'It’s Hard To Push Back The Fear': Jay Watson Steps Into The Light As GUM

Chris Familton, Journalist

Chris Familton

I'm a music journalist, publicist and musician. I’ve been writing professionally about music for the last 15 years, with my music blogs Doubtful Sounds and Post To Wire (alt-country/folk) and as a freelancer with The Music (Drum Media) since 2009, Rhythms magazine, FasterLouder and more.

I've been playing bass guitar in bands since the early ‘90s in New Zealand (Thorazine Shuffle) and Australia (The Finalists, Charlie Horse). I currently also work as a music publicist, with artists including Bluebottle Kiss, Halfway, Restless Leg, Alannah Russack. 

Features / Music
The Music 2017 Writers' Poll: Chris Familton
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Pissed Jeans, BB & The Blips, LA Suffocated
"Moshing ensued, a stage invader ate concrete as he launched himself back into the parting audience and the band laid waste to a cover of Guns N' Roses 'It's So Easy'."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: U2 - Songs Of Experience
"A creative and experimental group who, on 'Songs Of Experience', prove once again that their best days are 20 years in the rearview mirror."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Marlon Williams, Archer
"There's another level of atmosphere and shimmering mood to some of the songs and sideman Dave Khan has added electronics to his resume."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Karl Blau - Out Her Space
"A fine exercise in fearless and inventive songwriting."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Midnight Oil, John Butler Trio, AB Original
"Garrett is still the star of the show, though, the mad marionette dancer relishing the large stage and exploring every inch like the seasoned pro he is."
Reviews / Album
Album Review: Machine Translations - Oh
"The sonic palette he utilises is cleverly controlled and its elements are blended in service to the song."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Melvins, Redd Kross
"Those bands straightened up the sludge, and constantly shifting time signatures and arrangements, leaving Melvins as true progenitors of their sound."
Features / Music
After Leaving Nashville, Lindi Ortega Looks Forward To Releasing Her Music Independently
"As an adult you want to be able to take care of your life and yourself and when you can't even pay your rent it's a bit disenchanting."
Features / Music
Soul Evolution: How D'Angelo Inspired Frazey Ford's Latest Work
"The next album will be a different vibe and I'm just starting to have an inkling of where it might go."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Traveller, The Deslondes, Andy Golledge
"From the outset it was clear the trio have found a wonderful balance with what each bring to the group."
Reviews / Live
Live Review: Lambchop, Antonia & The Lazy Susans, Jack R Reilly
"Post-modern soul music at its most compelling."
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