Life On The Fringe!

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Posted: 6 April 2024

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Hello, my lovelies, I hope you all had a very Happy Easter!  Ken and I had a quiet one, we’re still getting back to balance as it’s just a few weeks since we arrived back in the UK from Australia. We flew home via Shanghai and it was really exciting to experience a new country for the very first time, we’d love to go back sometime for a bit longer! Riding the 300km/hour Maglev train and seeing the City’s iconic skyline were highlights of our whirlwind stopover. Being welcomed home by water pouring from our living room ceiling here in Scotland was not so exciting! Unpacking two months of suitcase life on the road had to wait until we cleaned up the mess, not exactly how we thought our trip would end. But hey ho! Mouldy curtains and furniture aside, we’re both still buzzing after an epic Australian tour that exceeded our expectations. Sharing long-awaited hugs, chats and music with so many of our favourite humans, we’ve missed them so much since moving to the UK in 2020. Hanging out with really amazing artists and making brand-new friends. Rocking our hearts out in front of audiences who gave that big energy back to us in spades at each and every show. Performing at super supportive venues, all passionate about live music. Reconnecting with our talented Aussie band boys and rediscovering the joy of playing live together again after nearly 4 years apart. Losing count of the number of memories we banked along the way, our hearts overflowing with gratitude at every turn. Simply magic!

Our ‘Fringe of Rooms’  tour would not have been remotely possible without the invaluable support of ALL the following Rockstars:

🎶 My band boys Ken, Laurie, Louise and Brodie, believing in my music and rocking out on stage with me!
🚓 Greg and Donella for our official tour car, the ‘Floating Armchair’
🤘 Dan Giles/STS Entertainment, loaning us top-notch music gear
🎸David Burgess, letting Ken have a few goes on his bass guitar
💋Jenni Tidd – late night train station pick-ups and D&M’s
🎩 Kristy Poulter – my gorgeous new steampunk hat!

🏡 To Al and Ros, Sianne and Matt, Jas and Andy, Rod, Zoe and Jordan, Rob and Amanda – big love for all the spare beds, shared meals and conversations with your beautiful families. It was so cool living on the ‘fringe of rooms’ with you!

🔥 To our fabulous venues, events, caterers and stage/sound crews:

Mel  Junction Cafe
Michael and Danielle Wards Brewery
Backyard BBQ Boys and The Corned Beef Truck
Agnes Blues Roots & Rock Festival volunteers
Glenn Stevenson and the crew from Staging Solutions
The Rocky Glen Hotel, Gladstone
The Alley Yeppoon
Rod, Zoe & Jordan Irwin Sunday on Sunray House Concerts
Beach Arts Music
Wayne Dunnett, Audio and Lighting Services Qld

Lianne B. Loach, aka I Was Here Photography captured this fantastic #AgnesBluesFest main stage action shot.
We’ll also be sharing more fabulous images soon from our talented friend Wezzy Cruze!

💃🏻🕺🤩 🙏 We couldn’t have done this without you all!!

Agnes Water Blues Roots & Rock Festival 2024 – I Was Here Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Fringe of Rooms’ Australian Tour 2024

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Posted: 3 December 2023

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Since relocating to her father’s native Scotland in 2020, Queensland singer-songwriter Leah Chynoweth-Tidy has been wowing brand-new northern hemisphere audiences as Kissing The Flint. She is now firing up for a much-anticipated home soil return from January to March 2024, showcasing a new album in a sizzling summer of live performance dates on her ‘Fringe of Rooms’ Australian tour.

A big tour highlight will be a main stage spot alongside stellar artists Vika & Linda at #AgnesBluesFest in February. Leah met Vika on stage during a shared Rockwiz 2010 regional tour guest spot, an unforgettable experience that inspired Leah to kick-start her own music career. It’s a dream come true for Leah to find herself now sharing a bill with the legendary Bull sisters.

Leah is a multi-award nominated singer-songwriter who created performing project ‘Kissing The Flint’ (‘creating a spark’) to focus on her original songs and connect their powerful energies with a global audience. Her first award nomination landed in 2020 for Australian Celtic Song of the Year and the recognition momentum for her songwriting has continued to snowball ever since.

