The Cops (band)
Encyclopedia
The Cops were formed in late 2003 by songwriter Simon Carter and bass player/keyboardist Rebecca (Beck) Darwon (ex-Fyreflyes, Del-Emmas) in Sydney, New South Wales.
The Cops' original line up also included Jimmy Stacks, Andrew Gilbert (who previously played with Carter in 'General Lee' and 'Hush Honey' respectively) and Nick Kennedy (ex-Big Heavy Stuff
) .
In 2004 The Cops signed with small independent record label, Love Police Records
, releasing their first EP The Cops EP
in August, which was quickly followed by the debut album Stomp On Tripwires
in September that year.
In 2005 the band undertook numerous tours, with support slots for bands such as Dallas Crane
and The Von Bondies
and also received nominations for the 'Best Newcomer' and 'Best Bass Player' awards at the 2005 Jack Awards
.
In May 2005, Jimmy Stacks left the band. This was followed by the departure of guitarist Andrew Gilbert. Carter and Darwon decided to rebuild the band, with Todd Smith being retained on keys, Jarrod Murphy, (ex-Major) on guitar and Nick Kennedy, the band's original drummer from the first incarnation rejoining. The band also left their label, Love Police Records
, and in 2006 signed to Inertia Recordings
as the label's first exclusive recording artist.
Since the release of their EP 80 In The Shade
in November 2006, the band has gone from strength to strength, gaining a momentum that shows no signs of slowing down. "Call Me Anytime" received significant airplay on numerous indie radio stations, the video being played on MTV
, Channel [V
] and Rage
, as well as receiving rave press reviews for both their recorded work and live performances.
The Cops further secured their position as the band to watch during 2007, with their single "Call Me Anytime" placing #33 on Triple J
's Hottest 100
.
Making Triple J's Hottest 100 is a significant achievement, as founding member Simon Carter states
In 2007 The Cops supported US live punk/funk band !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
on their east coast tour and UK band Kaiser Chiefs
in March, followed by a performance at The Great Escape Festival
in April.
The Cops released their second album, titled Drop It In Their Laps
, on 28 April 2007, which was followed by a promotional tour and a national tour with Expatriate
.
In early 2008, founding member Beck Darwon left the band because she no longer wished to tour. Rather than continue on, Simon Carter decided to put the band on indefinite hiatus and pursue a solo career. The demise of The Cops also saw the end of the working relationship between the band and Inertia.
He is currently working on his debut solo album tentatively titled Hold Your Horses. It was due for release in 2009.
Former members of the band include:
Biography
Initially, Simon Carter began recording songs in his parents' basement, which were unlikely to see the light of day, until he sat down with his bass-playing friend Beck Darwon and offered to play her his demos.The Cops' original line up also included Jimmy Stacks, Andrew Gilbert (who previously played with Carter in 'General Lee' and 'Hush Honey' respectively) and Nick Kennedy (ex-Big Heavy Stuff
Big Heavy Stuff
- Overview :Big Heavy Stuff is a four-piece band, featuring Greg Atkinson , Carolyn Polley , Eliot Fish and Nick Kennedy . The band was established in 1990 and is with the recording label Redline Records...
) .
In 2004 The Cops signed with small independent record label, Love Police Records
Love Police Records
Love Police Records is an independent record label based in Surry Hills, New South Wales. Originally started by Brian Taranto as a concept born from an ironic tshirt design, who was then joined by Andy Kent ....
, releasing their first EP The Cops EP
Cops EP
This self titled EP is the debut release by The Cops.-Track listing:# "The Shake" – 2:14# "Rectify" - 3:18# "Identify" - 2:50# "Treat You Like A Dog" - 1:29-External links:*...
in August, which was quickly followed by the debut album Stomp On Tripwires
Stomp on Tripwires
Stomp On Tripwires is the debut album from The Cops. It was released on 20 September 2004 on the Love Police Records label and distributed through Reverberation.-Track listing:# "SPOC"# "Foxtrot Yankee"# "Cop City Music"# "Rectify"# "Be My Lover"...
in September that year.
