Chilled out Rockhampton natives Busby Marou are preparing to release their debut album Biding My Time on June 24, and they’re wasting no time getting out to tour it.
The run of shows will kick off in their home state on July 1 and take in capital cities and major regional centers before coming to a close in Sydney later that month.
Just as we see on the album, Busby Marou’s live music is really back to basics, with its focus on story telling, organic instrumentation, and harmonies. If that sounds like your kind of thing you won’t want to miss these shows.
1 July 2011 – The Old Museum, Brisbane
8 July 2011 – The SoundLounge, Currumbin
10 July 2011 – The Pilbeam Theatre, Rockhampton
14 July 2011 – Jive, Adelaide
15 July 2011 – Northcote Social Club, Northcote
16 July 2011 – The National Hotel, Geelong
21 July 2011 – Heritage Hotel, Bulli
22 July 2011 – CBD Hotel, Newcastle
23 July 2011 – Spectrum, Darlinghurst
Image used with permission from Frogstomp Music
11 August 2011 – Kay Street, Traralgon
It’s called I Know This Now, a title which might just refer to the self confidence that comes from 18 months of near relentless gigging, both as headliners and the support act for Eskimo Joe, Birds of Tokyo, Hoodoo Gurus, and more.
17 June 2011 – Spotted Cow, Toowoomba
12 June 2011 – The Evelyn, Fitzroy
The single might just throw fans for a loop though. Rather than the raucous rock they’re famous for, the song sees the band reflecting on the cycle of life and the need to manage grief. Its dark subject matter to be sure, but that change of pace might be just what the doctor ordered. It’s already enjoying high rotation on radio, which no doubt bodes well for the album release.
You might not know his name, but chances are you’re already familiar with Ben Salter’s work. The Brisbane singer-songwriter was a founding member of numerous Queensland bands including The Gin Club, Giants of Science, and The Wilson Pickers. But he’s also been quietly plugging away as a solo artist for the last ten years, playing shows throughout Australia and Europe.
Whatever you call her, you’re likely to be impressed by this recording. Lia’s previous projects have brought a sense of maturity to this new solo endeavour. It’s also helped her seek out collaborations with Jason Molina, Jack Ladder, and the lads from Dappled Cities. The production team is also top notch, with Tony Dupe (Holly Throsby, Jack Ladder), Chris Townsend (Silverchair, Portishead, Violent Femmes), and Denis Blackham (Brian Eno, Elvis Costello), all having a hand in the disc.
This is more than just a few band mates gigging to pass the time until their fearless leader returns. The Genie have recorded a debut album Here Come the Scissors, which has actually been in the works in 2006. I guess it’s hard to find the time when The Cat Empire has been doing so well! The disc has had time to marinate and mature and will finally be unleashed with some launch shows in the major capitals.