Earl Gray

Already known in the blues community as the former front man of rockabilly blues act Voodoo Soup, 23 year old Graeme Pillemer has been spending his off-days nutting out his solo-project Earl Gray. In the songs that will make up his first release, Graeme has drawn on his diverse range fo influences to create a sound that combines the best of old school blues and roots aesthetics with elements of contemporary soul and a hint of hip hop.

To help achieve this Graeme sought out producer and multi-instrumentalist Tony Buchen (aka Buchman) whose whork with The Baggsmen, Kid Confucius, Vassy, Andy Bull and Lior made him uniquely equiped for the job. Their collaboration proved to be such a success that Graeme went ahead and completed a five-track EP with Tony (which was released in September 2005), and has already started pre-production with him on a debut album.

On stage Earl Gray is a contradiction of sorts. As "The Earl" he prances around on stage with a swagger that may border on bravado. Yet at the same time he never quite stops being "Gray", the somewhat awkward and sensitive young manwho isn't all at ease with being the centre of attention. It's as if a young Woody Allen was blessed with the voice and charisma of an even younger Dr John.

Backed by an incredible supporting band, Earl Gray is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the hottest acts around. He has done regular supports for some of the best young acts in the country such as Tim Freedman, Lior, Mia Dyson and Josh Pyke. With tracks from his debut EP going to medium and high rotation respectivally on Triple J, the future is very bright for Gray.