Davey Craddock

"City West is a world class introduction to one of this country's finest singer-songwriters” The Music

"Craddock’s uniquely Australian power of observation and gift of storytelling is matched by an uncanny knack for creating classic hooks… Quality beginnings to what hopefully will be a long journey.” The Australian

Cracked asbestos fences, tangled romances in fishing towns, the smell of horse shit on ANZAC day and a hommus-stained taxi receipt - welcome to the world of City West, the debut album from West Australian singer songwriter Davey Craddock which will be released via MGM on February 5.

Recorded live to tape at Perth’s RADA Studios with his band The Spectacles, the album is the culmination of a big 2015 for Davey which saw the album’s first single Better Alone added to rotation on Double J, extensive national radio play and touring, a WA Music Award nomination and critical acclaim from the indie folk and alt-country community -“his name has been plastered all over the blogosphere and everyone seems to be singing his praises”, said the Timber & Steel blog.

City West is about the grey areas between the city and country. The culturally and physically messy collision of the sleepy fringe with the bustling centre (such as in new single Peaceful Bay). It sees Davey, who was born in regional WA before moving to Perth just as the state’s infamous boom kicked off, singing about a place in flux. Some of his characters want to get out fast (There Will Be Light), some are burning out (Girls Light Fires, Ayers Rock) and some just want to have a damn good time (Three Sprays). The natural landscape is the ever-present backdrop to the album’s spacious take on folk, alt-country, soul and rock n roll styles - shifting sandbanks, miles of desert and a patchwork of aqua beaches and emerald cricket ovals.

For the first time Davey will take his crack band on a national tour in support of City West, including guitarist Luke Dux (The Floors / WAM Guitarist of the Year), drummer Bryn Stanford (Mathas, Mei Saraswati), Pete Stone (Abbe May & The Rockin’ Pneumonia) and acclaimed WA pianist Mo Wilson.

Kicking off the tour by supporting Australian folk darlings The Waifs, Davey and the band will then join Nashville singer songwriter Tim Easton for an east coast co-headline tour before playing a number of regional festivals.