Artist info
Genre
Indie, Rock
band members
Monica Chris Rei
Influences
Interpol, Yuck, Pity Sex, Courtney Barnett
Website
Bio
sweater curse have become a local and national fixture in the contemporary Australian music scene over the last few years, especially since the 2019 release of their debut “See You” EP. “See You” received local and international praise, and was featured in Paste Magazine’s top 20 releases of the year.
Following a few years of touring all over Australia, featuring on festivals such as Laneway, Falls, Farmer & The Owl and playing with bands such as The Jungle Giants, Grinspoon, Violent Soho, Middle Kids, Ball Park Music, WAAX, Bugs and Polish Club, sweater curse are getting ready to release a sophomore EP, with their next single, ‘Close’ out on the 29th of May.
“Close” details regret and angst surrounding a breach in a close friendship, and repeats the desire to remain close to people even through hard times. In the current global epidemic, this is a communally felt sentiment.
Starting off as a trio of friends writing for fun and growing a natural audience, the band have been honing their craft and writing new music between shows and touring. ‘Close’ was written in the week before their debut EP was released, with Alex Lahey, and recorded with Sam Cromack. sweater curse are looking forward to releasing more music in 2020, and are ready to move forward and build on their already solid Australian audience.
We named them one of our artists to watch this year in 2018. Then they knocked us off our feet with their new single 'Can't See You Anymore'. Yes, we're talking about Brisbane's very own Sweater Curse! They are this week's triple j Unearthed Feature Artist.
Tell us about your music. How did you develop your sound?
We currently have 3 singles out with one more not too far away. Initially we bonded over our shared influences, but it molded into what it is now from playing a lot of shows early on.
What’s your greatest source of inspiration for making music?
Our parents all loved music so it was there from the start. Since then, meeting various teachers and friends involved in music has lead us to pursue it as something that’s now a major part of our lives.
What can punters expect from a Sweater Curse live show?
Lots of intentionally stupid awkward jokes that aren’t meant to be as unintentionally awkward as they are, and some songs too.
What’s the best advice you’ve been given and who was it from?
Dom Miller (our booker) told us (in different words) to ‘Let things happen naturally. As long as you love what you’re doing and you’re learning, good things will happen.’
What Australian track would you play to cheer up someone who was crying?
‘Live It Up’ by Mental As Anything.
What Australian track would you play to someone to make them cry?
‘Always Falling’ by Cloud Tangle, ‘Forfeit’ by Keeskea, ‘My New Dress Up Shoes’ by The Smith Street Band and ‘Boys Will Be Boys’ by Stella Donnelly.
You’re the DJ at a party. The dance floor is pumping. What Australian track do you put on next?
‘Untouched’ by The Veronicas, ‘K Bye’ by Raave Tapes and ‘Tower Of Strength’ by Simi Lacroix.
What was the last local gig you went to? How was it?
Keeskea and Cloud Tangle at The Jubilee and Start Together at The End Bar. All are amazing acts that we are lucky enough to call our friends.
Tell us about the bands or people in the Brisbane music community that inspire you.
Dom Miller, Ruby Jean McCabe, Dan Condon, Sam Cromack, Hatchie, Concrete Surfers, An Horse, Pat Balfe, POOL SHOP + Major Leagues, Grace Pashley and the 4zzz team, Brodie Popple, Mel Tickle, Miss Blanks.
What are your plans for 2018?
We have an EP on the way that’s we’ve been working on with Fletcher Matthews. A string of shows with acts we currently love and BIGSOUND in September!
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Review
It's hard not to fall under the spell of Mon's vocals. It's as effective as fairy dust.
It's hard not to fall under the spell of Mon's vocals. It's as effective as fairy dust.
Review
Another absolutely belter from a band that can do no wrong. Vote #1 Sweater Curse.
Another absolutely belter from a band that can do no wrong. Vote #1 Sweater Curse.
Review
The return of Sweater Curse in 2020 is a special one. Monica’s voice feels bigger than ever, like it's melting perfectly into every rich, fuzzy, soaring sound you hear. The energy keeps growing, I love how the track fills out and the way you three deliver this with everything you've got.
The return of Sweater Curse in 2020 is a special one. Monica’s voice feels bigger than ever, like it's melting perfectly into every rich, fuzzy, soaring sound you hear. The energy keeps growing, I love how the track fills out and the way you three deliver this with everything you've got.
