Biography
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Founded In
Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
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Members
- Ben Gumbleton
Thriving and following the steps of independent acts before them, benjalu is a band that prides themselves on the old school approach of constant touring to promote their music.
Since their formation in 2006 the Newcastle based roots-rock outfit have made the most of their successes. In 2007 benjalu concentrated on playing every week, mainly focussing on shows in their hometown. They capped off the year when the band released their debut EP ‘Reflecting On’ to an overwhelming response.
2008 saw the boys driving the highways and dirt roads of Australia, playing two to four gigs a week, clocking up over 130 shows. 2009 is set to be a huge year, having played over 40 shows already.
Benjalu have picked up spots on two nationally released compilation CD’s, Jam For Awareness and Home Grown Roots, placing the band along side artists such as John Butler, Missy Higgins, Gurrumul, Blue King Brown, Ash Grunwald, Grinspoon and many more.
Benjalu have shared stages with music luminaries such as The Beautiful Girls, The Sleepy Jackson, and Josh Pyke. Kate Miller-Heidke, Rogerthat, Jason Lowe, The Agents of Peace and Paul Greene. 2009 is set to be a big year for the band when they will set off around Australia to spread their wings fair and wide.
In March, the boys took time off the road to record an eight track EP. They were stoked to be able to work with Producer/Engineer Ian Pritchett (Angus and Julia Stone, The Beautiful Girls). The EP titled ‘Waterwalls’ is due for release in late May.
Inspired by life and a fusion of different artists, benjalu’s sound is forever developing, never letting their music to be boxed into one style. Lilen Pautasso of “This Is Not Rolling Stone” writes, “ Each song takes on a uniquely different personality mixing elements of jazz, folk, blues and contemporary rock to maintain the groups fresh sound as well as keeping there listeners interested.
Benjalu will continue touring to promote the release of ‘Waterwalls’. They have plans of breaking into new territories later this year, before commencing work on their debut album to see in 2010.
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