It was only seven months ago Will And The People completed their first Australian tour. They visited for a fleeting moment and left a lasting impression. The London-based 5-piece took a risk in self-financing such a tour so early in their career (arriving after shows in Singapore, Vietnam and Cambodia). It certainly paid off. Their eclectic mix of grunged-up, reggae-pop hit home with Australian audiences and now Will And The People are set to return this November in support of the release of their second album ‘Friends’ (Baggy Trouser Music / MGM).
Left to travel the nations highways on their own, their budget didn’t allow for a tour manager or even accommodation. The band literally felt the sand beneath their feet, making Aussie beaches their bed. An APRA employee bumped into the band on their arrival (whilst busking in Sydney’s Newtown) and had enough empathy for them to offer a floor for a night or two!
Through the generosity of fans and support bands, they found further shelter and on the nights they couldn’t, it was back to the beach! Navigating their way down the East coast alone, saw the band take a wrong turn and experience the more “scenic” route to Melbourne, the 11hr drive taking a total of 20! Undeterred, the band travelled up and down the coast amidst floods, tropical storms and the searing heat of late summer. They played shows in Sydney, Geelong, Melbourne, Newcastle, Dee Why, Gold Coast, Brisbane’s Hifi… and a storming show at Sydney’s Macquarie Uni to an audience of drunken students, who danced from start to the finish of Will And The People’s energetic set.
In the months that have passed, Will And The People’s debut single ‘Lion In The Morning Sun,’ climbed the Dutch charts fast, peaking at #10. This resulted in a particularly prosperous time for the band with appearances at Lowlands and Pinkpop Festival, where they played to thousands of adoring revelers. Festival season in the UK saw the band perform sets at BeachBreak Live, Secret Garden Party, Manifest, Sunrise, Shambala and Glade. Will And The People have also graced the stages of Glastonbury, Bestival, Oxygen, T In The Park, Isle of Wight Festival and many others.
Of the forthcoming single ‘Holiday’, said vocalist Will Rendle; “It’s about reveling in the stereotypical holiday culture that has swept our nation through aviation“.
“HOLIDAY’ is released on 14th September 2012 and is the first single taken from WILL AND THE PEOPLE’s forthcoming album “FRIENDS”, out 12th October 2012.
Thursday 15th November 2012
Boatshed – MANLY – NSW
Friday 16th November 2012
Great Northern – NEWCASTLE – NSW
Saturday 17th November 2012
Beresford – SYDNEY – NSW
Saturday 24th AND Sunday 25th November 2012
Mullum Music Festival – BYRON BAY – NSW
Friday 30th November 2012
Whalers Hotel – WARRNAMBOOL – VIC
Saturday 1st December 2012
Workers Club – MELBOURNE – VIC
Sunday 2nd December 2012
New Albury Hotel – ALBURY – NSW
Thursday 13th December 2012
Tempo Hotel – BRISBANE – QLD
Friday 14th December 2012
Sol Bar – MAROOCHYDOORE – QLD
Sunday 30th December 2012
PEATS RIDGE Festival – NSW
