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Jen Cloher

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For her eponymous album, seeJen Cloher (album).

Jen Cloher
April 2014
Background information
Born(1973-10-09)9 October 1973(age 51)
Adelaide,South Australia,Australia
GenresFolk rock
Occupations
Instruments
  • Guitar
  • vocals
  • production
Years active2001–present
Labels
Websitewww.jencloher.comEdit this at Wikidata

Jen Cloher(born 9 October 1973) is an Australian singer, songwriter, andrecord producer,currently based in Melbourne, Victoria.[1]Cloher's 2017self-titled fourth studio albumpeaked at number 5 on the Australian ARIA Charts. From 2006 to 2010, Cloher recorded and toured with her[a]bandJen Cloher and the Endless Seaand since 2013 has released withMia DysonandLiz Stringermusic under the nameDyson Stringer Cloher.

Career

[edit]

Originally fromAdelaide,Cloher moved toSydneyand studied at theNational Institute of Dramatic Art(NIDA). Whilst studying, Cloher lived in a share house with several musicians, which is when she bought her first second-hand guitar, and started to write songs. In 1994, Cloher graduated NIDA at the age of 21.[2]

After NIDA, Cloher performed inAndrew Bovell'sAfter Dinnerand performed in it at theEdinburgh Festival.[3]Upon returning to Australia, Cloher continued to pursue her music career.[3]

In the late 1990s, Cloher collaborated with Sydney collective Bonepeople on the track "Looking for More".[4]

In 2001, Cloher relocated to Melbourne.[3]Later that year, she released her debut EP titled,Movement Involves Danger,on Regency Records. Cloher then released the EPPermanent Markervia Shiny Records in 2005. The single, "Rain", was played onTriple J.

In 2006, Cloher's debut albumDead Wood Fallswas released. It was credited to Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea, a collective of musicians. Its lineup originally included drummer Jen Sholakis, bassist "Lord" Geoffrey Dunbar, guitarist Michael Hubbard, pianist Ross Calia and violinist Andrea Summer. Cloher herself was nominated forARIA Award for Best Female Artistat theARIA Music Awards of 2006.

In 2009, Cloher's mother was diagnosed withAlzheimer'sand Cloher found songwriting a way of expressing herself. This led to the writing and creation of Cloher's second album,Hidden Hands.[5]The album included the single "Eden with My Eve". Calia and Sumner were replaced by Laura Jean and Biddy Connor, respectively; Tiny Ruins guitarist Tom Healy was also added to the line-up. Following a solo tour with Jordie Lane, Cloher took an extended hiatus from music.

In 2012, Cloher re-emerged and signed withMilk! Records,a label created by Cloher's partnerCourtney Barnettthe same year.[5]Cloher released a duet with former Kid Sam frontman Kieran Ryan, titled "Call If You Need Me". It was included on the EPBaby We Were Born to Die.

Cloher recorded an album at Melbourne's Headgap Studios. Her backing band included lead guitarist Barnett, bassist Bones Sloane and drummer Sholakis. In October 2012, Cloher released "Mount Beauty", the lead single from her then-yet-to-be-titled third studio album. It was released as a limited-edition split seven-inch, with the flipside containing Courtney Barnett's song "History Eraser". To support the album's release, Cloher began acrowdfundingcampaign with a target of $15,000, which she exceeded.In Blood Memorywas released in May 2013 and was shortlisted for theAustralian Music Prize.

In August 2013 Cloher collaborated withMia DysonandLiz Stringerand formed Dyson Stringer Cloher. The trio released an EP which featured an individual track from each musician. They then took on the road, playing over 40 shows around the country.[6]

In January 2014, Cloher won a Victorian Music Management Award.[7]

In June 2014, Cloher released "Stone Age Brain" featuringTim Rogers.The B-side of the CD single was a cover ofThe Loved Ones' "Sad Dark Eyes".[8]

In September 2015, Cloher contributed two tracks for the Milk! Records compilation titledGood for You,released in February 2016. The album featured songs from Cloher, Courtney Barnett, The Finks, Ouch My Face, East Brunswick All Girls Choir and Fraser A. Gorman. The EP was supported with a national tour featuring all six artists.

