Cartman (band)
| Company type | Indie rock band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1997 |
| Founder | Joe Hawkins |
| Defunct | 2003 |
| Headquarters | Perth , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Cartman was an indie rock quartet originating from Perth, Western Australia.
1997–2001: Formation and initial phase
The band was established in 1997 by Joe Hawkins with the intention of participating in a songwriting contest. Soon after, Cain Turnley joined, contributing bass and backing vocals. Initially known as Mr. Pink, the group transitioned to the name Cartman in 1998 when Scott Nicholls (lead guitar) and Ben Mills (drums) completed the ensemble.
Their debut release, I'm Not a Policeman, came out in February 1999 under the national label Phantom Records. The track "Drive" received substantial airplay on national broadcaster Triple J as well as independent stations such as Perth's RTRFM. At the 1999 WAM Song of the Year awards, "Drive" secured both Best Pop Song and Song of the Year honors, while "Pieces" was awarded Best Acoustic Song. Joe Hawkins acknowledged that these accolades significantly enhanced their visibility and helped them gain nationwide attention.
In March 2000, Cartman released their second EP, Nobody, produced by Ben Glatzer at Revolver Studios. The title track achieved widespread radio play across Australia and even reached audiences in the UK through BBC Radio One and X-FM.
2001–2003: First album and disbandment
Cartman's debut full-length album, Go!, was launched in January 2002 and earned the distinction of being Triple J's Album of the Week. The lead single "Shock" was featured as eviction music on Australia's reality show Big Brother and appeared on the Triple J Hottest 100, 2002. Subsequent singles included "Got No Reason" and "George." The album received heavy rotation on both Triple J and commercial radio stations, solidifying its status as a notable Australian release that year.
The band ceased activities permanently by late 2003. Following this, Cain Turnley assumed lead vocal duties with Perth-based group The Avenues.
Band members
- Joe Hawkins – lead vocals, electric bass, acoustic guitar
- Cain Turnley – vocals, bass guitar, electric and acoustic guitars
- Scott Nicholls – acoustic and electric guitars
- Ben Mills – drums and percussion
Albums
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Go! |
|
EPs
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| I'm Not a Policeman |
|
| Nobody |
|
| George |
|
WAM Song of the Year
The WAM Song of the Year awards were created by the Western Australian Rock Music Industry Association Inc. (WARMIA) in 1985 to honor accomplishments within Western Australia's music scene.
(awards won only)
|- | rowspan=3| 1998 | rowspan=2| "Drive" | Grand Prize | |- | Pop Song of the Year | |- | "Piece" | Acoustic Song of the Year | |-