The Red Paintings
Encyclopedia
The Red Paintings are an Orchestral art rock band originally formed 1999 in Geelong, Victoria
but have been based over the last few years in Los Angeles
, USA. The band consists of lead vocalist
and songwriter
Trash McSweeney on guitar
, sequencing
and samples
, Trash also is the brainchild behind all the bands stage and musical concepts. Current touring line up is Ellen Stancombe (violin
, vocals); Mike Langdale (bass
), Andy Davis (drums) and David Sue Yek (Cello
).
The band is known for their unique, confronting and intense themed performances incorporating elements of theatre and art, often dubbed "orchestral sci-fi art rock". Band members often dress in elaborate themed costumes, ranging from geisha
outfits, alien
costumes and more recently, sea creature\Neptune
themes. They employ elaborate and eccentric stage props to support their shows, varying from virgin mary statues, giant robots, children toys, Tim Burton
-themed props and self-made video projections. They often invite members of the audience to paint on blank canvasses during their shows, and sometimes 'human canvasses' are painted on instead.
The band has a strong underground fanbase in Australia
and the USA, and their debut studio album is being produced almost entirely on fan donations. Their many costumes, props and street performances are often organised and produced with help from their large volunteer street team
s. They are recently also known for their vocal support of animal rights
issues, and in particular, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
by songwriter Trash McSweeney after he suffered a violent seizure. As a consequence of the seizure McSweeney was purported to have developed colour-sound synethesia. During this period they had little success breaking into the local music scene. They mainly managed to confirm shows in battle of the bands
gigs, however, despite being successful in these they still were unable to break through. While on a holiday in Brisbane
, Queensland
, McSweeney received more positive feedback and offers at an impromptu gig, and thought relocating there might give the band better chances. Frustrated with the Geelong scene, McSweeney offered other band members to relocate, but eventually moved to Brisbane
and formed a new lineup. During this period the band produced three independent EPs, Angel Flummox EP
, Reality (Ahead of Schedule) EP
and Cinema Love EP
.
they soon became known for their unique shows, experimentation and friendliness. After some initial hardships, McSweeney soon found like-minded musicians in Josh Engelking (percussion), Bo Whitton (bass guitar
), Ellen Stancombe (violin
) and Wayne Jennings (cello
). The newly formed lineup soon released the "Rain" single. Based on the single and performances, McSweeney soon began to feature heavily in local media, becoming known for his revolutionary views on music, eccentric interviews\performances and the influence of his colour synesthesia
on his music and art. In 2003 the band conducted two extensive national tours, including sets at the coveted Livid
and Big Day Out
festivals. Following this success, a live performance was recorded with Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ
FM and was released in 2004 as the album The Virgin Mary Australian Tour Acoustic/Strings Album
, which received yet more positive feedback. They also headlined the 2004 Valley Fiesta, and played support for Australian singer–songwriter Missy Higgins
. 2005 saw the band conduct a two-week tour of China
, and release the Walls EP
with Modern Music/Sony BMG, to critical acclaim. The EP
received high rotation play on the national Triple J
radio station and generated plenty of new fans. The title track, "Walls", entered the stations "Net 50" chart at #3 and charted for fifteen weeks. Sometime around this release bass player Bo Whitton left the band and was replaced by Amanda Holmes.
The next release from the band in 2006, the Destroy The Robots EP
, would see the emergence of the Robot Trilogy concept. Also, after a period with no regular percussionist, current drummer Andy Davis was hired. Clashes with their Modern Music label/Sony BMG label at the time over creative direction saw the band ending its relationship after the EP
was released, and becoming independent of label or outside management. The band toured Australia's capital cities and regional centres for the Destroy The Robots EP. In each capital city centre unannounced 'Robot Marches' were staged also, where fan-made giant (up to 9-foot) robots were paraded through pedestrian malls.
