Lawrence Arabia is the pseudonym of James Milne, also singer-songwriter for The Reduction Agents, former member of The Brunettes and The Ruby Suns. 'Chant Darling' is his 2nd solo album, following the release of his self-titled solo debut in 2007.
'Chant Darling' features the musical contributions of James Dansey & Daniel Ward (The Sneaks), Matt Eccles (Betchadupa), Liam Finn, Luke Buda & Sam Scott (The Phoenix Foundation), Tom Watson (Cassette), Andy Watts (Hot Grits), John White (Mestar) and various other friends. It was recorded between Nov. 2007 & Jan. 2009, in Stockholm, London, Auckland, Wellington and Port Chalmers and was produced by Milne himself.
The songs for the album were penned half and half between NZ and London, where Lawrence has been based for the past two years. The subject matter varies from the NZ space programme to naughty liaisons on Quay Street, from laziness and drinking problems amongst the shy, to sexually frustrated hipsters, drug-induced death visions, lust for teacher and a theme-in-waiting for the National Government's soon to be announced war on drugs.
Christchurch-born James Milne has produced music for television, film & theatre and his songs appeared in Taika Waititi's film 'Eagle vs Shark'. In the past year Lawrence has toured extensively around Europe
and the UK with both Feist and Okkervil River, appeared at the Royal Albert Hall and has been featured and reviewed In UK publications such as the Sunday Times, NME, Uncut, Q, Independent & Dazed & Confused.
The single 'Beautiful Young Crew' was a bonafide bNet "hit", topping the Alt Radio charts and becoming a bFM anthem – while the video (which was partly shot at the Beehive) also created a good stir around election time.
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