I
am a Singer / Songwriter / Guitarist / Performer and former F.M.Radio
Presenter and Producer in the town of Ballarat,
Victoria, Australia.
Everything you ever wanted to know about Merv' Romeo.
I
am a Singer / Songwriter / Guitarist / Performer and former F.M.Radio
Presenter and Producer in the town of Ballarat,
Victoria, Australia.
The music I love?? Country Music, 'cos no-one told me there was any other kind!
Over a number of years I have been travelled and performed solidly and consistantly, as far afield as Rockhampton in Queensland, to Tamworth in New South Wales, Omeo in Victoria and many points between
I have participated in a package show travelling the South Island of New Zealand...Been a featured performer on DESREE CRAWFORD'S "AUSSIE SHOWCASE" at the Gold Guitar Awards in GORE (New Zealand)...Performed regularly at the Annual Tamworth Country Music Festival (5 Years) and have been a featured entertainer at the Mildura Country Music Festival (Victoria) (9 Years).
I've had my share of experiences in bands such as FLASH-FLOOD, JACKSON, RHINESTONE, RUGGED COUNTRY and FREIGHT TRAIN, however, with a tightening economy, I've found a "one man" format increasingly in demand.
I like to get an audience participating, and try to inject a little humour and a variety of music. It's not uncommon for my "roadie" LUCKY, THE HONKY TONK TRUCKIE to make an appearance attempting to steal the show (and win some hearts??).
In 1985 I released a Cassette Album on the R&H Label, a duo album recorded with then singing partner Anne Conway(Who, at Tamworth 1997 was inducted into the "Hands of Fame"). Other cassette albums followed...A TOUCH OF COUNTRY in 1987...SOLID TRACKS (With Freight Train) in 1989...ANGEL FLYING TOO CLOSE TO THE GROUND in 1991 and DEGREES OF LOVE in 1992. I've has also appeared on a compilation Album featuring other Ballarat performers. Friday 13th October 1989 saw the release of my first (and to this date Only) single 45 r.p.m. "Durin' the Tourin'" B/W "Let me Wine you and Dine you"...two of my own compositions. This record performed well on theIndependent Label Country Music Charts, and Buderim based recording artist Paul McCloud chose to do a cover version of "Let me wine you and dine you" on his album "The words of a Song".
Then came yet another cassette release titled "Laughin'Allowed", and that too sold well.
In September 1996, just in time for that year's Mildura Country Music Festival, "Muckin' Truckin' & F F Fussin' 'Round" was released and contains a track dedicated to the Festival.
In 1998, Ballarat songwriter, the late Gordon Vincent allowed me to record his composition titled "The Cockatoo from Kakadu" and this song, along with a new song about Lucky The Honky Tonk Truckie..titled "Lucky the Star! was featured on my last cassette only release, "Something Old, New, Tall and True". This album was released during the Mildura Country Music Festival 1998.
Recently I have updated my Cassette releases to CD and currently have 6 titles available ,"Facets" / "Gospels & Testimonies" (the two CDs featured on my home page) / “Something Old, New Tall & True” / “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground” / “Laughing Allowed” and “Degrees Of Love”
Although working "one out", I'm producing a full sound playing guitar live and using mp3 backing tracks and an ipod. Many of the sequenced backing tracks have been arranged by me on my trusty ?? Apple Mac, while others have been programmed by one of Australia's leading sequencers, (the late) Ray Doyle.
I've supported many top artists over the years- artists the calibre of Jimmy Little, Donna Fisk, The Late Marty Robbins and Chad Morgan- to name just a few.
I'm completely self contained and equipped to travel and perform anywhere, even in locations where there is no power available, and I'm willing to travel long distances to entertain- in the past I've worked through many parts of New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland and I'm always eager to further expand my horizons. Incidently, I love doing Markets. and Busking.
In 1993 I came home with a trophy for being judged Best Busker of the Festival at Gawler S'th Australia, and also received an invitation to return as a paid guest in 1994.
1995...I completed 12 Months full time employment as Breakfast Presenter and Production Assistant at 3 Triple B F.M. in Ballarat Vic'. (Now VOICE FM) where I remained as a volunteer presenter until Friday January 18th 2008.
1996 Australia Day Weekend Saw me performing at Portland Victoria, as part of the band "Freight Train", at the Portland Truck Show...Merv', Les Nikkelson (drums) and Laurie Harrison (bass guitar) performed for more than 10 hours over two consecutive days.
September 1997...I performed for 10 days at the increasingly popular Mildura Country Music Festival where I hosted the highly successful "Walk Up Artists" shows at Hudaks Bakery for the first time.
October 2004 I returned home from the Mildura Country Music Festival, where, for the 8th year running, the walk up shows at Hudaks Bakery proved a crowd pleaser and runaway success.
If you're interested in Country Music, Community Radio, Songwriting, or Recording I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to email me.
Last updated 24 / 9/ 08 by Merv' Romeo