In 2005 the band undertook numerous tours, with support slots for bands such as Dallas Crane
Dallas Crane
Dallas Crane is an Australian alternative rock band from Melbourne, Australia.Dallas Crane was named after the father of a mate of the band.In January 2004, the band signed a recording and publishing deal with Albert Productions, the home of AC/DC. The band recorded an album with Wayne Connolly,...
and The Von Bondies
The Von Bondies
The Von Bondies were an American alternative rock band. The group disbanded in July 2011. Its most recent members were Jason Stollsteimer on vocals and lead guitar, Christy Hunt on rhythm guitar and Leann Banks on bass guitar...
and also received nominations for the 'Best Newcomer' and 'Best Bass Player' awards at the 2005 Jack Awards
Jack Awards
The Jack Awards are a set of popularly-voted Australian music awards, sponsored by Tennessee whiskey company Jack Daniel's. The awards were conceived by Damien Wilson, former creative director of Peer Group Media to create a national platform that rewarded all areas of Australian live music, from...
.
In May 2005, Jimmy Stacks left the band. This was followed by the departure of guitarist Andrew Gilbert. Carter and Darwon decided to rebuild the band, with Todd Smith being retained on keys, Jarrod Murphy, (ex-Major) on guitar and Nick Kennedy, the band's original drummer from the first incarnation rejoining. The band also left their label, Love Police Records
Love Police Records
Love Police Records is an independent record label based in Surry Hills, New South Wales. Originally started by Brian Taranto as a concept born from an ironic tshirt design, who was then joined by Andy Kent ....
, and in 2006 signed to Inertia Recordings
Inertia Distribution
Inertia is an independent record company based in Sydney, Australia. It was established in March 2000 by Ashley Sellers. Inertia releases exclusively the music from many of the world’s most prominent independent labels...
as the label's first exclusive recording artist.
Since the release of their EP 80 In The Shade
80 in the Shade
80 In The Shade is the third recording released by The Cops. It was recorded by Magoo and the band’s singer/songwriter, Simon Carter...
in November 2006, the band has gone from strength to strength, gaining a momentum that shows no signs of slowing down. "Call Me Anytime" received significant airplay on numerous indie radio stations, the video being played on MTV
MTV Australia
MTV Australia is 24 hour general entertainment channel specialising in music and youth culture programming which serves Australia and New Zealand. It is operated by Viacom International Media Networks Australia owned by Viacom and primarily features imported shows as well as locally produced...
, Channel [V
Channel V
Channel [V] is the brand name for multiple international music television networks owned by STAR TV and Fox International Channels, fully owned subsidiaries of News Corporation.-Channel [V] International:...
] and Rage
Rage (TV program)
Rage is a popular all-night Australian music video program broadcast on ABC1 on Friday nights, Saturday mornings and Saturday nights. It was first screened on the weekend of Friday, 17 April 1987. With Soul Train no longer being produced, it is the oldest music television program currently still...
, as well as receiving rave press reviews for both their recorded work and live performances.
The Cops further secured their position as the band to watch during 2007, with their single "Call Me Anytime" placing #33 on Triple J
Triple J
triple j is a nationally networked Australian radio station intended to appeal to listeners between the ages of 18 and 30. The government-funded station is a division of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation...
's Hottest 100
Triple J Hottest 100, 2006
The 2006 Triple J Hottest 100 was announced on Australia Day, 26 January 2007. It is the fourteenth such countdown of the most popular songs of the year, as voted by listeners of the Australian radio station Triple J....
.
Making Triple J's Hottest 100 is a significant achievement, as founding member Simon Carter states
In 2007 The Cops supported US live punk/funk band !!! (Chk Chk Chk)
!!!
