Biography
This Adelaide based band has quickly established itself as a class act. The MERRg’s on stage reveals very quickly the versatility of the band as members change instruments often to suit the needs of their songs. This dexterity has seen them play acoustic sets in intimate pubs to full blown on-stage sound of Corroboree 2005 and Woodford festivals.
Most members of the MERRg hail from or have family connection to the South Australian coastal town of Ceduna, excepting Eddie who hails from the Torres Strait group of islands in Far North Queensland.
The MERRg are:
- Michael Colbung -Vox, backing vox, acoustic guitar, bass, harmonica, percussion.
- Robert Champion -Lead & rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, Vox, backing vox.
- Eddie Peters -Bass, Vox,Backing Vox, acoustic guitar.
- Russel Pinkie - Bass, lead & rhythm, acoustic, rhythm guitar
- Dwayne Lawrie - Drums
The band released an 5 song EP titled "Streets Of Gold" in 2006 to very favourable response. Hardrush management encouraged the band to go further and record a full album for commercial release to which the band responded enthusiastically. Songwriting and recording then lasted some 18 months until the band was satisfied they had achieved their objective with a sense of quality, substance and pride.
2008 has been a landmark year for The MERRg with the release of their long awaited album "Introducing..." Hardrush regard this as one of their "leading edge" Indie releases for international music markets and certainly sets a new benchmark for indigenous music in Australia.
The MERRg is also featured in the Droughbuster compilation released by Hardrush Music with the inspiring "Streets Of Gold" track. Of note, Hardrush Music intends to release a DVD companion to the audio CD with this song being one of the stand out features.
The Facts
Name:
The MERRg
The MERRgGenre: Roots, Rock, Reggae
Roots, Rock, ReggaeHome Town: Adelaide SA Australia
Awards: Best International World Music 2008 (Canada), Best Indie World
Best International World Music 2008 (Canada), Best Indie World Song 2009, Music Oz Finalist, Triple J UnearthedHighlights: Woodford, Fuse, numerous performances
Woodford, Fuse, numerous performancesFanbase: Australia, Germany, USA
Australia, Germany, USA Recordings: Introducing ....
