The Venetians (Australian band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Founder | David Skeet |
| Defunct | 1989 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
Venetians was an Australian new-wave group established in 1982 by guitarist David Skeet, originally from England, who teamed up with Peter Watson (guitarist/bassist) and vocalist Rik Swinn. Keyboardist Matthew Hughes (formerly of Gotham City) and drummer Tim Powles (previously with Ward 13) joined to complete the ensemble. Their discography includes three studio albums: Step Off the Edge (May 1985), Calling in the Lions (June 1986), and Amazing World (1988). The band secured several Australian top 30 singles such as "So Much for Love" (December 1985), "Inspiration" (March 1986), and "Bitter Tears" (May 1988). They dissolved in 1989.
Biography
The Venetians originated in late 1982 as a studio collaboration after Rik Swinn arrived in Sydney carrying master tapes produced by Vic Coppersmith-Heaven. Responding to an advertisement posted by David Skeet (formerly of AutoTango) and Peter Watson (ex-Scandal, Extractors) seeking a lead vocalist, Swinn joined the project. By mid-1983, drummer Tim Powles (ex-Ward 13) and keyboardist Matthew Hughes (ex-Gotham City) had joined to finalize the lineup.
"The chemistry was definitely there from the beginning," recalls Swinn.
Their first single, "Sound on Sound" (April 1983), penned by Swinn, was released through Festival Records’ Parole label, entering the Australian top 100 and receiving airplay on Triple J. The subsequent single, "Chinese I's (Here Come the Minute Men)" (November 1983), garnered substantial radio and television attention as they solidified their presence on the live pub scene.
Produced by Coppersmith-Heaven, their debut album Step Off the Edge was released in May 1985, marking their growth beyond a niche audience despite a somewhat cautious sound. Singles such as "Ooh La La" (November 1984) and "Shine the Light" (February 1985) both reached the top 100 charts. Supporting tours alongside Split Enz, Icehouse, and Nik Kershaw helped establish their reputation as a compelling live act.
In late 1985, they recorded "So Much for Love" with producer Mark Opitz; this track climbed to number three nationally by March 1986. Their sophomore album, Calling in the Lions (June 1986), produced by Peter Blyton, featured singles including "So Much for Love," "Inspiration" (which reached the top 20), and "If Somebody Loves You." In 1987, both album and single were reissued in the United States through Chrysalis Records, with remixed versions topping Chicago’s Dance Chart. Videos directed by Alex Proyas were broadcast on MTV.
After Matthew Hughes left in 1987, the band proceeded to record their third album, Amazing World (July 1988), produced by Mark Goldenberg alongside Mark Opitz. The album was mixed at Electric Lady Studios by Michael Frondelli and produced singles such as "Amazing World," "Bitter Tears" (which entered the ARIA top 30), and "Must Believe." Mid-1988 saw new members Steve Bull on bass and Lee Borkman on keyboards join the group. The Venetians disbanded in 1989.
Following the breakup, Tim Powles became drummer for Scribble, Divinyls, Angry Anderson Band, and The Church, also taking roles in management and production for The Church. David Skeet relocated to the United States to pursue work as a producer and recording artist under MCA Music and Epic Records before returning to Sydney in 1999 to produce through his company Skeet Music affiliated with Universal Music Publishing. Peter Watson stayed in Sydney working within finance while occasionally performing alongside singer Louise Anton.
Members
- Rik Swinn – lead vocalist (1982–1989)
- David Skeet – guitar, bass, synthesizer, vocals (1983–1989)
- Peter Watson – bass, guitar, synthesizer, vocals (1983–1989)
- Tim Powles – drummer (1983–1989)
- Matthew Hughes – keyboardist (1983–1987)
- Steve Bull – bass guitarist (1988)
- Lee Borkman – keyboard player (1988)
Studio albums
| Album Title | Release Information | Highest Chart Position |
|---|---|---|
| Australia | ||
| Step off the Edge |
|
97 |
| Calling in the Lions |
|
33 |
| Amazing World |
|
41 |
Singles
| Year | Single Title | Peak Chart Positions | Associated Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AUS | US | US Dance | |||
| April 1983 | "Sound on Sound" | 85 | – | – | Non-album singles |
| November 1983 | "Chinese I's (Here Come The Minute Men)" | 63 | – | – | Non-album singles |
| November 1984 | "Ooh La La" | – | – | – | Step off the Edge |
| February 1985 | "Shine the Light" | 91 | – | – | Step off the Edge |
| December 1985 | "So Much for Love" | 3 | 88 | 35 | Calling in the Lions |
| March 1986 | "Inspiration" | 19 | – | – | Calling in the Lions |
| June 1986 | "If Somebody Loves You" | 67 | – | – | Calling in the Lions |
| October 1986 | "Let It All Go" | – | – | – | Calling in the Lions |
| June 1987 | "Amazing World" | 77 | – | – | Amazing World |
| May 1988 | "Bitter Tears" | 24 | – | – | Amazing World |
| September 1988 | "Must Believe" | 82 | – | – | Amazing World |