Chris Murphy (Australian singer)
Encyclopedia
Christopher Bryce Murphy (born 25 March 1976 in Perth
, Australia
), is an Australian male singer-songwriter
who rose to fame when he placed fourth in Australian Idol 2006.
Starting piano
lessons at age 11, he added guitar
to his list of skills and began playing in his band, 'Murphy's Lore' at the age of 16. Over the years, Chris has worked part time jobs and has given guitar lessons to supplement his income. His wife, Sherri, collaborates with him in their duo, Valentine Moon.
Chris is also the lead singer of an Australian band, Murphy's Lore. Murphy's fellow band members include his two brothers, Courtney (who came third in Australian Idol 2004) and Kieran. The band have regular gigs at The Foundry, and have had 3 independent albums released - "People in Grass Houses" 1995 - "Best Laid Plans" 1999 - The Universe Conspires" 2002.
Like Murphy's Lore, Chris signed to 'Popboomerang' records for the release of his debut album, "Elbow Room" in 2005. Details can be found at www.last.fm. In 2007, Chris re-packaged and re-titled the album "Chris Murphy", including 5 new songs and featuring Australian rock icon Stevie Wright on guest vocals for Chris' cover of Evie (Part 1 ). The Album is set for release mid-2007 on 'Yellow Banana Records'.
called "World and Universe". During the first semi final round, Murphy sang "Crazy Little Thing Called Love
" by Queen
but did not secure enough votes to advance.
On 4 September, Murphy amassed the most votes left of the remaining contestants to advance to the Top 12 as the fourth of four successful wildcard contestants.
On 29 October, Chris Murphy received a "touchdown" from judge Mark Holden
with his performance Evie Part One by Stevie Wright.
On 6 November, Chris Murphy was voted out of the competition. The bottom two came down to Chris Murphy and Dean Geyer
, of which Murphy placed fourth in Australian Idol 2006.
Chris Murphy is best known to the nation for his electrifying performance of 'Evie (part 1) on "Australian Idol" 2006. Marcia Hines noted that it was "One of the most exciting performances we've ever seen on that stage" and Mark Holden awarded it a 'Touchdown'.
Member of renowned WA band "Murphy's Lore", Chris has led the group from its formation in 1993, through the triumphs and tribulations attached to being one of the states highest profile bands.
Chris and Murphy's Lore have played most venues in Perth and have toured extensively north and south of the State as well as performing many high profile gigs around the country. Tours to Singapore and supports for legendary Australian acts such as Jimmy Barnes and Daryl Braithwaite have cemented their reputation as one of the most accomplished acts on the scene.
Chris' younger brother and Murphy's Lore keyboardist and vocalist Courtney Murphy came third on "Australian Idol " in 2004 and is now working on his debut album and touring the nation.
Chris Murphy is one of Perth's most prominent solo performers. An acoustic guitar, an amazing voice and a sense of humour are the only tools Chris calls on to deliver a riveting show. Such performances have led to his recent inclusion on the "Kevin Bloody Wilson live in the UK & Ireland 2004" tour, which brought about many accolades for his musical and vocal proficiency.
A professional musician with 12 years experience, 3 original album releases, national TV appearances and numerous song writing awards under his belt, Chris Murphy delights audiences from all walks of life whenever and wherever he plays.
In September 2009 Chris began co-hosting a nighttime radio program "The Chris and Jo Show" on Perth radio station 96fm.
Chris recently toured Australia in October 2010 with his band the Holy Rollers as support to Creedence Clearwater Revival. As a part of this tour he released a new album titled Look at This/Remember That which is available for purchase from his website http://www.chrismurphy.net.au . The album features 5 brand new songs from his forthcoming Duets album which is due to be released some time in 2011. Fantastic tracks like "Here She Comes", "Run and Don't Look Back" and "Now is the Time" are well worth a listen. The album also features some of Chris's songs from his previous album which he has remastered.
Perth, Western Australia
Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia and the fourth most populous city in Australia. The Perth metropolitan area has an estimated population of almost 1,700,000....
, Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
), is an Australian male singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriter
Singer-songwriters are musicians who write, compose and sing their own musical material including lyrics and melodies. As opposed to contemporary popular music singers who write their own songs, the term singer-songwriter describes a distinct form of artistry, closely associated with the...
who rose to fame when he placed fourth in Australian Idol 2006.
Starting piano
Piano
The piano is a musical instrument played by means of a keyboard. It is one of the most popular instruments in the world. Widely used in classical and jazz music for solo performances, ensemble use, chamber music and accompaniment, the piano is also very popular as an aid to composing and rehearsal...
lessons at age 11, he added guitar
Guitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
to his list of skills and began playing in his band, 'Murphy's Lore' at the age of 16. Over the years, Chris has worked part time jobs and has given guitar lessons to supplement his income. His wife, Sherri, collaborates with him in their duo, Valentine Moon.
Chris is also the lead singer of an Australian band, Murphy's Lore. Murphy's fellow band members include his two brothers, Courtney (who came third in Australian Idol 2004) and Kieran. The band have regular gigs at The Foundry, and have had 3 independent albums released - "People in Grass Houses" 1995 - "Best Laid Plans" 1999 - The Universe Conspires" 2002.
