Wes Carr
Birth nameWesley Dean Carr
Also known asBuffalo Tales
Born (1982-09-14) 14 September 1982
Gawler, South Australia, Australia
OriginAdelaide, South Australia, Australia
GenresPop rock, soft rock, folk rock
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, harmonica, keyboard, percussion
Years active2003–present
LabelsSony Music Australia (2008–2011)
Independent (2011–present)
Websitewescarr.com.au

Wesley Dean "Wes" Carr (born 14 September 1982), also recording as Buffalo Tales, is an Australian singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, best known for winning the sixth season of Australian Idol in 2008. He released his first studio album, Simple Sum, independently in 2008 shortly before entering Australian Idol. After Idol, he signed a record deal with Sony Music Australia and released his debut single, "You". The song peaked at number one on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified Gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Carr's second studio album, The Way the World Looks, soon followed after. It reached number two on the ARIA Albums Chart and also achieved Gold certification. The second single "Feels Like Woah" peaked at number 14 and gained Gold certification. In June 2011, Carr released "Been a Long Time", the lead single from his third album. It peaked at number 33 on the ARIA Singles Chart. In November 2011, Carr announced that he was no longer with Sony and would be releasing his album independently.[1] In August 2012 Carr released an EP titled Blood & Bone under the pseudonym Buffalo Tales.[2][3] His third studio album "Roadtrip Confessions" was released in June 2013 and debuted at number 83.[4]

Early life

Wes Carr was born and raised in Gawler, South Australia, a town near the Barossa Valley on Adelaide's northern fringe.[5] Carr took classes five nights a week at the Johnny Young Talent School, but eventually left Adelaide to live with his father in Sydney at the age of fifteen.[5] From here on, Carr began his DIY education of the music industry, swapping time at school for time at bars, performing and meeting other musicians.[5] His first big gig was supporting Australian band Leonardo's Bride for their last gig at The Basement[5] Carr also played gigs with Missy Higgins, Lior, Paul Mac, Andrew Farriss of INXS and Don Walker of Cold Chisel.[5]

On 3 November 2003, Carr released his debut EP Rhythm to Fly, independently.[6] After Australian band Silverchair went into hiatus in 2003, Carr and Ben Gillies formed the band, Tambalane.[7] Carr and Gilles parted ways in 2005 when an "unpleasant power struggle" emerged between the two.[7] In 2006, Carr worked with C. J. Vanston in Los Angeles, where they co-wrote the song "Say My Name" for the film, For Your Consideration.[8] On 11 June 2008, Carr released his debut studio album, Simple Sum, independently.

Australian Idol

In 2008, Carr auditioned for the sixth season of Australian Idol. In the top five round, Carr sang Michael Jackson's "Black or White" and received two touchdowns, including one from judge Marcia Hines and guest judge Jermaine Jackson. He also received another touchdown in the top three round, from judge Ian Dickson and a TV throw from judge Kyle Sandilands also he has never being in the bottom 2 or bottom 3 appearance. On 23 November 2008, Carr was announced the winner of Australian Idol of 2008 with Luke Dickens becoming the runner-up.[9] As winner, Carr received a recording contract with Sony Music Australia, a car and $200,000 towards developing his craft.[9]

Week Theme Song sung Artist Result
Top 24 N/A "Times Like These" Foo Fighters Advanced
Top 12 Contestant's idols "Beautiful Day" U2 Safe
Top 11 1980s "Dancing in the Dark" Bruce Springsteen Safe
Top 10 Australian songs "Friday on My Mind" The Easybeats Safe
Top 9 ABBA "Fernando" ABBA Safe
Top 8 Rock n' Roll smash hits "Desire" U2 Safe
Top 7 Motown "If I Were a Carpenter" The 4 Tops Safe
Top 6 The Rolling Stones "Jumpin' Jack Flash" The Rolling Stones Safe
Top 5 Michael Jackson
The Jackson 5		 "Black or White" Michael Jackson Safe
Top 4 American songs "When You Were Young"
"What a Wonderful World"		 The Killers
Louis Armstrong		 Bottom 2
Top 3 Contestant's choice "Easy"
"Get Back"		 Faith No More
The Beatles		 Safe
Top 2 Contestant's choice
Contestant's winners single		 "White Noise"
"You"		 The Living End
Wes Carr		 Winner
Grand Finale Finalists' duet
Contestant's favourite
Contestant's winners single		 "Times Like These"
"Black or White"
"You"		 Foo Fighters
Michael Jackson
Wes Carr

