AUSSIE REBEL - WITH A CAUSEFROM BUSKING HERO… TO INDIE UNDERGROUND… TO NEW YORK TIMES… TO #1 ON AMAZONCOMPARISONS:Violent Femmes, Billy Bragg - Robbie Buck - Triple JDave Faulkner (Hoodoo Gurus), Paul Kelly - Radio NationalThe Clash, Talking Heads, Midnight Oil - Xpress MagazineRobert Foster (Go-Betweens) - dB Magazine Jonathan Richman (Modern Lovers) - dB Magazine A passionate and provocative Aussie blend of the Violent Femmes and Billy Bragg. Powerful and inspiring messages with great melodies and a vibrant streak of angst. Robbie Buck, Presenter, Triple J Radio, Sydney, AustraliaAfter years of remaining defiantly obscure, yet active in underground indie music scenes all over the world, Johnnie Mac was discovered playing behind-the-scenes with some of Australia’s leading musicians after 2 of his songs topped both the ‘Rock’ and ‘All Genres’ independent charts.Johnnie's first solo album – ‘The World Seems Happy’ recently gained worldwide recognition when it topped the Amazon charts outdoing the world’s best selling album of all time - Michael Jackson's 'Thriller''.This album flaunts an impressive bunch of musicians who offer a variety of catchy, spunky, power pop-laden songs. Drummer Malcolm Clark (of Sleepy Jackson fame), Bass player, Bill Jacobi (Goanna, Warumpi Band, Neil Murray, Floyd Vincent) and Vocalist and percussionist, Kyle Slabb (junior Aboriginal elder and collaborator on recordings with members of Yothu Yindi) team with Johnnie Mac to make a raucous, politically charged, at times emotive and above all quintessentially Australian album.Johnnie’s Aussie spirit and rebellious nature rock out in his distorted songs that offer an unassuming style and originality that audiences are lapping up. Don’t put this album down without listening to the scathing punk rap ‘Insecure’ (#1 on the Independent Rock Charts) brilliantly delivered with a blast of fervour, aggravation, shame and angst; and the thumping, venomous ‘Nicotine Dream’ with hard hitting lyrics that will either make you quit or defiantly light up! The hilarious lyrical corker ‘Jesus Drove A Holden’ will keep you amused if you listen to the story carefully; and don’t say we didn’t warn you that the title track ‘The World Seems Happy’ will have you incessantly repeating the catchy riff for days on end!Johnnie’s strong connections with Aboriginal Australians and his passion to share the stories is palpable when you listen to the ancient message within the haunting anthem, ‘One Farewell’. Similarly ‘The Chant of Namatjira’ (#1 on the All Genres Indie Charts) tells the tale of an infamous Aboriginal artist and reveals the plight of Australia - “White mans fear of the Namatjira” with poignant chants entwined with digeridoo and clap sticks. Both songs were created with close friend, Kyle Slabb (youthful Aboriginal elder). Digitally mastered by award winning audio engineer Don Bartley, ‘The World Seems Happy’ is an upbeat, emotionally charged and thought provoking album with an honesty and integrity that leaves listeners feeling energised and invigorated.Once you tune into the offbeat style, rhythms and vocals and you’ll find yourself captivated by Johnnie’s musical flair, that traverses the lore of Australian land and an insecure, colourful past all at once. Surprising worldwide audiences since 1990 with his hard edged musical poetry both solo and with various prominent indie Aussie bands, Johnnie Mac currently has a loyal international following who have seen him on a variety of stages during his global walkabouts. Now gearing up for his album launch and to play live shows again for the first time since a string of supports for popular acts John Butler, Iota, Neil Murray, Deborah Conway, etc, etc, the name Johnnie Mac may soon start sweeping the world - as fast as it’s sweeping the internet! REVIEWSA PRODIGY OF AUSSIE UNDERGROUND MUSICJohnnie Mac is a prodigy of the Aussie underground music scene who has finally emerged delivering his latest collection of songs with a captivating and rebellious raw energy. These songs tell stories that are oh so familiar - but only once we've been told. They weave their way into our psychies and paint pictures before our eyes. The years of ceaseless playing have shaped Johnnie into master of melody and a poetic lyricist...I'm overjoyed to finally have the products of his recent labours in my hot little hands...they'll be wearing thin in our cd players!Justine Wahlin (36) – Presenter, Skid Row Radio, Sydney, AustraliaTONGUE-IN-CHEEK Johnnie Mac entertains