Iconic Australian band GANGgajang has released a brand new single, Circles In The Sand, complete with a striking music video shot in front of majestic Uluru. In doing so, they are the first band to be given permission by the traditional landowners to shoot a music performance video at the sacred site.
Circles In The Sand is the Gang's first new single in more than a decade, and the first release since the passing of original member Chris Bailey in 2013. The remaining four original members Mark 'Cal' Callaghan, Graham 'Buzz' Bidstrup, Geoff Stapleton and Robbie James, along with bassist Peter Willersdorf, have returned to the studio to deliver a single that takes us back to where it all began. It reminds us once again who we are, where we live - and in doing so offers a glimpse of a different, more inclusive future.
The video was shot by filmmaker Chris Tangey and edited by Phil Evans, and features singers, Dani Young and Indigenous icon Warren H Williams, singing in Arrernte language. The band's connection with Jimmy Little Foundation and Uncle Jimmy Thumbs up!, along with their work in the Mutitjulu community near Uluru, ultimately led to the shoot being approved, explains Buzz Bidstrup.
'I have been travelling to and working in the community of Mutitjulu, next to Uluru for over 15 years, so I have a lot of friends there. When we wanted to make the clip the traditional owners were the first to give their permission. A big thanks to them and the administrators of the community and also to the media officer from Parks Australia who also had to give their permission for us to shoot the clip".
Circles In The Sand was written by Graham -Buzz' Bidstrup and Geoff Stapleton, the co-writers inspired by the Pintubi 9 and the painters of the Western Desert who drew sand paintings that eventually became the modern 'dot painting" revolution.
To access a broadcast version of Circles In The Sand, click here
GANGgajang has been part of the Australian pub music landscape since 1984; the band's self-titled debut album dropped in 1985 and contained the hits Gimme Some Lovin', Giver of Life, House of Cards and the perennial Sounds Of Then (This Is Australia).
These singles climbed the charts to become part of the music revolution reinventing the Australian sound: a sound based on our stories, our places. GANGgajang is now regarded as one of the all-time classic Australian albums, while Sounds Of Then has reached near mythical status and continues to connect with new generations of Australian music fans to this day.
Circles In The Sand will be added to a totally remastered release of the album GANGgajang, confirmed for April 8. The album will include a second new track, Not Waiting Around.
GANGgajang will then hit the road through April, May and June, playing live everywhere from Gladstone to Perth – tour dates as follows:
GANGgajang
Circles in the Sand Tour
On sale Thurs 10 March
Fri 8 April Chardon's Hotel Backroom, Brisbane, QLD
http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/ganggajang-chardons-corner/84774
+ venue Box Office Ph. 07 3848 4091
Sat 9 April Racehorse Hotel, Ipswich, QLD
http://www.moshtix.com.au/v2/event/ganggajang-racehorse-hotel/84798
+ venue Box Office Ph. 07 3282 1222
Fri 15 April Club Toukley RSL, NSW.
Venue Box Office Ph.02 43964855
Sat 16 April Basement Sydney, NSW
With Special Guests Warren H. Williams and Dani Young
www.thebasement.com.au + venue Box Office Ph.1300438849
Fri 29 April Chelsea Heights Hotel, Melbourne, VIC
http://www.moshtix.com.au/ + venue Box Office Ph. 03 9773 4453
Sat 30 April SSA Club, Albury, NSW
http://www.ssaclub.com.au/studio/ venue Ph. (02) 6041 2222
Fri 20 May Harvey Rd Tavern, Gladstone, QLD
http://www.moshtix.com.au/ + venue Box Office Ph. 07 4978 7102
Sat 21 May Sandstone Point Hotel, Sandstone Point, QLD
http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=MIXFMLIV16
+ venue Box Office Ph. 07 3475 3001
Fri 3 June Norwood Hotel, Adelaide, SA
http://www.moshtix.com.au/ + venue Box Office Ph. 08 8431 1822
Sat 4 June The Hahndorf Old Mill, Hahndorf, SA
http://www.hahndorfoldmill.com/ Venue Ph. +61 (0) 8 8388 7888
Sun 5 June Beach House Café, Victor Harbor, SA
www.facebook.com/Beach-House-Cafe
1 pm Matinee show. Venue Ph. (08) 8552 4417
Sat 11 June Waves, Wollongong, NSW
With Guests Spy Vs Spy + Urban Guerillas
www.moshtix.com.au or venue PH. 02 4283 3340
MORE SHOWS TO BE ANNOUNCED, visit www.ganggajang.com
or check out the Gang on Facebook
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