The Australian tour is set to showcase the February 2024 release of the sophomore Kissing The Flint album ‘Standing on the Fringe of Rooms’, which is the much anticipated follow-up to Leah’s 2019 debut EP ‘Unconditionality’.

‘We’re getting the Aussie band back together and releasing a blues-rock album! My bass player husband Ken and I haven’t made music in the same room with our guitarist Laurie Rayment and drummer Louis Parish since 2020 when we moved to the UK, so we’re all raring to go. This is a long overdue reunion, we can’t wait to rock out together and share all of this new music with our Australian fans!’

The new album will showcase Leah’s songwriting versatility, encompassing the shimmery surf-rock ‘Dune Girl’ shortlisted for the 2022 Australian Songwriting Assocation Inc (ASAI) awards, the call-to-arms for the arts anthem ‘100 Or Less’  , battle of the sexes showdown ‘Gunslinger Love ’ and an as-yet unreleased track of global hope ‘All We Can Do’, which has already earned a Top 10 Indie-Rock finalist place in the ASAI awards and a commended in the UK Songwriting Competition.

Authenticity and emotion flow through Leah’s connective songwriting and empowering live performances, fueled by a powerful, versatile voice. Song themes flow from an adventurous spirit with crystal clarity of message and vivid imagery drawn from experience, empathy and imagination.

From one mesmerising moment to the next, this dynamic performer moves easily from roots beauty to sultry rock raunch in explorations of the human condition, a genuine desire to empower others and a lifelong affinity with the natural world.

If you would like access to the full electronic media pack, please email kissingtheflint@gmail.com

Gunslinger Love – Official Music Video

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Posted: 24 November 2023

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Following the release of the third single ‘Gunslinger Love’ from her forthcoming sophomore album ‘Standing on the Fringe of Rooms’, Australian-born singer-songwriter Leah Chynoweth-Tidy (Kissing the Flint – ‘to create a spark’) recently brought the track to vibrant life on screen with the release of the official music video on her Youtube channel.

A riff-laden blues-rock epic, ‘Gunslinger Love’ powers up with all guns blazing and thunders into the ultimate star-crossed love showdown between the sexes. The video for the track was filmed in several locations where Queenslander Leah is now based in her father’s native Scotland.

“One of our film locations was the Coach and Horses Inn, Dumfries, with a rich history and one of our favourite places to play,” says Leah. “This centuries-old pub has plenty of character and great vibes thanks to genuine live music lovers who support local muso’s here regularly. We put out the call for acting extras to have some fun in our bar-room scenes and we all had a great day filming the action. Everyone got into the spirit by dressing up and hamming it up and you can see that playfulness in the scenes. It all ended up as a kind of steampunk-infused Westworld meets Star Wars cantina filled with quirky characters,” she grins.

Gunfight scenes were captured at historic Hazlefield House, home to Kissing The Flint’s UK guitarist (and Gunslinger in the video) Adrian Grogan. Kissing The Flint rehearse regularly in one of the original old outbuildings, now set up as a live band room and recording studio. Legend has it that Mary Queen of Scots spent her final night at Hazlefield before leaving Scotland, never to return.

Outdoor scenes were filmed on the Southern Upland Way among the atmospheric ruins of Kilhern, a group of tumble-down stone farm buildings surrounded by ancient neolithic and bronze age remnants. Leah and bass-player husband Ken moonlight as tour guides and volunteer rangers on the Way, which is Scotland’s longest coast-to-coast walking route. Kilhern is one of their favourite locations and they were keen to capture it in some of the Gunslinger scenes. The filming day was their most challenging, with all of the camera gear and costume box having to be carried in by backpack and out again.

Recorded with Dave Beacon at High Lion Studio in Queensland and mastered by Grammy-award nominated Ben Findlay in the UK, ‘Gunslinger Love’ is the third single to be lifted from Kissing The Flint’s forthcoming album Standing On The Fringe of Rooms. The album is due for release in February 2024 during Kissing the Flint’s long awaited Australian tour, which will be Leah’s first time back on home soil in over 3 years.

Watch the ‘Gunslinger Love’ video

New single ‘Gunslinger Love’ OUT NOW!

