Ten years ago in 1998 John Butler was busking on the streets of Fremantle, West Australia. 3500 self funded cassette sales served as the foundation for becoming Australia's most successful independent artist ever. Fast Forward to 2008 and his label Jarrah Records has now been responsible for 800,000 CD sales in Australia.
Their last studio release "Grand National" has received international acclaim since its release last year. The Washington Post praises its sauntering boogies with an affinity for hip-hop beats and the Rolling Stone said "Melody, Subtlety, Authenticity. Sophistication Butler at his brand new best, blending his influences into a sound that is all his own hip shaking rollicking good-time album, proof that John Butler is ready to take things to that next level"
First single Better Than held the top spot on the USA Triple A radio charts this year. Last year the trio won 2 ARIA awards for their album Grand National; Best Independent Release, Best Blues and Roots Release and received top voting of the evening for their performance of Funky Tonight, with a special guest appearance by Keith Urban.
Butler owns and operates his own record label- Jarrah Records which has released John Butler Trio's last three studio albums and two live albums and his first self titled album. 2003's Sunrise Over Sea was the first independently released album to reach number one in Australia, and, like Grand National, went on to enjoy multi-platinum success. Home to other artists such as The Waifs, Jarrah Records continues to pave the way for independent artists in Australia.
Butler is also receiving recognition for his innovative arts grant fund, called JB Seed, which he oversees with his partner Daniella Caruana. Financed by donations from various sources, the JB Seed distributes over $100,000 in grants and funding each year to as many as 30 artists seeking financial assistance to help them realize their artistic aspirations. Additionally, JB Seed hosts a management workshop that brings together music industry newcomers and established veterans. Rolling Stone said "JB Seed looks to give other people the resources and confidence they need to get out there and do their thing" For more information, visit www.thejbseed.com
JBT have taken their music to the world and continue to grow in stature and popularity in USA, Europe and Japan. They have become favourites at iconic festivals such as Fuji Rock Festival, Glastonbury, Bonnaroo, Big Day Out, and Coachella where Bruce Fessier of USA Today said "John Butler revealed himself to be arguably the finest guitarist at Coachella Festival"
The John Butler Trio were thrilled to have toured USA with G Love and The Special Sauce this summer and to have played many European festivals and had main stage performances at New Orleans Jazz Festival and Lollapalooza There will only be a few exclusive shows in Australia in 2009 before the bands start recording a new album.
Most recently John Butler has chosen to change the Trio line up, and no longer will be touring or recording with Michael Barker ( drums) and Shannon Birchall.(bass). This was purely for artistic reasons. He is looking forward to announcing the new Trio soon.
Historically the John Butler Trio have had a changing line up over the last 10 years through their stage performances and studio recordings of Three, Sunrise Over Sea and ŒGrand National.
John Butler said
"Michael and Shannon have been by far the best line up I have performed with in The John Butler Trio to date. They have been a pleasure to live, love, learn, record and tour with. Their professionalism, musicianship, and commitment have been unwavering and for that and a whole lot more I am truly thankful."
John Butler would like to publicly acknowledge the amazing contribution that Michael and Shannon have made over these last years, and wishes them well in their future musical and personal endeavors.
John Butler is commencing recording of his 5th studio album in the near future.
