Ball Park Music

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For their eponymous album, see Ball Park Music (album).

Ball Park Music
Ball Park Music on the Puddinghead Tour in 2014
Ball Park Music on the Puddinghead Tour in 2014
Background information
OriginBrisbane, Queensland, Australia
Genres
Years active2008–present
Labels
  • Stop Start Music
  • Inertia
Associated acts
  • My Own Pet Radio
  • Little Planes Land
Websitewww.ballparkmusic.com Edit this at Wikidata
Members
  • Sam Cromack
  • Jennifer Boyce
  • Paul Furness
  • Dean Hanson
  • Daniel Hanson
Past members
  • Brock Smith

Ball Park Music are a five-piece indie rock band from Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.[1] The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Sam Cromack, bassist and backing vocalist Jennifer Boyce, keyboardist and trombonist Paul Furness, guitarist and backing vocalist Dean Hanson, and guitarist and drummer Daniel Hanson (who are twin brothers).[2][3]

Their 2011 single "It's Nice to Be Alive" was featured in the 2014 film Blended and the fifth season of Gossip Girl.[4]

Career[]

2008–2009: Formation and early years[]

Ball Park Music was originally the name given to Sam Cromack's solo work. The band all met while they were studying music together at the Queensland University of Technology.

Ball Park Music independently released their debut EP Rolling on the Floor, Laughing Ourselves to Sleep in April 2009.[5] The EP was quickly championed by triple j presenter Stephanie Hughes who gave an early version of "All I Want Is You" and "Black Skies" their first national airplay.[6] Richard Kingsmill said "Rufus Wainwright called. He wants his song back. So he should. This is a pretty good one." about their song "Black Skies" and gave it four out of five stars.

2009–2010: Conquer the Town, Easy as Cake and "iFly"[]

In 2010, Ball Park Music released their second EP Conquer the Town, Easy as Cake. The EP spawned their first Triple J hit in "iFly" which immediately was added to high rotation and gained a five star rating from Richard Kingsmill[7] Another song "Western Whirl" was nominated for both Best Alternative and The Courier Mail People's Choice Awards at the 2010 Q Song Awards.[8][9]

In October 2010 the band embarked on their first Australian tour in October with Hungry Kids of Hungary and Big Scary[10] and released a brand new single "Sad Rude Future Dude"[11] which was placed on rotation by triple j.

In November 2010, they were named as a triple j New Crop artist – "one of the 20 best new bands in Australia" – and was also offered a slot at the triple j Ausmusic Month Party in Brisbane where they collaborated with Custard's David McCormack on a cover of Custard's hit song "Apartment". Following this, the band was announced as the Queensland winner of a triple j Unearthed competition and won the chance to play at Big Day Out 2011 on the Gold Coast. Additionally, the band played several festivals in summer of 2010/11 including Falls Festival, South Bound, Sunset Sounds and Good Vibrations.

2011: Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs[]

In June 2011, Ball Park Music released "Rich People Are Stupid" which was put on high rotation on triple j.[12] On 24 June 2011, Ball Park Music signed to Sydney label Stop Start Music[13] to release their debut album. "It's Nice to Be Alive" was released in July 2011 and was once again supported by triple j.[14] The video for the song achieved a Channel [V] Ripe Clip of the Week, beating out competition from The Kooks's "Junk of the Heart" and Kanye West/Jay-Z's "Otis".[15] "It's Nice to Be Alive" was featured in the film Blended (2014).[16]

The band's debut studio album Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs was released in Australia and New Zealand on 9 September and debuted on the Australian ARIA Album Chart the following week at No. 36. Ball Park Music embarked on a four-date headline tour with Adelaide rock outfit City Riots on the How I Met Ball Park Music Tour which was followed by another headline tour to launch their debut album in October with Northeast Party House and The Jungle Giants. Immediately following that, they embarked as main support for Boy & Bear on their "Moonfire Tour".

In November, Ball Park Music were named the Unearthed Artist of the Year at triple j's J Awards. They were also nominated for the 2011 J Award but were beaten by Gotye and his album Making Mirrors.

