The Ninetynine Story.
Hailing from Melbourne, Ninetynine combine indie rock stylings with tuned percussion and layerings of casio keyboard to create a unique kind of pop music. Variously described as ‘wonderful’ (Melody Maker) and ‘versatile and talented’ (Australian Rolling Stone) the band began as a solo project for Laura MacFarlane (the original drummer for Sleater-Kinney) in 1995. Ninetynine's self titled debut on Patsy and Canada's Endearing Records followed soon after as well as tours of the U.S., New Zealand and Europe.
In 1997 long time collaborator Cameron Potts joined the band just in time to appear on the release of the ‘767’ album on Patsy and Endearing. Further tours of North America and Europe occurred in 1999 and 2000 in which Ninetynine played in such countries as the U.K., Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, France, Switzerland, Canada, U.S., Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Latvia and Finland. In 2000 Ninetynine also released their third album ‘180 Degrees’ on Radio One and Patsy to local and overseas acclaim with John Peel going on record as to how wonderful he thought the band to be.
The following year a rejuvenated line up appeared with Amy Clarke and Iain McIntyre coming in to assist on bass, vocals, guitar, keyboard and vibraphone. During this time the band toured Australia, Japan and Europe before releasing 'Anatomy of Distance', a collection of singles and compilation tracks, on Patsy and Radio One.
2002 saw Ninetynine head into a 24 track studio for the first time with Lindsay Gravina at Birdland Studios (Magic Dirt, Rowland S. Howard). The result was their stunning album ‘The Process’ released on CD by Trifekta records and vinyl by Cars and Appliances. Rated as “album of the week” by various Melbourne radio stations and publications the album was hailed by Melbourne’s InPress magazine as “Leaving the listener hovering over the repeat button just to relive the infectious moments again and again.”
2003 saw the band tour Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Europe once more before recording an EP for US label Dark Beloved Cloud. The band’s first four albums were also reissued by Unstable Ape Recordings.
In 2004 and 2005 the band had a compilation of their songs released in Spain on the Strange Ones label. New songs also appeared on the Brisbane Ladyfest CD and German Kultur Shock double album.
In 2006 the band finished recording a new album “Worlds Of Population, Worlds Of Space, Worlds Of Robots” which was released in Australia and overseas. Ninetynine launched the album in Melbourne and Sydney in September/ October and embarked on their 7th overseas tour in October 2006, including Finland, Russia, Iceland Spain and the UK. This tour also welcomed new member Meg Butler into the band. Last year Ninetynine toured Canada, USA and Mexico, and are they now working on new songs for a recording that is planned for later in 2008.
“Their manner, along with their choices of instruments, confidence and the aptitude of all members on all instruments set these guys apart from anything else around at the moment.” InPress live review, 11/9/06
Now in 2007 Words of Population/Space/Robots has been reissued through UARs new distributer Remote Control/Inertia, and the band has been playing nationally to promote this.
2006 Tour - Iceland
Now hear me out….I just had a great idea!!! How about Ninetynine and Against Method team up in the studio! Sorta like what Public Enemy and Anthrax did,,, think about it Get back to me…. Ok, ok, ok, OK!!! MayBe that’s not such a good idea… B-U-T how about coming along to a show that we are doing on the 4th of july @ Carnie, (60 high street Preston. we go on at 11) It Really would be great to have you there… I promise fun and good times
* Phil’s special checklist for things to bring along…. 1) Lots of friends, 2) A big smile, 3) Beer money and lots of it!, 4) Ear plugs,
Hey guys, I caught a bit of your show at the Tote last night (had to come after work...) and just thought you should know that it was fucking incredible as always!
2006 Tour - Iceland
THANKS LOTS OF LOVE DDC
