The Venetians were an Australian new wave ensemble from Sydney established in 1982. The group consisted of the musicians Matthew Hughes, Tim Powles, David Skeet, Rik Swinn, and Peter Watson. Their recording career began with the track "Sound on Sound" (1983) which reached the Kent Music Report top 100. The ensemble achieved professional recognition for the debut studio recording Step Off the Edge (1985) and the track "Shine the Light" (1985) which reached the top 100. They achieved professional recognition for the studio recording Calling in the Lions (1986) which reached number 33 in Australia and the track "Inspiration" (1986) which reached number 19. Their discography included the studio recording Amazing World (1988) which reached number 41 and the track "Bitter Tears" (1988) which reached number 24. The ensemble became inactive in 1989.
