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Marcus Goodwin has a long history in Melbourne’s rock music scene. In 1990 he formed Ursula’s Dream with some Uni mates. Their mix of hard rock guitars and quirky song writing found favour with a loyal following at venues such as the Richmond Club Hotel in the early 90’s. After a couple of years with this group he answered an advertisement seeking a guitarist for an otherwise complete band that would become known as Blind Messiah. Their mix of Sabbath inspired riffage and a wall of guitars approach a la Sonic Youth, Swervedriver etc. made for some exciting live performances and an appearance in the state final of the University battle of the bands in ’93.
After spending 8 months travelling overseas in 1994, Marcus reunited with Blind Messiah drummer George Nilovic and guitarist Dave Preston to form a new band with an emphasis on the more melodic side of rock music. With the addition of Michael Lingard on bass guitar, Yolk was formed. Despite good reviews Yolk never managed to achieve the success they desired and having released a 5 track EP in 1998 entitled Free Range Sounds the group finally went their separate ways in 1999, having finished recording a follow up EP but without the finances required to release it.
During this time Marcus had been invited to play guitar with Melbourne guitar pop legends Icecream Hands and after a handful of gigs with them found himself in the studio for the recording sessions of the Sweeter Than The Radio album. The next few years saw a hectic touring schedule for the Icecream Hands including a brief tour of the USA and performances at the Big Day Out Tour of 2000, plus support shows with bands such as Teenage Fanclub, Fountains of Wayne and Powderfinger.
Having not yet had the opportunity to contribute on a song writing level within the ocean of talent that is Icecream Hands, and without his own band to provide an outlet for his songs, Marcus embarked on the journey of recording ‘The Slow Age’, his debut solo album.. This collection of songs, recorded and mixed from late ’99 to February 2000 represents the melodic strength and lyrical diversity so prevalent in Marcus’ song writing. The Slow Age was co-produced by Goodwin and Martin Brown (of Red Raku, Art of Fighting, Sodastream and numerous other outfits) and recorded at Rae St Studios in North Fitzroy, Victoria. The album received very favourable reviews and Marcus played acoustic gigs around town quite regularly in the year following it’s release.
2003 saw a few new Marcus compositions see the light of day. "Head Down" popped up on the Icecream Hands’ ‘Broken UFO’ album and another track "Look at you now" appears as a B –Side to the ‘Why’d ya have to leave me this way’ single. He also contributed a song to the ‘Shake your Popboomerang’ compilation CD, entitled ‘One to right’.
Things have been quiet of late for Marcus, who is approaching the end of his first year of fatherhood and has been spending most weekends in domestic tranquility, tending to the lush green expanses of his property in Croydon. The Icecream Hands have been placed on the backburner aswell, as frontman Charles Jenkins pursues his solo career and the rest of the band juggle work, families and home renovations. However, the fingers have been getting that old familiar itch again, and Marcus’ acoustic guitar may soon be dusted off for another gig or two…..He may even start writing songs again! Marcus Goodwin Website:
http://www.icecreamhands.com.au |
