Hi everybody,

I'm excited to announce that I will be returning to Spain in September this year, for what is shaping up to be my biggest Spanish tour so far! I'll be travelling up and down the country with Brian Crouch on keys/translation, Santi Campos on Guitar (Amigos Imaginarios) and Jonathan & Toni Zuriaga on Bass & Drums (CosmopoliANTS). I'll also be joined by my Popboomerang label mate and good friend Adrian Whitehead, who will be opening the Madrid show.

Tour Dates Below:
Sep 17 - EBROVISION FESTIVAL  Miranda de Ebro, Burgos
Sep 18 - POPXIRIAPOP FESTIVAL Carballo, Coruña
Sep 20 - FOUR SEASONS CLUB Castellón
Sep 22 - WURLITZER BALLROOM Madrid
Sep 24 - EL VARADERO Gandia 
Sep 25 - SALA MATISSE Valencia
Sep 26 - HEARTBREAK HOTEL Albacete

Be really great to see you at the show. Spread the word my Spanish friends!





3RD ALBUM

This year has been a quiet one for me, especially after a busy year promoting 'Sunday Best' to the old and new last year. But, It has been a special one for me too, as I married my sweetheart and I travelled through South America earlier this year. Good Times. Good news is that I have also started recording the 1st half of my 3rd solo album at Linear Recordings with Chris Vallejo (Josh Pyke, Empire of the Sun) and happy to say that the great Michael Carpenter will be mixing the album. I have no set release dates and will let this record brew in its own time. I will give more updates and insight into this new one in future album updates but in the meantime heres a video below of one of the takes for new song 'Purple Patch' to help wet the appetite a little!

So there ends, the long overdue update. Drop me a line and tell me how you're doing ha?

Bryan

Hey Everybody!

Its pretty crazy to think that this year is heading towards the finish line but goddamn has it been fun. The 'Sunday Best' tour was a success and the September residency at The Excelsior was also a big hoot. And people are still buying the record which is good news to notonly to me but also to the good folks at Popboomerang & Rock Indiana Records!

So we end the year with a few more shows, including the last headline show for the year on the 6th December @ Spectrum Darlinghurst. This will be followed by some solo shows on the 12th December @ The Roxbury Glebe &  the 17th December @ The Rose of Australia Erskineville with one of my faves Bernie Hayes. Special mention too about a memorial show I'll be playing at, for my departed friend Mel Ford @ The Rose of Australia on the 21st Nov. Mel was a wonderful girl who I had the pleasure of knowing for a short but quality time. This will be a great chance to hear some of Sydney's finest musicians and of course to celebrate Mel's life.

Thanks again for all the support this year. See you at the next show!

Bryan

NEXT SYDNEY SHOW – FRIDAY, 1^ST AUGUST
Before I start plugging this next show, a very sincere THANK YOU to everyone who came to the sold out album launch show at the Hopetoun Hotel. That was one unbelievable night and it felt like a giant step for me and my music. It was especially great to see so many new faces at the show, along with the old faithfuls. Big thank you also goes out to my amazing and huge band that night of Brian Crouch, Mik McGinty, Scott Barr, Tim Holt, Jason Walker, Jadey O'Regan, Natalia Mitchell & Dave Hatt for bringing that incredible wall of sound. Thanks also to Nic Dalton. Adrian Whitehead, Jed Pickett, Julia Thomas, Ella Gibbins, The Hopetoun Hotel and everyone else involved in making the launch one hell of a night!

Check out the pics from the show on Sydney Designer/Photographer John Kung's site:
http://felix.johnkung.com/be/

The next Sydney show will be back at The Hopetoun Hotel, this time supporting my label mates Danna & The Changes album launch for 'Consonant Cacophony'. Also playing is the excellent Sliced Bread.

When: Friday, 1^st August
Where: The Hopetoun Hotel Surry Hills
Doors Open 8pm/ $10

DATES:
Friday, 22^nd August – The Tote Collingwood
Saturday, 23^rd August – Pure Pop Records (Afternoon Instore)
Saturday, 23^rd August – Bar 303 Northcote

For more info on the shows, go to the my website or MySpace.
Look out in the next newsletter for more news on the September Residency shows!

Australian Radio Stations like Triple J, FBI, 2SER, ABC Regional Radio, 3RRR, 4ZZZ , Spanish & European Radio & Online Radio have started to play tracks from the album. An interview I did with Sydney FBI radio can be downloaded from this following site: CPOD

Print & Online Media have also started to release some great reviews & articles, including the Sydney Morning Herald, Drum Media & Time Off Magazines. Click HERE to read them.