!!! is a dance-punk band that formed in Sacramento, California, in 1996. Members of !!! came from other local bands such as The Yah Mos, Black Liquorice and Popesmashers...
on their east coast tour and UK band Kaiser Chiefs
Kaiser Chiefs
Kaiser Chiefs are an English indie rock band from Leeds who formed in 1996. They were named after the South African football club Kaizer Chiefs....
in March, followed by a performance at The Great Escape Festival
The Great Escape (festival)
The Great Escape was a music festival held at Newington Armory, located within Sydney Olympic Park that took place in 2006 and 2007. Initially held over the Easter long weekend for the first two events, in 2008 it was announced the festival would take place on the Labour Day weekend, however the...
in April.
The Cops released their second album, titled Drop It In Their Laps
Drop It in Their Laps
Drop It in Their Laps is The Cops' second studio album, released in April 2007, and marked a radical change of direction from the band's earlier work...
, on 28 April 2007, which was followed by a promotional tour and a national tour with Expatriate
Expatriate (band)
Expatriate is an indie rock band based in Australia. The band formed in Sydney, Australia, in 2005 and currently consists of vocalist Ben King, drummer Cristo, keyboardist Damian Press and bassist David Molland....
.
In early 2008, founding member Beck Darwon left the band because she no longer wished to tour. Rather than continue on, Simon Carter decided to put the band on indefinite hiatus and pursue a solo career. The demise of The Cops also saw the end of the working relationship between the band and Inertia.
He is currently working on his debut solo album tentatively titled Hold Your Horses. It was due for release in 2009.
Band members
The final members of the band were:- Simon Carter - vocals/guitar (2003–present)
- Rebecca Darwon - bass/vocals (2003–present)
- Nicholas Kennedy - drums (2003–present)
- Jarrod Murphy - guitar/vocals (2006–present)
- Todd Smith - keyboard/synthesizer/vocals (2005–present)
Former members of the band include:
- Jimmy Stacks - guitar (2003–2005)
- Andrew Gilbert - guitar (2003–2005)
- Nicholai Danko - drums (2007)
- Simon Meli - guitar/vocals (2003)
Albums/EPs
- The CopsCops EPThis self titled EP is the debut release by The Cops.-Track listing:# "The Shake" – 2:14# "Rectify" - 3:18# "Identify" - 2:50# "Treat You Like A Dog" - 1:29-External links:*...
(EP) - Love Police RecordsLove Police RecordsLove Police Records is an independent record label based in Surry Hills, New South Wales. Originally started by Brian Taranto as a concept born from an ironic tshirt design, who was then joined by Andy Kent ....
/ReverberationReverberation (record label)Reverberation is an Australian independent record label distributor. It helps distribute records from independent overseas records labels such as Alternative Tentacles and Eyeball Records, and also for small record labels such as Love Police Records and their own label Reverberation.Reverberation...
(2004) - Stomp On TripwiresStomp on TripwiresStomp On Tripwires is the debut album from The Cops. It was released on 20 September 2004 on the Love Police Records label and distributed through Reverberation.-Track listing:# "SPOC"# "Foxtrot Yankee"# "Cop City Music"# "Rectify"# "Be My Lover"...
- Love Police RecordsLove Police RecordsLove Police Records is an independent record label based in Surry Hills, New South Wales. Originally started by Brian Taranto as a concept born from an ironic tshirt design, who was then joined by Andy Kent ....
/ReverberationReverberation (record label)Reverberation is an Australian independent record label distributor. It helps distribute records from independent overseas records labels such as Alternative Tentacles and Eyeball Records, and also for small record labels such as Love Police Records and their own label Reverberation.Reverberation...
(2004) - 80 In The Shade80 in the Shade80 In The Shade is the third recording released by The Cops. It was recorded by Magoo and the band’s singer/songwriter, Simon Carter...
(EP) - InertiaInertia DistributionInertia is an independent record company based in Sydney, Australia. It was established in March 2000 by Ashley Sellers. Inertia releases exclusively the music from many of the world’s most prominent independent labels...
(2006) - Drop It In Their LapsDrop It in Their LapsDrop It in Their Laps is The Cops' second studio album, released in April 2007, and marked a radical change of direction from the band's earlier work...
- InertiaInertia DistributionInertia is an independent record company based in Sydney, Australia. It was established in March 2000 by Ashley Sellers. Inertia releases exclusively the music from many of the world’s most prominent independent labels...
