Michael Meeking

Alt Country Rockers Michael Meeking & The Lost Souls are riding high from their signing to At The Helm Records in the U.K.
Their latest album Ride On has enjoyed widespread play on public radio and will be released in Europe on 24th June

Their new album has classic songs that sit comfortably alongside Australian artists such as Neil Murray, Mick Thomas, Dan Warner and The Black Sorrows. Jeff Jenkins

Michael is a fine Australian storyteller (think Neil Murray). The Meeking might not inherit the earth, but he will impress with his passionate country rock.
JEFF JENKINS, The Australian Music Guide

It has been great to watch Michaels songwriting develop and evolve over the ensuing years to the point where he has released a wonderful collection of songs on his latest CD. Not only a gifted songwriter and performer, the hard-working Michael is one of the genuinely decent people floating around in this thing called the music industry. It also helps that he barracks for North Melbourne!?NEIL ROGERS, The Australian Mood, RRR

his band The Lost Souls, Michael last year wowed audiences at Tamworth and Whittlesea Country music festivals and was nominated for an Australian Songwriting Award with his catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics.

RIDE ON

What becomes of the broken-hearted?

Michael Meekings previous album, Where To From Here, was an acclaimed break-up record. Ride On is the story of what happens next. Ive been broke and Ive been broken, the album starts, but Ill mend myself again.

Where To From Here was an album about betrayal and lies; Ride On is the sound of healing and hope. When the darkness disappears and a new day dawns. If youre looking for shelter, Michael sings, you can shelter here with me.

Ride Ons opening song is called What Is Lost Can Be Found.

How do you let go? Michael ponders in the second track. Later, he declares, We can start again.

After six years in London, Michael returned home to Melbourne and re-formed The Lost Souls (Julien Chick on bass, Chris Gates on guitar, and Dave Kleynjans on drums). Their exquisite playing is a highlight of Ride On. They are also joined by some stellar guests, including Weddings Parties Anythings Jen Anderson on violin, The Vandas Chris Altmann on pedal steel, and Jets Steve Hesketh on piano and Hammond.

This is soulful roots rock, with undeniable pop hooks. The Lost Souls add the necessary twang, and they can rock when they have to.

And soul queen Kylie Auldist (The Bamboos) pops up on a stunning duet. Its called Gentle, but Michael and Kylie whip up a mighty groove.

These are life-affirming songs. Tips for troubled times. I see your eyes and theyre angry and sad, Michael sings in Happy (Sometime Today), youre so fixated on the things that you dont have.

Where To From Here was critically praised: The Meeking might not inherit the earth, but he will impress with his passionate pop (Jeff Jenkins, Inpress); A wonderful collection of songs (Neil Rogers, RRR).

When he released Where To From Here in 2008, Michael was asked if there was a happy ending. The jury is still out, he replied.

His new album shows that hes capable of crafting classic songs that sit comfortably alongside Australian artists such as Neil Murray, Mick Thomas, Dan Warner and The Black Sorrows.

Are you listening? Michael asks in one of the many standout songs.

If you believe in quality songwriting, you should be.

Ride On.

What Is Lost Can Be Found/ Let Go/ Happy (Sometime Today)/ Ride On/ Butterfly Wings/ Are You Listening?/ Gentle/ Murder/ Angel/ Room For You/ Miss Me Tonight

Available through
http://www.greendistribution.com.au/artist/22124
michaelmeeking.com

michaelmeekingandthelostsouls.bandcamp.com