Alternative Pop from Dreaming Soda

Melbourne’s alternative pop act Dreaming Soda are a band that instantly feel like a sugar rush for the ears. Billed as a nostalgic “chaos-pop” project, their music is built around celebrating the strange little moments from growing up before the world dramatically changed by being catapulted into a digital era of hyper connectivity brought about by the internet. From biscuit tins full of sewing threads to hustling for spare change at recess, Dreaming Soda’s songs tap into memories that are oddly relatable, packaging them in a sound that fizzes with playful energy and colour.

The project was founded by Sydney-born singer-songwriter Ella Sterland, also known under her solo alias Ella Minnow. Originally sparked by a free Ableton course, Dreaming Soda became the outlet for her desire to write music that bottles the joy of childhood. Frequent collaborator Renee Stein soon joined in and with her guitar work alongside Ella’s vocals and bass, the pair created the formula for Dreaming Soda’s offbeat and infectious sound.

Taking cues from acts like St Vincent, Superorganism, CHVRCHES, Phoenix and even the colourful world of video game soundtracks, Dreaming Soda thread these references into something wholly their own. Relocating to Melbourne accelerated the duo’s momentum and in June 2022 they unveiled their first single, “Caramel.” The follow-up, “Jake,” arrived soon after, before they dropped their debut EP Just Before The Internet. Supported by a successful Kickstarter campaign, the release was celebrated with a headline show at The Leadbeater Hotel and even came packaged with a comic book.

After a brief hiatus from sharing their studio sound, the band returned this year with new material, marking their return with the brand new single titled “Kissing Stacey.” Thematically, the track captures the curious contradictions of childhood play through the lens of a Barbie doll, both a symbol of consumer culture and a vessel for self-expression. As Dreaming Soda put it, the track wrestles with the question “What does it mean to be a child that makes their barbie dolls kiss each other?” It’s a quirky but poignant idea that Dreaming Soda transform into a joyful alternative pop jam, recorded at Hercules Studios in Sydney and mastered by Becki Whitton.

Funded once again through their dedicated community of supporters, “Kissing Stacey” has already proven a crowd favourite, having been brought to life at shows across Sydney and Melbourne since 2022. Set up by the crackly of noise, the punch of drums punctures the sound as the bubble of synths ushers in smooth vocal leads which glide above the shifting arrangement. With catchy melodic flutters, the fuzz of gritty bass tones ushers in an uptempo groove of rustling drums and bright vocal layers injecting lively rock grit into the shimmering pop-focused soundscape.

Progressing with multiple sonic switch ups, the track flows with gripping energy and instantly memorable melodic hooks to deliver a spectacular showcase of Dreaming Soda’s creative flair and performance panache. Reaching a soulful finale of bouncy piano lines and surging energy, the track leaves a lasting impression that sees Dreaming Soda resume their thrilling musical adventure in sensational fashion. With more singles on the way, including “Martian Boy” and “Lemmings” dropping later this year, Dreaming Soda show no signs of slowing down on their latest artistic chapter.

Listen to Kissing Stacey below

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