To celebrate the release of the first single from the highly anticipated album, Magpie Diaries are playing a series of shows throughout July and August 2018.
Alluding to an era well before their birth, Magpie Diaries have a sound born from the ‘70s. Bathed in inspirations provided by acts such as The Band, Neil Young, Grateful Dead and Van Morrison. It’s dreamy Americana country mixed with a rockier alternative. Whilst the influences are evident, the approach is very much unique. It’s the simplistic, candid story telling approach that cuts to the core of Magpie’s enduring spirit.
The band title and songs centre around the mind of singer-songwriter and Dashville founder Matt ‘Magpie’ Johnston. Matt committed to being a resourceful trojan hosting music festivals in his parents front yard since 2004, had somehow acquired a working pseudonym as the Magpie, due to his nature of swooping in on anything tangible that would potentially provide service to the festival site.
In the winter of 2012, after the sudden tragic passing of a close friend, Johnston began the Magpie Diaries project as a way of coming to terms with the loss. The emotional journey led him to revisit past musical escapades and written memoirs, where he pieced memories together in order to play a special solo show at his favourite pub in the world, the Junkyard (in Maitland NSW).
Fast forward to July 2018, together with his wife Jessica on drums and vocals, national treasure Lyle Dennis on lead guitar, Chris Dale on bass and special guest Cassie Bofinger on tenor saxophone, the band known as Magpie Diaries are excited about the prospects of touring the east coast of Australia throughout July and August in support of this first official release. The tour will take in Bello Winter Music Festival, Melbourne, Newcastle,Central Coast, Sydney and their home town of Maitland.
Magpie Diaries also have the pleasure of opening shows for close compadre, William Crighton at his Byron Bay, Brisbane and Melbourne dates. Affectionately known as ‘Bigbird’ by Magpie, the enduring friendship of William and Magpie, built from a chance meeting some years ago, has provided encouraging support to the long term goal of achieving this musical release. William also introduced Magpie to Matt Sherrod, the famed drummer from Crowded House, who would go onto produce the first album.
The debut single ‘When Love Comes’, is an exciting first taste of the album.This first track showcases a unique unassuming sound and the laid back nature of Magpie which continues throughout the 11 track album, slated for release later in the year. The video for ‘When Love Comes’ was shot at one of Australia’s most celebrated live music venues, The Grand Junction Hotel in Maitland, and features Magpie endeavouring to find true love via a furry array of local pooches.
‘WHEN LOVE COMES’
SINGLE RELEASE TOUR JULY/AUGUST 2018
JULY 13 – Federal Hotel, Bellingen – 7.45pm (Bello Winter Music)
JULY 14 – Bellingen Golf Club, Bellingen – 12.30pm (Bello Winter Music)
JULY 14 – The Northern, Byron Bay (supporting William Crighton)
JULY 15 – Diggers Tavern, Bellingen – 4.00pm (Bello Winter Music)
JULY 19 – Howler, Melbourne (supporting William Crighton)
JULY 20 – The Union Hotel – Brunswick
JULY 21 – Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine
JULY 29 – Grand Junction Hotel, Maitland
AUG 4 – Hardy’s Bay Club, Central Coast
AUG 5 – Staves Brewery, Sydney
AUG 10 – Customs House, Newcastle