In December it was announced that Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs was voted No. 10 in Triple J's Top 10 Albums of 2014 and No. 2 in The AU Review's album poll.[17] The third single, "Figuratively Baby", was serviced to radio and TV, and it quickly achieved rotation on Nova Brisbane and Channel [V].[18] To finish off the year, the band played Peats Ridge Festival, Pyramid Rock and No Years on New Year's Eve in Brisbane.

2012: Museum[]

Ball Park Music began 2012 by announcing The 180° Tour; "their most ambitious tour yet".[19] They were initially to play 14 dates with supports Nantes and Cub Scouts but added more shows in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne due to popular demand.[20] The band was also added to the 2012 Groovin' the Moo line-up[21] as well as Splendour in the Grass.[22]

On 23 March 2012, Ball Park Music were invited to do Triple J's Like a Version, where they performed their single "All I Want Is You" followed by a cover of the Flaming Lips song "Do You Realize??".[23] This was also filmed for triple j tv at the time.[24]

On 20 July 2012, it was announced that the band would release new music in the form of a single called "Surrender" leading into their set at Splendour in the Grass.[25] In a radio interview on Triple J with Zan Rowe, Cromack revealed that band were working on a new album, and they'd be releasing something "soon enough".[26]

In August, Ball Park Music announced their second album, Museum and a headline tour with Loon Lake in support.[15] In a press release, Sam Cromack said he was "inspired by the swift turn around in which the likes of The Beatles would deliver new records every six to 12 months" and issued the band a challenge to release another album in 12 months.[15]

Museum was released in Australia on 5 October 2012[27] and it was named Triple J's Feature Album the following week.[28] The album peaked at number 9 on the ARIA charts.

Sam Cromack.jpg

2014–2015: Puddinghead[]

The band released their studio album Puddinghead on 4 April 2014 and the album peaked at number 2 on the ARIA charts. The album spawned the singles "She Only Loves Me When I'm There"[29] and "Trippin' the Light Fantastic".[30]

2016–2017: Every Night the Same Dream[]

The band's fourth studio album, Every Night the Same Dream was released on 19 August 2016. A change to their sound resulted in an album with more of a psychedelic rock feel, that was acclaimed by fans and critics and was toured nationally to sold out theatres across Australia.[citation needed]

2018–2019: Good Mood[]

The band's fifth studio album Good Mood was released on 16 February 2018.[31] Ball Park Music subsequently embarked on a national tour in February and March being supported by Ali Barter and Hatchie. This was followed by a national tour in which they partnered with San Cisco, Ruby Fields and Tia Gostelow. The single "Exactly How You Are" enjoyed success on Triple J's Hottest 100 for 2017 coming in at #18,[32] and the album track "Hands Off My Body" was added to the official NBA 2K19 soundtrack curated by Travis Scott.[33] Ball Park Music also released a limited edition 'Pizza Box' Boxed Set of vinyl LP's that contained their album catalogue from 2011's "Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs" to 2018's "Good Mood". At the ARIA Music Awards of 2018, the album was nominated for three awards; Producer of the Year, Engineer of the Year and Best Cover Art[34]

2020–present: Ball Park Music[]

The band's sixth album was announced with the title of Mostly Sunny in March 2020, alongside the release of single "Spark Up".[35] The following month, the band announced they were changing the title of the upcoming album to Ball Park Music.[36] A scheduled tour was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, although the release of the self-titled album in October 2020 was followed by a concert residency at a venue in Brisbane.[37] The album included the track "Cherub", which was considered a strong contender to reach #1 in the lead-up to the Triple J Hottest 100, 2020.[38] It placed on the list at #4, beating their previous best, "Exactly How You Are", from 2017.

Band members[]

  • Sam Cromack – lead vocals, lead guitar (2008–present)
  • Jennifer Boyce – bass guitar, backing vocals (2008–present)
  • Paul Furness – keyboards, trombone (2008–present)
  • Dean Hanson – rhythm guitar, bass guitar, backing vocals (2008–present)
  • Daniel Hanson – drums, backing vocals (2008–present)

Former members

  • Brock Smith – lead and rhythm guitar (2008–2011)

Other projects[]

Sam Cromack now records his solo work under the moniker My Own Pet Radio and has released three solo albums, Suburban Lemon Shops and the Bruxer in My Bed (2009), Unidentified Flying Collection of Songs (2010) and Goodlum (2015).

