Jake and the Cowboys

JAKE & THE COWBOYS
The Sun And The Rabbit Hole
Independent

The soft, crooning sounds of Jarred Wall’s vocals in Crash provide a soothing introduction to Jake & The Cowboys’ EP The Sun And The Rabbit Hole, due to be released this Saturday.

Finalists in the WAM 2010 Indigenous Song Of The Year award, the Fremantle-based foursome has led a promising career since its formation in late 2009, due in no small part to the band’s upbeat pop-rock songs that have drawn acclaim like metal to a loadstone.

The EP demonstrates the band’s musical malleability, moving from melancholy ballad Crash, to upbeat pop-country tune Born On The River, to the soulful blues feel of Brotherman. Each track has a distinctly different flavour, while a clearly identifiable pop sound amalgamates these flavours, turning the EP into a big cooking pot of memorable pop tunes.

The basis of the songwriting lies behind Wall’s resonating vocals that give the songs an uplifting feel while the guitar provides a solid nucleus around which the tracks are formed. The commercial viability of The Sun And The Rabbit Hole will no doubt see 2011 as an even more prosperous year for Jake & The Cowboys.

By Shaun Cowe
- Xpress Magazine (Written by Shaun Cowe)

Jake And The Cowboys
The Sun And The Rabbit Hole (Ind)

Don’t be fooled by the name – there’s no Jake nor obvious western theme. However, this Perth outfit does a sweet job of riding the range of roots influences over these five tracks. Frontman Jarred Wall wrote all songs and is clearly at home between the various genres. Since forming in 2009, they’ve notched up a One Movement award, double WAMi nominations, been aired inflight with two carriers and performed for ‘Her Maj’ at Perth’s royal barbie. Their musicianship, passion and tight delivery impressed at the Toff In Town for the recent Australasian World Music Expo.

‘Crash’ is a strong opener, showing off Wall’s impassioned vocals both at high register and deeper notes. (Think Ben Harper, Ryan Adams or Jaimi Faulkner with a dash of Chris Martin.) ‘Born On The River’ picks up the pace with a fun, pop/country feel. ‘Friends’ is a soaring sing-along while ‘Brotherman’ is a bluesy rocker with a dark edge. (A ripper live.) ‘Velvet Star’ falls between pop and rock, a perfect balance of the slick and the raw. Wall (guitar, harmonica) is joined by Jonathon Chong (guitar, piano) and bassist David North who both add backing vocals. Guest drummer Elliot ‘The Chemist’ Smith provides beats. Nicely produced by Laurie McCallum, this collection delivers true grit among the memorable pop. A band to watch in 2012.

Chris Lambie
- Forte Magazine 22 December 2011 Issue

Jake And The Cowboys
The Sun And The Rabbit Hole (Ind)

Don’t be fooled by the name – there’s no Jake nor obvious western theme. However, this Perth outfit does a sweet job of riding the range of roots influences over these five tracks. Frontman Jarred Wall wrote all songs and is clearly at home between the various genres. Since forming in 2009, they’ve notched up a One Movement award, double WAMi nominations, been aired inflight with two carriers and performed for ‘Her Maj’ at Perth’s royal barbie. Their musicianship, passion and tight delivery impressed at the Toff In Town for the recent Australasian World Music Expo.

‘Crash’ is a strong opener, showing off Wall’s impassioned vocals both at high register and deeper notes. (Think Ben Harper, Ryan Adams or Jaimi Faulkner with a dash of Chris Martin.) ‘Born On The River’ picks up the pace with a fun, pop/country feel. ‘Friends’ is a soaring sing-along while ‘Brotherman’ is a bluesy rocker with a dark edge. (A ripper live.) ‘Velvet Star’ falls between pop and rock, a perfect balance of the slick and the raw. Wall (guitar, harmonica) is joined by Jonathon Chong (guitar, piano) and bassist David North who both add backing vocals. Guest drummer Elliot ‘The Chemist’ Smith provides beats. Nicely produced by Laurie McCallum, this collection delivers true grit among the memorable pop. A band to watch in 2012.

