bio
SHINING BIRD is an experimental indie band hailing from the coastal town of Austinmer, New South Wales, Australia. Formed in 2012 as a studio project, the band quickly gained recognition with the release of their debut EP, Shade of the Sea, followed by their first full-length album, Leisure Coast, through SPUNK Records in 2013. The album was lauded for its unique take on Australian pop, earning Album of the Week on Radio National and praise from publications such as Rolling Stone and Sydney Morning Herald. The album’s first single, Distant Dreaming, became a standout track, earning RAGE Clip of the Week and over 300,000 online views, while FBi Radio named it their third most-played track of the year.
In 2016, SHINING BIRD returned with their sophomore album, Black Opal, once again released through SPUNK Records. Produced by keyboardist Russell Webster and mixed by Tim Whitten (The Go-Betweens, Hoodoo Gurus), the album received widespread critical acclaim, with Rolling Stone calling it “almost flawless” and The Music declaring, “This is a band that deserves to happen.” Featuring collaborations with renowned didgeridoo player Charlie McMahon (Midnight Oil, Gondwanaland), the album earned 4.5-star reviews from Rolling Stone and Xpress Mag, four stars from Brag and Beat magazines, and numerous Best New Music accolades globally. The singles Rivermouth and Helluva Lot both won Song of the Year honors, while the band embarked on a national tour that included performances in remote Central Australia. Their captivating live shows led to a nomination for Best Live Act at the National Live Music Awards, with Happy Music describing SHINING BIRD as “one of the finest bands in the country.”
Over the years, SHINING BIRD has toured extensively throughout Australia, sharing the stage with acclaimed artists such as Midnight Oil, Kurt Vile, The Drones, Beach House, DMA’s, and Father John Misty. Now more than a decade into their musical journey, the band is set to release their fourth studio album, Open Ground, marking the final release on SPUNK Records as the label concludes its 25-year run. Simultaneously, band members Russell Webster and James Kates have launched their own imprint, Silhouette Label, which will co-release Open Ground alongside SPUNK.
The creation of Open Ground was influenced by significant life changes, as three band members became first-time fathers in the past two years. This transformative period shaped a more immediate and heartfelt songwriting process, as illustrated by the piano-driven single Maia, written by vocalist Dane shortly before the birth of his daughter. Captured in just two hours, the song was played to baby Maia only minutes after her arrival. Dane reflects, “The way it all flowed out felt so effortless and mysterious. We’re used to grappling with lyrics to some extent usually.”
Recorded live to tape over four days at Golden Retriever Studios in Sydney, Open Ground once again features the collaborative touch of longtime producer Tim Whitten, whose contributions to arrangement and atmosphere helped foster the album’s intimate and vulnerable tone. Additionally, J Walker (Machine Translations) lent his talents to the album’s string arrangements, adding further depth and emotion to the band’s most personal collection of songs to date.
With a discography spanning from Leisure Coast (2013) to Open Ground (2024), SHINING BIRD has built a reputation for prioritizing quality over quantity. Their music continues to resonate with audiences nationwide, earning accolades from outlets like Rolling Stone and The Guardian, as well as multiple FBi SMAC Awards. From their coastal hometown of Austinmer to the heart of Alice Springs, SHINING BIRD’s music has soundtracked a decade of Australian life—and with Open Ground, they open a new chapter in their evolving story.
MEMBERS
Dane Taylor / Vocals, Guitars
Russell Webster / Keys
Alastair Webster / Lead Guitar
Nathan Stratton / Bass
Ricci Quirke / Drums
James Kates / Drums, Guitars
Michael Slater / Saxophone
Felix / Keys