Tim Freedman's alt-country project The Whitlams Black Stump Band sees him and longtime drummer Terepai Richmond joined by an A Team of roots musicians, reconstructing the best of The Whitlams' repertoire with a smattering of new songs and classic Americana from Kris Kristofferson to Neil Young.

The act debuted at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2022, then wound their way down the East Coast from Cairns to Queenscliff in a three week tour that cemented their musical bond.

The five piece band features Rod McCormack and Matt Fell, two CMAA Producers of the Year, on banjo and bass, and young gun Ollie Thorpe on electric and pedal steel guitar.

The 2022 single "The Day John Sattler Broke His Jaw" quickly became a staple on Country radio, and their new track, a poignant reworking of The Whitlams' 1999 hit "Blow Up the Pokies", was commissioned by the Wesley Mission for a gambling helpline ad, and sees the original's waltz feel replaced by a propulsive 4/4.With 55 Gold Guitars and 10 ARIAs between them, you'll want to catch this exciting collaboration on the ground floor.

‍

About Mark Howard

A dynamic and independent artist, Mark Howard has performed in over 45 countries gaining critical acclaim in both Australia and abroad. His debut album, Passing Strangers, was written and recorded while navigating the global pandemic in his hometown of Phillip Island, Victoria. The album features swampy grooves and fresh melodic twists which push the boundaries of folk, rock, blues, and alt-country. With a background in theatre and years of experience performing, Mark’s soul-stirring songwriting continues to captivate audiences both locally and worldwide