Chris Lambie
- Forte Magazine 22 December 2011 Issue

Australasian World Music Expo 2011

If you suspect the expo is all pan pipes and djembes, think again. The music, dance, conference and film program welcomed plenty of cross-over and fusion into the weekend’s networking. Retro sounds wove between hip hop and the positively ancient. Legends followed newcomers and relished what each had to offer.

Friday night was launched with a Welcome To Country, Lou Bennett & King Kadu, Idja Dance Theatre and Mornington Island Dancers and an exhilarating dose of Samul Nori drums and drama from South Korea’s Naedrum. More highlights:

Lindigo (Reunion Islands) at the Hi Fi. The crowd echoed the hook line, inspired by a charismatic hip-shakin’ frontman – resplendent in white – and spontaneously kept it up after the song and applause had both ended. More enticing Maloya rhythms came from ‘La Reunion’ via all-female Simangavole for a seated crowd at the Arts Centre.

Grrilla Step’s ultimate melting pot: DJ Dexter, Dandenong Krump crew, log drums and tribal dance moves. From PNG, jazz man Aaron Choulai & the Tatana Village Choir performed We Don’t Dance For No Reason via richly layered harmonies with moving on-screen doco footage. N’awlins-style closer was a joyous treat. DJs included Miss Goldie (PBS) and Mad Professor (UK). MC Systa BB (RRR) brought out one-of-a-kind DJ Click from France who added his own quirky sounds and kitsch accessorising to a dizzying session of fun at the Toff.

Before Iconic Songs (Murray, Roach, Howard) at the Recital Centre, I thought I knew what to expect. Wrong! Extraordinarily warm and affecting, the filmed collaboration should be shown in every Australian school. Didj master (and bluesician) Mark Atkins contributed, his own earlier show a sonic knockout. The Dynamites feat. Charles Walker brought some funky soul from the USA while legend of Ethio-Jazz Mulatu Astatke was jubilantly accompanied by local Black Jesus Experience. Katchafire (NZ) packed ‘em in at the Hi Fi, with original Jamaican reggae legends The Congos (they don’t come more authentic than this) making it sound all too easy on Sunday. As always, Vika & Linda Bull were on song and adorable. Iwantja (NT), Richard Mogu (PNG), Skipping Girl Vinegar, Sunshine Sisters, Pacific Curls and The Barons of Tang all impressed. Stand-out discoveries for me were: Perth’s award-winning Jake and the Cowboys with tight rocking roots. With a fine EP and an album on the way, we’re sure to see plenty more of them in the east; Mikelangelo [think Tex Perkins meets Link Wray] and the Tin Star (feat. St Clare) were a hoot with their finely delivered surf’n’western. Super highlight for me though was the screening of No Fixed Address On Tour - Bart Willoughby and co had reggae nailed in the 80s. Bart and Nicky Moffat were there for the Q & A following. It’s time this gem got a fresh airing on TV! [PS - YouTube tip: Garrangali and The Chooky Dancers ‘Muthi Muthi Remix’. Hypnotic!]

Chris Lambie
- Forte Magazine December 8th 2011 Issue (written by Chris Lambie)

Last Sunday (23rd of October 2011) in The City of Fremantle was the place to be. King Square was jam packed full of activities and excitement to help welcome the Youth Delegates of CHOGM to Perth. It wasn’t just for them though, it was for everyone. Here is what happened if you missed out.
Three amazing bands performed between the hours of 1pm and 5pm. The names were Rainy Day Women, Spoonful of Sugar and Jake and the Cowboys. Rainy Day Women are an all guys act taking a lot of inspiration from Fleetwood Mac. Spoonful of Sugar were more mellow sounding like Simon and Garfunkel but provided a nice relaxing space. The final band Jake and the Cowboys rocked out Fremantle, as youth delegates and random people passing by danced into the afternoon to their terrific tunes.
- TeenSoul Magazine

