The Workshop

The Workshop StoryThe Workshop began when friends from a band that had disbanded ten years earlier, got together to get the creative juices flowing again.In the years since The Workshop has released an album “Tired and Dirty” in 2005 and an EP in 2006. These recordings feature all original material.They play regularly at a variety of Pubs and Clubs along the beautiful Mid North Coast of NSW.The core of the band are Stephen Benjamin, Kev Ballard and Dave Gollan who first joined forces in the band Raw Material that played original tunes around the Manning during the early 90’s. In 2002 , after over ten years apart they again joined forces and got the creative juices flowing. In 2005 they released an album “Tired and Dirty”, followed by an EP in 2006. These recordings feature all original material. A song from the EP “All Things Change” was chosen to feature on the Foghorn Records Sounds Like Café release in November 2006. This CD is distributed Australia wide to Café Chains. Their inspirational compositions have also provided the backing track to Martin Dunn’s surfing videos, so their appeal covers a diverse audience! Highlights of their live performances have been supporting Jenny Morris and being chosen as featured artists at the Wingham Akoostik Festival in October 2007. Community events such as the Cancer Relay for Life and the recent Jeans for Genes day have rounded out their calendar.November 2007 sees the release of their latest CD “Drive This Car”, an eagerly awaited follow up to their previous works. From the first listen these guys show their broad musical talent. “Drive This Car” features Michael Brown and Phill Ridley on drums, both of these players create a driving rhythm section when accompanied by Dave Gollan’s strong bass playing. Kevin Ballard’s guitar work has taken on a strength that is shown at all their live shows and has truly been captured on “Drive This Car”. Stephen Benjamin’s vocals and keyboard round out the sound that has taken The Workshop to a position of one of the most acclaimed bands on the North Coast. Michael Hindmarsh on harp, and additional vocals from Katrina Morris blend perfectly to add the finishing touches to this release.The band is fortunate to have the assistance and support of Sureshot Records and Currie Bros. Engines who sponsored the mastering and production of the “Drive This Car” CD...You can download the Workshops CDS thru Itunes or buy online thru www.cdbaby.com/theworkshophttp://www.winghamakoostikfestival .com/