‘The Catch’ - album release
‘The Catch’ is scheduled for release on Friday 24 July and we are looking forward to sharing this album with you all.
Recorded and produced by Shane Nicholson at Monkey Jump Production - Ziggy Tone Studios, Victoria Australia. This has been a long time dream for John and the beginning as he traverses the songwriter journey.
Listening to many genres of music from a child you will most likely hear some of the influences in this album. With foot stomping country blues vibes in ‘Crumbling Down’ and ‘Drying’ to the heart felt soulful ‘Windless Ocean’. The albums title and song ‘The Catch’ - traces its roots back to a poem scribbled during long stretches working in shearing sheds - a world John knows intimately.
“When you’re bent over shearing sheep all day, sweeping the board or any of the jobs in a shed - there’s a peaceful calm when the end of the day arrives,” recalls the singer-songwriter. “We loved Friday’s - we called it ‘POETS’ day - Piss Off Early Tomorrow’s Saturday!”
That lived experience runs deep through ‘The Catch’. It’s not just storytelling - it’s documentation. The language, the pace, the competition, the camaraderie - all of it baked into a song that honours the culture of the shed without sanding off its edges.
“I tried to remain true to the poem and some of the slang or jargon that we would use in the shed. Shane asked about the meanings. For example, “ducks on the pond” means Ladies are coming into the shed - no swearing! Of course, the title of the song “The catch” has a couple of interpretations but mainly it means you get the last sheep before the knock off bell goes. This could give you the highest tally for the day. Yes, it’s competitive!”
There will be solo acoustic shows following the release in 2026 with plans to tour regional Australia in 2027. John has dedicated most of this year to writing and recording for the next up coming album !
Just off the back of another DAG Sheep Station songwriters retreat, there’s a feeling of inspiration and possibly another two additions to the next album waiting to be recorded.
Stay up to date via socials.