Last Sunday (23rd of October 2011) in The City of Fremantle was the place to be. King Square was jam packed full of activities and excitement to help welcome the Youth Delegates of CHOGM to Perth. It wasn’t just for them though, it was for everyone. Here is what happened if you missed out.
Three amazing bands performed between the hours of 1pm and 5pm. The names were Rainy Day Women, Spoonful of Sugar and Jake and the Cowboys. Rainy Day Women are an all guys act taking a lot of inspiration from Fleetwood Mac. Spoonful of Sugar were more mellow sounding like Simon and Garfunkel but provided a nice relaxing space. The final band Jake and the Cowboys rocked out Fremantle, as youth delegates and random people passing by danced into the afternoon to their terrific tunes.
- TeenSoul Magazine

It was soon time for Kings Square Sounds to come to an end, but not before one last performance from Jake and the Cowboys. Nominated for two awards in the WAMI’s for Indigenous acts, Jake and the Cowboys rocked out Fremantle. It took one very passionate dancer, just walking by, to get all the youth delegates up dancing to the sound of the Jim Hendrix and Beatles inspired band.

I must admit it really was magical to see people from different cultures all across the world, dancing together right in the heart of Fremantle. It was a touching and inspiring thing to see right in our own back garden, it got me hoping for a better future once CHOGM is all over and done with.

Written by Michael Speranza - ColoSoul Magazine

Lead Singer of Jake and the Cowboys, Jarred Wall successfully making the top 5 vocalists of the month via SingerUniverse.com - Dale Kawashima (Singer Universe.com)

"Born On The River" performed by Jake and the Cowboys featured in Channel Tens Avon Descent special 2011. - Channel 10 News - Perth, Western Australia

"Born On The River" performed by Jake and the Cowboys featured in Channel Tens Avon Descent special 2011. - Channel 10 News - Perth, Western Australia

Thankyou MATTAdor for another fabulous introduction to another amazing Aussie Band...

This weeks selection was a no brainer, an amazing Australian artist who's new single has just been released with the album due to follow in the coming month. He featured at the pointy end of Triple J's hottest 100 Australian Albums of all time poll (only revealed last week) nesting himself comfortably atop the pedestal of my favourite number (that's a clue for any of you who know my favourite number).

Then before you know it, from nowhere, Crisis! I stumble across a band that completely blows me away.

My decision is still an easy one (although deliberated heavily at my own mental round table) for one reason. I began this journey as the MATTador in the hope that I could share amazing artists/bands with you all and by doing so spread the joy that music brings to my life, this weeks artist epitomizes that philosophy.

This Australian group have it's roots heavily embedded in the Western Australian coastline, 3 old friends with years of memories and who's connection with each other is clearly evident in their song making. Jake and the cowboys (possible the best band name of all time) formed in 2009, played locally in 2010 and began collecting their share of acclaim last year by winning the Australian Indigenous Music scholarship.

JATC create music on a diverse scale that is difficult to pigeon hole. Not only do they debunk the popular perception of the typical 'Indignious Artist' they fuse elements of folk, pop, country and as seen in their latest single 'Brotherman' a touch of good old fashioned rock all with absolute precision. As you will hear when you embark on the journey via the link below, these guys are extremely talented musicians.

Their three song EP delivers Rock one minute, love and longing the next while finishing off with a hand clapping song that bounces along like one big ball of energy. Lyrically very delicate and honest JATC albeit very young in their life as a band deliver extremely mature and consistently complete music that has me asking one question over and over. Why have they not exploded all over our radios? I think the truth is I may be just a little early, give these guys 12 months and you will all be able to say 'I knew about them a year ago'!

Known in the west for their passion for playing live, I personally will be the first to grab a ticket when they come to Brizvagas (they assure me this will be sooner rather than later). I will keep you all posted on the dates and hope that we could all make a night of it!!

The link is to their facebook page where they have only 226 'Likes' (this absolutely baffles me), i'm sure once you hear their music you will adding yourself as a fan before you leave.

without further ado please enjoy............................ - Matt Langley

Thankyou MATTAdor for another fabulous introduction to another amazing Aussie Band...

This weeks selection was a no brainer, an amazing Australian artist who's new single has just been released with the album due to follow in the coming month. He featured at the pointy end of Triple J's hottest 100 Australian Albums of all time poll (only revealed last week) nesting himself comfortably atop the pedestal of my favourite number (that's a clue for any of you who know my favourite number).