Recognition and radio airplay from this tour saw them picked as support for Mogwai
, and play at The Great Escape (festival)
. Off the back of this success, their sounds reached the ears of Amanda Palmer
, of The Dresden Dolls
, who contacted the band with an offer to support their 2006 Australian tour. The tour was a great success for the band, although the band's van was broken into twice and equipment and paintings were stolen, and they were invited to continue as support for the tour in New Zealand
, the UK and USA. Before leaving for the USA, long-time cellist Wayne Jennings departed the band, and upon returning to Australia
current cellist David Sue Yek joined the band after answering a university advertisement. The band received significant attention in the USA, and were able to release a live EP
and documentary DVD
both from the tour; Live In Minneapolis
and Seizure & Synesthesia. The band returned to play two special Christmas-themed charity events, and released the third album in the Robots Trilogy, the Feed the Wolf EP
. This EP
was funded entirely from fan donations and was also the last album bassist
Amanda Holmes featured in. Mid 2007 saw the band on another large national Australian tour for this EP
, with accompanying street parades as seen before, albeit with genetically engineered animals marching into a giant Ark
. The EP
received good airplay on Australian and US radio stations, and spawned the single and music video for "We Belong In The Sea", which received top honours on Youtube
.
In June 2007, songwriter Trash McSweeney announced his plans for recording their debut LP
record, and based upon the successful model of the Feed the Wolf EP, made a request on the band website for fan donations to support this endeavor. He was met with mixed reactions from the Australian music industry, but nonetheless fans responded and he achieved his goal, raising A$40 000 towards their independent LP. The band also played further support for Amanda Palmer's 2007 solo tour in Australia.
. The tour was successful and saw them receive high radio airplay, including on Los Angeles Indie 103.1FM
, Portland's KNRK
and San Francisco's Live 505 radio stations. The band were also invited to play at the prestigious Musexpo
2008. During this tour singer Trash McSweeney also met and became personal friends with Sea Shephard captain, Paul Watson
. This partnership led the band to play a benefit show for Sea Shepherd Conservation Society on the eve of the departure of MV Steve Irwin
from Brisbane
; and later that year a collaboration with Paul Watson
covering the Midnight Oil
song Beds are Burning, titled Whales Are Dying and accompanying music video. The collaboration, and McSweeney's outspoken support, received wide media coverage in the USA. Also this year the band's independent album, The Revolution Is Never Coming, was recorded in Australia
and produced by McSweeney and Engineered by Tidykid.
2009 saw the band tour performing sporadic free\benefit shows in Australia
, as the band took time off to work heavily on the upcoming album and for McSweeney to also personally direct the music videos for it. They did however support the national tour of punk
band Mindless Self Indulgence
, and open shows for the Australian tour of poet Saul Williams
. The band has currently relocated to Los Angeles
in preparation for their album release. They are currently in post-production and mastering of their debut album, which has taken place in Brisbane
, Winnipeg
, Toronto
, Los Angeles
and Nashville. It is said to be, pre-release, generating positive reviews and interest from US and UK record labels, although McSweeney still appears determined to release their LP
independently. While in the US, McSweeney has also played several solo shows and teamed up again with Captain Paul Watson to perform at Worldfest
2009.
2011 has seen the band back on the road with a headline 20 date tour in the USA which included shows with Alien Ant Farm
, Chad Smiths RHCP new band, appearance main stage at SubZero Festival San Jose, hand picked by The Posies for their USA show in July and support in the USA also Sept 2011 for Belgium Industrial Act Atari Teenage Riot
. Trash Has spent most of this year finalising the mix on the bands album in Los Angeles
.
In 2012 the band are believed to be working on releasing their full-length album world wide, as well as touring the globe. In addition, they will be conducting an interesting marketing idea which will involve launching helium balloons in thirteen countries. The helium balloons will represent Japanese geisha in space suits, and they will be accompanied by cam-corders and USB sticks for fans to chase in each city during the release dates of the album.
EPs
Singles
Victoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
but have been based over the last few years in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, USA. The band consists of lead vocalist
Lead vocalist
The lead vocalist is the member of a band who sings the main vocal portions of a song. They may also play one or more instruments. Lead vocalists are sometimes referred to as the frontman or frontwoman, and as such, are usually considered to be the "leader" of the groups they perform in, often the...
and songwriter
Songwriter
A songwriter is an individual who writes both the lyrics and music to a song. Someone who solely writes lyrics may be called a lyricist, and someone who only writes music may be called a composer...
