On the Home Stretch

A Wetlands Instrument

The Wetlands Arts Project is consuming life at the moment as the Soundscape is about 8 weeks away from completion. In September, the completed work will be presented to the Artists who will then have 12 months to create their works – based on what they’re hearing in the Soundscape – for the final month-long exhibition. That will make it a 2-year project! July and August are heavy months in the studio, keeping my studio engineer on his toes! He’s working with instruments that he’s never even heard of, let alone seen played. But there’s no doubt he’s up to the challenge. Along the way, as the project is developing, there are plans for a few exciting events ~ progressively and for the final month’s exhibition. Please subscribe to the Vlog at https://www.youtube.com/@MaureenWetlands2 to watch lots of videos there where you can watch the project unfolding ….there’s more episodes added and many more to come. It’s a fabulous journey to be on, I’d love you to join us.

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Where did it…..

I normally hit the ground running at the beginning of a new – anything! Week, Month, Project, Year! But I blinked, ambled into 2026, and here we are …a quarter of the year gone already!! Where did it go? Streuth! My first post for the year?!?!

But in actual fact I did hit the ground running with the new Wetlands Arts Project and it’s coming along at a brisk pace. I have some lovely Muso’s committed who are working on their pieces. The first recordings for the first track – “Spirit of the Wetlands” – were completed in December and February (you can hear more about those on the project’s YouTube Vlog) and the first studio recording session begins this month.

Such an exciting project – but huge – with some 12 pieces now in progress. I’m also working on a “sneak peek” reveal in the next couple of months….stay tuned for more. I’d love you to Subscribe to the Vlog and get updates as new video’s are uploaded. Here’s the link https://www.youtube.com/@MaureenWetlands2 and as always, your feedback is welcome.

Thanks for continuing to support my creative work.

(PS… there are updates to the Writer Blog and Vlog and if you haven’t checked out my novels yet, you’ll find links on both of those sites – just go to the Contacts page)

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Looking back ~ Looking forward

It’s been a year! As we look forward to the next, let’s plan to make a difference in OUR world …we can’t fix the global chaos, we can’t save our fellow humans who are suffering through wars, famine, poverty and more …but we CAN influence the world around us; Encourage, support, inspire the people we know and the people we meet; Be kind in as many small ways that we can -pay it forward; Protect the people, the creatures, our environment that can’t protect itself..against greed, indifference, ignorance. Become a warrior of change in 2026 in whatever small way you can be. I wish you all every success in everything you attempt.

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Expecting Again

Spring has sprung again here in Oz and as does frequently happen, new births are occurring! In the garden, in nature, and in the studio!

Autumn and winter were busy with the release of my 14th album AND with four new novels written and published. I stopped to breathe at the end of August only to have a fifth novel clamoring to be heard, then a commission to write a brand new track for a conservation group, and last week a second commission to embark on another major project (similar, but with varying differences, to the Wetlands project of 2023).

Looks like it’s going to be head down, tail up for the foreseeable future.

And some reminders:

Want to check out my novels? Here’s a link to my book blog https://mozauthor.blogspot.com/ …there’s plenty of details there and please subscribe for updates (it’s free and it’s non-fattening!) …. and if you aren’t getting my music updates, you may not be a subscriber to my website, blogs, social media or my mailing list. If not, why not? I may not be doing commercial gigs now but I’m popping up in lots of intimate places where you can get a ‘live fix’ – either solo or with some cracking musicians. I’d love to see you – but you can’t go if you don’t know. Email me here to get connected.

a little spring sparkle
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Officially Released

Still Breathin’ Blues has arrived, carrying in its kit bag 14 original tracks that are Blues-infused. There’s sure to be something on this one to please everyone – from the hip-wiggling “Gone Fishin’ ” to thought-provoking “Little Blue Wren“. The history of The Blues goes way beyond the popular Chicago-style Urban Blues and the past 200-plus years has blended lifetimes of flavours. So whether you’re into Muddy Waters, Robert Johnston, Bessie Smith, Tom Waits, or Keith Richards, there’ll be a taste to recognise in this album.

To listen and download: https://maureenobrien.bandcamp.com/ or to order a Flashdrive (which includes Bonus Items) just message direct to: bookings@maureen.com.au for details. Postage is only available in Australia and is free.

