The High Learys are an Australian rock band formed in Perth Western Australia in 2011 by lead singer and bassist Jamie Turner, keyboardist and vocalist Michael Nutt, Guitarist, Matt Williams and drummer Mitchell Benson. They have released one album, and a number of singles. Their single Clear My Mind charted at no. 1 in the AMRAP charts in 2014.[1] They have toured internationally as well as around Australia.[2][3]
The High Learys | |
|---|---|
 Performing at the Chevron Festival Gardens in Perth, March 2016 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Perth Western Australia |
| Genres | Psychedelic rock, indie rock |
| Years active | 2011–2017 |
| Labels | Soundflat, Off the Hip |
| Members | Jamie Turner Michael Nutt Matt Williams Mitchell J Benson |
| Past members | Adrian MacMillan |
| Website | thehighlearys |
History edit
The band was formed by cousins Jamie Turner and Matt Williams in late 2011, not long after the band recruited Michael Nutt and former drummer Adrian MacMillan.[4] The band started playing shows around Perth in 2011 and became well regarded for their cover versions of songs from the 1950s and 1960s as well as their original compositions.[5]
In December 2012 the band recorded their debut LP, Here Come The High Learys, at Poons Head Studios in Fremantle with Rob Grant producing, who has worked with the likes of Tame Impala, Miley Cyrus and Lenny Kravitz.[6] The album was released on 22 May 2013 on 12" vinyl through German-based label, Soundflat Records, and by December that year it had reached the highest selling album on the label for the year.[7] Christopher H James of themusic.com.au website felt the group were "Armed with Mod-style mop-tops, catchy, organ-augmented riffs and an infectious go-go beat."[8]
In 2013 the band signed an endorsement with Vox Amplification Australia[9]
Shortly after the release of their debut LP the band went over to Europe to play shows in Germany, France, Italy, Spain and England.[10]
In 2014 the band were featured in a publication The Knights Of Fuzz written by author Timothy Gassen, the book featured articles on artists considered to be notable to the history of Garage Rock. Gassen mentions "It's 60s R&B flavoured garage at its finest, with perfect arrangements and a recording that sounds both vintage authentic and also clean and sophisticated."[11]
In August 2014 the band went back into Poons Head Studios to record their next single, "Clear My Mind", with producer Rob Grant. It was then released on 7" vinyl through Soundflat Records in late October.[12][13] Shortly after its release the single was used in both a Bose Headphones and Sportscraft commercial.[14] Aliza Caruso caught their gig at The Bakery in early October, where they showcased the single, "Even if the upbeat, energetic, 60s influenced boogie beats of The High Learys isn't your style, you can't deny they know how to put on a damn good a show."[15]
During November and December 2014 the band embarked on a second European tour, playing shows in Germany, Spain and England.[16] Shortly after returning from their tour former drummer Adrian MacMillan was replaced by Mitchell J Benson[17]
With newly recruited drummer Mitchell J Benson the band went back to Poons Head Studios to record their next single "Letters To Alice" in May 2015, which was then released on Pavement Records on 4 September.[18]
In July 2017 the band announced that they would not be continuing as The High Learys and that members Jamie, Mike, Matt and Mitch would be forming a new band under the name MYTHS."[19]
Band members edit
- Current
- Jamie Turner – lead vocals, bass guitar
- Michael Nutt – keyboards, backing vocals
- Matt Williams – lead guitar
- Mitchell J Benson – drums, backing vocals
- Past
- Adrian MacMillan – drums
Discography edit
Studio albums edit
- Here Come The High Learys - Soundflat Records (23 May 2013)
Singles edit
- "Clear My Mind"/"I'm A Fool For You" - Soundflat Records (23 October 2014)
- "Letters To Alice" - Pavement Records (4 September 2015)
References edit
- ^ "Amrap Chart Wrap: Dan Sultan tops Regional Chart". themusicnetwork.com. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
- ^ Jiménez, Alex (28 October 2013). "The High Learys & The Busking Folks - Sala Ego Live". nosgustalamusica.com. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
- ^ Gordon, Bob (30 September 2014). "The High Learys". X-Press Mag. Joe Cipriani. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
- ^ "The High Learys". rtrfm.com.au/. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
- ^ Juryte, Alexandra (26 April 2013). "People Who Matter - Revolution 360". revolutionthreesixty.com. Retrieved 4 July 2015.
- ^ "About Poons Head - Producer Rob Grant". www.poonshead.com. 2011. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ ""Clear My Mind", The High Learys". 2 February 2015. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ James, Christopher H (17 April 2014). "The High Learys: Here Come The High Learys". themusic.com.au. Street Press Australia. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
- ^ "Local Band Europe Bound". 25 September 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ "Heaven Knows We're Musical Now". 24 October 2013. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ Gassen, Timothy (2014). The Knights Of Fuzz (2nd ed.). U.S.A Charleston, SC: Garage Nation. p. 342. ISBN 978-0-9797337-3-4.
- ^ "The High Learys – Clear My Mind". 19 December 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ "Single Focus: The High Learys". themusic.com.au. Street Press Australia. 2 October 2014. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
- ^ "14 Year Old Girl Skateboarder - Poppy Starr Olsen". Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ Caruso, Aliza (5 October 2014). "The High Learys at The Bakery". Colosoul Magazine. The Colosoul Group. Retrieved 24 July 2015.
- ^ "The High Learys European Tour 2014". 27 November 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2015.
- ^ "The High Learys - Formation". rtrfm.com.au/. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
- ^ "The High Learys prove once again that Perth is an incredible hive for new music on Letters to Alice". 3 September 2015. Retrieved 7 March 2016.
- ^ McGahey, Freya (17 July 2017). "A new name, a new song, a new LP. Say goodbye to The High Learys and hello to MYTHS". Happy Mag. Happy. Retrieved 17 February 2018.