St Helens

Formed as a way for Melbourne, Australia musician and songwriter Jarrod Quarrell to fully realize his songs, St Helens came together in 2007 after Quarrell's previous band, the New Season, broke up. Bringing on fellow Melburnians guitarist Lewis Boyes, singer Hannah Brooke, drummer Paul Williams, and bassist Karl Scullin, with Quarrell himself taking lead vocals and guitar duties, the group played just a smattering of shows before they were asked to open for Blond Redhead at their July 2007 Melbourne gig. Pulling from the sounds of ‘60s and ‘70s New York rock bands like the Velvet Underground and Television, St Helens began recording material for their debut, full-length. Entitled Heavy Profession, the album came out in 2009 on Australian label Dot Dash, and the band continued to play more shows, albeit with replacements Damian Clarkson on drums and Ian Wadley on bass.