Artist info
Genre
Indie, Pop, Punk, Rock
band members
Guitar/Vocals: Bianca Hendy Bass: Ivan Heenan Drums: Michael Collins
Influences
The Cure, Killing Heidi, Boxcar Racer, Billy talent, Kisschasy
Unearthed artists we like
Sunbrella, Debbies , TOWNS, Bakers Eddy, The Stiff Nips, The Yammz , Bianca Hendy, THE SKATEGOATS, WAAX, George Alice , Captives, FANGZ, WALKEN, SEABASS
Website
Bio
There are few bands out there who have accomplished as much as Chelsea Manor have in such a short time, but then again, there are very few bands quite like them.
Hailing from Mount Gambier in South Australia’s south east, Chelsea Manor hit the ground running in 2019, performing their first show as part of triple j’s One Night Stand festival after being picked by the station. It was this, their first appearance on stage – and one that saw them sharing a bill with G Flip, the Hilltop Hoods, Meg Mac, and Ocean Alley – that served as an indicator of what was to come for the nascent trio.
Born out of a shared love of pop-punk, rock, and the iconic artists that defined the genres, Chelsea Manor deliver a sound that is equal parts forward-thinking and nostalgic, rambunctious and introspective, yet always revolving around the idea of having a good time. Try and imagine if Robert Smith launched his own Box Car Racer cover band and ended up sharing the stage with Killing Heidi. Now you’re on the right track.
Since their inception, the trio – made up of vocalist/guitarist Bianca Hendy, bassist Ivan Heenan, and drummer Michael Collins – have been writing, recording, and performing at every opportunity, and kicking countless career goals in the process.
Although managed to share stages with the likes of Bad Dreems, Horror My Friend, Walken, Agapanther and The Smith Street Band, while performing in iconic venues such as the Thebarton Theatre, The Bridgeway, the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre, and the aforementioned triple j One Night Stand stage.
Add in some recent highlights such as a performance on the Isol-Aid lineup, and an appearance at the South Australian Music Awards as not only performers, but finalists in the Punk category, and you’ve got the makings of a true Aussie success story.
As 2021 presents a number of amazing opportunities, Chelsea Manor are determined to not let a single moment pass them by. Having spent time in the studio with Tyson Fish and Captives’ Aaron Damon working on their debut EP, this year looks set to see Chelsea Manor take their career to the next step, with big plans, big tunes, and even bigger live shows.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Chelsea Manor.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
I think triple j said it best when they referred to us as their moody siblings diary brought to life, I guess we’re kinda like a bag of starburst party mix but instead of sweets it’s a mix of emotions. We were playing in a band together called The Skategoats, so I guess on the end of that we started to own our craft a little more and really find our own sound and place.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
The greatest source of inspiration for making music, I think comes from our everyday life and experiences. In my case it’s very easy to tell what I’m going through at the time based on what I’m writing about. As for the music side, we draw our inspirations from everyone around us making music.
What can punters expect from a Chelsea Manor live show?
A lot of mistakes? Haha nah a high energy set, catchy choruses and some questionable dance moves coming from Ivan our bass player.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
It’s gonna sound cliché but the usual treat people how you wanna be treated, it’s really easy to be in your own space and not see how your actions can be affecting those around you. My Dad taught me that. Also I remember reading something that really stuck with me “It’s so easy to not like something without putting it down” and every since then if I’m not really into the style or it’s not my thing I’ll find the positive in it.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘Out of Luck’ by Loser, I’d go by my mates pick them up chuck this track on in the car and just drive!
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
‘I’ll be fine’ by Larsen but it’s not let sit down and cry, it’s like lets chuck the track on, headphones walking in the rain screaming the words at the top of the lungs kinda crying.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
‘Safe To Stay’ by Towns, because how GOOD is that track?! I can just see everyone screaming the “time goes on, whether I do or not” in the middle of the floor.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
It was actually our local Battle of The Bands, which was wicked because we have such a large community of musicians and it’s always great seeing each one of them up there on the stage doing their thing.
Tell us about the bands or people in the SA music community that inspire you.
Where do we even start haha there are so many people doing great things and we all play our part. I think anyone out there giving it a go is inspiring. !e’re always keen to see new bands or new music. Just watching people grow and own their craft is amazing.
What are your plans for 2019?
We’ve got shows booked in until early November, then we’re back in the studio (The Alamo) with Tyson Fish & Aaron Damon (Captives) to finish off our debut EP ready for 2020. More shows, more music and lets see what we can do with it.
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Pop punk with a tinge of Aussie rock, our Lucindale legends aren't beating around the bush here!
Pop punk with a tinge of Aussie rock, our Lucindale legends aren't beating around the bush here!
Review
No nonsense pop punk, complete with the 'oowoo...' in the back up vocals, and hot sweaty guitar riffs.
No nonsense pop punk, complete with the 'oowoo...' in the back up vocals, and hot sweaty guitar riffs.
Review
Guts and gusto. Rare I get to use that in a review so thank YOU Chelsea Manor for making this track that demands that language with such fiery energy.
Guts and gusto. Rare I get to use that in a review so thank YOU Chelsea Manor for making this track that demands that language with such fiery energy.