Jennifer Boyce records solo work under the moniker Little Planes Land.

Discography[]

Studio albums[]

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions shown
Title Album details Peak positions
AUS
[39]
Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs 26
Museum
  • Released: 5 October 2012
  • Label: Stop Start/EMI
  • Format: CD, LP, digital download
 9
Puddinghead
  • Released: 4 April 2014
  • Label: Stop Start/Inertia
  • Format: CD, LP, digital download
 2
Every Night the Same Dream
  • Released: 19 August 2016
  • Label: Stop Start/Inertia
  • Format: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
 3
Good Mood
  • Released: 16 February 2018
  • Label: Stop Start
  • Format: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
 5
Ball Park Music
  • Released: 23 October 2020
  • Label: Prawn, Inertia
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download, streaming
 2

Extended plays[]

List of EPs, with release date and label shown
Title Details
Rolling on the Floor, Laughing Ourselves to Sleep
  • Released: 30 April 2009
  • Label: Ball Park Music
  • Format: CD, digital download
Conquer the Town, Easy As Cake
  • Released: 21 May 2010
  • Label: Ball Park Music (MBBPM2752)
  • Format: CD, digital download

Singles[]

Title Year Peak chart positions Year-end positions Certifications Album
AUS
[40] 		Triple J
Hottest 100
[41]
"Sea Strangers (I Don't Really Know You)"[42] 2009 — — Conquer the Town, Easy As Cake
"iFly"[43] 2010 — —
"Sad Rude Future Dude"[44][45] — — Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs
"Rich People Are Stupid"[46] 2011 — —
"It's Nice to Be Alive"[47] — 31
"All I Want Is You"[12] — 38
"Literally Baby"[49] — —
"Surrender"[50] 2012 — 27 Museum
"Coming Down"[51] — 23
"She Only Loves Me When I'm There"[52] 2014 70 19 Puddinghead
"Trippin' the Light Fantastic"[53] — 99
"Pariah"[54] 2016 — — Every Night The Same Dream
"Nihilist Party Anthem"[55] — —
"Whipping Boy"[56] — —
"Exactly How You Are"[57] 2017 — 18 Good Mood
"The Perfect Life Does Not Exist"[58] — 39
"Hands Off My Body"[59][60] 2018 — —
"Spark Up!"[61] 2020 — — Ball Park Music
"Day & Age"[62] — 63
"Cherub" 52 4

Music videos[]

List of music videos, showing year released and directors
Title Year Director(s)
"Sea Strangers (I Don't Really Know You)" 2010 Alex Barnes
"iFly"
"Rich People Are Stupid" 2011 Devin Bowles
"It's Nice to Be Alive" Alex Barnes
"All I Want Is You"
"Figuratively Baby"
"Surrender" 2012 Dan Graetz
"Fence Sitter" 2013 Andrew Wilson
"Bad Taste Blues (Part II)" Dan Graetz
"She Only Loves Me When I'm There" 2014
"Trippin' the Light Fantastic" Alex Barnes
"Pariah" 2016 Jaymis Loveday
"Nihilist Party Anthem"
"Exactly How You Are" 2017 Nick Maguire
"Hands Off My Body" 2018
"Day & Age"[63] 2020
"Cherub"[64] Dean Hanson

Awards and nominations[]

AIR Awards[]

The Australian Independent Record Awards (known colloquially as the AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's independent music sector.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2012 Themselves Best Independent Artist Nominated [65][66]
2021 Ball Park Music Independent Album of the Year Nominated [67][68]

J Awards[]

The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J. They commenced in 2005.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2011 Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs Australian Album of the Year Nominated
Themselves Unearthed Artist of the Year Won
2014 Puddinghead Australian Album of the Year Nominated [69]
2020 Ball Park Music Australian Album of the Year Nominated [70]

National Live Music Awards[]

