Rough guitar, finger pick'n', song and dance man Adam Cousens has a message! And it only takes a couple of listens to his latest EP Running Over Rooftops to start hearing it. “Music doesn't mean anything unless it touches people”, Adam says. And in whatever way Adams music touches you, whether it's because you just can't get that catchy melody out of your head, or because listening to his meaningful lyrics makes you stop and think about what he is saying. He writes and sings gorgeous songs that will have your toes tapping by the first verse, have you loudly singing by the last verse, and have you calling for more when it is over.
Adam began writing and singing as an expression of his opinions on identity and social injustice. An accomplished student of music, who trained in both piano and brass, Adam transferred his skills from arranging complicated orchestral pieces, to the simplicity of writing and singing lyrics that are able to reach an audience and potentially inspire change within them.
His live shows draw the listener in, with rousing, energy laden, thought provoking and spirited performances. With just Adam, his guitar and a stomp box creating energy that you usually only experienced when watching a full band. Adam has played in many varied venues such as grand concert halls, the Aux Trois Mailletz in Paris (famous for hosting the wonderful Nina Simone), rooftop raising pub performances in Belfast, Northern Ireland, sharing the stage with the likes of M Ward in the beautiful and picturesque Marion Bay, and in classic Johnny Cash style performing for prisoners at Risdon Prison.
Adams philosophy regarding his music is plain. “I say it's simple music, but with a complex message or challenging idea, music that's for the thinker.”
Adam Cousens is currently in pre-production for his debut full length album. More details soon...
Adam Cousens - Points of Note
2009
New single "Forever Rich" released Oct 2009
Re-release of 2006 EP "Beautiful People" available on iTunes
Nominated for "Artist of the Year", "Best Blues Roots Performer" and "Best Solo Performer" at the 2009 Amplified Awards.
Plays to a packed Town Hall at The Cygnet Folk Festival.
Features in the Moomba – Loving The Yarra , Melbourne Waters Birrarung Celebration, alongside Rob Sawyer and Nicky Bomba.
Sales of Running Over Rooftops EP reach 1500+.
2008
Featured on "Home Grown Roots" Vol 3 2008 CD with John Butler, Paul Kelly, Mia Dyson and Ash Grunwald and many more.
Featured on "SoundsLikeCafe" Vol 22 Compilation CD played in over 1200 Cafes Australia wide.
“Running Over Rooftops” (from Running Over Rooftops EP) was awarded “Best Song” at the Amplified Awards along side picking up the gongs for “Best Songwriter” and “Best Solo Performer”. The Amplified Awards are industry selected and voted by the public in Tasmania.
Performed @ The Falls Festival 2008 and Cygenet Folk Festival 2009
2007
Released Running Over Rooftops EP
Performed at The Falls Festival
Winner of The Falls Festival Showcase Event
His song “When You Smile” (from Beautiful People EP) was used in a jtv story about young refugees.
Performed at inaugural Southern Roots Festival
Toured New Zealand
2006
1st EP Beautiful People released and has sold 3500 copies at gig sales alone.
“Getting Better” and “Judging Appropriately” (from Beautiful People EP) placed in top 10 of National APRA Songwriting Awards in Folk Category.
“Beautiful People” (from Beautiful People EP) winner of Mountain Festival Songwriters Competition
Toured Europe and UK.
Adam Cousens
gettin' on the bike... and the wheals go round...
