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| Australian Indigenous Band the MERRg Sign With Hardrush Music South Australian-based indigenous band the MERRg has signed with rising Independent label Hardursh Music. The deal involves the commercial release of their album "Introducing …the MERRg, " publishing and promotional assistance from Hardrush. Most members of the MERRg are from or have family connections with Ceduna, except for Eddie who hails from the Torres Strait. Most members relocated to Adelaide, for work or to further their education wyhile increasingly being drawn to music based on encouraging audience feedback and demand. Members are: Michael Colbung - Lead & backing vocals, acoustic guitar, bass, harmonica, percussion. Robert Champion - Lead & rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, lead and backing vocals. Eddie Peters - bass, lead & backing vocals, acoustic guitar; Russel Pinkie - Bass, lead & rhythm, acoustic. Dwayne Lawrie - Drums. The acoustic roots, rock, reggae influenced band has performed extensively over the past few years, including The DREAMING Festival, final of the Global Battle of the Bands @ the Gaelic Club Sydney, Adelaide's and Fuse and Fringe festivals as well as regular NAIDOC and Reconciliation events. They also play the pub circuit around Adelaide including The GOV, Fowlers, Victoria square and Elder Park. They soon got the reputation of the band where members change instruments and positions during a show. Hardrush was quick to show serious interest upon hearing "Streets of Gold" and at first was unaware that the band was indigenous, such was positive vibe from the sound. "When music can combine rhythms, romance, heritage, a touch of politics and fun and still hold the audience, you know that something special is present. And being quality musicians, the MERRg deliver", said Kelvin Fahey Hardrush CEO. "We have been encouraging the band to make this album for around a year and the result is brilliant and will stand the test of time." The MERRg sees the arrangement as very positive. "We wanted to make an album that covered all band members ideas, feelings and aspirations, so it took a little time, " says Michael Colbung who produced the album alongside the "magical, " Rob Transini. "We knew that something was happening and with a bit of patience and respect for the music, we got there. We are very happy with the result and see the recording as very contemporary on many levels and yet still a lot fun to perform." Accolades are forthcoming with the band being played on Triple J Unearthed, main stage @ The Dreaming Festival in June, finalist in the Music OZ awards, plus Indie and Deadly awards in the offing . There are no ring-in musos here - The MERRg have talent. Hardrush has just released "Introducing … The MERRg" both CD at retailers and digital download. CD Release will be Cat No HRDM0452. ABOUT HARDRUSH ARIA member Hardrush Music is a medium scale Indie label with around 100 signed artists with some 3 million sales last year. We focus on Independent artists and are a member of the major regional industry associations with main strengths in Blues, Country, Folk, Gospel, Rock and Urban. One quarter of sales are international, and sold through music retailers, bookshops, service stations etc across the nation either direct or via distributors. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Jazz News :: home page |