Michael James Keane's sophomore album Wandering Bull is out now, and Keane will perform a selection of songs from the album at Whammy Bar on Thursday 14th April.
Tickets live from midday Monday 28th March 2022
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQcyTKBC6YI
https://music.apple.com/nz/artist/michael-james-keane/1387684364
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0GhXL0v2qsPFRTjMcojS9U?si=1-wwC5WJQGqut9z96c3oMw
“The Kiwi Nick Cave may be a stonemason, but his music is just as hauntingly beautiful.” – Beat Magazine
“Keane possesses an otherworldly deep voice that will knock you flat. Crooning close to the mic like he's standing right beside the listener, (Keane) packs an almost uplifting emotional punch.” – Under The Radar
“Mournful and intense… subtle and sparse… Keane possesses a deep, rich baritone that immediately recalls Nick Cave or Stuart Staples of Tidersticks.” – The 13th Floor
“dark, brooding tones that set Michael James Keane apart from the pack in his own unique musical arena… a rereshing and welcome addition to the diverse Aotearoa musical landscape.”
– RNZ: Ones To Watch, Jana Te Nahu Owen
Through playing in previous group So Laid Back Country China and touring as a solo artist, he’s shared stages with like-minded artists Aldous Harding, Kirin J Callinan, Steve Gunn and Jack Ladder, but it’s the quality and maturity of Keane’s latest material that truly puts him on course for a long, distinguished and celebrated career.
A bulk of the album was written whilst Keane worked as a trainee stonemason in the Wairarapa. The songs reflect on memories of Wellington City and the challenges of interpersonal relationships when engrossed in depression and a reckless lifestyle.
The words in the songs came mostly from short pieces of writing I had compiled over a year or so. It was a rough year by my standards; getting into trouble with my mental health and drinking, living a bit recklessly... I know The Wandering Bull is me, and I forgive him.
- Michael James Keane
The ‘Wandering Bull’ album was recorded, mixed and produced by James Goldsmith in sessions at The Surgery in Wellington, New Zealand. Arrangements were developed by James Goldsmith and Keane. Notable contributors on the album include Harriet Ferry (So Laid Back Country China) and Julia Catherine-Parr (Black City Lights) performing vocals, Callum Gay (Spook the Horses) on drums, and Daniel Cuzens (Spook the Horses) playing lap steel.
