““The two hour launch dipped into all kinds of emotions and situations, and yes, the vocals only and torch songs were gutsy and brilliant, but I do love a ripping break up song and Come By Sunday is one of those songs you’re still toe tapping to on the way home in the car.””
Short Bio
Mama Red & the Dark Blues formed in 2016 and released their debut album, The Wages of Sin, in the same year. Described as dark ‘alt-Country-Pop with a hint of blues’, the band writes collaboratively, and infuses it’s eclectic sound with the influences of it’s co-writers. A highly inclusive band, the lead singer and songwriter are a same sex married couple, and the broader band is diverse in gender, culture and age. In 2022 the band is releasing new recordings, with a second album to be released in August.
The band consists of lead singer and two harmony vocalists; guitar, bass, drums, didgeridoo, and regular guest saxophone and keyboards. Influences include the Wailing Jenny’s; Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton & Emmylou Harris Trio; The Staples Singers; Fleetwood Mac; The Rolling Stones; Big Mama Thornton; Bonnie Raitt; Indigo Girls; Simon & Garfunkle and many others.
Long Bio
Mama Red & the Dark Blues formed in 2016 and released their debut album in the same year. The band coalesced as a group of highly regarded professional musicians, all regularly gigging in well-known original or cover bands across WA and Australia. gathered around an idea of co-creation and new original music with a narrative vision. A highly inclusive band, the lead singer and songwriter are a same sex married couple, and the broader band is diverse in gender, culture and age.
Described as ‘Alt-Country-Pop with a hint of blues’, but messing with genres, gender stereotypes and refusing to be stylistically confined, the band’s eclecticism and originality is part of their charm. They hark back to the earliest bawdy blues, sink into soulful R&B via the hallowed halls of country, grab a little folksy gospel and then give a slightly ironic nod to modern pop – all without losing their distinct and unique ‘Australian Gothic’ sound. Mama Red & the Dark Blues take listeners on a musical journey to Hades via Lost Love Canyon, Near Miss Alley and Shotgun Street – and bring them out feeling like they’ve ridden a thousand miles on a horse named Sorrow, but lived to tell the tale.
Mama Red & the Dark Blues gig regularly in Perth, Western Australia at venues such as The Ellington Jazz Club; Lyric’s Underground, Clancy’s Fremantle; The Cabin Small Bar; The Duke of George and others.
The band’s debut album The Wages of Sin (2016), sings straight to the hearts of those who have wrestled with the wrong relationships, waded through self-doubt and addiction and emerged from darkness with grace, power and a universal story to share.
In August 2022, Mama Red & the Dark Blues will drop their long awaited second album, Long Way to Redemption, with single launches and show teasers planned for the coming months. WA, national and international touring is planned for the next year to follow the album launch.
With a lead vocalist who can simply blow the speakers, and a posse of the State’s most talented musicians and some seriously sexy harmonies behind her – Mama Red & The Dark Blues deserve your undivided attention. And beware… if you don’t give it, you may have it taken from you by force.
Mama Red and The Dark Blues are: Harry Deluxe on lead vocals; Melanie Bainbridge - lyricist and backing vocals; Therese Cruise – backing vocals; Al James – guitar; Holly Norman – drums and percussion; John Wilson / Leah Van Der Meulen – bass; and, Sanshi (Saegusa Yoshitaka) - didgeridoo.
Promotional photos
Photos of the band, and individual members, can be downloaded from the gallery page here.
New SINGLE RELEASE - Going Down in Flames
The bands new single, Going Down in Flames, was released 22 May 2022, and is the start of the journey towards the release of the new album, Long Way to Redemption, in digital formats, and on vinyl.
You can stream the new single on Bandcamp here.
Previous Work
The band’s previous release is also accessible from Bandcamp here.
The Buzz
"The arrangements were excellent whether they were originals or covers. Mama Red’s delivery covered gutsy blues to country to pop with a touch of gospel with ease.
The crowd left supremely satisfied, eagerly awaiting the chance to download songs soon and perhaps purchase a limited vinyl edition of Wages of Sin hopefully out by Christmas."
Claire Condry - Australian Stage
"The two hour launch dipped into all kinds of emotions and situations, and yes, the vocals only and torch songs were gutsy and brilliant, but I do love a ripping break up song and Come By Sunday is one of those songs you're still toe tapping to on the way home in the car."
Jay Crisp - Weekend Notes
"A tall, imposing figure with a fiery shock of hair, Mama rang the changes from harsh and strident to harmonious and tuneful in a pastiche ranging from the dark blues of the eponymous backing band to sweetness and light in duet with lyricist Melanie Bainbridge. It was a fun party night that exposed technique and timing with a touch of intrigue."
David Cusworth - The West Australian
Video
You can find more Mama Red videos on YouTube.
Contact Mama Red & the Dark Blues
For more information, media opportunities or interviews, email Mama Red & the Dark Blues at mamared@iinet.net.au or drop your detail below.