Insurge

The band's first release was the extended play I.M.F released in 1994 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the International Monetary Fund. The song argued the I.M.F. based on its harsh economic measures were having a detrimental effect on the developing world.[3] Initially a demo, I.M.F attracted the attention of prominent Australian music manager John Woodruff (The Angels, Icehouse, Baby Animals, Savage Garden) who helped pull together a distribution deal through EastWest records (Warner Music Australia). The original line up was then solidified with Monique Wakelin playing sampler, Mattieu McRoth on bass, Matt Richmond on electronic and acoustic Drums, and Paul Bianco on found Percussion joining Dubrow's guitar and vocals.[4]

Just prior to the release of the band's second EP there was a shift in the line-up with original percussionist Paul Bianco leaving the band to be replaced by Miguel Valenzuela (who recorded much of the album 'Power to the Poison People') and later Adam Logan.

The band's second release was the EP Political Prisoners in 1995. Insurge worked with producer Kalju Tonuma, ( The Mavis's, 28 Days, Bodyjar, Killing Joke). The title track became the band's breakthrough song, gaining considerable airplay from alternative radio across Australia and New Zealand. The lyrics discussed the inadequacy of modern criminal law, and the idea that most prisoners in western society were political prisoners because the concept of private property was an invention to protect the wealthy.[5] The song went to No. 25 on the Triple J Hottest 100, 1995.

In March 1996, the band released the single "Speculator", which was lyrically based on the anti-democratic power of global currency speculation.[6] The track reached No. 57 on the ARIA singles chart,[7] No. 7 on the 4ZZZ Hot 100 chart and No. 69 on the Triple J Hottest 100, 1996. The band's debut album Power to the Poison People was released in August 1996, and reached No. 16 on the ARIA albums chart.[7] The singles "Soul 4 Sale", "Time Bomb' and "AK 47" followed.

The band toured constantly across Australia (and once to New Zealand) including tours with Pop Will Eat Itself and White Zombie, and participated in many festivals such as Alternative Nation Festival (1995), the Livid Festival (5 Oct 1996 – the same night Insurge programmed ABC TV's 'rage'),[8] and the Big Day Out (1996, 1997).

In 1998, singer Chris Dubrow went to London to record tracks with Ian Richardson and Nick Coler (known for their work with The KLF). Dubrow also became involved with the Reclaim the Streets movement in both London and Sydney. Over this period the line-up changed again, Mark 'Milli' Avery became the bass player and Daryl Sims (formerly Indecent Obsession) was on drums, and Sean Burnett became the percussionist. This was the line up that recorded the Globalization album.

In 1999, the band released "I Hate Stupid People" which achieved national airplay on Triple J, this was followed by the album Globalisation, produced by Kalju Tonuma. The single "Feast or Famine" followed. Insurge announced their break-up in 2000 at their final show at the Newtown Festival, Sydney.

In 2009, Insurge announced their reformation, albeit for a one-off reunion on December 18, 2009, before being inactive again.[9]

Keyboardist and co-founding member Monique Wakelin died in 2018.[10][11]