Benz World Blog » Soul

Roshani Everett

Jason Benz — Fri, 03 Nov 2023 12:19:13 +0000

This is multi-instrumentalist Roshani opening the Delta stage on the first day of Bluesfest 2022. The level of energy and excitement from artists and audience at that first post-covid festival was beyond anything I have seen before, and that includes a dozen Glastonbury festivals.

I am cautious using the word “talent” when describing musicians, as it ignores the hard work they put in. Roshani has a rich, powerful, soulful voice which could be the star of any band, but her talents don’t end there.

While travelling and living in her van she developed a one woman show with the creative use of loop pedals and various music tech. Roshani is the modern version of a one-woman band. (image download here)

Roshani will return one last time for the final Byron Bay Bluesfest in Easter 2025. Tickets are available via the Bluesfest Website.

UPDATE: In 2026 Bluesfest will be the last in a line of major festivals closed from increasing headwinds. This began before covid, with the previous state government’s legislative “war on festivals“. The new government risks letting this trend continue through inaction. However, you can change this. If 20,000 signatures are received, the NSW Parliament must debate Bluesfest’s future. #savebluesfest if you live in the state Sign up here. For everyone else, there is an international petition on change.org Sign up here.

UPDATE: Due to the success of Bluesfest 2025, its future has been confirmed. Roshani will return to the festival in 2026. Tickets are available via the Bluesfest Website.

Byron Bay Bluesfest 2026
1st artist reveal

Paul Janeway

Jason Benz — Sun, 23 Apr 2017 23:06:26 +0000

This is St Paul and the Broken Bones on the Crossroads stage at Bluesfest 2017. Lead singer Paul Janeway is a force of nature. His passionate performance of authentic southern soul led a band with a massive groove factor.

UPDATE: St Paul will be back at the 30th Bluesfest in 2019. It is guaranteed to be a great show.

UPDATE: The band will return to the festival in 2023, tickets are available via the Bluesfest Website. A few days after the Easter festival they have shows in Melbourne and Sydney, tickets from Bluesfest Touring

This image is available for download here.

The Bamboos

Jason Benz — Mon, 30 May 2016 14:29:07 +0000

This is Kylie Auldist singing with Melbourne based Soul Funk band The Bamboos at the 2016 Blues on Broadbeach music festival. If you want to get your groove on, I highly recommend you check them out.

Stage lights often produce challenges for cameras. To process this image a little split toning was added in Camera RAW to recover the skin tone. A mask was then created in Photoshop to put some red back into the dress.

UPDATE: The Bamboos will perform at Bluesfest in April 2022. Get your tickets from the Bluesfest website.

Vintage Trouble

Jason Benz — Sun, 27 Mar 2016 13:19:30 +0000

This is Vintage Trouble playing the Crossroads stage on the final day of Bluesfest 2016. They were definitely a highlight of the festival. It is impossible to overstate the amount of energy lead singer Ty Taylor puts into every performance. One review said “imagine James Brown singing lead for Led Zeppelin” I can’t think of a better description of this supercharged tight four piece band.

UPDATE: Vintage Trouble are confirmed to play the 30th Byron Bay Bluesfest in 2019.

UPDATE: Vintage Trouble will be back at the festival in 2023, Tickets from the Bluesfest Website.

This image is available for download here.

Beth Hart

Jason Benz — Tue, 20 Oct 2015 07:27:37 +0000

This is American blues singer Beth Hart on the Mojo stage at the 2015 Byron Bay Bluesfest. In her long career, she has produced famous collaborations with guitarist Joe Bonamassa.

Benz World Blog applied for media access to Bluesfest 2016 today and hopes to be posting photography daily from the festival next year.

UPDATE: Beth Hart and BWB will return to the festival in 2023, Tickets are available via the Bluesfest Website.

This image is available for download here.

Nikki Hill

Jason Benz — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 15:49:46 +0000

This is Nikki Hill playing the Mojo stage of the 2015 Byron Bay Bluesfest in Australia. Along with guitarist husband Matt Hill they put on a high energy performance of raw Rock and Soul.

UPDATE: Nikki Hill will return to the festival in 2023, Tickets are available via the Bluesfest Website.

Nikki’s image is available for download here.

Matt’s image is available for download here.

Gold Night

Jason Benz — Wed, 13 Nov 2013 22:55:04 +0000

Last night we went to Brisbane to film 3 bands for the YouTube channel MusicLive4U. Highlight of the evening for us was this 10 piece funk soul band called His Merry Men who were launching their new single Gold. I highly recommend you check it out.

To process this image yellow/orange split-toning was used to achieve the gold colour under the pink lights.