Chart triumph: Sheppard's #1 proves you don't need to be signed to a major

Brisbane band Sheppard has bested their chart achievements with second album Watching The Sky.

It came into last week’s ARIA chart at #1, beating the #2 debut of their first album Bombs Away in July 2014.

The band say it just shows that you don’t have to be on a major label.

The album was out through Empire of Song/MGM in this country.

“Sheppard have well and truly shown that even in the world of pop rock, independent is the way to go,” said band manager Michael Chugg.

“It’s a sign that where Aussie music is concerned, the majors are well off the pace.”

Watching The Sky is the fifth Australian #1 on the ARIA Albums Chart in 2018 after Parkway Drive’s Reverence, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu’s Djarimirri (Child Of The Rainbow), Kylie Minogue’s Golden and Vance Joy’s Nation Of Two.

Chugg continued, “This year’s albums chart is proof positive that Australian fans want Australian music and if the corporate record and media industries can’t or won’t meet the demand, the indie scene is ready, willing and able to step up and carry the torch for our culture.”

Sheppard already had a #1 single, with ‘Geronimo’.

They have four gold and platinum hits, including the recent ‘Keep Me Crazy’ and ‘Coming Home’ and, says Empire of Song, are well on their way to number five with new single ‘Hometown’.

“This album has been over three years in the making and for it to reach the top is both satisfying and humbling,” said George Sheppard.

“From years of recording, travelling the world, doing live shows and finally promoting the record across four states in the last week, it has been a long process and we’re just so glad that people are enjoying the album finally.”

Added Amy Sheppard, “When you craft an album like this, you hope that it will connect, but to have real people turn up to the record store or jump online and support us by buying the record is what really matters.

“Thank you to all our fans and those that have helped us on our journey. Our first number one album is such a special milestone for us.”

The singles lifted off the album are ‘Keep Me Crazy’ (#37 Apr. ’17) and ‘Coming Home’ (#22 Jan. ’18).

Another track, ‘Edge Of The Night’ was a Top 10 hit in Latin America.