There’s something to be said about the ‘company we keep’. On the long and winding road of a constantly traveling country rock band it’s always nice to be among good friends. That's exactly how The Distance have rolled from day one. The band has known each other most of their lives, and it is this chemistry and trust that makes The Distance one of the most invigorating and fresh acts on the Oz country rock scene today. From large outdoor festivals to the corner of smokey bars, the Distance have that uncanny knack of making any stage their own. This is a band that not only has something to say, but has a live show designed to take their listeners on a journey.
Their self titled debut album set the band in it’s stride, spawning 3 radio singles and also 3 supporting video clips, all receiving high rotation on Foxtel's Country Music Channel. The weight of that first album alone was enough to get the guys 8 shows at the 2006 Tamworth Country Music Festival. The band toured the east coast of Australia in support of the album, finishing up in QLD with two shows at the Mud, Bulls and Music festival. The album was a finalist in 3 categories at the Vic CM awards with nominations for best album, song and vocal.
After their country rock dominated debut the band was ready to expand their musical horizons and returned to the studio in 2007. Working with Gavin's younger brother Colin who produced and mixed the album, the band revelled in the comfort of having another familiar face in their fold. Their 2nd studio album 'Grounded' sees the Distance take their musicianship and songwritting to another level. Adding banjo, mandolin, violins and anything else with strings, their sophmore longplayer took on a whole new life. "Grounded is representative of who we are, just 4 down to earth guys who love to play music" says Gavin. Trying to place a finger on the bands influences is a difficult task. The band dips into the same well of American roots music that inspired John Cougar, Jackson Browne, The Eagles or Australian band The Flood, as well as building on their own ability to pen genuine original classic country rock songs. "You listen to any of those guys and you hear music that lasts, it speaks to you and you can always take something from that" says Gavin. Grounded was released in June 2008 through ‘One Stop Distribution’.
The albums first single 'Country Life' features Aussie Crawl frontman and Australian music icon James Reyne on guest vocals. Gavin had become good friends with James after his numerous visits to their family music store.
"James loved the first album and was always asking to be involved with our next one - it was a huge thrill to have someone like James come in and sing on our song"says Gavin. Released to national radio, the video clip for 'Country Life' spent over two months on the CMC Top20 chart. "Very well may lead to another nomination for Reyne at the Golden Guitars" Capital News 2008.
The new album also sees the bands creative nucleus grow, adding another string to their bow with songwritting contributions from the bands other six stringer Mitchell Dean. The rural rocker “Commin on Fast” shows the band in full-fledged country rock mode, infectious harmonies, hard working guitars and a vitality that is born when the pressure is on. The song also released to national radio and a support video clip going on CMC.
With the release of 'Grounded' The Distance have been welcomed into the illustrious 'Fender' family, an endorement offer that is bestowed upon few in the business.
"This is a band that have all their ducks in a row. They incorportate the latest in city sounds while still preserving the ethos of country music" Country Update 2008.
The Distance are :
Gavin Leadbetter (vocals, guitars), Mitchell Dean (guitars, vocals)
&Darren Shiels (drums)
