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According to Joni Mitchell, "... the process of being able to listen to the music and only seeing me [the artist]then you're not getting anything out of it, but if you listen to that music and you see yourself, it'll probably make you cry and you'll learn something about yourself and now you're getting something out of it..."
Reference: The Joni Mitchell Interview
About Shirley Lynn:
North Queensland eclectic singer songwriter, Shirley Lynn writes with her heart on her sleeve, speaking her truth with mindful authenticity.
Since the writing of North Queensland inspired, "My Kind of Paradise" Shirley has been the recipient of multiple awards and mentions for songwriting. She’s a two-time recipient of Regional Arts Development Fund - a Queensland Government and Cairns Regional Council support initiative for local arts and culture.
With local RADF assistance, Shirley attended the Australian Songwriter's Conference in 2016. Her direction as a songwriter strengthened as she sought ways to realise her music in meaningful and purposeful ways. Interstate and international collaborations have eventuated and continue ongoing including more recent releases: “Don’t Dance So Fast” with Kath Stewart, Paula and Lee Bowman, “Temporary Time” with Christine M Kerr, “Live and Let Live” with Kevin Bennett, and “It’s Ok to Not Be Ok” with Alan Roy Scott.
"River of Change", written with Stav Shaul and released in 2021 is a co-write collaboration facilitated by APRA AMCOS 3-2-1 Home Sessions. Stav produced the song and a music video was also created and released.
In 2021, “Wrapping Love Up” written with Elizabeth Usher - featuring MC Pony made it onto the Triple J Unearthed charts four (4) weeks in a row. “Wrapping Love Up for Christmas” is currently signed to a Songtown Sync Licensing Representation Agreement. Two further unreleased songs are currently under consideration for Sync Licensing Agreements.
In 2018, “Life’s About the Little Things” a song written with David and Merelyn Carter, Mary Harrison, Sam Bellamy, Roby Hull and John Collins won Contemporary Country Ballad and Best Country Song at the Tamworth Salute Awards. It was also a finalist in UK Song Comp in two categories with multiple other songs over the years awarded 5 Star Commended, Highly Commended, Special Mention and Semi Finalists.
In 2015, among a field of hot contenders, “My Kind of Paradise” won Best Song in the Max T. Barnes Cairns to Nashville Song Comp. Multiple awards for the song have also included, 2013 Song of Carnivale and in 2016 an Australian Songwriters Conference award.
Shirley is the current co-ordinator of Tablelands Folk Festival Songwriter Competition of which she has been one of three judges for seven (7) years.
Shirley is available for solo performance, support acts, songwriting workshops and more. Engaged in songwriting for over 10 years, Shirley aspires toward being the best songwriter she can be. Shirley is a highly skilled professional with support skills in teaching, project management, technology, video, website and graphic development. A lifelong learner currently upskilling into the ways of home recording.
At root level, it's all about the song, so with best intention, listeners are invited to engage with her songs and music to feel something that is relevant and meaningful.
"Congratulations, 3 great songs with wonderful meaning and warmth. You have such a positive & welcoming aura on stage which we thoroughly enjoyed... Thankyou!"
Cairns to Nashville Song Comp Summary: Keesha McLean, Brett Charles, Ray Elias.
> More Feedback
"River of Change"
2021 - "River of Change" - STAV. and Shirley Lynn
Song Release: September
Instrumentation: STAV.
Produced by Stav Shaul
Mixed and Mastered by Isaac Barter
Music Video by Shirley Lynn
"Don't Dance So Fast"
2021 - "Don't Dance So Fast" - Song Release: April Recorded & Produced at Pegasus Studio with Nigel Pegrum.
A country waltz that tells of the need to slow down to be able to appreciate things that really matter.
"Temporary Time"
2021 - "Temporary Time" - Song Release: February Recorded & Produced at Pegasus Studio with Nigel Pegrum.
All things do pass, including difficult times we go through. Be patient, be kind; be willing, be wise; our choices, yours and mine....
"Wrapping Love Up for Christmas"
2020 - "Wrapping Love Up for Christmas" feat. MC Pony
Song Release: December. Recorded by Tim Carr and Shirley Lynn; Produced at The Song Store with Adrian Hannan. Upbeat, positive ukulele song. Lyric video. Backing tracks available on YouTube.
