After a massive six week US tour, taking in most of the 51 states from Texas to California, Iowa to Alabama and everywhere in between, Whitley returns to his native Australia in May for another big national tour.

Whitley managed to pack clothing in his rucksack this time, citing a few essential items for the journey, including Andy (drummer), laptop (he can't live without it), guitar (can't play without it), three pairs of Dunlop Volleys, one man de-stinker ('cos it gets cosy in the van), a super 8 and a polaroid camera.

Having already wowed industry and media at SXSW, exhausting himself in the process by playing several shows in one day with a hectic schedule of media in between, Whitley's highlights included getting to play with his songwriting idol, Mason Jennings.

Whitley's sublime debut album, The Submarine, has been immersing itself in the consciousness of fans. His live shows, both as a solo act backed only by guitar and his commanding vocals, and with full band rocking out have sold out across the country in advance. The Port Fairy Festival saw the world's first sit down mosh pit* (not verified by Guiness Book of Records).

"He's got the voice, the lyrics, the witty banter… Basically the whole package.  And what a package it is…"  (Drum Media WA, 07 Feb 08)

In May, Whitley embarks on his biggest Australian tour yet, taking in capitol cities and major regional areas in every corner of the wide brown land. Whitley will be joined by Howie Day (US) with Seagull supporting.

Tickets on sale NOW for details go to the TOURS page

Whitley - The Submarine

From the opening bars, you are caressed by the pacifying melodies and soothing tones of Whitley's delightful debut album 'The Submarine'. The opening track, Cheap Clothes, is a gentle introduction to the ethereally beautiful tracks that are to follow. Deliberately plucked banjo and mournful strings are overlayed with Whitley's breathy lyrics and are seamlessly fused with elements of electronica to produce a unique and captivating sound.

Whilst maintaining an analogour theme throughout the record, each track has a distinct flavour and features a myriad of instrumental influence. The first single from the album, I Remember, is a simply stunning track and highly deserving of the radio attention it has recieved.

Combining acoustic guitar with subtly implmented piano backing, you really are drawn into a place of heartfelt wanderlust. Definite highlights include the sweetly strummed guitar on Lost In Time, More Than Life and Shot To The Stars. White Feathers, Strange Sights has a sound not dissimilar to The Eels and is an interesting contrast to some of his other work. The album also features a cover of the late Jeff Buckley's Mojo Pin, sure to evoke some pleasant memories.

Whitley's storytelling and instrumental arrangements displays a musical maturity beyond his years as he draws you into a world of melancholic yearning with his soul pleasing melodies. It is hard to believe that a record of such depth and itegrity is produced by one so young.

This is an impressive debut album, and fills you with hope that even better things are to come from the young Victorian.

Find yourself space and a starry sky, and allow your mind to drift into the soulful universe that is created by this astonishing debut record.

Suzi Gunn, dB Magazine