Then before you know it, from nowhere, Crisis! I stumble across a band that completely blows me away.

My decision is still an easy one (although deliberated heavily at my own mental round table) for one reason. I began this journey as the MATTador in the hope that I could share amazing artists/bands with you all and by doing so spread the joy that music brings to my life, this weeks artist epitomizes that philosophy.

This Australian group have it's roots heavily embedded in the Western Australian coastline, 3 old friends with years of memories and who's connection with each other is clearly evident in their song making. Jake and the cowboys (possible the best band name of all time) formed in 2009, played locally in 2010 and began collecting their share of acclaim last year by winning the Australian Indigenous Music scholarship.

JATC create music on a diverse scale that is difficult to pigeon hole. Not only do they debunk the popular perception of the typical 'Indignious Artist' they fuse elements of folk, pop, country and as seen in their latest single 'Brotherman' a touch of good old fashioned rock all with absolute precision. As you will hear when you embark on the journey via the link below, these guys are extremely talented musicians.

Their three song EP delivers Rock one minute, love and longing the next while finishing off with a hand clapping song that bounces along like one big ball of energy. Lyrically very delicate and honest JATC albeit very young in their life as a band deliver extremely mature and consistently complete music that has me asking one question over and over. Why have they not exploded all over our radios? I think the truth is I may be just a little early, give these guys 12 months and you will all be able to say 'I knew about them a year ago'!

Known in the west for their passion for playing live, I personally will be the first to grab a ticket when they come to Brizvagas (they assure me this will be sooner rather than later). I will keep you all posted on the dates and hope that we could all make a night of it!!

The link is to their facebook page where they have only 226 'Likes' (this absolutely baffles me), i'm sure once you hear their music you will adding yourself as a fan before you leave.

without further ado please enjoy............................ - Matt Langley

Jake and the Cowboys
In the Hotseat....
"Crash"

I think they are on to something with the beautiful voice, pretty guitar tones and melodies. They just need that one UNDENIABLE SMASH love song. Work on setting up and prominence of the hook guys! - AnR Girl Holly Hutchison

Jake and the Cowboys Interview - One Movement Festival
10.10.2010

Winner of the 2010 AIMS (Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship) via the One Movement for Music Festival. - One Movement Festival - Jake and the Cowboys interview

Jake and the Cowboys Interview - One Movement Festival
10.10.2010

Winner of the 2010 AIMS (Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship) via the One Movement for Music Festival. - One Movement Festival - Jake and the Cowboys interview

Flannelette shirts, tight black jeans and a lead singer with a variety of nicknames – that’s how Jarred Wall, Jonathan Chong and Samuel Hall became Jake and the Cowboys. But what really matters is the name they’re currently making for themselves on the Perth music scene. Having recently won the Australian Indigenous Music Scholarship as part of One Movement Music Festival, Jarred and his cowboys told Student Edge how it all began. - Student Edge

Gozzy Rock Heat 1 (20.01.11) - Having attended the first heat of the Gossie Rock for 2011 tonight, I must say that one band stood out "Jake & The Cowboys", a powerful set was up for grabs tonight, and I will be very surprised if they do not make it to the finals and if they are beaten I will be amazed to see the band that betters them. - Gosnells News

Gozzy Rock Heat 1 (20.01.11) - Having attended the first heat of the Gossie Rock for 2011 tonight, I must say that one band stood out "Jake & The Cowboys", a powerful set was up for grabs tonight, and I will be very surprised if they do not make it to the finals and if they are beaten I will be amazed to see the band that betters them. - Gosnells News

"The basement was a buzz with the energy of an unusually large early evening crowd as JAKE AND THE COWBOYS took to the stage, one member missing in action, to deliver a brilliantly improvised and unique set. The remaining two thirds of the band brought great soft rock/roots rhythm with just a hint of country through variety of interesting and simple instrumentals. Jarred Wall's deep, raw vocals flourished during the set as he hit and held some surprising notes. It was disappointing to miss experiencing the band in full force" - Drum Media - Kristy Symonds