DC Cardwell - Musician in Launceston TAS

SEEKING

Accordion, Acoustic Guitar, Background Singer, Bagpipes, Banjo, Bass Guitar, Cello, Clarinet, Didgeridoo, DJ, Dobro, Drums, Electronic Music, Fiddle, Flute, Harmonica, Harp, Keyboard, Lead Guitar, Mandolin, Other, Other Percussion, Piano, Rhythm Guitar, Saxophone, Steel guitar, Trombone, Trumpet, Ukulele, Upright bass, Violin, Vocalist, Vocalist - Alto, Vocalist - Baritone, Vocalist - Bass, Vocalist - Soprano, Vocalist - Tenor.

ABOUT

Irish/Australian singer-songwriter DC Cardwell has gathered devoted fans around the globe with his smart, melodic songs, affecting voice, and skillful, inventive guitar playing. Almost everyone who hears his music likens it to The Beatles, with frequent references to the White album, yet, while acknowledging the band as his key touchstone, DC seldom aims for the obvious Beatle reference points, and never strays into parody. It's more subtle than that - it's the sheer density of melody, where every line, every guitar like, every bass twirl is a hook. More is revealed with every listen.

Other reference points are Ray Davies, Neil Young, Bob Dylan & Neil Finn. But as an avid fan of just about every 20th century popular music form in existence, DC likes to describe his music simply as Omnipop, a term he borrowed from one of his favourite singer-songwriters, Sam Phillips.

DC's latest album is "Crystal Set", recorded in Tasmania, where he has lived for some years now, since moving from Melbourne with his wife Marjorie.

DC's previous album, "Pop Art", released in early 2015, was fermented over four years, interrupted in 2012 by Marjorie's diagnosis with a brain tumour, at which time she decided to make her own album, "In Another World", co-produced by DC. Working together in their home studio, they produced an album which is, in many ways, a companion to DC's albums, heavily featuring his playing and arrangements applied to her songs and singing.

Their son Samuel also played extensively on both albums, and their other son Joel also gets a guitar solo in on "Pop Art", in a delicious coda to "I Need A Manager".

"Pop Art" features nine self-penned songs ranging from the intimately personal to the dramatically apocalyptic, along with a bright and bouncy powerpop reworking of Sam Phillips' "Magic For Everybody", sounding midway between the New Pornographers and ELO.

Back in 2011, DC took out BOTH top prizes in the national Australian Catapult Song Contest with his profoundly moving song "I Am Still The Same". The video for this song, by his friend David McGorlick, has also gathered plaudits around the world, and, remarkably for a "zero-budget" film, was an official selection of both the Socal and Newport Beach Film Festivals in the US.

"The Australian singer-songwriter returns with an irresistible set of jaunty new pop-rock tunes. Wonderfully crafted songs, conveyed through DC’s earnest vocals and sweet backing harmonies, are sure to lift your spirits. There’s a 60’s kind of feel-good atmosphere to the album. Among the highly engaging tracks are “In The Cloud,” “The Sun, The Moon, The Stars,” “Love Is Patient” and “Magic For Everybody.” “Don’t Know Why” and “Serving My Time” provide wistful, pretty moments. These are songs you’ll want to hear again and again. - PAUL FREEMAN (POP CULTURE CLASSICS)

"The singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist’s first album in four years, following the exquisite Some Hope, is another fine collection of melodic pop songs delivered with inspiration and imagination. Lovely melodies and vocals abound, and dig the beat in the gorgeous, McCartney-esque Magic for Everybody." - ALAN HABER (PURE POP RADIO)

"The Beatle-ish influence comes through in so many ways, including piano and guitar riffs, as well as DC’s Paul-ish vocals, whilst it still retains DC’s own musical integrity and creative style. More music lovers need to hear DC’s great musical work." - KEVIN HOOPER (EX SONY AUSTRALIA, MANAGER OF WAY-FM)

"I just received your new album, and I don't know what to say. This one surpasses the previous one with a billion miles. Great songwriting, beautiful singing, inventive production, really strong playing. All in all a contender for album of the year." - PETER HOLMSTEDT (HEMIFRAN MUSIC, SWEDEN)

"Fantastic evocative vocal tone and great lyrics. Nice vocal layering builds the song [I Am Still The Same]. The song successfully creates an atmosphere that captures the story of the lyrics. The video clip does also help to tell the story. Together with the clip it's a very moving song." - JOHN FOREMAN (MUSIC DIRECTOR, AUSTRALIAN IDOL ETC)

"Head and shoulders above most others. Fantastic lyricism and storytelling leaves you hanging after every phrase. Chord structure very mature, intricate and flowing. The lazy rolling drive of the music is a genius paradox to the sadness within the subject matter. Feels like you are creeping into a box inside the writer’s head, very provocative. The 2nd verse "electric downstrokes" really push the song along into a more subtle field. Chorus harmonies are a perfect melancholy. "Do I have to spell it out, when I can barely spell my name?" ...true songwriting genius." - TONY BOURKE (ESKIMO JOE)

“Exceptionally fine songs, DC. Who knew that depression, bitter irony, loneliness and mistrust could be so much fun? I'm not saying that sarcastically. You dig deep with such gentle and humorous resignation it's impossible not to enjoy the bitter truths you unearth. I can't pick a favorite song. They're all my favorites.” - CHRISTOPHER MORSE (SONGWRITER/PUBLISHER)

"DC puts his own magic in his version of Magic for Everybody" - SAM PHILLIPS (SONGWRITER)