Like Murphy's Lore, Chris signed to 'Popboomerang' records for the release of his debut album, "Elbow Room" in 2005. Details can be found at www.last.fm. In 2007, Chris re-packaged and re-titled the album "Chris Murphy", including 5 new songs and featuring Australian rock icon Stevie Wright on guest vocals for Chris' cover of Evie (Part 1 ). The Album is set for release mid-2007 on 'Yellow Banana Records'.
Australian Idol
Chris Murphy gained first attention at the Perth auditions on Australian Idol 2006 by singing an original composition on guitarGuitar
The guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
called "World and Universe". During the first semi final round, Murphy sang "Crazy Little Thing Called Love
Crazy Little Thing Called Love
"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is a song by the rock band Queen. Written by Freddie Mercury in 1979, the track featured on their 1980 album The Game, and also appears on the band's compilation album, Greatest Hits...
" by Queen
Queen (band)
Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
but did not secure enough votes to advance.
On 4 September, Murphy amassed the most votes left of the remaining contestants to advance to the Top 12 as the fourth of four successful wildcard contestants.
On 29 October, Chris Murphy received a "touchdown" from judge Mark Holden
Mark Holden
Mark Holden is an Australian singer, television personality and barrister. He was one of a panel of three judges on the television series Australian Idol.-Acting career:...
with his performance Evie Part One by Stevie Wright.
On 6 November, Chris Murphy was voted out of the competition. The bottom two came down to Chris Murphy and Dean Geyer
Dean Geyer
Dean Stanley Geyer is an Australian Singer-Songwriter and Actor who came third in the 2006 season of the talent show television series, Australian Idol.-Early life:...
, of which Murphy placed fourth in Australian Idol 2006.
Chris Murphy is best known to the nation for his electrifying performance of 'Evie (part 1) on "Australian Idol" 2006. Marcia Hines noted that it was "One of the most exciting performances we've ever seen on that stage" and Mark Holden awarded it a 'Touchdown'.
Member of renowned WA band "Murphy's Lore", Chris has led the group from its formation in 1993, through the triumphs and tribulations attached to being one of the states highest profile bands.
Chris and Murphy's Lore have played most venues in Perth and have toured extensively north and south of the State as well as performing many high profile gigs around the country. Tours to Singapore and supports for legendary Australian acts such as Jimmy Barnes and Daryl Braithwaite have cemented their reputation as one of the most accomplished acts on the scene.
Chris' younger brother and Murphy's Lore keyboardist and vocalist Courtney Murphy came third on "Australian Idol " in 2004 and is now working on his debut album and touring the nation.
Chris Murphy is one of Perth's most prominent solo performers. An acoustic guitar, an amazing voice and a sense of humour are the only tools Chris calls on to deliver a riveting show. Such performances have led to his recent inclusion on the "Kevin Bloody Wilson live in the UK & Ireland 2004" tour, which brought about many accolades for his musical and vocal proficiency.
A professional musician with 12 years experience, 3 original album releases, national TV appearances and numerous song writing awards under his belt, Chris Murphy delights audiences from all walks of life whenever and wherever he plays.
In September 2009 Chris began co-hosting a nighttime radio program "The Chris and Jo Show" on Perth radio station 96fm.
Chris recently toured Australia in October 2010 with his band the Holy Rollers as support to Creedence Clearwater Revival. As a part of this tour he released a new album titled Look at This/Remember That which is available for purchase from his website http://www.chrismurphy.net.au . The album features 5 brand new songs from his forthcoming Duets album which is due to be released some time in 2011. Fantastic tracks like "Here She Comes", "Run and Don't Look Back" and "Now is the Time" are well worth a listen. The album also features some of Chris's songs from his previous album which he has remastered.
Australian Idol Performances
- Perth Auditions: "World and Universe" by Chris Murphy
- Theatre Round - Day Two Group Performance: "Beautiful DayBeautiful Day"Beautiful Day" is a song by the rock band U2. It is the first track from their 2000 album, All That You Can't Leave Behind, and it was released as the album's lead single. It was a commercial success, helping launch the album to multi-platinum status, and is one of U2's biggest hits to date...
" by U2U2U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music... - Theatre Round - Day Three Solo Performance: "Cry in Shame" by Johnny DieselJohnny DieselJohnny Diesel is an Australian musician, who has released material as leader of Johnny Diesel & the Injectors, under his birth name, or by the epithet Diesel...
- Top 24: "Crazy Little Thing Called LoveCrazy Little Thing Called Love"Crazy Little Thing Called Love" is a song by the rock band Queen. Written by Freddie Mercury in 1979, the track featured on their 1980 album The Game, and also appears on the band's compilation album, Greatest Hits...
" by QueenQueen (band)Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor... - Wildcard: "Holy GrailHoly Grail (song)Holy Grail is a song performed by the Australian band Hunters & Collectors on their 1992 album Cut. With lyrics referring to popular Holy Grail mythology, the song is an anthemic single inspired by Napoleon's march to Russia in 1812, but also referencing the Hunters and Collectors' flagging...
