Black Market Rhythm Co. Bio

IT STARTED simply – one lazy Gold Coast afternoon Christopher Ernst borrowed a mate’s guitar. From there, Black Market Rhythm Co quickly grew into four tight friends playing just as tight music.

Their blues-pop combines horns, sharp beats and layered harmonies, wearing influences from The Kinks, The Shins and vintage rock’n’roll on their sleeves. In what’s been a grand 18 months, BMRC have swiftly made their mark.

Their independently-released debut album Lo Fi Records Hi Fi Radio came out early 2008 to acclaim from critics and music-lovers. They’ve played a host of top Australian festivals including Big Day Out, Woodford Folk Festival, Festival Of The Sun, Queenscliff Music Festival and Valley Fiesta. They’ve also supported acts including The Whitlams, The Beautiful Girls and Kate Miller-Heidke, as well as sharing the stage with The Herd, Little Red and Rogerthat.

On top of that have been rave reviews from The Australian newspaper and Triple J – including solid airplay and making the official Hottest 100 voting list for 2007. Plus they recently hit TV screens with their song Lucky Star featured in a heart-wrenching closing scene of Channel 7 cop drama City Homicide.

Now the boys are ready to jump into their pimped 80s van - complete with shag pile interior - for their first national tour bringing their infectious sounds to dance floors across the country.

Band Members

  • Christopher Ernst - Vocals/Guitars
  • Matt Granfield - Guitars/Bass Guitar
  • Jake O'Brien - Trumpet/Guitars/Bass Guitar/Percussion
  • Ben Timony - Drums/Percussion

Achievements in the past 12 Months

  • Debut album Low-Fi Records, Hi-Fi Radio released nationally in 2008 on MGM
  • First single (You Said That You Loved Me) from Low-Fi Refcords, Hi-Fi Radio added to high rotation on FBi (Sydney), currently receiving spot play on Triple J's 2008, Lunch, Home and Hosed and Roots 'n All programs and Rage
  • Chosen to play Big Day Out in 2008
  • Scheduled as the closing act at the Woodford Folk Festival in 2008
  • Made the official voting list for Triple J's Hottest 100 (2007)
  • Shortlisted for Q Song Awards (2007)
  • Notable festival appearances include Big Day Out (2008), Woodford Folk Festival (2006-2008), Queenscliff Music Festival (2007), Quiksilver Pro Show (2007) and Festival of the Sun (2006)
  • Considerable national airplay of music on Triple J, Rage, and Community Radio. Interviews on Triple J's Roots ‘n All program, SEA FM's The List Program and Featured on Triple J's ‘ 2006' New Releases program
  • Toured the East Coast in April/May 2007 with capacity shows in Brisbane (200) and Gold Coast (350) and great turnouts interstate
  • Track featured on upcoming Australian Surfing Life Magazine DVD

What People are Saying

"I can't get enough of these guys, I'm absolutely hooked … I seriously get goose bumps every time I hear (them)…" Sarah Howells, Roots ‘n All presenter, Triple J

"Pretty good isn't it…" Richard Kingsmill, Triple J Music Director

"With their lyrical high drama and songs funkier than a two week old bagel in a tramp’s pocket, Black Market Rhythm Company sound like Led Zeppelin meets The Mighty Boosh." - Time Off

"It's (You Said that You Loved Me) a great track", Vijay Khurana, Triple J

"A sound akin to The Rolling Stones going round for round with The Cat Empire…" Time Off Magazine

"I love it! Totally rocking! I've had your EP playing on my iPOD all day" Renee Peterson, SEA FM

 "f***in amazing" Pollyanna McAleer, Bay FM and 4ZZZ

"Some of the best new music in Australia ... I suggest you give it due consideration." Ear Medicine.com