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Posted: 25 August 2023

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My brand- new single ‘Gunslinger Love’ is now out in the world and available to stream on your favourite digital platforms across the globe➡️https://gyro.to/GunslingerLove 
I’m so proud of this song and the wonderful team behind me to breathe life into this creative vision. I’d love to know what you think of it, please do reach out with an email or message my social media pages, I’d love to hear from you!

A riff-laden blues-rock epic, ‘Gunslinger Love’  powers up with all guns blazing and thunders into the ultimate star-crossed love showdown between the sexes.

‘Feisty, empowered women feature regularly in my songwriting and this new single is no exception. Centered around a western gunfight scenario, this is a girl-vs-boy battle; both gunslingers drawn to the ultimate showdown but resisting their attraction every step of the way. Ultimately there must be a winner of this showdown, but the track will leave you wondering – who will win the long-term war of wills? Gunslinger Part II? Anything’s possible!’

To record this latest track, I teamed up once again with the talented Dave Beacon at High Lion Studio, who co-produced, mixed and mastered my 2019 debut EP ‘Unconditionality’. ‘Gunslinger Love’ was mastered by Grammy-nominated record producer and sound engineer Ben Findlay and I was delighted to be working with him for the very first time on this project. I arranged ‘Gunslinger Love’ with seasoned riff-master Laurie Rayment (guitars) and the track also features my husband Ken Chynoweth-Tidy (bass), Louis Parish (drums) and Win Liv Shak (Hammond B3).

‘Gunslinger Love’ is the third single to be lifted from the Kissing The Flint forthcoming album project Standing On The Fringe of Rooms, following on from previous single releases ‘100 Or Less’ and ‘Dune Girl’. Stay tuned for the album release date later this year, followed by an Australian tour January-March 2024!

 

Welcome to 2023!

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Updated: 4 January 2023

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2022 is through and I want to thank you all for your support this past 12 months. Despite some challenges, there have been many fantastic ‘firsts’ and plenty of joy . Music for me is all about making genuine connections, so I’d love to hear how my creativity has positively affected YOUR year, feel free to leave a comment here.
Here’s cheers to all the friends, musos, venues, events, festivals, audiences, live music lovers, listeners, collaborators, mentors, broadcasters, publishers, playlisters, streamers, producers, engineers, arrangers, photographers, film-makers and songwriting peers who made this year so memorable.  Also those of you who have supported KTF from the very get-go in another hemisphere – there you are, still cheering me on even though I’m now on the other side of the world. I miss you so much in person, but send big virtual love for still being there in all the other ways you can be. As we say in Aus “love ya guts” – and stay tuned for a Down Under tour!
Your amazing support continues to keep me focused and energised on this exciting journey. Inspiration overcomes challenge, so I’m stepping with intent and passion as a performer and songwriter into a fresh creative room across the threshold of a brand new year. As the old saying goes “don’t look back – you’re not going that way!”
Can’t wait to share what awaits beyond this door with you! Albums, singles, live gigs, videos, mentoring and plenty more songwriting and growing…it’s going to be epic!
Happy Hogmanay, you absolute legends. If you haven’t already, please sign up to the KTF Mailing List via the link on our Home Page.
Thanks so much for rocking my world 💋 🔥

Official Music Video World Premiere for ‘100 Or Less’

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Posted: 23 November 2021

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With the audio of ‘100 or Less’ now in your ears post-release day, I’m armed and ready to fire more creative shots at those in power in support of the undervalued Arts.
Are you ready to join the conversation?

With the World Premiere of the track’s official music video on my Youtube Channel this Saturday 27 November, powerful visuals are set to drive this heartfelt call-to-arms message even deeper into public consciousness.

“This isn’t just a music video.  It’s a cinematic-quality work of art best appreciated on big screens with speakers cranked up to 11.  Stunning imagery vividly represents the song’s vital message, aimed squarely at those in power still ignoring challenges faced by the Arts around the world.”

The film clip was shot over 5 days in the South of France with UK musicians and film-makers, Jason Carter and wife Lydia Carter-Martin, who are based in the area.  The internationally-acclaimed duo devised the concepts, scouted locations, filmed, directed and produced this collaborative project for my songwriting.

