Something’s brewing as Noga plans new album

FORMER Hobart musician Mike Noga — best known as the drummer for The Drones, before embarking on a successful solo career — is back in town, writing the follow-up to his critically acclaimed third solo album, KING.

But he’s not just locked away writing feverishly. He’s venturing out every second Friday night for a fortnightly residency at the T-Bone Brewing Co in North Hobart, and taking some of Hobart’s best songwriters with him.

Noga spent a decade drumming for The Drones, one of Australia’s most critically acclaimed bands who won the inaugural prestigious Australian Music Prize for their 2005 album Wait Long By The River and the Bodies of Your Enemies Will Float By.

In 2010 he released his debut solo album, Folk Songs, then followed it up with the acclaimed The Balladeer Hunter — hailed by critics as “an Australian classic” — in 2012, before leaving The Drones in 2014 to focus solely on his solo work.

The stripped-back folk tunes of Noga’s previous records then gave way to heavier, atmospheric rock on the 2016 concept album KING.

Playing songs from KING and The Balladeer Hunter and offering sneak previews of some new material, Mike Noga performs at the T-Bone Brewing Co in Elizabeth St, North Hobart, from 7pm tomorrow. Entry is free.

Tomorrow night Noga will be joined by local singersongwriter Lasca Dry, and his final show on April 6 will feature an opening set by James Parry.