Outlaw folk duo ABOVE THE BIT release their self-titled debut album on Thursday 26 May. Featuring singer-songwriters NIGEL WEARNE and LUKE WATT, the 12-song collection shines a light on true tales of mutiny and civil disobedience in Australian history. This timely, topical, and relevant release coincides with National Reconciliation Week.
Skirting the fringes of blues, country and outlaw folk, Above The Bit channels the fire of Billy Bragg, the poetry and clang of Tom Waits and the spirit of Woody Guthrie. Harnessing the power of narrative and verse, the project commits to telling little-known stories, while reimagining hard trodden paths in the Australian memory. Aboriginal warriors, women on the goldfields, US military mutinies on Australian soil and the Batavia mutiny.
Produced by MATT WALKER of Stovepipe Studios (Broderick Smith, Liz Stringer), the album features Nigel Wearne on lead vocals, guitar, banjo and pump organ, Luke Watt on lead vocals, acoustic, electric-slide and resonator guitars and an all-star cast of musicians: Danny McKenna on drums, Steve Hadley on double bass, Mandy Connell and Matt Walker on backing vocals and Corinn Strating on wood flute and whistle.
Deep in the winter of 2017, Nigel and Luke were Artists-In-Residence at Bundanon; Arthur and Yvonne Boyd’s property they gifted to the Australian people. Immersed in 1,100 hectares of bush and parkland on the Shoalhaven River, they spent 3 weeks exploring the enigma and stigma of the mutineer and how it’s shaped our nation. Rooted firmly in the Australian landscape, they tapped into the psyche and emotive fabric of their subjects with an informed historical approach and social conscience.
Emotive, honest, empathetic and enlightening—this album is unmistakably Australian. As the hunger for truth and the demand for reconciliation grows, Above The Bit is as relevant as ever. ‘Some tales don’t heal unless they’ve been told’. Join Nigel & Luke at the Wesley Anne for their album launch, featuring an all-star band including Danny McKenna on drums and Isaac Gunnoo on double bass.
