They followed with a tour of Australia’s east coast, then supported shows by Clouds , Hoodoo Gurus and United Kingdom band, Bush . As songwriters, Tennent typically composed the music and McLeod supplied the lyrics – the pair had also developed a personal relationship. In January 1997 the Superjesus appeared at the Big Day Out and, in April, they travelled to Triclops Sound Studios, Atlanta to record their debut album, Sumo , with Matt Serletic ( Collective Soul ) producing and Jeff Tomei (Smashing Pumpkins, Hole) as audio engineer. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1997 they won Best New Talent for Eight Step Rail and Breakthrough Artist – Single for “Shut My Eyes”. McLeod and Tennent’s personal relationship had ended and late that year; he temporarily left the group. Aaron Tokona (of Weta ) filled in on guitar when the Superjesus toured New Zealand. Tokona turned down the offer to become a permanent member and remained with Weta.
appeared at the Big Day Out
Written by
in