There are still artists who remind us why music matters – why it moves us, binds us, and reveals who we truly are. The Sheyana Band are one of those rare acts. With their latest album, “All The Best,” they return not only to the heart of roots music but to the essence of shared humanity – weaving together blues, soul, and country pop into a lush, distinctly Tasmanian soundscape.
Across 14 dynamic songs, Sheyana Wijesingha and her stellar bandmates — Wayne Rand (guitar/vocals), Dan Jeffrey (bass), and Leigh Hill (drums/vocals) — craft a record that feels both timeless and vividly present. It’s a collection that celebrates community, travel, and perseverance, channeling the wild beauty of Tasmania and the wide-open spirit of Americana through a lens only Sheyana could provide.
Born in London and based in Tasmania, Sheyana Wijesingha carries within her a remarkable cultural mosaic – a heritage that spans Celtic and Sri Lankan roots, fused with an abiding love for American blues and rock traditions. The result is a voice that transcends borders: rich with soul, storytelling, and grit.
Sheyana’s vocal performances on “All The Best” are striking not just for their technical strength but for their emotional truth. There’s a storyteller’s fire burning beneath every line she sings – from the defiant blues of “Forth Valley Blues” to the sultry swing of “Soul Sister.” She has the rare ability to shift from velvet warmth to gritty power in a heartbeat, each phrase drenched in experience and empathy.
What makes The Sheyana Band such a force is the synergy of musicianship honed through years of collaboration and countless live performances. This is not a studio-assembled act – it’s a living, breathing musical family. Their unity is palpable on every track, their groove as organic as the island soil they hail from.
Guitarist Wayne Rand delivers performances that alternate between fiery and tender – his solos on “Remarkable Man” and “Wasted” crackle with energy and precision, while his rhythm work forms the perfect backbone for Sheyana’s melodic storytelling. Dan Jeffrey’s basslines anchor the record with warmth and depth, and Leigh Hill’s drumming brings a pulse that’s both earthy and electrifying. Together, they build a sound that is muscular yet fluid – a masterclass in musical chemistry.
The album’s production, too, respects the organic roots of the material. There’s a clarity and space that lets each instrument breathe, from the glistening keys of special guest Kelly Ottaway to the soulful backing vocals of Mahlah Wing and Sherry Rand. It’s a record that feels alive, unhurried, and unpretentious – the work of seasoned musicians unafraid to let authenticity lead.
“All The Best” opens with a punch – “Forth Valley Blues” bursts forth with the swagger of a ZZ Top groove and the soul of Stevie Ray Vaughan. It’s a statement of intent: raw, rhythmic, and unmistakably Sheyana.
Then comes the irresistible drive of “Wasted,” a rock-infused anthem that channels old-school energy while feeling entirely modern. “Honesty” takes that same fire and sharpens it into a soulful edge – proof that the band can pivot between genres without losing their core identity.
Other highlights include “Big Hearts,” a heartfelt anthem that radiates optimism and gratitude, and “On My Mind,” a tender track that blends Sheyana’s bluesy phrasing with pop-country warmth. “Big Love” swaggeringly bridges rock and soul, while “Soul Sister” reveals Sheyana’s seductive, spiritual side. Each song stands alone, yet together they form a cohesive journey through emotion, memory, and place.
There’s also a powerful through-line of resilience in the album – a sense that Sheyana and her band are not just performing songs but documenting lived experience. “Music is a gift that resonates on a higher vibration,” Sheyana reflects. That sentiment pulses through every note of “All The Best.”
While the album’s heart beats with blues and roots, The Sheyana Band are no purists trapped in tradition. Their sound is kaleidoscopic – drawing from Australian rhythm and soul, Southern country pop, English funk, and even a touch of punk attitude. It’s this fearless eclecticism that makes their music feel so alive.
The band’s connection to their Tasmanian roots runs deep. There’s a sense of place in their sound – wide skies, rolling hills, and rugged coastlines echo through their melodies. Yet, their reach extends far beyond the island’s borders.
Their music has found fans across the globe, with national and international recognition, chart success on YESFM Sri Lanka (Top 10 in both 2015 and 2023), and extensive touring. In October 2024, they completed a triumphant tour of Sri Lanka, and their upcoming 2025–2026 festival schedule across Australia promises to be one of their most exciting yet.
The Sheyana Band are no strangers to critical acclaim. They were honored with the 2018 Chris Wilson Award for Emerging Act of the Year from the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society – a testament to their artistry, authenticity, and impact on the Australian music landscape.
Sheyana herself has earned national and international songwriting awards, solidifying her reputation as one of Tasmania’s most compelling voices. Her compositions balance personal storytelling with universal resonance – love, loss, hope, and belonging woven into songs that feel both intimate and communal.
Their live shows are equally legendary. Over the years, they’ve shared stages with a veritable who’s who of Australian music: Mark Seymour & The Undertow, Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks, Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, Deborah Conway, Hoodoo Gurus, Neil Finn, Meg Mac, The Superjesus, Diesel, Renee Geyer, The Angels, Kevin Borich, Ian Moss, Bill Chambers, and Fanny Lumsden, among others. It’s a lineup that underscores just how deeply this band has earned its place among the country’s most respected acts.
Beyond the accolades and musicality, “All The Best” feels like a heartfelt celebration – of longevity, friendship, and the unbreakable bond between artist and audience. In Sheyana’s words, “We’ve travelled so far on this journey. What a beautiful ride, playing incredible live shows, making great albums, and honing in on our skills with our wonderful band family.”
That sense of gratitude seeps into every corner of the album. There’s joy in the groove, hope in the harmonies, and reflection in the quiet spaces. It’s the sound of artists who have lived, loved, and learned – and who now share that wisdom through melody and rhythm.
At its core, “All The Best” is more than just an album; it’s a milestone in the evolution of The Sheyana Band. It’s a love letter to the music that shaped them and the people who continue to inspire them. It’s also a declaration – that authentic, heartfelt, genre-blending music still matters.
From the deep grooves of “Remarkable Man” to the tender reflection of “Big Hearts,” the album is a reminder that great music doesn’t just entertain; it uplifts, connects, and heals. Every song feels like a celebration – of life, of art, of Tasmania’s vibrant musical soul.
The Sheyana Band have not only delivered one of their finest works to date – they’ve gifted listeners a timeless collection that feels like a warm conversation between friends, infused with the spirit of freedom, unity, and hope. If this is, as the title suggests, “All The Best,” then the future looks even brighter for this extraordinary band.
“All The Best” by The Sheyana Band is available now on all major streaming platforms. Prepare to be moved, inspired, and reminded of what real music sounds like – honest, soulful, and unapologetically alive.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
WEBSITE: https://sheyana.com
iTUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/au/artist/the-sheyana-band/1343645358
FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/thesheyanaband
YOUTUBE: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOsbERvSxC8cSE3IOC3iDwWM8c6lwOFNy&si=DJruLaaQq2dRANgA
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