The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) are a broad recognition of Australia's diverse live industry, celebrating the success of the Australian live scene. The awards commenced in 2016.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2018 Themselves Best Live Act of the Year – People's Choice Nominated [71][72]
2020 Themselves Live Act of the Year Nominated [73]

Queensland Music Awards[]

The Queensland Music Awards (previously known as the Q Song Awards) are an annual awards ceremony celebrating Queensland's brightest emerging artists and established legends. They commenced in 2006.[74]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2013 "Surrender" Song of the Year Won [75][76]
Pop Song of the Year Won
2021 Ball Park Music Album of the Year Won [77]

Concert tours[]

References[]

  1. ^ McKenzie, Daniel (4 February 2016). "Ball Park Music to tour new album". Tweed Daily News. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  2. ^ "Ball Park Music at FasterLouder". FasterLouder. 27 January 2010. Archived from the original on 7 August 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  3. ^ McMillen, Andrew (17 February 2018). "Ball Park Music rises from uni beginnings to stardom". The Australian. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
  4. ^ "Ball Park Music – TV & Movie Placements". WhatSong. 23 May 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
  5. ^ "The Buzz today!", The Cairns Post, 11 November 2009
  6. ^ "Ball Park Music". Triple J Unearthed. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  7. ^ "Discover new Australian music". American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
  8. ^ "Ball Park Music part of touring whirlwind", Caloundra Weekly, 27 October 2010
  9. ^ Q Music 22 July 2010, The 2010 Q Song Award Nominations
  10. ^ "Select Music News". Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
  11. ^ "Ball Park Music release new single and debut live show around the country". Archived from the original on 26 March 2012. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  12. ^ Jump up to: a b "Ball Park Music new video + Boy & Bear tour support". Mucho Bravado. 2 November 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  13. ^ "Your Daily SPA 24 June 2011 Ball Park Music sign to Stop Start". Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
  14. ^ "Song".
  15. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Choose language | Drupal". www.theinsoundfromwayout.com.
  16. ^ "Ball Park Music – IMDb". IMDb. 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  17. ^ "Triple J Album Polls". Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  18. ^ "Nova FM Figuratively Baby". Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 29 August 2012.
  19. ^ "Music News". Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
  20. ^ "Groovin The Moo 2012 Line-up - Chiddy Bang Cancel, Ball Park Music Join". Music Feeds. 22 February 2012.
  21. ^ "Musicfeed.com.au Feb 2012 Splendour in the Grass 2012 Line-up".
  22. ^ "Like A Version: Ball Park Music | triple j Media". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 23 March 2012.
  23. ^ "Like A Version". Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
  24. ^ "Mucho Bravado July 2012 Surrender To The Power Of Ball Park Music".
  25. ^ "triple j June 2012 Sam Cromack of Ball Park Music Takes 5 with his guide to the 90's..."
  26. ^ Paul Cashmere (24 August 2012). "Ball Park Music To Release Second Album Museum". Noise 11. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
  27. ^ Museum: triple j Feature Albums | Title: Museum: triple j music reviews
  28. ^ "She Only Loves Me When I'm There (single)". Apple Music. 14 February 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  29. ^ "Trippin' the Light Fantastic (single)". Apple Music. 23 May 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  30. ^ "Ball Park Music". Ball Park Music.
  31. ^ "Triple J's Hottest 100". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  32. ^ Christopher Groux (15 August 2018). "'NBA 2K19' Soundtrack Released on Spotify With Tracklist Mixed By Travis Scott". Newsweek. Retrieved 24 November 2018.
  33. ^ Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) (11 October 2018). "2018 ARIA Award Nominees Announced". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 14 October 2018.
  34. ^ Newstead, Al (19 March 2020). "First Spin: triple j textline reacts to new Ball Park Music stomper 'Spark Up!'". triple j.
  35. ^ "Ball Park Music announce new title of their upcoming album | NME Australia". 23 April 2020.
  36. ^ "Ball Park Music add two final dates to residency at The Triffid for Brisbane album launch | NME Australia". 30 September 2020.
  37. ^ "The Race For #1 In Triple J's Hottest 100 Is TIGHT". Music Feeds. 15 January 2021.
  38. ^ Peak chart positions in Australia:
