Unitopia is a musical adventure comprising the vocal/song writing skill of Mark Trueack, the production/song writing/keyboard/engineering & vocal skill of Sean Timms, the guitar & vocal prowess of Matt Williams, the bass and vocal talents of Shireen Khemlani and the combined drum/percussion batteries of Jamie Jones and Tim Irrgang.
Unitopia endeavors to draw from the heart and soul of the listener thought provoking topics such as environmental awareness, political and social upheaval, media misrepresentation, the hectic pace of life and human relationships in a positive and uplifting light. Using progressive rock as a framework, Unitopia’s music includes elements of world, classical, jazz, heavy rock and groove.
Unitopia began when a mutual friend introduced Mark and Sean after realizing the two had similar musical tastes. In late1996 the duo began work on a track which was to become 'Take Good Care'. This formulated into a prolific and exciting song writing partnership that culminated in the completion of their debut album 'More Than A Dream'.
Mark and Sean gathered some of Australia's finest musicians to contribute to the ‘More Than a Dream’ project, including conductor/arranger Timothy Sexton and the Adelaide Art Orchestra, Pat Schirippa, Constantine Delo, Bradley Polain and Ian ‘Polly’ Politis thus ensuring the standard of musicianship on their debut CD was of the highest standard. They released ‘More Than a Dream’ independently in 2005.
Realising that performing live would require musicians capable of playing the demanding intricacies of Unitopia’s music, they recruited some of Adelaide’s finest instrumentalists. Matt Williams - guitar/vocals, Jamie Jones - drums, Shireen Khemlani - bass, Tim Irrgang - percussion.
In Oct 2005, Unitopia launched ‘More Than a Dream’ to a sell out audience at The Cavern Club, Adelaide and shortly thereafter supported Aussie icon Daryl Braithwaite. Another highlight was performing at the Norwood Food and Wine Festival.
In March 2006, Canadian label Unicorn Records re-released ‘More Than a Dream’ internationally. This pressing and distribution deal exposed Unitopia to the ever increasing world progressive rock market.
Early in 2007, Unitopia wrote and recorded ‘321’ a tribute to the courage, ordeal and eventual rescue of the Beaconsfield miners. Whilst in Adelaide, Brant Webb and Todd Russell sang backing vocals on the track which gained nationwide exposure including a segment on 60 minutes. In May 07, with support and funding from the West Tamar Council, the band launched the single ‘321’ at the one year anniversary memorial in Beaconsfield, Tasmania to an audience of nearly 3,000 people.
In Feb. 08, Unitopia signed a world wide publishing deal with Shock Music Publishing.
In July 2008, Unitopia was honored by being included on the CPR Volume 3 compilation CD. Their track ‘Lives Go ‘Round’ from ‘More Than a Dream’ is the opening song on the release. They are joined by some of progressive rock’s finest artists including Phil Keaggy, Everlasting Arms and Ted Leonard.
Now completed, Unitopia's 2nd CD 'The Garden' was released world-wide by InsideOut Music, the worlds largest progressive rock and progressive metal record company, in Europe and South Africa on October 27th and the US,Canada, South America, Australia and New Zealand on November 18th. Unitopia is the first Australian Progressive rock band to secure a 3 album deal with Inside Out.
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Unitopia's forthcoming 3rd album 'Artificial' is due out in spring of 2010!
(artwork by Ed Unitsky)
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Tim Irrgang Matt Williams Sean Timms Mark Trueack Jamie Jones Shireen Khemlani
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