"Live and Let Live"
2020 - "Live and Let Live" - Song Release: November Recorded at Pegasus Studio with Nigel Pegrum.
Written with the realization that the potential for cyclones to impact also brings the much needed rain that's necessary to sustain life.
"Cry Baby Cry"
2020 - "Cry Baby Cry" - Song Release: April
Recorded at The Song Store with Adrian Hannan.
As a glass half full kind of girl myself, life is love and joy.
Uptempo country rock style song.
"Keep it Real"
2020 - "Keep it Real" - Song Release: February
Recorded at The Song Store with Adrian Hannan.
A song inspired by self realisation. The song challenges listeners to question thoughts & beliefs. Liberation from suffering comes from seeing things as they really are.
"It's OK to Not Be OK"
2019 - "It's OK to Not Be OK" - song Release: October
Recorded at the Song Store with Adrian Hannan, this song was
co-written with Alan Roy Scott.
A song to raise awareness for mental health noting that spiritual, mental and emotional wellbeing are just as important as physical wellbeing - everyday.
Demos and Tracks
2018 - Toplining in country, country pop and adult contemporary styles with four tracks culminating. "Fallen Angel", "Tangled Blue", "Never Let Go" and "A Little Wiser".
"Life's About the Little Things" - Carter and Carter - Better Day album
2017 - "Life's About the Little Things" co-written with David and Merelyn Carter, Mary V I Harrison, Sam Bellamy, Robyn Hull, John Collins and Shirley Lynn.
Released on Carter and Carter - Better Day album.
"Life's About the Little Things" acknowledges the value of the little things in life.
It's the everyday the ordinary happenings.
They'll make you smile, They make life worthwhile,
They're the little things, Yeah the little things.
Purchase music here.
"Crocodile Wise" Live Performance Video by Silktones
2015 - "Crocodile Wise" written by Jim McCabe and Shirley Lynn - live performance recording at the Shangrila Hotel, Cairns with Kris Hutchison - Balcony TV.
Crocodiles are part of the tapestry of North Queensland.
They are unexpected at times. Be aware, Be crocodile wise. A song with a fun side while highlighting the respect demanded of them.
Viewable on Balcony TV Cairns Portal, You Tube and Shirley Lynn Website.
"Blue Tonic" - Live Performance Video by Blue Tonic Band
2015 - "Blue Tonic" written by Shirley Lynn - live recorded performance with Blue Tonic band at the Jack Hotel, Cairns with Kris Hutchison - Balcony TV.
A little blue tonic melts the blues away, A little blue tonic each and everyday, A little blue tonic there's no better way. Viewable on Balcony TV Cairns Portal, You Tube and Shirley Lynn Website.
"Take on Today" - Duet - Rebeka Rain & Shirley Lynn
2015 - "Take on Today" co-written with Rebeka Rain, Mick Evans, Chris Ellis. Recorded and released at Mel Pro Studio with Mick Evans.
"Take on Today" - Sometimes we put the past behind us to get on with today. Respectfully though, leave it safe and sound.
Take on Today, let tomorrow know you're coming.
Purchase music here.
"Liberty" – Debut EP - Silktones duo
2014 - Jim McCabe and Shirley Lynn released their EP "Liberty" which included six (6) songs. "Liberty", "No Matter What", "Her Waves", "Stay Awhile", "New Tomorrow",
"Long Time Dead" Recorded at Tonic Sound, Yorkeys Knob. EP lauch at Mondos Cafe Bar and Grill.
Easy listening acoustic guitar album capturing vocal and instrumental flavours seasoned with slide, swing blues, country, pop and folk style influences. Riffs, rhythms and harmonies, these are the quality threads of "Silktones". There's a great big space from here to eternity... People finding possibility... Purchase music here.
"My Kind of Paradise" - Single
2013 - "My Kind of Paradise" was recorded by Larry Cash - Port Douglas as the prize for winning - Song of Carnivale.
