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There isn’t anybody who does not make comparisons when you first talk about bands. With Karmine there are obvious targets– but these merely paint a picture of a band with a girl singer. The truth is that you would mentally have to put Marina Diamandis or Kate Bush in front of an early Fleetwood Mac to get somewhere near Karmine.
Although they perform and write like a band with history, Karmine only formed in late 2009 and it was January 2010 before they actually played their first gig together – and they are good. Very good.
Here’s the form:
Charlotte Kavanagh. Vocals
Grew up in Bournemouth and had that seminal moment seeing Sheila E with Prince, deciding that at all costs she was going to perform. Became the drummer in an all girl punk band The Lillettes. Toured Europe, supported The Damned and generally started to alarm the Kavanagh parents. Linked up with bassist Alan Hill whose band were playing cool alternative rock. 2 years of writing, a studio job and various searches for guitar and drums for the band they wanted, Karmine was born.
Steve Perry. Guitar
It would seem fanciful to write that you grew up mainly in the tropics such as Fiji, Hawaii, West Indies etc. but that’s exactly how having a Merchant Navy father affected Steve, ending this nomadic existence at a West Country boarding school and a place in the school band. Good, honest pop/rock influences were having effect, and at 15 the guitar beckoned. After a spell was spent in rock band Fevertree with Karmine drummer, David, they toured Europe extensively and joined Karmine in 2009 to complete the line up.
Alan Hill. Bass
This is the one part of the structure which fits the accepted make up of bands. Alan is the anchor man. Or as Ian Dury once said, the Columbia statue at the beginning of the film. Played bass for a number of bands, toured throughout the UK and has been in demand as a session player for more than a few studio and showcase gigs. Met Charlotte, and for the first time started writing before they went on to form Karmine.
David Eales. Drums
Drumming from 12, Dave graduated from Guildhall School of Music with distinction, toured Canada, performed at competition level throughout the UK and achieved Percussionist Of The Year before succumbing to the addiction of life in a rock band, and the intimate knowledge of most UK backstage rooms. Several bands, recordings, innumerable tours, and chance meetings culminated in Karmine where he and Alan provide a virtuoso backdrop for guitar and vocal.