Trash McSweeney on guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
, sequencing
Sequencing
In genetics and biochemistry, sequencing means to determine the primary structure of an unbranched biopolymer...
and samples
Sampling (music)
In music, sampling is the act of taking a portion, or sample, of one sound recording and reusing it as an instrument or a different sound recording of a song or piece. Sampling was originally developed by experimental musicians working with musique concrète and electroacoustic music, who physically...
, Trash also is the brainchild behind all the bands stage and musical concepts. Current touring line up is Ellen Stancombe (violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
, vocals); Mike Langdale (bass
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
), Andy Davis (drums) and David Sue Yek (Cello
Cello
The cello is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is a member of the violin family of musical instruments, which also includes the violin, viola, and double bass. Old forms of the instrument in the Baroque era are baryton and viol .A person who plays a cello is...
).
The band is known for their unique, confronting and intense themed performances incorporating elements of theatre and art, often dubbed "orchestral sci-fi art rock". Band members often dress in elaborate themed costumes, ranging from geisha
Geisha
, Geiko or Geigi are traditional, female Japanese entertainers whose skills include performing various Japanese arts such as classical music and dance.-Terms:...
outfits, alien
Extraterrestrial life in popular culture
In popular cultures, "extraterrestrials" are life forms — especially intelligent life forms— that are of extraterrestrial origin .-Historical ideas:-Pre-modern:...
costumes and more recently, sea creature\Neptune
Neptune (mythology)
Neptune was the god of water and the sea in Roman mythology and religion. He is analogous with, but not identical to, the Greek god Poseidon. In the Greek-influenced tradition, Neptune was the brother of Jupiter and Pluto, each of them presiding over one of the three realms of the universe,...
themes. They employ elaborate and eccentric stage props to support their shows, varying from virgin mary statues, giant robots, children toys, Tim Burton
Tim Burton
Timothy William "Tim" Burton is an American film director, film producer, writer and artist. He is famous for dark, quirky-themed movies such as Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Corpse Bride and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet...
-themed props and self-made video projections. They often invite members of the audience to paint on blank canvasses during their shows, and sometimes 'human canvasses' are painted on instead.
The band has a strong underground fanbase in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and the USA, and their debut studio album is being produced almost entirely on fan donations. Their many costumes, props and street performances are often organised and produced with help from their large volunteer street team
Street team
A street team is a term used in marketing to describe a group of people who 'hit the streets' promoting an event or a product. 'Street Teams' are a powerful promotional tool that has been adopted industry wide as a standard line item in marketing budgets by entertainment companies, record labels,...
s. They are recently also known for their vocal support of animal rights
Animal rights
Animal rights, also known as animal liberation, is the idea that the most basic interests of non-human animals should be afforded the same consideration as the similar interests of human beings...
issues, and in particular, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.
Formation (1999-2002)
The band and concept was formed in 1999 in Geelong, VictoriaVictoria (Australia)
Victoria is the second most populous state in Australia. Geographically the smallest mainland state, Victoria is bordered by New South Wales, South Australia, and Tasmania on Boundary Islet to the north, west and south respectively....
by songwriter Trash McSweeney after he suffered a violent seizure. As a consequence of the seizure McSweeney was purported to have developed colour-sound synethesia. During this period they had little success breaking into the local music scene. They mainly managed to confirm shows in battle of the bands
Battle of the Bands
Battle of Bands is a contest in which two or more bands compete for the title of "best band". The winner is determined by a panel of judges, the general response of the audience, or a combination. The winning band usually receives a prize in addition to bragging rights. Traditionally, battles of...
gigs, however, despite being successful in these they still were unable to break through. While on a holiday in Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
, Queensland
Queensland
Queensland is a state of Australia, occupying the north-eastern section of the mainland continent. It is bordered by the Northern Territory, South Australia and New South Wales to the west, south-west and south respectively. To the east, Queensland is bordered by the Coral Sea and Pacific Ocean...