Jason says, “Creating a story board from Leah’s lyrics was an exciting challenge, and we made a conscious decision to plan a shot list incorporating a mix of figurative, literal and metaphoric imagery whilst always leaving room for creative freedom within each shoot.  Not all musicians find it easy to perform in front of camera and as Leah did not have a background in acting, it was wonderful to see how she grew as an on-screen performer and always took direction very well.  Working with Leah and her bass-player husband Ken was an absolute joy from start to finish and we wish them every success with this new release.  The music video was shot on BlackMagic Cinema cameras and Canon FDL lenses from the 197O’s for an organic cinematic look.”

The film pays vibrant visual homage to the song’s powerful narrative, namely government indifference to the plight of an undervalued Arts Industry.  Faceless masked men in suit and ties across various landscapes menace a despairing yet still defiant artist struggling to make a living.  Scenes showcase the streets and alleys of the Medieval village of Sauve; the drifting sand dunes, Mediterranean Sea and vast skies of Le Grau-du-Roi in The Camargue, famed for flamingoes, white horses, black bulls and flamenco music that flows from just about every bar and restaurant.  It’s also the place that international artists Gipsy Kings call home.

Join my very special world premiere this Saturday by subscribing here https://tinyurl.com/Youtube-KTF for an exclusive virtual viewing seat at 10am UK time / 8pm QLD-AUS time. I’ll be in the chat from the get-go, so frock up, stock up (the drinks) and rock up (with your besties) for a real time screening party of your own.  Can’t wait to see you there and hear what you think!

Firing Shots for The Arts with New Single

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Updated: 23 November 2021

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‘100 or Less’ is the first single to be lifted from my forthcoming, full length second album scheduled for release in 2022. A heartfelt alt-rock song with infectious guitar hooks and a resonating message, “100 Or Less” launches a deeply personal music mission to rock the foundations of a bureaucratic lack of support for the Arts.

I penned ‘100 or Less’ in just a few hours on a wave of escalating frustration during the first 2020 Australian lockdown.  My bass-player husband Ken and I saw our livelihoods, among so many others, begin to evaporate as the Australian music industry screeched to a halt with little support from the government.  Feeling increasingly frustrated, powerless and desperate, this call-to-arms song formed in just a few hours, in a search for answers still not received in 2021.  It’s also an issue that has existed far beyond the genesis and evolution of a worldwide pandemic.

“Those in power don’t truly understand our Industry and its value, despite the widespread, positive effect it has on so many.  What does it take to be heard in a world where sporting events are regularly valued above other live entertainment?  Music lifts mood; empathises with how we feel. There’s an ongoing lack of respect for these precious, positive outlets and if we’re not careful, we could lose them altogether.”

I teamed up once again for this song with Dave Beacon at High Lion Studio in Central Queensland.  Dave also co-produced, mixed and mastered my 2019 debut EP ‘Unconditionality’.  Adding to my vocals for this track are Laurie Rayment on guitars, Ken Chynoweth-Tidy on bass and Louis Parish on drums.

The official film clip for ‘100 or Less’, shot in the South of France in October with musician and film-makers Jason Carter and his wife Lydia Martin-Carter, is set to  world premiere on our Youtube Channel on Saturday 27 November and pay vibrant visual homage to the song’s powerful narrative, namely government indifference to the plight of an undervalued Arts Industry.  Faceless masked men in suit and ties menace a despairing but defiant artist struggling to make a living.

‘100 or Less’ was released digitally around the world on Friday 12 November 2021 and is now available to stream online on your preferred platform and request on your favourite radio stations.  This track is music made by artists, for artists – but we also need YOU to join the conversation and help turn tides for ALL who work in the Arts.

Thanks so much in advance of your support!

100 or Less

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Updated: 23 November 2021

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👀 👊 Is that a single release I spy just over the yardarm? 🤩 Are you SUPER ready to help us take it to the man in support of the undervalued Arts in just over a week’s time? 💋🔥 #100orless

🥳 🎧 Pre-save now and listen first November 12!   Screenshot DM me and tag 2 friends here to go into our Nov 13 draw for the very first of our Lex Wolfcraft comic-book design t-shirts!  💪 ➡️ https://gyro.to/100OrLess

📸 Gordon McKee – G M Photography

👗 Hearts & Roses Australia
🎩 The fabulous Kirsty aka Steampunkable