SPANISH DYLAN TRIBUTE
I was lucky enough to be asked to contribute to the first official Spanish tribute to one of my heroes, Bob Dylan. The compilation is called Bob Dylan Tribute: So Happy to see you smile through Hanky Panky Records and Brian Crouch & I recorded our own take on 'I Threw It All Away' from 'Nashville Skyline'. I thoroughly recommend this release, featuring some of Spain's best bands and other international artists from the US & Europe. Have a sneak listen on my MySpace.

Cheers,
Bryan
Bryanestepa.com

NEW DOUBLE A SIDE SINGLE – FREE DOWNLOAD

The first single to be lifted from upcoming album 'Sunday Best', the double A Side of 'Myself' & 'Different With You', has been released to Australian Radio this week.

Be one of the first to hear the single by going to my Myspace site for a free download of 'Myself'. Limited time only.

Help me get the song some airplay by requesting from:

Triple J - Super Request
               1800 055536
FBI -       music@fbiradio.com
2SER    - andrew@2ser.com

Wanna receive the album weeks before it's available? Then place your Preorder from the Popboomerang website and be one of the first to get your hands on a copy of the album! The first 10 preorders will also receive a signed limited edition Promo single featuring Myself/Different With You & a cover of Bob Dylan's 'I threw it all away'.

You can also email me on mail@bryanestepa.com to preorder your copy or hassle me next time we cross paths!

PREORDER - SUNDAY BEST

'SUNDAY BEST' – PROMO FILM

Click to Watch:'Sunday Best' - Promo Film

Look out too for the filmclip for 'Myself', to be released in Mid June. More details in next newsletter.

UPCOMING SHOWS

Also doing another solo set supporting my friend Joel Sarakula who will be launching his album on Saturday, 14th June at Bar Me Kings Cross. I'm also playing some guitar in Joel's band, so double the action.

Another reminder that the Massive Sydney Album Launch for 'Sunday Best' will be on Friday, 4th July @ the Hopetoun Hotel Surry Hills. Put it in the calender now. More info in next newsletter as well as details on album launch tour.

See you all at the shows.

Bryan

MADRID
Day 1
Love at first sight. It ain't a myth to me anymore. Arriving at our hotel in the centre of Madrid, Scott Barr & I were greeted by the energy, sounds and garlic aromas of Plaza Mayor and its surrounding streets. My heart seriously skipped a beat. 5 minutes into this city and my excitement level for this tour jumped 100 fold. The vibe in this city, especially on this hectic Saturday night is hard to describe in a few words. Those who have been here will know what I mean. When the working day begins at about 10am, 2 hour lunches are had and the nightlife doesn't kick in till 11 at night, then this city and country is definitely onto something.

Met up with Brian Crouch, who already looked like the happiest returning visitor to this city and of course Santi Campos, who we quickly established will be become ´The Man´ of the tour. He takes the multi roles of local indie rock star, rhythm guitarist, tour manager, driver and revealer of kick arse drinking bars and restaurants. He is the real deal. He proceeds to welcome us into this city by taking us to the more ´Rock´ quarter of Madrid called Malasana, where we hit this cool lttle bar and meet my excellent Rock Indiana label boss Pablo Carerro. I thank him profusely for signing me and the eating, drinking and dissecting of our groups combined love/hate with Springsteen and 80´s snare drum sounds, continues till the early hours of the morn. Madrid´s and Spain´s general commitment to a good all night party (even on school nights) reared its beautiful head tonight. Brian, Scott & I welcomed it with open arms.

 
Day 2
The ´work ´part of the tour began today with our first rehearsal in a great space close to Madrid´s centre. Met our drummer Charlie Bautista (a bit worse for wear after literally finishing another tour), who is both equally talented and charismatic. Good looking kid too. He is normally the keyboard player for Amigos Imaginarios with Santi, but well capable on the drum stool as well. (It was also revealed to us after the tour that he gave up the chance to tour with Wilco with one of his other bands, so he can drum for us. Bless Him. I know who I would have chosen!). We are in essence a new band and this was more a get to know you session. Went well but rough in patches. Not bad for a first jam though.

Headed straight after to Radio 3 (Spain´s equivalent to BBC/Triple J) for a 2 hour interview on the program 'Íslas De Robinson', where Brian, Scott & I also got to program the show. Had Pablo as my translator during the interview and I´m sure I had listeners laughing at my unique take on speaking broken Spanish. Spanglish probably best describes it. Brian C was the one that impressed though, being quite good at the language. I just nodded my head a lot. The best part was the programming of songs and talking about why we chose the tunes. Beatles, Neil Young, Aretha, Beach Boys, Wilco & You Am I all got a spin. All agreed that we could have done this all night!

Day 3
The big rehearsal day. Really got stuck into the songs and came out high fiving each other. It's quite amazing how fast we were gelling as a group and Santi & Charlie are amazing musicians. Funny Bastards too. They really did their homework on the tunes and it was great to revisit the songs on the album and play it note for note. They knew the parts better than me. Back to Radio 3 again that night for more promo/interview for tour but this time got to play live. Did ´Come Around´ and my take on The Bee Gees ´To Love Somebody´. Went back to the hotel whilst Brian & Scotty got acquainted with the party prowess of Charlie. He more than lived up to his nocturnal and partying reputation (Santi calls him the devil) and keeping up with him will be an achievement in itself.

