Since their humble beginnings winning the 2014 ARBA award for 'Most Outstanding New Act' THE ASSOCIATES have truly developed into one of Australia's most uniquely new and exciting neo Blues acts. Within 2 short years The Associates have quickly become a regular at Australian festivals including Mordi, Geetroit, Blenheim, Echuca Semaphore and Bendigo, along with appearances at premier venues such a
s the Cherrybar (Melbourne), Lazybones (Sydney), and the National Press Club (Canberra). Their debut album 'Red Dress' was tracked in various studios around Adelaide from April to June '14, with the guys heading to Nashville for final production and mixing with Andrija Tokic in July. Tokic mixed the Grammy nominated smash debut album for the Alabama Shakes 'Boys & Girls'. The album also features some of Nashville's best musos including the late Ikey Owens from the 'Jack White band' & 'The Mars Volta' on hammond, rhodes & farfisa. Red Dress incredibly hit no.1 on the iTunes Blues charts in Australia. The guys are now well into recording their follow up to Red Dress .....they've just completed tracking in LA with 7 time Grammy winner Jim Scott as engineer and producer (Rolling Stones, Tedeschi Trucks, Sting, Chilli Peppers, Foo Fighters). To mix the new album (expected to be called 'Tales of a Rich Girl') the Associates have secured the services of Nashville based Vance Powell. Powell's credits include Grammys with Kings of Leon and Jack White. The album is to be mixed in late February '17 with a release date soon after. ....needless to say their excitement and expectation is high! Most recent news, the Associates have just won through to the International Blues Challenge finals in Memphis held February ‘17. Here, the guys will represent ARBA as 1 of around 4 bands from Australia along with acts from all over the globe. This is the 33rd version of the IBC and one that holds a significant profile within the scene. Industry representatives come from all around the world to hear some of the best up and coming bands and performers….success on this stage inevitably leads to global exposure and and a significant increase in profile. Lastly, Lighthouse Records based in Byron Bay have asked The Associates to place a song on their 2016 'Indie Legends' compilation album to be released as part of the Splendour in the Grass Festival. This will work hand in hand with the soon to be release Red Dress video produced as part of World Vision's campaign raising awareness of childhood sex slavery specifically in Brazil. The Associates have developed a close relationship with World Vision as a partner artist, the issue of sex slavery remains a driving passion for the band and a huge influence in their artistic direction. Be sure to catch the guys live for a night of screamin' blues, soul and funk, or check out their FB, Twitter & web sites for everything The Associates!!!
