Busby Marou

Busby Marou (pronounced Buz-bee Ma-roo) are an Australian duo originally from Rockhampton, Queensland.[1][2] The duo are characterised by their melodic guitar riffs and meaningful lyrics. The band primarily consists of Thomas Busby and Jeremy Marou, however several other musicians perform with the duo in concert. At the APRA Music Awards of 2012, the duo won "Blues & Roots Work of the Year" category.[3]

Busby Marou is the first signing to Warner Music Australia's indie imprint – Footstomp Records, and released their debut, self-titled album on 24 June 2011, a record that includes their first single "Biding My Time".

The band has recorded with and played in support of Pete Murray.[4] Their debut EP, the limited release The Blue Road, was recorded at Pete Murray's personal studios in Byron Bay and produced by Anthony Lycenko who had worked with artists such as Murray, David Bowie and Shifter.[5][6] In 2010 they won the Indigenous Award at Brisbane's Q Song Awards and took out a Deadly for Most Promising New Talent in Music.[7] Busby Marou's song 'Days of Gold' was released after their tour. This hit the top of the charts.

History

Tom Busby and Jeremy Marou crossed paths in Rockhampton. Jeremy is of Torres Strait Islander heritage, and both performers come from musical families.[8] With similar musical interests, the two combined to perform and write music.

2009 saw the duo as one of five successful applicants for "Breakthrough" – A Federal Government initiative supporting emerging indigenous contemporary musicians. The award assisted in the production of the band's debut, self-titled album.

In late 2010, the boys were approached by former managing director of EMI, John O'Donnell, to feature as the only unsigned act on the He Will Have His Way – Finn Brothers Tribute Album.[9] The album went Gold within a month of release. Their contribution was a cover of Crowded House's classic "Better Be Home Soon".[10]

Discography

  1. "Underlying Message" – 3:41
  2. "Blue Road" – 3:39
  3. "Something for Me" – 2:52
  4. "Moving On" – 3:21
  5. "Undecided Mind" – 3:51

DISC 1:

  1. "All of You"
  2. "Biding My Time"
  3. "Banjo"
  4. "This Moment"
  5. "Paint My Cup (Early 60's)"
  6. "Dancing on the Moon"
  7. "Save Some for the Others"
  8. "Lhasa"
  9. "Not Fire Not Ice"
  10. "Underlying Message"
  11. "5 Rocks"
  12. "Konomie"

DISC 2:

  1. "I Still Don't Believe"
  2. "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"
  3. "If I Could Talk I'd Tell You"
  4. "Something For Me"
  5. "Moving On"
  1. "My Second Mistake"
  2. "Get You Out of Here"
  3. "Keep Me Hanging On"
  4. "Cruel To Be Kind"
  5. "Luck"
  6. "Heard It All Before"
  7. "Widow"
  8. "Over My Dead Body"
  9. "Game Plan"
  10. "Leave It Up To Me"
  11. "Before You Wage a War"
  12. "Waterlogged"

24 Australia[11]

The debut, self-titled studio effort from Busby Marou has been described as "Glorious and genuinely original... The end result is compelling and beautiful", by the Sydney Morning Herald, who gave the outfit 4/5 stars for the release.

The Australian additionally gave 4/5 stars for the latest studio record, stating: "The overwhelming feeling that emanates from BUSBY MAROU is joy. The voices and close harmonies are as clear as Queensland sunshine, and the acoustic guitar playing of both men is both accomplished and expressive."

Influences

Their musical influences include elements of Crowded House, Elvis, Pearl Jam and Willie Nelson among others.[5]

Live performances

Notable live performances include touring as support act to Pete Murray during the Toowoomba leg of his 2008 Australian Tour.[12] Busby Marou has also been a committed advocate of St Vincent's Hospital Toowoomba charity concerts, performing live in both September 2007 and again in November 2009.[13] Busby Marou have also supported Dolly Parton in her 2011 Better Day tour. On 12 February 2011, Busby Marou performed at the Rugby League All Stars match at the Gold Coast. In September 2012, the duo also performed at the Grand final of the Intrust Super Cup at Suncorp Stadium. In 2014 the duo supported James Blunt for the entire Australian leg of his Moon Landing tour.

Awards and nominations

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters".[14]

Year Recipient Award Result
2012 "Biding My Time" (Thomas Busby, Jeremy Marou) Blues & Roots Work of the Year[3][15] style="background: #99FF99; color: black; vertical-align: middle; text-align: center; " class="yes table-yes2"|Won

References

  1. ↑ Watts, Nikita (1 July 2009), "Doors open to Busby Marou", The Morning Bulletin
  2. ↑ Huynh, Josephine (25 October 2013). "Busby Marou's soulful journey". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "2012 Winners". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  4. ↑ Murphy, Petrina (1 July 2009), "Top talent joins line up at expo", Capricorn Coast Mirror
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.brispop.com/index.cfm?action=dsp_bio&artistID=884
  6. ↑ Elks, Sarah (5 October 2013). "Farewell Fitzroy (Busby Marou)". The Australian. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  7. ↑ Watts, Nikita (12 August 2010), "Busby Marou's deadly future", The Morning Bulletin
  8. ↑ Rockman, Lisa (18 November 2011). "Busby Marou are going with the flow". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  9. ↑ Palmer, Sean (14 June 2012). "The musician and the melodious hacker". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  10. ↑ Fry, Douglas (8 November 2012). "Busby Marou does it their way". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 26 October 2013.
  11. ↑ "Aria Top 50 Albums Chart". ARIA. 17 July 2011. Retrieved 17 July 2011.
  12. ↑ http://www.themusic.com.au/imm_display.php?s=gig&id=449
  13. ↑ http://au.launch.yahoo.com/gig-guide/venue/-/255912/empire-theatre/
  14. ↑ "APRA Music Awards 2012". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). Retrieved 29 May 2012.
  15. ↑ "Nominations - Blues & Roots Work of the Year – 2012". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2012.

External links