National tour in support of their new album 'Blue Sky Songs'

Sensational fresh material from HOBNAIL as the band tour nationally in support of their new album “Blue Sky Songs”

HOBNAIL are on the road again, performing all over NZ to bring you their stunning new 7th album “Blue Sky Songs”, along with some of their past classic favourites. This is a live show not to be missed! For the uninitiated, it will be a rare treat as one of the country’s best live acts tours the finest album of its illustrious career. “When Hobnail take the stage, they tear into their set with mucho gusto, injecting volume and energy into the evening with their illustrious blend of bluegrass, Celtic folk, pop, and rock’n’roll”. - Nelson Mail

After 23 years together on a long and winding road which has seen them play venues around the world and throughout New Zealand, “Blue Sky Songs” – HOBNAIL’s 7th album - is a fine distillation of life’s lessons, well learned. Like a well-aged cognac, “Blue Sky Songs” is mature, complex, occasionally fiery, but with great depth and power.

Following the triumph of their most successful album so far “String Things” in 2015, “Blue Sky Songs” is a more acoustic offering. Featuring violins, acoustic guitars and mandolas alongside electric instruments, as well as 3 different lead singers, the result is a beautiful album rich in variety. Their musical craft is clearly on display with thoughtful lyrics and soaring melodies, and a feel good vibe coming from their unique blend of folk and celtic, country and rock.

HOBNAIL has won considerable acclaim over their 23 year career. Having headlined everywhere from Canada to Norfolk Island, from Oamaru to Auckland, and racked up multiple New Zealand Music Awards nominations in the process. They are 3 time finalists at the New Zealand Music Awards, once for Best Folk Album with “Fortune Horses” and twice for Best Country Song for “Dead in the Water” and “Baggage”.

HOBNAIL was formed by Rob Joass in 1994 - an ex-Sydney-sider who came to New Zealand more than 25 years ago with a guitar over his shoulder and a bag full of original tunes - and Jo Moir, a violinist whose voice proved a perfect counterpoint to Joass.

Rob (Vocals, Guitar, Mandola), writes compulsively, tours incessantly, teaches guitar, produces albums, and can be found behind a mixing desk, playing live and in the studio when time allows. His songs have been covered by artists both in NZ and abroad and is often spoken of as one of the hardest working musicians in New Zealand...

Jo Moir (Vocals, Violin) incorporates Celtic, Country and Classical influences into a violin playing style which can range from the breathtakingly beautiful to ‘barnstorming’, As a vocalist, Jo can melt the coldest of hearts, "Jo Moir has one of those rare voices….. a breath of fresh air", Andy Donnelly Radio CKUA, Canada

Caroline Easther (Drums, Vocals) is a New Zealand music legend, having spent time drumming for iconic Dunedin bands The Chills and The Verlaines. In 1997 she teamed up with The Warratahs main man Barry Saunders, with whom she continues to record and tour, most notably with Bob Dylan and Joe Cocker.

Last but far from least is multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Hamish Graham (Bass Guitar, vocals), Graham is classically trained and can play anything and everything, and is a fine songwriter in his own right. Hamish brings an inimitable style to everything he does.

Hobnail are a close-knit quartet with rare musical empathy.

There is something unique and powerful about the way HOBNAIL mixes up everyday detail with the bigger issues of life, bringing it all together a stunning new album and exceptional live show, not to be missed. "Refreshingly down-to-earth and lovely with vocals so tightly knit they could be family" Mike Alexander NZ Herald.

“Whenever I need a foot stomping good time, or to shed a tear over the glory of life itself, I go out and listen to the Hobnail. I like good music!” Gary McCormick

"Original songs with the authenticity of folk and the spirit of rock'n'roll" Nick Bollinger, The Listener

“Blue Sky Songs” will be available June 16 2017 Thru iTunes, Bandcamp or www.hobnail.co.nz

Watch Hobnail HERE

Listen to Hobnail HERE

TOUR DATES – Tickets available via www.hobnail.co.nz

SOUTH ISLAND

June 16 Blue Smoke Christchurch (tickets at hobnail.co.nz & eventfinda.co.nz)

June 17 The Old Mill Waikari

July 13 Boathouse Theatre Blenheim

July 14 Boathouse Nelson

July 15 Mussel Inn Onekaka (Door Sales Only)

August 18 Balcairn Hall Amberley

August 19 Events Centre Ashburton (Door Sales Only)

August 20 Christchurch Folk Club

NORTH ISLAND

Sep 30 Bent Horseshoe Palmerston North

Oct 5 Nirvana Lounge Hamilton

Oct 6 Uxbridge Arts Centre Howick

Oct 7 Thirsty Dog Auckland

Oct 8 4th Wall Theatre New Plymouth

Oct 14 The Third Eye Wellington

More info at:

www.hobnail.co.nz www.facebook.com/hobnailband

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