When Karma County first arrived in 1995, the Australian music scene was still in the grip of the Seattle sound. Eyebrows were raised, when they first walked on to the stages of indie pop strongholds like the Sando and the Annandale Hotel in Sydney with an acoustic guitar, a double bass, not much more than a snare drum and a box of percussion; and a voice. However, in their own way, over the past six years, they have waltzed their way into the hearts and minds of music fans all over the world.


Michael and touring van in Canada

From the initial acoustic strummings of 'Postcard' to the funky twang of "The Men Who Ran Away From The Circus" they have ranged across an eclectic music terrain to conjure their own sonic landscape - lush, melodious, intelligent, emotive songs and sounds.

They're proud of their artistic independence and have maintained their singular edge through raw talent and a hands-on approach to the music business. Drummer Stuart Eadie creates and co-ordinates the band's visual imagery (album sleeves, t-shirts, web design, adverts), singer/guitarist Brendan Gallagher produces the music whilst bassist Michael Galeazzi a.k.a. Mr Enthusiasm, rings them all up, and anybody else who will listen, and tells them what legends they are.

In early 1999 the band signed a deal with Melody Management and Universal publishing. In the same year their third album, "Into The Land Of Promise" was released on license through Warner Music. To great acclaim this album yielded two singles "Secret Country" and "The Men Who Ran Away From The Circus", both gained across the board airplay on Triple J and other ABC radio stations nationally.

"Into The Land Of Promise" took out the Year 2000 ARIA Award for Best Adult Contemporary Album making it two in a row for Brendan Gallagher who produced the 1999 winner, Jimmy Little's 'Messenger' album.

Click here for the pics from the Aria awards 2000.

 

 

Karma County toured all over this vast land from Cairns to Albany and beyond before embarking on a seven week tour of Europe, UK and North America in July 2000. Tour highlights included performances at WOMAD festivals in Hanover, Reading and Seattle, opening the Australian Film Festival in Rome and guesting with Jimmy Little at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London. (below)


In 2001 the Band re-ignited their strong fan base with a four state tour showcasing new material including "Where Could I Go But Home" the first single released from their new album. Then shortly after on the "Happy Birthday Dear Customer" album tour. included


The lads in New York


Karma County, with guests Lindsay Page on Piano and Cameron Bruce on keys were the backing band for a Carol King Tribute show, Tapestry, featuring the vocal talents of Jenny Morris, Vika and Linda Bull and Jodi Phillis. With Michael Galeazzi (bassist) as musical director, the show played packed concert Halls in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth during Early September 2001, recieving rave reviews.

Karma County have always toured with an associate member. Originally there was Bruce Reid on lap steel and guitar, followed by Lachlan Doley on Keys and then Cameron Bruce on Keys, Vocals and smart - arsed cheek. Now days the boys are reveling in the simplicity and freshness of keeping it as a trio.

In May 2004 the band played every Wednesday night at@newtown fora residency entitled. Karma County vs The Rest. Different special guests faced and performed together witht the trio. click here for the wrap up.

 

 

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