Misplaced Pages

Ball Park Music
Ball Park Music performing in 2014
Background information
Origin	Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Genres	Indie rock indie pop
Discography	Ball Park Music discography
Years active	2008–present
Labels	Stop Start Inertia Prawn
Members	Sam Cromack Jennifer Boyce Paul Furness Dean Hanson Daniel Hanson
Past members	Brock Smith
Website	www.ballparkmusic.com

Ball Park Music is an Australian five-piece indie rock band from Brisbane consisting of Sam Cromack, Jennifer Boyce, Paul Furness, Dean Hanson and Daniel Hanson. Since forming in 2008, the band has released seven studio albums. Their debut, Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs (2011), was nominated for Australian Album of the Year at the J Awards, and its 2012 follow-up, Museum, debuted at number nine on the ARIA charts. Their third album, Puddinghead (2014), was supported by the certified-platinum lead single "She Only Loves Me When I'm There".

Their experimental fourth album Every Night the Same Dream (2016) was praised for its psychedelic rock influence. In 2018, the band released Good Mood, a return to their familiar indie pop sound. Its platinum lead single "Exactly How You Are" polled at number 18 in the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2017, and led the record to critical acclaim with three ARIA Award nominations. In 2020, they released their sixth studio album, Ball Park Music, supported by "Cherub" which polled at number four in the Hottest 100 of 2020. It won Album of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards and peaked at number two on the ARIA charts. The band's seventh album, Weirder & Weirder (2022), was nominated for Best Independent Album and Best Rock Album at the 2022 ARIA Awards.

Career

Formation and early releases

Ball Park Music was formed in 2008 when all five members were chosen to form a band for an assignment at the Queensland University of Technology. Frontman Sam Cromack came up with the band name years prior as a teenager.

In April 2009, the band independently released their first extended play (EP), Rolling on the Floor, Laughing Ourselves to Sleep. It was quickly championed by Triple J presenter Steph Hughes, who gave an early version of "All I Want Is You" and "Black Skies" their first national airplay.

In 2010, the band released their second EP, Conquer the Town, Easy as Cake. It included the band's first Triple J hit, "iFly", which was added to high rotation and received a five-star rating from Richard Kingsmill. Another song, "Western Whirl", was nominated for both Best Alternative and The Courier-Mail People's Choice Awards at the 2010 Q Song Awards.

In October 2010, the band embarked on their first Australian tour in October with Hungry Kids of Hungary and Big Scary and released the single "Sad Rude Future Dude", which was placed on rotation by Triple J.

Ball Park Music was named as a Triple J New Crop artist ("one of the 20 best new bands in Australia") in November 2010. Further, they were the Queensland winner of a Triple J Unearthed competition and won the chance to play at Big Day Out 2011.

2011: Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs

In June 2011, Ball Park Music released "Rich People Are Stupid" which was put on high rotation on Triple J. On 24 June 2011, Ball Park Music signed to Sydney label Stop Start Music to release their debut album. "It's Nice to Be Alive" was released in July 2011, and its music video won the Channel Ripe Clip of the Week. "It's Nice to Be Alive" was featured in the film Blended (2014) and the fifth season of Gossip Girl. The track reached certified platinum status in Australia in 2021.

The band's debut studio album Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs was released in Australia and New Zealand on 9 September and debuted on the Australian ARIA Album Chart the following week at number 36. Ball Park Music embarked on a four-date headline tour with Adelaide rock outfit City Riots on the How I Met Ball Park Music Tour, which was followed by another headline tour to launch their debut album in October with Northeast Party House and The Jungle Giants. Immediately following that, they embarked as main support for Boy & Bear on their "Moonfire Tour".

In November, Ball Park Music were named the Unearthed Artist of the Year at the J Awards, and nominated for the 2011 J Award.

In December it was announced that Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs was voted number 10 in Triple J's Top 10 Albums of 2014 and number two in The AU Review's album poll. To finish off 2011, the band played Peats Ridge Festival and Pyramid Rock in Brisbane.

2012: Museum

Ball Park Music began 2012 by announcing The 180° Tour, described as "their most ambitious tour yet", with 14 dates supported by Nantes and Cub Scouts. The band was also added to the 2012 Groovin' the Moo line-up as well as Splendour in the Grass.

On 23 March 2012, Ball Park Music performed on Triple J's live music segment Like a Version, where they performed their single "All I Want Is You" followed by a cover of the Flaming Lips song "Do You Realize??".