Later that year,Dead Wood Fallswas released on vinyl for the very first time in celebration of its 10-year anniversary. The release was supported by a reunion show of the original line-up of Jen Cloher and The Endless Sea in October 2016.

In August 2017, Cloher released herself-titled album.The album was preceded by the singles "Forgot Myself" and "Regional Echo" and debuted at number 5 on the ARIA charts. The album received five star reviews fromThe Herald Sun,The GuardianandThe Independentand was votedDouble J's Album of the Year for 2017. The album was shortlisted for theAustralian Music Prize.

In December 2017, it was announced that Cloher would be one of the guest judges for Happy Mag's 'Needle in the Hay' vinyl competition.[9]

In 2018, Cloher toured theUnited States,EuropeandAustralia.[10]

In 2019, Cloher reunited with Dyson and Stringer. The trio recorded a self-titled album in eight days at The Loft in Chicago in April 2019, which was released in October 2019 and toured nationally.[11]

In March 2023, Cloher released her fifth studio album,I Am the River, the River Is Me.[12]

Personal life

[edit]

Cloher is ofNgāpuhiandNgāti Kahudescent through her mother.[13] Cloher uses she/her andthey/thempronouns and identifies asTakatāpui[14][15]and non-binary.[16]

Cloher was in a relationship withCourtney Barnettfrom 2012 to 2018.[17][18]Cloher's relationship with Barnett informed much of her 2017 self-titled album.[19]They have sung several songs together, including "Numbers", a song about their relationship and their age difference—Cloher is 14 years older.[20]

Backing band members

[edit]

Jen Cloher Band

[edit]

Current members

  • Jen Sholakis – drums, backing vocals (2012–present)
  • Robert Wrigley – lead guitar (2018–present)
  • Nathalie Pavlovic – bass, backing vocals (2022–present)
  • Anika Ostendorf – keyboards, guitar, backing vocals (2022–present)

Former members

  • Courtney Barnett – lead guitar, backing vocals (2012–2018)
  • Bones Sloane – bass, backing vocals (2012–2018)
  • Ricky Bradbeer – bass, backing vocals (2018–2022)

The Endless Sea

[edit]
  • Jen Sholakis – drums (2006–2010, 2016)
  • Michael Hubbard – lead guitar (2006–2010, 2016)
  • "Lord" Geoffrey Dunbar – bass (2006–2010, 2016)
  • Ross Calia – piano (2006–2008, 2016)
  • Andrea Summer – violin, backing vocals (2006–2008, 2016)
  • Laura Jean – piano, backing vocals (2008–2010)
  • Biddy Connor – violin, musical saw, backing vocals (2008–2010)
  • Tom Healy – guitar (2008–2010)

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
AUS
[21]
Dead Wood Falls
(credited to Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea) 		—
Hidden Hands
(credited to Jen Cloher and the Endless Sea)
  • Released: 2009
  • Label: Sandcastle Music(SMCD0001)
  • Format: CD, digital download
 —
In Blood Memory
  • Released: May 2012
  • Label:Milk!(MILK006)
  • Format: CD, digital download,LP
 —
Jen Cloher
  • Released: August 2017
  • Label: Milk! Records(MILK025)
  • Format: CD, digital download, LP,streaming
 5
Dyson, Stringer Cloher
(credited to Dyson, Stringer & Cloher)
  • Released: October 2019
  • Label: Milk!(MILK045)
  • Format: CD, digital download, LP, streaming
 —
I Am the River, the River Is Me
  • Released: 3 March 2023[12]
  • Label: Milk!(MILK070)
  • Format: CD, digital download, LP, streaming
 30
[22]

Compilations

[edit]
Title Details
B Sides and Rarities
  • Released: March 2018
  • Label: Milk! Records
  • Format: digital download, streaming

