Paul Berwick and Johnny Batchelor both have an indie-music pedigree forged in the renowned 80s' Sydney music scene. Both have great new tunes out now. With acoustic vibes and striped back performances, this intimate afternoon at Frank’s Wild Years will be a chance to soak-in the breadth of their songwriting talent. Also a special guest, Thirroul local, John E Libro with his passionate, acoustic stylings.
Johnny Batchelor:'I Won’t Sing About It' is the latest tune from Australian indie-artist Johnny Batchelor, who has been releasing new music since mid-2024 for which the response has been sensational.
With summery indie tones and a touch of blue-eyed soul, 'I Won't Sing About It' rocks you softly with a bittersweet tale of lost love - what does it take to get over it? This week (May 18) ‘I Won’t Sing About It’ entered the Radio Indie Alliance top 100 at No.10, reflecting widespread radio play in the US and UK. The video has received more than 204K views on YouTube since being released on April 27. This is the first track off a new EP which will continue the eclectic stylings of Johnny’s well received album Ain't Nobody:
Ain’t Nobody has achieved widespread indie-radio airplay in the US and UK - with seven album tracks reaching No. 12 or above on the Radio Indie Alliance top 100 chart. The power-popping Anemone made Bill Kelly’s top ten picks for 2024 on Little Steven’s Underground Garage and SiriusXM, likewise on Sole Of Indie NY. The album has attracted over 250K Spotify listeners and Johnny's home-produced video creations have been viewed more than 530,000 times on YouTube (@lanewaymusic & @dropbears80s). Album tracks, led by 'Walking On A Wire' continue to receive radio play in LA, Santa Barbara, NY, London, Bristol and the Blue Mountains (data from Apple Artists).
Johnny has a history within Australian music dating from the notorious 80s Sydney scene: His band Dropbears shone brightly and seemed to be everywhere, appearing on Countdown and touring with the major acts of the time including U2, The Cure, New Order, Simple Minds and INXS. His songs … well, Fun Loving is an Aussie indie classic, Proud, Shall We Go, In Your Eyes and Work and Save were all over the airwaves - check out the so 80s videos @dropbears80s.
Paul Berwick:Punk inspired songwriter playing (mostly!) acoustic guitar solo and singing. I've been playing in bands off and on since 1979 and I think that a hook and a good story put across with passion is the key! I have a new 6 track EP - The Promise of Youth - out now via streaming platforms.
Paul has been the key songwriter and vocalist for the following bands - Happy Happy Hate Me Nots, Paul Berwick's Magnetic Quartet, Driven, Settlement and Positive Hatred.
"My favourite artists are varied, but I really respect the work done by Bob Mould, Joe Strummer, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, The Beatles and everyone else who comes after them!! I love all sorts of music - punk, folk, pop, funk...if it works, I'll use it in my songs!"

Contact the host of Johnny Batchelor + Paul Berwick at Franks Wild Years