LAUREL & THE PAINKILLERS (LPK) deliver a mix of original & cover music that is blues at heart, driven by rock, pop & groove. Live shows are full of energy & passion guaranteed to please their music fans. They were recently nominated as finalist for “Emerging Act 2022” by MBAS VIC Blues Music Awards & their song “Bad Luck Comes In Three” was semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Contest USA 2022. Debut album “Songs From Isobel” was hailed “best album of the year” Kevin Byrne (Radio Presenter 103.7 FM) & was in the 25 most-played new & reissued CD’s from AU Blues & Roots Airplay Chart. Second CD “Keep On Moving Towards The Light” was written during COVID-19 pandemic “LPK launched their EP to a full house at the Shake Shack. Awesome electric guitar from Laurel & the band ripping all through the set had the crowd wanting more” Barry Maxwell (Radio Presenter). “Great songs – & really well produced” Matthew Frederick (DJ “The Juke Joint”, PBS 106.7fm).
English born Melbourne based singer-songwriter, guitarist Laurel is supported by a killer rhythm section –
Neil Salmon first picked up the drumsticks at age 11 and by fifteen was gigging around his native London, transitioning through various bands, notably Blues/Rock circuit legends ‘Bad Influence’ before relocating to Melbourne. He has drummed with local acts ‘The Shakers’, ‘Moondogs’, Dave Wright & The Midnight Electric’ and ‘Birdcage’ and has performed onstage alongside artists as varied as Rob Davis (Mud), Ellie Hope (Liquid Gold/The Hope Sisters), Ed Manion (Bruce Springsteen/Robert Cray Band), Mick Thomas (Weddings,Parties,Anything) and Graham Lee (The Triffids).
Multi-instrumentalist, singer/songwriter Damian Peck has been part of the Melbourne music scene for over two decades. He is a veteran bass player who has played and recorded with countless musicians of many different styles and brings a wealth of experience to LPK.
Skilled Keyboard player Daryl Johnson has been active in Melbourne over the last 15 years. Classically trained he plays with various tribute acts incl. Gold Chisel, To Hell & Back (Meatloaf) & Ron Vincent (Cat Stevens). Daryl has played on original albums with Dave Wright Midnight Electric, Bronnie Gordon & LPK.
