Junior is an acoustic driven rock band from Australia.

11 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Acoustic, ROCK: Folk Rock



Details:
Following on the heels of their successful 2003 release, Restless, the Australian three-piece acoustic rock band collectively known as Junior are back stronger than ever with a new album, called Time in the Sun, which continues the band's love affair with honest, organic and intelligent songwriting, with heartfelt, often shockingly honest lyrics framed by radio-friendly melodies and engaging three-part harmonies.

The three members of Junior-- Stephen Pederson (guitars, mandolin, vocals), Peter Arthur (guitars, vocals) and Justin Slater (vocals, percussion) - are mates who began as a busking trio playing on Australian city streets and watching the passing parade. Their acoustic-driven rock songs convey stories of the everyday, reflecting the hope and tragedy of the human condition and told through rich harmonies and a captivating stage presence.

By melding an acoustic sound with the bare rock essentials (electric guitar, bass and drums, the occasional mandolin or piano), Junior have crafted an impressive range of pop/rock songs that draw on their energy, passion, humor and experience. They are inspired by classic Australian singer/songwriters, and the sounds of American artists like the Counting Crows, Gin Blossoms, the Goo Goo Dolls and Ryan Adams.

Their latest album, Time in the Sun was recorded at a beach shack in Middleton, Australia, which the band outfitted with professional studio gear. "We write a lot of our songs in the shack, it's a great place to disappear and get into a creative zone -- no phones, no interruptions," Slater says. "If it's just not happening in the middle of the day, you might wander onto the beach for a surf to clear your head and come back in the cool of the evening," adds Pederson. "Some stuff was recorded in the middle of the night with the lights out and just the ocean in the background."

Arthur says that working at the beach enabled the band to avoid the clinical feel of some conventional studios. "Day after day working in an air-conditioned room trying to create then capture a feeling or emotion is hard to do,' he says. "We wanted an organic process and a place that allowed the songs to breathe." After the album was recorded, overdubs and mixing were done at Mixmasters and Broadcast studios. "Finishing the record in the studio was so much better once we had captured the vibe at the shack," Pederson explains. "You had those moods and images to feed off and the whole thing came together really well."

The result is the band's strongest recording to date. Although the album has just been released, Time in the Sun is already drawing critical raves in Australia and America. "I couldn't wait for the follow-up to Restless, and Junior delivered," says Melissa Franko, Marketing Director at radio station WYEP in Pittsburgh, PA. Time in the Sun is full of songs made for the radio. Perfect for both a rainy day ("Photograph") or a carefree drive with the top down ("Long Way To Go"), Time in the Sun is full of heartfelt songs about hopes and dreams that capture your soul."


Time in the Sun is Junior's second full-length album. In 2002 the band secured management in the U.S. with New York-based StarPolish Management, and early in 2003 embarked on a successful six-week tour of the U.S. to promote their debut album, Restless, playing with legends such as the Indigo Girls, and headlining historic venues such as Irving Plaza, Joe's Pub and The Viper Room. Junior also performed in internationally-syndicated radio shows World Cafe and Mountainstage. The band is currently touring Australia in support of the new album, including some dates with Australian legend Jimmy Barnes. For more information about Junior, Time in the Sun and tour dates, visit the band's website at www.junioronline.net.