#43 - Rick Price
Rick Price Biography
Rick Price is one of Australia's most accomplished singer-songwriters, renowned for his timeless voice, heartfelt songwriting and enduring contribution to contemporary Australian music. With a career spanning more than four decades, Price has established himself as an internationally respected recording artist, producer, multi-instrumentalist and performer whose songs continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
Born in Beaudesert, Queensland, Rick Price grew up surrounded by music. From the age of nine, he was performing with his family's country band, Union Beau, playing dances and community events throughout southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. Those early experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong career in music, while influences such as Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Carole King and the great American singer-songwriters helped shape his distinctive musical style. citeturn0search10
At eighteen, Price moved to Sydney to pursue a professional career. Initially working as a bass player and session musician, he quickly became one of Australia's most sought-after backing vocalists, performing and recording with artists including Marcia Hines, Jon English, Dragon, Jade Hurley, Kerrie Biddell and Tommy Emmanuel. These years provided invaluable experience before launching his own solo career. citeturn0search10turn0search2
Rick's breakthrough arrived in 1992 with the release of his debut album, Heaven Knows, which reached No. 3 on the ARIA Albums Chart. The album produced a string of hit singles including "Not a Day Goes By," "Heaven Knows"and later "Walk Away Renée." The title track earned APRA Song of the Year, cementing Price's reputation as one of Australia's finest songwriters. His warm, expressive vocals and emotionally honest songwriting struck a chord with audiences, making him one of the country's biggest recording artists of the decade. citeturn0search10turn0search2
While enjoying enormous success in Australia, Rick's music also found a devoted international audience. "Heaven Knows" became a major hit throughout Southeast Asia, reaching No. 1 in several countries and earning Song of the Yearhonours at the Singapore Music Awards. His albums sold strongly across Asia and Europe, establishing him as one of Australia's most successful international singer-songwriters. citeturn0search2
Throughout the years, Price has continued to evolve as both an artist and producer. His acclaimed albums—including Tamborine Mountain, Soulville, Tennessee Sky, California Dreaming and numerous live recordings—showcase his versatility across pop, soul, folk, country and Americana. As a producer and collaborator, he has worked with a wide range of Australian and international artists, always bringing his trademark musicianship and melodic sensibility to every project.
Now based in Nashville, Tennessee, Rick continues to write, record and tour internationally while maintaining a strong connection with Australian audiences. His live performances are celebrated for their warmth, authenticity and storytelling, combining classic hits with newer material that reflects a lifetime devoted to songwriting and musical craftsmanship. citeturn0search8turn0search10
Across more than forty years in music, Rick Price has remained true to the qualities that first made audiences fall in love with his work: exceptional songwriting, soulful vocals and an ability to tell stories that speak to the heart. Songs like "Heaven Knows" and "Not a Day Goes By" have become enduring Australian classics, while his continued creativity ensures his influence extends well beyond the era in which he first rose to prominence.
Today, Rick Price stands as one of Australia's most respected singer-songwriters—an artist whose catalogue has stood the test of time and whose passion for creating meaningful music continues to inspire audiences around the world.
#42 - Bob Evans
Bob Evans, the ARIA winning alter ego of Jebediah frontman Kevin Mitchell, has graced the Australian music scene for more than two decades and has written some of the country’s most beloved songs.
Under the alias of Bob Evans, Mitchell has released six albums, all of which showcase the versatility and skill of this talented songsmith. Gentle, acoustic melodies prevail, enveloping the classic folk storytelling and strong emotional pull that characterises Mitchells’ substantial body of work.
Bob Evans has achieved awards for Best Male Artist in Rolling Stone Australia’s annual reader poll, was a finalist for the Australian Music Prize, and a strong contender for the much lauded J Award in 2006. Bob Evans’ second studio release, ‘Suburban Songbook’, had Kev pick up a 2006 ARIA Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album, chalking up Gold accreditation in the process. ‘Goodnight, Bull Creek!’, his third studio album, earned Mitchell dual 2009 ARIA Award nominations for Best Male Artist and Best Adult Contemporary Album while ‘Familiar Stranger’ followed up with a 2013 ARIA Award nomination for Best Adult Contemporary Album.
2018 saw Bob release his much anticipated ‘Full Circle’ best of album on vinyl, digital and CD, while in 2019 he released ‘Suburban Songbook’ on heavyweight 12” vinyl, which quickly sold out.
Bob took his music and humour to the world launching a highly successful Podcast, ‘Good Evans, It’s a Bobcast!’ featuring special guests Josh Pyke, Paul Dempsey, Adalita, Sarah McLeod, Carly Findlay, Tom Ballard, Lindsay McDougall, Melody Pool, Julia Zemiro, Scott Ludlum, Robbie Buck, Kram and Will Schofield from the West Coast Eagles and more. The series includes stories that shaped Evans and his career and was the number one Australian Music Podcast to subscribe to in 2016 on launch! Most recently he has created a COVID19 special series with Josh Pyke, updated weekly.
