What began as John Butler busking solo developed into the trio as he built up a following in Western Australia and needed musicians to record his debut album John Butler(1998). He enlisted the musical services of Jason McGann (drums) and Gavin Shoesmith (bass), and thus the John Butler Trio was formed. Butler's blues and roots style coupled with his penchant for open tuning ensured success. After extensive touring, a change in bass players and the release of an EP (JBT EP, in 2000) and two more albums (Three, in 2002, and Living, in 2003), the trio went their separate ways. Butler took a six-month sabbatical before returning to the studio to record Sunrise over Sea (2004). The album earned Butler three ARIAs: best independent release, best blues and roots album and best male artist of the year. 2007 saw the release of the band's fourth studio album, Grand National. The current line-up consists of Butler, Michael Barker (drums) and Shannon Birchall (bass). Butler uses his music and profile to promote an array of social causes. Political and environmental overtones feature prominently in his lyrics, and he has established The JB Seed, a grants program for young activists and musicians.