Ball Park Music
Encyclopedia
Ball Park Music is a six-piece indie rock/pop band from Brisbane, Australia
, made up of frontman Sam Cromack (guitar/vocals), Jennifer Boyce (bass, keytar
, backing vocals), Paul Furness (keys, trombone), Brock Smith (guitar) and twins Dean Hanson (guitar, bass, backing vocals) and Daniel Hanson (drums,backing vocals).
and was soon introduced to twins Dean and Daniel Hanson and Brock Smith at university. Jennifer Boyce and Paul Furness joined the band soon after and they began to play shows around Brisbane venues like The Zoo and The Red Room.
presenter Stephanie Hughes who gave tracks "All I Want Is You" and "Black Skies" their first national airplay. Richard Kingsmill
said "Rufus Wainwright
called. He wants his song back. So he should. This is a pretty good one." about their song "Black Skies" and gave it four out of five stars.
In late 2009, they released a single called "Sea Strangers (I Don't Really Know You)" through Mucho-Bravado and MGM Distribution
and shot a video with director Alex Barnes. The single eventually appeared on the 2010 EP release Conquer The Town, Easy As Cake. The EP spawned a Triple J
hit in "iFly" ("I f*cking love you, I think you're pretty") which immediately was added to high rotation, gained a five out of five star rating from Richard Kingsmill
and a comparison to Brisbane band Custard
from Dom Alessio. Another song "Western Whirl" was nominated for both Best Alternative and The Courier Mail People's Choice Awards at the 2010 Q Song Awards.
In 2010, the band played shows around Brisbane with the likes of Philadelphia Grand Jury
,
Hungry Kids of Hungary
, Cloud Control
, The Boat People
, and Boy & Bear
and made their first interstate trip to Sydney with Hungry Kids of Hungary
and Deep Sea Arcade. In October 2010 the band embarked on their first Australian tour in October with Hungry Kids of Hungary
and Big Scary
and release a brand new single "Sad Rude Future Dude" which was placed on rotation by national broadcaster Triple J
.
In November 2010, they were named as a Triple J
New Crop artist, "one of the 20 best new bands in Australia" and were also offered a slot at the triple j
Ausmusic Month Party in Brisbane alongside John Steel Singers
and Hungry Kids of Hungary
where they collaborated with David McCormack
on a cover of the Custard
's "Apartment". A recording of the track first aired on triple j
's Super Request on Wednesday, 24 November. Also in November, the band was announced as the Queensland winner of a triple j
Unearthed competition and won the chance to play at Big Day Out
2011 on the Gold Coast. Additionally, the band played several festivals in summer of 2010/11 including Falls Festival
, South Bound, Sunset Sounds and Good Vibrations.
In April 2011, Ball Park Music hit the road with Eagle and the Worm and We Say Bamboulee - the winners of the triple j
Big Day Out
competition for Victoria and New South Wales respectviely - for the formative The Super Commuter Tour. Immediately following that, they embarked on another east coast jaunt with Sydney's Guineafowl
. On 24 June 2011, Your Daily SPA leaked the information that Ball Park Music had signed to Sydney label Stop Start Music to release their debut album Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs. It is slotted for release through Stop Start/EMI
9 September.
In July, Ball Park Music embarked on a four-date tour with Adelaide rock outfit City Riots
on the How I Met Ball Park Music Tour.
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...
, made up of frontman Sam Cromack (guitar/vocals), Jennifer Boyce (bass, keytar
Keytar
A keytar is a relatively lightweight keyboard that is supported by a strap around the neck and shoulders, similar to the way a guitar is supported by a strap. Keytars allow players a greater range of movement compared to conventional keyboards, which are placed on stands...
, backing vocals), Paul Furness (keys, trombone), Brock Smith (guitar) and twins Dean Hanson (guitar, bass, backing vocals) and Daniel Hanson (drums,backing vocals).
Origins
Ball Park Music began its life as a vehicle for Sam Cromack's solo work who had given the name to his project to release. In 2008, he moved from Lennox Head to 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...
and was soon introduced to twins Dean and Daniel Hanson and Brock Smith at university. Jennifer Boyce and Paul Furness joined the band soon after and they began to play shows around Brisbane venues like The Zoo and The Red Room.
