBE is a serious supporter of original music and the arts. During a recent private performance at the Gold Coast Arts Centre the Gold Coast Mayor Ron Clarke gave songwriter John Harley Weston the keys to the city. (see photo) After winning the Australian National Songwriting Contest (rock category) with his song ‘Last Days Of Summer' off his current independent album ‘Hope Harbour' JHW was asked to perform at a welcoming reception for a visiting delegation from Ft lauderdale, USA, led by the Ft Lauderdale Mayor. Guests included a select few of the Gold Coast's movers and shakers including representatives from Film and TV, Music, Property Developers, Council members etc.

On Thursday 2/6 JHW will travel to Sydney to perform the winning song at Wests, Ashfield, in front of the who's who of the Australian Music Industry including none other than Molly Meldrum, ARIA and APRA representatives, music management companies, agents, promoters, record and publishing companies etc. ( see photos ) 

The 'keys to both cities' is actually a glass momento to commemorate the meeting of the 2 mayors. JHW was atypically stuck for words when the Mayor shook his hand and gave the key to him. After a lengthy pause he said to the Mayor, ‘Are you sure?' ‘Yes,' said Mayor Ron Clarke, ‘you deserve it.' In his broad Glasweigan accent JHW turned to his sound engineer and said, ‘ Oh no, wait ‘til my mammy sees this, she's going to think we're royalty now'. Weston performed all tracks from his current album Hope Harbour.

After winning the Australian National Songwriting Contest 2005 (rock category encompassing rock/metal/indie) Rave Magazine Australia asked JHW to write a couple of hundred words on how to write a great song. The article is in Rave Magazine issue dated Tue 17/5.

John Harley Weston has just been officially notified that he is the winner of the prestigious 2005 Australian National Songwriting Contest - rock category. (Encompasses rock/metal/indie). The song is 'Last Days Of Summer' and is featured on John's independent album 'Hope Harbour'. (listen to soundbyte) ( buy now ).

Another song of JHW's 'Brothers And Sisters' is currently being featured on Triple J's Unearthed (serious Aussie rock radio station) online. Follow this linkhttp://www.abc.net.au/triplej/unearthed/bands/7295.htm

APRIL 2005

See what Christie Eliezer (one of the biggest voices in Australian Music journalism) says about JHW in his column - scroll down about half way once you get there - title of piece is 'Weston's Swan Song'. http://www.themusic.com.au/im_m/eliezer.php

John's album is now stocked by the huge American CD retailer cdbaby.com and the album will very soon go live to all the big digital download companies like Apple iTunes etc. If you already have the album and love it feel free to go to cdbaby.com's website link below and go to the bottom of that page where you can personally review the album. It will help to raise awareness worldwide. Click on http://www.cdbaby.com/jhweston

Wait til you hear this - John was talking to a friend of his in Wet Wet Wet's office in Glasgow (that's one of the biggest groups in Europe incase you've been sleeping for the last 20 years). He did a very big tour with the Wets in the 90's. Anyway his friend said that John's old band Frontier had been mentioned on the Wets forum so he posted a little message 'Frontier singer says hello'. WOW! You guessed it - John's been run off my feet answering emails, postings on the Wets forum and selling his album 'Hope Harbour' like hot cakes. They are such awesome fans. John now have a link on the Wets fan site and the fans think two of his songs 'How Does It Feel' and 'Can't Buy Love' should be covered by the Wets.

To see what the Wets fans are saying about John Harley Weston's songs go tohttp://www.wetwetwet.co.uk then click on 'forum' and then 'Wet Wet Wet Chat' and you'll see the posting 'Frontier singer says hello'.

The Wet Wet Wet fan websites (operated by a wonderful woman called Debbie) are located at

http://www.thewets.com and http://www.pellowtalk.com

HOT OFF THE PRESS - the song 'Last Days Of Summer' off John's album 'Hope Harbour' has made it through to the 2nd round of the Australian National Songwriting Contest - Rock category. (Competition run by the Australian Songwriters Association)

I've done a terrible thing. When I sell CDs at gigs I usually always make a point of getting email addresses from people buying my CD. You get a wee piece of me to take home and I get a piece of you to take home. It's not that really, as an independent musician it's crucial to build up a list of CD buyers/fans so that you can bombard them with spam, sorry, I mean, so that you can keep in touch with them (not too often), let them know where your gigging, when you're on the radio or when you have a new release. If you haven't given me your email address please contact me on info@johnharleyweston.com or join the mailing list from the home page. I'm really interested to hear what you think of the album and who you are.

