Born in Fremantle, Western Australia, independent acoustic artist Carus Thompson began writing songs aged 12. By the time he was old enough to play in bars he was making a living playing the Perth pub circuit. A nomadic lifestyle from the beginning saw Thompson call many places home, including the outback Aboriginal community of Peppimenarti, where he spent an influential and formative four years as a child.
Carus Thompson’s first release was a self-titled EP in 2000 from his then hometown Darwin; a second EP, Mind's Eye recorded In WA, followed in 2002. Continuing his itinerant sweep of the country he then moved to Melbourne where he recorded his first full-length album Songs From Martin St in 2003. On the east coast the young singer-songwriter fast built a reputation as an exciting and powerful solo-acoustic performer who with the release of his much-lauded double live album Acoustic At The Norfolk (also 2003) was given the opportunity to tour both Australia and Europe supporting the likes of John Butler, Dave Matthews, Damien Rice, The Waifs, Pete Murray and Xavier Rudd.
International attention awaited; Thompson began building his own touring circuit throughout Europe and the UK, returning for two to three tours a year – still doing it independently and on his own terms. A network of friends and agents helped him build up what has now become an incredibly loyal fan base, especially in Germany and England where his ability to win over any crowd continues to sell out venues and garner spots on major festivals. Long Nights Are Gone, (2004) was the first album to feature Thompson's three-piece backing band, The True Believers. The album had strong success in Australia (the track Ain't No Crime featured heavily on national broadcaster Triple J) while Carus and The True Believers toured extensively both in Australia and overseas.
In late 2006 Carus & The True Believers released what Thompson has referred to as “his first real record”, the album Three Boxes. Produced by Greg Arnold, Three Boxes was mixed in Nashville by the in-demand Brad Jones (Josh Rouse) and received rave reviews; The West Australian claiming “Australia has been waiting for Three Boxes”.
In early 2009 Carus Thompson releases his new album Creature Of Habit. Again produced by Greg Arnold and mixed by Brad Jones this time it’s a solo effort, with Thompson leaving the band behind. Backed by the True Believers, Thompson has always had a well-earned reputation for getting the room jumping, however in recent times it seems clear that this set up can conceal the depth and engaging nature of his songs. No longer a songwriter presenting himself as a band Thompson, with the release of Creature Of Habit, comes clean as a first-class singer-songwriter backed by a band.
The new album reveals an artist coming to terms with who he is and the place his music occupies. Carus Thompson is a singer-songwriter, of exceptional quality and Creature of Habit will confirm that – both at home in Australia and throughout
Europe.