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details
Movement Involves Danger
  • Released: September 2001
  • Label: Regency Records(48616)
  • Format: CD
Permanent Marker
  • Released: 2005
  • Label: Shiny(indelible1)
  • Format: CD, digital download
Limited Edition Tour EP 2009
  • Released: May 2009
  • Label: self-released
  • Format: digital download
Baby We Were Born to Die
  • Released: 2012
  • Label: Milk! Records
  • Format: digital download
Dyson, Stringer & Cloher
(credited toDyson, Stringer & Cloher)
  • Released: September 2013[23]
  • Label: Milk! Records
  • Format: CD, digital download
Live at the Loft and Loews[24]
  • Released: 28 July 2018
  • Label: Milk! Records
  • Format: LP, digital download, streaming
Jen Cloher on Audiotree Live[25]
  • Released: 22 August 2018
  • Label: Audiotree Music
  • Format: digital download, streaming

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Album
2005 "Rain" Permanent Marker
2009 "Eden With My Eve"
(credited toJen Cloher and the Endless Sea) 		Hidden Hands
2012 "Call If You Need Me"
(with Kieran Ryan)[26] 		Baby We Were Born to Die
"Mount Beauty"[27] In Blood Memory
2013 "Toothless Tiger"
"Hold My Hand"[28]
2014 "Stone Age Brain"
(featuringTim Rogers)[29][8] 		non album single
2015 "Needle in the Hay" Permanent Marker
2017 "Forgot Myself"[30] Jen Cloher
"Regional Echo"[31]
"Strong Woman"[32]
2019 "Falling Clouds"
(asDyson Stringer Cloher)[33] 		Dyson Stringer Cloher
"Believer"
(asDyson Stringer Cloher)[11]
2020 "Sensory Memory"
(with Hachiku)[34] 		non album single
2021 "Fairytale in the Supermarket"
(with Hachiku)[35] 		Stars Rock Kill (Rock Stars)
2022 "Mana Takatâpui"[12] I Am the River, the River Is Me
"Being Human"[36]
2023 "My Witch"[37]
"Harakeke"[38]
2024 "Annabelle"[39] TBA

Awards

[edit]

AIR Awards

[edit]

TheAustralian Independent Record Awardsis an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2006 herself Most Outstanding New Independent Artist Nominated [40]
2018 herself Best Independent Artist Won [41][42]
Jen Cloher Best Independent Album Nominated
2020 Dyson Stringer Cloher(as Dyson Stringer Cloher) Best Independent Blues and Roots Album or EP Nominated [43][44]
2023 "Mana Takatāpui" Independent Song of the Year Nominated [45][46]
2024 I Am the River, the River Is Me Independent Album of the Year Nominated [47]
Jessia Searle – Jen Cloher -I Am The River, The River Is Me Independent Publicity Team of the Year Won

APRA Awards

[edit]

TheAPRA Awardsare presented annually from 1982 by theAustralasian Performing Right Association(APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters".[48]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2018 "Forgot Myself" Song of the Year Shortlisted [49]
2024 "Mana Takatāpui" Song of the Year Shortlisted [50]

ARIA Music Awards

[edit]

TheARIA Music Awardsis an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres ofAustralian music.Cloher has been nominated for two awards.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2006 Dead Wood Falls Best Female Artist Nominated [51]
2023 I Am the River, the River Is Me Best Solo Artist Nominated [52]

Australian Music Prize

[edit]

TheAustralian Music Prize(the AMP) is an annual award of $30,000 given to an Australian band or solo artist in recognition of the merit of an album released during the year of award. The commenced in 2005.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2013[53] In Bloody Memory Australian Music Prize Nominated
2017[54] Jen Cloher Nominated
2023[55] I Am the River, the River Is Me Nominated

Australian Women in Music Awards

[edit]

TheAustralian Women in Music Awardsis an annual event that celebrates outstanding women in theAustralian Music Industrywho have made significant and lasting contributions in their chosen field. They commenced in 2018.

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2018[56] Jen Cloher Music Leadership Award Won

Environmental Music Prize

[edit]

TheEnvironmental Music Prizeis a quest to find a theme song to inspire action on climate and conservation. It commenced in 2022.[57]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2023 "Being Human" Environmental Music Prize Nominated [58][59]

J Awards

[edit]

TheJ Awardsare an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by theAustralian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio stationTriple J.They commenced in 2005.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2017 Jen Cloher Double J Artist of the Year Won [60]
2023 Jen Cloher Double J Artist of the Year Nominated [61]

Music Victoria Awards

[edit]

