DC Cardwell

Respected by both fans and peers across the globe and often referred to as a blend of music icons such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Ray Davies, Ron Sexsmith, Neil Young & Neil Finn – Melbourne late bloomer DC Cardwell has only just begun his foray into the world of music. A "triple threat" singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (not to mention producer!) he sealed his credentials by taking out TWO of the top prizes at the Australian Catapult Song Contest in 2011.
DC's distinctive and affecting voice is perfect for his songs which take an honest and often wry look at life, peppered with positivity and redemptive possibility. Combine that with his maddeningly catchy hooks, pop-smart arrangements and melodic lead guitar breaks and you have Beatlesque songs that you will want to hear again and again.
Some Hope
DC's self-produced debut album"Some Hope" was released in 2010, licensed to US label Gladyce Records, and met with glowing reviews internationally. Of the record, Aaron Kupferberg from Aaron Kupferberg wrote,
"DC Cardwell creates a heartfelt acoustic gem here, full of wonderful melodic hooks and a Ray Davies styled vocal. The gentle minor chords and harmonies that open "I Am Still The Same" are both brilliant and poignant. "Birthday Present" is another example of solid composition and a revelatory Harrison styled guitar break. Some of the mid-tempo ballads are like magical combinations of both Paul Simon and McCartney. "
The success of the album also paved the way for other opportunities abroad. DC flew to LA in 2010 to perform 5 special recordings at the invitation of noted Music Supervisor Jaymee Carpenter (The Fighter, Crime After Crime) for an upcoming US documentary directed by two of the top names in Hollywood.
Northern Ireland
Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles shaped DC's formative years. In 1988 he emigrated to Vancouver with his wife, gifted singer-songwriter Marjorie Cardwell, and their first-born son where they lived until moving to Australia in the late 90's with their second son.
While DC had played guitar for Marjorie for many years, soon after arriving in Australia she retired temporarily from music to pursue university studies. So it wasn't until 2003 as his two boys were growing up and beginning to create their own relationship with music that DC began to sing and write his own songs.
Catapult Song Contest
"I Am Still The Same" (from DC's debut album) was selected from over 3000 original song entries Australia wide to win both the Overall Prize and the Judges' Favourite award in the prestigious Catapult Song Contest 2011.
It's an emotionally affecting piece with a fascinating back-story, and has a startling video which was an official selection of the 2012 SoCal Film Festival in Los Angeles, USA. You can see it here on the "VIDEOS" tab. This remarkable film has garnered much attention and been selected for use by a major charity and also by the Campfire film foundation providing thoughtful short films for schools and universities. Of the song, Australia's esteemed Music Director John Foreman, Music Director – Australian Idol, Carols By Candlelight, Young Talent Time (Catapult Song Contest 2011 Judge Comments) noted that it has:"fantastic evocative vocal tone and great lyrics. Together with the clip it's a very moving song."
Music Styles
DC's delicately crafted melodies, coupled with a blend of poignant and witty lyrics, conjure subtle reminders of 60s and 70s rock fused with DC's own infectious hooks and heart-warming style.
DC has always had an eclectic taste in music, with The Beatles as his 'gold-standard', but he also credits classic influences such as Neil Young, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, The Kinks & The Band and has a deep love for a wide range of genres including soul, early R&B, early jazz, bebop, reggae, country, folk, indie, punk… In fact he draws from so many wells that likes to use a term coined by one of his favourite artists, cult female singer-songwriter Sam Phillips, to describe his own music: OMNIPOP!
With a lifetime of experience to sing about, DC Cardwell has no intention of slowing down. He's only just getting started.