THE HAPPENING

The Happening were formed when JC moved to Sydney from Perth and met up with the 'E-man', Erik Rynberg in 2001. Like smoke in a pipe these two musical talents wrapped around each other and found in each other that rare musical 'other'. JC explains: "i just arrived in Sydney, put an add in the Drum Media mag, E-man answered, i went over to his place, we lit a couple of smokes & played a couple of songs. I don't remember much talking, but by the end of the session we were as tight as a duck's @##!!. That's musical gold."

Slowly the music and the band developed - adding Craig Norvill (Mr radioactive) on drums & David 'hush hush' Stabback on keys along the way. "Smooth," Craig explains, "everyone had the groove right from the start. This is easy playing with these guys."

The Happening spent about 12 months playing in sydney's inner west: at the Karrie Hotel & Balmain's Cat 'n' Fiddle as well as JC performing acoustic, unplugged solo sessions of their music, supporting Emma Donavan on one gig.

In May 2006 The Happening entered the studios for their first (demo) CD "The Blue Box Recording Sessions." Erik is kind of happy with the outcome: "yea, i mean, it's ok, could always do better, i guess. But we were on a tight budget. Everything was one take, except for me, i had all the guitar tracks - that was a lot of work. But for what it is, it's good i reckon. Play it a few times, play it loud...you can feel the passion all right."

Their music & their sound?...
"We're trying to say something." (JC) "We're just bored of the whole postmodern, neo-conservative, superficial, self centred, egotistical scene that's left us with nothing but indifference & chaos & opportunistic warmongering. At least we're passionate - & not about fuckin' shopping or the lastest technology gismo or some self sycophantic trip. The X's & Y's need to wake up a little & that's what we're trying to do - have a little bit of that Dylan, or Clash or even Midnight Oil affect on them - we'll see..."

This music harks back to the likes of Dylan & The Faces, gets funnelled through the thrash of The Clash & The Jam and comes out to the 'now' of a new sound with grooves to cut your soul & lyrics with attitude. These guys have something to say, and at least their not afraid of saying it. It's acoustic rock that paints an emotional scene with an eclectic blend of rattling rock sounds & dynamic moody refrains.

In all, a band to watch out for as they fine tune their musical skills & song writing craft. Their combination of musical talent, passionate belief & high-energy might just be the right mix to make The Happening the next big happening thing!