BIOGRAPHY

No frills, no fuss... Imagine songs with a bear-hug intensity, songs delivered with a straightforward and workmanlike blow. Nothing avant garde, or knowing but resonating a humble self-assuredness and an intimate if robust poignancy. Songs about everyday emotions observed simply and arrestingly. The voice that carries these songs hints at a young Elvis Costello, the music behind these songs nods to the Lemonheads.

Raised in Essex, on the outskirts of London, Rick Oliver's life was always steeped in music. There's a home studio in the back garden and records and instruments all over the house. Rick's father plays guitar; brother Nick plays drums. Listening to and playing music is the momentum that drives the Olivers' lives. So writing, performing and recording his own music was a natural step in young Rick's life and is an irrepressible force in his adult life.

Whether seen at a small intimate venue or rocking out with his band in a larger venue - as was recently the case at Shepherd's Bush Empire in London - Rick's honest and direct approach propels substance over hype to keep the applause rolling. With a set of original rockers ('I'm a Cannonball') that burn with the heat of a blistering firecracker, and steely ballads ('Love Is Cruel') to pull at the heart-strings, creating an emotional roller coaster is his craft.

In 2004 Rick signed with established UK indie music publisher Bucks Music Group, whose infamous Fly Records label (T Rex, Procol Harum, The Move, Joan Armatrading...) has been re-launched to champion Rick's forthcoming singles and album.