Nik Hamby

Time to uncover my latest track release - Undercover Killer. This song came out of the songwriting group as a bit of fun and was so well received that I shared with some others and got more encouragement.  I decided to produce and release the song and its been awesome fun working the rock feel and processing the vocals.  Have a listen.  Thanks!

Such a big week! We went down to Melbourne for my daughter's final end of study celebration - and had an awesome day with her on Tuesday.  I played a few songs at Musicland (Fawkner, Melbourne) on Wednesday night, as part of their Biggest Open Mic Night (BOM).  I Played Breathe, The Magician, and No Place to Go. There was some positive feedback and the night itself was a lot of fun.  Lots of Wiggles songs were played cos they had a young guy there who was a big fan.  (It was his first ever live music event due to autism).   That same Wednesday, I'd released my new single, Only 4 You. The song was a Songwriters Club song on the theme of a serenade but ended up being about a guy waiting for something far more. I've had some really good feedback on this one and love the way it travels and unfolds. Have a listen and see what you think. I flew back into Brisbane on Thursday evening, worked on Friday and then then did an hour online concert with Giving Gigs in the U...

Hi all - hope you are all well and safe.  I started my fourth album release program last night.  The first single, "The Mountain", released into all the streaming platforms - at the stroke of midnight.  I already have “Only for You” ready to go (on 25 May) and the third single is also loaded for launch on 15 June.  This first single evolved from a piece of music recorded by Rick Lisk. I worked from that chord progression and created "The Mountain".   There's a video on Facebook which gives a bit of background about the song's development.  (Link to FB at the top of the page.  Worth a look for the stuff that doesn't make it to here). Rick hails from Canada so the song is set amongst snow-capped mountains.  The song follows the life of a single parent with two children.  There is a drinking problem and a feeling of time running faster and faster as the kids grow up. This song inspires me every time I play it.  Enjoy “The Mountain” and...

Just checked the Australian Songwriters Association website - and "A Dog's Sadness" made it through to the Top 30 of it's category! How good is that?!   " ... 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘸𝘩𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘱 30! 𝘈 𝘮𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘭𝘢𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳!"  Mr Dog will be happy when he hears the news cos the song is his favourite (and he likes to sing along)!

I finished off the month with another set at Banshees. The venue is going through a change of ownership and Ken’s last night is Friday, 1 April. I wanted to be there for the end of his time at Banshees. I started off with "Drifting on the Window Seat" and went on to "Only 4 You", which is a new song. I played "No Place to Go" and "Breathe, Miss Sunshine" then finished up with "Say Goodbye".  My performance was well received and I enjoyed the night. I’m anticipating changes and welcome whatever comes. Bring it on. 

Three months into the year already!  Lots of good stuff happening.  I had a quick trip down to NSW in January to meet my new grand-daughter.  My guitar would have needed a plane ticket, so I decided to save $500-600 and bought a cheapie from a Canberra pawn shop after landing, then sold it back a few days later! My wife and I did a longer road-trip in February/March and I took my Gibson with me. Nice to play a few songs at the end of the day's driving and exploring.    More live music after our big holiday trip. On Wednesday, 9 March I went out the Banshees Bar and Artspace and played a few songs. Had a great night and was playing my second guitar as the Gibson had a buzz (that I've since fixed). I played two new songs, The Mountain and No Place to Go - and three older songs:  Breathe, Miss Sunshine, Drifting on the Window Seat, and The Magician. Altogether it was a great night. My friend Steve took some photos too. I did a bit of video for him. Looking...

Back in May, I entered six songs into six categories of the 2021 Australian Songwriting Contest. I received a great email on Tuesday, confirming "bragging rights at Christmas lunch" - three of my songs have been shortlisted! How good is that?!  The songs that made it through are:-  "Where We Will Meet Again" (Country), "The Last" (Folk) and "A Dog's Sadness" (Open).  All songs feature on The Magician album.   I'll be keeping an eye on the ASA website for the late Jan/early Feb announcement of the official Top 30 - which is the next phase of the judging process.   You can check the site too, if you're keen!   www.asai.org.au (Last year two songs were shortlisted from three entries and one of those went on to Top 30 status).   A good friend also had her song shortlisted in the country category, so that was extra happy news!  Chookas to entrants!