MEET AUSTRALIA'S NEWEST COUNTRY ROCK STAR
September 16th 2010 08:47
Link: www.markusmeier.com.au/
Australian country music singer/songwriter Markus Meier is being hailed as the next big thing following the release of his highly anticipated new country rock album A Different Land.
The album’s title track A Different Land hit No 1 after only six weeks on the country charts and his second single the up-tempo rocker Rope A Cowgirl is set to be another big hit.
The Northern Territory boy began his musical journey at the age of five teaching himself how to play guitar while listening to the radio and his mum’s Elvis, Johnny Cash and Slim Dusty albums. More than two decades later his determination has paid off joining forces with Australia’s most successful country music producer Garth Porter (Troy Cassar-Daley, Sara Storer, James Blundell, Lee Kernaghan) to produce a dynamic album about the hardship, humour, despair and beauty of our land and its people.
Markus Meier
So far this year, Markus has performed in front of more than 45,000 country music fans as the opening act on Lee Kernaghan’s Planet Country tour. Now this talented singer/songwriter is hitting the road with A Different Land touring locations across the country to give audiences a taste of his energetic country style.
The album features 13 original songs with Markus co-writing 10 of them. The title track A Different Land alludes to an ideal life – love, fun and money while This Old Dog tells the heartbreaking story of losing your favourite dog. My Patch of Dirt is about a deep respect for the land which passes from generation to generation. The Roaring Days was inspired by Henry Lawson and the gold rush era while Boys still Ride is a controversial song that deals with the heartache left behind when so many young Australians die in car accidents. Hillybilly Town and Into Your Flame capture a sense of fun and love and Rope A Cowgirl is a rocky celebration that is designed to have you carving up the dance floor.
Markus says the album A Different Land has been three years in the making and is confident it will encourage a new generation of music lovers to embrace country music.
Lee Kernaghan says, “A Different Land brings a new and exciting edge to contemporary Country Music and confirms Markus’ place as one of the hottest new stars of the genre.”
“A Different Land’s a winner,” says Adam Harvey.
Country Music Channel Program Director Tim Daley says, “Markus is on the cusp of being a star for the next generation of country fans. His talent and charisma will touch a lot of fans in coming years.”
Markus Meier spent his early childhood in the Australian Outback in the West Australian town of Halls Creek in Western Australia where his father was a gold prospector.
It was there that Markus began his musical journey at the age of five after he saved up months of pocket money to buy a ľ size nylon string guitar. He taught himself to play chords while listening to the radio and his mother’s Elvis, Johnny Cash and Slim Dusty records.
His family later moved to Darwin where he began busking with his brother Paul at markets and in the local mall. One day a bloke walked past and booked them to play support for the Black Sorrows in front of more than 5000 people.
By the age of 12 they had formed a band called The Territory Boys. During the late 90's the brothers regularly took home trophies from amateur talent quests. In 2004, The Territory Boys ventured to Melbourne, but it wasn't long before Markus heeded the call of the Territory and returned home to start his solo career.
During this time Markus played in a number of Darwin bands as he honed his skills on guitar, harmonica, banjo, mandolin and slide guitar. His first big break came in June 2005 when he took out three sections of the Adelaide River Northern Territory Country Music Talent Quest. This marked a turning point in his career as he decided to compete in many other talent quests, eventually catching the attention of one of Australia’s most successful producers Garth Porter.
With Garth at the helm came his 2007 debut album Raindance which gave Markus four chart singles including Matilda Rd, Walk in the Rain, Beating Heart plus his most successful song In My Boots which reached No 1 in Queensland & No 6 on the European charts.
After taking some time off in 2008, Markus teamed up with country music identity Phil ‘Paynie’ Payne who is now managing his career. A Different Land has been produced and co-written by country hit maker Garth Porter and engineered by Ted Howard.
The album features 13 brand new songs all recorded, mixed and made in Australia.
The title track A Different Land has achieved the coveted No 1 spot on the Country Music Radio charts and his second single, a catchy upbeat country rocker Rope a Cowgirl is shaping up to be a massive hit, having soared to No 15 on the Country Music Channel after only two weeks.
FAST FACTS:
Markus sings and writes his own music;
He plays harmonica, banjo, mandolin and plenty of guitars;
Markus has played more than 700 shows to date;
This year he has performed in front of more than 45,000 country music fans alone;
Markus has produced two albums Raindance in 2007 and his latest album A Different Land with the help of Australia’s most successful country music producer Garth Porter;
The title track hit No 1 after six weeks and the second single is soaring up the charts;
Markus is currently the opening act for Lee Kernaghan’s Planet Country tour and also Lee’s guitarist and vocalist;
Markus will be touring the country with A Different Land over the next 12 months; and
He sold more albums at the 2010 Optus National Music Muster at Gympie, Qld, than any other artist.
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