Day 4
Show day has finally arrived. I woke up with lots of nervous energy and just really pumped about tonight. 2 coffees later and Pablo picks me up for another radio/performance spot and this time with Onda Madrid, the local radio-TV broadcasting group. Good interview but 10am is just not conducive to good singing. Pablo put it more accurately as a non Rock & Roll time. Visited Escridiscos in the heart of Madrid, a 30 year old record store owned by the very kind Ines & Monica (who I heard was one of the first to champion Punk & New Wave in Spain in the late 70´s) and also my best selling store in Spain.

One last rehearsal and Charlie introduced us to our incredibly large and luxurious tour van, big enough to fit a mini orchestra. Sure beats a Tarago. We arrive at Moby Dick Club and was blown away by not only the venue but by how professional and well looked after we were. A production manager, large rider, full hour to soundcheck and a stocked up band room. We felt like rock stars. Quick dinner followed, where I got to meet the great folks from Powerpop Action, who have been fantastic in their support and championing of the album from the very day it got released in Spain. Muchos Gracias Amigos! The venue filled up nicely by the time we came on stage and the energy and vibe in the crowd was incredible. Everything was great from the beginning. The sound on stage was perfect, the band was firing and the crowd was unbelievable. It was quite overwhelming to have so many singing the songs and giving us so much love. We were in a state of disbelief throughout the whole show and kept giving each other 'this is crazy!' looks all night. The most perfect way to kick off the tour. The post show party was just as great and it was brilliant to meet a lot of the crowd and fans. My new friends kicked on with us till the very early hours of the morning. Madrid is my new favourite city.

Pics below by: Paco Lozano

ALBACETE
Day 5
With little or no sleep, Santi bundled us into the van and we headed south to our next stop Albacete. I must admit that I knew nothing about this city and my head was still digesting last night's debauchery and focusing on tonight's show. The music on the highway helped though and the soundtrack to the tour were Wilco, The Band (the entire Last waltz soundtrack), Neil Young, Pernice Brothers, Ray Lamontagne, Spanish bands like The Winnery's, Melusa and various soul and rock mixes. It was quite warming for me to see, that despite the language barrier with many of the people I met on this tour, that our common denominator was our love for good Rock & roll, Americana and Powerpop music. The Spanish seems to really understand the music's references and history and it made for some great music talks on the road. Even Santi & Charlie all wanted to cover the same kind of songs we do back home!

Arrived at the venue Heartbreak Hotel and met by show promoter Jomi and pub owner and sound guy Antonio. This pub could have come straight out of America's Midwest and was filled with great R&R memorabilia. And Antonio looked like a true Rock & roll renaissance man, with tattoos and Harley Davidson in tow. Went straight to the hotel after soundcheck for a quick nap before showtime (how un-rock and roll is that?!) and got fetched 30 minutes before we came on. Was amazed again at how many people turned up to this show and made the bar come alive. First beats of 'Falling through' kicked in and the beast which we have christened 'Bryan Estepa & The Estepos' powered through another excellent set. Jomi was going crazy upfront and everyone seemed to be into it too. Met lots of good folks after the show and resisted the urge to go hard again tonight. Couldn't say the same thing about the other 4 though.

VALENCIA
Day 6
Woke up and realised that my voice was disappearing on me. In a state of a mini panic, loaded myself with honey & lemon tea and made the boys tell me that it was going to be ok. Santi & Charlie were probably laughing at this soft Aussie boy. Got on the van and hoped for the best.

The drives on the roads of Spain are really quite pleasant. Autumn in Spain is beautiful. The countryside are awash with red and yellow landscapes, groups of windmills blowing away, weird mountain rock structures and nice lil towns to have quick pit stops in. These stops are vital for our quick feeds of chorizo and calamari sandwiches and beer. The food in Spain is quite rich but some of the best I have tasted in the world. Food here is a lifestyle and not a means for survival. I know Scott was in foodies' heaven here.