On 20 July 2012, it was announced that the band would release new music and released the single "Surrender" leading into their set at Splendour in the Grass. It was followed by the announcement of a second album. Museum was released in Australia on 5 October 2012 and it was named Triple J's Feature Album the following week. The album peaked at number nine on the ARIA charts.

On 21 September 2012, it was announced that the band would be supporting Weezer on their 2013 Australian tour, alongside Cloud Control.

2013–2014: Puddinghead

On 14 February 2014, the band issued the lead single to their third studio album. "She Only Loves Me When I'm There" debuted at number 70 on the ARIA Singles Chart and reached certified platinum status in 2021. Second single "Trippin' the Light Fantastic" was released in May 2014. Ball Park Music's first self-produced album, Puddinghead was released on 4 April 2014. It peaked at number 2 on the ARIA Albums Chart, and was nominated for Best Rock Album at the 2014 ARIA Awards. At the 2014 J Awards, the record was nominated for Australian Album of the Year.

2015–2016: Every Night the Same Dream

Following a brief hiatus and "some hurdles writing this record", the band's fourth studio album, Every Night the Same Dream, was released on 19 August 2016. It was preceded by seven-minute single "Pariah" and "Nihilist Party Anthem". The album, which sonically takes on a more psychedelic rock sound, was met with acclaim. It debuted at number 3 on the ARIA Albums Chart.

2017–2018: Good Mood

In September 2017, Ball Park Music released "Exactly How You Are", the lead single to their fifth studio album. The song would later poll at number 18 in the Hottest 100 of 2017, and reach certified platinum status in Australia in 2021. "The Perfect Life Does Not Exist" was released in December 2017 as the second single. Good Mood was released on 16 February 2018, supported by a national tour in February and March with Ali Barter and Hatchie. "Hands Off My Body" was added to the official NBA 2K19 soundtrack, curated by Travis Scott. The album was nominated in three categories at the ARIA Music Awards of 2018 – Producer of the Year, Engineer of the Year and Best Cover Art.

2019–2020: Ball Park Music

The band's sixth album was announced with the title of Mostly Sunny in March 2020, alongside the release of single "Spark Up!". The following month, the band announced they were changing the title of the upcoming album to Ball Park Music. It was their first album to be released independently under their own label, Prawn Records.

A scheduled tour was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Australia, although the release of the self-titled album in October 2020 was followed by a concert residency at a venue in Brisbane. The album included the track "Cherub", which was considered a strong contender to reach #1 in the lead-up to the Triple J Hottest 100, 2020. It placed on the list at #4, beating their previous best, "Exactly How You Are", from 2017.

2021–2022: Weirder & Weirder

On 26 October 2021, the band released single "Sunscreen". It later polled at number 21 on Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2021. The band's seventh studio album was announced on 14 February 2022 with the title of Weirder & Weirder, originally set for release on 3 June 2022, however, it was pushed forward a week to 27 May 2022. The announcement came with dates for a new Australian tour. The album's second single "Stars In My Eyes" was released on 24 February. The song has been favoured by various publications to win the Hottest 100 of 2022. The third single, "Manny" was released on 6 May.

The band performed live in Sydney for the ABC's New Years' Eve concert on 31 December 2022. They performed originals "Stars In My Eyes", "Trippin' the Light Fantastic" and "It's Nice to Be Alive", as well as "The Real Thing" by Russell Morris and "Even When I'm Sleeping" by Leonardo's Bride.

Band members

• Sam Cromack – lead vocals, lead guitar (2008–present)
• Jennifer Boyce – bass guitar, backing vocals (2008–present)
• Paul Furness – keyboards, trombone (2008–present)
• Dean Hanson – rhythm guitar, bass guitar, backing vocals (2008–present)
• Daniel Hanson – drums, backing vocals (2008–present)

Former members

• Brock Smith – lead and rhythm guitar (2008–2011)

Other projects

Ball Park Music occasionally perform secret shows under the moniker of the Pizzas, a group described as "Brisbane's most elusive and cheesiest band".

Cromack records his solo work under the moniker My Own Pet Radio and has released three solo albums, Suburban Lemon Shops and the Bruxer in My Bed (2009), Unidentified Flying Collection of Songs (2010) and Goodlum (2015). Boyce also records solo work under the moniker Little Planes Land.