As a lover of the road and a true troubadour, Kev chalked up an enormous number of kilometres around Australia following the release of his 2016 album ‘Car Boot Sale’, playing more than 55 shows - 3 full national tours including the special 10th Anniversary shows with good friend Josh Pyke, Peninsula Picnic, Elsewhere Festival, State of the Art, Floriade Festival and Queenscliff Music Festival. He also played his first ever shows in Japan to sold out audiences. 2019 was a very busy live year as Bob toured nationally with his Full Circle album, Whitlams support and finally his ‘Into The Night’ solo show. 2020 has seen him perform at the Recovery Bushfire Fundraiser, Riverboats Festival and the very first Delivered Live Streaming Festival.
Nominated for Best Adult Contemporary Album at the 2016 ARIA Awards, Evans graced the Double J airwaves in August 2017 for four special shows filling in for Myf Warhurst.
"....the portrait stowed in his attic grows more interesting with each album." Rolling Stone AU
#40 Jason Dasey
For more than two decades, Michael Paynter has been one of the most quietly influential and widely respected figures in the Australian music industry. Emerging from Melbourne’s club circuit in 2004, he quickly rose to national attention as an international Sony Music recording artist, delivering multiple Top 20 singles and the multi-platinum hit “Love The Fall” (feat. The Veronicas), one of the most-spun Australian tracks of 2010.
A gifted singer, musician and writer, Michael has recorded albums in Los Angeles, London and across Australia, collaborating with world-class artists, writers and producers. His solo career has seen him tour extensively both at home and abroad, supporting Miley Cyrus, The Script, Seal, and performing alongside icons including John Farnham, Hall & Oates, Vanessa Amorosi and Shannon Noll.
From 2013–2020, Michael served as Music Director for The Veronicas, touring Australia/NZ, Europe, the USA and Asia. He is currently a full-time member of both ICEHOUSE and Jimmy Barnes’ touring bands – two of the most enduring and celebrated names in Australian music. His session and touring résumé also includes Robbie Williams (UK), Bachelor Girl, Killing Heidi, Delta Goodrem, Reece Mastin, and many more, making him one of the most in-demand musicians in the country.
Michael is equally at home on some of the nation’s biggest stages and broadcast events. He has become a trusted performer for major corporate showcases and nationally televised moments, including multiple appearances on Carols by Candlelight – one of Australia’s highest-rating annual broadcasts, attracting well over a million viewers nationwide each year. He has performed for the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup, delivered the national anthem at the opening of the 2025 Sydney Test, and was featured at the Sydney launch of the new Toyota Prado. Michael also performed the Australian anthem at the 2015 MotoGP, underscoring his reputation as a world-class vocalist relied upon by major organisations, sporting bodies and global brands.
In 2024, Michael took on the formidable role of “Jesus” in Timothy Sheader’s acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar. His performance drew exceptional critical response, culminating in the Judith Johnson Award for Best Leading Performance in a Musical. A video of the much-loved song, “Gethsemane” soon went viral, capturing the attention of the international theatre world and social media viewers alike, clocking millions of views across platforms.
Alongside his live career, Michael has become a powerhouse behind the scenes. Over the past 15 years, he has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most trusted and successful contemporary songwriters and producers. He is a multiple ARIA Award and Golden Guitar Award winner, dividing his time between Australia and Nashville, and is consistently sought after by major artists and labels. His writing and production credits span Aloe Blacc, Jimmy Barnes, Kaylee Bell, Cooper Alan, Casey Barnes, James Johnston, TKay Maidza, Tina Arena, Mason Ramsey, and many others.
Across his body of work – on stage, in the studio, and across continents – Michael Paynter has become synonymous with musical excellence, creative integrity and unwavering professionalism. With a rare blend of grounded confidence, mastery and experience, he remains a compelling force in Australian music: a true craftsman dedicated to elevating every project he touches.
#39 Michael Paynter
For more than two decades, Michael Paynter has been one of the most quietly influential and widely respected figures in the Australian music industry. Emerging from Melbourne’s club circuit in 2004, he quickly rose to national attention as an international Sony Music recording artist, delivering multiple Top 20 singles and the multi-platinum hit “Love The Fall” (feat. The Veronicas), one of the most-spun Australian tracks of 2010.
A gifted singer, musician and writer, Michael has recorded albums in Los Angeles, London and across Australia, collaborating with world-class artists, writers and producers. His solo career has seen him tour extensively both at home and abroad, supporting Miley Cyrus, The Script, Seal, and performing alongside icons including John Farnham, Hall & Oates, Vanessa Amorosi and Shannon Noll.
From 2013–2020, Michael served as Music Director for The Veronicas, touring Australia/NZ, Europe, the USA and Asia. He is currently a full-time member of both ICEHOUSE and Jimmy Barnes’ touring bands – two of the most enduring and celebrated names in Australian music. His session and touring résumé also includes Robbie Williams (UK), Bachelor Girl, Killing Heidi, Delta Goodrem, Reece Mastin, and many more, making him one of the most in-demand musicians in the country.
