The Bedroom Philosopher is a Melbourne-based folk comedian. Born Justin Heazlewood in Burnie, Tasmania, with a complete set of sideburns, from a young age he began raiding his uncle's wardrobe for dress ties and sweater vests in a quest to find meaning in mismatched colour patterns. Needless to say, he's been trapped in a 1970's aesthetic ever since.
Aside from being the chic-geeks’ pin up boy, this self-deprecating maverick also knows how to strum a tune. His masterful creations suggest an earnestness and irony that transcends the mainstream pop world and takes listeners on a magical mystery tour like no other. Who would have thought sitars, accordions and a Wurlitzer played simultaneously could sound so good? If you happen to be sitting next to him on a tram, you could ask The Bedroom Philosopher about his collection of over 300 ties from the 70s, or the dozens of boxes of cassette tapes he's bought from op shops or his opinion on the top 5 songs that would benefit from a sitar solo.
Questions to avoid would include asking if he believes that deep down he doesn't deserve happiness so will subconsciously sabotage every relationship he has, or asking to borrow $20. The Bedroom Philosopher found himself dancing on the tables of the music industry in 2002 with a regular segment on JJJ's Morning Show. His lo-fi idiosyncrasies resonated so much with their audience that when he released his debut album In Bed With My Doona in 2005, he took pride in placing 70th in the Hottest 100 with his ode to absurdity, 'I'm So Postmodern'.
Follow up singles ‘Folkstar’ and ‘Golden Gaytime’ created a storm of cult-nostalgia, with the creator of the fabled ice cream himself becoming a fan, offering to divulge his secret recipe in exchange for a free copy of the album. Since then The Bedroom Philosopher has played many gigs at venues and festivals you have heard of - The Big Day Out (2007-2008), Falls Festival (2004-2007), Queenscliff Music Festival (2008), Perth International Arts Festival (2008), Melbourne International Comedy Festival (2003 – 2006) and National Folk Festival (2003-2004). He has used his Gumby-like flexibility to perform alongside all manner of acts - Tripod, Richard in your mind, Flacco, Skipping Girl Vinegar and Peter Combe.
The Bedroom Philosophers current live excursion features the fresh faced and dapper dressed five-piece Awkwardstra; Andy Hazel (bass), Hugh Rabinovici (drums), Jamie Power (percussion), Gordon Blake (sitar/guitar/flute) and Mikey McGee (flute). The Bedroom Philosopher lives happily in Northcote with his tie collection, Yahtzee and addiction to ginger beer.