Radio Free Alice
Photo: Jack Moran
Photo: Jack Moran
Radio Free Alice is made up of members Maayan Barnatan, Michael Phillips, Jules Paradiso, Lochie Dowd, and Noah Learmonth.
The lead singer has one of those emotionally charged voices that just make you go ‘ooooooooo!’ You know the ones? Intellectual lyrics, catchy riffs and a synergy that feels like the band has been playing forever only to find out they’re fresh to the game. A bit post punk, a lot edgy and all brilliant. They’re the office anthem, the Friday rev up, the road trip replay and the band we’re texting our mates going ‘you gotta hear this.’ Someone you should have already heard of but in case you haven’t - let us introduce you to one of the most exciting music discoveries we’ve come across in some time.
Who are you?
We are a five piece post-punk band from Melbourne.
What do you do?
We make post-punk music and play shows.
How long have you been doing that?
Two and a half years.
Where is home for you?
Naarm/Melbourne. Specifically Calton.
Image: Alfie Barton
If you weren’t making music what would you be doing?
Would probably be taking Uni more seriously and picking up a few more shifts at the cinema. Not that much would be different.
What do you think about the current state of music?
To us the current state of music is the Melbourne scene. That’s what we pay attention to and care about, and Melbourne is brilliant. So much talent. So much talent that the industry isn’t aware of and that should be. Groups like Raindogs, The Mirrors, Think About You, Sex Mask, 00_ just to name a few. To us the current state of music is good because Melbourne is good and that’s our world. We don’t listen to the radio.
What do you do outside of music and how does that thing influence or affect your craft?
We’re all interested in movies and books. I’m sure subconsciously that would influence our music. Other than making music the main thing we do is hang out with our friends who are all creative. That’s definitively energising. Being around other like-minded, ambitiously creative people.
The best/worst thing about the music industry?
Instagram might be the worst part of being in the music industry. Having to be addicted to social media as an inherent part of being a musician today is horrible.
The best part is the music itself. Writing songs and performing them. That’s a boring answer but sort of the only one. It’s certainly not the money. There is none.
Something you’re most proud of?
Just the songs. The songs we’ve put out and the ones we have unreleased that we know are great.
“The best part is the music itself. Writing songs and performing them. That’s a boring answer but sort of the only one. It’s certainly not the money. There is none.”
Biggest lesson you’ve learnt in life so far?
Not much. Maybe that being curious makes life more interesting.
Something anyone can do today to make the world a better place?
Read more.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far in your industry?
Financially it’s hard. Still haven’t overcome that.
What is something people might not know about you?
We all live together.
Who do you think is doing it the best/coolest in your industry right now?
dust from Newcastle are great. They could be the best in Australian music right now.
Photos: Jack Moran
What do you think the biggest issue young people are facing today?
Social media warping our brains.
What is the weirdest instrument someone knows how to play?
The Harmonium. Or the frame drum. Or the Oud.
What comes first - the lyrics or the tune?
The tune.
Do you know about the Radio Free Alice store in Darlinghurst Sydney?
Yeah we do, we ripped off their name.
Is being labelled under a certain genre annoying or fun?
Neither. I think it’s just practical. You have to give things names. We don’t feel pressured to adhere to any specific sound, although our music is generally pretty distinctly ‘post-punk’.