Michael is equally at home on some of the nation’s biggest stages and broadcast events. He has become a trusted performer for major corporate showcases and nationally televised moments, including multiple appearances on Carols by Candlelight – one of Australia’s highest-rating annual broadcasts, attracting well over a million viewers nationwide each year. He has performed for the ICC T20 Cricket World Cup, delivered the national anthem at the opening of the 2025 Sydney Test, and was featured at the Sydney launch of the new Toyota Prado. Michael also performed the Australian anthem at the 2015 MotoGP, underscoring his reputation as a world-class vocalist relied upon by major organisations, sporting bodies and global brands.
In 2024, Michael took on the formidable role of “Jesus” in Timothy Sheader’s acclaimed production of Jesus Christ Superstar. His performance drew exceptional critical response, culminating in the Judith Johnson Award for Best Leading Performance in a Musical. A video of the much-loved song, “Gethsemane” soon went viral, capturing the attention of the international theatre world and social media viewers alike, clocking millions of views across platforms.
Alongside his live career, Michael has become a powerhouse behind the scenes. Over the past 15 years, he has built a reputation as one of Australia’s most trusted and successful contemporary songwriters and producers. He is a multiple ARIA Award and Golden Guitar Award winner, dividing his time between Australia and Nashville, and is consistently sought after by major artists and labels. His writing and production credits span Aloe Blacc, Jimmy Barnes, Kaylee Bell, Cooper Alan, Casey Barnes, James Johnston, TKay Maidza, Tina Arena, Mason Ramsey, and many others.
Across his body of work – on stage, in the studio, and across continents – Michael Paynter has become synonymous with musical excellence, creative integrity and unwavering professionalism. With a rare blend of grounded confidence, mastery and experience, he remains a compelling force in Australian music: a true craftsman dedicated to elevating every project he touches.
#38 - 8 Ball Aitken
8 Ball Aitken has toured the world performing his blues, soul, swamp-rock and groovy slide-guitar across twenty countries to date. He’s earned a loyal fanbase from his live shows and internet videos, while paying his dues as a singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer. He’s headed to Memphis with Taya Chani and his band in January 2026 to represent the Blues Association of South East Queensland at the International Blues Challenge.
8 Ball moved to Nashville, Tennessee, USA in 2012 and worked for nine years with many of the best in the blues business today. He won second place in the 2021 International New Orleans Cigar Box Guitar Festival.
8 Ball is back with a brand-new collaboration album ‘Nightbird’. He wrote and produced the recording with soul singer Taya Chani at his home studio in the Glass House Mountains. The title-track ‘Nightbird’ immediately hit #1 on the Australian AMRAP Regional Charts in March 2025 for two weeks in a row as did their second single ‘Miss You The Most’ in May. 8 Ball & Taya’s signature harmonies and groovy guitars have proved to be a winning combination and festival favorite.
8 Ball’s previous two self-produced albums ‘ICE CREAM MAN’ & ‘ICE CREAM MAN 2’ both hit #1 on the Australian Blues & Roots Charts. The cast of musicians include 8 Ball’s band plus Grammy winning drummer Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy) and saxophone legend Buddy Leach (George Thorogood & The Destroyers).
8 Ball regularly tours Australia and USA. Tour dates, tickets, videos, merchandise and more are all available from 8ballaitken.com
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY...
“8 Ball Aitken demonstrates that the blues are alive and well Down Under with this deep-in-the-pocket collection of modern blues and blues rock that’s built atop a swamp blues structure.” Chicago Blues Guide
“For a guy from Australia, 8 Ball Aitken really has the Delta in his bones… I wouldn’t be surprised to find Mississippi mud on the soles of his shoes.” - Gonzo Okanagan
“A lovely, enjoyable collection, start to finish, with the inevitable few songs that stand out, and invite you to hit the replay.” Blues In Britain – Graham Munn
“A mixture of balladry, wordplay, and cutting edge guitar, Swamp Blues 2 from 8 Ball Aitken deserves to be in everyone’s collection.” American Blues Scene
"Ice Cream Man is a splendid listen from start to finish. I highly recommend it.” Philly Cheeze’s Rock & Blues Reviews
"I first saw him when he was young, hairy and straight outa Brisbane. Now he’s all growed up and going global. Unstoppable!” Ross Wilson (Daddy Cool, Eagle Rock), Melbourne, Australia
"8 Ball is not an act any band wants to follow! ....even a 5 piece band will have to do some quick and serious note pounding to get 8-ball's vibe off the stage, it just hangs in the air long after he is gone.....he's a freakin solo red headed infector...!" Mitch Lind, owner/promoter of the Riverhawk and Stringbreak Music Festivals, Florida, USA
“This is outstanding. The way it should be done. You have a new fan.” Ray Wylie Hubbard, Texas, USA