Since forming in late 2008, Penny and The Mystics have established themselves as a favourite at South Coast live music venues, with their high energy blend of reggae, folk/rock and new age roots.
The Kiama foursome quickly established themselves as one of the busiest bands on the coast, building up a strong following with regular gigs at venues from Wollongong's northern beaches to Batemans Bay, as well as festivals and Sydney venues like the Basement and the Old Manly Boatshed.
In 2010 the band released their first album, PENNY AND THE MYSTICS, launching it at the Great Southern Blues Festival at Batemans Bay. Since its release the album has received widespread critical acclaim.
In May 2011 the band received funding from the Australian Government's Contemporary Music Touring program to undertake a nine-week tour of regional NSW and Queensland from July-September. The nine-week tour with more than 30 dates has taken them as far north as Rockhampton and Marlborough, as far west as Roma and Moree, and as far south as the Snowy Mountains.
The band is fronted by lead singer Penny Hartgerink, whose debut EP FOUR DAYS, went to No.1 on the Australian Independent Release chart for EPs and singles when it was released in 2008. Legendary rocker Clive Shakespeare produced FOUR DAYS, and was a consultant for the band's album, which was produced by Martin Hailey and recorded at Blackfoot Sound in Sydney.
Penny opened the 2008 Union of Soul concert at Wollongong Botanic Gardens which was headlined by the John Butler Trio, Clare Bowditch, Lior and Gotye.
In late 2008 she was joined by three talented young musicians – Joe Winkler, Sam Hathaway and Jedd Bradmore – to form Penny and the Mystics. They’ve been playing gigs constantly ever since.
Penny looks after most of the singing and plays rhythm guitar, with Joe Winkler on drums, percussion and vocals, Sam Hathaway on lead guitar (electric and acoustic) and Jedd Bradmore on electric and upright bass.
Joe, Sam and Jedd are all surfers, and they named the band in honour of one of their favourite surfing spots, Mystics at the mouth of the Minnamurra River.
"In 2010 the band released its first album, PENNY AND THE MYSTICS, launching it at the Great Southern Blues Festival at Batemans Bay. Since its release the album has received widespread critical acclaim."
Southerly busters to hit capital city music scene
Penny and the Mystics all live down the South Coast of NSW and, like the legendary southerly winds, they are making a real, hard-hitting impact with their original mix of roots, rock and reggae.
The band is fronted by singer Penny Hartgerink - whose debut EP Four Days topped the national indie charts in 2008 — with fellow Mystics Joe Winkler (drums and vocals), Sam Hathaway (guitar) and Jedd Bradmore (bass) – all who share a passion for music and surfing.
(The band name comes from one of their favourite surfing breaks, Mystics Beach at the mouth of the Minnamurra River near Kiama).
Since the band formed in late 2008 they have been busy building a huge following on the live
music scene up and down the South Coast.
Now they’re taking their music to the cities and
nationwide, with the release of their debut self-titled album.
Penny Hartgerink’s songwriting contributions to the album include the bitter-sweet Why Not Me, tough comment on refugee policy on Welcome Here and animal liberation in Hoop of Fire, pure pop with Things Change, and the more wistful Caring Type and If You Ever Come Back.
Joe Winkler’s love of reggae shines through in Red Van, the bouncy song about his ageing but much-loved band vehicle, and also on Bush Fire, while Sam Hathaway’s Wake Up is the ultimate wake up call — pure rock’n’roll and a great showcase for his considerable guitar skills.
The band members co-wrote Hiding the Light and Directions — two driving numbers that are pub crowd favourites.
Martin Hailey produced the album at Jim Blackfoot’s studio, Blackfoot Sound, in St Peters in Sydney, with legendary Australian rocker and original Sherbet guitarist Clive Shakespeare and media producer Hugh Liney lending their experience and skill to the project as consultants.
"unbelievably good with a mix of reggae and blues they have created their own sound... South Coast Roots … and they are the finest exponents of this style I have ever heard."