A song that expresses a love for North Queensland paradise where the rainforest meets the sea. Taste, Watch, Dance and Play becons you to experience paradise from within. Purchase music here.
"My Kind of Paradise" – Music Video
2013 - "My Kind of Paradise" official music video was released. A project funded by Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF) in collaboration with Kyle Wilson of Little Earth Productions.
Prezi Online Presentation, DVD project, posters, invitations and flyers created for a Premier Event held at Mondos Cafe Bar and Grill.
“My Kind of Paradise” music video was produced drawing on North Queensland imagery. North Queensland is a paradise. The way the world is viewed is coloured by the dimension we have within. We paint ourselves into our own reality.
The song tells the story from the perspective of a turtle asking for help.
The
song 's intention is to draw attention to the plight of the sea turtle while building awareness around the good work that happens in Rehabilitation Centres. A quest for survival, everyday. Purchase music here.
"The distinction between the past, present & future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion." Albert Einstein. "Time is an illusion we live within." Life's reality is viewed according to our interpretation of it.
As you listen to each song harmonious melodies and heartfelt lyrics connect the listenerl. Projects incorporating songwriting:
"Barron River Dreaming" Project
The culminated document compilation of Family Research and Personal Anecdotes for Leslie Alfred Aldridge - "Snow", includes two songs inspired by the revealed history and stories told. These include "Barron River Dreaming" written by Shirley Lynn
and "New Tomorrow" written and recorded by Jim McCabe and Shirley Lynn.
"Road Trippers" Project
The road trip from Cairns to Broome and Back provided inspiration for some creative writing.
A document was produced telling the story about the trip and songs were drafted inspired by the adventure and trip away. "Road Trippers Cross", "Kimberley Moon", "Staircase to the Moon", "Nature Calls".
"Kimberley Moon and "Road Trippers Cross" have since evolved in collaboration with Peter Armstrong.
Published online at Issuu.
Some performance highlights have included:
* Elixir Music Bar with Wind and Wood - 2021
* Mungalli Creek Dairy - Corporate Open Day - 2021
* Connoisseurs Luncheon - Neptunes, Palm Cove - 2021
* Oz Songwriters - Elixir Bar - 2021
* Cairns Wax Lyricals - 2020 - 2021
* Cairns World Aid's Day Candlelight Vigil - 2020
* House Concerts at William and Mark's - 2020
* Tamworth Country Music Festival - 2020
*
Music That Heals - Elixir Music Bar - 2019
* The Dag - Nundle Tamworth - 2019
* Tasman Turtle Family Picnic Day - TYTO Parklands - 2019
* Tablelands Folk Festival - Festival Song Circle 2018
*
Tanks Songwriter Stage
2016 - 2018
* Mimi Tannaka Unplugged Photograph Exhibition Tanks - Edge Hill - 2017 Silktones
* Apres Beach Bar and Grill - Palm Cove - 2016
* Cairns Reef Feast - 2016
* "Turtles in Trouble” Exhibition – The Canopy, Cairns – 2015 Silktones
* Cairns Reef Casino, Opening for Kellie Knight & the Daze – 2015
* Atherton International Club - Opening for Max T Barnes – 2015
* Songwriters on the Waterfront, The Hilton 2011 - 2016
* Australia Day Big Breakfast – Palm Cove – 2015 Blue Tonic
* The Jack - Unplugged Acoustic Originals - 2015 Blue Tonic
* Cairns Esplanade - Regional Council Gigs – 2012 – 2015 Silktones, Blue Tonic
* Resonate – Ladies Night - The Grand - 2015
* Yorkeys Knob Community Events - 2010 - 2015 Blue Tonic
* Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures – 80th Birthday Celebration - 2014 Siltones
* Super Sunday of Song - Palm Cove Surf Club - 2014
* Finest Female Songwriters - The Jack Hotel - 2014
* Tanks Unplugged with Chris Wighton - Clarketown & Leanne Tennant CD Launch – 2014
