Spiderbait

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Spiderbait
Au-Go-Go
  • Polydor
  • Interscope
  • Universal Australia
    • MembersJanet English
    Kram
    Damian Whitty
    Websitespiderbait.net.au

    Spiderbait is an Australian

    Glockenpop". In November 2013 the band released its first studio album in nine years, Spiderbait
    .

    History

    1989–1994: Early years

    In 1989, Janet English on bass guitar and lead vocals, Mark Maher (better known as Kram) on lead vocals and drums, and Damian Whitty (or "Whitt") on guitar, began performing together.[2][3] All grew up in the small town of Finley in southern New South Wales where Kram and his second cousin Whitty jammed together as schoolboys.[4][5] With English on board, early rehearsals were held in sheds or barns, Kram later recalled: "we were shithouse! We were so bad ... I mean Janet had never played a note of music in her life".[5][6] Kram taught English to play bass.[3] Initial gigs included a friend's party as an unnamed band where they played "Freak Scene" and an AC/DC song.[4] They performed at the combined 21st birthday party for Kram and Whitty under the name Candy Spuds.[4][6] They used that name for only one gig and then used Spiderbaby.[4][7]

    In 1990, the trio moved to

    Au-Go-Go Records and were renamed as Spiderbait – Spiderbaby was already being used by an American band.[7] Spiderbait released their first single, "Circle K", in 1991.[2][10] A seven-track EP titled P'tang Yang Kipper Bang Uh! (named after the 1982 Michael Apted telemovie, P'tang, Yang, Kipperbang) followed in January 1992, displaying the thrash-like hardcore punk of their early live gigs.[2][11] During 1992 they supported United States groups Rollins Band and Beastie Boys on their tour of Australia.[2]

    Spiderbait's first album,

    Allmusic's David Colon found the album "agitating" where its "thrashing and pounding may be meant to energize, but in the end, only enervates."[11] "Run" was released as a CD single in March 1994 and was followed by "Jesus".[2] The group supported US band Primus on their Australia 1994 tour.[2]

    1995–1998: Major-label-signing and side-projects

    In 1995, Spiderbait was signed to Polydor Records by Craig Kamber - who also worked with Powderfinger and Underground Lovers - and released its second album, The Unfinished Spanish Galleon of Finley Lake, in October.[2] The album reached number 14 on the Australian charts,[13] with singles "Monty" (September) and "Jesus" receiving extensive airplay on radio station Triple J.[2] The album title refers to a then-unfinished project by the Finley community,[2] an artificially-made lake included a replica sailing ship.[14] Spiderbait played to predominantly under-18 audiences.[4] At the ARIA Music Awards of 1996, the album received two nominations: 'Best Alternative Release', and 'Best Cover Art' for English and George Stajsic.[15][16]

    Their third album, Ivy and the Big Apples, was issued in October 1996 and reached number 3,[13] and by 1997 had received 2× Platinum certification by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) for shipments of over 140,000 units in Australia.[17] Their next single, "Buy Me a Pony", received extensive airplay on Triple J, resulting in listeners voting it as their favourite song in the Hottest 100 of 1996 – making Spiderbait the first Australian group to achieve this.[2] In October 1996, the group toured Canada and played gigs in Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle in the US.[2] The album's third single, "Calypso", also achieved commercial airplay, and reached number 13 in the ARIA Singles Chart in June 1997.[2][13] It was featured in the 1999 film 10 Things I Hate About You during the scene where the character of Kat (played by Julia Stiles) is reading the novel The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath.[18] At the ARIA Music Awards of 1997 the group received seven nominations, but with Savage Garden dominating the ceremony and winning ten awards, Spiderbait only captured the 'Best Alternative Release' category for Ivy and the Big Apples.[15][19]

    In early 1998, English and her then-boyfriend Quan Yeomans (of Regurgitator) formed a side-project, Happyland (originally called The Shits), which released their only album, Welcome to Happyland, on Polydor in September.[2][4][20] English provided cover art work and 3-D animated videos for Regurgitator releases.[21] By 2000 the couple and Happyland had split.[22] Also in 1998, Kram and Richie Lewis of Tumbleweed formed a side-project, Hot Rollers – so named as both member's mothers were hairdressers.[2][23] Their only album, The Hot Rollers, was issued in July through Polydor.[2][23]

    1999–2004: Grand Slam to Tonight alright

    Spiderbait reconvened in June 1998 to record the album

    A-League. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1999 the group received five nominations.[15][24]

    Despite good airplay for the Grand Slam singles "Stevie" (May) and "Glokenpop" (January 2000), neither charted in the top 50.[13] At the ARIA Music Awards of 2000 the group received two nominations and English won 'Best Cover Art' for her work on "Glokenpop".[15][25] Their 2001 dance-influenced album The Flight of Wally Funk was less successful than their previous three albums, although it reached the Top 40.[13] It was recorded mostly in Whitty's living room.[4]

    Spiderbait recorded the

    Need for Speed: Underground Rivals
    for the PSP.

