About Me
Since the early 2007 release of his debut solo CD - marked by a few remarkable shows around Melbourne with his fine band -J.P. has passed the last 10 months collaborating with film makers and other musicians, most notably composing the soundtrack for Sian Davies' acclaimed short film "Poetry". His music has also appeared in several television dramas and mini-series. Look out for "As Happy as Sad is Blue" in "Underbelly" on Channel NineAs for 2008, J.P. will be collaborating with visual artists, filmmakers and other musicians. Be prepared for anything!___________________________________________________ _____________BACKGROUND:J.P. Shilo, formerly known as John Brooks, is best known for his work with instrumental group HUNGRY GHOSTS.In 1996, after only three performances, Hungry Ghosts came to the attention of rebel producer LINDSAY GRAVINA. Lindsay instantly fell in love with the group and invited them on-the-spot to record an album at BIRDLAND STUDIOS. With ROWLAND S. HOWARD in the producer's seat, they set about to capture the sounds that would make up their first album.1997 saw the release of an independent self-titled ep, which quickly sold out its first two pressings. It was subsequently made available via London label Narwhal Recordings.Upon the strength of this release, the band was commissioned to provide the score to the opening credits of the 1998 St. Kilda Film Festival.By 1999, they found themselves invited to NYC by Sonic Youth's STEVE SHELLEY. Steve helped to create an even sparser album, "ALONE, ALONE" which one reviewer described as, "...blessed with the ability to utter a million words with a single instrumental phrase and to turn a melancholy passage into a triumphant climax..."These three recordings led to international tours, supprting the likes of LYDIA LUNCH, ROWLAND S. HOWARD, THE BOREDOMS, and members of SONIC YOUTH.However, soon after the release of "ALONE, ALONE", in 2000, Hungry Ghosts imploded.What happened was unclear at the time, but sightings were soon made of J.P. Shilo behind a drum kit "playing the other side of madness..." with the group DANMATSUMA. Fronted by KIMIKO TANAKA, this group was short lived but proceeded to be banned from every venue they played due to the sheer violence and drug-fuelled antics of their live shows!BLACKOUT!!____________________________________________ ____________________After some shall we say 'lost days, months, years', J.P. began living at a Buddhist residential centre. In 2003, he was commissioned to produce, "Beautiful Death" a collection of songs for game show hostess turned musician, Alyce Platt. One review read, "These songs sound good live, but it's on CD - with J.P. Shilo's amazing production - that they truly come alive."J.P. Shilo also lent his multi-instrumental talents to legendary Australian band THE BLACK EYED SUSANS.All the while, J.P. had been recording his ideas onto a 4-track. These songs eventually came to the attention of STEVE SHELLEY, who offered to release them on his label SMELLS LIKE RECORDS. October 2006 marked J.P. Shilo's first solo release, "As Happy as Sad is Blue". While many will look for easy comparisons, this is heart-stopping music without a clear genre. Fragile in its minimalist beauty, yet able to suddenly burst open with stabbing intensity, this CD re-established J.P. as a musical force to be reckoned with.
