about
reviews
past gigs

photo by Oliver Berlin

about mama k and the big love

Hailing from Australia’s deep south, Mama K and the Big Love performed their all original, old school soul and funk (with a dash of heathen gospel) between October 2014 and December 2017. 

In 2016, Mama K recorded their debut album at Red Planet Recording with producer Stewart Long (Violent Femmes, Luca Brasi). The album was tracked through a 1975 Vintage Harrison 24/32 Recording Console and mixed to a Vintage Studer B67 Analog Tape Deck. “So much can be done with digital these days, but sometimes you just want some romance!” said Stew Long, “We used old gear wherever it felt good.”

The first single ‘Moth to The Flame’ was released on February 17th, 2017 and the song was brilliantly brought to life in the video by acclaimed Hobart actor Jeff Michel, who plays both roles in a masterful cross dressing, hip churning solo performance.
The album ‘Blind’ was released to critical acclaim on March 10th, 2017 (read reviews below).

While recording was their first goal, the energy and passion they exuded during their shows was contagious, and their reputation as a live act grew along with their flock of loyal supporters.

There was nothing bland or meaningless within their infectious grooves, and with powerhouse vocals delivering a diverse range of original songs about (but not limited to) stalking, stripping, drug abuse, hypocrisy, addiction, depression, ego and family, Mama K and the Big Love were a band with attitude and substance.

Album artwork by Russ Tatlow

Music

reviews

“a whopping sound… powerhouse call-and-response vocals that have a live, sweaty-club energy… a sound as warm as the hug of an old friend.’ 

John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald 4/5/2017

“the girls definitely deliver and the boys in the band are all over it, always in the pocket and thoughtful in their arrangements”

Michael Smith, Rhythms Magazine 18/05/17

Mama K & The Big Love are from the Deep South of Australia — Tassie to be exact — and it seems the location has given them a soulful sound.

A three-woman powerhouse, their vocals are strong and familiar without being derivative. Opener (and single) Moth To The Flame sets a sultry tone but there’s much more to the album. There’s the call and response glory of title track Blind, the somewhat cautionary Somebody and lovely ballad Don’t Be Me. Come for the vocals, stay for the big keys and local tribute to the glory days of soul. Lots of promise.

Liz Giuffre – TheMusic.com.au 3/3/2017

“great musicianship, top quality songs.. and that deep down soul/RnB”

David Roman, 2SSRFM 99.7, The Mystery Train  

Panel Member Australian Blues and Roots Airplay Chart

“I can personally recommend this (single) and the imminent album. It is sublime and evocative. Love Love Love MamaKandtheBigLove!”

Victoria Madden – Producer / Writer: The Kettering Incident, Blood Brothers, The Bill, The Clinic.

“The music is real! Fun, energetic, with an edgy and bold message”. 

Dan Barker, co-president of Freedom From Religion Foundation.

“…they’re an incredible band… a really, really exciting group, huge voices”

Ryk Goddard, ABC Radio Hobart

“On first hearing Tasmania’s Mama K & The Big Love debut release Blind my first thought was ‘where has this band been hiding?’. Blind has loads of excellent soul, funk & gospel”

Graham Henries, Encore 96.3FM

 

Independent track of the Week

Chelsea Deely, The New Thing, Eastside FM

gigs

  • The Duke of Wellington 10/11/17
  • The Duke of Wellington 29/09/17
  • Festival of Voices, Hobart City Hall 08/07/17
  • Rektango 02/06/17
  • Edge Radio - Live performance 14/03/17
  • ABC Radio - Live performance 10/03/17
  • CD Launch Party - The Duke of Wellington 17/03/17
  • Women's Health Celebration - Moonah Arts Centre 02/03/17
  • Tasmanian Wooden Boat Festival 11/02/17
  • Street Eats Franko 10/02/17
  • Tasmanian Living Magazine Launch 22/01/17
  • Cygnet Folk Fest 8/01/17
  • The Taste of Tasmania 30/12/16
  • Rektango 14/10/16
  • The Taste of the Huon Festival 14/03/16
  • International Womens Day - Moonah Arts Centre 10/3/16
  • The TASTE of Tasmania 28/12/15
  • MONA - Museum of Old and New Art 20/12/15
  • Blue Cow Theatre play reading performance - MAC 20/11/15
  • The Brunswick Hotel 17/10/15
  • Moonah Arts Centre 02/10/15
  • The Republic Bar and Cafe 14/06/15
  • Rektango 05/06/15
  • The New Sydney 03/06/15
  • The New Sydney 06/05/15
  • MONA - Museum of Old and New Art 04/04/15
  • The New Sydney 01/04/15
  • Lenah Valley Fundraiser 21/02/15
  • Fruit Cider festival 01/02/15
  • Rektango 30/01/15
  • The Republic Bar and Cafe 04/01/15
  • The New Sydney 3/12/14
  • Rektango 21/11/14
  • The New Sydney 29/10/14

images and posters

Festival of Voices - Hobart City Hall - VOICEBOX