Cartman (band)
| Cartman | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Perth, Western Australia, Australia |
| Genres | Alternative rock |
| Years active | 1997–2003 |
| Labels |
Phantom Records Revolver Records |
| Members | Joe Hawkins Cain Turnley Scott Nicholls Ben Mills |
Cartman was a four-piece indie rock band from Perth, Western Australia.
The band was formed in 1997 in what began as a desperate attempt to enter a songwriting competition by Joe Hawkins.
"I had sent in a tape of some songs recorded at home on the four-track" begins Hawkins, the bands vocalist and rhythm guitarist. "Only trouble was that (to play the songs live) I needed to get a bass player and someone who could sing harmonies".
Cain Turnley, a trusted friend and a more than competent guitarist, was called on for a favour, "I had two weeks to rehearse the tunes and Id never picked up a bass before."
Performing under the name Mr. Pink, they were knocked out of the contest in the first round but continued to play together for the next four months. It was an exciting period, not only were they getting paid to play (a definite first), they had unlocked a formidable songwriting partnership. It was early days, yet under a heavy influence of The Beatles, Crowded House, Led Zeppelin and Soundgarden, the tunes were dynamic and exciting, all the while featuring strong melody and beautiful harmonies.
1998 saw Scott Nicholls (Lead Guitar) and Ben Mills (Drums) complete the line-up and heralded the beginning of the band that was now affectionately renamed Cartman.
It wasn't too long before the urge to record took hold and the EP I'm Not A Policeman was released through the national label Phantom Records.
"It cost $900 and took us 3 days to record, mix and master" explains Hawkins. "We never expected it to do a lot, but it kind of took off"
The single "Drive" was picked up by the National radio station Triple J and added to high rotation. Many independent radio stations, including Perth's own RTR-FM, jumped onto the single. Similarly, the West Australian Music Industry rewarded the song by crowning WAM Song of the Year in 1999 (the song also won in the category, 'Best Pop Song') with the band also winniong the 'Best Acoustic Song' for "Pieces". Throughout 1999 and into 2000, Cartman continued to win awards and nominations for many of their tunes and accompanying filmclips, at the same time landing some prize gigs including The Big Day Out and supports for Pollyanna, Gerling, Sneeze, Eskimo Joe and Shihad.
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