NAMING a band is often a difficult task but having to change a band's name can be painful.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Luckily for the newly christened Blackwood Jack, they realised they had an issue with their original name in the early days of their career.
Originally called Blackwater Rise, the Warrnambool blues-rock trio soon discovered there was a Brisbane blues-rock trio called Blackwater Fever.
"Their manager sent us a big long email saying they'd done this and this and made us feel a little bit small (in comparison)," bassist Daniel Paroissien said.
"We thought about it and realised it was probably for the best that we change our name.
"But it took so long to think of a name that all of us liked in the first place," he laughed.
The name change came at the right time - Blackwood Jack have only been together for about nine months and have just released their debut EP, which will be launched at The Loft in Warrnambool tomorrow night.
The power trio features vocalist-guitarist Ben Cue and drummer Talen Galbraith - and if that last surname sounds familiar it's because this band has a healthy connection to one of the region's best-loved bands.
Galbraith is the son of Blue Heat drummer Barry Galbraith. His uncle Graeme plays bass for Blue Heat as well.
In fact, Blackwood Jack pretty much formed in order to support Blue Heat. Cue and Paroissien had been jamming together, as Paroissien and Talen Galbraith, so it made sense for them to combine their talents, Paroissien said.
"We're pretty lucky in that regard - Blue Heat have taken us under their wing a little bit," he said.
Blackwood Jack have also supported Chris Wilson at one of his Melbourne shows. In fact, the Warrnambool trio have played in Melbourne more than they have on their home turf.
The band also had a good run recently on Triple J's Unearthed charts, and they're hoping with the release of their EP that it will help get their name out more, leading to more Melbourne gigs and hopefully some festival slots, Paroissien said.
The self-titled EP was recorded at Smith Sound in Naringal and showcases Cue's influences of Creedence Clearwater Revival, old-school blues, Ray LaMontagne and classic Motown acts.
Blackwood Jack will perform at The Loft in Warrnambool tomorrow with support from Leah Senior and The Eastern Front. Doors open 9pm.
