The Idea of North

The Idea of North is a quintet of musicians serious about their music without taking themselves too seriously. The members of The Idea of North (TION) have studied at some of Australia’s foremost music schools – the Elder Conservatorium attached to Adelaide University, the Victorian College of the Arts, and the Canberra School of Music attached to the ANU. Starting out as a hobby back in their university days, the group of friends quickly realised their potential and went full-time in 1998.

TION has developed an enviable reputation within Australia and overseas. James Morrison has described them as ‘the best contemporary vocal quartet in Australia’. TION has performed often with James Morrison, and both he and Don Burrows are featured on a number of TION’s recordings, alongside artists such as Lior, Kristin Berardi, Rajaton (Finland), and Elena Kats-Chernin.

The group has also established a significant reputation overseas, frequently traveling for festivals, concerts, workshops, and corporate events. Countries they regularly visit include the USA and various countries in Europe and Asia. They have hosted and/or performed at major festivals in venues such as The Lincoln Centre in New York, the Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts in Washington DC, and similar venues in Asia, performing alongside vocal group greats such as The Manhattan Transfer, Take 6, Naturally 7, and The Real Group (Sweden).

In 2003, TION won The Harmony Sweepstakes in the USA, one of the largest international a cappella competitions in the world. In its then twenty-year history, this was the first time an ensemble from outside the USA won. This is one of many awards TION has garnered for performing, writing, arranging, and recording.

They have produced thirteen albums (their seventh, a collaboration with James Morrison, won the 2010 ARIA award for ‘Best Jazz Album’, their eighth was nominated for the same award and also won the Limelight ‘Best Jazz Album’ award, and their tenth won the 2013 ARIA award, again for Best Jazz Album) and a live, in-concert DVD. In 2014, the group was honoured with an induction into the ACT Hall of Fame.

In 2015, the group met and fell musically in love with Kaichiro Kitamura, a vocal percussionist extraordinaire, and expanded to a quintet formation. Since then, they have enjoyed a significant rise in popularity and audience base, with Kai’s incredible talents adding a new, thrilling dimension to the group’s sound.