Recording career

2008–09: The Way the World Looks

After coming out of Australian Idol as the winner, Carr signed to Sony Music Australia. His winner's and debut single, "You" was released immediately for download following his win on 23 November 2008. The song peaked at number one on the ARIA Singles Chart[10] and was certified Gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), for shipments of 35,000 units.[11] Carr's second studio album, The Way the World Looks, was released on 20 March 2009. It debuted at number two on the ARIA Albums Chart[10] and also certified Gold.[12] "Feels Like Woah" was released as the album's second single on 13 February 2009.[13] The song peaked at number fourteen and certified Gold.[10][14] "Fearless" and "Love Is an Animal" were released as the album's third and fourth singles, respectively.

In May 2009, Carr embarked on a national tour to perform songs from the album. The national tour, "The Way the World Looks LIVE", began on 27 May and ended on 12 July.[15] In September 2009, Carr served as a support act for Irish band The Script's Australian tour.[16] In October, Carr toured with Ian Moss on his national "Shake It Up Tour". The tour began on 8 October and ended on 19 December.[17] At the 2009 ARIA Music Awards, "You" was nominated for "Highest Selling Single", but lost to Jessica Mauboy's "Running Back".[18]

2011–present: Buffalo Tales and Roadtrip Confessions

Carr's third studio album was scheduled to be released in 2012.[19] In an interview with Adelaide Now, Carr said he wrote the album on his travels to Los Angeles, Nashville, London and Paris, and is full of "personal, candid stories."[20] Its lead single "Been a Long Time" was released for digital download on 10 June 2011.[21] The single peaked at number 33 on the ARIA Singles Chart. In November 2011, Carr announced on that he was no longer with Sony and would release his album independently.[1]

In August 2012, Carr released an EP titled Blood & Bone under the pseudonym Buffalo.[2][3] This was later changed to Buffalo Tales, given a multitude of artists using the Buffalo moniker. In April 2013, Carr uploaded a cover of Diamonds by Rihanna.[22] The cover was praised on Twitter by Sia, one of the song's co-writers.[23] In May 2013, Carr released "Amsterdam" the lead single from his third studio album – and debut as Buffalo Tales – entitled Roadtrip Confessions. A video for "Amsterdam" was released on 5 June 2013.[24] The single did not chart. Roadtrip Confessions was released on 21 June 2013 and debuted at number 83 on the ARIA Album Chart.[4] The next single was "Puppet Strings".

In November 2016, Carr featured in the Catherine Britt single, "F U Cancer"[25] alongside Kasey Chambers, Beccy Cole, Lyn Bowtell, Josh Pyke and Wendy Matthews.

2018–present: Australiana

In December, Carr self-released a new studio album titled Australiana. The album is a covers album of songs performed by Australian artists.

Personal life

In February 2011, Carr announced in the Australian OK! magazine, that he was engaged to actress Charlotte Gregg.[26] Wes married Charlotte in April 2012, and their first child was born later that year.[27][28][29]

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album Peak chart positions Certifications
AUS[10]
2008 Simple Sum
  • Released: 11 June 2008
  • Label: Independent
  • Formats: Digital download
 —
2009 The Way the World Looks 2
2013 Roadtrip Confessions
  • Released: 21 June 2013
  • Label: Foyle Records
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 83[4]
2018 Australiana
  • Released: 7 December 2018[30]
  • Label: Wes Carr
  • Formats: Digital download, Streaming

Extended plays

Year Album details
2003 Rhythm to Fly
  • Released: 3 November 2003[6]
  • Label: Independent
  • Format: Digital download
2012 Blood & Bone
  • Released: 13 August 2012[3]
  • Label: Foyle Records
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

Year Title Peak chart positions Certifications Album
AUS[10][31]
2008 "You" 1 The Way the World Looks
2009 "Feels Like Woah" 14
"Fearless" 51
"Love Is an Animal" 61
2011 "Been a Long Time" 33 Non album single
2013 "Amsterdam" – Roadtrip Confessions
2014 "Anthem" – Non album single
2015 "People of Peace"[32] – Non album single
2016 "Home"[33] – Non album single
Year Title
2016 "F U Cancer" (Catherine Britt featuring Carr, Kasey Chambers, Beccy Cole, Lyn Bowtell, Josh Pyke and Wendy Matthews) [25]