Besides Madrid, this was the other BIG gig on the tour and we were all determined to perform a great show. I was told that I had a following here but maybe not as big as Madrid. The Wah Wah club is a great venue and despite my cracking voice, knew it was going to be a good night. Met up with Ramon the owner and Miguel of 'Alta tension', the gig bookers, who made us feel very welcome. I again went back to the hotel for a quick rest and to get away from the smoke of the club and save my voice (Am I sounding like a diva yet?). Everybody in Spain smokes and I'm pretty sure I will leave this country with a smokers lung. John Whittaker, a very good and nice American singer-songwriter opened the show and really warmed up the crowd nicely. He also gave me some magic spray for my throat, so he stays on the good books for sure. 'The Estepos' hit the stage and everyone seemed to have lifted a gear. Scotty was damn solid (as usual!), grooving in his distinct way, Brian (armed with his double Hammond and keyboard attack) was floating over the keys and playing some great lines, Charlie was driving us out back and singing like an angel and Santi was playing some superb guitar solos which he still doesn't know where it was coming from. 'Open Letter' is where we peaked as a group tonight, the band and the crowd riding every ebbs and lows of the song. The audience was again amazing, with the sings alongs to 'Western Tale' & 'Right Now', especially nice and loud. They love their covers here and we hit them with 'The Weight', 'Ooh la la', 'Do you wanna dance' & 'California Stars' during the encore. They were still stomping away after that and wouldn't let us leave, so we finished off with 'Helpless' and massive group hugs backstage. Another incredible night. 

BARCELONA
Day 7
I was quickly brought down from my high of last night, when I discovered that my voice was completely gone and my murmurs sounded more and more like Tom Waits. I was a shattered man, knowing that there was still one more show but the guys were quite positive about tonight. I still had a few hours before the show and prayed that a combination of sleep, meds, lemon & honey tea and my new magic throat spray will create a miracle.

Arrived in beautiful Barcelona just in time for my instore appearance at FNAC (Spain's equivalant to Borders Books & Music) and met by Eduardo & Raquel, the organisers for this show. It was quite clear that no miracles occurred and my voice was still shot. We had to cancel the appearance, as I literally could not sing a note. We all knew that this was bad news for tonight's show but the band, along with Edu, Raquel and Willie (of Freewheeling Tornadoes) still kept a good vibe about tonight. I suggested that everybody gets to sing 1 song each and the next thing you know, I'm scribbling down lyrics, delegating songs and Willie in the corner of the pub learning 'By The Window' through my iPod. This was one of the funniest and most bizarre situations I've had before a show. Anyways as we got on stage, Santi explained the situation to the crowd then just before we started told me that I MUST sing all the songs and dig deep. The minor miracle did happen and about 60% of my voice came back and I croaked and screamed my way through the set. It was bloody painful but I loved every minute. Charlie still sang 'Cards & AM Radio' and was brilliant. The audience seemed to be sympathetic to my vocal troubles but still clapped and screamed real loud. Then, the last chords were played and the Spain leg of the tour was suddenly over. It was a weird feeling and I felt completely saddened by how quickly it all ended. I went out and walked around the streets for a little while to clear my head. Charlie, Scott, Brian & Santi all celebrated the tours end in style. I wish there was another city or two to play in Spain. I won't forget these shows for a long, long time.

NEW YORK
One of my more rock and roll moments occurred in the space of 2 days in NYC. I sadly left Madrid in the early hours of the morn and flew to New York for my 1st show in the US of A. 12 mind numbing hours later, I get into JFK and headed straight to Brooklyn for a rehearsal with my new band members for the International Pop Overthrow festival show. The guys beiong James Prestons on Bass (The Basement Band) & Jimmy Ansourian on Drums (20 Miles). They were my MySpace hookups! Despite my jet lag and shoddy voice, we were able to get through the songs for the set and the guys were mighty impressive in learning the tunes so quick. Another quick rehearsal, a few hours before show time the next day and we hit the stage of the Bagott Inn for our short but sweet set. It seemed to have gone down pretty well (James even broke a bass string!!!) and sold a few CD's too. Special mention to my cousins and their friends for proving to be a worthy rent-a-crowd! Also great to meet up with long time-no-see friends in Jeanette & Julia. My NY debut went and gone way too fast. Must do it again soon.

NEW JERSEY
Last show of the tour and this time, playing a combined show with good mate, Joel Sarakula. He's on the beginning of his tour and me at the end. Had some mixed feelings knowing that this tour was coming to a close but the thought of having a short break in New York & California afterwards was a relieving thought. Anyways, show was quite fun, Joel playing particularly well. I did a set mostly of my regular covers, a newie called 'Different with you' and some tunes with Joel to finish up. Good times. Ended up in a bar in the middle of jersey called Swanky Bubbles with friends of Joel. Didn't think Jersey could be so much fun.

Thoughts of the return tour already bubbling up. Thanks a million to all who came to the shows, the kind words and for buying a CD or two. Definitely one of the high points of my music jaunts so far. No doubt.