Here's a weird and wonderful music story for you - my neighbour came over the other day to say 'hey we finally sold the house, oh and by the way guess who your neighbour's gonna be? The singer, John Swann - Jimmy Barnes' half brother'. So I'm thinking to myself, oh that's good I'll go and say hello when they move in. Anyway, 2 days later I'm doing a gig at the Marina Shopping Village Hope Island Food and Wine Festival and I'm singing 'If I Were ACarpenter' (wish I was), written by Tim Hardin and a song that John Swann covered and had a hit with several years ago. Anyway, out of the corner of my eye as I'm giving it some soulful rock I can see this big bloke standing beside me on a mobile phone, looking a bit anxious. When I finish the song he hands me his phone and says - here, it's John Swann, wants to say hello. So I took the phone and said 'well you think that's weird Swannie.....wait to you hear this one.....you've just bought the house next door to me'. He said 'oh my god, I better come down and say hello then' and he did just that. The coincidences don't stop there - I'm pretty sure Swannie's from Glasgow too. I've never put any real credence in fate before but it seems our paths are definitely meant to cross. Maybe we'll do some co-writing or something.............................you just never know.

MARCH 2005

I've applied to play at Rapid Festival in Brisbane in June and I'm planning an original songs only Brisbane gig at the end of June. Would love to see you there. I'm hoping the gig will be at the Troubadour, Brunswick St, Fortitude Valley. Will let you know when dates are confirmed and where tickets can be purchased.

Thanks for all your emails saying you enjoyed the ABC Coast FM acoustic session/interview I did on Mon 7th March. (Thanks to Martin Powley - ABC presenter). Yes and it is working - keep calling radio stations requesting a song from the album 'Hope Harbour'.

The album launch for Beau FM's compilation album 'Our Backyard' showcasing Beaudesertshire artists was an awesome event. The album features a JHW track called Last Days Of Summer. The sound on the night was perfect, the audience was keen and the acts (14 of them) showed everyone that Beaudesert is alive and very well stocked with original talent. The album is now being distributed to over 300 community radio stations Australia-wide.

You can see jpegs from this concert at 
http://www.neighbourhoodnews.com.au/

FEBRUARY 2005

Getting ready for the Beau FM compilation CD launch Sat 26/2 at Beaudesert Community Sports Club. See gigs/events. 14 artists performing.

I'm looking at putting on a gig in Brisbane soon and would like to know if you are interested in coming along. (Original material, acoustic, intimate). Please email me at info@johnharleyweston.com and I'll make sure you know about the gig and have tickets prior to the event.

To the couple who travelled from Brisbane to see me perform last Sat 12/2 at Hope Island Marina Shopping Cnetre. Hope to catch you again soon at another gig in Brisbane or the coast.

JANUARY 2005

Tune in to ABC612 at 10am, Sat 29th January - JHW will be doing an interview and performing a track from Hope Harbour 'Beautiful Day In The City' live on air. (Warren Boland - ABC presenter). This is the second ABC session JHW's done. Also did session in 2004 for Coast FM. If you want to hear it call ABC radio.

The Australia Day (26th January) Tsunami Benefit Concert at Vonda Youngman Community Centre on Tamborine Mountain organised by the vivacious Bronwyn Davis raise a whopping $11,000. It was a full day of activities starting with a cricket match then races, trivia comps, fashion show and wound up with a fabulous concert in the evening featuring musicians, singers, songwriters, dancers. The line up included JHW, Christian Zwaart, The Notties, Cud, The Wards, eagles Nest Singers, Aint Misbehaving, Barbed Wire, The Evolution Choir - all highlighting the diversity of artists on the mountain from rock to classical to jazz, to world music and theatre. The evening also catered for all religious faiths e.g. Buddhist, Bahai, Christian and the evening finished with a World Dance Party.

On the same day (Australia Day) JHW played at St Bernards Hotel (currently being refurbished) on the mountain beginning what will become a longterm residency at the venue.

JHW is in negotiations with a Singapore Record Company re a distribution deal for 'Hope Harbour' ......more info to follow.

Unprecedented calls from the public after live performance and interview at Beau FM.

Desperately trying to get radio to play tracks from the album Hope harbour - please call your radio station and request a song. If they don't have the album email me and I'll send them one. Most of the stations have it.

Featuring a track (Last Days Of Summer) from JHW's album the 'Our Backyard' compilation album being distributed to over 350 radio stations nationwide this month featuring Beaudesertshire musicians is sure to create some awareness. Let me know if you hear it getting played.............................................

DECEMBER 2004

Listen out for 'Last Days Of Summer' being played on radio stations around the country. the song appears on the compilation album 'Our Backyard' - more details see November news below.

NOVEMBER 2004

Just confirmed - Sat 26th February at Beaudesert Community Sports Club. Album Launch - charity event for release of compilation album 'Our Backyard' in conjuction with Beau FM radio station and AMRAP. The album features one of JHW's songs 'Last Days Of Summer' which also appears on John's album Hope Harbour. The other tracks feature several Beaudesertshire acts. The compilation album is being distributed to over 340 radio stations nationwide at the end of 2004 as a palatable appetiser promoting Beaudesertshire musicians.

