In 2014 Dockray released his debut EP Iron Suit, impressing a bunch of folks in community radio and the music press. He followed that with his debut album One Finger Salute. Imbued with his characteristic wit and knack for observation, and with tongue locked in cheek, it takes aim at crooked politicians, unwanted pregnancies and past flames. It reached #5 on the AMRAP AIRIT regional chart in it’s first week, Melbourne’s ‘most exciting solo acoustic artist’ (Beat TV) is a unique and exciting newcomer for fans of great guitar picking and songwriting alike.
His song Monopoly Money has just been nominated for best song at the ARMA. Lately he has played at Tamworth CMF and Copenhagen Songwriters Festival.
“Unique: like the love child of a John Williamson and C.W. Stoneking romance”
Henry Wagons, Double J (2016)
"A truly unique songwriter. Not many people can do that"
Bill Chambers Australian roots music legend (2016)
“The wit and wisdom of his words conjures up comparisons with John Prine, Kinky Friedman, and Australia’s own Don Walker”
Lou Bradley, Director, Australian Roots Music Awards (2016)
“Astounding presence, lyrical flair, and comedic timing… a personal highlight (of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, 2016)”
– Country Update Magazine
Family members Laura Stitt and her two cousins, Danny and Shannon Stitt have over time created one of Australia's most exciting Funk/Soul acts.
With Danny (Bass) and Shannon (Keys) growing up on the north coast with a lifestyle of surfing and skating, the boys found a passion for jazz and funk music passed on by their musical Dad and after hearing their cousin Laura sing for the first time on a family holiday it created a dream they had to pursue of one day moving to Sydney and starting a band together. Laura would find tapes of song ideas in the letter box at her northern beaches home in Sydney and would add melody and lyrics, waiting until the next time the families got together to create the final products.
After years of long distance writing together the boys joined Laura in Sydney where the band recorded an EP 'Originate'. The EP propelled the band around the Sydney scene and led to an appearance on national television as part of the Logie award winning series 'All Saints' where the band performed two songs off the EP 'Why' and the track that opened the show, 'Dreamland'.
From humble beginnings playing numerous gigs without pay to opening acts at major international events VTRIBE have come along way with no sign of slowing down.
Bursting onto the social scene in 2005 they quickly set themselves apart from other bands with their unique style and individual sound.
Often affectionately joking that they’re “Bringing their Tongan backyard tunes to the main stage!” they are adored by fans for their down to earth nature and funky style peformances.
VTRIBE’S sound is a specialized blend ROOTS ROCK REGGAE all wrapped up into the one dynamic show!
As special guest to artists for the likes of award winning Fiji, Katchafire, Nesian Mystik, Adeaze, Jboog, Ardijah and Australia’s 2007 Urban Music Award Winner, Red Room they are quickly gaining the entertainment industry recognition that they have worked so hard to achieve.
VTRIBE HIGHLIGHTS
* 1st Runners up the “GLOBAL BATTLE OF THE BANDS” (03/11/10)
* Front man Joseph Vaivao featured at the NRL Rugby League World Cup, reciting the anthem.
* Winners of the Stage 2 Battle of the Bands 'BEST IN THE WEST'.
*Featured as one of the main acts in the Oceana Festival for World Youth Day 2008.
Their complete 11 piece band consists of Mino Vaivao ( keyboard, vocals), David Vaivao (bass), Rodney Vaivao (drums), Raymond Vaivao (keyboard), Joseph Vaivao (vocals), Andrew Silva (guitar), Vee Fa'amoe (vocals, percussion), Marcus (percussion), Benny (trumpet), David Lavalu (trumpet) & Tui Fifita (trombone).