Winner of the 2018 AHA NSW Rockin’ the Puburbs competition, Spruced Moose, is taking its alternative five-piece rock act on the road to some of the state’s best live music pubs including Newcastle Hotel, Shoal Bay Country Club and the Cambridge Hotel.
The band beat a strong field of almost 200 other acts to win the second year of the ground-breaking AHA NSW Rockin' the Puburbs competition, which was open to any NSW-based pub act that performs at least one song of original material.
Judges said the band, which describes its set list as “tunes ranging from goofy surf-pop to searing, head-banging jams” had “talent and raw energy.”
As part of the winner’s package the band received support of up to $12,000 towards a pub tour of AHA NSW venues, as well a dedicated tour publicist and other prizes.
As part of the winner’s package the band received support of up to $12,000 towards a pub tour of AHA NSW venues, as well a dedicated tour publicist and other prizes...
AHA NSW CEO John Whelan said the competition is all about supporting live music in pubs.
“Many of Australia’s top music acts first got their start down at their local and the aim of Rockin’ the Puburbs is to support local music talent and give them a leg up in the industry,” he said.
“This competition is part of the AHA’s strong tradition of support for live music and I urge everyone to get down to their local and have a listen.”
Spruced Moose keyboard player Nigel Malcolm said the band was looking forward to touring and had released a single titled: Ones Who Fly to coincide with it.
“We are excited to be playing in great pubs where so many bands got a start,” said Mr Malcom.
“This competition is great for the industry and will introduce us to a much wider audience.”
“This competition is great for the industry and will introduce us to a much wider audience...”
The band includes Alex Blair (electric guitar), Angus Bowring (vocals), Declan Bowring (bass guitar) and James Angus Mackinnon (drums) as well as Nigel Malcom (keyboard).
The group met at university and formed two and a half years ago. They played alongside Australian legends Icehouse at a Parliamentary Friends of Music Event at NSW parliament House last year.
Details of the 2019 AHA NSW Rockin’ the Puburbs contest – also backed by APRA AMCOS, Music NSW and Young Henry’s – will be announced later in the year.
Tour Dates:
9th March - Dicey Riley’s, Wollongong 15th March - The Bayview, Woy Woy, 17th March - Lone Pine Tavern, 21st March - Newcastle Hotel, 23rd March - Shoal Bay Country Club and 24th March - The Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle