jj mccann

A 30-year veteran of the Australian rock’n’roll scene, James McCann knows something about the brutal reality of independent music. After cutting his teeth in Perth. McCann moved to Sydney in the early 1990s where he joined the Hard-Ons spin-off outfit Nunchukka Superfly and formed Harpoon. 

He moved back to Perth and joined the first line up of The Drones and striking up an association with Kill Devil Hills, and shifted to Melbourne in the mid 2000s to pursue a variety of solo and collaborative projects.

Not content with co-producing the recent tribute album to Spencer P Jones, Melbourne muso James McCann (James McCann and the New Vindcitives, Harpoon, Nucnhcukka Superfly, The Drones) took the chance during lockdown to write and record a new album. His solo project, for whjich he played all the instruments, is called SKAG and "13 Moons (Burn Out)" is the lead-off video single for the forthcoming long-player "Death Groupie". Grab the track at Bandcamp. 

Much-travelled James McCann (ex-The Drones, Harpoon, James McCann And The New Vindictives, James McCann's Dirty Skirt Band, Nunchukka Superfly) is back with a new LP, a new band name - and even a different first name.

The Melbourne-based singer-guitarist’s latest recording, “Hit With Love” – under the moniker JJ McCann Transmission - is 12 cracking, original tracks that combine elements of ‘80s hard rock, pop and post-punk, and a few that are almost impossible to compare to any others.

Produced by Rob Younger, “Hit with Love” is another solid entry onto McCann’s already exceptional back catalogue. For me he’s one of the country’s great singer/songwriters of the last 20 years. We spoke with JJ via telephone.

Veteranrock and roll force of nature James McCann is previewing his forthcoming Rob Younger-produced album with a fresh single, “Forces At Work”, co-written with his late mate, Spencer P Jones.

Now going under the name JJ McCann Transmission, the Melbourne-based singer-guitarist will release the full-length “Hit With Love” on Cheersquad Records on September 15.  

The new single and album are McCann's first new releases since he co-produced the acclaimed tribute to Spencer P Jones, “All The Way With SPJ”, which included Chris Bailey of The Saints, Kid Congo, Adalita, Violent Femmes, Alejandro Escovedo, Jim Moginie of Midnight Oil and The Drones.

A 30-year veteran of the Australian rock’n’roll scene, McCann knows something about the brutal reality of the independent music scene. After cutting his teeth in the vibrant Perth music community, McCann moved to Sydney in the early 1990s where he joined the Hard-Ons spin-off outfit Nunchukka Superfly.

1. Do The Pop! Festival, October 2022 - Port Campbell, VIC.
One of the best rock n roll experiences I’ve had since the glory days of the Big Day Out in early-to-mid-1990s. A good sized, easy going crowd, all (mostly) attending for two good reasons: beer and rock 'n' roll. An exceptional line-up featuring a range of established and up-and-coming bands. Big thanks to Mick Simpson of Grindhouse and friends for organising what will go down as one the great inaugural festival events. No question this is my Number One pick for 2022. 

2. Howlin’ Threads EP "Of The Sea"(Meinshaft Records)
It was great to self-release this 4 x track EP featuring contributions from a wicked array of Australian rock n roll legends, including Penny Ikinger (Wet Taxis) on vocals, Deniz Tek (Radio Birdman) and Kent Steedman (Celibate Rifles) on lead guitar, James McCann (Harpoon) on slide and harmonica, and Brent Williams (New Christs) on keys. I’ll be forever grateful for the opportunity to work with all these amazing people. For those keen to own one, a few Deniz Tek autographed copies are available here.