Inclusive Groove

Halen Ryan is a multi instrumentalist from Kiama, playing in pubs since he was 14 his Influences stem from the early British Invasion such as The Beatles, kinks and the who to Aussie classics like cold chisel and midnight oil. Halen has been in local bands The saltwater criminals from 2023 and is now in Wollongong bands Buzzwagon and good for nothing He has worked alongside artists such as Ross Wilson, Bret Mkenzie, Toto and George Thorogood aswell as meeting some of musics top artists such as Nick Cave, Bob Geldof and New order Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we’re joined by benchwarmers, an alt-rock trio from Wollongong/Dharrawal made up of Cole Park, Victor Strange and Will Coleman.

Blending deeply personal, confessional lyricism with elements of emo, slacker rock, shoegaze and noise pop, benchwarmers create music that feels nostalgic and fresh, energetic and soothing, funny and tragic - often all at once. Their sound sits somewhere between the guitar music of the late ’90s and early 2000s and the DIY indie-pop world of today.

The trio first met at university, bonding over a shared obsession with music as performers, songwriters and avid listeners. Drawing inspiration from artists including Alex G, beabadoobee, Pavement, Dinosaur Jr. and Elliott Smith, benchwarmers have carved out a sound that feels distinctly their own.

We chat about the band’s beginnings, their influences, songwriting and the music that continues to shape them.
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Hailing from the South coast of NSW, The Chordroys distinct sound of refreshing indie rock is one not to miss. The Chordroys pull inspiration from all corners of the music world, with music styles similar to the likes of The Vanns, Mumford and Sons, The Rions, Plini, Gang of Youths, Tame Impala, Boy and Bear and an endless list of others.
The South Coast gents bring a unique mix of psychedelic guitar hooks, engaging choruses, harmonious ballads and tasteful rhythms that guarantee the listener to be left with their jaw dropped.
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Cooper Smart and Harry Leighton are two members of local band Dirty Merchants who formed in late 2023 when the four of them found themselves jamming in a garage after previous bands had fallen apart. Made up of three brothers and a best mate, the band has quickly developed a loud, energetic sound built for live shows. After winning the opening slot at Changing Tides Festival in 2024, they've been busy playing wherever we can and working on new music. They've recently released their debut EP 'Waste the Day' and are super stoked for what's to come. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Renzo, Lincoln and Lana are members of High Catz, an emerging punk-rock band from Wollongong. Having already headlined their own shows and shared the stage with local acts including Earl Gray and Dead Nettles, the band are quickly building a name for themselves within the region’s lively punk and alternative music scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.