INTERVIEW: SIDELINES drops debut single

Coming out of Melbourne, SIDELINES is a new project from an artist who’s been making an impact in Australia’s emo and punk scenes, now embracing a fresh sonic direction with a bold shift towards synth pop. With years of experience working alongside artists like Darren Cordeux of Kisschasy and Jack Newlyn of Between You and Me, SIDELINES brings an accomplished background to this new venture, fusing past influences with an exciting new sound.

Known for emotionally charged songwriting that’s struck a chord with both fans and industry tastemakers, his previous work has caught the attention of national broadcaster Triple J. His music found a loyal audience who connected with the vulnerability and honesty of his lyricism, but with this new project, the artist is taking a different path, leaning into a pop-focused vibe without losing the heart and soul that made his earlier work so well-received.

Unveiling his unique sonic vision, SIDELINES brings us the brand new debut single, ironically titled “End of an Era.” Produced by one of Australia’s top hip hop and pop producers, HAMLEY, who’s previously worked with the likes of Allday, PANIA and Congrats, the track serves up a bittersweet break-up anthem that’s as infectious as it is poignant.

“End of an Era” distils the tension between letting go of the past and the nostalgic pull of what once was. The song explores the feelings of heartbreak and reflection, capturing the duality of mourning the end of a relationship while still holding onto the memories that make moving on so hard.

Brought in by a muted drum beat, the artist’s expressive voice enters as airy sonic textures float around his bright vocal melodies, forming an atmospheric sound that bursts with the shuffle of drums, pulsing bass lines and bold piano notes. Cut with biting guitar leads, the track develops with elegant vocal lines and punchy rhythms wrapped up in an arrangement with a slick ebb and flow.

From dreamy moments of drifting instrumental tones and echoes of overlapping vocals to infectious choruses brimming with groove and catchy hooks, “End of an Era” sees SIDELINES make an emphatic entrance with a worthy debut outing. Having already proved his wide appeal and originality in previous projects, with the SIDELINES moniker, the artist is sure to win over fans around the world on what’s set to be his breakout year.

We caught up with SIDELINES to find out more about his musical journey so far, his debut single “End of an Era” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with SIDELINES below.

Hey SIDELINES, how’s things?

Hi Plastic Mag! Things are great on my side, I’m still riding that debut single buzz!

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

I distinctly remember being 10 years old, I had my dad’s old guitar and this little yellow spiral notebook – I’d be in my room for hours furiously scribbling these poems in the notebook and then struggling to make them fit over the four chords that I knew how to play. And honestly, that’s pretty much the method to this day!

Is there a story behind the name?

Yeah, it came from this feeling I had that I’d kind of been sidelined in my own life. Like a character that was slowly being written out of the story. I’d started writing these songs that I really loved and wanted to release, so when it was time to name the project it felt like a way to acknowledge that feeling and take that power back, seize control of my narrative again.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

It’s a bit of an eclectic mix of artists like boygenius, CHVRCHES and the 1975 plus my recent obsession with the likes of Charli xcx and Chappell Roan. And of course, I’ll always be an emo kid at heart so there’s always shades of Paramore and blink 182 in there – the classics you know?

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Generally, I’m inspired by things that happen to me or that I see happen around me. Quite often I end up digging up things that happened a while ago and working them into lyrics and stuff, there’s something so therapeutic about it! I find I need a bit of time to pass so that I can write about things in a way that’s relatable and not too fixated or specific.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

The highlight has to be finally summoning the courage to launch this little project and share this song with people! I’ve been sitting on it for more than a year and it’s an amazing feeling for it to properly exist. I was scared I’d be dropping it into the void but I’ve been really touched by the reception it’s had. It’s got me so excited for the next releases!

What do you love about the Melbourne music scene?

It’s so diverse! And so welcoming! There’s truly something for everybody and I’ve been lucky enough to make some really great friends by being in and around the scene.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

I think this song in particular is made for a nice sunset – whether it’s at the beach or over the suburbs. There’s a lyric about the sun setting slowly as a metaphor for a relationship or a significant part of your life ending. I’ve always felt so moved by sunsets, there’s something kind of bitter-sweet and nostalgic about them and that fits this song so well!

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I came up in Melbourne’s punk and emo scene but I’ve always had such a soft spot for pop music, especially that DIY bedroom kind of indie pop. The music I’ve written has always been all about the melody and lyrics so it’s been really fun leaning into that even more. And I’ve become absolutely obsessed with synths!

Has your production process changed over the years too?

Oh wow, I used to the record the roughest voice memos in the world before heading into the studio and feel it out there with the guidance of a producer who would have to do a lot of heavy lifting. Now I’ve gotten to a point where I’m able to do proper pre-production at home and end up with a demo that honestly doesn’t sound too far from the finished song, and the producer polishes and elevates it. I’d love to be able to do the whole thing myself one day because I’m fascinated by it all!

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Lauren from CHVRCHES – she’s such an amazing lyricist and her voice is so unique. I’ve really been enjoying her solo stuff too!

How did you find making your debut single “End of an Era”?

It was my first time making music outside of a band so it was really different because there wasn’t anyone else to bounce ideas off. But it was liberating as well in the sense that there was no box the song had to fit into, so I could write absolutely anything.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

I’ve always found so much comfort in music, particularly in being able to relate to it in tough times so I’d love for this song to do that for someone else.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I checked my spotify to confirm this and 10:36 by beabadoobee and Diet Pepsi by Addison Rae have been on repeat lately.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

I think what I’d say to anyone looking to get into making and releasing music is that it’s so easy to doubt yourself and your art but you’ve got to learn to not overthink things and put yourself out there. It’s advice that I’m still trying to get into the habit of following if I’m honest.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

I’d love to release another single before the year is out – there’s a couple of contenders so I’m excited to see which one it will be!

Listen to End of an Era below