"We formed Silverchair nearly 20 years ago when we were just 12 years old. Today we stand by the same rules now as we did back then ... if the band stops being fun and if it's no longer fulfilling creatively, then we need to stop. [...] Despite our best efforts over the last year or so, it's become increasingly clear that the spark simply isn't there between the three of us at the moment. Therefore after much soul searching we wanted to let you know that we're putting Silverchair into "indefinite hibernation" and we've decided to each do our own thing for the foreseeable future." -Daniel, Ben and Chris
Despite the dramatic shift in sound between 1994's "Frogstomp" and 2007's "Young Modern", I have always been a fan of this ever changing tripod from Newcastle, Australia. Being introduced to "Frogstomp" when I was eight years old made me the grunge loving person I am today. Hell, I even bust out "Tomorrow" and "Israel's Son" with my high school buddies when we get together for a jam session. Giving fans an "indefinite hibernation" made it easier to explain to fans that they were breaking up. This also sheds a ray of hope to those fans for future reunions and special performances (such as philanthropy causes). Either way, it was a pure massacre from a fan's POV. (haha)
So as usual with bands the artists have side projects and other music reserved for their own collections. Vocalist Daniel Johns was no exception. Johns' vocal abilities and musical talent progressed over the years with Silverchair, giving a new dynamics to each album they released. So being that Johns now had all this extra time on his hands, it was refreshing to see him putting out some solo material, such as the track "Atlas" he composed for Qantas Airlines (in preparation for the upcoming Olympics).
"When Qantas first approached me, I agreed to the project as I was really into the idea of creating a piece of music that represented Australia. I wanted it to sound big, something special. It was a conscious effort to create a good piece of music and not just a jingle. I've also wanted to work with the Australian Chamber Orchestra for a long time now, so it was great to finally be able to do that." -Johns
Time passed and Johns was composing/collaborating with numerous artists, including The Veronicas, and Australian rapper 360. Fast forward to 2015 and we see some activity on Johns' social media websites. This was posted last week to his Facebook account:
I know right?!? After all the time and speculation, we finally get to see what Johns can do on his own and produce his first full length solo album! Unfortunately not much information has been given other than this photo and this message that was left well over one year ago on Facebook:
"Hey there, I'm really excited to finally be sharing what I've been up to with you. I've been super busy in the studio this year and I'm happy to say that I can start sharing some of the music I've been making early in the new year.
First up will be an unexpected collaboration with a friend and then my own album will follow later in the year.
I'm not so great at the online world but I'll try to keep in touch from time to time and other folks will help fill in the gaps.
Lots of love, Daniel." -Johns
So guess for now we will wait and see what "Aerial Love" can bring to the music world and if Johns is equally string in his solo career as he was with Silverchair. As a longtime fan of his previous work, I am sure that his progressive vocals and songwriting will prove beneficial.
Oh, and as a bonus for you all here is a video of Daniel performing for the 40th birthday of Triple J radio station. This was taken in January, 2015. Enjoy!
*UPDATE*
Well, it seems that Johns has now graced his fans with their first glimpse of new material. Check out his new music video for the title track "Aerial Love". This will be the lead single in his four song EP, which will be released on March 13th, 2015 via Eleven: A Music Company Pty Ltd.
(Album artwork courtesy of Daniel Johns and Eleven: A Music Company Pty Ltd)
1. Preach
2. Aerial Love
3. Surrender
4. Late Night Drive
"Filmed on the Stockton Dunes and created using new drone camera technology, the video takes you on a transcendent, mesmerising journey as Daniel walks across a deserted landscape." -Daniel Johns Facebook
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