Discography

• Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs (2011)
• Museum (2012)
• Puddinghead (2014)
• Every Night the Same Dream (2016)
• Good Mood (2018)
• Ball Park Music (2020)
• Weirder & Weirder (2022)

Tours

Awards and nominations

AIR Awards

The Australian Independent Record Awards (known colloquially as the AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's independent music sector.

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters".

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual ceremony presented by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), which recognise excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of the music of Australia. They commenced in 1987.

J Awards

The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J. They commenced in 2005.

National Live Music Awards

The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) commenced in 2016 to recognise contributions to the live music industry in Australia.

Queensland Music Awards

The Queensland Music Awards (previously known as the Q Song Awards) are an annual awards ceremony celebrating Queensland's brightest emerging artists and established legends. They commenced in 2006.

Rolling Stone Australia Awards

The Rolling Stone Australia Awards are awarded annually in January or February by the Australian edition of Rolling Stone magazine for outstanding contributions to popular culture in the previous year.

References

1. McMillen, Andrew (17 February 2018). "Ball Park Music rises from uni beginnings to stardom". The Australian. Retrieved 4 February 2021.
2. McMillen, Andrew (19 May 2022). "Brisbane's Ball Park Music on staying friends after 7 albums and 14 years together". The Australian. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
3. McMillen, Andrew (17 February 2018). "In a Class of Their Own". The Australian. Retrieved 26 December 2023.
4. "The Buzz today!", The Cairns Post, 11 November 2009
5. "Ball Park Music". Triple J Unearthed. 26 May 2010. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
6. "Discover new Australian music". American Broadcasting Company. Retrieved 14 October 2015.
7. "Ball Park Music part of touring whirlwind", Caloundra Weekly, 27 October 2010
   - "2010 Q Song Award Nominations". Q Music. 22 July 2010.
8. "Select Music News". Archived from the original on 6 July 2011. Retrieved 18 September 2010.
9. "Ball Park Music release new single and debut live show around the country". Archived from the original on 26 March 2012. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
10. Newstead, Al (20 December 2013). "The Top 20 Artists You'll Love In 2014, According To Triple J". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
11. Carr, Michael (26 November 2010). "Big Day Out 2011: Local Artist Line-Up". Music Feeds. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
12. "Ball Park Music new video + Boy & Bear tour support". Mucho Bravado. 2 November 2011. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
13. "Your Daily SPA 24 June 2011 Ball Park Music sign to Stop Start". Archived from the original on 30 December 2012. Retrieved 21 July 2012.
14. "Choose language | Drupal". www.theinsoundfromwayout.com.
15. "Ball Park Music – IMDb". IMDb. 2020. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
16. "Ball Park Music – TV & Movie Placements". WhatSong. 23 May 2014. Retrieved 25 June 2020.
17. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2021" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 19 August 2022.
18. ^ "Touring: Ball Park Music w/ City Riots (Playing at LAST NIGHT)". Purple Sneakers. 7 June 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
19. Blase, William (30 November 2011). "J Awards Winners 2011". Music Feeds. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
20. "Triple J Album Polls". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 3 June 2020.
21. Darke, Brayden (14 October 2011). "Peats Ridge Festival 2011/2012 Line up: More Acts Announced". Music Feeds. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
22. Ritchie, John (23 August 2011). "Pyramid Rock Festival 2011/2012 Line-up Announced". Music Feeds. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
23. Lewis, Melanie (30 January 2012). "Ball Park Music's 180 Degree Tour". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
24. Darke, Brayden (22 February 2012). "Groovin The Moo 2012 Line-up – Chiddy Bang Cancel, Ball Park Music Join". Music Feeds. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
25. "Splendour In The Grass 2012 Lineup – Official Announcement". Music Feeds. 19 April 2012. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
26. "Ball Park Music covers The Flaming Lips 'Do You Realize??' for Like A Version [2012]". Triple J. 18 May 2023. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
27. Tijs, Andrew (24 July 2012). "Ball Park Music Release A Cool New Clip For 'Surrender'". Noise 11. Retrieved 29 May 2023.
28. Paul Cashmere (24 August 2012). "Ball Park Music To Release Second Album Museum". Noise 11. Retrieved 24 August 2012.