OCTOBER 2004

The album is now being stocked in ABC shops on the Gold Coast (Pacific Fair) and Brisbane (Myer Centre, Queen St Mall). This means no matter where you are in Australia you can order direct from your local ABC shop. From mid October 2004 the album will also be available to purchase from the ABC shop online http://shop.abc.net.au/

Thanks to everyone who has been calling their local radio station(s) requesting them to play a song from the album on air. Your phonecalls are making a difference. From a marketing point of view it takes a bit longer than resorting to streaking at the cricket but it does work eventually and I thank you for your support - I'll save the streaking for the second album. When you've had a hard day at work and want to vent a little why not release that frustration by calling your local station again and again to say, ' get this album Hope Harbour by John Harley Weston on your playlist'. (seriously folks - thanks). Click here for radio station telephone numbers.

Due to public demand the ABC radio session JHW recorded back in May 'The Set' was again aired on Sat 21/8 in the afternoon. If you're feeling all fuzzy inside call Coast FM to request a song from the album.....why not call all the radio stations. Your calls will help get this album on radio station's regular playlist. 

More great news - one of the songs off the album will be on a compilation CD being distributed to over 340 community radio stations Australia wide at the end of this year - the compilation is being produced by Beau FM (Beaudesert Community Radio) in conjunction with AMRAP (Aust Music Radio Airplay Project) and CBF (Community Broadcasting Foundation).

JUNE 2004

COMPETITION RESULTS - DRAWN 31/5/04 - Five lucky winners each received a free signed copy of the superb new album 'Hope Harbour' - they simpy signed in to the mailing list and won. (Winners are - Susan Walsh, Jane Willis, Harry Bolman, Robert Youseff & Libby Underwood).

The live ABC Coast FM (91.7 Gold Coast) acoustic session on Fri 28th May was awesome. Apparently there were incredibly high numbers of callers to the station after the session. Thanks very much for your support. By calling the station you will have really helped to create interest in my album and this is the only sure way an independent artist has a shot at getting on a radio station's playlist, selling some albums and gaining real momentum. Without fans spreading the word songwriters would remain very anonymous.

MAY 2004

Stories already run or running soon in the following publications: 

G C Bulletin (Go lift out) Thu 15/4 
Sunday Mail - Richie Yorke's column Sun 18/4 
Gold Coast Music Ind Assoc – Soundwaves (gig review) – 26/05 
GC Life magazine - Arts section – 13/05 
Gold Coast Mail (Tweed Times/Daily News) – 14/5 
Tamborine Times – 13/4, 6/5, June, July etc 
Rave magazine – April 27-May to 3rd June - album review 
Tsunami – 4/6 
Shire News - 18/8 
Gold Coast Music Industry Association online 'Artist of The Month' October 2004

The Australian - definitely doing a story/piece 
Billboard – definitely doing something 
Time Off - doing review soon 
GC Sun - should be in the next issue 
Scene - doing review soon 
Lots more......

RADIO UPDATE:

ABC Coast FM - acoustic performance/interview 'The Set' Fri 28/5 at 2:30pm. Also aired again in August 2004. 

ABC 612 - acoustic/interview – to be scheduled soon 

Costa Zouliou (Triple J) thought album was great - personally forwarded CD to Bill Riner and Warren Boland at 612 hence ABC612 session. 

Mary Lou Thorpe (ABC Coast FM M.D.) thought album was great - fwd to GC branch hence acoustic set at Coast FM 

Sea Fm - still chasing 

MMM – dealing with it now 

Oztrax (ABC online initiative) - got album - waiting in line 

B105 – Music Director loved it (raved about it). He said ‘I think your album‘s excellent, it's rootsy and bluesy, it's pop and it's rock AND you've got a great soulful voice. But……it's not quite Kylie enough for B105's format. I know it's not heavy music but I think you can cross over to Triple J and try all the ABC regional stations too. When there's more of a buzz about you we'll be forced to play you.' 

EH? WHAT? So let me get this right. I'm very slightly left of centre but just right of left. So I guess that means I'm either left out, right out or left right out. Come on - is there anybody in radio willing to help create some buzz for me? Come on – take a leap of faith. Be the one who breaks this artist not the one who follows after the fact. Stick me on your playlist now – you wont be disappointed. I'll give you back stage passes when I'm playing the Opera House……

Don't miss the boat - it's leaving soon. Get YOUR album now before your friends start saying 'have you heard of this guy John Harley Weston?' You can say convincingly 'oh yeah, I heard of him months ago - I've got his new album.'

