The Bumblebeez (previously known as Bumblebeez 81) are an Australian indie duo, formed by Christopher Colonna and his sister Pia Colonna (AKA Queen ViLa). The band's music has been described as a "cut'n'paste collision of noisy hip-hop and rock."Phares, Heather. The Bumblebeez biography Allmusic.com. Retrieved 2011-09-08. Their full-length debut album was Prince Umberto & The Sister of Ill, released in 2007.
History The band was formed by Christopher Colonna and his sister Pia in Braidwood, New South Wales. The band was unearthed by the Australian radio station Triple J in 2002. Around the same time, they won a competition run by the ABC's short-lived Fly TV, making them the first to sign to the Fly Records label.Bumblebeez 81 – White Printz EP CD CDuniverse.com. Retrieved 2011-09-08. In 2004, The Bumblebeez served as opener for Radiohead in Melbourne and Sydney.
The band released White Printz and Red Printz EP's, before compiling them into one album called The Printz for release in 2004.Phares, Heather. The Printz review Allmusic.com. Retrieved 2011-09-08.
The band released their first full-length album Prince Umberto and the Sister of Ill in September 2007, featuring the singles "Dr. Love" and "Rio". The album was selected as Triple J's "feature album," and nominated for a J Award on 28 November 2007. The album was mixed by Zdar of the French band Cassius. In May 2011, the EP I'm a Cowboi was released.
Their new single "Summer Bum" was premiered by Richard Kingsmill on his '2011' triple j show on Sunday 18 September.
Discography Albums + List of albums, with Australian chart positions Title Album details Peak chartpositions AUS Prince Umberto & The Sister Of Ill Released: August 2007 Format: CD Label: 81 Records, Modular (MODCD046) 61
Compilation albums + List of EPs, with selected details Title Details The Printz Released: 2004 Format: CD Label: 81 Records, Modular (B0002346-12)
Extended plays + List of EPs, with selected details Title Details White Printz E.P Released: December 2002 Format: CD Label: Fly Music (12662) Red Printz E.P Released: 2003 Format: CD Label: 81 Records, Modular (MODEP007)
Charting singles +List of charting single, with Australian chart positions Title Year Peak chart positions Album AUS "Dr Love" 2007 79 Prince Umberto & The Sister Of Ill
Awards and nominations APRA Awards The APRA Awards are presented annually from 1982 by the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA), "honouring composers and songwriters". They commenced in 1982.
! |- | 2008 | "Dr Love" (Christopher Colonna, Pia Colonna) | Urban Work of the Year
J Award The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J. They commenced in 2005.
| J Awards of 2007 |Prince Umberto and the Sister of Ill | Australian Album of the Year
References