Kharma The long awaited release for their North American and European Tour later this year. Kharma incorporates 14 tracks each with a very different flavour that truly tells the story that The Vagrants are a very diverse band. "Let's Party" and " That's what life is like" are the first 2 singles to be released from this CD on June 23rd in Australia You don't learn 5 Languages from sitting at home on your arse watching TV! We did that by travelling. The whole idea of a journey should be NOT having a plan that gets in the way of fun, music, and potential. We never let the origianl plan keep us from learning and opportunity. Why bother booking a return flight? This is a live band that knows how to rock. They don't work an audience, they work them out! Everyone leaves with a hand in the air, feet hurting, sweating, and smiling. The Vagrants got their name from the obvious, life on the road with no home. The good times and the bad give their music its diversity, raw energy, edge and sweet tones. Happier on the road than at home they have been gigging constantly in separate projects and have all come together as one on stage to launch the Vagrants. Getting compared to Ben Harper, Black Crows, The Allman Brothers, Baby Animals, Stray Cats, The Stones and Jack Johnson says a lot about how hard it is to categorise the music. Have played major Australian festivals including Frankston Guitar Festival, Monbulk Jazz and Blues Festival, Williamstown Festival, PBS Concert Series, and the Mt Hotham October Fest. Our members have played in Australia, US, Germany, Denmark, England, Spain, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden, Japan, New Zealand, Canada and are alway looking to expand their experiences. ----- Steve "Cookie" Iorio – Growing up in New York with no mother has certainly put the hard edge on Cookie.The youngest of 5 he quickly learned to fend for himself. Steve is the lead guitarist and main songwriter for The Vagrants. His years of diverse experience and influences have helped to mold the unique sound of the band. Playing in notable bands such as Suburban Gorillas and Bitz and Pieces in New york Steve has a good grasp of reality and the surreal. Playing acoustic and electric guitars, keys, harp, harmonies and lead vocals keeps him on his toes. His dark stage presence resembles the lyrics that describe his life. Renate Ludwig is the voice that is ringing in your ears as you leave a Vagrants gig! She has been the front person for many bands and there is no doubt about who is in the spotlight on stage. The biggest thing about Renate is her voice, her frame is tiny and many wonder where the power is coming from. It is from the gypsy heart. Also playing keys, flute and sax Renate gives The Vagrants their colour. James "Spitfire" Spiteri is the throbbing rhythm of The Vagrants. He is the big engine of the locomotive train that burns into your chest to get people fired up. The only thing tender about Spitfire is his age, 22. James’ haunting harmonies are sometimes broken by the sharp sounds of the big chorus. Whether on acoustic or on electric guitar the heart and soul of the music comes from the penetrating rhythms from James. Dave Butler plays bass. Dave has spent years studying the craft of bass playing at Music Industry Training Centre, and milking cows. He has toured with Rory Ellis, Bruiser, Stu Box, Nasty Pastys, and many other. The crusiest Vagrant and by far the hairiest. Ramon Azzola is the keeper of the groove. His Sonor drums take a beating at every gig. Ramon is the most experienced of the members having played in various bands thru Melbourne in the 80's and 90's. Born in Australia, Ramon speaks Italian, Percussion and some English