Brothers3

Brothers3
Origin Mudgee, New South Wales
Genres
Instruments
Years active 2009–present
Labels
  • Hardrush Music (2009–10)
  • Sony (2014–)
Associated acts Alita Fahey
Website www.brothers3.com
Members Makirum Fahey-Leigh
Shardyn Fahey-Leigh
Tayzin Fahey-Leigh

Brothers3 are an Australian country music boy band from Mudgee, New South Wales.[1] The band consists of brothers Makirum, Shardyn and Tayzin Fahey-Leigh. In 2014, Brothers3 placed third on the sixth series of The X Factor Australia.

Early life

Brothers3 is made up of siblings Makirum, Shardyn and Tayzin Fahey-Leigh.[2] Their mother Alita Fahey is also a singer, as well as a former actress and television reporter.[3][4] The band's father Stephen died from a heart attack on 25 December 2006.[5] Brothers3 also have two other siblings.[3] They grew up on a farm in Mudgee, New South Wales surrounded by music because their farm had no regular electricity, television or running water.[6][7] The brothers were home schooled through distance education.[8]

Career

2009–14: Formation and music releases

Brothers3 were formed as a present for their mother's 50th birthday.[8] Their debut single "Road to Cargalgong" was released as a double A-side with the song "Where the Eagles Fly" on 30 November 2009.[9] Brothers3's debut studio album, also titled Where the Eagles Fly, was released on 31 March 2010 by independent record label Hardrush Music.[10] The album features 10 original songs that the band co-wrote on their farm in the New South Wales Central Western Slopes.[11] Their second single "Christmas in Australia" was released as a double A-side with "A Christmas Song" in December 2010.[12] "Lyrebird on the Roof" was independently released on 1 January 2011 as the lead single from Brothers3's second studio album Wattle Fire.[13] The album was independently released on 29 January 2011.[14]

The band's fourth single "Kelsey's Song" was independently released on 4 February 2011.[15] It was later included on Brothers3's third studio album Australia, which was independently released on 1 December 2011.[16] Their fourth studio album, Let It Drift, was independently released on 31 January 2013.[17] Travelling and Favourites were released as Brothers3's fifth and sixth studio albums on 17 January 2014.[18][19] The former features original songs,[19] while the latter album includes a mix of original songs and covers.[20] Brothers3's cover version of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" was released as a single from Favourites on 1 September 2014.[21]

2014: The X Factor Australia

In 2014, Brothers3 successfully auditioned for the sixth series of The X Factor Australia, singing "Safe & Sound" by Taylor Swift.[7][22] They received four yeses from the judges and progressed to the super bootcamp round of the competition.[7] For the first bootcamp challenge, Brothers3 were paired up with another group from the Groups category to perform a song together for the judges.[23] Brothers3 made it to the second bootcamp challenge, where they performed "Story of My Life" by One Direction to the judges and a live audience of one thousand.[24] Brothers3 then progressed to the home visits round in Sydney and performed "Eternal Flame by The Bangles in front of their mentor Dannii Minogue and guest mentors Jessica Mauboy and James Blunt.[25] They were originally eliminated by Minogue during home visits, but were later put forward as her wildcard and won the public vote, ensuring a place in the live finals—a series of eleven weekly live shows in which contestants are progressively eliminated by public vote.[1]

After the eliminations of Trill, Younger Than Yesterday and XOX during the first four weeks of the live shows, Brothers3 became the last remaining act in Minogue's category despite being just her wildcard. During the grand final decider show on 20 October 2014, it was announced that Brothers3 finished in third place behind runner-up Dean Ray and winner Marlisa Punzalan.[26] On 24 October 2014, it was announced that Brothers3 had received a recording contract with Sony Music Australia.[27] Their sixth overall single "The Lucky Ones", which would have been their winner's single if they had won The X Factor, was released on the iTunes Store that same day.[27] It debuted at number 29 on the ARIA Singles Chart.[28]

Performances on The X Factor

     denotes a performance that entered the ARIA Singles Chart.
     denotes third place.