Cheers,
Bryan

Some people need to get some special thanks for their help in putting the tour together and making it an all too easy adventure. Here Goes:
To the Estepos, Brian, Scott, Santi & Charlie - You guys are amazing. The best rookie band in Spain by a country mile. Pablo Carerro for all the behind the scenes work for the record and tour. David & Esther for instrument hire, Curro & Paco @ Moby Dick; Jomi, Santi, Antonio & Llanos @ Heartbreak Hotel; The Alta Tension crew of Miguel, Vicente, Jorge, Lorenzo; Ramon @ Wah Wah & John Whittaker; Eduardo, Raquel, Willy & Joe in Barcelona; Luis De Benito & Santi Alcanda @ Radio 3; Pacopepe @ OndaMadrid; Powerpop action folks; James Prestons, Jimmy Ansourian, David Bash, The Basement band, Jesse (Monte Vista) in NYC, Bersamin family & Joel Sarakula and Backyard Bob in New Jersey.
This tour is dedicated to the memory of Melanie Ford.

To see more tour Pics go to the Photos page http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewAlbums&friendID=35886464

or http://www.flickr.com/photos/bryan19/sets/72157603231907518/

Bryan Estepa has decided to go it alone as a singer songwriter after years of trawling the Sydney circuit in several different bands. Whilst this, his debut album, has a definite alt country lean, he has a knack of infusing some pure pop sensibilities into his music to give it an immediate catchiness. As such all the tracks here are both delightfully listenable and likeable and indeed sound kind of familiar even on first play. By the second or third they will be stuck in your head for days.

Whilst Estepa makes no secret of his influences (think the Neil's Young and Finn jamming with You Am I) he still stamps his own mark on all his work through a natural and unassuming approach. For the most part it's uplifting stuff, as strong melody carries even the most down trodden lyrics. The most blatant alt country inclusion (even in name) Cards and AM Radio is the kind of earnest lament that Ryan Adams would be proud of. Elsewhere songs like the jangly and surely potential single Right Now and the beautifully crafted Open Letter possess an instant poppiness, whilst Western Tale is full of warm west coast harmonies.

Producer Michael Carpenter (Youth Group, The City Lights) has helped to build some rich textures into every track with some carefully placed layers of sound without ever overdoing it. A very confident and assured release in which Estepa's experience shines through to create some captivating songs.  

Paul Smith – Drum Media (3/10/06)

Bryan writes pop songs. And plays them with the affection it deserves. For this he should be appreciated. You looking for the future of popular music? Look elsewhere. The past and present of that he knows are good enough. Harmonies, just enough guitars and a couple of hooks that I'm still nodding along to even though the music has stopped. Gonna sell a million? Push whatever Idol happens to have a record out of #1? Nope. And I, and he, and a few others, probably don't care, even if that was justice. Michael carpenter adds his ubiquitous sweet no-nonsense production. 

Ross Clelland – Drum Media Single Review (24/10/06)

Sydney's Bryan Estepa continues to show the world how to magic up a canny pop nugget with 'Right Now'. he mixes West Coast-ish shine with something a little more early 90's Australian to create a pop/rock sound that is far more entertaining than most of the hooray-for-everything pop that passes for Aussie power-pop these days.

Clem Bastow 'Right Now' Single Review - Inpress Magazine (2/7/07)

Sydneysider Bryan Estepa has clearly been revelling in his West Coast rock record collection & dreaming of cutting a record with Glyn/Ethan Johns, because 'By The Window' is about as Laurel Canyon as you can get without catching a TARDIS back to 1974 with Don Henley. Your Best Night is a little less sun burnished, but the man knows how to pen a captivating pop tune, that's for sure.

 Clem Bastow - 'By The Window' Single Review - Inpress Magazine (13/9/06)

Hooky pop influenced by late 60s and early 70s sounds from both sides of the atlantic, 'All The Bells and Whistles' is the sort of record destined to be criminally overlooked by local audiences. Among others, Estepa canvasses the Beatles, Nick Drake and Gram Parsons as well as contemporary songwriting giants Elliot Smith and Whiskeytown. It's probably a reflection on the poor health of the Sydney music scene that Estepa's is not a better-known name but with indie-pop label Popboomerang behind this release here's hoping his music will reach some new ears. - Scene Online

Here we go again - another high quality pop disc from Australia, another one produced by Michael Carpenter - I tell you these reviews are almost are starting 

to write themselves. The man with the tunes this time around is Bryan Estepa, and his solo debut All The Bells and Whistles is most definitely worth your acquaintance. 

Estepa's sound can't quite be pigeonholed. The opener "By The Window" has enough honky tonk in it to pass a possible lost Grateful Dead/Band track, while 

"Your Best Night" is classic mid-tempo pop, much in the vein of his producer. The real triumph here is the 6-minute pop gem "Western Tale", which betrays a 

Beach Boys influence but also throws in handclaps, backing female vocals, and that's just the first three minutes. "Come Around" and "Sunshine" are wonderful ballads, 

and "Cars & AM Radio" and "Room Next to You" are high- quality alt-country tunes. 

