If music archaeologists dug up Chris Pickering's records in 50 years, they would find his music as fresh, exciting and relevant as listeners do today.
Pickering has created his 'time capsule music' by absorbing generations of music and literature, allowing it to mature and blend into a unique style and sound that can only be called his own.
Yet despite their timelessness, Pickering's songs are very much from his own era, the catchy melodies and sparkling arrangements peppered with clever, contemporary and thought-provoking poetry that offer an insight into his imagination.
In 2005, Pickering released his first solo EP, "Hard to Find," soon followed his by critically-lauded acoustic country-tinged LP "A Safer Place."
Pickering continued his prolific output with the release of his "Ghost City" EP in 2006. Throughout 2007 Pickering toured Australia while crafting his second LP, "Excuses Excuses", released independently in 2008 and re-released by Think!/Fuse in early 2009.
With awards (Qsong Awards 2007 and 2008, semi-finalist International Songwriter Competition 2008) and a swag of critical acclaim under his belt, Pickering showcased at the prestigious South by Southwest music conference in Austin, TX in 2008. Two trips to Nashville, TN followed, where he performed and co-wrote with some of the town's best songwriters.
After showcasing at the North American Folk Alliance in Memphis, TN in February 2009, Pickering moved to Nashville for an extended period to do what he does best: write and perform great music. In April he was selected to showcase at MusExpo in Los Angeles, CA, where he played (to a full house) at the renowned Viper Room.
In November 2009, Pickering recorded at famed Ardent Recording Studios in Memphis, TN, with Stax Records producer and artist Don Nix producing. Featuring an elite of Memphis and Muscle Shoals session players, Work Of Fiction was released in Australia and New Zealand in 2010 by Longtime Listener Records.
Chris also has a FACEBOOK band page these days so if you are on the FACEBOOK, become his fan there as well! Click HERE to go straight there!
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REVIEWS
"Keith Partridge in Cowboy Boots – that's one way to summarize the sound of Chris Pickering. The Australian artist offers up a catchy blend of country and '60's-flavoured pop on Excuses Excuses. Multi-talented Pickering plays guitar, organ, synth, banjo, piano, harmonica, glockenspiel and even cowbell. Highlights include the bluegrass-flavoured "Ghost City", the hopes-and-dreams ditty "Broken Wing" and "Ruby Ruby". No more excuses – check out this record." – Performing Songwriter Magazine (Sept 08)
".Excuses Excuses reveals considerable growth in Pickering as an artist who touches on a refreshing array of styles while developing a strong musical identity of his own." – Courier Mail review of Excuses Excuses Feb 08 (4 stars)
".a record that continues to resonate, captivate, stimulate and surprise long after your first listen.a magnificent debut." – The Courier Mail review of A Safer Place (4 stars)
".soaring choruses, quiet breakdowns and thoughtful melodies.if you've ever loved a local singer-songwriter you'll adore this." – Rave Magazine review of Ghost City
"Instantly likeable.confident and striking.delectably mournful.accomplished
and emotive.an immensely impressive debut." – Rave Magazine review of A Safer Place
View Chris Pickering's EPK
FIT TO PRINT - CHRIS PICKERING
"I JUST WANT TO LOVE" - CHRIS PICKERING LIVE AT SPENSERSLIVE MELBOURNE
'Excuses Excuses', 'Ghost City' and 'A Safer Place' are also available for purchase online at iTunes.
