SYDNEY – March 19, 2019- Universal Music Publishing Australia today announced that Sunshine Coast – Queensland punk band The Chats, comprised of Josh Price, Matt Boggis and Eamon Sandwith, have been signed to a global publishing deal.
The punk-rock trio have two studio EPs under their belt - Get This In Ya in 2017 and the self-titled The Chats in 2018. The latter includes viral hit ‘Smoko’ of which the band been praised by multiple industry professionals including Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters and Iggy Pop. In his Beats1 interview with Zane Lowe, Homme explained that Grohl had shown him the ‘Smoko’ music video, and he in turn passed it on to the Godfather of Punk Iggy Pop.
In making the announcement, Arwen Hunt, Vice President Creative/A&R for UMPG Australia & New Zealand, said: “Sometimes all we want from music is pure, unadulterated fun; to jump and dance like we did after we discovered what our legs could do but before we developed inhibitions - like our legs were made of pogo sticks. It’s impossible to attend a Chats show and not get swept up in the infectious, moshpit fever that is ever present. Eamon, Josh and Matt write perfect, three minute nuggets about everyday things that are so obvious, they can only be genius. UMPG is thrilled to have the honour of representing The Chats and look forward to being part of their global story.”
Following The Chats’ slot as main support on the Queens of the Stone Age Australian tour in August and September 2018, the band have sold out shows all over Europe and Australia, including their 24-date national co-headline tour ‘Endless Bummer’ with Pist Idiots and a sold out, headline UK tour concluding at the Electric Ballroom in London (1500 cap). Most recently, they’ve been announced as the main support on Iggy Pop’s Festival Hall show in Melbourne (Australia) and on the line up for the prestigious Reading and Leeds Festivals (UK).
“When Universal offered us a publishing deal, we said WHAT’S A PUBLISHING DEAL!? We still dont understand, but bloody hell we love money! We’re heaps excited to have Universal Publishing to help guide us towards world domination!” The Chats said of the signing.
The Chats joins UMP Australia’s roster that includes Alex The Astronaut, Bag Raiders, Brux, Cloves, Cosmo’s Midnight, Ecca Vandal, Gang of Youths, Guy Sebastian, Holy Holy, Horrorshow, Hopium, I Know Leopard, Jessica Mauboy, Jonti, JOY., Lakyn, Lime Cordiale, Maribelle, Michael Fatkin, Milan Ring, M-Phazes, Odette, Olympia, One Above, The Veronicas, Thief, Robinson, Ruel, Sons Of The East, Timmy Trumpet, Tora, Vera Blue, Woodes and many more.
