Snowman (band)

Snowman were a band originally from Perth, Western Australia. They relocated to London in 2008, and disbanded in 2011.

Snowman
OriginPerth, Western Australia, Australia
GenresIndie rock
Years active2003–2011
LabelsDot Dash Recordings
WebsiteOfficial website
MembersAndy Citawarman
Joe McKee
Olga Hermanniusson
Ross DiBlasio

History

Snowman began playing together in various incarnations and under different names during their high school years. Joe McKee and Andy Citawarman met when they were fourteen years old; they began writing music together almost immediately. Olga Hermanniusson soon joined on Bass guitar and saxophone. After a few line-up and name changes, the band settled on Snowman with new drummer Ross DiBlasio joining in 2002. In 2003 they began playing live around Australia. They also recorded two demo CDs, which included early versions of 'Lost in the Woods', 'The Horror Song', 'Moodswing' and a track that would go through many changes to eventually become 'Wormwood'.

The band won The Next Big Thing competition in 2003 and began recording an EP later that year. Zombies On The Airwaves Of Paris was finally released in September 2004 via Shock Records in Australia. It garnered positive reviews nationally. Lead single, 'Lost In The Woods' was placed on high rotation on national youth broadcaster, Triple J. National tours with Interpol, Regurgitator, The Mint Chicks and Wolfmother soon followed, as well as a publishing deal with Mushroom Music Publishing.

In 2005 the band were nominated for six WAMi Awards: 'Most Popular Act', 'Most Popular Single / EP', 'Most Popular Live Act', 'Favourite Newcomer', and 'Most Promising New Act & Best Punk Act', winning the 'Favourite Newcomer' award. In 2006 the band were nominated for two WAMi Awards: 'Most Popular Live Act' and 'Best Male Vocalist', with Citawarman winning the 'Best Male Vocalist Award'. 2006 also saw them sign a record deal with Melbourne-based indie label Dot Dash.

Snowman began recording their self-titled debut album in December 2005 with Perth Producer David Parkin at Blackbird Studios. Snowman was released on 23 September 2006 on Dot Dash Recordings to positive reviews.[1][2][3] Singles, 'Smoke & Mirrors', 'You Are A Casino' and 'Swimming With Sharks' were all added to high rotation on Triple J. The album was a local music feature on community radio stations RTRfm in Perth and FBI in Sydney. They toured Australia extensively in the year that followed, playing the national Big Day Out tour,[4] Meredith Music Festival, Laneway Festivals,[5] and supported Liars, Wolf & Cub and The Drones on their respective national tours. Several headline tours soon followed with supports from (the then lesser known) The Temper Trap, and New Zealanders, Batrider.

At the 2007 WAMi Awards Snowman won three WAMI awards for 'Most Popular Album' (Snowman), 'Most Popular Music Video' ("You Are A Casino") and 'Best Rock Act'.[6]

"You Are A Casino" was released as a limited 7" single in the UK on 25 June 2007 on the Passport Label, through Forte Distribution[7]

In January 2008, Snowman announced that they were recording their second album with David Parkin.[8]

On 1 May 2008, Dot Dash released a news article about the new Snowman album, releasing its album cover, track listing, and release date.[9] The Horse, The Rat and The Swan was released on 24 May 2008. It received critical acclaim throughout Australia, polling at number one on the Mess and Noise end of year critic's poll.[10] and receiving a positive review and honorable mention in Pitchfork Media's end of year poll.[11] It was a local feature album on RTR fm, RRR in Melbourne and FBI community radio stations and was included in several end of year critics polls.

After a national album launch and farewell tour of Australia, Snowman relocated to London in late 2008. They toured the UK and France with the likes of The Drones and PVT. The next two years saw Snowman write and record their follow up to The Horse, The Rat and The Swan with Australian producer Aaron Cupples.

On 23 November 2010, Snowman announced the title, Absence, and track listing of their upcoming album.[12] The album was released on 3 June 2011. Upon its release Snowman formally announced that they had split up.

Band members
  • Andy Citawarman (b. Indonesia, 1984) – guitar/vocals/violin/keys
  • Joe McKee (b. England, 1984) – guitar/vocals/gammalan
  • Olga Hermanniusson (b. Australia, 1983) – bass/vocals/saxophone
  • Ross DiBlasio (b. Australia 1985) – drums/percussion

Discography

Albums/EPs

Compilations
  • WAMi Weekender Compilation CD – "Lost in the Woods" (2004)
  • Home And Hosed Volume 3: Ripe N Ready – "Lost in the Woods" (2005)
  • Kiss My WAMi 2006 – "Blood Money" (2006)

Citations and references
  1. "Archived Australasian Releases – September 2006". ARIA. Retrieved 22 January 2008.
  2. Shane O'Donohue. "Snowman". Herald Sun. Australia. Archived from the original on 27 September 2007. Retrieved 22 January 2008.
  3. "Snowman". FasterLouder. 26 October 2006. Retrieved 22 January 2008.
  4. "Big Day Out 2007 – Line Up". Archived from the original on 30 October 2007. Retrieved 22 January 2008.
  5. St Jeome's Laneway Festival 2007 line-up
  6. "Cold acts do well in WA music awards". The Australian. 18 January 2007. Retrieved 22 January 2008.
  7. "Snowman Take Out Their Passports". Remote Control Records. 19 July 2007. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 22 January 2008.
  8. "Recording New Album". 17 January 2008. Archived from the original on 22 April 2008. Retrieved 22 January 2008.
  9. "Snowman – The Horse, The Rat and The Swan". 1 May 2008.
  10. "Snowman Responds". 23 December 2008.
  11. "Snowman The Horse, the Rat and the Swan". 15 August 2008.
  12. "Snowman release album details...We think". 24 November 2010.
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