Steve – Absoloute Powerpop (CD of the Day 26/9/06)

 
It sounds like I heard this before. Of course, you could say that about a lot of melodic pop records steeped in influences from the '60s and the original power pop era of the early-'70s.
It's not always a compliment. A better way to put it in the case of Estepa is that I wish I had heard this before - like for the past 30 years or so. The first two or three songs on this 
album are nearly perfect. Shimmery, summery, warm and pleasing. "By the Window" is happy and Beatle-y, but with that certain feel that defines Australian power pop -- maybe 
it's the friendly, effortless vocals. Then "Your Best Night" is an endearing mid-tempo number, with Estepa sounding especially soulful. This definitely has a '70s vibe, maybe because 
there's a subtle R & B undercurrent. Three other songs are also knocked out of the ballpark. "Cards & AM Radio" takes power pop to the honky tonk, as McCartney meets Uncle Tupelo, 
or it least it sounds that way. Meanwhile, "Room Next To You" gets started with a horn part that could have been played by Herb Alpert. This is a tender song in the Nilsson/Bacharach 
tradition. And "Western Tale" is an ambitious track that pays off, with a bit of Jeff Lynne vibe in the chorus. Maybe it's yet another slight trace of R & B underpinning this melodic pop 
(like the way Electric Light Orchestra and the Bee Gees did it back in the mid-'70s). The song moves into a extended instrumental section, then moves to a slower gait, heading into 
Hall & Oates territory. This is a six minute song that totally captivates. Estepa is a significant talent, and this record is a keeper. 
Mike Bennett - Fufkin.com
 
Although part of the Sydney indie circuit for the last ten years or so, this is Bryan Estepa's first release and, in the main, it is a very good album. His press release does the usual 
name-dropping (Whiskeytown, Elliott Smith) and I suppose that's crucial for credibility these days although, in truth, Estepa's songs have a curiously 70's quality to them yet are no 
worse for it. Despite a patchy start with the mediocre 'By The Window'. Estepa quickly recovers and reels off an unbroken chain of endearing --if somewhat formulaic-- pop songs. 
'Your Best Night', 'Western Tale' and 'Sunshine' immediately took me back to the easy hummability of 70's AM radio. Occasionally there is a nagging Halls and Oates quality to some 
of the songs yet Estepa is so competent and unafraid of being a bit derivative (what pop isn't?) that he pulls it all off flawlessly. There are a few nods to Americana with the occasional touch 
of pedal steel here and there but the major sound here emanates from vintage power pop, a slightly subdued Raspberries perhaps, all stunningly well-crafted and produced. Why he chose 
'By The Window' as his lead track is a mystery to me but the rest of the album is a glorious and catchy celebration of solid, unpretentious pop music in the finest tradition and although much
of it will sound overly familiar, it could well be this year's guiltiest pleasure.  7/10
Robin Cracknell - Americana UK

Sydney,Australia's Bryan Estepa has been working in various power pop bands for almost 10 years now down under. The debut under his 
own name (he previously recorded as Adeline) is a really fine record. Produced by Aussie pop genius Michael Carpenter, it features 
guests Jason Walker and Bryan Crouch from another Carpenter produced outfit 'Jason Walker & The Last Drinks'. The opening track 
"By The Window" sounds like a sprightly Molland-led-Badfinger track and "Your Best Night" could be The Pernice Brothers or Josh Rouse 
with a Beatley 'oh la la' backing vocal. From there it's  straight into Ryan Adams/Whiskeytown alt.country territory,with a  couple of 
rockers thrown in and another closing Pernice-like-mid tempo song. I lean towards wanting to hear anything Michael Carpenter is affiliated 
with, but this is indeed a very promising debut album by a talented young artist. 
Kent H Benjamin - Pop Culture Press Issue 64 -Spring 2007 (USA)

The Former (Bryan Estepa) shines because of its easy going, melodic charm. Estepa's 'Western Tale', with its handclaps and harmonies, is the perfect pop song. But with a twist - its rather
bizarre mid scetion breaks the track in half, but its oh so sweet when the Blondie meets the Raspberries chorus returns. sadly for his bank balance at least, Estepa is surely estined to become 
a much loved, but little known, cult singer-songwriter.
Terry Hermon - Bucketfull of Brains
 
Bryan Estepa is an Australian singer/songwriter with a rootsy, rock & roll sound that would appeal to fans of Big Star, late period 
Replacements, Evan dando's later stuff with lemonheads, Joel Plaskett and other power-pop and roots-rock groups. This record sounds 
great – Estepa has a great voice and he's backed up with rich harmonies by a very talented group of backup singers, as well as bass, drums 
and guitar and organ with a great laid-back feel. Estepa isn't reinventing the wheel by any stretch of the imagination, but his songs are 
melodious and well-crafted. The earnest, no-bullshit delivery also contributes to the appeal of this record. Recommended. 
Gordon B Isnor - Lefthip Magazine
 