    Tonight Alright was released in March 2004 and debuted at number 14 on the ARIA Albums Chart.[4][13] The second single, "Fucken Awesome", reached the top 30 in June.[13] From May, the group toured supporting Hoodoo Gurus, followed by their own tour to United Kingdom and US.[9] Interscope Records signed the band in 2004 to distribute Tonight Alright in the US and UK.[4][32] At the ARIA Music Awards of 2004, Kram performed as part of the super-group The Wrights, which also featured members of Powderfinger, The Living End, You Am I, Jet, Grinspoon, and Dallas Crane.[33][34]

    2005–2012: On hiatus

    After touring in support of Tonight Alright Spiderbait went on hiatus to concentrate on solo projects and their personal lives – although periodically returning for occasional gigs.

    Greatest Hits,[4] which debuted at number 6.[13] According to their official website, they had discovered that newer fans were unaware of their material before "Black Betty".[36]

    In October 2005, Spiderbait performed at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne, as part of the Coca-Cola Live'n'Local Tour '05.[37] In November 2006, the band performed at the "Queensland Council of Unions"-organized Rock the Vote! concert in Brisbane.[38]

    The band recorded a cover of "

    LittleBigPlanet for the PlayStation Portable.[39] Kram released his debut solo album, Mix Tape, in March 2009.[40] In 2010, Magnapop's album Chase Park featured a cover of Spiderbait's song "Jesus" from The Unfinished Spanish Galleon of Finley Lake. In December of that year, they supported Guns N' Roses at a Sydney gig.[41] The band recorded a cover of "Rock-a-Bye Your Bear" for the compilation ReWiggled - A Tribute to the Wiggles.[42]

    2013–2021: End of hiatus and self-titled album

    In an interview with Triple J in February 2013, Kram announced that Spiderbait were in the studio, working on their first album in seven years, saying "We're doing a new record and we're about halfway through. We're just writing demos at the moment and it's coming along well. We're back in our Motorhead and Metallica metal phase—I'm all double kick at the moment."[43]

    The self-titled album, Spiderbait, was released on 15 November 2013. The band played a gig on the same day, for the opening night of the Jam Gallery, a new music venue in Bondi Junction.[44]

    2022: Sounds in the Key of J

    On 11 March 2022, the band released "My Car's a UFO", their first new song in nine years. The track was initially recorded for The Flight of Wally Funk and served as the lead single from the band's third compilation album, Sounds in the Key of J—which collects every Spiderbait song that Janet English sings lead vocals on. The compilation was released on 8 April 2022, with a supporting tour to follow in July.[45]

    Discography

    Main article: Spiderbait discography

    Members

    • Janet English - bass guitar, lead and backing vocals
    • Mark "Kram" Maher - lead and backing vocals, drums
    • Damian "Whit" Whitty – guitar, programming, beats, backing and occasional lead vocals

    Awards and nominations

    ARIA Awards

    The

    Australian music. They commenced in 1987. Spiderbait have won two awards from nineteen nominations for Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Awards.[15]

    Year Nominee / work Award Result
    1996 The Unfinished Spanish Galleon of Finley Lake Best Alternative Release[16] Nominated
    The Unfinished Spanish Galleon of Finley Lake – Janet English, George Stajsic Best Cover Art[16] Nominated
    1997 Ivy and the Big Apples Album of the Year[19] Nominated
    Best Alternative Release[19] Won
    Best Group[19] Nominated
    Ivy and the Big Apples – Janet English Best Cover Art[19] Nominated
    Ivy and the Big Apples – Phil McKellar Engineer of the Year[19] Nominated
    "Buy Me a Pony" Single of the Year[19] Nominated
    "Calypso" – Janet English Best Video[19] Nominated
    1999 Grand Slam Album of the Year[24] Nominated
    Best Alternative Release[24] Nominated
    Grand Slam – Janet English, George Stajsic Best Cover Art[24] Nominated
    Grand Slam – Phil McKellar Engineer of the Year[24] Nominated
    Producer of the Year[24] Nominated
    2000 "Glokenpop" Best Pop Release[25] Nominated
    "Glockenpop"– Janet English Best Cover Art[25] Won
    2004 Tonight Alright Best Rock Album[46] Nominated
    "Black Betty" Highest Selling Single[46] Nominated
    "Black Betty" – Paul Butler, Scott Walton (50/50) Best Video[46] Nominated

