There’s a sense of searching and mystery nestled in the music of Owls of the Swamp, the atmospheric indie-folk project of Australian songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Pete Uhlenbruch. Characterised by distinctive guitar fingerpicking, earthy vocals, heartfelt arrangements and a natural ear for melody, Uhlenbruch’s latest LP offering Go with River (2011) earned respect as ‘one of the sleeper hits of the year’ (Timber and Steel, 2011) and ‘new folk music at its best’ (Sony Ericsson Music Blogger, 2011).

His latest project has him working with special guest Market Irglova (The Swell Season) and Greenhouse Studio’s Sturla Mio Thorisson. His latest single, 'The Hypnotist', suggests the new musical territory Uhlenbruch is exploring on the album he’s currently recording in Europe.

There is no doubt that location has played an influential role in the development of Uhlenbruch’s sound. His debut, Smoky Bay (2007), was an ambitious concept album that sought to capture the strange coincidences, connections and charismatic characters that shaped his experience living in Iceland. Uhlenbruch’s deeply embedded Wanderlust has also led him to perform extensively throughout Australia, Germany, Iceland, the UK, Poland and the Czech Republic. His arresting yet personal live performances have led to tours with artists such as Žamboši (CZ), Myrra Rós (IS) and Svavar Knútur (IS) as well as supports for notable acts such as Machine Translations (AU), Old Man River (AU) the Paradise Motel (AU) and Jens Lekman (SE).

In 2007, Uhlenbruch started a small weekend cafe music festival in Australia called Melodica that was aimed at simply bringing artists together to help foster a sense of community. The concept moved quickly through his personal network of passionate musician friends and flourished into an authentic international community of non-profit and artist-run Melodica festivals, now bringing songwriters together in seven countries. Uhlenbruch’s deep involvement in the development of the festival network has allowed him the unique opportunity to engage with a diverse variety of music cultures. This unexpected journey has enriched his own music career, allowing him to network with like-minded artists whilst reaching new audiences in cities all around the world.