Quarry Mountain Dead Rats

Taking it back to a simpler time, where the pickin’ was fast and the banjo was king, this five piece from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, bring their raw & gritty version of bluegrass kicking and hollering into the modern day. They establish an 'old mate' affinity with their audiences while delivering a kick-you-in-the-face live show, setting the tone for a sing along, drink along, foot-stomping good time.

QMDR's instrumentation of banjo, mandolin, acoustic guitar, double bass and washboard fits the bluegrass mold, but the influence of old- time mountain-music combined with rock‘n’roll sensibilities, give way to something altogether different. Revellers are no doubt drawn to QMDR's humour and anything goes attitude, but what stands out is their ability to tear into their songs with an intensity that’s rare for an acoustic band.

Taking their uncommon rockgrass sound to the people, the band cut their teeth on Melbourne street corners and are working their way through the pub scene and festival circuit including appearances at Falls Festival, St Kilda Festival, Blue Mountains Music Festival, Jamgrass Festival and Cygnet Folk Festival to name a few. You can just as easily see these guys on the line up for a rock festival as you can a folk festival. After catching the eyes and ears of producer Shane Nicholson, the band headed to Nash Chambers' Foggy Mountain Studios to record their debut album.

“Quentin Tarantino’s version of bluegrass, its banjo with grit”