, McSweeney received more positive feedback and offers at an impromptu gig, and thought relocating there might give the band better chances. Frustrated with the Geelong scene, McSweeney offered other band members to relocate, but eventually moved to Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
and formed a new lineup. During this period the band produced three independent EPs, Angel Flummox EP
Angel Flummox EP
Angel Flummox EP is the first release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings....
, Reality (Ahead of Schedule) EP
Reality (Ahead of Schedule) EP
Reality EP is the second release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings....
and Cinema Love EP
Cinema Love EP
-Track listing:#"Cinema Love"#"The Cell"#"Stackhat"#"The Chase"#"Redneck"#"Bottomless Pit"...
.
Robot Trilogy Concept era (2003–2007)
In BrisbaneBrisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
they soon became known for their unique shows, experimentation and friendliness. After some initial hardships, McSweeney soon found like-minded musicians in Josh Engelking (percussion), Bo Whitton (bass guitar
Bass guitar
The bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
), Ellen Stancombe (violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
) and Wayne Jennings (cello
Cello
The cello is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is a member of the violin family of musical instruments, which also includes the violin, viola, and double bass. Old forms of the instrument in the Baroque era are baryton and viol .A person who plays a cello is...
). The newly formed lineup soon released the "Rain" single. Based on the single and performances, McSweeney soon began to feature heavily in local media, becoming known for his revolutionary views on music, eccentric interviews\performances and the influence of his colour synesthesia
Synesthesia
Synesthesia , from the ancient Greek , "together," and , "sensation," is a neurologically based condition in which stimulation of one sensory or cognitive pathway leads to automatic, involuntary experiences in a second sensory or cognitive pathway...
on his music and art. In 2003 the band conducted two extensive national tours, including sets at the coveted Livid
Livid
Livid was an Australian alternative rock music festival held annually from 1989 to 2003. Masterminded by Peter Walsh and Natalie Jeremijenko, the original idea of showcasing both the arts and music in the one event was standardised as late as October/early November from 1991 until 2003...
and Big Day Out
Big Day Out
The Big Day Out is an annual music festival held in several cities in Australia and New Zealand in late January. It started in Sydney in 1992, spread to Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth by 1993, with the Gold Coast and Auckland joining in 1994...
festivals. Following this success, a live performance was recorded with Brisbane community radio station 4ZZZ
4ZZZ
4ZZZ is an independent community radio station operating in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, at the frequency 102.1 FM. As a community radio station, 4ZZZ is a member of the Community Broadcasting Association of Australia...
FM and was released in 2004 as the album The Virgin Mary Australian Tour Acoustic/Strings Album
The Virgin Mary Australian Tour Acoustic/Strings Album
The Virgin Mary Australian Tour Acoustic/Strings Album is the fifth release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings.This album was recorded live and straight to air at the 4ZZZ FM studio in Brisbane, Australia...
, which received yet more positive feedback. They also headlined the 2004 Valley Fiesta, and played support for Australian singer–songwriter Missy Higgins
Missy Higgins
Melissa "Missy" Morrison Higgins is an Australian pop singer-songwriter, musician and actor. Her No. 1 albums in Australia are The Sound of White and On a Clear Night , and her Top Ten singles are "Scar", "The Special Two", "Steer" and "Where I Stood". From a musical family in...
. 2005 saw the band conduct a two-week tour of China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
, and release the Walls EP
Walls EP
Walls EP is the sixth release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings. Released in Australia on 23 May 2005, it is considered their first major breakthrough, and was receeived with praise and favourable reviews.-Critical Response:...
with Modern Music/Sony BMG, to critical acclaim. The EP
Walls EP
Walls EP is the sixth release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings. Released in Australia on 23 May 2005, it is considered their first major breakthrough, and was receeived with praise and favourable reviews.-Critical Response:...
received high rotation play on the national Triple J
Triple J
triple j is a nationally networked Australian radio station intended to appeal to listeners between the ages of 18 and 30. The government-funded station is a division of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation...
radio station and generated plenty of new fans. The title track, "Walls", entered the stations "Net 50" chart at #3 and charted for fifteen weeks. Sometime around this release bass player Bo Whitton left the band and was replaced by Amanda Holmes.
