Contemporary Country Band The Rustlers Sign With Hardrush Music in Australia

Australia's progressive country music band "The Rustlers" have signed with Hardrush Music. The Adelaide-based four-piece group's critically acclaimed "Sad Dark Lies" album is set for full commercial release on the Hardrush label in September and the boys are celebrating. With a style that has some feel for The Mavericks as well as touching on some of the best rhythm and melody patterns of the sixties when progressive country dominated much of the Top 40.

The Rustlers burst onto the scene in June 2001 with the release of their 'Broken Pieces' album, launched at the Barmera Country Music Festival. After the album was sent to the United States in May 2006, the band sought commercial distribution and a new release reflecting their development as one the tightest outfits in southern Australia.

Refining their songwriting and performance skills, the band took time to record their follow-up release that is being distributed on the Hardrush label. Titled "Sad Dark Lies", the radio-friendly album is setting a benchmark for crossover country pop rock within the Australian market and soon to be launched internationally.

Hardrush CEO, Kelvin Fahey, stated, "The Rustlers are a unique act that effortlessly blend the best of melodic pop with progressive country. A bit like Elvis meets the Beatles somewhere west of Tulsa. In addition, the boys have got that something special that will endure and get the crowds responding."

The band comprises Garry Burrows (lead vocals and rhythm guitar), John Murphy (lead guitar and vocals), Gary Cailes (drums, percussion and vocals) and Derek Manning (bass and vocals). Between them they cite their music influences to include The Beatles, Del Shannon, Travelling Wilburys, Hank Williams, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Elvis and Chad Morgan. With these favourites, it is easy to see why the band sounds both refreshing and inviting to audiences.

The Rustler's main songwriters are Garry and John, with a wide range of material covered from travel, love and events. Gary provides the country pop hooks whilst John is a technical genius as a composer and performer of great lead riffs.

Highlights of the band's live appearances to date include performances at the Clipsal 500 After Race Concert, Birdwood Country Music Bash, Channel 7 Network as well as support for other legendary artists. The next significant performances are scheduled for the Toyota National Country Muster at Gympie in late August and the Royal Adelaide Show. In line with the Hardrush agreement, music videos are under way and a promotional tour in North America is planned for 2008.

The Hardrush deal incorporates revision and production of the "Sad Dark Lies" release, publishing and touring assistance. The video featuring the first and title single "Sad Dark Lies" should receive airplay during October. Hardrush will release The Rustlers' full album "Sad Dark Lies" in September for world distribution. CD Release will be Cat No HRDM0087.

The Rustlers' management is handled by Pauline Renner on pmrenner @ optusnet.com.au

OTHER COUNTRY ARTISTS

Hardrush Music signed country artists include: Bobby Ricks, Gavin Chatelier, Wendy Cochrane, The Boardman Sisters, The Fry Borthers, Rowley O'Brien, Janet Kable, Julie McAllan and now The Rustlers.

Artists featuring on Hardrush Music compilations have included numerous high profile country artists on, including: Jimmy Little, Troy Cassar-Daly, Carter + Carter, Shazza Leigh, Col Joye, Johnny Chester, etc

ABOUT HARDRUSH

ARIA & CMAA member Hardrush Music is a medium scale Indie label with around 100 signed artists with some 3 million sales last year. We focus on Independent artists and are a member of the major regional industry assocations with main strengths in Blues, Country, Folk, Gospel, Rock and Urban. One quarter of sales are international, and sold through music retailers, bookshops, service stations etc across the nation either direct or via distributors.

FURTHER CONTACT

Hardrush Music Corp

GPO Box 2609

Canberra ACT 2601

AUSTRALIA

Tel: (02) 6296 1933

Fax: (02) 6296 1937

Website:

Contemporary Country Band The Rustlers Sign With Hardrush Music in Australia