Artist info
Genre
Indie, Punk, Rock
Sounds like
a good time
band members
Nette - Lead Vocals/Guitar Joe - Bass/Vocals Zac - Lead Guitar Mal - Drums
Influences
Wolf Alice, WAAX, Tired Lion, Spacey Jane
Website
Gig
6 Feb
Kambri ANU
Canberra, 2601
Canberra
8:00pm
Gig
13 Feb
The Leadbeater Hotel
Melbourne, 3121
Richmond, Victoria
8:00pm
Bio
The alt-rock band, Sputnik Sweetheart, have quickly established themselves in the Australian music scene. The band has built a reputation for delivering emotive, high-energy performances to sold out shows in their home-town of Canberra and beyond.
In 2019, Sputnik Sweetheart released their debut EP, Growing Pains, which is best described as a collection of songs inspired by growing into adulthood. Tongue-in-cheek lyrics are used to explore an array of themes; from gender equality, to the impacts of technology on relationships.
Since the release of their breakout singles, Home Again and Us Girls, Sputnik Sweetheart have played sold out shows around the country, nabbing slots at nationally acclaimed festivals Spilt Milk and Stonefest, and supported the likes of Ball Park Music, Spacey Jane, British India, Kingswood, and Joyce Manor.
Get to know this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist, Sputnik Sweetheart.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
Our music has come a long way and it’s funny because it’s actually changed quite a bit since we started. Initially we were inspired by a lot of indie rock artists like Snail Mail and Mac DeMarco, before we got into slightly heavier music by artists such as WAAX, Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins and Wolf Alice. These are some of many artists that inspire us in our song writing and the tones that we use, but more importantly to find our own unique sound, just like they have.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Hmm, this is a tough question! Individually, we both find inspiration from lots of different things. Sometimes it’s a character from a film or a book, writing from their perspective and using our imagination to get in their head. Sometimes it’s our own raw and personal experiences, or things that we’re living through - different social issues we care about. But the biggest source of inspiration is probably when we both get together, whether that be starting a song from scratch or working off material one of us has brought, and really vibing it in the practice room. That’s where we take the idea, whether it be lyrics, riffs etc., and turn it into a Sputnik Sweetheart song.
What can punters expect from a Sputnik Sweetheart live show?
Lots of energy! We move around loads on stage and always change things up a bit. You can also expect terribly awkward banter.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Early on, we were given a really great nugget of advice - always trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
Stella Donnelly’s like a version 'Love is in the Air'.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
'Don’t Know How to Keep Loving You' by Julia Jacklin.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
'WUTD' by Genesis Owusu.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
ARGGGHH TRIGGERED! It’s been so long since we’ve been able to go to gigs, the last gig that we went to together was probably when Amyl & the Sniffers dropped by Canberra. What. A. Show.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Canberra music community that inspire you.
The other bands in the Canberra music scene that continue to inspire us include our friends Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and Moaning Lisa. Both of these outfits continue to push the boundaries with their music and are always so supportive and friendly! LOVE YOU ALL!
Review
A strong post-punk flourish for Sputnik Sweetheart to send 2020 off with! The playing and Nette's vocals rise like this tide of tension through the song, finishing with a cathartic exit.
A strong post-punk flourish for Sputnik Sweetheart to send 2020 off with! The playing and Nette's vocals rise like this tide of tension through the song, finishing with a cathartic exit.
Review
new sputnik sweetheart propels fwd from the get go and it's such a passionate, stirring blend with guitars that feel bright but muscly at the same time. this is gonna slot so well into your live show i know it!
new sputnik sweetheart propels fwd from the get go and it's such a passionate, stirring blend with guitars that feel bright but muscly at the same time. this is gonna slot so well into your live show i know it!
Review
The lyrics, the dueling guitar lines, the unpredictable melodies - I love it all.
The lyrics, the dueling guitar lines, the unpredictable melodies - I love it all.