"What do they sound like? Unique. These guys have created their own style. If it’s musical innovation you want, this dynamic trio will not disappoint." (Rave Magazine)
"They’re very much in a niche of their own here. Completely and utterly unique, I dare anyone to try and pidgeonhole it." (Kristen Veltmeyer - Tsunami Magazine)
Born out of their collective love for a variety of vastly differing genres, The Jake’s sound has always proved difficult to define. Whether it could be described as "a compelling mix of funky, groovy guitars and indie pop sounds, breezy rhythms, delicious melodies and quirky vocals" (Skinnys Music), or "a blend of jazz beats, borderline punk style vocals with funky rhythms" (The Music Platform) or simply "a sonic swirl of retroism" (Tsunami), it seems almost every listener has a different perspective of The Jake’s style.
Having already made an impression on their hometown of Brisbane under their former moniker, Namaste Jake, the trio found themselves exposed to a much wider audience following the release of their second EP, The Underground Groove in 2002.
This release was immediately followed by their first Australian East-Coast tour and then a two month tour through Britain and the Netherlands where the band received an overwhelming response to their music and live shows.
Spearheaded by the tracks "Sayonara" and "Just Like Eve and Adam", the EP quickly received airplay on independent and commercial radio throughout Australia, Britain and the United States as well as the Australian Triple J network.
Following four years of relentless gigging throughout Australia, the band settled back into the studio to work on their third release. Collaborating with acclaimed producer, Jeff Lovejoy (Regurgitator, Powderfinger, The Cruel Sea, Resin Dogs), the EP, entitled “More to Life”, saw The Jake branch off in even more novel directions, while still maintaining their distinctive quirky sound.
“Family Feud”, the first cut from the EP, also received airtime on Triple J and independent radio stations around Australia, New Zealand and Europe, while the video also saw some early morning action on Rage.
Additional highlights from The Jake’s career to date include:
~ Festivals including Woodford Folk Festival (with George, John Butler Trio, Alex Lloyd) and Hoogie Fest (with Motor Ace, David McCormack and The Polaroids, Frenzal Rhomb and The Porkers)
~ Supporting acts such as Screamfeeder, Rhubarb, Rollerball and You Am I
~ Contributions to several short films and the "Moneyshot" feature film soundtrack
~ Performances at venues throughout Australia, Britain and the Netherlands including The Basement (Sydney), The Esplanade Hotel (Melbourne), The Arena (Brisbane), The Great Northern Hotel (Byron Bay), The Star and Garter (Manchester), Night and Day (Manchester) and De Rokerij (Amsterdam)
"More To Life" is available nationally through Creative Vibes.
Realise Your Dream 2008 . The British Council is offering six hot young Australian creatives a once-in-a-lifetime chance to fly to Britain to work with a creative leader in their industry. You even get $8,000 to help you live the dream.
The Black Stars brand new EP 'Money Or Your Life' is set for release in May through MGM/ GREEN and SugarRUSH.
Check below for April/ May tour dates, for launch shows along the East Coast including a show with HELMET (US) at The Great Northern in Byron Bay, Winnebago Deal (UK) in Bris and the Goldy, Hell Crab City in Sydney and My Left Boot in Melbourne. The band can't wait to get on the road and we'd really love to see you all somewhere along the way!
Devil's Kitchen Festival is back in '08 at The Step Inn on the 2nd of Feb in The Valley and the lineup is awesome!
If you want to save some $$ - Early bird tix are on sale now at http://home.oztix.com.au - or click on the poster below
CHECK THIS OUT - We have 5 free tickets to give away to early bird purchasers. Email us at contactus@theblackstars.com with a copy of your receipt and we will draw 5 names out of a hat and send out a free ticket to the winners, along with a copy of our new unreleased EP - Money Or Your Life! This is a special offer just for our Myspace friends, so the odds are in your favour on this one!
Because you are a loyal and valued friend we have decided to give you an early Christmas present 7 FREE MP3s from our very first recording 2004 Demo.... yes this is a gift absolutely FREE!!! no strings attached. If you want to support us though please buy our NEW CD/DVD "Everyone" in stores or off our profile
Whilst our 2004 Demo is in no way a representation of the standard of music we make now or the quality of our recently released CD/DVD "Everyone" it was a loved Ep... enjoy! and please have a listen to our new stuff on our page and tell us what you think of new stuff?
