The Truth (Australian band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1991 in Melbourne, Australia |
| Defunct | 1997 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Funk music, albums, singles |
The Truth was an Australian funk ensemble that operated from 1991 until 1997. The group consisted of Nicky Bomba (Nicholas Caruana) on drums, his elder sibling Michael Caruana handling keyboards, Mick Girasole on bass guitar, Tony Kopa providing vocals, and Geoff Wells playing guitars. They produced two albums: The Truth (1994), which entered the top 60 on the ARIA Albums Chart, followed by Headspace (1997).
1991–1993: Formation and early years
Originating in Melbourne in 1991, The Truth was established by Nicky Bomba (drums), Michael Caruana (keyboards), Tony Kopa (vocals), and Geoff Wells (guitars). The band maintained a residency at the 120 Bar in Fitzroy for approximately one year. Their first single, "Secrets," was recorded in December 1992.
The group gained recognition through live shows across Melbourne and airplay on the national youth broadcaster Triple J, with songs such as "My Heavy Friend" and "Secrets." A live studio rendition of "My Heavy Friend" was featured on Triple J's compilation Live at the Wireless 3 (1993), which led to its release as their second single later that year.
1994–1997: Album releases and disbandment
Their inaugural album, The Truth, launched in July 1994 via Mushroom Records, was produced by Jim Hilbun from The Angels. The album achieved a peak position within the top 60 on the ARIA Albums Chart. During tours, keyboardist Michael "Funkmeister" Caruana performed bass parts using keyboards.
In 1994, Wells noted that achieving instant fame is uncommon and typically requires considerable time. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1995, their track "My Heavy Friend" earned a nomination for ARIA Award for Best New Talent.
Their sophomore album, Headspace, arrived in 1997 with Mick Girasole joining as bassist. The group disbanded later that same year.
1998–present: Post-band activities
In 1999, Nicky Bomba founded Bomba, which included Caruana on keyboards. Subsequently, Bomba became part of the John Butler Trio, led by John Butler, who was married to Danielle Caruana (Mama Kin), the sister of both Bomba and Michael Caruana.
Geoff Wells pursued work as a session guitarist for notable artists such as Daryl Braithwaite, Tina Arena, and John Farnham, with Farnham recording Wells' composition "The Way" on his 2000 album 33⅓.
Tony Kopa supported Jon Stevens during his solo tours and contributed to Stevens' 2005 release The Works. He also occasionally performs with the band Black Dogs.
In 2003, The Truth briefly reunited for a single performance at The Espy located in St Kilda.
Studio albums
| Title | Details | Highest chart rankings |
|---|---|---|
| AUS | ||
| The Truth |
|
57 |
| Headspace |
|
— |
Singles
| Song Title | Release Year | Highest Chart Position | Corresponding Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS | |||
| "Secrets" | 1993 | — | The Truth |
| "My Heavy Friend" | — | ||
| "Can't Help It" | 1994 | 87 | |
| "Let's Stay Together" | 1995 | — | |
| "Spirit of Man" | — | ||
| "Shine" | 1997 | — | Headspace |
ARIA Music Awards
Each year, the ARIA Music Awards honor outstanding achievement and creativity within the Australian music industry.
|- | 1995 | "My Heavy Friend" | Best New Talent | |}