Scribble (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1983 in Sydney, Australia |
| Founder | Johanna Pigott |
| Defunct | 1987 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
Key people | Johanna Pigott, Todd Hunter |
| Products | Music albums, singles, EPs |
Scribble was an Australian band blending post-punk and synthpop styles, established in Sydney in 1983 by Johanna Pigott (formerly of XL Capris), who handled lead vocals, guitar, piano, and keyboards. She collaborated with her partner, Todd Hunter (from Dragon and also an ex-XL Capris member), on bass guitar and keyboards, alongside various session players. Scribble issued two albums: So Far 1983-1985 (December 1985) and Pop Art (mid-1986). The group dissolved in 1987 when Pigott shifted her attention primarily to songwriting.
History
Following the breakup of XL Capris, Johanna Pigott founded Scribble in 1983, taking on lead vocals and multiple instruments. She enlisted Todd Hunter, who was simultaneously active with the rock band Dragon and had previously played with her in XL Capris, to contribute bass guitar and keyboards.
In November 1983, the band released a seven-track EP titled Scribble through Regular/WEA, which included their first single "Silly Girl," penned by Pigott. The song’s accompanying video highlighted Pigott’s distinct performance approach. Australian music historian Ian McFarlane characterized their style as "winsome, witty pop." Their follow-up single, "Adaptability" (November 1984), co-written by Pigott, Hunter, and former XL Capris member Tim Gooding, served as the theme for the children's television program The Cartoon Connection starting in 1985.
The compilation album So Far 1983-1985 was issued by Regular Records in December 1985 under Regular/Festival. To support this release, Pigott and Hunter assembled a touring ensemble featuring Lee Borkman on keyboards, Mike Caen on guitar and backing vocals, and Tim Powles on drums. This lineup proceeded to record the studio album Pop Art, which came out in mid-1986 via Regular/Festival with Hunter producing. The album’s artwork displayed a pop art-inspired portrait of Pigott.
Pigott chose to concentrate exclusively on singing during live shows to enhance audience engagement. By then, the band's members included Pigott, Hunter, Borkman, Caen, Neville Anderson (drums), Mark Bell (guitar), and Sandy Chick (backing vocals). The Pop Art album comprised ten tracks and yielded three singles: "Sunday School" (April 1986), "Don't Give Your Heart Away" (July), and "Alligator" (November), all co-written by Pigott and Hunter. Notably, "Alligator" was later featured in the television drama series Heartbreak High. Critics observed that Scribble’s studio recordings had a gentler sound compared to their more intense live performances influenced by Bell’s guitar playing.
Towards the end of 1986, the lineup evolved to include Pigott, Bell, Nicolette Boaz on keyboards, Bill Heckenberg on drums, and Geoff Lundren on bass guitar while Hunter resumed his role with Dragon. During this period, Melanie Oxley provided backing vocals. Scribble continued touring to promote their work but ultimately disbanded in 1987 as Pigott dedicated herself to songwriting alongside Hunter. Hunter later explained that ongoing film projects and his commitments with Dragon contributed to Scribble's inactivity.
Although commercial success was limited, Scribble retained a dedicated following. Several members eventually joined Dragon: Borkman in 1989 and Caen in both 1989 and 1995.
Members
- Todd Hunter – bass guitar, keyboards (1983–86)
- Johanna Pigott – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards (1983–87)
- Lee Borkman – keyboards, keyboard bass (1985–86)
- Mike Caen – guitar, backing vocals (1985–86)
- Tim Powles – drums (1985–86)
- Neville Anderson – drums (1986)
- Mark Bell – guitar (1986–87)
- Sandy Chick – backing vocals (1986)
- Boaz Nicolette – keyboards (1986–87)
- Bill Heckenberg – drums (1986–87)
- Geoff Lundren – bass guitar (1986)
- Melanie Oxley – backing vocals (1986)
Albums
- So Far 1983-1985 (December 1985) released through Regular Records and Festival Records
- Pop Art (mid-1986) distributed by Regular/Festival
Extended plays
- Scribble (November 1983) issued by Regular/WEA
Singles
- "Silly Girl" (November 1983) under Regular/WEA
- "Adaptability" (November 1984) through Regular
- "Sunday School" (April 1986) available via Regular/Festival
- "Don't Give Your Heart Away" (July 1986) released by Regular/Festival
- "Alligator" (November 1986) published through Regular/Festival