29. "Weezer announce Australian tour supports".
30. "2014 ARIA Awards Connected By Telstra | Nominated artists revealed". ARIA. 8 October 2014. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
31. Baroni, Natassia (18 November 2014). "2014 J Awards Winners Announced". Music Feeds. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
32. Browne, Sally (14 August 2016). "Ball Park Music: 'Happy band' take new direction on Every Night the Same Dream". The Courier-Mail. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
33. Wilson, Zanda (27 April 2016). "Ball Park Music Unveil Epic New Tune 'Pariah', The First Taste Of Their New Album". Music Feeds. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
34. Davies, Hayden (16 September 2017). "Ball Park Music return with a summery new anthem, Exactly How You Are". Pilerats. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
35. Newstead, Al (14 December 2017). "First Spin: Ball Park Music - 'The Perfect Life Does Not Exist'". Triple J. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
36. Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) (11 October 2018). "2018 ARIA Award Nominees Announced". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 14 October 2018.
37. Newstead, Al (19 March 2020). "First Spin: triple j textline reacts to new Ball Park Music stomper 'Spark Up!'". triple j.
38. "Ball Park Music announce new title of their upcoming album | NME Australia". NME. 23 April 2020.
39. McGregor, Tait (22 October 2020). "Interview: Ball Park Music on their eponymous album, recording in summer and the Big Prawn". The AU Review. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
40. "Ball Park Music add two final dates to residency at The Triffid for Brisbane album launch | NME Australia". NME. 30 September 2020.
41. "The Race For #1 In Triple J's Hottest 100 Is TIGHT". Music Feeds. 15 January 2021.
42. Billy, August (26 October 2021). "Ball Park Music Release New Single 'Sunscreen' Just In Time For Summer". music feeds.
43. "Ball Park Music are releasing their new album early". Tone Deaf. 12 May 2022. Retrieved 15 May 2022.
44. Robinson, Ellie (24 February 2022). "Ball Park Music get reflective on dreamy new single 'Stars In My Eyes'". NME. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
45. Varvaris, Mary (10 January 2023). "There's Two Songs Neck-And-Neck For The Hottest 100 Top Spot". The Music. Retrieved 15 January 2023.
46. Newstead, Al (6 May 2022). "Ball Park Music get their swagger on for new single 'Manny'". Triple J. Retrieved 12 December 2022.
47. Newstead, Al (3 January 2023). "Watch Tones And I, Ball Park Music, Tasman Keith cover classics at ABC's New Year's Eve concert". Triple J. Retrieved 20 January 2023.
48. Robinson, Ellie (1 June 2022). "Ball Park Music confirm they're playing a "secret" show in Brisbane tomorrow". NME. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
49. Tunbridge, Brooke (24 June 2015). "Ball Park Music front man releases solo material". Happy Mag. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
50. "Jen Boyce". World Science Festival Brisbane. Retrieved 31 May 2015.
51. "Ball Park Music Announce the Happiness and Surrounding Suburbs Album Tour 2011". Mucho Bravado. 31 August 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
52. Darke, Brayden (27 January 2012). "Ball Park Music Australian Tour March/April 2012 - 180° Tour". Music Feeds. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
53. Condon, Dan (29 August 2012). "Ball Park Music Launch Second Album With Massive Tour". The Music. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
54. Egging, Kiel (19 March 2013). "Ball Park Music 'Thank Ewes' National Tour, June/July 2013". Music Feeds. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
55. "CHECK IT OUT!! BPM is going global!! Can't wait! Introducing the "All I Want Is USA • UK • Europe Tour"". Twitter. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
56. Moskovitch, Greg (7 February 2014). "Ball Park Music Announce 2014 Headline Tour". Music Feeds. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
57. Moskovitch, Greg (12 June 2014). "Ball Park Music 'Trippin' The Light Fantastic' Tour Dates Announced". Music Feeds. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
58. Fuamoli, Sosefina (14 June 2016). "Ball Park Music announce extensive Australian tour dates with new album, Every Night The Same Dream". The AU Review. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
59. "Ball Park Music announce national tour". Triple J. 18 October 2017. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
60. "Ball Park Music Announce Huge Regional Tour". The Music. 5 February 2019. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
61. Fuamoli, Sose (25 September 2020). "Ball Park Music are pulling up at The Triffid for October residency". Triple J. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
62. Robinson, Ellie (2 March 2022). "Ball Park Music announce 'Weirder & Weirder' Australian tour". NME. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
