“ … as a support act on this tour, a Tasmanian, Dewayne Everettsmith, a uniquely gifted singer with hints of the soul of Marvin Gaye and the sunny beauty of Johnny Nash. His short opening set, full of memorable songs and glorious harmonies, was spellbinding” Bruce Elder, Sydney Morning Herald, August 2011

High praise, indeed, from Australia’s pre-eminent music critic. But, typical of the mountains of praise heaped on Dewayne around Australia during a recent national tour with Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu.

And audiences were even more enthusiastic when Dewayne repeated this support role for eight shows across Europe during October – with the promoter, Dramatico Entertainment’s Managing Director Andrew Bowles, saying, “We’ve never before had such an amazing audience response to a support act.”

You can’t buy his debut album yet, because he won’t be completing work on it until next February. He doesn’t have backing from a major label and, to date, he’s not been pushed by a big-league promoter. And yet - on his stage presence, song writing and the beauty of his voice – Dewayne’s being spoken of as a rising star, a future great, of the Australian music industry.

Even without the album, or serious industry support, Dewayne has been places and done things most Australian performers only dream of …

• Supported Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu nationally and in Europe;
• Performed a private show for Oprah Winfrey’s girlfriend, Gayle King, and Oprah’s famous “Road Trippers”;
• Starred in a Tourism Australia video, receiving over 590,000 hits on Youtube;
• Supported artists of the calibre of Archie Roach, John Farnham and Guy Sebastian;
• Wowed audiences in two shows with the prestigious Black Arm Band - upstaging Paul Kelly in a duet during the Melbourne International Arts Festival;
• performed in Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York as part of G’Day USA; and
• been appointed national ambassador for the official Save the Tasmanian Devil Appeal.

It’s not surprising, though. From his childhood appearances within his own Tasmanian Aboriginal community, through many festival stages around Australia and across the Pacific, his audition for Australian Idol, one thing has become very clear – Dewayne’s a very special performer.

One of those rare performers with a gift, a presence. Dewayne simply tells his story, sings to a crowded room, and most individuals listening feel he’s singing just for them. He can’t explain it and he’s not consciously trying to use it; it’s just there, it’s just him.

He’s an Aboriginal man, descended from both the Aboriginal community of Cape Barren Island and the Gunai/Kurnai people of Victoria, but his music can’t be neatly pigeonholed as Indigenous. It’s been influenced by his heritage, then shaped by his tough early years and his love of so many musical styles and great singers.

Never doubt it – Dewayne Everettsmith, a name and a voice you’ll be hearing much from for years to come.

Management contact details for Dewayne.
Martine Delaney Ph: +61417530621
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Website

www.dewayneeverettsmith.com

Label Skinnyfish Music

www.skinnyfishmusic.com.au