The State (band)
| Company type | Pop group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1987 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Defunct | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
The State was an Australian pop group that initially formed under the name The Cutters in Melbourne. Their follow-up single, "Real Love," released in October 1988, secured a nomination for the 1989 ARIA Award in the category of Best New Talent. Their first album, Elementary, debuted in February 1989. Later that same year, all four members collaborated with Jack Jones to establish the band Southern Sons.
History
Originating in Melbourne as The Cutters, the band consisted of Peter Bowman (guitar and vocals), Phil Buckle (vocals and guitar), and Geoff Cain (bass guitar). They expanded their lineup by adding drummer Virgil Donati (previously with Cloud Nine and Taste) and subsequently changed their name to The State in 1987.[1]
By 1988, the ensemble had secured a contract with Glenn Wheatley’s Wheatley Bros Records and introduced their first single "Responsible" in June, followed by "Real Love" in October.[2][1] The latter track garnered them a nomination for Best New Talent at the ARIA Music Awards of 1989. Their inaugural album, Elementary, was released in February 1989.[2][1]
Mike Daly of The Age praised the album’s refined musicianship, particularly emphasizing Donati’s drumming and Buckle’s guitar work, but he also pointed out the songwriting's predictability and absence of memorable melodic hooks.[3]
In 1989, The State acted as the supporting act for Eurythmics during their Australian tour.[2] Despite showing considerable promise, Australian music expert Ian McFarlane noted that the band lacked a compelling frontman and songwriter to boost their commercial impact.[2] As a result, later that year, the members joined forces with American-born guitarist and vocalist Jack Jones ( Irwin Thomas)—who had previously auditioned but was initially deemed too young—to create Southern Sons.[4]
Band members
- Peter Bowman – guitar, vocals
- Phil Buckle – vocals, guitar
- Geoff Cain – bass guitar
- Virgil Donati – drums
Albums
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Elementary |
|
Singles
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 1988 | "Responsible" | Elementary |
| "Real Love" | ||
| 1989 | "So Lonely Now" |
ARIA Music Awards
Since its inception in 1987, the ARIA Music Awards have celebrated outstanding achievement and creativity within the Australian music industry.
| 1989 | "Real Love" | Best New Talent | Nominated |
| Ross Fraser for producing "Real Love" by The State | Producer of the Year | Won | |
| Doug Brady for engineering "Real Love" & "So Lonely Now" by The State | Engineer of the Year | Won |
References
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