ABOUT MOTOR ACE
Motor Ace is:
  



Patrick Robertson
lead vocals, guitar, vocals
Damian Costin
drums, percussion
Matt Balfe
bass, hammond, vocals
Dave Ong
guitar, piano, vocals

How did Motor Ace form?
"Basically, I was playing in a band at the time, Snowblind. We had been kicking around the Melbourne scene for a relatively long time — probably since early 1993. We never ventured beyond the Melbourne staple venues — Espy, Punters Club, Evelyn, Empress, but we did release an independent EP…I think we sold about 10 copies.

It was in September 97’ that we decided to go in and record demos of some new songs, in a last ditch attempt to gain some kind of record company interest. We’d had a little bit of interest over the years, but no real bites.

The demos were OK but what was more significant was that I met Damo, who was playing in Melbourne band Paradime at the time and was working in the studio. We got to talking and he really liked the direction of the new songs. I got in contact with him a few months later as Snowblind had disbanded and I wanted to start something new and fresh with a whole batch of new songs. Damo was right into the idea and with Matt, and two of the original members of Snowblind, we got together as Motor Ace in the rehearsal room and spent 4 or so months writing a set of new songs.

The idea was to forget about getting a deal and instead to record a double A-side single (Criminal Past/Five Star Laundry) which we would release independently. We recorded this in about March 1998. The new stuff had a lot more spark than the older stuff but after a few gigs in April, things were still not quite right. Angus and Beth left the band and it wasn’t until about May/June of 1998 that Dave an old friend of Matt’s and mine came to a rehearsal and quite literally flawed us with his playing. There was no doubt that we were ready to start playing gigs…"

Motor Ace played their first gig with the current line up at the Evelyn Hotel in Fitzroy in June 1998, and somewhat ironically, it was at this gig that they would begin a relationship with Michael Parisi (then A&R at Warners) that would result in them signing a record deal in Feb 1999 (with Festival Mushroom Records).

The guys began recording their debut release; the self titled EP, in April of 1999 with Paul Mechercher (You Am I, Cruel Sea). The songs Chairman of the Board, Chomakey, Criminal Past, Lowrider and Fluke were chosen…songs American Shoes and Siamese were being considered, but they decided instead to make a straight up rock EP. Chairman of the Board was the first Motor Ace song to be played on national radio (in June 1999), and thanks to a great deal of airplay and support from JJJ, gave them the opportunity to embark on what has now become a relentless touring schedule.

Criminal Past was then chosen by Triple J and hit the airwaves in October of 1999, shortly following the guys first national tour (Triple J Turn Up Your Radio Tour). Motor Ace spent the next few months finishing the writing of their Debut Album "Five Star Laundry", and also toured with the Foo Fighters on their small club shows. The recording of the album commenced in January 2000 with Craig Harnath and Chris Dickie. The album was finally mixed in March by Chris Sheldon (Foo Fighters, Therapy ?). The first single American Shoes was released in about June of 2000, coinciding with the Style Wars tour (28 days, Nokturnal). The guys then headed out on their first headlining tour with Lo-Tel as support. Shortly following an extensive national run with mates Shihad in September, the Death Defy single was released. In January 2001 "Hey Driver" was taken as the third single for the album. Finally on March 5 2001, the album itself was released to the public.

With a now loyal and growing fanbase the album entered the National charts at no. 4 and no.1 Alternative. 2001 saw Motor Ace embark on three of their own national tours and a support slot for Blink 182. ‘Five Star Laundry’ has since sold upwards of 35,000 copies (Gold) and received an Aria nomination for Best Rock Album.

That was October 2001, and the band finally took time out from touring to finish writing their follow up album 'Shoot This', due for release August 12 2002.

After the overwhelming response to 'Carry On', the first single from the album at both radio (Top 3 Most Played Songs On Australian Radio) and on the charts (#13 debut on the ARIA Mainstream Chart, #1 on the Alternative and Contemporary Rock Charts), the band return now with their second single ‘Keeping Secrets’.

Motor Ace have just completed a sold-out national tour of Australia and as a result have reinforced their outstanding live reputation amongst their fans, as well as winning over a legion of new fans.

Motor Ace look set to continue this exciting climb with their new single. A hooky, guitar driven intro blends into an impassioned narrative that explodes into one of the most melodic choruses heard this year. Vocalist Patrick Robertson said that the song is “…about having the best night of your life…feeling the anticipation of the night ahead – the night you’ve been waiting for all week long. ‘Keeping Secrets’ refers to the idea that the ‘city lights’ hold the secret to the nights pleasures and dramas, to the unpredictability that makes life exciting.”

For many die-hard fans this is the Motor Ace they grew to love, great lyrics, big guitars and a relentless feel. For the new fans this is the tune that is guaranteed to seal their love of the band.

motor ace bio taken with permission from the offical site.

ABOUT THE FANLISTINGS
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