Artistry

Brothers3 perform traditional country, folk and bluegrass music.[2] Aside from singing, they write their own songs "about real stories, animals and the countryside".[30] The band can also play the banjo, bass, clarinet, guitar, harmonica, keyboard, mandolin, and trumpet.[2] Brothers3 cite Darren Cogan, John Williamson, Johnny Cash, Keith Urban, Miley Cyrus, Reg Poole, The Robertson Brothers, Slim Newton and Taylor Swift as their musical inspirations.[30]

Members

Shardyn Fahey-Leigh

Shardyn Fahey-Leigh, born 18 December 1995,[31] is the eldest brother in the band.[32] He cites Earl Scruggs, John Denver and Keith Urban as his musical influences.[33] Aside from music, Shardyn has also pursued a career in acting and musical theatre. In 2002, he made a guest appearance in the season four episode "A Prefect Murder" of the Australian/American sci-fi television series Farscape.[34] In 2006, Shardyn appeared alongside Hugh Jackman in the arena tour of The Boy from Oz, playing the role of a young Peter Allen.[4][35] In 2008, Shardyn played the role of Wil in John Williamson's bush musical Quambatook.[36] That same year, he made a guest appearance in the Australian soap opera Home and Away as Jamie Cooper, the son of Julie Cooper.[37] The following year, he appeared in the season one episode "Bertie 1918" of the Australian children's television series My Place, playing the role of young magician Bertie.[38] Shardyn left school early to attend university.[5] Prior to entering The X Factor, he studied at the Australian Academy of Music and Performing Arts.[5]

Tayzin Fahey-Leigh

Tayzin Fahey-Leigh, born 3 December 1996,[39] is the second-eldest brother.[32] He cites country music and Queen as his influences.[33] Aside from music, Tayzin has also pursued a career in acting. In 2002, he made a guest appearance in the season five episode "Bedtime Stories" of the Australian medical drama television series All Saints, playing the role of Brian Richards.[40] In 2005, Tayzin appeared in the films Son of the Mask and Hell Has Harbour Views.[11] In June 2011, he played the teenage Chad Morgan in the documentary film I'm Not Dead Yet.[41] Tayzin left school early to attend university.[5] Prior to entering The X Factor, he studied at JMC Academy in Sydney.[5]

Makirum Fahey-Leigh

Makirum Fahey-Leigh, born 8 December 1997,[42] is the youngest brother.[32] He cites Guthrie Govan as his musical influence.[33] Aside from music, Makirum has also pursued a career in acting and musical theatre. In 2008, he played the role of Pete in John Williamson's bush musical Quambatook.[36] Makirum also appeared in the films Happy Feet (2006) and The Black Balloon (2008).[11] In September 2011, he made a guest appearance in the twelfth episode of the Australian television drama series Crownies, playing the role of Brett O'Leary.[43] Makirum left school early to attend university.[5] Prior to entering The X Factor, he studied at the Australian Academy of Music and Performing Arts.[5]

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums
Title Album details Peak chart positions
AUS
[28]
Where the Eagles Fly
Wattle Fire
  • Released: 29 January 2011 (Australia)[14][45]
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Australia
  • Released: 1 December 2011 (Australia)[16][46]
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Let It Drift
  • Released: 31 January 2013 (Australia)[17][47]
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Travelling
  • Released: 17 January 2014 (Australia)[19][48]
  • Formats: CD, digital download
Favourites
  • Released: 17 January 2014 (Australia)[18]
  • Format: CD
"—" denotes an album that did not chart.

Singles

List of singles
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
AUS
[28]
"Road to Cargalgong" / "Where the Eagles Fly"[9] 2009 Where the Eagles Fly
"Christmas in Australia" / "A Christmas Song"[12] 2010 N/A
"Lyrebird on the Roof"[13] 2011 Wattle Fire
"Kelsey's Song"[15] Australia
"Hallelujah"[21] 2014 Favourites
"The Lucky Ones"[27] 29 TBA
"—" denotes a single that did not chart.

Other charted songs

List of non-single songs
Title Year Peak chart positions
AUS
[49]
"Just the Way You Are" 2014 98
"Always on My Mind" 73
"Happy Birthday Helen" 86
"Hey Brother" 58
"Pompeii" 91
"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" 75
"Que Sera" 42
"The Sound of Silence" 48
"Massachusetts" 87
"Safe & Sound" 82

Music videos

List of music videos
Title Year Director(s) Ref.
"Road to Carcalgong" 2010 Ross Wood [50]
"Where the Eagles Fly" Ross Wood [51]
"Leaving Home Now" 2011 [52]
"Wattle Fire" Ross Wood [53]
"Home Is Where the Heart Is" 2012 [54]
"Australia" [55]
"Convict Lady" 2013 [56]
"Tiny's Mandolin" Alita Fahey [57][58]
"Let It Drift" [59]
"They Call the Country" 2014 [60]
"The Lucky Ones" [61]

