ARIA award-winning artist Tyrone Noonan has today (Oct 23) released ‘Utopia?’, his second album. Australian Musician editor Greg Phillips sat down with Tyrone over Zoom to chat about the creation of the album
Ty Noonan began a multi-faceted solo career following 10 years with george, a Brisbane band fronted alongside his sister Kate Noonan. The band’s debut album, Polyserena, entered the Australian national charts at No 1, sold double platinum and won the band an ARIA for Best New Artist. george released eight EPs, two albums and an award-winning DVD during its career. Recently returning to music with the release of “Black Dog” and “On My Knees”, Tyrone Noonan is now set to release his first album in nine years – Utopia?
Utopia?, the long awaited follow-up album to I Believe, is released today, 23rd October. The album traverses genres and influences, with pop gems sitting comfortably alongside beautiful ballads, and all carrying a powerful message as Noonan expertly weaves between personal and socio-politcal themes. Tyrone says of the inspiration behind the record “I’m attempting to create a journey through the myriad of human emotions, both on a personal and a global level, that we are all facing right now”. However this doesn’t mean it’s a gloomy record, instead focusing on the path ahead, with Tyrone explaining, “This is a record for those yearning for a better path; something I think so many people on this planet agree with. Things are evolving so quickly, but amongst the 24 hour news cycle, there’s not enough balance between the negative and positive. This album tries to bridge that balance.” The record also features co-writes with the likes of the late Grant (G.W.) McLennan (The Go-Betweens), Dan Rosen (ARIA CEO), Donna Dyson and rising NT star Colin Lillie.
The recording was split mainly between Tyrone’s Frontal Lobe Studio in Brisbane and The Barn Recording Studio in Plainlands (QLD), with a couple of tracks recorded with his band in New York, and a collaboration with the late Grant (G.W) McLennan recorded at The Tanuki Lounge in West End. The album was mixed by Paul Gomersall in Byron Bay, who with 35 years experience, has worked on albums for artists including George Michael, Blur, Echo & The Bunnymen and Phil Collins. The album was mastered by Kathy Naunton at db mastering (Midnight Oil, Paul Mac, Hoodoo Gurus). Tyrone Noonan Band has toured nationally and played at Woodford Folk Festival, The Sydney Street Party (The Rocks), and Adelaide Fringe Festival amongst others. The band has also played notable venues around the world including The Viper Room (LA), Rockwood Musical Hall, Union Hall, and more. Fans will get the chance to see the album played live at the Utopia? launch show on 6th November at The Outpost!
UTOPIA? IS OUT NOW
https://tyronenoonan.com/