us with some delicious songs about compassion and frustration, love and politics, addiction and admiration, nicotine and disintegration! With a Violent Femmes flavour, his songs and stories speak, sometimes tongue- in-cheek, from around the globe. More people should hear his brand of gentle-caustic Australian original music.Alan Boyd, (32) Presenter, Radio RTR-FM, Perth, WADAMN GOOD MUSICHaving heard much about Johnnie Mac’s music, but never actually hearing it myself, I wasn’t sure what to expect. The first song I played was The World Seems Happy and instantly it met the inherent strict standards I require for 'damn good music'. Suddenly I was happily addicted. This album has an appeal that will cross generations with its insightful, pondering knack for telling stories, inspired and heart-filled delivery, and of course - catchy and enjoyable tunes to boot. Awesome stuff.Rebecca Coe (27), Venue Booking Manager, Musician, Perth, Western AustraliaTHANK 'FOOK' FOR JOHNNIE MACThere we were sitting around this omnipresent fookin' piece of technology (the laptop) on a rainy Sunday morning in Country Ireland eagerly listening to each new Johnnie Mac tune comin all the way from the outback. I’d heard him sing these songs before in many an Irish pub - but never like this. This time he knows what he’s doin and for a vegetarian his songs sure pack a rockin meaty punch. Teenagers and fat forty year olds will love this CD. It’s great to hear someone sing passionately, powerfully and poetically about things that mean a lot to all of us. Even on a laptop it sounded brilliant! Oh Johnnie Boy the guitars, the guitars are rockin....thank fook!Rob Perry (35) Musician, Dead Can Dance, County Cavan, Ireland.DO YOURSELF A FAVOUR!Do yourself a favour and get your hands on this one! This album blew me away - you know you've found a keeper when you can play every track from start to finish and nothing lets you down. I play this album time and time again. I can't get enough...Over the many years of music this album is certainly in my top ten - a mix of Violent Femmes, Hoodoo Gurus, Talking Heads and Midnight Oil what else would you want. Everyone remember the name 'Johnnie Mac', this guy is going to be BIG. I Guarantee it !A. Smith (37), Manager, Sydney, AustraliaEARTHY, ROCKING, MAGICAL - THERE'S NOTHING LIKE JOHNNIE MAC!,When you first pick up this CD, you notice immediately there's something different about it. The care that has gone into the booklet, which is so beautifully designed, is apparent in the way Johnnie has taken the time to really explain the songs - how they came about and what they mean. You get a little closer to Johnnie's world, and a lot closer to his music. Then you wack on the disc and POW! What a CD - I mean, this disc takes you everywhere - from the amazing world of Bundalung language and spirit to the punk rock heart of one of Australia's most revered and unstoppable songwriters. Johnnie Mac is up there with the likes of Paul Kelly and Bob Dylan as both a story teller and song writer. If you buy this CD, you won't be sorry - you'll be delighted every time you put it on, and never get tired of reading the CD insert - more book than cover. Support independent Australian music! Support artists that actually give a crap! Buy this CD NOW!!!!Lucy Nesferatu (30), Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, AustraliaLETS ROCK THE BLUE LIGHT DISCOI don't believe it, I'm 14, my dad’s nearly 50 and here is one album we both enjoy... I actually love my Dad's Johnnie Mac album, go Johnnie!Jesse Butler, (14 going on 24 they say), Student, Perth, Western AustraliaPAUL KELLY MEETS THE SEX PISTOLSPaul Kelly meets the Sex Pistols… an awesome Aussie blend of rock, punk and folk. Johnnie Mac’s combination of bent lyrics with a raw and hard edged sound will blow your mind. Ben Freriechs (24), Musician, Cabarita Beach, New South Wales, AustraliaWHAT AN AMAZING AND FABULOUS CD… I CAN'T STOP PLAYING IT!An authentic and inspiring collection of sounds and songs from the heart of Australia. Jonnie Mac's music is full of soul speaking to our hearts and giving powerful rich messages, yet exuding a lightness and joy that keeps us upbeat all day. This album is an expression from the genuine roots of Australia, wonderfully delivered in the true style of story telling combined with cool original melodies and bucolic lyrics. Overall, gutsy raw music that must be experienced by all!!!! Just brilliant!!!Mary Yibi Yibi (40), Milingimbi Island, Northern Territory, Australia