Music videos

Year Song Director
2008 "You" Unknown
2009 "Feels Like Woah"
2009 "Fearless"
2009 "Love Is an Animal"
2011 "Been a Long Time"
2014 "Anthem"

Awards and nominations

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters". They commenced in 1982.[34]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2016"Lost" by Cold Chisel (Don Walker & Wes Carr)Song of the YearShortlisted[35]

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music.[18]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2009 "You" ARIA Award for Highest Selling Single Nominated

Country Music Awards of Australia

The Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA) (also known as the Golden Guitar Awards) is an annual awards night held in January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, celebrating recording excellence in the Australian country music industry. They have been held annually since 1973.[36]

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2017 "F U Cancer" (with Catherine Britt) Vocal Collaboration of the Year Won

References

  1. 1 2 Wes Carr facebook. facebook. 9 November 2011. Retrieved 20 November 2011
  2. 1 2 Bones, John (15 November 2012)Wes Carr...Heart of a lion.thebeast.com.au. Retrieved 10 December 2012
  3. 1 2 3 Blood & Bone EP.iTunes. Retrieved 10 December 2012
  4. 1 2 3 Ryan, Gavin (29 June 2013).ARIA Album Report.Noise11. Retrieved 29 June 2013
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 "Wes Carr – Biography". Take 40 Australia. Mcm Entertainment. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  6. 1 2 "Rhythm to Fly: Carr, Wesley". Chaos.com. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  7. 1 2 McWhirter, Erin (22 November 2008). "Wes Carr wins Australian Idol 2008". The Sunday Times. UK: Perth Now. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  8. ↑ Adams, Cameron (11 December 2008). "Wes Carr's keeping it real". Herald Sun. Australia: Herald and Weekly Times. Retrieved 28 June 2008.
  9. 1 2 McWhirter, Erin (24 November 2008). "Wes Carr, Australian Idol 2008 is speechless with win". The Sunday Times. UK: Perth Now. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 "Discography Wes Carr". ARIA Charts. Hung Medien. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  11. 1 2 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2008 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  12. 1 2 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2009 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  13. ↑ "Feels Like Woah – Single". Itunes.apple.com.au. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  14. 1 2 "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2009 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 27 June 2011.
  15. ↑ "Wes Carr 'The Way The World Looks' Live". LiveGuide.com.au. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  16. ↑ "The Script 2009 Australian Tour Dates – Today Network". 92.9. Austereo. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  17. ↑ "Ian Moss and Wes Carr 'Shake It Up' Tour". LiveGuide.com.au. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  18. 1 2 "ARIA Awards 2009: History: Winners by Year". ARIA Music Awards. Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  19. ↑ "Wes Carr on being true to himself". Herald Sun. Australia: Herald and Weekly Times. 20 June 2011. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  20. ↑ "Wes Carr an angry Idol no more". Adelaide Now. News Limited. 9 June 2011. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  21. ↑ "Been a Long Time – Single". Itunes.apple.com.au. 10 June 2011. Retrieved 26 June 2011.
  22. ↑ "Buffalo Tales – Diamonds". 11 April 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  23. ↑ "Twitter / Sia: Love this amazing cover of diamonds". 12 April 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  24. ↑ "Buffalo Tales – Amsterdam". YouTube. 6 June 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
  25. 1 2 "F U Cancer (single)". iTunes Australia. 30 September 2016. Retrieved 15 December 2016.
  26. ↑ "Marry me". OK!. 10 February 2011. Retrieved 28 June 2011.
  27. ↑ 'Jucy role for bride-to-be Charlotte' by Helene Sobolewski, The Advertiser 07 November 2011
  28. ↑ "Celebrity Baby News: Wes Carr and Charlotte Gregg". Waltzingmorethanmatilda.com. 7 November 2012. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
  29. ↑ "Latest Wes Carr Articles - OK! Magazine Australia". www.okmagazine.com.au. Archived from the original on 7 March 2011. Retrieved 20 July 2022.
  30. ↑ "Australiana". iTunes Australia. 7 December 2018. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  31. ↑ "Chartifacts – Week Commencing: 27th June 2011". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 6 July 2011.
  32. ↑ "People of Peace – single". iTunes Australia. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  33. ↑ "Home – single". iTunes Australia. 17 June 2016. Retrieved 7 December 2018.
  34. ↑ "APRA History". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society (AMCOS). Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  35. ↑ "2016 APRA AWARDS : Date Confirmed". auspOp. April 2016. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  36. ↑ "Past Award Winners". Retrieved 2 November 2020.
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