Awards and nominations

Year Type Award Result
2009 Canberra Country Music Awards[62] Best New Artist Won
2010 Canberra Country Songwriting Awards[63] Country Composition Youth (Shardyn Fahey-Leigh) Won
Best Balladeer Song ("Leaving Home Now") Won
Best Country Blues Song ("Slow Joe Blues") Won
Best Rockabilly Song ("Where the Eagles Fly") Won
2011 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards[64] Best Group Won
Most Promising Future Star Won
Australian Independent Music Video Awards[65] Best Country Music Video ("Where the Eagles Fly") Won
Canberra Country Music Awards[62] Best Children's Country Song ("Tony's Farm") Won
Canberra Country Songwriting Awards[63] Won
Best Rockabilly Song ("That Happy Feeling") Won
Tamworth Meet 'n' Greet Fans Choice Awards[66] Most Popular Independent Group/Duo Won
2012 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards[64] Best Group or Duo Won
Canberra Country Music Awards[62] Best Australian Heritage Song ("Australia") Won
Best Alternate Country Song ("Country Vs. Rock") Won
Best Country Swing Song ("Crowpecker Blues") Won
Best Folk/Australiana Song ("Convict Lady") Won
2013 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards[64] Best Group Won
Australian Independent Music Video Awards[58] Best Country Music Video ("Tiny's Mandolin") Won
2014 Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards[64] Best Group or Duo Won
Best Album (Let It Drift) Won