The next release from the band in 2006, the Destroy The Robots EP
Destroy The Robots EP
Destroy The Robots EP is the seventh release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings. The album was engineered by Stuart Niven, mixed by David Leonard and mastered by Matthew Grey. The album has had some commercial success in Australia and was received well by critics...
, would see the emergence of the Robot Trilogy concept. Also, after a period with no regular percussionist, current drummer Andy Davis was hired. Clashes with their Modern Music label/Sony BMG label at the time over creative direction saw the band ending its relationship after the EP
Destroy The Robots EP
Destroy The Robots EP is the seventh release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings. The album was engineered by Stuart Niven, mixed by David Leonard and mastered by Matthew Grey. The album has had some commercial success in Australia and was received well by critics...
was released, and becoming independent of label or outside management. The band toured Australia's capital cities and regional centres for the Destroy The Robots EP. In each capital city centre unannounced 'Robot Marches' were staged also, where fan-made giant (up to 9-foot) robots were paraded through pedestrian malls.
Recognition and radio airplay from this tour saw them picked as support for Mogwai
Mogwai
The word mogwai is the transliteration of the Cantonese word 魔怪 meaning "monster", "evil spirit", "devil" or "demon".-Mogwai/Mogui in Chinese culture:...
, and play at The Great Escape (festival)
The Great Escape (festival)
The Great Escape was a music festival held at Newington Armory, located within Sydney Olympic Park that took place in 2006 and 2007. Initially held over the Easter long weekend for the first two events, in 2008 it was announced the festival would take place on the Labour Day weekend, however the...
. Off the back of this success, their sounds reached the ears of Amanda Palmer
Amanda Palmer
Amanda MacKinnon Gaiman Palmer , sometimes known as Amanda Fucking Palmer, is an American performer who first rose to prominence as the lead singer, pianist, and lyricist/composer of the duo The Dresden Dolls...
, of The Dresden Dolls
The Dresden Dolls
The Dresden Dolls are an American musical duo from Boston, Massachusetts. Formed in 2000, the group consists of Amanda Palmer and Brian Viglione...
, who contacted the band with an offer to support their 2006 Australian tour. The tour was a great success for the band, although the band's van was broken into twice and equipment and paintings were stolen, and they were invited to continue as support for the tour in New Zealand
New Zealand
New Zealand is an island country in the south-western Pacific Ocean comprising two main landmasses and numerous smaller islands. The country is situated some east of Australia across the Tasman Sea, and roughly south of the Pacific island nations of New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga...
, the UK and USA. Before leaving for the USA, long-time cellist Wayne Jennings departed the band, and upon returning to Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
current cellist David Sue Yek joined the band after answering a university advertisement. The band received significant attention in the USA, and were able to release a live EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
and documentary DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
both from the tour; Live In Minneapolis
Live in Minneapolis
Live in Minneapolis is a live recording of a Less Than Jake show at the Quest Club in Minneapolis. It was recorded during their Fall 2003 tour in support of their album Anthem. This album is only available by downloading it on the Less Than Jake Purevolume page in 11 parts, rather than individual...
and Seizure & Synesthesia. The band returned to play two special Christmas-themed charity events, and released the third album in the Robots Trilogy, the Feed the Wolf EP
Feed the Wolf EP
Feed The Wolf is the seventh release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings. It was released in Australia on 11 June 2007, and was funded entirely by fan donations and created without management or label. The album spawned the single We Belong In The Sea...
. This EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
was funded entirely from fan donations and was also the last album bassist
Bassist
A bass player, or bassist is a musician who plays a bass instrument such as a double bass, bass guitar, keyboard bass or a low brass instrument such as a tuba or sousaphone. Different musical genres tend to be associated with one or more of these instruments...
Amanda Holmes featured in. Mid 2007 saw the band on another large national Australian tour for this EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
, with accompanying street parades as seen before, albeit with genetically engineered animals marching into a giant Ark
Noah's Ark
Noah's Ark is a vessel appearing in the Book of Genesis and the Quran . These narratives describe the construction of the ark by Noah at God's command to save himself, his family, and the world's animals from the worldwide deluge of the Great Flood.In the narrative of the ark, God sees the...
