As revealed by Australian Musician almost two weeks ago, Cold Chisel had been in the studio recording and wrapped up their surprise session earlier this week. The band had been in the studio for nine days working on demos of new material, planned for an album to be released in 2015. This will be the band’s first release through their own company, Cold Chisel Music and will be distributed by Universal Music. Cold Chisel severed ties with Warner Music late last year, after a thirty five year association.
Not to be outdone by David Gilmour’s wife tweeting to her friends about a new Pink Floyd album, Jimmy Barnes’ wife Jane began posting hints of the Chisel sessions on her Twitter account a couple of weeks ago. First was the photo of a blackboard, which clearly showed the Chisel gear load-in day (July 12) and recording start day (July 13). Over the next week, more pictures were posted of catering being delivered to the studio and shots of the band with the caterers. Finally posts on the band’s own social media sites featured photos of Chisel members inside the studio.
Australian Musician was already aware that the Cold Chisel recordings were being produced by Kevin ‘The Caveman” Shirley and engineered by Jean-Paul Fung. Prior to the Chisel session, that same production team had been working on both Jimmy Barnes 30/30 Anniversary album and his daughter Mahalia’s record with her band The Soul Mates.
The new Chisel album will be the first without input from original drummer Steve Prestwich, who tragically died during the recording of their 2012 record, No Plans. Some of Steve’s drum takes appeared on that album, the remainder were played by Charlie Drayton, husband of the late Chrissy Amphlett. Charlie once again joined Chisel for the new sessions. Drayton is also currently involved in moves to have a Melbourne laneway named in honour of his wife Chrissy.