Darren Hanlon

A charming and clever songwriter, Darren Hanlon has drawn comparisons to Evan Dando and Billy Bragg, but is really his own kettle of fish. An easily distracted crossword addict and itinerant globe trotter (up until recently he hasn’t lived anywhere for over three years), he has wasted little time in establishing himself as a compelling storyteller and prolific songwriter with his observational wit and memorable pop hooks.

Releasing his Early Days EP in 2000, he quickly gained recognition within the Australian indie music scene and begun touring Europe and the United States shortly thereafter. In 2002, his full-length debut, Hello Stranger, a wonderful mix of folk-rock and quirky songwriting was released to comparably favorable reviews. Little Chills arrived in 2004, followed by Fingertips and Mountaintops (2006) and a collection of B-sides and rarities called Pointing Ray Guns At Pagans (2009). In 2010, Darren celebrated 10 years as a solo musician with the release of I Will Love You At All, which was met with critical acclaim and featured the hit single All These Things. He is currently writing his next album in the back of a Melbourne bookshop, slated for release in late 2012.

Known for his engagement with his audiences, through his down-to-earth storytelling at his live shows, Darren has toured with Billy Bragg, the Magnetic Fields, Bright Eyes, Violent Femmes and continues to tour across the globe.

Shelley Short was born in and now lives in Portland, Oregon. She loves being at home, but a life lived on the road has been the usual as of late, which has changed her definition of what home really is. This is a subject that her new album Then Came The After explores. Touring with the likes of Tom Brosseau, Darren Hanlon, M Ward, Loudon Wainright III and Whispertown has kept her busy for the past few years.

Local support comes from Jonathan Woodhead.

Price: £6 adv
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