PSEUDO Echo, one of Australia’s most memorable new wave bands – founded by Brian Canham and Pierre Gigliotti – has been electrifying audiences with infectious synth riffs, chart-topping hits, and a stage presence that’s as dynamic today as it was four decades ago.
“I think ’82 was actually the year we finally sort of came across the right formation because we’d been in a couple of bands,” Canham said.
The lineup solidified with Tony Lugton on keyboards, while early experimentation led the trio to embrace drum machines rather than live drums.
“Funnily enough that’s how the band name came about,” Canham said.
“As we were looking through the manuals of all the different gear we had, one of the sounds was called Pseudo-Echo. It was all meant to happen that way.”
Discovery came soon after. Countdown host Molly Meldrum attended one of their gigs, and within days the band was being featured on the iconic TV show.
“It was pretty surreal. We’d been together maybe nine months and we’d really moved in leaps and bounds,” Canham said.
“He came backstage, introduced himself, and within a couple of days called up our manager saying, ‘I want to put the guys on Countdown’. We were ecstatic! We didn’t have a record deal yet, so it felt unbelievable.”
The exposure led to interest from major labels, culminating in a contract with EMI. Pseudo Echo went on to produce multiple Australian top 20 hits, including Listening, A Beat for You, Don’t Go, Love an Adventure, and Living in a Dream.
“I’ve been writing songs since I was about 14, but when the ’80s happened, I could hear a different sound.
“Technology took a front seat in writing. You’d dial up synth sounds on a drum machine, experiment, and think, what sounds cutting edge, what sounds different?”
The 1986 cover of Funky Town nearly didn’t happen.
“I was used to some level of success – we’d had five hits by then. The record label was lukewarm because of the original disco version by Lipps Inc., but I wrestled with them. We recorded it, and it went straight up the charts – a great statement to the label and the public.”
Despite lineup changes over the years, Canham has maintained Pseudo Echo’s sound and energy.
“Pseudo is such a machine and I have control over the sounds, production, and parts. Most I wrote and created in the first instance. Our sound doesn’t change. If anything, it gets better because new members bring fresh energy.”
Canham is continuing to evolve the band’s legacy with the Machine Remixes, a reimagining of classic hits with modern, danceable production.
For fans catching the Love and Adventure Tour – including the October 25 show at the Racehorse Tavern in Booval – Canham promises authentic Pseudo Echo vibes with a fresh twist.
“We’ve added some girls into the band, who bring a whole new level of energy.”