Aussie artist Bryan Estepa sounds like he's grown up on a healthy dose of The Jayhawks and Uncle Tupelo if "By the Window" is a benchmark. 
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">Country-rock is his bread and butter, which nails the opener and the John Mellencamp-meets-Paul Westerberg roots rock flavored "Your Best Night" perfectly. 
Estepa also has that summery, California pop in his blood on "Western Tale", sounding like Weezer-lite or The Rembrandts before it takes a soulful, doo-wop dip. 
Perhaps the first real heart-tugging nugget is the softer, Ryan Adams-ish "Come Around" that Estepa shines on. The same can be said for "Sunshine" that has 
equal parts Beatles and Travis. Not everything he touches turns to gold however, especially on the rather mundane, sullen "Cards & A.M. Radio". He makes up for
it with the sweet mid-tempo, highbrow pop tune "Open Letter" and also with the ambling toe-tapper "Falling Through".
Jason MacNeil - PopMatters
 
This guy , like a lot of artists on this label, wears his love of The Beatles proudly on his sleeve which would normally elicit a big ol' yawn out of me but the songs on 
ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES are too good to ignore (or yawn at ) . He cut his chops in Sydney bands like Swivel and Hazey Janes but it was on a trip to the USA 
that he began rediscovering records by Whiskeytown (who I LOVED ) and Elliott Smith an with that he set out to work on his solo debut with the help of Aussie mainstay 
Michael Carpenter. The opener "By the Window" has some boogie swagger with its pop hooks while "Your Best Night" is all strummy guitars and tambourines. The spare 
and tender "Come Around" is easily likeable and shows Estepa's strong vocals while "Right Now" sounds like prime Badfinger and "Open Letter" might be my favorite song 
on a record full of strong songs. Not sure how big his Australian audience is and while he is completely unknown here, if folks here give this record a chance maybe he won't 
be "one of Sydney's best kept musical secrets "anymore.
Tim - Dagger Zine  

 Absolutely I am hooked to the disc of this man, a power-popero of Sydney with certain homing Roots. I discovered "All The Bells And Whistles" (Popboomerang) through wonderful blog of pop of guitars (http://absolutepowerpop.blogspot.com/), and the certain thing is that since has arrived at house I cannot clear it of the reproducer.

Produced by Michael Carpenter, Steppe makes songs like suns. A hair is not cut: Choirs, guitars jingle-jangle, something of country alternative, much of classic influences pop. Then that, of good the best thing.

A long time ago not me played as much of a disc of pop coming from Australia. Very good things arrived, but in different coordinates. Like The Drones, for example, or what hangs of the Beasts of Bourbon maintains the pavilion very high. But bands like Montana, Jericho, the Richies, P76… were well, but they did not finish to me killing. Bryan Estepa has captured me with tunes like "Your best night" and its spectacular agreed changes of or those prototypical choirs but simultaneously so functional. Or with that minions which it takes care of by "Western Tale", six minutes of unequivocal tribute to melodies of Brian Wilson. There are means remarkable times also. A very good disc, that in addition I know is going to let discover many things more to me.

Curiously. in the band is the guitarist Jason Walker, with two good discs of Americana in the curriculum published by Laughing Outlaw. In addition, Walker wrote "God's own to singer", the wonderful biography of Gram Parsons published by Helter Skelter. Another one: Years ago Estepa, under the alias of Adeline, it published a first titled disc "Start Again". It will be necessary to take control of him.

Eduardo Ranedo (Ruta 66 Spain) – Mirolloesellblog (Translated)

In spite of him being present up-around'n'down-under the scene through pop mutants of different kinds (Swivel, Hazey Jane) for some ten years now, this still happens to be my very first encounter with Bryan Estepa. One of the details that kinda rang a bell was the producer's name of Michael Carpenter, whose involvement usually suggests quite a worthwhile thirty-to-fourty minutes, and this turns out to be even better than any of his other knob-twiddling affairs.

With a kind of a live feel to it, similar to the one that Brendan Lynch got on some of Weller's and Ocean Colour Scene's albums, Bryan seems comfortable enough jumping between the more expected upbeat pop stompers such as the Big Star-shine of "Your best night", the Byrds-through-Traveling Wilbury's chime of "Open letter", the almost discobly danceable "Right now", or the Bellybutton-era-Jellyfish reminiscent "Falling through".  Through the country roads taken by way of the mentioned Ocean Colour Scene-paying-their-dues-to-the-post-(Small)Faces-Ronnie Lane as heard in "Come around", or the more traditional Gram-mar of "Cards and AM radio", to some one offs, like the Faces-like good time-ish rhythm'n'booze of "By the window", the Bacharachian loungey feel of "Open letter", the hook-laden balladery of "Sunshine", or the pocket symphony which "Western tale" is, in a kind of a "Darlin'/Don't worry baby"-through-Jeff-Lynne way.

