the MERRg
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the MERRg

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia | INDIE

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia | INDIE
Band Pop Adult Contemporary

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"Australian Indigenous Band the MERRg Sign With Hardrush Music"


Wednesday, February 25th, 2009


“When music can combine rhythms, romance, heritage, a touch of politics and fun and still hold the audience, you know that something special is present. And being quality musicians, the MERRg deliver”, said Kelvin Fahey Hardrush CEO. “We have been encouraging the band to make this album for around a year and the result is brilliant and will stand the test of time.”


The MERRg sees the arrangement as very positive. “We wanted to make an album that covered all band members ideas, feelings and aspirations, so it took a little time,” says Michael Colbung who produced the album alongside the “magical,” Rob Transini. “We knew that something was happening and with a bit of patience and respect for the music, we got there. We are very happy with the result and see the recording as very contemporary on many levels and yet still a lot fun to perform.”


Accolades are forthcoming with the band being played on Triple J Unearthed, main stage @ The Dreaming Festival in June, finalist in the Music OZ awards,plus Indie and Deadly awards in the offing . more
- Hardrush Music


"ABC Indigenous portal"

The debut album of Adelaide based 5-piece The MERRg features acoustic roots, rock and reggae vibes in a rambling presentation of life, loss, love and politics.

Ladies and gentlemen, the next wave of Indigenous Roots music has arrived. '...introducing the MERRg' is the debut album of Adelaide based 5 piece, The MERRg. Featuring acoustic roots, rock and reggae vibes, '...introducing' is a rambling presentation of life, loss, love and politics. Hailing from Ceduna, SA, the band members are Michael Colbung, Robert Champion, Russel Pinki and Dwayne Lawrie and are joined by their Torres Strait brother, Eddie Peters.

The MERRg are a talented and confident group who continue the special musical legacy from Ceduna on the far west coast of SA. This region has produced two of our greatest artists of all time, Bart Willoughby of 'No Fixed Address and Bunna Lawry from 'Coloured Stone' both pioneers of the indigenous contemporary music movement. The MERRg remain true to their musical roots and the album reverberates with the familiar sounds of the old with added new age reflection.

The first track, 'Streets of Gold', expresses a yearning for both physical and emotional freedom and strikes a chord reminiscent of the No Fixed Address classic 'From My Eyes'. The title track from a previously released EP it was also the song that hooked independent label Hardrush Records, who then pursued the band oblivious to their indigenous heritage.

'...introducing' displays these musicians capacity for making music with song writing contributions from Champion, Colbung and Peters. All take part in a merry-go-round of vocals and instruments that at times is difficult to follow. This 'musical chairs' is a common practice amongst many Aboriginal bands and is a process that may give equality but in this case brings inconsistency. Co-producers Colbung and Rob Transini layer various musical elements and succeed in what they set out to do - introduce the music of the MERRg to the world.

The album covers a lot of territory from thoughtful songs about love in 'Favourite Cup of Coffee' and 'She Waits for Me', to cranking rock numbers, 'Years Have Come', 'Where Are You Now?' and 'Anangu Medley'. Peters pays homage to the Torres Strait in two very diverse tracks, the guitar laden 'TI (My Island Home)' and the more reggae fused 'Tamilla'. The acoustic ballads, 'No There Weren't' and 'Listen to a Story' have a political edge with the latter calling for unity despite our colonised history.

This independent release, funded by SA Arts and taking 18months to produce, contains 13 original tracks plus 2 bonus tracks courtesy of CAAMA Music. It's a fantastic debut effort from a talented group of muso's who I believe will continue to make valuable contributions to the contemporary indigenous music catalogue for years to come. Ladies and Gentlemen, give them a round of applause. '...introducing the MERRg' is available at a record store near you.

http://www.abc.net.au/indigenous/stories/s2399561.htm - Reviewed by Pearl Davern 23/10/2008


"Australian Indigenous Band the MERRg Sign With Hardrush Music"


Wednesday, February 25th, 2009


“When music can combine rhythms, romance, heritage, a touch of politics and fun and still hold the audience, you know that something special is present. And being quality musicians, the MERRg deliver”, said Kelvin Fahey Hardrush CEO. “We have been encouraging the band to make this album for around a year and the result is brilliant and will stand the test of time.”


The MERRg sees the arrangement as very positive. “We wanted to make an album that covered all band members ideas, feelings and aspirations, so it took a little time,” says Michael Colbung who produced the album alongside the “magical,” Rob Transini. “We knew that something was happening and with a bit of patience and respect for the music, we got there. We are very happy with the result and see the recording as very contemporary on many levels and yet still a lot fun to perform.”


Accolades are forthcoming with the band being played on Triple J Unearthed, main stage @ The Dreaming Festival in June, finalist in the Music OZ awards,plus Indie and Deadly awards in the offing . more
- Hardrush Music


Discography

2010 ATSI Arts FEST TANDANYA CULTURAL INSTITUTE
2010 Summer of Love...Maccersfield..Adelaide Hills
2010 Survival Day...Rymill Park
2009 Dec 13th Spirit Festival, ADELAIDE,SA
2009 One Movement Music Festival PERTH,WA
2009 Semaphore Music Festival
2009 5 March - Fuse festival "live it Loud" ADELAIDE
2009 28 Feb - "Summer Of Love" MACCASFIELD
2009 26 Jan- Survival Day - ADELAIDE
2008 13 Dec- Spirit Festival-ADELAIDE
2008 Debut Album Release
2008 Oct Yarnballa Cultural Festival - Port Augusta
2008 June DREAMING Festival-Woodforde QLD
2007 June DREAMING Festival-Woodfodre QLD

Photos

Bio

the MERRg current (JAN 2009) line up consists of Michael Colbung, Robert Champion, Russel Pinkie, Eddie Peters, and Dwayne Lawrie.

Since moving from the West coast town of Ceduna, 2005 for the MERRg. has shown to be rather busy schedule for the band. Founding members for the band Michael and Robert before moving to Adelaide were involved in a number of high profile West Coast musical projects including 2001 & 2003 Elliston Sculpture on the Cliffs, Ceduna 2000 Millennium Concert & 2003 Baudin Flinders Festival.

Adelaide, in 2005 & 06, has shown to be just as busy for the band having played at a number events including SwampFEST, Corroboree, Wodliparri Cultural Event, Nunga Woodstock & , Fuse and Fringe Festivals.

Whilst the MERRg’s struggle’s to fit into any one particular genre the bands principal songwriter Robert likes to refer to his music as ‘ballodic’ a mixture of melodic ballad’s.

The bands current line up is very versatile and band members can be seen swapping instruments during gig’s to suit the needs’ of the song.

the MERRg has completed work on its debut CD which was launched in Adelaide in 2008. The album has had great response getting signifacant airplay around Australia with being "Feature Album of the Week" constantly.

The album in November 2008 was voted best International Album and best International song for Tamilla with the Toronto Exclusive Magaazine