The creative core of Silver Sircus is Lucinda Shaw (vocalist/performer/writer) & James Lees (drummer/composer).
From 1994-2000, they were key members of celebrated Brisbane band ISIS who released four CD’s, scored 6 positions in the 4ZZZ Hot 100, toured Australia and regularly packed venues in Brisbane with their highly visual shows and special events. Following ISIS, Lucinda continued her songwriting collaboration with guitarist Brett Collery under the name, Shugafix.
As a writer & performer, Lucinda has produced a series of stage works for La Boite’s ‘Shock Of The New’, Metro Arts’ ‘Cab Sav’ and the Magdelena Festival. As a musician, James has worked with many Brisbane bands (including Chalk, Saturn South, Tylea & The Imaginary Music Score and Speed Of Purple) as well as producing experimental cabaret & performance events (including ArtLoveJam and dreamGAS performance series). Together, they have produced performance & music for ArtLoveJam, dreamGAS, Brisbane Pride Festival & Brisbane Cabaret Festival.
In 2007, their latest collaboration, Silver Sircus, was conceived. Bringing together their shared theatrical & musical backgrounds, the project represents the best vantage point to enjoy their vision of all things dark & shadowy, blackly comic, carnivelesque, beautiful & grotesque.
Silver Sircus have developed a unique hybrid performance style of spoken word, soaring vocals, drums, electronics, double bass & piano. They have performed for Brisbane Cabaret Festival (2007 & 2008), QLD Poetry Festival (2008), QLD GLBT Pride Festival (2008 & 2009) and The Brisbane Writer’s Fringe Festival (2008).
In July 2008, Silver Sircus released their debut CD, an EP entitled “Sovereignty”. Following this, Silver Sircus quickly released their second CD “Dark Back Garden” which features one extended spoken word piece accompanied by tonal soundscapes and was launched at the 2008 QLD Poetry Festival.
“Theatrical, sinister & hopeful, the Sovereignty EP is brooding & lyrically brilliant” - Rave Magazine
In October 2008, Silver Sircus debuted their full-length cabaret-noir performance work ‘Songs From The Red Room’ for the Brisbane Cabaret Festival. Combining material from their two CD releases, newer compositions, spoken word interludes and accompanying visuals, this highly stylised performance was described as…
“an underground, inner world that resonates with the beautiful, delicate & vast of the ideas of the private mind… a surreal journey, seasoned with poetic commentary that is open to interpretation and audience projection, we see ourselves in the songs, blurring the dichotomy of pleasure & pain”.
Silver Sircus took the show to the 2009 Adelaide Fringe Festival for two successful performances. Following this, they performed at The Brisbane LGBT Pride Festival event 'Holes & Poles', for Fete De La Musique @ Brisbane Powerhouse and most recently at The Zoo, accompanied by expanded line-up members Danielle Bentley (cello) and Mark Angel (guitars).
Late 2009 sees Silver Sircus preparing to head back into the studio with Lachlan Magoo to record new material.
Dark Gypsy drones! Check out my site and download an album of original violin music entitled Transmissions from a Traveller! Also send me a message if anyone is interested in a hand-packaged CDr! Adam
Great list of influences guys, and you sing a song called Acland St, so already I'm won over. Just listening to your songs now, and I like what I hear.
Hello mr Mud-man (and your gifted vocalist friend). I do indeed remember you, thank for the add. And might I say what brilliant music you're making? Superb, superb stuff.
HELLO ! ! So cool to meet you too (outside of work)... I had an inkling it would happen eventually, because I got a really lovely energy from you. love the Silver Sircus! Very nice indeed! I'm going to check out Isis too... Will see you soon, no doubt. (: D) Xo
The song ICE sounds really good (and reminds me a bit of Blondie). I just realised, I hadn't yet subscribed to your blog so I've probably been missing a few things. I'll be back with ears open when my internet speed is restored in a few days.