63. Newstead, Al (7 February 2023). "Ball Park Music announce 'GET THE F**KING NERDS BACK ON!' Australian tour". Triple J. Retrieved 27 May 2023.
64. Heath, Larry (22 February 2011). "The Triple Rainbow Tour: Chatting with We Say Bamboulee, Eagle & The Worm and Ball Park Music!". The AU Review. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
65. Coson, Mara (5 May 2011). "Guineafowl and Ball Park Music: 'Super Commuter Tour'". Broadsheet. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
66. Newstead, Al (26 June 2018). "Ball Park Music & San Cisco announce epic co-headline tour". Triple J. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
67. "Ball Park Music Embark on Maiden Voyage Around the Country". Mucho Bravado. 30 September 2010. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
68. "Ball Park Music New Video + Boy & Bear Tour Support". Mucho Bravado. 2 November 2011. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
69. Fitzsimons, Scott (25 October 2012). "Weezer Add Final Pinkerton Show In Melbourne". The Music. Retrieved 20 January 2022.
70. Robinson, Ellie. "Lime Cordiale & Ball Park Music Settle Their 'Beef' With Joint Tour Announcement". The Music. Retrieved 31 May 2024.
71. "Nominations: 2012 Jagermeister Independent Music Awards". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. 17 September 2012. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
72. "History Wins". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. Retrieved 18 August 2020.
73. "Details confirmed for 2021 AIR Awards as nominees announced". The Music. 2 June 2021. Archived from the original on 2 June 2021. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
74. "2021 AIR Awards Winners". Scenstr.com.au. Retrieved 6 August 2021.
75. "Nominees Announced for the Australian Independent Music Awards 2023". Music Feeds. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
76. "King Stingray and Genesis Owusu Win Big at 2023 AIR Awards". Music Feeds. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
77. "APRA History". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). Retrieved 25 April 2022.
78. "APRA Reveals 2019 Song of the Year Shortlist". Music Feeds. 5 February 2019. Retrieved 26 April 2022.
79. ARIA Award previous winners. "Winners By Award – 27th ARIA Awards 2013". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 11 April 2022.
80. Kelly, Vivienne (20 October 2021). "ARIA Awards nominees revealed: Amy Shark & Genesis Owusu lead the charge". The Music Network. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
81. Lars Brandle (12 October 2022). "Rüfüs Du Sol Leads 2022 ARIA Awards Nominees (Full List)". The Music Network. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
82. "J Awards: 2014". Triple J. 2014. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
83. "Here are your nominees for the 2020 J Awards!". Triple J. 2 November 2020. Retrieved 3 November 2020.
84. "NLMAs announce 2018 nominees and Live legend". National Live Music Awards (NLMAs). 2 October 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
85. "Winners of the 2018 NLMAs". National Live Music Awards (NLMAs). 7 December 2018. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
86. "Nominees announced for 2020 National Live Music Awards". National Live Music Awards (NLMAs). 7 September 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2020.
87. "Nominees Announced For The 2023 National Live Music Awards". The Music. 5 September 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2023.
88. "Genesis Owusu And Amyl & The Sniffers Win Big At The 2023 National Live Music Awards". The Music. 11 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
89. "About the Queensland Music Awards". Queensland Music Awards. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
90. Hohnen, Mike (13 August 2013). "Emma Louise sweeps 2013 Queensland Music Awards". Music Feeds. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
91. Newstead, Al (14 August 2013). "Emma Louise, Ball Park Music win big at Queensland Music Awards 2013". Tone Deaf. Retrieved 6 June 2021.
92. "2021 Queensland Music Awards winners". Scenestr. 6 May 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2021.
93. "Thelma Plum, Ball Park Music win top gongs at 2023 Queensland Music Awards". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 29 March 2023. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
94. Barnes, Amelia (5 December 2011). "Rolling Stone Magazine Australia announces 3rd annual awards event". The AU Review. Archived from the original on 8 August 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
95. "Tash Sultana, Tkay Maidza, and Tame Impala Lead Rolling Stone Australia Awards Winners". Rolling Stone Australia. 31 March 2021. Retrieved 30 December 2021.

Further reading

• Ball Park Music at J Play
• "Interview with Ball Park Music". Hhhappy. 23 April 2014. Retrieved 6 June 2021.

External links

• Official website

• 2008 establishments in Australia
• Australian indie pop groups
• Australian indie rock groups
• Australian musical quintets
• Musical groups established in 2008
• Musical groups from Brisbane