Artists

No-one has inspired me as much as the fab four. The Best of the Best. And as each year passes, they solidify themselves as a band that pushed the envelope of how we make albums to this day. And yes, I said ALBUMS.

Born in New York City, Irwin Thomas (Jack Jones) became a household name in in Australia as a multi – platinum selling artist in 90’s band Southern Sons as lead singer/guitarist.

Irwin (Jack) has toured and recorded as a singer/guitarist (hired gun) with many multi-platinum artists such as John Farnham, Glen Shorrock, Tina Arena, Rick Price, Richard Clapton, Garry Beers (INXS), Dweezil Zappa, Ahmet Zappa, Jeff Jacobs (Foreigner), Renee Geyer, Bachelor Girl, Anthony Warlow, Dean Geyer, Guy Sebastian, Jon Stevens, John Waters, Ian Moss, Doug Parkinson and countless others…

In 2000 Irwin released Mudhead, a Band project with Bass Player Gary Beers from INXS.

In 2002 Irwin reclaimed his name with the release of his first solo offering entitled The Evolution of Irwin Thomas which was HMV’s Album of the Year!

He has opened for or supported Matchbox Twenty, Whitesnake, Judas Priest, Spandau Ballet, Tears For Fears and Alice Cooper to name a few!

Irwin is a founding member of iconic Melbourne Rock Band Electric Mary and in 2008 they were a finalist in the Music Oz Awards nominated for Best Rock Band.

He has played U.S. Showcases in L.A. & N.Y.C. ‘Experience PRS’ for PRS Guitars with Carlos Santana, Dweezil Zappa and Buddy Guy.

Most recently Irwin has been working with Australian singer /songwriter Aaron Hendra (John Farnham) and has been recording and touring with AHP.

Irwin has a long association with Producers Phil Bathols & Tim Woods playing in the original WHITE ALBUM Tour, several LET IT BE Tours and the first BACK2BACK Tour in 2011. The common denominator in these tours is the extraordinary talent that is Irwin Thomas aka Jack Jones!

An amazing career that spans decades and continents and the journey continues!

Thank you John, Paul, George & Ringo. I am forever grateful.” 

In 2011 CIARAN GRIBBIN made the big move with his family from their hometown of Castledawson in Northern Ireland to Sydney Australia to join INXS as their singer and co-songwriter and has since toured extensively with them to much acclaim throughout South America, Europe and Australia. With the band currently off the road this has given him the opportunity to continue his solo live and recording work and successful songwriting activities.

Pre INXS he played countless shows with many artists including Paul McCartney, The Script, Gotye and Paulo Nuttini amongst others. As a songwriter he co-wrote Madonna’s Grammy nominated ‘Celebration’ and also wrote, recorded and produced all of the original songs for the Irish music-based comedy drama movie ‘Killing Bono’ starring Ben Barnes plus music for other movies.

He has co-written ‘Hey Baby Doll’, a big on-camera song performed by Al Pacino and produced by Don Was in the new movie ‘Danny Collins’ starring Al Pacino, Annette Benning, Christopher Plummer, Jennifer Garner and Bobby Cannavale scheduled for release 2014/15.

In September 2013 he performed at the ‘Rock In Rio’ music festival followed by a week in Los Angeles for talks and meetings with movie music supervisors and co-songwriters.

Ciaran has just signed a new worldwide agreement (excl. ANZ) with the Snow Patrol owned publishing company Polar Patrol Music Ltd.

“…I just enjoyed Ciarans company and really enjoyed his voice and listening to his songs, his music. Later on I realized the collaboration, artistically and especially songwriting, could be something that would be really, really good for INXS and so far that’s been true.” Andrew Farris in Billboard

“This INXS show was amazing and should not be missed. Ciaran Gribbins vocals are so good. He has the voice, looks and charisma of an INXS frontman. He took ownership of the old songs along with his own and breathed new life into the 30+ year old band’s career.” Ticketmaster

“Oozing charisma INXS lead singer Ciaran Gribbin stalked the stage like a growling leopard. If you want to know how to move like a rock star frontman, just watch him.” The Music – Perth Arena

“Ciaran has one of the most extraordinary voices I’ve heard in a long time.” Gary Lightbody – Snow Patrol

“Gribbins voice, let off the leash, is extraordinary, soaring and dipping on oodles of emotion. He has proven he is the possessor of a fearsome, restless musical imagination.” Francis Jones – BBC

“His songs are carefully crafted, pure pop gems.” Brad Frenette – National Post Canada

Rai is a one of Australia’s most respected musical talents: a highly accomplished pianist, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. As a songwriter, he has been nominated for APRA Song of The Year. His band Thirsty Merc has sold over 250,000 albums and has been nominated for 5 ARIA awards. Rai’s composition ‘In The Summertime’ has been the theme song to internationally acclaimed Aussie TV show ‘Bondi Rescue’ for 11 consecutive seasons.

Rai was taught to play piano by his mother from the age of 4. He started wriGng songs around the age of 15. AMer finishing high school he was awarded a scholarship to study at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music where he commenced a Bachelor of Music in jazz piano.

Aside from his work in Rock and Pop, Rai performs as a solo artist, basing his performances around his first instrument – the piano – and his love of Jazz, Soul, and Funk music. He has released 4 solo EPs and has toured extensively in Australia and the U.S. since 2012. Some of his notable collaborations have been with with ARIA award-winning guitarist James Muller, Trumpeter James Morrison, and bassist Christian McBride (Sting, Wynton Marsalis band).

“Thomas has a stage presence similar to Michael Hutchence” – Perth times

Jackson has a rare quality that captivates an audience and moves people emotionally. This is something that can’t be taught.

“You have the ability to draw people in, telling them a secret, there is no one else in this competition with that emotion.” – Ricky Martin

Drawing inspiration from the likes of Jeff Buckley and the greats, his pure tone and haunting voice complements his raw interpretations of popular covers and original music.

Classically trained, Jackson was a boy soprano in the Australian Opera and performed in many musicals and eisteddfods as a teen. Winning the Geelong Rotary Club ‘Annual Star Search’ competition, an accolade shared with singer-songwriter Missy Higgins, was a defining and encouraging musical moment. A hard worker, Jackson hopes to apply the same level of dedication to his vocal career.

“Jackson is the definition of spirit and truth, not try hard and fake” – David Jaanz

He lives by 3 key principles:

Power Emotion Vision

Jackson plans to tour with his music and be able to inspire people on an international level.

“Uniqueness is Power”