  39. ^ Peaks in Australia:
  40. ^ Positions on the Triple J Hottest 100:
  41. ^ "Free Download: Ball Park Music – "Sea Strangers (I Don't Really Know You)"". musicfeeds. 9 November 2009. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  42. ^ "Ball Park Music "iFly" Video". And Pluck Your Stings. 7 June 2010. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  43. ^ "Ball Park Music – Sad Rude Future Dude (2010 Single)". theaureview. February 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  44. ^ "Sad Rude Future Dude (Soundcloud)". 13 October 2010. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  45. ^ "Ball Park Music-Rich People Are Stupid Video". Vimeo. 9 June 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  46. ^ "It's Nice to Be Alive (single)". Apple Music. 15 July 2011. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  47. ^ Jump up to: a b "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2021 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association.
  48. ^ "Ball Park Music - "Literally Baby" [Official Music Video]". Vimeo. 18 November 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
  49. ^ "Ball Park Music - Surrender". The Music AU. 24 July 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  50. ^ "Ball Park Music : Coming Down". Beat. 2012. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  51. ^ "She Only Loves Me When I'm There (single)". Apple Music. 14 February 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  52. ^ "Trippin' the Light Fantastic (single)". Apple Music. 23 May 2014. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  53. ^ "Ball Park Music Unveil Epic New Tune "Pariah", The First Taste Of Their New Album". MusicFeeds. 27 April 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  54. ^ "Nihilist Party Anthem (single)". Apple Music. 16 May 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  55. ^ "Whipping Boy (single)". Apple Music. 5 August 2016. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  56. ^ "Exactly How You Are (single)". Apple Music. 15 September 2017. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  57. ^ "The Perfect Life Doesn't Exist (single)". Apple Music. 15 December 2017. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  58. ^ "BALL PARK MUSIC Good Mood - note "upcoming single Hands Off My Body"". xpressmag. 29 March 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  59. ^ "Ball Park Music - Hands Off My Body (Official Video)". YouTube. June 2018. Retrieved 28 January 2021.
  60. ^ Martin, Josh (17 March 2020). "Ball Park Music announce new album 'Mostly Sunny' with first single, 'Spark Up!'". NME Australia. Retrieved 23 April 2020.
  61. ^ Newstead, Al (5 June 2020). "First Spin: Ball Park Music conjure dreamy goodness on 'Day & Age'". Triple J. Retrieved 5 June 2020.
  62. ^ Bruce, Jasper (4 June 2020). "Ball Park Music tease music video for new song 'Day & Age'". NME Australia. Retrieved 4 June 2020.
  63. ^ "Ball Park Music - Cherub (Official Video)". Ball Park Music. 27 August 2020. Retrieved 28 January 2021 – via YouTube.
  64. ^ "Nominations: 2012 Jagermeister Independent Music Awards". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. 17 September 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
  65. ^ "History Wins". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
  66. ^ "Details confirmed for 2021 AIR Awards as nominees announced". The Music. 2 June 2021. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  67. ^ "2021 AIR Awards Winners". Scenstr.com.au. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
  68. ^ "J Awards: 2014". Triple J. 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  69. ^ "Here are your nominees for the 2020 J Awards!". Triple J. 2 November 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
  70. ^ "NLMAs announce 2018 nominees and Live legend". National Live Music Awards (NLMAs). 2 October 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  71. ^ "Winners of the 2018 NLMAs". National Live Music Awards (NLMAs). 7 December 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
  72. ^ "Nominees announced for 2020 National Live Music Awards". National Live Music Awards (NLMAs). 7 September 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
  73. ^ "About the Queensland Music Awards". Queensland Music Awards. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  74. ^ Hohnen, Mike (13 August 2013). "Emma Louise sweeps 2013 Queensland Music Awards". Music Feeds. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  75. ^ Newstead, Al (14 August 2013). "Emma Louise, Ball Park Music win big at Queensland Music Awards 2013". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
  76. ^ "2021 Queensland Music Awards winners". Scenestr. 6 May 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2021.

Further reading[]

External links[]

Retrieved from ""