Halfway (band)
Halfway is an indie rock band from Brisbane, Australia.[1] The group have released six albums; most recently Rain Lover in August 2018.[2]
Halfway | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Brisbane, Australia |
| Genres | Alt Country indie rock space rock |
| Years active | 2000–present |
| Labels | Plus One Records / ABC Music |
| Website | halfway |
| Members | John Busby Elwin Hawtin Ben Johnson Noel Fitzpatrick Liam Fitzpatrick John Willsteed Luke Peacock |
| Past members | Chris Dale Chris Hess Liam Bray Chris Pickering |
History
Halfway was formed in 2000 by John Busby, Elwin Hawtin, Ben Johnson and Chris Dale in Windsor, Brisbane. The lineup was later rounded out with the addition of Dublin-born brothers Noel Fitzpatrick (pedal steel) and Liam Fitzpatrick (banjo/mandolin). Since 2010 the band has included the addition of John Willsteed (ex-The Go-Betweens) on guitar, and Luke Peacock on keyboards.[3]
Halfway's debut LP Farewell to the Fainthearted was released in 2003 to warm critical acclaim.[4] The band toured nationally, and their single 'Patience Back' received high rotation airplay on Triple J. Farewell to the Fainthearted was included in The Courier-Mail's Top 10 albums of 2003.[5]
Their follow up record Remember the River was released in 2006. Recorded by Wayne Connolly (The Vines, Josh Pyke, You Am I) the album saw Radio Birdman frontman Rob Younger in the producer's chair. Again the LP was resulted in much acclaim from critics, and generated interest in Europe and the UK, where it received airplay on BBC Radio. Remember the River was included in The Courier-Mail’s Top 10 albums of 2006.[6]
In 2008, the band's core songwriting duo (Busby and Dale) were the recipients of one of Australia's most prestigious songwriting awards – The Grant McLennan Fellowship. The selection panel included members of the Go-Betweens, the McLennan family and Arts Queensland.[7]
2009 saw the band recruit former Go-Betweens frontman Robert Forster to produce their third LP. After months of rehearsal under Forster’s guidance, a new LP was recorded, entitled An Outpost of Promise. Wayne Connolly once again was at the controls.[8]
Following extensive touring for Outpost, the band started work on a fourth record. Any Old Love was released in 2014, and was again produced by Forster. In October 2014 the album won the Carlton Dry Independent Music Award for Best Country Album.[9]
In 2015, the song 'Dulcify' from any Old Love was awarded 'Song of the Year' & 'Best Country Song' at the Queensland Music Awards.[10]
The band's fifth album, The Golden Halfway Record, was released in April 2016 through ABC Music.[11] Recorded in Nashville, Tennessee, by lauded producer Mark Nevers (Calexico, Bonnie Prince Billy, George Jones), the album was met with a series of five star reviews.[12]
In August 2018 the band's sixth album "Rain Lover" was released to wide spread critical acclaim. Receiving a 5 star review in The Australian newspaper on the week of release. Followed by David Fricke from Rolling Stone calling the record "A sublime country dusted album...combining the pub army heft of The Waterboys Fishermans Blues with the dream-state Nashville of Lambchop and pioneer-fiber storytelling of Johnny Cash and Queensland icons The Go-Betweens."
Halfway have played & toured extensively in Australia and internationally. Playing shows with The Black Keys, Gomez, You Am I, J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr), Band of Horses, The Jayhawks, Teenage Fanclub, and Richard Hawley.[13]
Discography
Albums
- Farewell to the Fainthearted - (2003) Plus One Records
- Remember the River - (2006) Laughing Outlaw Records
- An Outpost of Promise - (2009) Plus One Records
- Any Old Love - (2014) Plus One Records
- The Golden Halfway Record - (2016) Plus One Records/ABC Music
- Live At The Triffid - (2016) Plus One Records
- Rain Lover - (2018) ABC Music/ Plus One Records