By Tanya Steele
Healesville Blues and Roots rockers Smoke Stack Rhino will launch their album ‘Mojo Funk” on May 19 and are amped to share it with their audiences.
Singer and guitarist Ash King is glad that it has come together through a lot of hard work by the band.
“We’re really excited to get the vinyl out there,” King said.
King said that the album is a busy lot of organised chaos.
The vinyl it is pressed on also represents this, with art by Ben Giles showcasing an eye catching collage set onto blue vinyl.
Giles is a UK artist that creates handmade collages using antique and vintage materials to create colourful and detailed artworks.
Smoke Stack Rhino persisted with a high calibre approach to recording, collaborating with engineers and sound producers to achieve a result they were happy with.
The album is mixed by Callum Howell who produced for producer of Ocean Alley, winners of Triple J’s Hottest 100
“He’s just a wizard with what he does,” King said.
Until now the band have been releasing their music one single at a time, learning about the digital landscape and how their art.
King said the band’s energy and music are filled with the most part positive and authentic energy.
“It’s blues rock, psychedelic and a bit heavy,” he said.
King moved to Healesville from Ringwood North at age eleven and found it and the outer east to be a nourishing environment for an artist.
“Growing up you’re surrounded by beautiful hills and fresh air,” he said.
“You’re getting exposed to different ways of looking at things.”
The Yarra Vally trio formed in 2013, taking live shows to Healesville Music Festival, Blues at Bridgetown, Moruya Blues and Roots, Airey’s Inlet and Rock The Turf festivals.
The band will celebrate the launch with a live gig at the Toff in town on May 20.
The high energy psychedelic funky blues rock group have been working on a set that they know will deliver.
The band will be supported by fellow Yarra Valley locals Suneden, The Seg Street Jam, and Rhys Sund.
After getting through this major milestone, the band hope to continue performing at festivals throughout Australia.
King said it is positive to have the album launch.
“We’ve been through a fair bit and been really well supported, it’s a nice moment to have this coming out,” he said.
The album Mojo Funk album launches on 19 May.
