Mick McHugh
Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia | Established. Jan 01, 2005 | SELF
Music
Press
The tracks were packed at The Rails in Byron on Sunday night, amid footy finals fever. Local Mick McHugh and his seven-piece were kicking their own goals on the night, with a mix of fresh ballads.
McHugh has mastered the art of weaving stories of love, life and travel into hand-crafted folk harmonies.
With back-up band, Mick's tunes are brought to life with rattling harmonica (Jimmy Sunshine), humming bass (Doug kerr), crazy keys (Pat Breen), fanciful flute (Jessie Vintila) and jiving drums (Richard Sansom).
The set opened with some dance-inducing numbers. The stage was the backdrop to a jig-fest and the jugs were flowing, Mick then dropped into softer sounds, featuring Camilla Warner's velvety violin passages.
A deep tale of family love Dad, glowed as bright as the flaming braziers which heated patrons. Mick's darling Amanda (on mandolin) was there to back up the story. With his own 'mini-McHughs' dancing near stage, it was refreshing to see homemade ditties become crowd-pleasers.
Next up, I Found Love was a delightful tourist guide to all the different places in the world you can find romance. It was fitting for the former train station that sees wandering souls wisp in to relax and recharge. By the end, the crowd was cheering that they had found that love right here in Byron.
A snug rendition of Hallelujah drove away the chills which blew from the eastern seas. Camilla's violin provided unheard sweetness to this classic Cohen cut, and later a solo that rightfully earned applause.
The show ended with a whistling take on Always Look on the Bright Side of Life, spiced up with Gaelic-flavoured rhythms.
McHugh and friends will be stopping all stations around the Northern Rivers with their show.
www.myspace.com/mickmchugh - The Northern Star
Discography
Live at the Old Drill Hall - released Dec 2010
1.) Dance and Sing
2.) Lost My Faith
3.) you're Perfect
4.) Let's Dance
5.) Your Time
6.) A Long Way From Home
7.) Orin
8.) Dad
9.) Addicted
10.) What is a Man
Dad - released Sept 08
1.) Dad
2.) Thank You
3.) What is a Man
4.) A Million Stars
5.) So Damn Beautiful
6.) Dad (The Rose Version)
A Long Way From Home - Debut EP,released July 08
1.) A Long Way From Home
2.) Love is (radio edit)
3.) Addicted
4.) Blind
5.) Love is
Supported Damien Leith, Tex Perkins, Jeff Lang.
Played Port Fairy Folk Fest 2010, The Fatherhood Fest & Green Fest in 2008.
Played live on ABC radio and community radio stations across Australia, and on Channel 10 TV.
Photos
Bio
Micks music is described as contemporary folk with a strong intention to inspire and disseminate positive vibes through his lyrics and live performances. He has been likened to an Irish Cat Stevens and Luka Bloom with his own soulful style.
Writing of love, life and all things in-between, engaging crowds with his unique story telling coupled with the ability to play guitar, harmonica, foot percussion and belt out lyrics, literally a one man band.
Winner of the Raw Talent Quest on the Gold Coast-2011 he has been shortlisted for international, national and regional song-writing competitions including Song of the Year. In 2012, he was a finalist at the national Music Oz Awards held at Sydney Opera House for Live Performance, World and Spiritual.
In 2009 he was presented an Honour Award for the title track from his debut EP in the international contest 100% Music. Selected for a music mentorship program by Arts Northern Rivers in 2011 and winning a spot to perform at Byron Bay Bluesfest 2011, Mick was invited back to play at Bluesfest 2012 after a knock out performance-there is an exciting energy swirling around this young musician.
The Irish Troubadours relentless passion for music has seen him release four independent CDs, perform live on Australian TV and Radio, support Irelands Paddy Casey and rock legends Aslan and Australian music icons such as Pete Murray, Jeff Lang and Tex Perkins.
Relocating from Dublin to Byron Bay- Mick has embraced the Australian lifestyle and is honoured to be bringing his family up here and be a part of the ever-growing music scene.
Releasing his forth CD Youre Perfect at Bluesfest 2012, one of the tracks I Found Love was selected to be on the Bluesfest 2012 compilation CD. In 2012 he toured nationally opening for UK song-writing legend Ralph McTell (The Streets of London) on his farewell tour across Australia.
He has played at leading Australian festivals such as Port Fairy Folk Festival, Bluesfest, Splendour in the Grass, Green Fest, Fatherhood Festival, Coast Acoustics, Celtic Festival and Brisbane Irish Festival.
Mick is engaging and energetic on stage, blending story and song in the heart-warming traditional Irish way. Whether hes singing touching ballads or up-tempo energetic songs- McHugh is renowned as a performer who wears his heart and notes on his sleeve.
Band Members
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