ABOUT MRB

One of Australia's hardest working bands. Reigning from the Gold Coast, Qld Australia, The Mason Rack Band are blues rock legends; having played shows all over Australia and toured internationally to Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Vanuatu & Japan.

MASON RACK

GUITAR / LEAD VOCALS / PERCUSSION

Mason Rack is a born entertainer - growing up playing percussion at the age of six with his musician father Billy Rack. Progressing to drums at age eight, Mason was able to play any style of music. For the next four years Mason developed a natural rhythm that is now part of his soul and way of life.

Mason picked up a guitar in his early years and mastered the genre of blues rock which is his true passion. His stage performance is an experience in itself. With more than 2500 shows performed including major music festivals throughout Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands and Italy - he shows no signs of slowing down.

The raspy vocals of lead front man Mason Rack have been described by fans as one on the "sexiest voices in the blues music scene" with flashes from Tom Waits and Led Zeppelin.

MasonSlide © Rob Sharkey Photography 2011

Vini Melo

BASS / GUITAR / PERCUSSION / BACKING VOCALS

Vinícius Melo is a live and studio musician, arranger and producer.

Graduated from CDMCC in Tatuí - SP (2006), worked as a music teacher at IGB Music School (affiliated with Souza Lima College & Berklee) in Franca - SP from 2009 to 2015. Attended several workshops and training courses hosted by musicians such as Egberto Gismonte, Hamilton de Holanda, Arismar do Espírito Santo, Filó Machado, Yamandú Costa, Laércio de Freitas, André Marques, Zé Barbeiro, Cléber Carrapicho, DuoFel, Daniel Maudonnet, Vitor Alcântara, Pedro Ramos, Ary Piassarollo, Douglas Fonseca, Zé Eduardo Nazário, Paulo Braga, Alexandre Cunha, Arthur Maia, among others. Recorded albums and DVDs alongside Arthur Maia, Chico Oliveira, Alexandre Cunha, Diego Figueiredo, Alex Reis, Alexandre Piu, Beto Sápio, Eduardo Machado and others. Worked as a sideman on cultural festivals, such as the Savassi Jazz Festival in 2009 - Belo Horizonte - MG, Femucic 2010 - Maringá - PR, Book Fair in 2011 and 2013 - Ribeirão Preto - SP, Book Fair 2013 - Franca - SP. In 2011, toured with a project funded by the Cultural Secretariat of the State of São Paulo - ProAC - "The History of the Brazilian Bass", from the proponent Eduardo Machado.

Besides the authorial and cultural work experience, has always worked as a freelancer for different artists and groups on various events, such as wedding parties, proms, social ballrooms, pub gigs and Carnival's "Trios Elétricos". In 2012, participated in an international tour that resulted in the recording of the album ''Eduardo Machado Quintet - Live in Birds Eye" in Basel, Switzerland, where they returned in 2014 and also toured Germany. Since 2016 Vini has been traveling as a sideman accompanying artists from all over the world such as Christine Andreas (USA), Jane Cho (AUS), Jonathan Johnston (IRL), Robin North (ENG), Vov Dylan (AUS), Michael Montgomery (AUS), Sally Jones (ENG), Ray Solaire (ENG), David Nevin (CAN), Camille Mesnard (FRA), Lukas Poost (USA), Alan Kavanagh (IRL), Craig Owen (ENG), Rob Lewis (ENG), The Opera Girls (ENG), Clare Langan (ENG), Dave Christian (ENG), Phillip Browne (ENG), Byron Johnston (USA), Gary Guthman (USA), David Howarth (ENG), Bernadett Nyari (HUN), Samantha Ivey (ENG), John Bowles (AUS), Francisco Yglesia (PAR), Gary Abuthnot (IRL), Alberto Sanchez (USA), Dominick Allen (SCO), Jeri Sager (USA), Stephen Clarke (SCO), Marien Meringolo (USA), Lovena B. Fox (CAN), Jamie Michael Stewart (ENG), Coleen Willianson (USA), Shirley Dominguez (URU), Mark Newsome (WAL), Doug Cameron (USA), Brenda Cochrane (SCO), Steve Stevens (ENG), Oli Nez (IRL), Martina Parenti (ITA), Hinsetzen Pause(GER), Michelle Murlin (USA), Chris Burke (USA), Mason Rack (AUS).

Vini

MICK SIPPELL

DRUMS / PERCUSSION / BASS / BACKING VOCALS

Michael "Mick" Sippel is a drumming powerhouse with over 20 years of experience in the music industry. He's played everything from blues to rock to country and pop, and has worked as a freelance drummer, multi instrumentalist, and music tutor in both commercial and community settings. Mick's talent on the drums is so impressive that some say he can make a triangle sound like a full-blown symphony! When he's not busy perfecting his craft, you'll find Mick sharing his musical wisdom with aspiring musicians. He's taught students of all ages and skill levels, and has a knack for making even the most complex rhythms seem simple. But don't let his serious side fool you - Mick's also got a great sense of humor. He's been known to crack jokes mid-performance and even sneak in a drum solo or two when the band isn't looking. So if you're in need of a talented drummer and a good laugh, look no further than Michael "Mick" Sippel, the man who can make music magic Down Under.