After having performed successfully at numerous talent quests and band competitions, including taking out the 2011 gong at Youth Rock, PENNYBLACK have now stepped up and are taking their show to performance venues and festivals.
Their sound is fresh and vibrant, and since forming they have crafted their own style of ‘Aussie Rock’ into a sound which has broad appeal and leaves their audience wanting more. From day one the band have been in development with Producer / Songwriter Scott Bird (formerly Pale Riders).These guys are passionate about their music and more importantly; they deliver the goods.
Their repertoire consists of finely crafted originals interspersed with select covers chosen from artists such as Creedence, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, the Rolling Stones, Muddy Waters, The Angels, Screaming Jets and the Allman Brothers to name a few. Here’s what they had to say to Indent about their recent Youth Rock Win.
Who are PENNYBLACK?
PENNYBLACK are a young up and coming band from the Central Coast of NSW. They currently play as a cover band but perform 12 originals in their show which they play in all kinds of pubs, clubs, bars and parties. They have been featured on SBS on ‘The Crew’ and plan to release an album sometime this year or next.
How long have you been playing together as a band and what bought you together for in the first place?
PENNYBLACK was formed in late August 2007 and since then they have been perfecting their instruments and their show. Through the same guitar/drum teacher (Scott Bird of Pale Riders) Nick Read found Stephen Muhvich (rhythm guitar) and his brother Matt Muhvich (ex-drummer 2007-10) and played as a trio until through family friend connections Nick Hancock (Bass Guitar) was introduced to the band in late ‘07/early ’08. Liam Pollard (drummer 2010-present) was introduced to the band again by teacher/producer Scott Bird and since then they have been perfecting their show. Writing music and playing shows around NSW have earned the boys fans, confidence and a reputation of an incredible rock band with a fresh new taste.
What inspired the name?
Scott Bird (producer/teacher) suggested the name after the postage stamp in Great Britain (The Penny Black) and also named as his hometown local post office in Tasmania (Penny Black Post Office).
What are some of your favorite artists or bands?
AC/DC, Airbourne, INXS, Rose Tattoo, Jimmy Barnes, Cold Chisel, Iron Maiden, Jet and many others.
You just took out Youth Rock 2011, first off congratulations, how was the competition?
The competition was awesome. It’s an incredible experience, awesome equipment, awesome staff and other musicians and an all-round incredible experience. The equipment, sound and the mixing was incredible and was a true rock concert experience.
What’s next for the band?
The prizes won for PENNYBLACK have brought closer our dreams of making an album and equipment that can help us with our shows and our recording.
What are all ages gigs like up in Terrigal?
I hear there pretty good that is at Wyong Oasis, Metrodome Gosford and a few other places but we haven’t done any as yet. There are heaps of youth centres like Kincumber and Erina that do Battle of the bands competitions which are great for up and coming bands.
What would be your ideal gig, including dream line up and location?
Love to do a massive outdoor gig with a heap of Aussie Legends INXS, Rose Tattoo, Jimmy Barnes, Thirsty Merc, Noiseworks etc.
Any advice to bands entering Youth Rock next year?
Practice doesn’t make perfect… Perfect practise makes perfect. Keep it simple and love what you do and be yourself, not what you think you have to be.
Hear their tunes on