Being described as "one of Sydney's best kept musical secrets", to me, it's exactly what Bryan Estepa turns out to be.

Goran Obradovic / POPISM radio show; www.popism-music.com

This is new from Australia's ultra reliable POPBOOMERANG label! Produced by Michael Carpenter, his stellar talents at making everything sound great are all over this disc. Fans of CROWDED HOUSE you need this record!!! Also fans of BEACH BOYS circa "I can hear music" will love the sound! Those longing for straight forward honest to goodness pure pop are going to love this! This cd is outstanding! 

Jeremy - Jam Records

Far from the predictable three chord, predictable pop that one hears often in a local venue, this debut solo release from Mr. Estepa represents a songwriter approaching the peak of maturity. There is more than enough variation to satisfy the ears of even the most voracious consumer of pop here – from the Faces style stomp of "By the Window", the breezy Beach Boys harmonies of "Western Tale" through to the killer pop chorus in "Sunshine". Country stylings get a workout on "Cards & AM Radio", and every flavour of pop seeps its way into the remaining tracks. Melody lines are constructed with thought and care – they sink their hooks in deeply and twist where you mightn't expect (I've been humming "Sunshine" for days now), and have a complexity that stops them getting boring. For any fans of classic pop that traverses past and present decades, give this a try – you won't be disappointed.

Liam McCoy – Not Lame Recordings

Hi Folks,

Heres a quick update for you all:

GIGS

Playing a solo show with Sydney Indie legend Bernie Hayes on Wednesday. April 18 @ The Rose Of Australia Erskenville. This should be great. We will also do a few tunes together. The next full band show won't be till 14^th June. More details in the coming weeks.

Wednesday, April 18 : Rose Of Australia Erskineville w/Bernie Hayes (Solo Show - Free Entry)

Thursday, June 14: Landsdowne Hotel Broadway w/The Wellingtons & Sliced Bread (Full Band)

PRESS

Happy to announce that I have received my first small feature in a major US Music Magazine called Pop Culture Press. I've been included in the Spring issues Music sampler (You're Best Night) along with other up and coming US/International indie artists, including one of my fave Aussie bands Halfway. The magazine is available at all Tower, Virgin & Borders stores US wide. Also receiving news that I have started to get some airplay in US College Radio which is good news too.

Here are links to other recent articles/reviews from Spain & Brazil. The Spanish Music press & radio has been very kind so far, so If any of you guys can translate any of these articles please let me know! Ha! There has also been a feature article/interview published on the magazine Ruta 66 (Spain's equivalent to Mojo/Uncut) which I will post on my website/MySpace very soon. Also a link to new reviews posted on MySpace. It has been newly updated so please check it out!

Pop Madrid

El Desvan (Spain)

Bloody Mary Rock (Spain)

Rock Press (Brazil)

That's it for this month, Hope everyone is well. Have a great Easter!

Bryan

UPCOMING SHOW

 We are kicking off 07 by playing our 1^st show of the year. It's with very fine company too so well worth your time to be there. Also in support of new radio-only single 'Right Now'. It would again be great to see you at this show.

 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16

The Hopetoun Hotel (Cnr. Bourke St. & Foveuax St. Surry Hills)

w/ Lazy Susan, Nic Dalton & The Gloomchasers and Sliced Bread

$10 Door Charge – 8pm start

RADIO SINGLE – 'RIGHT NOW'

'Right Now' has been released as a special radio-only single and should hopefully be on Aussie airwaves over the coming weeks. You can help it get on the radio and stay there by requesting it in the following OZ radio stations

 Triple J
Super Request - click here to request: http://www.abc.net.au/triplej/requests/make_a_request.htm

Home and Hosed - click here to request: http://www2b.abc.net.au/triplej/homeandhosed/guestbook/

To request by txt -1975 7555

FBi
The Bridge
keck@fbi.org.au

2SER
http://www.2ser.com/contact/feedback

'ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES' SPAIN RELEASE

The album is officially released in Spain on January 23 through Rock Indiana Records. It's available for the special price of 5 euros for Spain & the European region. Visit the Rock Indiana website for more info and press releases on this release.

That's it for this month. Keep visiting my official website & MySpace site for any other news and goodies. Thank you again everybody for your amazing support during 2006. This year is gone be even bigger!

 Cheers,

Bryan

Very happy to announce that I have inked a deal with the fine Spanish Record Label 'Rock Indiana Records'. The label will release 'All the Bells and Whistles' in Spain, in early January 2007! Spain is one of the great rock loving nations in Europe and Australian artists have generally done well there, so hopefully my record will do alright too. 'By The Window' & 'Your Best Night' has been receiving good radio airplay there and 'All the Bells and Whistles' has also been receiving some favourable press too. So my new Spanish friends can expect me there sometime mid next year for a short run of shows. Watch this space.

Read new Press from Spain: INTERVIEW