" by Hunters & CollectorsHunters & CollectorsHunters & Collectors were an Australian rock music band formed in Melbourne in 1981, fronted by singer-songwriter and guitarist Mark Seymour, they developed a blend of pub rock and art-funk... - Top 12 - Contestant's Choice: "Wish You WellWish You Well"Wish You Well" is the first single from Bernard Fanning's solo debut album Tea and Sympathy, released in 2005 and was voted number 1 on the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2005.-Music video:...
" by Bernard FanningBernard FanningBernard Joseph Fanning is a musician and singer-songwriter. He is best known as the lead singer and frontman of Australian alternative rock band Powderfinger from its formation in 1989 to its dissolution in 2010.... - Top 11 - Rock - "Is It Just Me?" by The Darkness
- Top 10 - #1 Hits: "Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)"Against All Odds " is a song by British singer Phil Collins recorded for soundtrack to the 1984 film of the same name. It is a power ballad in which its protagonist implores an ex-lover to "take a look at me now", knowing that reconciliation is "against all odds" while considering it worth trying...
" by Phil CollinsPhil CollinsPhilip David Charles "Phil" Collins, LVO is an English singer-songwriter, drummer, pianist and actor best known as a drummer and vocalist for British progressive rock group Genesis and as a solo artist.... - Top 9 - Contestant's year of birth: "Life in the Fast LaneLife in the Fast Lane"Life in the Fast Lane" is a song written by Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey and Don Henley and recorded by the American rock band Eagles on their 1976 studio album Hotel California...
" by Eagles - Top 8 - Disco: "Play That Funky MusicPlay That Funky Music"Play That Funky Music" is a funk song written by Robert Parissi and recorded by the band Wild Cherry. The performers on the classic recording included the members of the band at the time: lead singer Parissi, guitarist Bryan Bassett, bassist Allen Wentz, and drummer Ron Beitle, with session horn...
" by Wild CherryWild Cherry (band)Wild Cherry was a funk/rock band best known for their funk song "Play That Funky Music".-History:Rob Parissi was raised in the steel mill town of Mingo Junction, Ohio. Parissi graduated from Mingo High School in 1968. Rob formed the band Wild Cherry in 1970 in Steubenville, Ohio, one mile north of... - Top 7 - Acoustic: "No More Lonely NightsNo More Lonely NightsNo More Lonely Nights is a song written by Paul McCartney, which was first released in September 1984. It can be heard on the soundtrack, Give My Regards to Broad Street. The single reached #6 in the US and #2 in the UK...
" by Paul McCartneyPaul McCartneySir James Paul McCartney, MBE, Hon RAM, FRCM is an English musician, singer-songwriter and composer. Formerly of The Beatles and Wings , McCartney is listed in Guinness World Records as the "most successful musician and composer in popular music history", with 60 gold discs and sales of 100... - Top 7 - Up Close & Personal Special - "Diamond Days" by Chris Murphy
- Top 6 - Rock Swing: "You Shook Me All Night LongYou Shook Me All Night Long"You Shook Me All Night Long" is one of AC/DC's signature songs from their most successful album, Back in Black. The song also reappeared on their later album Who Made Who. It is one of the band's top 40 singles, reaching number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 pop singles chart in 1980...
" by AC/DCAC/DCAC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. Commonly classified as hard rock, they are considered pioneers of heavy metal, though they themselves have always classified their music as simply "rock and roll"... - Top 5 - Australian Music: "Evie Part OneEvie (song)Evie is an Australian rock song released as a single in 1974 by Australian music legend and former frontman of The Easybeats, Stevie Wright.It was written by Harry Vanda and George Young...
" by Stevie Wright TOUCHDOWN ! - Top 4 - Viewer's Choice: "Something BeautifulSomething Beautiful"Something Beautiful" is a song by British pop singer Robbie Williams, it was released as the third single from his album Escapology in the summer of 2003.-Music video:...
" by Robbie WilliamsRobbie WilliamsRobert Peter "Robbie" Williams is an English singer-songwriter, vocal coach and occasional actor. He is a member of the pop group Take That. Williams rose to fame in the band's first run in the early- to mid-1990s. After many disagreements with the management and certain group members, Williams... - Top 4 - Viewer's Choice: "Mean to MeMean to Me (Crowded House song)"Mean to Me" is a 1986 song by rock group Crowded House. It was the first single the band ever released. The single was only released as a 7" vinyl single. It was released two weeks prior to the group's debut album, Crowded House, and appears on the album...
" by Crowded HouseCrowded HouseCrowded House are a rock band, formed in Melbourne, Australia and led by New Zealand singer-songwriter Neil Finn. Finn is the primary songwriter and creative director of the band, having led it through several incarnations, drawing members from New Zealand , Australia and the United States...
Discography
- 2010: Look at This/Remember That (available now from his website http://www.chrismurphy.net.au )
- 2007: Chris Murphy
- 2005: Elbow Room
- 2002: The Universe Conspires w/Murphy's Lore
- 1999: Best Laid Plans w/Murphy's Lore
- 1995: People in Grass Houses w/Murphy's Lore