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In the Groove

A busy start to 2025 with another new album on the way. This one’s a Blues album and will feature a local muso mate of mine – Pat Eyre – who’s been playing the blues for around 50 years! … There’s been some fun studio sessions already. The 14th album, this one is yet to be titled but features 10 brand new tracks plus a couple of blues tracks reprised from some earlier albums.

So here’s an offer you won’t want to refuse….How’d you like to win a FREE copy of the new release which will include some bonus material? To enter, simply come up with the BEST title – send me an email to register – and the winner will be announced on my social media by the end of February. Here’s a bit of a descriptor to inspire you: The collection is a mixture of classic blues style, a bit of rock, a New Orleans number, a a cruisy swing style, couple of ballads (one in a rather Tom Waits style), there’s a Blues shuffle, an 8-bar Jump Blues, a Soul piece and a couple that defy a pigeonhole! Oh, and a comedy blues too (would you expect any less?). Looking forward to your contributions!

One other thing….One of my tracks from the 2023 album “Song of the Wetlands”, was selected by the United Nations to support their 2025 campaign for World Wetlands Day 2025. I’m pretty chuffed to be so honoured – and to be able to make a contribution to such an important initiative. (Did you know that wetlands are often referred to as the lungs of the earth – that’s how important they are to our survival. Could YOU survive without your lungs?)

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Officially Released

UPDATE: At Feb ’25 the review of this album is in ~ read it on the “Reviews” page

For some 15+ years I’ve been promising to write a Christmas album….it’s finally here! Today is the official release date for Embrace The Season. Australia is a diverse society and there are so many differing views, beliefs, opinions about the season. Consequently there are so many different ways that Christmas is celebrated here. I’ve endeavoured to reflect that diversity in the content of the album.

It consists mostly of originals in a variety of different flavours – ballad, folk, blues, comedy – plus a couple of (not-so) traditional pieces that are favourites of mine. You can listen to the tracks on my Bandcamp page as follows: https://maureenobrien.bandcamp.com/album/embrace-the-season … If you like it, I invite you to purchase the album [or individual tracks if you prefer]….and please tell your friends! The Album is also available – via direct email – on Flash Drive or CD (NOTE: these are in limited supply so order quick)

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A Heart for the Homeless

If you, like me, are moved by desperate need in our world today, here’s a small way you can help;

This month I released a single titled “Man of Uncertainty” into the new Rise ‘n Reprise single collection. The song is about homelessness and it’s purpose is to raise funds for homeless charities – in Nov & Dec, that will be Soul Hub in Newcastle NSW who do a fabulous job for those in difficulties. The track is just $5 [or pay more if you wish] and can be listened to and purchased on my Bandcamp page – maureenobrien.bandcamp.com (click on the Rise ‘n Reprise collection then go to track 6 ‘Man of Uncertainty’). You’ll find the lyrics and background to the song there as well – 50% of proceeds to Soul Hub. It can also be purchased direct with 85% of the $5 {any amount above that is fully passed on}going to the charity – just email me for details.

It’s a “great song, great sound, and so relevant” – so I’m told! And we who have a secure roof overhead, a warm bed, and food on the table can make a difference to someone else for the price of a small coffee. Lend a hand if you can, eh?

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Collection in October

A new addition to the stable arrives at my Bandcamp page on October 3rd. This is the result of my decision to no longer produce albums – due to the changed face of the music industry. With so much commercial music available free now thanks to the streaming channels, the cost of producing albums – especially for independent artists – has become prohibitive.

Releasing on 3rd October at Bandcamp is “Rise ‘n Reprise: A Single Collection” and as the name suggests, this will be the repository for future – and reprised – recordings;- brand new songs; songs from past albums which haven’t been made available online; songs from past recordings that have been re-mixed or simply re-recorded (where I felt the recordings at the time did not do justice to the song ~ sometimes, this is the compromise that must be made when you’re an independant artist on a shoestring budget).

This collection is not designed to be purchased as an ‘album’ because it will be a progressive initiative. Rather, fans can have a listen and if they like it, purchase the individual track and download to add to their own computer/phone/device playlist. Individual tracks will be released early for Subscribers only – they can get their copy, at an early-bird discount. So if you haven’t done so yet, can I encourage you to become a follower at my bandcamp page – just click the following link then hit the “follow” button. There’s no cost, there’s no spam, and you won’t be asked for any personal details. https://maureenobrien.bandcamp.com/

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