Fleur and Simon McMenamin hailing from Far North Queensland Australia, have been performing together since 2003 supporting some of Australia's top artists, and performing in some of the country's leading venues. Their independent self-titled debut and their second release "in this light" have gained critical acclaim and substantial airplay on ABC radio, triple j and many other national, international and internet stations. The McMenamins received a government grant to record their 3rd Studio Album "Long Time Gone" in July 2010.
The McMenamins have supported the likes of The Waifs, Missy Higgins, Ray LaMontagne, Jason Mraz, Toni Childs, Angus & Julia Stone, Lior, Bertie Blackman, Kate Miller-Heidke, Jez, Ash Grunwald, Jen Cloher, Deborah Conway, & Serena Ryder.
In November 2005 they wrapped up their first national tour opening for Missy Higgins which entered them into the consciousness of the masses performing to crowds of thousands in large outdoor stadiums. Their song The Last Rain was in the shortlist for the 2009 American Blackbird Song Contest and In 2007 The McMenamins toured Queensland opening for The Waifs and won a Q Song Award for their single 'How It Is' which was also a 2007 IMA (Independent Music Awards) finalist. The film clip of the same single was in the top 5 video finalists of the 2006 Music OZ Awards and the duo were shortlisted in the 2006 APRA Professional Development Awards (PDAs). The McMenamins have performed showcases at Canadian Music Week in Toronto & Big Sound in Brisbane and their festival dates include Woodford Folk Festival, Tamworth Country Music Festival, Nannup Music Festival, Festival of the Sun, Peats Ridge, and Sydney's The Great Escape.
Their three releases are out through MGM distribution, and The McMenamins are now touring and playing festivals nationally and after a trip to Austin in March are embarking on their first tour of the US in October 2011.
“Rock-solid folk debut. Frontwoman Fleur has a faultless voice that's confident and sweet with a country ache. " Rolling Stone Magazine
“A delightful brand of country-folk.” Drum Media
“This is a record from two very talented players… It’s hard to believe this is a debut.”
Rhythms Magazine
“A must-have for summer… it is astonishing how accomplished and developed this album is for a debut.” Rip It Up
“This brother and sister duo are energetic from start to finish with their superb use of acoustic strumming, perky vocals and swishing of percussion…this is a duo to watch” Eleven Magazine
“Fleur has a sweet, gorgeous, country-tinged voice with a relaxed style. It’s more than attractive because she can pack a few decent punches” Mediasearch.com
"Long Time Gone is a charming album from two brilliant siblings" - Capital News
"Fleur possesses a pristine voice... stretching from sotto voce lullaby lilt to animated cowgirl... Long Time Gone merits a place in the record store racks alongside albums by acts such as The Greencards and Nickel Creek..."
The Australian.
"This Aussie group have got big things ahead of them.” Woollpress
