Cartman

This group from Perth, Australia began mainly as a whim for lead vocalist Joe Hawkins after wanting to enter a 1997 songwriting competition. With a few songs recorded at home on his four-track machine, Hawkins asked longtime friend Cain Turnley to help with backing vocals and guitar duties. Sending the demo in under the name Mr. Pink, the songs never made it past the competition's initial round, but it didn't deter the duo from continuing. Influenced by Beatles, Rolling Stones and Crowded House, the group added lead guitarist Scot Nicholls and drummer Ben Mills in 1998. Changing its name to Cartman, the band began recording material. Its debut EP, I'm Not A Policeman, was released nationally through Phantom Records. A single from the EP, Drive, was played across national pop rock radio and named "Best Pop Song" of 1999 by the West Australian Music Industry. Cartman also performed at Big Day Out with Eskimo Joe, Sneeze and Pollyanna. A second EP, Nobody, was released in March 2000. The title track received wide acclaim and airplay at home and in Britain. A national tour ensued. After taking some time off, Cartman returned to the studio for four months in 2001. In late 2001, the band's debut album, Go was released on Embryo Records. Cartman has also shared the stages with several bands including The Cruel Sea. ~ Jason MacNeil