Heads We’re Dancing, unique rhythms and melodies supported by strong lyrics and a big global groove. Described as energetic, inspiring and innovative the band’s live performances attract an enthusiastic following both in their home state and on a global level following their 2006 and 2007 UK tours.
Heads We’re Dancing are Karla Dawson (vocals and keyboard), Tom Francas (keyboard, guitar and vocals), Alan Dawson (vocals, bass guitar, loops and samples) and Mike Brady (percussion and vocals).
With support of ArtsWA, the band toured the east coast of Australia in 2005 with successful shows in Melbourne and Sydney. In July 2006 they went on their first overseas tour, starting at the "Eastern Haze" Festival in the UK, sharing the main stage alongside retro legends Hawkwind. After several dates around the country, the tour culminated in a fifteen night residence as part of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Heads We’re Dancing were also invited to play on the main stage at the "Fringe Sunday" concert, an annual event which attracts an estimated 200,000 people, and during the festival they were also asked to perform a night at the legendary "Jam House".
In 2007 the band returned to the UK, and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival which included an invitation to perform at the "Australian Fringe Showcase" in the world renowned Spiegel Tent. Within Australia the band has performed at many festivals and venues, including: Fairbridge, Nannup, Down South, Co-existence and UWA Festivals, the Fly By Night Club and Vanguard.
“Could be among the surprise musical packages of this year’s festival”, 4 star review, Skinnyfest, Edinburgh
“They are a highly experienced and professional group and were extremely well received by audiences”, Sweet Entertainments Ltd
“Excellent representatives for Australia”, Seb Fosdal, Eastern Haze Festival
“One of the most impressive bands I witnessed were Heads We’re Dancing” , Terry J. Hawke, Eastern Haze Festival.
Heads We’re Dancing have four CDs (Self-titled, Jagaavo, Headspace and Tunnel Vision). Dust and Sun, a track from Headspace, was described by DJ Wayne S of Discophonic Productions as "Never failing to transport me away from a rainy winters day here in the UK, with its exotic sunshine vibes". Inspired by this, DJ Wayne S and Greek producer El Padrino remixed the band's song What You Get. This remix is included on the Tunnel Vision CD and is now being played by DJ’s throughout the UK and European club scene. Tracks from all of the bands CDs receive regular airplay in Australia and Internationally.
Heads We're Dancing are:
Karla Dawson: lead vocals, keyboard, cabassa, shakers, bells
 "I was born on an African Dawn in a small village called Vom, Nigeria. My life has been full of many amazing experiences with travel, music and meeting many wonderful people on the road. I spent 2 years travelling, hitch hiking to most places with my girlfriend Jackie. Music has been my life since I can remember and those African rhythms have certainly left an impression on me.
I have always loved singing. Working with harmonies has been a passion for me. Some of the people I have played with over the years that have given me so much joy and I've learnt so much from are Maria Wilson, Lynn Hazelton, Dave Clarke, Nola Fermentin (Clarion) WA Conservatorium Choir and now HWD.
One of my favorite gigs (have many) was when Maria Wilson, Bob Thompson and myself supported Tiddas at the Fly By Night, Fremantle. One of those special nights where everyone was there to have a good time and get lost in the music. Mustn't forget the show at Fairbridge on the main dance stage with HWD. I looked out to a sea of people from all ages and cultures dancing their feet off and many smiling faces. This is why I love playing live.....the power of music, YES!"
Mike Brady: percussion, vocals
 "Sunny Fremantle, here in WA, is where I live and work as a local and independent artist/musician. New Zealand born, I've lived extensively overseas, but it's here I perform the juggling act that somehow links both these artforms, and although it would be easier and less sleep depriving to be doing one or the other, anyone who has a love of art and music will understand that's just crazy talk.
Actually, as I think about it, some would say hitting skins stretched over rings is loosely described, at best, as music. But we all know that the rhythm section is where it all happens, so no more will be said about that!
I love music. I love walking into my studio where I've work that is developing. Colours, textures. And always around and through this process of creating this art is music. Yes, music. The chance to take things further for me and actually play began slowly, but over time there are so many people who lift you up and help you understand more. In the world of drums, these come to you from all countries and races, and over time, just playing, playing, playing, travelling, chance meetings and crazy ideas that come out of late nights and mad talk, lead to putting bands together and playing to an audience".
Alan Dawson: lead vocals, bass, lead vocals, drum loops & samples
 "I was born on a London Dawn, .........................no just joking. I was born in London and mostly grew up in a place called "Palmers
Green" whose claim to fame musically was that it got a mention in the
song "Always in the kitchen at parties" (Jona Lewie). From a young age
I was always listening to music, I knew the family record collection
inside out and had the radio on continuously.
I (was) moved to Australia at the age of 12 and from then on the
music really kicked in. I started recording local bands at gigs with
a very basic set up and got into sound and recording. At about 15 yo
I was messing about on a friend's bass guitar and thought "This is for
me", and by 16 was in my first working band. I have played and toured
in many bands specialising in many types of music, heavy rock, prog
rock, blues, jazz, MOR, folk, country, and dance, which became a solid
music education. Past bands include: Palace, Pastel City, Warlord,
Robbers Dog, Mike Cornell Show Band, Cash & Co, Witzend, Stinger &
the Sandblasters, plus many bands as a session player. I also
currently play in the "Empire Blues Band".
In 1980 I set up my first recording studio and this has developed
into Witzend Studios, a fully equipped commercial studio where I have
recorded many albums for local musicians. Apart from producing and
engineering I play on many albums a year.
I am a founding member of community radio station "Radio Fremantle"
and have been an on air presenter of local music since its inception.
Basically music is my life, except for Australian Rules Football, but
that's another story".
Tom Francas: acoustic and electric guitar, keyboard, vocals
 "I started piano lessons at the age of 6 and stopped at the age of 10, unimpressed with the 'rap on the knuckles with a ruler' method. This put me off playing music (apart from a few parent-driven recorder concerts) for another 10 years, when I used my sister's guitar and a '1001 chords' book to teach myself guitar. I bought my first guitar in London and travelled the world jamming.
My musical career began on the Greek island of Paros, during my ten year travelling blitz, playing guitar with "Harmonica Mike and the Delphini Rats". On my return to Australia, whilst studying teaching, I found my spiritual home in Fremantle. I started playing trumpet and soon joined eight other musicians in the popular band Billboards in Space. A serious car accident saw the demise of "Billboards" and the eventual formation of Heads We're Dancing. I am currently working part-time as a teacher in a small community school and have also recently published a book, The Krabi Affair - A Traveller's Guide to Nothing, a humerous look at some of my travel adventures.
The prequel to this (if Starwars can do it, so can I) is in the pipeline... you have been warned!"
Heads We're Dancing were nominated for the "Best World Music Act" in the 1998 Kiss My WAMi Awards.
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