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The Widowbirds
Genre: Rock, Roots
Region: Sydney, NSW
Members: Simon Meli - Vocals, Guitar Tony Kvesic - Guitar Shane 'Steel' O'Neill - Drums Percussion Simon Wiltshire - Bass Lachlan Doley - Organ/Keys/Piano
Sounds Like: 5 guys walk into a bar..
Influences: Frankie Miller, The Black Crowes, soul music
Artist Website: www.thewidowbirds.com

The Widowbirds were born in late 2010 from a song writing project and calling of heart for long term, brothers in arms and co writers, Simon Meli and Tony Kvesic. Living in the inspirations of Otis Redding, Frankie Miller, The Band and Neil Young, The Widowbirds now deliver a soulfulness and truth that seems to be missing out there.

The band delivering such a creed they ruffled their feathers, introducing their debut EP. Their early release speaks of an organic and texture woven songs, jovial and raw...built on the classic premise that love and good times are all that matter. The EP was independently digitally released with successful airplay on Roots N All on Triple J, regional radio and digital stations alike as their first preview offering from their debut album.

But the buzz continued... as in 2010 the collective were hand-plucked by the Modfather himself, Paul Weller (UK), for his Australian National Wake Up The Nation album tour in October 2010. Forging friendships over the common love of soul music, the true highlight was when Paul Weller joined the band on stage started tinkling on the Hammond.

Taking their gritty back-boned blues and roots to audiences around the country, THE WIDOWBIRDS have continued in garnering a reputation as a solid opening act and festival staple, joining other international greats and Australian Blues Rock artists around the country.

Appearances at Tamworth Country Music Festival 2011 in their maiden year was another great accomplishment to back up their first ever festival performance at the Caloundra Music Festival in 2010, alongside the likes of Powderfinger, Dan Sultan, Jon Cleary and many more greats, the band took many an invitation to tour with our home grown local talent and international greats.

Supporting on many occasions Ash Grunwald (National Album Tour), The Backsliders, The Badloves, Chris Wilson and Mark Seymour, it was High time The Widowbirds made their mark by recording their very own debut record.

As soon as debut album sparks flew this year, the band were successful in supporting the legendary swamp fox Tony Joe White (USA) on his NSW leg of his national tour, bonding on whisky & roots, they were again invited to support him in Tasmania, whilst recording their debut album continued.

The Debut Record 'Shenandoah' October 2011

Recorded by Simon Meli on the fly from the mountains down to the plains of the west, invitations were extended to many great musicians to join the band in producing the vision of the record. Syd Green captured and recorded Shane 'Steel' O'Neill on drums in many old schooled ways at MonoNest, providing the soundscape with a bare boned rawness.

Lapsteels, dobro guitars, gritty southern electric’s and the roaring electric church aka swelling Hammond and boogie piano, completed the bands debut. Finally the mixing was in the hands of the bands biggest brother and dear friend... Steve Balbi (Noiseworks, Electric Hippies).

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Played on digital radio Sweet Lady Mary
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Download mp3 - 4.22 mb
Go Down
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Download mp3 - 3.13 mb
Time We Gotta Move On
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Download mp3 - 3.41 mb

reviews

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Go Down
rating:  3/5
"It's all about the vibe, man, you know?" That's what I hear myself saying about this song in my head. And it really is all about the vibe, man... yo...
triplej



Sweet Lady Mary
rating:  5/5
i have seen these guys in Melbourne several times. they are the real deal. i predict a long and exciting career ahead. they deliver both sweet tender...




Sweet Lady Mary
rating:  5/5
Absolutely fabulous track. Reminds me of the 70's growing up! Saw Widowbirds at Lizottes the other night - what can I say - AMAZING! These guys will...




Time We Gotta Move On
rating:  5/5
Amazing vocals mixed with percussion that reminds me of 'good times'. If you have any rock n roll blood you will love it... brilliant live as well!
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