Chris Cheney, Australian singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer

Christopher John Cheney, born on January 2, 1975, is a prominent figure in the Australian music landscape. Renowned as a versatile rock musician, a skilled record producer, and an astute studio owner, Cheney is perhaps best recognized as the foundational mainstay guitarist, principal songwriter, and dynamic lead vocalist of the acclaimed Australian rockabilly band, The Living End.

The Living End: A Defining Australian Rock Band

The Living End was forged in 1994, a creative collaboration between Cheney and his schoolmate, bassist Scott Owen. While rooted in the energetic traditions of rockabilly – a genre characterized by its blend of rock and roll with country music, originating in the 1950s – The Living End swiftly carved out a distinctive sound. Their music expertly fuses high-octane punk rock, infectious rockabilly rhythms, and the raw energy of Australian pub rock, delivering a unique and compelling sonic experience that has captivated audiences globally. The band’s lineup solidified with the addition of drummer Andy Strachan, cementing their powerful trio dynamic.

Chart-Topping Hits and Songwriting Acclaim

As the primary songwriter for The Living End, Christopher Cheney is credited with crafting a remarkable string of top 20 hits on the ARIA Singles Chart, Australia’s official and most prestigious music sales chart. Among these iconic tracks is the powerful double A-side "Second Solution" / "Prisoner of Society" (1997), which served as their breakthrough single. "Prisoner of Society" quickly became an anthem for a generation, propelling the band to national fame and achieving multi-platinum sales status in Australia. Other notable chart successes penned by Cheney include "All Torn Down" (1999), "Pictures in the Mirror" (2000), "Roll On" (2001), "One Said to the Other" (2003), "What's on Your Radio" (2005), "Wake Up" (2006), and the critically acclaimed "White Noise" (2008). These singles often originated from The Living End's highly successful albums, including their self-titled debut, which soared to number one on the ARIA Albums Chart in 1998, cementing their status as a major force in Australian music.

Collaborative Ventures: The Wrights and "Evie"

Beyond his commitments with The Living End, Cheney has engaged in significant collaborative projects. In 2004, he joined The Wrights, an Australian supergroup formed as a tribute to the legendary Australian rock icon Stevie Wright. Stevie Wright, the dynamic lead singer of The Easybeats, is widely regarded as one of Australia’s most influential rock and roll performers. The Wrights released a powerful cover version of Stevie Wright's epic 11-minute masterpiece, "Evie," as a single. This monumental track, originally a three-part rock suite, is celebrated as a landmark in Australian music history, and The Wrights' rendition showcased Cheney's versatility and respect for his musical heritage.

Industry Recognition and Accolades

Christopher Cheney's exceptional songwriting talent has been formally recognized by the music industry. At the prestigious 2009 APRA Music Awards, he received the coveted Song of the Year award for his work on The Living End's impactful track, "White Noise." The APRA Music Awards, presented by the Australasian Performing Right Association, honor outstanding achievements in songwriting, composing, and music publishing within Australia and New Zealand, making this award a testament to Cheney's creative impact.

Personal Life and Entrepreneurial Spirit

In 2005, Christopher Cheney married his longtime girlfriend, Emma. Together, they have two daughters. Demonstrating their shared commitment to the music industry, the couple also co-owns Red Door Sounds, a state-of-the-art recording facility. This venture allows Cheney to extend his influence beyond performance and songwriting, contributing to the development and production of other artists' music within a professional studio environment.

Global Reach and Continued Influence

In 2011, the Cheney family made a significant move, relocating from Australia to Los Angeles, California. This relocation underscores Christopher Cheney's expanded focus on international opportunities and his continued engagement with the global music industry, further solidifying his presence as an influential Australian rock musician on the world stage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Christopher John Cheney

Who is Christopher John Cheney?
Christopher John Cheney is an Australian rock musician, record producer, and studio owner, best known as the founding guitarist, lead vocalist, and primary songwriter for the acclaimed rockabilly punk band, The Living End.
What band is Christopher Cheney in?
He is the founding mainstay member of the Australian rock band, The Living End, formed in 1994 with bassist Scott Owen.
What are some of The Living End's most famous songs written by Christopher Cheney?
Cheney has written many of The Living End's top 20 ARIA Singles Chart hits, including their breakthrough anthem "Prisoner of Society" (1997), "All Torn Down" (1999), "Pictures in the Mirror" (2000), "Roll On" (2001), "What's on Your Radio" (2005), and the award-winning "White Noise" (2008).
Has Christopher Cheney worked on projects outside of The Living End?
Yes, notably in 2004, he joined the supergroup The Wrights to record a cover of Stevie Wright's iconic 11-minute track, "Evie."
What notable awards has Christopher Cheney won?
In 2009, he won the prestigious APRA Music Award for Song of the Year for writing The Living End's track, "White Noise."
What is Red Door Sounds?
Red Door Sounds is a recording facility co-owned by Christopher Cheney and his wife, Emma, reflecting his involvement in music production beyond performing.