Karnataka were formed in 1997 by founding members, Ian Jones (bass/acoustic guitar), Jonathan Edwards (keyboards) and Rachel Jones (vocals). The band started as a project to record songs in Ian’s home studio, that had been written and performed by Jonathan, Rachel and Ian in earlier bands. The project was augmented by additional musicians, Paul Davies (electric guitars) and Gavin Griffiths (drums), who had played with other members of Karnataka in earlier bands. At the end of the recording the decision was made to continue the project as a band. The name Karnataka was chosen by the band, from a suggestion by Ian, following his trips to that region of India.
Members
Current members
Ian Jones - bass, acoustic guitars, keyboards, percussion (1997–2004, 2005–present)
Enrico Pinna - guitars (2007–present)
Hayley Griffiths - lead vocals (2011–present)
Cagri Tozluoglu - keyboards (2011–present)
Touring members
Matt McDonough - drums, percussion (2011–present)
Former members
Paul Davies - guitars (1997–2004)
Jonathan Edwards - keyboards (1997–2004)
Gareth Griffiths - drums, percussion (1997–2004)
Rachel Jones - lead vocals (1997–2004)
Anne-Marie Helder - flute, backing vocals (2003–2004)
Gonzalo Carrera - keyboards (2005–2010)
Alquimia - lead vocals (2005-2006)
Bob Dalton - drums, percussion (2005-2006)
Nick May - guitars (2005-2006)
Lisa Fury - lead vocals (2006–2010)
Louie Palmer - drums, percussion (2006–2007, 2010–2011)
Ian Harris - drums, percussion (2008–2010)
Colin Mold - guitars, keyboards, violin, backing vocals (2010–2012)
