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, plus the combined drum/percussion batteries of Monty Ruggiero 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.
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 introduced Unitopia to the ever increasing world progressive rock market.
Realizing the need for a consistent team of musicians to perform both live and in the studio, Mark and Sean recruited the specialist talents of some of Adelaide’s finest instrumentalists. Matt Williams - guitar/vocals, Monty Ruggiero - drums, Shireen Khemlani - bass and Tim Irrgang - percussion complete the Unitopia line up.
With Unitopia now a fully fledged band, Sean and Mark started writing in earnest new material which would eventually become ‘The Garden’. One of these new songs, written in early 2007, ‘321’ is a touching 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.
In August 2008, Unitopia signed a 3 album deal with InsideOut Music, the leading progressive rock/metal record company in the world.
On November 18th, 2008, InsideOut released Unitopia’s 2nd CD, ‘The Garden’. It’s a double CD with 15 tracks and over 100 minutes of music.
Unitopia are also in discussions with David Paton (Pilot, Alan Parsons Project, Elton John) who composed and sang the world wide hits ‘January’ and ‘It’s Magic’ and Peter Banks (ex Yes) regarding collaborations on future projects.
We’re proud to announce that our vocalist and co-producer Mark Trueack has been given the honour of winning "Best Progressive Rock Indie Vocalist" at 2009 Progressive Rock Hall of Fame!!!!