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Brothers 3: The brainy Fahey-Leigh boys rock as the first ever X Factor wildcard finalists". The Daily Telegraph (News Limited). 11 August 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 "About Brothers3". Brothers3.com. Archived from the original on 19 September 2014.
  3. 3.0 3.1 "Banks of the Ohio from The Song I Sang album". CRS Publicity. Archived from the original on 22 September 2014.
  4. 4.0 4.1 "Preview of Episode 4 – Series 14". Nu Country TV. 28 June 2010. Archived from the original on 21 September 2014.
  5. 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 "Band of Brothers". TV Week. Ninemsn. Archived from the original on 21 September 2014.
  6. Kirkup, Daryl (May 2011). "Teen Trio Tops". Country Music Capital News. Archived from the original on 22 September 2014.
  7. 7.0 7.1 7.2 Stanford, Lauren (25 July 2014). "Local band Brothers3 wow X-Factor judges". Mudgee Guardian (Fairfax Media). Archived from the original on 22 September 2014.
  8. 8.0 8.1 "Brothers3 on The Mystery Artist Show". TheSkyKid.com. 31 March 2012. Archived from the original on 22 September 2014.
  9. 9.0 9.1 "Road to Cargalgong / Where the Eagles Fly – Single by Brothers 3". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  10. 10.0 10.1 "Where the Eagles Fly by Brothers 3". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  11. 11.0 11.1 11.2 "Biography – Brothers3". SonicBids.com. Archived from the original on 21 September 2014.
  12. 12.0 12.1 "Merry Christmas – Single by Brothers 3". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  13. 13.0 13.1 "Lyrebird on the Roof – Single by Brothers 3". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  14. 14.0 14.1 "Wattle Fire by Brothers 3". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  15. 15.0 15.1 "Kelsey's Song – Single by Brothers 3". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  16. 16.0 16.1 "Australia by Brothers 3". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  17. 17.0 17.1 "Let It Drift by Brothers 3". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  18. 18.0 18.1 "Brothers 3 – Favourites CD Album". CD Universe. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 "Travelling by Brothers 3". CD Baby. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  20. "Favourites by Brothers3". CD Baby. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  21. 21.0 21.1 "Hallelujah – Single by Brothers 3". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  22. "2014 – The Year of the Guitar". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 24 July 2014. Retrieved 11 August 2014.
  23. "Series 6, Episode 7: Super bootcamp". The X Factor Australia. 27 July 2014. Seven Network.
  24. Lu, Anne (30 July 2014). "'The X Factor Australia' Bootcamp Recap: Dannii Minogue's Groups and Redfoo's Over-25s". International Business Times (IBT Times). Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  25. Lu, Anne (5 August 2014). "'The X Factor Australia' Home Visits Final Performances Recap". International Business Times (IBT Times). Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  26. "Marlisa takes out the X Factor Australia title for 2014!". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 20 October 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
  27. 27.0 27.1 27.2 "The Lucky Ones – Single by Brothers3". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  28. 28.0 28.1 28.2 "Discography Brothers 3". Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  29. 29.0 29.1 29.2 "X Factor Recap – Grand Final Live Performance Show". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 19 October 2014. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  30. 30.0 30.1 "Interview: Brothers 3". Indent.net.au. 12 January 2011. Archived from the original on 21 September 2014.
  31. "@Brothers_3MUSIC Status". Twitter. 18 December 2014. Retrieved 27 December 2014.
  32. 32.0 32.1 32.2 Knox, David (6 August 2014). "Wildcard throws X Factor a lifeline". TV Tonight. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
  33. 33.0 33.1 33.2 "Brothers 3 – Contestant". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. Archived from the original on 11 August 2014.
  34. "Farscape: Season 4, Episode 9: 'A Prefect Murder'". Amazon.com. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  35. Wang, Cynthia (18 September 2014). "The X Factor's Brothers 3: Three Things You Didn't Know". Who. Yahoo!7. Archived from the original on 21 September 2014.
  36. 36.0 36.1 "John Williamson's Quambatook – The Australian Folk Musical" (PDF). JohnWilliamson.com.au. Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  37. "Jamie Cooper (Shardyn Fahey-Leigh) – Home and Away characters". Back to the Bay. Archived from the original on 21 September 2014.
  38. McWhirter, Erin (9 December 2009). "Kids get their own free TV". The Daily Telegraph (News Limited). Retrieved 21 September 2014.
  39. "@Brothers_3MUSIC Status". Twitter. 3 December 2014. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
  40. "All Saints: Series 5 (2002)". AustralianTelevision.net. Archived from the original on 21 September 2014.
  41. "Chad now a star on film". Country Music Bulletin. 6 June 2011. Archived from the original on 21 September 2014.
  42. "@Brothers_3MUSIC Status". Twitter. 7 December 2014. Retrieved 7 December 2014.
  43. "Crownies: Episode 12". AustralianTelevision.net. Archived from the original on 21 September 2014.
  44. "Where the Eagles Fly by Brothers 3". CD Baby. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  45. "Wattle Fire by Brothers 3". CD Baby. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  46. "Australia by Brothers 3". CD Baby. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  47. "Let It Drift by Brothers 3". CD Baby. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  48. "Travelling by Brothers 3". iTunes Store. Apple. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  49. Peak chart positions for other charted songs on the ARIA Singles Chart:
  50. Brothers3 – Road to Carcalgong. YouTube. 14 June 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  51. Brothers3 – Where the Eagles Fly. YouTube. 15 June 2010. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  52. Brothers3 – Leaving Home Now. YouTube. 9 January 2011. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  53. Brothers3 – Wattle Fire. YouTube. 5 April 2011. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  54. Brothers3 – Home Is Where the Heart Is. YouTube. 9 September 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  55. Brothers3 – Australia. YouTube. 14 September 2012. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  56. Brothers3 – Convict Lady. YouTube. 23 June 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  57. Brothers3 – Tiny's Mandolin. YouTube. 26 July 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  58. 58.0 58.1 "Australian Independent Music Video Awards 2013". Aimva.net. Archived from the original on 20 September 2014.
  59. Brothers3 – Let It Drift. YouTube. 5 September 2013. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  60. Brothers3 – They Call the Country. YouTube. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 19 September 2014.
  61. Brothers3 – The Lucky Ones. YouTube. 14 November 2014. Retrieved 16 November 2014.
  62. 62.0 62.1 62.2 "Canberra Country Music Awards Honour Roll". Canberra Country Songwriting Awards. Archived from the original on 20 September 2014.
  63. 63.0 63.1 "Canberra Country Songwriting Awards Honour Roll". Canberra Country Songwriting Awards. Archived from the original on 20 September 2014.
  64. 64.0 64.1 64.2 64.3 "Award Winners". Australian Country Music People's Choice Awards. Archived from the original on 20 September 2014.
  65. "Australian Independent Music Video Awards 2011". Aimva.net. Archived from the original on 20 September 2014.
  66. "Tamworth 2011 a Huge Success". MeetnGreetCountry.net. 25 January 2011. Retrieved 20 September 2014.