| Chris Murphy | |
|---|---|
| Born | 25 March 1976 |
| Origin | Perth, Australia |
| Genres | Rock |
| Years active | 2004–present |
Christopher Bryce Murphy (born 25 March 1976 in Perth, Australia), is an Australian male singer-songwriter who rose to fame when he placed fourth in Australian Idol 2006.
Starting piano lessons at age 11, he added guitar to his list of skills and began playing in his band, 'Murphy's Lore' at the age of 16. Over the years, Chris has worked part time jobs and has given guitar lessons to supplement his income. His wife, Sherri, collaborates with him in their duo, Valentine Moon.
Chris was also the lead singer of an Australian band, Murphy's Lore. Murphy's fellow band members included his two brothers, Courtney (who came third in Australian Idol 2004) and Kieran. The band had regular gigs at The Foundry, and have had 3 independent albums released - "People in Grass Houses" 1995 - "Best Laid Plans" 1999 - The Universe Conspires" 2002.
Like Murphy's Lore, Chris signed to 'Popboomerang' records for the release of his debut album, "Elbow Room" in 2005. Details can be found at www.last.fm. In 2007, Chris re-packaged and re-titled the album "Chris Murphy", including 5 new songs and featuring Australian rock icon Stevie Wright on guest vocals for Chris' cover of Evie (Part 1 ). The Album was released mid-2007 on 'Yellow Banana Records'.
After Australian Idol, Chris left Murphy's Lore and formed his own band called the "Holy Rollers". Chris released a third album in 2010 titled "Look at This/Remember That" as part of his tour as support with the Holy Rollers for Creedence Clearwater Revisited. He is currently working on an album of Duets featuring artists such as Joe Camilleri, Venetta Fields and Mark Gable, due to be released some time in 2012.
Recently, Chris reunited musically with his brothers Courtney and Kieran to form a trio called "The Murphy Brothers". The Murphy Brothers are currently working on an album together.
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Chris Murphy gained first attention at the Perth auditions on Australian Idol 2006 by singing an original composition on guitar called "World and Universe". During the first semi final round, Murphy sang "Crazy Little Thing Called Love" by Queen but did not secure enough votes to advance.
On 4 September, Murphy amassed the most votes left of the remaining contestants to advance to the Top 12 as the fourth of four successful wildcard contestants.
On 29 October, Chris Murphy received a "touchdown" from judge Mark Holden with his performance Evie Part One by Stevie Wright.
On 6 November, Chris Murphy was voted out of the competition. The bottom two came down to Chris Murphy and Dean Geyer, of which Murphy placed fourth in Australian Idol 2006.
Chris Murphy is best known to the nation for his electrifying performance of 'Evie (part 1) on "Australian Idol" 2006. Marcia Hines noted that it was "One of the most exciting performances we've ever seen on that stage" and Mark Holden awarded it a 'Touchdown'.
Member of renowned WA band "Murphy's Lore", Chris has led the group from its formation in 1993, through the triumphs and tribulations attached to being one of the states highest profile bands.
Chris and Murphy's Lore have played most venues in Perth and have toured extensively north and south of the State as well as performing many high profile gigs around the country. Tours to Singapore and supports for legendary Australian acts such as Jimmy Barnes and Daryl Braithwaite have cemented their reputation as one of the most accomplished acts on the scene.
Chris' younger brother and Murphy's Lore keyboardist and vocalist Courtney Murphy came third on "Australian Idol " in 2004 and is now working on his debut album and touring the nation.
Chris Murphy is one of Perth's most prominent solo performers. An acoustic guitar, an amazing voice and a sense of humour are the only tools Chris calls on to deliver a riveting show. Such performances have led to his recent inclusion on the "Kevin Bloody Wilson live in the UK & Ireland 2004" tour, which brought about many accolades for his musical and vocal proficiency.
A professional musician with 12 years experience, 3 original album releases, national TV appearances and numerous song writing awards under his belt, Chris Murphy delights audiences from all walks of life whenever and wherever he plays.
In September 2009 Chris began co-hosting a nighttime radio program "The Chris and Jo Show" on Perth radio station 96fm.
Chris recently toured Australia in October 2010 with his band the Holy Rollers as support to Creedence Clearwater Revival. As a part of this tour he released a new album titled Look at This/Remember That. The album features 5 brand new songs from his forthcoming Duets album which is due to be released some time in 2012. Fantastic tracks like "Here She Comes", "Run and Don't Look Back" and "Now is the Time" are well worth a listen. The album also features some of Chris's songs from his previous album which he has remastered.
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