“Imagine Damon Albarn raised on a diet of Prince and Spoon and you’ll begin to understand what elevates Spender’s songs to the next level is not just the writing, but the execution.” – Tone Deaf
Singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, Melbourne-based Spender, is a musical powerhouse. Following a sold-out national tour in support of Mama Kin, a debut single on high rotation on Triple J and the release of a YouTube video clip viral sensation, Spender releases his debut EP, Modern Pest, on July 12, through Donut Beach Records and MGM Distribution.
Modern Pest‘s lead single, ‘Bed & Chair’ was immediately added to Triple J upon release and has found a welcoming audience with its punchy pop undertones. The six-track EP also features ‘Never Agin’, a song that showcases Spender’s prowess on the saxophone, an instrument that has taken him from busking the streets of Melbourne to a sought after session musician. It was ‘Never Agin’ that became a viral sensation, registering more than 35,000 views within the first week of release due to Twitter support from artists such as Kimbra and Sia.
An EP of pop gems and infectious melodies, Modern Pest features guest vocalists Gotye (‘Hotel Home’) and Clairy Browne (‘Peace of you Mind’), truly exemplifying Spender’s unique skills as a producer and songwriter, not to mention his knack for securing the support of Australia’s leading lights in the music industry.
“Given that songwriting and the craft of producing are quite solitary pursuits, I thrive on adding a further layer to my process through artistic collaborations. I’m drawn to artists with unique voices, clear vision and broad imaginations, and my hope is that Modern Pest reflects all of those things. To me, this EP is a peep into the musical kaleidoscope I have been developing since I first started playing and writing music at age 12.” – Spender.
Recorded in a multitude of bedrooms, studios and hotel rooms, Modern Pest unearths a musical world of diverse arrangements, pop sensibilities and slick production. An artist who thrives on collaboration, artistic engagement and pushing the boundaries of what it means to create music, Spender is a refreshing addition to the Australian musical landscape.
Spender launches Modern Pest with his own national headline tour in November, following The Winter Secrets Australian tour with Clare Bowditch throughout August.
CLARE BOWDITCH – WINTER SECRETS
Thursday 1st August, 2013
NORTH SYDNEY, Lizzottes – NSW
Friday 2nd August, 2013
NEWCASTLE, The Small Ballroom – NSW
Saturday 3rd August, 2013
SYDNEY, Factory Theatre – NSW
Friday, 9th August, 2013
ADELAIDE, Gov Hindmarsh – SA
Saturday, 10th August, 2013
MELBOURNE, Corner Hotel – VIC
Friday, 16th August 2013
BRISBANE, The HiFi – QLD
Saturday 17th August 2013
BYRON BAY, Community Centre – NSW
Sunday, 18th August 2013
YEPPOON, Village Festival
Friday, 30th August 2013
FREMANTLE, Fly By Night – WA