Donna Portland
06 June 2024, 1:05 AM
Singer-songwriter country duo Studio8, composed of Luke Johnson and Michelle Morgan, are thrilled to announce the release of their new single "You Got the Moves" and their debut album "Into the New." The official launch event will take place at Yves at The Sebel Kiama, on Saturday, June 16, from 1-4 pm.
Currently, Studio8 is midway through their "Into the New" launch tour, which kicked off in Bowral on May 5. The tour has already visited several country towns, including Old Bar, Coffs Harbour, Armidale, and Mudgee. Upcoming stops include Katoomba, Adelong, and the Hunter Valley.
"Into the New" takes listeners on a heartfelt journey through a range of themes, from rodeos to bushfires, country life to iconic figures like Elvis. Luke and Michelle drew inspiration from their own experiences, including a memorable outback adventure across the Nullarbor, up to the Kimberley, and down through the Red Centre in 2022.
The nine-track album showcases Studio8's prowess as country music artists, demonstrating their ability to blend various styles within the genre. From the lively "Red Dirt Rodeo" to poignant ballads like "Back to the Bush" (a tribute to the Tamworth Country Music Festival) and "Ballad of Jim Darcy" (a tribute to the Royal Flying Doctor Service), the album captures a spectrum of emotions and narratives. Other highlights include their bluesy homage to Elvis and their infectious new single, "You Got the Moves" (inspired by Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie).
These songs were crafted in Luke and Michelle’s backyard studio and refined through performances at prestigious events like the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2023 and 2024, as well as the Parkes Elvis Festival in January 2024.
Recorded at A Sharp Studios in Sydney, the album features Luke on guitar and lead vocals, Michelle on piano and backing vocals, Nick Hatzakos on bass and slide guitar, and Kristos Langker on drums.
With its universal themes and musical diversity, "Into the New" promises to resonate not only with country music enthusiasts but also with a broader audience.
Stream "You Got the Moves" here: https://ffm.to/yougotthemoves
Luke and Michelle would like to acknowledge the support for the tour from Create NSW. The Bugle wishes Studio8 every success and eagerly anticipates the June 16 launch at Yves.
MUSIC MUSINGS