TheMusic Victoria Awardsis an annual awards ceremony celebrating Victorian music. Cloher has won one award form five nominations.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2013 herself Best Female Artist Nominated [62][63]
2014 herself Best Female Artist Nominated
2017 Jen Cloher Best Album Nominated
herself Best Female Artist Won
2020 herself Best Musician Nominated [64][65]
2023 I Am the River, the River Is Me Best Album Nominated [66][67]
herself Best Solo Artist Won

National Live Music Awards

[edit]

TheNational Live Music Awards(NLMAs) are a broad recognition of Australia's diverse live industry, celebrating the success of the Australian live scene. The awards commenced in 2016.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2018 Jen Cloher Live Guitarist of the Year Nominated [68][69]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^Cloher usesshe/herandthey/thempronouns. This article uses feminine pronouns for consistency.

References

[edit]
  1. ^Gillespie, Katherine (9 March 2018)."Jen Cloher's Got Famous the Slow Way".Noisey.Retrieved10 July2018.
  2. ^"Interview with Jen Cloher".Granzine.16 March 2018. Archived fromthe originalon 21 September 2020.Retrieved15 May2020.
  3. ^abc"Jen Cloher The Files".ABC.2017.Retrieved15 May2020.
  4. ^"Bonepeople feat. Jen Cloher Looking for More".YouTube.2013.Archivedfrom the original on 15 December 2021.Retrieved15 May2020.
  5. ^ab"Jen Cloher, musician".The Weekend Edition.17 March 2016.Retrieved15 May2020.
  6. ^"Dyson, Stringer & Cloher".Milk Records.Retrieved15 May2020.[permanent dead link]
  7. ^"Jen Cloher Wins Victorian Music Management Award ♫ Latest news at".Themusic.com.au.January 2014.Retrieved11 February2014.
  8. ^ab"Stone Age Brain".BandCamp.June 2014.Retrieved15 May2020.
  9. ^"Happy Presents: Needle in the Hay The 7" Singles Edition ".Happy Mag.15 December 2017.Retrieved26 March2018.
  10. ^"Get to know Jen Cloher, Courtney Barnett's jealous better half".The Star.28 October 2017.Retrieved15 May2020.
  11. ^ab"Dyson Stringer Cloher".Milk! Records.Retrieved15 May2020.[permanent dead link]
  12. ^abc"Jen Cloher Announces new album I Am the River, the River Is Me".Circuit Sweet.9 November 2022.Retrieved11 November2022.
  13. ^Husband, Dale (8 November 2022)."Jen Cloher | NZ Singer, Song Writer".Waatea News: Māori Radio Station.Retrieved10 November2022.
  14. ^"Jen Cloher".Retrieved17 October2020.
  15. ^"Jen Cloher".
  16. ^Stafford, Andrew (2 March 2023)."'I can be part of the conversation': singer-songwriter Jen Cloher on embracing their Māori heritage ".The Guardian.ISSN0261-3077.Retrieved23 April2023.
  17. ^"Listen Music, Death and Memory Jen Cloher and Jo Syme in Conversation Control".Retrieved28 February2019.
  18. ^"Jen Cloher Happy wife X-Press".www.xpressmag.com.au.15 March 2018.Retrieved15 March2018.
  19. ^Salmon, Ben (24 January 2017)."Jen Cloher Doesn't Mince Words".The Stranger.Retrieved10 July2018.
  20. ^Vincent, Peter (30 January 2015)."Indie singer Courtney Barnett's reluctant date with global domination".Sydney Morning Herald.Retrieved5 February2016.
  21. ^Peak positions for albums in Australia:
  22. ^"ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart".Australian Recording Industry Association.13 March 2023.Retrieved10 March2023.
  23. ^"Dyson, Stringer & Cloher".Apple Music.September 2013.Retrieved15 May2020.
  24. ^"Live at the Loft and Loews (EP)".Apple Music.28 July 2018.Retrieved15 May2020.
  25. ^"Jen Cloher on Audiotree Live (EP)".Apple Music.22 August 2018.Retrieved15 May2020.
  26. ^"Call If You Need Me - single".Apple Music.May 2012.Retrieved15 May2020.
  27. ^"Mount Beauty - single".Apple Music.28 October 2012.Retrieved15 May2020.
  28. ^"Jen Cloher Hold My Hand (Official Video)".YouTube.November 2013.Archivedfrom the original on 15 December 2021.Retrieved15 May2020.