Career
They independently recorded their debut EP Rolling On The Floor, Laughing Ourselves To Sleep and gave it a "soft release" in April 2009 mainly to family and friends. The EP was quickly championed by triple jTriple 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...
presenter Stephanie Hughes who gave tracks "All I Want Is You" and "Black Skies" their first national airplay. Richard Kingsmill
Richard Kingsmill
Richard "The King" Kingsmill is an Australian radio announcer and music journalist.He is best known for his work at national youth broadcaster triple j. His career at the station started in 1988 as a producer for station presenters George Wayne, Tracee Hutchison and Tim Ritchie...
said "Rufus Wainwright
Rufus Wainwright
Rufus McGarrigle Wainwright is an American-Canadian singer-songwriter. He has recorded six albums of original music, EPs, and tracks on compilations and film soundtracks.-Early years:...
called. He wants his song back. So he should. This is a pretty good one." about their song "Black Skies" and gave it four out of five stars.
In late 2009, they released a single called "Sea Strangers (I Don't Really Know You)" through Mucho-Bravado and MGM Distribution
MGM Distribution
MGM Distribution is the largest independent distributor of Australian music and music related merchandise and was established in April 1998 by Sebastian Chase....
and shot a video with director Alex Barnes. The single eventually appeared on the 2010 EP release Conquer The Town, Easy As Cake. The EP spawned a 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...
hit in "iFly" ("I f*cking love you, I think you're pretty") which immediately was added to high rotation, gained a five out of five star rating from Richard Kingsmill
Richard Kingsmill
Richard "The King" Kingsmill is an Australian radio announcer and music journalist.He is best known for his work at national youth broadcaster triple j. His career at the station started in 1988 as a producer for station presenters George Wayne, Tracee Hutchison and Tim Ritchie...
and a comparison to Brisbane band Custard
Custard (band)
-Overview:The band were originally known as Custard Gun and featured David McCormack on vocals and guitar, Paul Medew on bass, James Straker on guitar and Shane Brunn on drums. After a few shows and line up changes Custard Gun morphed into Custard...
from Dom Alessio. Another song "Western Whirl" was nominated for both Best Alternative and The Courier Mail People's Choice Awards at the 2010 Q Song Awards.
In 2010, the band played shows around Brisbane with the likes of Philadelphia Grand Jury
Philadelphia Grand Jury
Philadelphia Grand Jury were an Australian trio from Sydney, New South Wales. The bands final lineup featured of Joel "MC Bad Genius" Beeson on bass, keyboard and guitar, Simon "Berkfinger" Berckelman on vocals and guitar and Susanna "Susie Dreamboat" Patten on drums...
,
Hungry Kids of Hungary
Hungry Kids of Hungary
Hungry Kids of Hungary are an Australian five-piece indie pop band from Brisbane, Queensland. The band consists of Dean McGrath , Kane Mazlin , Ben Dalton , Remy Boccalatte and Ryan Strathie .- Origins and self-titled EP :Forming in mid 2007, the band appears to be the...
, Cloud Control
Cloud Control
Cloud Control are an alternative rock band originating from the Blue Mountains near Sydney, Australia. The band is currently signed to the Australian label Ivy League Records, in which they released their debut album Bliss Release, and to Infectious Music in the UK/Europe...
, The Boat People
The Boat People (Australian band)
The Boat People are an Australian four-piece indie pop band. The Brisbane based group consists of James O'Brien, Robin Waters, Charles Dugan and Tony Garret...
, and Boy & Bear
Boy & Bear
Boy & Bear is an indie rock band from Sydney, Australia.The band describes its style as "a combination of drivey indie folk and choral harmonies."-Description:...
and made their first interstate trip to Sydney with Hungry Kids of Hungary
Hungry Kids of Hungary
Hungry Kids of Hungary are an Australian five-piece indie pop band from Brisbane, Queensland. The band consists of Dean McGrath , Kane Mazlin , Ben Dalton , Remy Boccalatte and Ryan Strathie .- Origins and self-titled EP :Forming in mid 2007, the band appears to be the...
and Deep Sea Arcade. In October 2010 the band embarked on their first Australian tour in October with Hungry Kids of Hungary
Hungry Kids of Hungary
Hungry Kids of Hungary are an Australian five-piece indie pop band from Brisbane, Queensland. The band consists of Dean McGrath , Kane Mazlin , Ben Dalton , Remy Boccalatte and Ryan Strathie .- Origins and self-titled EP :Forming in mid 2007, the band appears to be the...
and Big Scary
Big Scary
Big Scary is an Australian musical duo formed in Melbourne in 2006, by Tom Iansek and Jo Syme. The pair began playing songs together in the living room of Jo's parents' house...
and release a brand new single "Sad Rude Future Dude" which was placed on rotation by national broadcaster 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...