. The EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
received good airplay on Australian and US radio stations, and spawned the single and music video for "We Belong In The Sea", which received top honours on Youtube
YouTube
YouTube is a video-sharing website, created by three former PayPal employees in February 2005, on which users can upload, view and share videos....
.
In June 2007, songwriter Trash McSweeney announced his plans for recording their debut LP
LP album
The LP, or long-playing microgroove record, is a format for phonograph records, an analog sound storage medium. Introduced by Columbia Records in 1948, it was soon adopted as a new standard by the entire record industry...
record, and based upon the successful model of the Feed the Wolf EP, made a request on the band website for fan donations to support this endeavor. He was met with mixed reactions from the Australian music industry, but nonetheless fans responded and he achieved his goal, raising A$40 000 towards their independent LP. The band also played further support for Amanda Palmer's 2007 solo tour in Australia.
Independence and Touring (2008-Current)
In 2008 the band embarked on another Australian tour and also their first headlining tour of the West Coast of the United StatesWest Coast of the United States
West Coast or Pacific Coast are terms for the westernmost coastal states of the United States. The term most often refers to the states of California, Oregon, and Washington. Although not part of the contiguous United States, Alaska and Hawaii do border the Pacific Ocean but can't be included in...
. The tour was successful and saw them receive high radio airplay, including on Los Angeles Indie 103.1FM
KDLD
KDLD is a commercial radio station in Santa Monica, California, broadcasting to the Los Angeles area on 103.1 FM. KDLE is a commercial radio station in Newport Beach, California, broadcasting to the Orange County area on 103.1 FM....
, Portland's KNRK
KNRK
KNRK is a commercial Modern AC-leaning Alternative rock music radio station in Portland, OR, broadcasting to the Portland, Oregon area on 94.7 FM...
and San Francisco's Live 505 radio stations. The band were also invited to play at the prestigious Musexpo
Musexpo
MUSEXPO is an international music, media & technology conference based in Los Angeles. Since its inception in 2005, MUSEXPO has played host to thousands of executives from all around the world and showcased 100+ artists from dozens of countries, many of which left with substantial outcomes...
2008. During this tour singer Trash McSweeney also met and became personal friends with Sea Shephard captain, Paul Watson
Paul Watson
Paul Watson is a Canadian animal rights and environmental activist, who founded and is president of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a direct action group devoted to marine conservation....
. This partnership led the band to play a benefit show for Sea Shepherd Conservation Society on the eve of the departure of MV Steve Irwin
MV Steve Irwin
The MY Steve Irwin is the flagship of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, and used in their direct action campaigns against whaling and other activities the group opposes...
from Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
; and later that year a collaboration with Paul Watson
Paul Watson
Paul Watson is a Canadian animal rights and environmental activist, who founded and is president of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, a direct action group devoted to marine conservation....
covering the Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil
Midnight Oil , were an Australian rock band from Sydney originally performing as Farm from 1972 with drummer Rob Hirst, bass guitarist Andrew James and keyboard player/lead guitarist Jim Moginie...
song Beds are Burning, titled Whales Are Dying and accompanying music video. The collaboration, and McSweeney's outspoken support, received wide media coverage in the USA. Also this year the band's independent album, The Revolution Is Never Coming, was recorded in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
and produced by McSweeney and Engineered by Tidykid.
2009 saw the band tour performing sporadic free\benefit shows in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
, as the band took time off to work heavily on the upcoming album and for McSweeney to also personally direct the music videos for it. They did however support the national tour of punk
Punk rock
Punk rock is a rock music genre that developed between 1974 and 1976 in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Rooted in garage rock and other forms of what is now known as protopunk music, punk rock bands eschewed perceived excesses of mainstream 1970s rock...
band Mindless Self Indulgence
Mindless Self Indulgence
Mindless Self Indulgence is an American musical group formed in New York in 1997. Their music has a mixed style including rap, punk rock, alternative rock, electronica, techno and industrial...