  29. ^"Stone Age Brain - single".Apple Music.August 2014.Retrieved15 May2020.
  30. ^"Jen Cloher - Forgot Myself".YouTube.June 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 15 December 2021.Retrieved15 May2020.
  31. ^"Jen Cloher - Regional Echo".YouTube.July 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 15 December 2021.Retrieved15 May2020.
  32. ^"Jen Cloher - Strong Woman".YouTube.October 2017.Archivedfrom the original on 15 December 2021.Retrieved15 May2020.
  33. ^"Falling Clouds- single".Apple Music.July 2019.Retrieved15 May2020.
  34. ^"Hear Hachiku remix Jen Cloher's 'Sensory Memory'".NME.29 July 2020.Retrieved11 November2022.
  35. ^"Listen to Jen Cloher and Hachiku's cover of The Raincoats' 'Fairytale in the Supermarket'".NME.July 2021.Retrieved11 November2022.
  36. ^"Jen Cloher shares" earnest, basic and raw "new single 'Being Human'".NME.30 November 2022.Retrieved2 December2022.
  37. ^"Jen Cloher shares new single 'My Witch' with video featuring Georgia Maq, Alice Skye and more".NME.1 February 2023.Retrieved5 February2023.
  38. ^"REVIEW: JEN CLOHER'S 'I AM THE RIVER, THE RIVER IS ME' IS AN ALBUM OF STARTLING BEAUTY".Back Seat Mafia.3 March 2023.Retrieved4 March2023.
  39. ^"Annabelle".The Autumn Roses.31 May 2024.Retrieved4 June2024.
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  41. ^"2018 AIR Awards Nominees".17 April 2018.Retrieved20 August2020.
  42. ^"History Wins".Australian Independent Record Labels Association.Archived fromthe originalon 10 March 2016.Retrieved20 August2020.
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  44. ^"That's a wrap: 2020 AIR Awards winners and celebrations".the industry observer.1 October 2020.Retrieved1 October2020.
  45. ^"Nominees Announced for the Australian Independent Music Awards 2023".Music Feeds.31 May 2023.Retrieved31 May2023.
  46. ^"King Stingray and Genesis Owusu Win Big at 2023 AIR Awards".Music Feeds.4 August 2023.Retrieved5 August2023.
  47. ^"2024 AIR Awards Nominees: Genesis Owusu, Cub Sport, RVG, Teen Jesus & More".The Music.14 May 2024.Retrieved16 May2024.
  48. ^"APRA History".Australasian Performing Right Association(APRA) |Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society(AMCOS). Archived fromthe originalon 20 September 2010.Retrieved25 April2022.
  49. ^"Meet the contenders for the 2018 APRA Song Of The Year".The Industry Observer.January 2018.Retrieved25 April2022.
  50. ^"G Flip, Genesis Owusu, RVG & More Shortlisted For 2024 APRA Song Of The Year".The Music.22 February 2024.Retrieved23 February2024.
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  53. ^"Winners & Shortlists".australian music prize.Archived fromthe originalon 29 July 2019.Retrieved22 August2020.
  54. ^"Australian Music Prize".AMP.2017. Archived fromthe originalon 11 March 2018.Retrieved11 March2018.
  55. ^Brandle, Lars (28 November 2023)."Troye Sivan Shortlisted for 2023 Australian Music Prize".Billboard.Retrieved29 November2023.
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  57. ^"Environmental Music Prize Searches for Green Theme Song".The Music Network.May 2022.Retrieved22 June2022.
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  63. ^"Previous Winners".Music Victoria Awards.Archived fromthe originalon 8 June 2020.Retrieved15 May2020.
  64. ^"Industry Awards Winners And Hall Of Fame Inductees Revealed + 2020 Music Victoria Awards Nominees Announced With Public Voting Now Open!".Music Victoria.9 October 2020.Retrieved9 October2020.
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  66. ^"Nominees, Hall of Fame Inductees Announced for 2023 Music Victoria Awards".Music Feeds.14 September 2023.Retrieved14 September2023.
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