About.
Born in the back of a corner shop that his parents owned in the Burdekin area of North Queensland, Suga ‘Scottie’ Owens grew up with a colourful and traditional musically gifted family. His old man would play piano accordion and guitar, while Granddad would play the spoons. As Scottie grew up his parents’ collection of early Rock ‘n’ Roll and Country records were very influential; especially at Christmas time when all the family would get together and sing along to the old songs. It was during a family trip around Australia he and his brothers started to learn guitar. Country music from Lee Kernaghan, Slim Dusty, The Belamy Brothers and Waylon Jennings were all on the playlist. Soon after settling in Mackay, the boys learnt The Beatles catalogue and sporting Beatles haircuts, went out and got an education of a different kind busking on the streets.
Younger brother Deano got into Jazz playing in the school Jazz band learning music from Django Reinhardt and Chet Atkins…listening to popular Australian radio station Triple J they added some punk influence to the recipe. The boys loved to experiment with new sounds but would always go back to their roots with Country music and early Rock ’n’ Roll. Playing covers in pubs, the boys’ band caught the eye of Graeme Connors. He took the time to mentor them to polish their song writing and stage performance skills making a very strong impression in Scottie’s life which continues in his music today.
After some worldly travels, Scottie ended up on the Sunshine Coast and found his scene. Fifties style Rock ’n’ Roll, Bluegrass and Country was the flavour that got his creative juices flowing, so he and his brothers got stuck into it and started a band called The Hi-Boys. Together they played original Rock ’n’ Roll but Scottie’s soft spot for country music was ever present as a side project. The Hi-Boys have grown a loyal fan base in Australia and across the world. They have been fortunate enough to be flown to festivals in Europe and UK, and be signed on record label Wild Records based in LA.
After all the successes of the Hi-Boys, it’s now time for Suga to shine on his own. When your heart is yearning to share something that has been lovingly crafted over time, one must submit. Scottie released his first single under the name Suga Owens in April 2018 and has an EP to follow. He has performed to solid crowds at many iconic Brisbane venues, such as, Lefty’s Old Time Music Hall, The Triffid - Americana sessions, and events including the Brisbane BBQ Festival and several Young Henry’s Brewery dates.
Suga Owens has already made a foot print in the Country music scene in Australia with his first single placed in the Top 10 on Australian country radio upon release. His song writing is inspired by American Country music mixed with an Australian twist, it’s original, entertaining and is bound to get your toes tapping.