    References

    General
    Specific
    1. ^ "Spiderbait announce Australian tour celebrating Sounds In The Key of J". Double J. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 12 April 2022. Retrieved 27 December 2022.
    2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t McFarlane, 'Spiderbait' entry. Archived from the original on 3 August 2004. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
    3. ^ a b c Mathieson, Kram (26 March 2004). "Storm Warning". The Age. Fairfax Media.
    4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Nimmervoll, Ed. "Spiderbait". Howlspace – The Living History of Our Music. White Room Electronic Publishing Pty Ltd (Ed Nimmervoll). Archived from the original on 14 April 2002. Retrieved 22 January 2014.
    5. ^ a b "Spiderbait". MusicMight. RockDetector. Retrieved 3 September 2011.
    6. ^ a b "Kram Gets Fishy". TheDwarf.com.au (The Dwarf). Retrieved 3 September 2011.
    7. ^ a b Failla, Annemarie (October 2001). "Spiderbait - Oct 2001". Girl.com.au (Trellian). Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    8. 7:30 Report. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
      (ABC).
    9. ^ a b c d "Spiderbait Interview (with Janet)". WHAMMO Interviews. Worldwide Home of Australasian Music and More Online (WHAMMO). 31 May 2004. Archived from the original on 10 October 2004.
    10. ^ a b c Holmgren, Magnus. "Spiderbait". Australian Rock Database. Passagen.se (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 10 October 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
    11. ^
      Rovi Corporation
      . Retrieved 3 September 2011.
    12. ^ According to Google translator: Шашава Глава (shashava glava) is Serbian for 'looney head'. See here. Whereas, 'crazy head' is луда глава (luda glava). See here.
    13. ^ a b c d e f g h i "Discography Spiderbait". Australian Charts Portal (Hung Medien). Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    14. ^ "Finley – Places to See". The Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. 1 January 2009. Archived from the original on 8 November 2012.
    15. ^ a b c d e "Artist: Spiderbait". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 5 September 2011.[permanent dead link]
    16. ^ a b c "Winners by Year 1996: 10th Annual ARIA Awards". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 14 December 2007. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    17. ^ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 1997 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    18. ^ Henderson, Scott. "Hollywood Musical". Au-Cinema Films (WordPress.com). Archived from the original on 31 March 2012. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    19. ^ a b c d e f g h "Winners by Year 1997: 11th Annual ARIA Awards". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    20. ^ Holmgren, Magnus. "Happyland". Australian Rock Database. Passagen.se (Magnus Holmgren). Archived from the original on 10 October 2012. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
    21. ISBN 978-0-7022-3561-0
      .
    22. ^ "Friday Flashback: Week One: Unit by Regurgitator". RipItUp. Rip It Up Publishing. 6 May 2011. Archived from the original on 22 February 2014.
    23. ^ a b "Hot Rollers". Howlspace. Wollongong Bands Home. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    24. ^ a b c d e f "Winners by Year 1999: 13th Annual ARIA Awards". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 19 May 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    25. ^ a b c "Winners by Year 2000: 14th Annual ARIA Awards". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    26. ^ "Spiderbait". Music Australia. National Library of Australia. 30 June 2004.
    27. ^ a b "Spiderbait - "Black Betty"". Australian Charts Portal (Hung Medien). Retrieved 16 May 2018.
    28. ^ "Spiderbait "Black Betty"". Top40-charts.com.
    29. ^ Scatena, Dino (24 April 2004). "Spiderbait Finds Success". The Age. Fairfax Media.
    30. ^ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 2004 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 20 April 2009. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
    31. ^ ""Black Betty" – Spiderbait – Billboard Singles". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
    32. ^ "Tonight Alright – Spiderbait". Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    33. ^ Rogers, Christina; Peach, Stephen; Small, Lynne (June 2008). "PPCA Licensor Profile". In the Loop. Phonographic Performance Company of Australia Limited (PPCA). Retrieved 4 September 2011.[permanent dead link]
    34. ^ Donovan, Patrick (29 September 2006). "Jet Propelled". The Age. Fairfax Media.
    35. ^ "Industry News – Lifelines". dB magazine. No. 385. 10 May 2005. Archived from the original on 3 September 2006.
    36. ^ "Spiderbait – Bio". Spiderbait Official Website. Archived from the original on 4 August 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    37. ^ Dwyer, Michael (6 October 2005). "Coke Live 'N Local". The Age. Fairfax Media.
    38. ^ "Rock the Vote Concert Draws a 5000+ Crowd". Australian Workers' Union. 25 November 2006. Archived from the original on 31 March 2012.
    39. IPC Media (Time Inc.
      ). Retrieved 5 September 2011.
    40. Network Ten (Ten Network Holdings). Archived
      from the original on 2 March 2011. Retrieved 4 September 2011.
    41. News Corporation
      ).
    42. ^ "ReWiggled - A Tribute to the Wiggles". ABC Shop. Retrieved 28 September 2014.
    43. ^ "Spiderbait to record new album". Triple J. 8 November 2011. Retrieved 28 February 2013.
    44. ^ Spiderbait to headline Sydney's brand new live music venue Archived 25 November 2013 at the Wayback Machine, spiderbait.com.au, 4 November 2013.
    45. ^ "Spiderbait share first new song in nine years, "My Car's a UFO"". NME. 11 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
    46. ^ a b c "Winners by Year 2004: 18th Annual ARIA Awards". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Archived from the original on 4 March 2008. Retrieved 6 September 2011.
    47. ^ "Hi fi days : the future of Australian rock / Craig Mathieson". catalogue. National Library of Australia. Retrieved 7 September 2011.

    External links

    Wikimedia Commons has media related to Spiderbait.
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