, and open shows for the Australian tour of poet Saul Williams
Saul Williams
Saul Stacey Williams is an American poet, writer, actor and musician known for his blend of poetry and alternative hip hop and for his leading role in the 1998 independent film Slam.-Biography:...
. The band has currently relocated to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
in preparation for their album release. They are currently in post-production and mastering of their debut album, which has taken place in Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
, Winnipeg
Winnipeg
Winnipeg is the capital and largest city of Manitoba, Canada, and is the primary municipality of the Winnipeg Capital Region, with more than half of Manitoba's population. It is located near the longitudinal centre of North America, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers .The name...
, Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
and Nashville. It is said to be, pre-release, generating positive reviews and interest from US and UK record labels, although McSweeney still appears determined to release their LP
LP album
The LP, or long-playing microgroove record, is a format for phonograph records, an analog sound storage medium. Introduced by Columbia Records in 1948, it was soon adopted as a new standard by the entire record industry...
independently. While in the US, McSweeney has also played several solo shows and teamed up again with Captain Paul Watson to perform at Worldfest
WorldFest
WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival is an annual film festival, dedicated to various types of independent films, held in Houston, Texas.-History:...
2009.
2011 has seen the band back on the road with a headline 20 date tour in the USA which included shows with Alien Ant Farm
Alien Ant Farm
Alien Ant Farm is an American alternative rock band that formed in Riverside, California, in 1995. Their name comes from an idea original guitarist Terry Corso had about aliens and the earth: "I was daydreaming at my dull desk job with my feet up, and I thought to myself, 'Wouldn't it be cool if...
, Chad Smiths RHCP new band, appearance main stage at SubZero Festival San Jose, hand picked by The Posies for their USA show in July and support in the USA also Sept 2011 for Belgium Industrial Act Atari Teenage Riot
Atari Teenage Riot
'Atari Teenage Riot' is a German digital hardcore group formed in Berlin in 1992. The name was taken from a Portuguese Joe song 'Teenage Riot' from the 'Teen-age Riot' album, with the word 'Atari' added as an Atari ST computer was used to create compositions...
. Trash Has spent most of this year finalising the mix on the bands album in Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
.
In 2012 the band are believed to be working on releasing their full-length album world wide, as well as touring the globe. In addition, they will be conducting an interesting marketing idea which will involve launching helium balloons in thirteen countries. The helium balloons will represent Japanese geisha in space suits, and they will be accompanied by cam-corders and USB sticks for fans to chase in each city during the release dates of the album.
Discography
Albums- The Virgin Mary Australian Tour Acoustic/Strings AlbumThe Virgin Mary Australian Tour Acoustic/Strings AlbumThe Virgin Mary Australian Tour Acoustic/Strings Album is the fifth release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings.This album was recorded live and straight to air at the 4ZZZ FM studio in Brisbane, Australia...
(2004)
EPs
- Angel Flummox EPAngel Flummox EPAngel Flummox EP is the first release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings....
(1999) - Reality (Ahead of Schedule) EPReality (Ahead of Schedule) EPReality EP is the second release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings....
(2000) - Cinema Love EPCinema Love EP-Track listing:#"Cinema Love"#"The Cell"#"Stackhat"#"The Chase"#"Redneck"#"Bottomless Pit"...
(2002) - Walls EPWalls EPWalls EP is the sixth release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings. Released in Australia on 23 May 2005, it is considered their first major breakthrough, and was receeived with praise and favourable reviews.-Critical Response:...
(2005) - Destroy The Robots EPDestroy The Robots EPDestroy The Robots EP is the seventh release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings. The album was engineered by Stuart Niven, mixed by David Leonard and mastered by Matthew Grey. The album has had some commercial success in Australia and was received well by critics...
(2006) - Feed the Wolf EPFeed the Wolf EPFeed The Wolf is the seventh release by the Brisbane band The Red Paintings. It was released in Australia on 11 June 2007, and was funded entirely by fan donations and created without management or label. The album spawned the single We Belong In The Sea...
(2007)
Singles
- "Rain" (2004)
- "We Belong In The Sea" (2007)
- "Whales Are Dying" (2009)