The good news is that much loved and respected roots rock music duo Hussy Hicks have released a rockin’ new song, ‘Same Boat’, which is complimented by a fun computer game. The game features band members Leesa Gentz and Julz Parker paddling in a boat in an attempt to get to a gig. In a sad twist of fate though, during the week of release Leesa and Julz actually found themselves being rescued from the roof of their home by a boat as they escaped the Lismore flood. The pair lost everything in their home as the water level rose above their roof. Tragically, also on the property was their home studio and consequently they have lost all of their recording gear too. Fortunately, the girls had moved their van, which housed Julz’s guitars and pedals to higher ground before the flood, so they are still able to set out on tour as they had planned, albeit a little shell-shocked. The girls also did their bit for neighbours, saving elderly neighbour Jim from floodwaters. Leesa and Julz have now begun the long journey of cleaning out the property and making a new start. Below is a clip the pair posted to their Facebook page this week.
You can help out Hussy Hicks by playing the computer game, donating to their cause and in return you’ll get a download of their fab new song. Donate HERE
You can read an ABC report on the pair’s disaster HERE
More about the single ‘Same Boat’
It seems unnecessary to point out the obvious and say that making live music events happen has been pretty tough since March 2020, but that has been the reality of musical globetrotters Hussy Hicks, who – pre-pandemic – would play around 200 shows a year across several continents.
In a nod to the inspirational female musicians of their youth (Pat Benetar, Chrissy Amphlett, Cyndi Lauper etc), Hussy Hicks latest release ‘Same Boat’ is an 80’s style banger that tells the story of their coming to terms with the world being put on pause and trying to deal with this state of dormancy.
The song is fast, fun and features a killer “shejaculation” guitar solo that would no doubt make Jennifer Batten proud. And if that’s not enough, the girls have teamed up with some gamer friends and created a video game in which Hussy Hicks must overcome a series of challenges to finally end up at their gig.
The plan is to pair the release with a run of tour dates, pandemic dependent of course.
One of Australia’s best live blues ‘n’ roots bands, Hussy Hicks are a tour de force featuring powerhouse vocalist, Leesa Gentz and award-winning guitarist, Julz Parker. Prolific and accomplished musicians, Hussy Hicks have honed their sonic dexterity over the past 13 years with six studio albums, multiple industry awards and more than 1,000 live shows under their belts, from Australia’s biggest blues, roots and folk festivals to 15 international tours, which now sell out across Europe.
With a sonically adventurous reputation and energetic live show, it’s no surprise Hussy Hicks have staying power. From Gold Coast Artist of the Year and Album of the Year wins to Queensland Music Award and Golden Guitar nominations, their critical accolades extend even further, with guitarist Parker winning Musician Of The Year at the 2020 Gold Coast Music Awards; touted by Australian legend, Phil Emmanuel as ‘Australia’s top female guitar player’ and voted fifth in Bluesfest’s Guitar Hero fan poll, among Santana and BB King.
Signed to her first record label at just 16 years old, Leesa is excited to be moving into the next phase of Hussy Hicks with long-time bassist, Tracy Bassy and new drummer, Ali Foster in the mix, making the band an all-female force. Following an award-winning production debut on Beccy Cole’s AIR Country Album of the Year, Hussy Hicks new album is the first in six to be engineered and produced with Parker at the helm.
Never ones to shy away from activism, social commentary or using their voices for the greater good, Hussy Hicks followed up their 2017 Album of the Year winning release with their new 6th studio album, Gather Up The People, which looks at many of the issues at the forefront of the global consciousness this year, calling for a future without sexism, racism, homophobia and xenophobia, but most importantly, without fear.
Tour Dates:
11/3 – Nightquarter, Sunshine Coast QLD
18/3 – Brunswick Picture House, Brunswick Heads NSW
19/3 – Lakeside Festival, Tuncurry NSW
20/3 – Girl PWR Music Fest @ The Hoey Moey, Coffs Harbour NSW
24/3 – Little Alberts, Bathurst NSW
25 & 26/3 – Moruya Blues & Roots Festival NSW
27/3 – The Vanguard, Sydney NSW
15-18/4 – Bluesfest Byron Bay NSW
22/4 – Tamworth Services Club NSW
PLAY GAME (you know you want to) HERE