Russell Morris has been one of Australia’s best rock exports for the best part of fifty years. One of the most cited influences for today’s musicians; Morris continues to blaze a path with his latest albums becoming the most successful of his career.
Sharkmouth saw the ARIA Hall of Fame inductee return to the top 10, snare his first ever ARIA Award and receive a platinum award while his latest Van Diemen’s Land debuted at #4 in April, becoming his highest ever charting album. Recently listed in TheMusic’s top 25 albums of 2014 so far, the album is breaking new ground bringing a whole new generation of fans.
The second in a trilogy celebrating Australian history, the record’s title track “Van Diemen’s Land” has been released as a stunning new video created by director Lucas Thyer from Brisbane company PixelFrame in the Tasmanian wilderness and is accompanied by a string of shows premiering the album live to fans around the country.
Shooting in and around the Blue Lake Lodge in the Central Highlands, Thyer and the team had to hike deep into the wilderness to the breathtaking remote locations; tricky with heavy gear, frosty rocks and even frostier feet! Despite the challenges, Melbourne-based actor Richard Sutherland jumped at the chance to be involved; braving some tough conditions to give a dark portrayal of the mysterious lead character. He was joined by a small cast of local actors, and some local crew from Aerial Inspections, who helped to capture some truly amazing aerial imagery.
But not to be tamed, Tasmania had one last surprise, with an unexpected heavy snow storm on the last day of production trapping the crew in the mountains for two days. Emerging with a newfound respect for the vast landscape, the end result is stark and striking clip, reflecting the rich, evocative imagery thrown up by Russell’s songwriting.
“This song is the flagship track on the album and really captures a stomping industrial feel that drives the narrative home. The video really translates the menace of the terrain into something that’s frankly a stand-alone artwork of its own,” said Morris.
The track is underpinned by a stunning drum performance from Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst and Australia’s Got Talent alumni Steve Romig on Harmony.
“In my opinion Russell Morris is a comprehensive storyteller and an intuitive musical craftsman. It seems there are still many stories to emerge from him.”
– Scott Owen (The Living End)
“Russell achieves that rare hat-trick: his skills as a songwriter are indisputable, his tone is pure and his heart is true.”
– Brad Shepherd (Hoodoo Gurus)
“His early records were hugely influential, his latest records are inspirational. A real gentleman and oz rock icon if ever there was one”
– Steven Kilbey (The Church)
RUSSELL MORRIS
VAN DIEMEN’S LAND TOUR 2014
August 1: Goulburn Workers Club- Goulburn, NSW
August 2: Belmont 16s – Newcastle NSW
August 3: Capitol Theatre – Bendigo VIC
August 7: Southern Cross Club – Canberra ACT
August 8: The Palms at Crown – Melbourne VIC
August 9: The Wool Exchange – Geelong VIC
August 16: York Theatre Seymour Centre – Sydney NSW
August 22: Governor Hindmarsh – Adelaide SA
August 23: Regal Theatre – Perth WA
August 28/29: Gympie Muster – Gympie QLD
September 13: Kedron Wavell Services Club – Brisbane QLD
