After years performing as Coogee Bay Road Band, the guys stepping into a new chapter – and introducing their new name: John Harp Drive.
John Harp Drive is harmony‑driven blues‑rock powered by dual lead vocals, big melodic storytelling and John’s explosive in‑the‑crowd harmonica performances.
Same band. Same energy. Same lineup yous know:
- John – lead vocals, guitars, harmonica, songwriting, and steering the ship as manager/producer
- Joe – second songwriter, lead vocals, keys, guitars
- Fox – bass and backing vocals
- Chewy – drums and the engine room
What’s changing is their focus. They’re putting even more energy into creating and releasing original music – and if you haven’t heard their originals yet, you absolutely need to. This is where the heart of the band really lives.
Right now they’re deep in the studio recording our second LP – 14 original tracks coming in Q3 2026. It’s shaping up to be a killer record that moves across the whole spectrum: from blues to hard‑rock, from folk to fully orchestrated ballads.
‘End Of The Circle’ (originally released Dec 2025) is now part of that reset and the upcoming album they’re recording.
Listen to End Of The Circle Here
It’s also a very personal song, written for my John’s father – the title reflecting a peaceful, surreal idea of ‘heaven’ and closure.
Follow the band on their Website and Social links
Band Bio
John Harp Drive deliver a harmony‑rich blend of blues‑rock shaped by expressive guitar work, soulful harmonica, and the dynamic interplay of dual lead vocals. Fronted by vocalist, guitarist, harmonica player and songwriter John Harp, the band’s sound draws on decades of collective experience — from blues and rock to folk traditions and modern roots influences – creating performances that balance raw energy with melodic depth.
At the creative core are John Harp and Joe Martin, two contrasting but complementary lead vocalists and songwriters whose chemistry defines the band’s identity. John brings grit, fire, and his signature in‑the‑crowd harmonica moments, while Joe adds warmth, groove, and a melodic sensibility shaped by years performing across Australia. Their harmonies and storytelling give the band its emotional centre.
Bassist Fox adds a powerful international dimension to the group, having toured and recorded with some of Europe’s most celebrated artists including Goran Bregović, Bijelo Dugme, Alen Islamović, Željko Bebek, Hari Mata Hari and Parni Valjak. His deep musical roots and commanding stage presence anchor the band’s sound with precision and drive.
Known for strong hooks, layered harmonies, and arrangements that move from intimate to explosive, John Harp Drive have built a reputation for high‑impact performances where musicianship and storytelling take equal focus. Their debut album The Chronicles of Coogee Bay Road introduced listeners to their narrative‑driven songwriting, while recent singles — including Spirits of Alcohol — have continued to grow their presence across Spotify, YouTube, and the Australian live scene.
The band is currently recording a 14‑track LP for release in Q3 2026, expanding their sound into blues‑rock, folk‑inspired acoustic moments, and fully orchestrated ballads. The project marks a major creative step forward, capturing the breadth of their influences and the chemistry that defines their live performances.
John Harp’s musical journey began at age 14 and includes international touring as part of a male choir performing in France and Germany — an early foundation that shaped his lifelong commitment to performance and songwriting. Over the years he has contributed to numerous bands and projects, refining the expressive guitar work and harmonica style that now define JHD’s sound.
John Harp Drive’s growing momentum includes standout festival appearances at Katoomba Spring Equinox Festival (2025), Cronulla Fest (2025), Cobargo Folk Festival (2025), Dulwich Hill Festival (2024), St Albans Folk Festival (2024) and Wanderer Festival (2023). Whether on a large outdoor stage or in an intimate venue, the band deliver a show built on connection, energy, and a sound that feels both timeless and fresh.