The album launch went off spectacularly at The Robin Hood, Sanctuary Cove on Wed 21st April. A one hour all originals acoustic show was passionate and musically thirst quenching. The show also featured Gold Coast guitarist Pete Devine - a talented musician in his own right. The two muscians fed off each others hunger to be better than the rest, a well rehearsed yet edgy performance. Not the run of the mill. We're talking exciting new music here that is accessible to everyone.

The buzz around Sanctuary Cove that night was felt around the entire island - photographers, journalists and agents took up John's invitation to come along and sample some world class songs. Stories have appeared in The Gold Coast Bulletin, The Sunday Mail and will appear soon in Life Magazine, Tamborine Times, The GC Sun, Tweed Times and Daily News, The Gold Coast Music Ind Assoc newsletter...........there will be others. John is also talking to ABC Coast FM, B105, Hot Tomato, Sea FM, Triple J, 612..........the list is endless....keep your ears open.

'Hope Harbour' features 13 well-crafted tracks professionally produced by Sandy Jones (Wet Wet Wet's engineer) and JHW. The songs are in a pop/rock genre but JHW is much more than a straight ahead rock singer - this man has soul. With elements of rock, pop, blues, soul and even country in his writing style and excellent vocal delivery John Harley Weston manages to blend many influences together and the outcome is marvelous. Think of the real pros like Springsteen, Mellencamp, Paul Kelly, David Gray, Paul Weller, Lyle Lovett..........John Harley Weston is another name to add to that list. You can just tell there's a lot more to come too...............

John is currently talking to several agents about tour supports to suitable touring acts. So look out you could see him soon on a big stage near you. If you are an interested agent please contact John.

The reason for not releasing the album earlier this year is due to film soundtrack work that John had been waiting to finalise. On Christmas Eve 2003 one of JHW's songs was confirmed for use in the $25m U.S./Australian production of Salem's Lot shot in Melbourne. A Big budget Mini Series starring Rob Lowe, Donald Sutherland, Rutger Hauer and Rebecca Gibney it was one of the biggest film productions shot in Oz in 2003 and a real scoop.

‘JHW says ‘I wanted to wait until the paperwork was finalised so I could tie the soundtrack thing with my album release – with a song in a movie starring well known actors I would probably get better media coverage for my album release'. After 3 months of waiting to finalise the contract John found out that during post production (editing) the network (Turner Network Television) had to cut 8 minutes due to time restrictions and unfortunately the song didn't make it on to the final cut. No fault of the song I might add (called ‘I Just Want To Be Loved By You' – a song about family communication and trying to come to terms with married life and parenthood).

The cutting room floor is a renowned battlefield knee deep in actors and musicians blood, sweat and tears – it's a daily occurrence to lose out at the finishing post but JHW took it on the chin especially since the cut was made for visual reasons. On the positive side, as they say, ‘where there's smoke there's fire'. John's work is now listed with all Film Music Supervisors and many film producers in Australia and overseas. There are several film projects in the pipeline and John also looks set to be involved in the soundtrack for a forthcoming UK sitcom.

JHW has also entered some songs in the International Songwriting Competition, The USA Songwriting Comp, Australian Songwriters National Songwriting Comp and has applied to perform at several music festivals in 2004 including Fretfest (October - Brisbane) and Rapid Festival (June - Brisbane)......stay tuned.

On Sat 6th March 2004 JHW and Pete Devine did a rip roaring acoustic set of originals at The Music Cafe. The regular professionally run community event featuring 6 Gold Coast acts each night is held at the Tallebudgera Valley Community Hall, Tallebudgera. Each act performs for around 20-30 minutes. After JHW's performance the event organiser extended an open invitation to come and play at The Music Cafe anytime.

The show included Alice Kelly (with her duo Token Soul). Shhh - here's a scoop - the surname should sound familiar - Alice is the niece of musical genius Paul Kelly and the sister of rising musical genius Dan Kelly. JHW has been given an open invitation to return to the Music Cafe so expect regular appearances....love that open space out there in the Tallebudgera Valley.

Tallebudgera Valley Community Centre (The Music Cafe venue) has become the focus of much of the best happening music on the Gold Coast with a number of Ken Jacob events & others going off there. It's a large venue, dance-floor area, tables, high-set & very large stage, surrounded by open space outside and ample car-parking. See you there. Catering by 'Food of Love'. $7 admission - what a bargain for so many acts and a great night out.

For info about the Music Cafe contact Phil Ruston 5527 3504/ 0404 604490 or email phil@ion.com.au to get on his Music Cafe mailing list.

Early 2004 JHW found out that he has made the shortlist of the APRA Professional Development Awards. (Prestigious music industry songwriter awards aimed at assisting Australian based songwriters financially to help them develop and exploit their talent at home and abroad). In March 2004 the winners were announced. Although JHW was not one of the chosen finalists (only 6 in the country) just making the shortlist is an achievement in itself. You've got to be in it to win it as they say. There's always next year...