Swoop (Australian band)


Swoop were an Australian seven-piece rock, funk and disco band established in 1991. Swoop released three studio albums, Thriller, The Woxo Principle, and Be What You Is. Their most popular single, 1995's "Apple Eyes", reached No. 9 in Australia on the ARIA Singles Chart, and was certified gold by ARIA.

History

1991-1993: ''Thriller''

Swoop were an Australian seven-piece rock, funk and disco band established in 1991 by Joshua Beagley on guitar and keyboards, and Roland Kapferer on lead vocals, initially as a funk and rap duo. The duo were joined by Fiona Ta'akimoeaka on lead vocals, and in 1992 by Chris Brien on drums, Armando Gomez on percussion, Alex 'Gob' Hewettson on bass guitar, and Breadman St Ledger III on keyboards. Later members include drummer Calvin Welch and keyboard player Tetsushi Morita. After Ta'akimoeaka left the band, Rebekah Jane joined the group as lead vocalist.
In 1992, Swoop released the single "Positivity's Groove" and "Jelly Funk". In 1993, Swoop released "Everybody Loves the Sunshine" and "Do It" which were both included on Swoop's debut studio albums, Thriller released in October 1993.

1994-1999: ''The Woxo Principle'' & ''Be What You Is''

In October 1994, Swoop released "Neighbourhood Freak", which became the group's first charting single, peaking at number 62 on the ARIA Charts. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1994 Swoop were nominated for ARIA Award for Best New Talent.
In 1995 Swoop released Rock Dog" and in October, "Apple Eyes" which peaked at number 9 on the ARIA Charts and was certified gold. In November 1995, Swoop released their second studio album The Woxo Principle Two further singles were released from the album, including the cover of Captain & Tennille's "Do That to Me ". At the ARIA Music Awards of 1996 they were nominated for ARIA Award for Song of the Year and ARIA Award for Best Video for "Apple Eyes", and ARIA Award for Best Pop Release for The Woxo Principle.
In 1998, Swoop released "Remedy" and "Blood Runs Hot", the lead singles from their third studio album Be What You Is which was released in January 1999. Late in 1999 Swoop disbanded.

2000-present : After Swoop

After Swoop, Beagley, Kapferer and Welch formed Professor Groove & the Booty Affair; with Sam Dixon on bass guitar and Robert Woolf on keyboards and vocals. They released their debut album, And so Funketh the Wise Man in 2001.
Brien became a live and recording session musician, drum clinician and teacher; in November 2006 he relocated to Hong Kong.

Discography

Studio albums

Compilation album

Extended Play

Singles