(2007)
Compilations
- Homebake 2004 - EMI Music AustraliaEMIThe EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major...
(November 2004) - Fuck This, I'm Going To The Annandale - ReverberationReverberation (record label)Reverberation is an Australian independent record label distributor. It helps distribute records from independent overseas records labels such as Alternative Tentacles and Eyeball Records, and also for small record labels such as Love Police Records and their own label Reverberation.Reverberation...
(2005)
Festivals
- Great Escape 2007
- Big Day OutBig Day OutThe Big Day Out is an annual music festival held in several cities in Australia and New Zealand in late January. It started in Sydney in 1992, spread to Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth by 1993, with the Gold Coast and Auckland joining in 1994...
2005 - Come Together Music FestivalCome Together Music FestivalCome Together is an all-ages Australian music festival performed at Luna Park Sydney. Beginning in 2005, it was originally two separate events, one in April and one in September. In 2006, a two-day festival was held in June , and the festival was again on the same long weekend in 2007...
2005 - Falls FestivalFalls FestivalThe Falls Festival is a New Year's Eve music festival, held annually in Lorne, Victoria and Marion Bay, Tasmania Australia since 1993.It lasts four days, from 29 December to 1 January each year. The headline acts play mostly over two evenings, 30 December and 31 December...
2004 - HomebakeHomebakeHomebake is an annual Australian rock festival, featuring an all-Australian lineup . The festival was first held on 4 January 1996 at Belongil Fields in Byron Bay, on the far north coast of New South Wales...
2004 - Pushover 2004
- Showdown at Sundown Festival 2004
- St Kilda Festival 2004 & 2005
Supporting
- BlondieBlondie (band)Blondie is an American rock band, founded by singer Deborah Harry and guitarist Chris Stein. The band was a pioneer in the early American New Wave and punk scenes of the mid-1970s...
- The Von BondiesThe Von BondiesThe Von Bondies were an American alternative rock band. The group disbanded in July 2011. Its most recent members were Jason Stollsteimer on vocals and lead guitar, Christy Hunt on rhythm guitar and Leann Banks on bass guitar...
- The DirtbombsThe DirtbombsThe Dirtbombs are an American garage rock band based in Detroit, Michigan, notable for blending diverse influences such as punk rock and soul while featuring a dual bass guitar, dual drum and guitar lineup...
- The DistillersThe DistillersThe Distillers were an American punk rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1998. They released their first two albums on Hellcat Records/Epitaph Records before moving to Sire, part of the Warner Music Group. The Distillers were originally formed by Australian-born Brody Armstrong , a woman with a...
- The Black KeysThe Black KeysThe Black Keys are an American rock duo consisting of vocalist/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer/producer Patrick Carney. The band was formed in Akron, Ohio, in 2001. As of October 2011, the band has sold over 2 million albums in the U.S....
- The DonnasThe DonnasThe Donnas are an American all-female rock band from Palo Alto, California. They draw inspiration from The Ramones, The Runaways, AC/DC, Bachman–Turner Overdrive and Kiss. Rolling Stone has stated that "the Donnas offer a guileless take on adolescent alienation; they traffic in kicks, not...
- Dallas CraneDallas CraneDallas Crane is an Australian alternative rock band from Melbourne, Australia.Dallas Crane was named after the father of a mate of the band.In January 2004, the band signed a recording and publishing deal with Albert Productions, the home of AC/DC. The band recorded an album with Wayne Connolly,...
- GrinspoonGrinspoonGrinspoon are an Australian rock band from Lismore, New South Wales formed in 1995 and fronted by Phil Jamieson on vocals and guitar with Pat Davern on guitar, Joe Hansen on bass guitar and Kristian Hopes on drums. Also in 1995, they won the Triple J-sponsored Unearthed competition for Lismore,...
- Kaiser ChiefsKaiser ChiefsKaiser Chiefs are an English indie rock band from Leeds who formed in 1996. They were named after the South African football club Kaizer Chiefs....