* “Liberty” CD Launch 2014 Silktones
* Fitzroy Island Sea Turtle Hospital Opening- 2013
* Tablelander Showcase - The Locals Ball - Atherton – 2013
* Queensland Music Festival "Song Trails" - Tully – 2013
* ArtEscape Exhibition - Cairns Art Society - The Tanks - 2012, 2013 Silktones
* "It's About Time" CD Launch 2012
Following are some of the festivals played:
* Tamworth Country Music Festival - TSA Songwriter Showcases - 2016, 2020
* Hats off in July - The Dag 2019
* Tasman Turtle Family Picnic Day - Ingham - 2019
* Tablelands Folk Festival -2012 - 2016, 2018, 2019, 2020
* Festival of the Knob 2011 - 2015, 2019
* Rock This Country Blue, Kuranda - 2016
* Tablelands Folk Festival - one of three judges for Songwriting competition - 2015 - 2022
* Festival Cairns - Esplanade Stage - 2014
* Palm Cove Reef Feast - 2014 - 2016
* Mission Evolve Festival - 2012 - 2014
Following are some of the venues played:
* Mungalli Creek Dairy, Milla Milla * Hog Shed, Nhulunbuy * The DAG, Nundle,Tamworth * Tamworth City Bowls Club, *Tamworth Family Zone Stage, * Tamworth City Hall * Square Man Inn, Tamoworth * TYTO Parklands, Ingham * Elixir Music Bar - Cairns
* Tanks Precinct - Edgehill
* Bluewater Tavern - Cairns
* The Billabong - Kuranda
* Court House Hotel - Resonate
* Apres Beach Bar and Grill - Palm Cove
* Cairns Airport - Domestic Terminal - Departures and Arrivals lounge
* Cairns Esplanade and City Place * Mondos Café Bar and Grill – The Hilton, Cairns
* Shangrila Hotel - Cairns * Irish Murphy’s – Hobart
* Hog’s Breath Café – Tamworth
* Post Office Hotel – Tamworth * Hog’s Breath Peel Street Stage - Tamworth
* McGintys Irish Bar – Cairns * Strait on the Beach – Holloways
* Rusty's Markets * Kewarra Beach Resort & Spa * Palm Cove Surf Club * Palm Cove Tavern * Cairns Show Pavilion * Botanical Gardens and Tanks Precinct * Hartleys Crocodile Adventures - Cairns * Barron River Hotel - Cairns * Canopy Gallery - Cairns * The Tanks - Edgehill * Voodooz * Green Ant Cantina * Paddywacks * Tablelands Music Lovers Shed – Atherton * Yungaburra Hotel * Ivanhoes Rugby League Club * Royal Hotel - Herberton * The Jack Hotel - Cairns * The Inn * The Grand Hotel – Cairns
* The Railway Hotel - Cairns * Ellis Beach Surf Life Saving Club * Half Moon Golf Club * Holloways Sporting Complex - Cairns * The Cock and Bull - Cairns * The Balaclava Hotel - Cairns * Redlynch Hotel * Raintrees Tavern - Cairns * Balcony TV at Shangrila * 12 Bar Blues - Cairns * The Art House * Clifton Capers * Bernie’s Piano Bar - Cairns * Cooktown Bowls Club * Private functions, birthdays, weddings, presentations, parties
Community, Fundraising and Charity Events:
* Palm Cove Connoisseurs Luncheon Group * Music That Heals * Relay for Life * Duchene Foundation – Racing for a Cure * Trinity Beach State School – Ma Baker’s Tonic & Tropicarnivale * Movember Blues * Yorkeys Carols by Candlelight * Yorkeys Festival of the Knob
Musical influences to name but a few over the years have included:
Joni Mitchell, Kristina Olsen, Lucinda Williams, Kasey Chambers, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Emmylou Harris, Olivia Newton John, Cyndi Lauper...
In more recent times, gravitated listening now includes the songs of Leonard Cohen, Katie Melleur, Beth Hart, Gabrielle Chilme, Passenger, and John Prine.
Born on the Atherton Tablelands the joy for music was nurtured as a performer playing at local venues around the Tablelands mainly as a solo artist.
> More photographs and information about Shirley's early music days
Shirley has performed in and around Cairns for over 10 years as a solo performer, part of the Silktones duo and member of Blue Tonic band.
More details available from the links below:
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2012
Shirley Lynn Music |
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