.
In November 2010, they were named as a 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...
New Crop artist, "one of the 20 best new bands in Australia" and were also offered a slot at the 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...
Ausmusic Month Party in Brisbane alongside John Steel Singers
John Steel Singers
The John Steel Singers are a six piece band from Brisbane, Australia, named after a toy horse that band member Tim Morrissey named John Steel. They were formed in 2007 when Morrissey and Scott Bromiley decided to start making music together and were soon joined by Ross Chandler, Pete Bernoth, Pat...
and Hungry Kids of Hungary
Hungry Kids of Hungary
Hungry Kids of Hungary are an Australian five-piece indie pop band from Brisbane, Queensland. The band consists of Dean McGrath , Kane Mazlin , Ben Dalton , Remy Boccalatte and Ryan Strathie .- Origins and self-titled EP :Forming in mid 2007, the band appears to be the...
where they collaborated with David McCormack
David McCormack
David McCormack is an Australian musician and singer-songwriter who fronted Brisbane-based rock group Custard .-Early groups:...
on a cover of the Custard
Custard (band)
-Overview:The band were originally known as Custard Gun and featured David McCormack on vocals and guitar, Paul Medew on bass, James Straker on guitar and Shane Brunn on drums. After a few shows and line up changes Custard Gun morphed into Custard...
's "Apartment". A recording of the track first aired on 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...
's Super Request on Wednesday, 24 November. Also in November, the band was announced as the Queensland winner of a 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...
Unearthed competition and won the chance to play at 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...
2011 on the Gold Coast. Additionally, the band played several festivals in summer of 2010/11 including Falls Festival
Falls Festival
The Falls Festival is a New Year's Eve music festival, held annually in Lorne, Victoria and Marion Bay, Tasmania Australia since 1993.It lasts four days, from 29 December to 1 January each year. The headline acts play mostly over two evenings, 30 December and 31 December...
, South Bound, Sunset Sounds and Good Vibrations.
In April 2011, Ball Park Music hit the road with Eagle and the Worm and We Say Bamboulee - the winners of the 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...
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...
competition for Victoria and New South Wales respectviely - for the formative The Super Commuter Tour. Immediately following that, they embarked on another east coast jaunt with Sydney's Guineafowl
Guineafowl
The guineafowl are a family of birds in the Galliformes order, although some authorities include the guineafowl as a subfamily, Numidinae, of the family Phasianidae...
. On 24 June 2011, Your Daily SPA leaked the information that Ball Park Music had signed to Sydney label Stop Start Music to release their debut album Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs. It is slotted for release through Stop Start/EMI
EMI
The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
9 September.
In July, Ball Park Music embarked on a four-date tour with Adelaide rock outfit City Riots
City Riots
City Riots is an indie rock band from Adelaide. They have played in Australia, USA and United Kingdom, touring with Smashing Pumpkins, The Academy Is..., Cobra Starship, Midnight Juggernauts and Operator Please...
on the How I Met Ball Park Music Tour.
Other projects
Sam Cromack now records his solo work under the moniker My Own Pet Radio and has released two solo albums - 2009's Suburban Lemon Shops And The Bruxer in My Bed and 2010's Unidentified Flying Collection Of Songs - and also has another project with Paul Furness called Mr Mojo Rising. Jennifer Boyce has a solo career under her own name. Dean and Daniel Hanson have a project called Huntsman with their friend. Brock Smith plays solo under the alias Broken Dog and Dan Hanson also has a solo project called Self Percussion.EPs
- Rolling on the Floor, Laughing Ourselves to Sleep (2008)
- Conquer the Town, Easy As Cake (2010)
Singles
- "Sea Strangers (I Don't Really Know You)" (2009)
- "iFly" (2010)
- "Sad Rude Future Dude" (2010)
- "Rich People Are Stupid" (2011)
- "It's Nice to Be Alive" (2011)
- "All I Want Is You" (2011)