Be Still

Raised in Taupo, New Zealand, Drew Bowden 3 recorded his first demos in Melbourne, 1985, with a little help from people like, Robbie Dillan (Colin Hay Band), Bill McDonald (Steve Cummins Band), Steve Williams (Jo Jo Zep) and James Reyne.

He formed his first band, The Rockweilers, in 1985 playing bars and clubs in Melbourne. In 1986 he joined party band, Rooda, with Pete Warren (DD Smash), Dave Gent (Dance Exponents) and Andy Langsford (Legioneers) for a rocking six months around NZ, including some special guests such as Dave Dobbyn, Graham Brazier, Dilworth Karaka and sadly missed Charlie Tumahai (Herbs). The band recorded a now hard- to-find EP at Stebbings Studio in Auckland.

In 1987 Drew teamed up with Pete again, Paul Scott, Ace Mason (Pop Mechanix) and Martin ONeill (Murphy's Law) to form Big Trouble, the house band for the Palladium niteclub in Christchurch.

Big Trouble recorded a bunch of songs at Niteshift Studio and from those demo's the band were offered a deal with Melodian Records in Melbourne through Molly Meldrum. However after seeking legal advice, they never signed.

Big Trouble became a three piece in 1989 with Pete on drums, Marty on bass and Drew on gat. They toured around the South Island staying in Queenstown for the winter and earning a well earned break around October.

In 1992 Drew formed Strange Desire and played at the Firehouse niteclub, with Geoff Hern (bass), David Harrison (gat) and Jessie White (drums).

Drew's solo career began in 1994 after meeting up with old friend Ross McDermott, the two started plotting how to record Drew's first Cd. TV appearances followed a few years later and finally in 2000, he released his debut solo album, Out Comes The Sun.

The album was produced by Ross McDermott and included Ross, Geoff, Michael, Micky Ututoanga (drums), Grant Winterburn (keys), Dean Chandler, Shalleen Hern and Natalie Elms (bv's). The title track was included on NZOnAir's contemporary hitdisc.

After recieving no further funding support, Drew moved to Melbourne(Mornington Peninsula) with his family and in 2004 released, The Waters Edge, through Soundvault.com.au. Band members included Ross and Geoff(bass), Michael(gat and bv's), Geoff Duncan (gat), Cam Hyde (keys), Andy Richardson, Richard Teone anmd Grant Weinstein (drums).

After gigging around Melbourne and The Peninsula for the next 18 months, and once again being turned down for funding, in 2005, Drew decided to put a hold on his musical career indefinately. However in late November of the same year he got a call from Adam Johnstone (Soundvault Records) saying that Grundy productions wanted two songs from The Waters Edge for the Australian soup, Neighbours. Feeling inspired Drew started writing again, and in 2006, on New Years Eve, he recorded eight live, solo, acoustic songs at Donnelly's Crossing, Northland, NZ, whilst on holiday,with friends and family ; an album that became, Live In The Lounge.

In October 2007 Drew began recording with Chris Haylock (drums) and Peter Kaighan (double bass). The fine result is 'Be Still'.