A group of young musicians entered a recording studio in Cannon Falls, Minnesota in 1993 make a record. That album, Sound As Ever, was the start of a long and successful career by one of Australia’s most loved bands, You Am I.
Two decades later, You Am I are still going strong as friends and band-mates and in celebration of this, they’re presenting a series of reissues and album-themed concerts that raise a toast to the early years of You Am I’s career, two decades of friendship and continuing long into the future.
Back at the beginning, with little-to-no commercial radio support but fuelled by a kinetic live show and singer-songwriter Tim Rogers’ lyrical and melodic nous, You Am I barged their way into the mainstream consciousness with a string of three incredible albums recorded over a three year period that would set them up as one of the most revered Australian bands of the era.
In some ways, despite seven Australian Top Ten albums (including a run of three going in at #1), multiple ARIA awards and a wall of gold and platinum records, You Am I are one of Australia’s biggest cult bands with a large, enthusiastic and loyal following that cram their gigs around the world, singing every word, from the most obscure B-side to their many album favourites. More tellingly, they have inspired many to pick up an instrument and make a racket. The bands that have cited You Am I as a major influence is a roll call of some of the best of the nineties, noughties, and beyond.
1993’s Sound As Ever paved the way but the next two albums really pushed You Am I from maybes to definitelys. 1995’s Hi Fi Way and 1996’s Hourly Daily remain enshrined in Australian music folklore. They’re records that define an era, inspire tattoos, and soundtrack life events from graduations to weddings to funerals. Songs that inspire group sing-alongs on road trips and campfire balladeering. Songs that get passed down from generation-to-generation and remain fresh and relevant to this day.
To celebrate 20 years of kicking out their collective jams, Tim Rogers, Andy Kent, Russell Hopkinson, and 15-year-veteran ‘new guy’ David Lane are putting the finishing touches on some special treats to mark this anniversary year.
Their first three albums, Sound As Ever, Hi Fi Way, and Hourly Daily are being given the full reissue treatment. Remastered Digital and CD versions will feature a ton of extra tracks including never-before-released live performances, Demos, alternate versions and B-sides. The CDs will also feature expanded booklets with liner notes, historical information and unseen photos.
You Am I are treating their long time fans to a tour during June / July, 2013, with live performances of Hourly Daily and Hi Fi Way back-to-back in a lush theatre-styled extravaganza. It’s a chance for You Am I to look back and pay respects to their past as they move forward into their third decade.
You Am I 2013 Hi Fi Daily Double Australian Tour
THURSDAY JUNE 27th @TIVOLI THEATRE, BRISBANE
Tickets:www.ticketek.com.au
SATURDAY JULY 6th @ FORUM THEATRE, MELBOURNE
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au
FRIDAY JULY 12th @ THEBARTON THEATRE, ADELAIDE
Tickets: www.venuetix.com.au
SATURDAY JULY 13th @ ASTOR THEATRE, PERTH
Tickets: www.showticketing.com.au
FRIDAY JULY 19th @ ENMORE THEATRE, SYDNEY
Tickets: www.ticketek.com.au
All Tickets on sale Tuesday 16th April with a fun exclusive fan packages on offer available at: youami.com.au
Sound As Ever / Hi Fi Way / Hourly Daily Re-Issues out Friday June 7th through Sony Music Australia.
Check out the US version of the ‘Berlin Chair’, the bands second single off the Album “Sound As Ever” (1993).
