Bio

Bio

Respected by both fans and peers across the globe and often referred to as a blend of music icons such as The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Ray Davies, Ron Sexsmith & Neil Finn – late bloomer DC Cardwell has only just begun his foray into the world of music. A “triple threat” singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (not to mention producer!) he recently sealed his credentials by taking out BOTH top prizes in the national Australian Catapult Song Contest.

DC is currently #1 in the Melbourne Singer-Songwriter charts on Reverbnation and #2 nationally, and his online fanbase of over 18,000 spans many countries. His self-produced and debut album Some Hope was released in 2010 by US label Gladyce Records and met with glowing reviews internationally. Of the record, Aaron Kupferberg from Powerpopaholic wrote,

“DC Cardwell creates a heartfelt acoustic gem here, full of wonderful melodic hooks and a Ray Davies styled vocal. The gentle minor chords and harmonies that open “I Am Still The Same” are both brilliant and poignant. “Birthday Present” is another example of solid composition and a revelatory Harrison styled guitar break. Some of the mid-tempo ballads (“The Quiet Ages”) are like magical combinations of both Paul Simon and McCartney. ”

The success of the album also paved the way for other opportunities abroad. DC flew to LA in 2010 to perform 5 special recordings at the invitation of Music Director Jaymee Carpenter for an upcoming US documentary Directed by Michael Garcia (former Vice President of HBO Entertainment) and produced by Jeff Bridges.

Growing up in Northern Ireland during the Troubles shaped DC’s formative years. In 1988 he emigrated to Vancouver with his wife Marjie and their first born son where they lived until moving to Australia in the late 90’s with their second son.

While DC had played guitar for his wife Marjie for many years, soon after arriving in Australia she retired temporarily from music to pursue university studies. So it wasn’t until 2003 as his two boys were growing up and beginning to create their own relationship with music that DC began to sing and write his own songs.

DC’s humble approach to his craft has grown to captivate audiences around the globe. The latest single “I Am Still The Same” (from his debut album) was selected from over 3000 original song entries Australia wide to win both the overall audience award and the judges favourite award (John Foreman, Natalie Gauci, Tim Blackwell etc.) in the prestigious Catapult Song Contest 2011. Of the song, Australia’s most esteemed Music Director John Foreman noted “[I Am Still The Same has] fantastic evocative vocal tone and great lyrics. Together with the clip it’s a very moving song.”

The track continues to gain recognition, being selected as one of the Top 5 songs of the month for London based online radio station Recharge Radio.

DC’s simple yet delicately crafted melodies, coupled with a blend of poignant and witty lyrics, conjure subtle reminders of brilliant 60s and 70s rock fused with DC’s own infectious hooks and heart warming style.

With a lifetime of experience to sing about, DC Cardwell has no intention of slowing down. He’s only just getting started.