Terrestrials, the high-energy alternative rock legends straight out of Melbourne’s South East are cooking up a storm with their debut album “Iridescent”
Introducing Terrestrials, an alternative rock powerhouse hailing from Melbourne’s South East. With their debut album, “Iridescent,” set to drop on December 8th, featuring standout singles like “Triggers,” “Perennial Trials,” and “Hollow Hands,” this quartet is poised to make a lasting impression.
In a recent interview with Scotty from Terrestrials, we delved into the band’s genesis and their musical evolution, from a less-than-stellar initial band name to their current standing as one of Melbourne’s promising acts. The intricate blend of influences, from the hardcore metal leanings of drummer Matty to guitarist Adrian’s Chili Peppers obsession, shapes Terrestrials’ distinctive sound.
“Iridescent” isn’t just an album release; it’s a culmination of resilience and artistic exploration. Despite facing setbacks, including a global pandemic, the band persevered to deliver a body of work that encapsulates diverse themes, ranging from personal growth to self-reliance.
As Terrestrials navigates the dynamic Melbourne music scene, their aspirations include consistency, growth, and a desire to hit the touring circuit. The band finds happiness in connections, kindness, and the freedom to express their creativity.
So, buckle up for the release of “Iridescent” and witness Terrestrials’ ascent in the realm of alternative rock, where their nuanced sound and thoughtful compositions are set to leave a lasting mark.
Happy: What are you up to today?
Terrestrials: Well, I worked this morn! I’m a disability support worker and had hung out with my regular client who is a total legend! Then I spent the remainder of the arvo walking my dog and cruisin at home. Solid Sunday!
Happy: Tell us about where you are from? What’s the scene like?
Terrestrials: I live in the south east burbs of Melbourne – Wantirna. My place backs onto the Dandenong creek trail which Is ideal for me as I’m obsessively needing to spent time outdoors running or walking my staffy; Nolan.
Happy: Describe an average day?
Terrestrials: A run, walk, some vocal practice, drumming on my electric kit, smashin a podcast or audiobook while on the move, I like to feel productive in any sense. Working as a support worker tends to sneak in there too!
Happy: Can you tell us about the origins of Terrestrials and how the band came together in the South East of Melbourne?
Terrestrials: Terrestrials began (under a different and truly terrible band name, ha-ha we dare not mention it!) as a project between Adrian and I when we were teens and wannabe rockstars. It was a good couple of years of writing some pretty mediocre stuff before we found a bassist that Adrian had been hanging out with at Uni and a drummer I’d been mates with since childhood.
It came together surprisingly quickly considering none of us had really had much experience playing together – although in other bands. Jimmy (bass), Adrian (guitar), Matty (drums) and myself on vocals made up the band. It was an interesting combination of influences that I think gave us the longevity to continue writing together.
Happy: Your music is described as a fusion of influences, including subtle hints of progressive rock and metal. How did these diverse influences come together to shape Terrestrials’ unique sound?
Terrestrials: Each of the founding members came from a different musical background… Matty was into everything hardcore and metal from Underoath to Killswitch Engage, Jimmy was a punk kid into Refused and the like, Adrian was a Chili peppers nut and I was a Zeppelin tragic.
Some years later Jimmy left for family reasons and Lee joined the band on bass adding his heavy prog and metal flavour to our already diverse taste in music.
I guess what really brought our influences together was our mutual love of the Aus Prog explosion of the noughties; Karnivool, Dead letter circus, Cog, Mammal, The Butterfly effect and so on.
Happy: The emphasis on light and dark ambiance is a notable aspect of your style. How do you navigate the balance between these contrasting elements in your music, and what does it add to the overall listening experience?
Terrestrials: I would say that the light and dark is simply about tapping into different feelings, dynamics and self-expression. Feelings change and that can even happen mid song, mid set and so on! so I suppose I try to encapsulate that vocally throughout our material by focusing on what it is to be human and traverse those waves of emotions.
I think musically the boys feel a similar way as we never feel like expressing ourselves one dimensionally. I believe listeners really endorse this approach as there is something for everyone to potentially connect to.
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Happy: “Iridescent” is your upcoming debut album. Can you share some insights into the creative process behind the album and what listeners can expect from it?
Terrestrials: The creative process consisted of a mixed process as some tracks came about in a whole band approach in a rehearsal setting and could be deemed as a somewhat “jam” orientation, others were developed between Adrian and I and others were discovered during extensive pre production.
For the most part though I would say the music was written first in the rehearsal space, then I’d record on a handheld mp3 recorder to then sit and write to in my own time.
Happy: The singles “Triggers,” “Perennial Trials,” and “Hollow Hands” have been described as energetic and powerful. Could you elaborate on the themes or inspirations behind these tracks?
Terrestrials: Triggers is centred on taking ownership of fault and identifying what drives me most in my current position in life, how to embrace, enhance and expand on these exact things through positive experiences.
Perennial Trials is a deep realisation upon reaching a milestone, significant age that adolescence has truly gone. Conventional life is surrounding me and I’m afraid of falling into a life that doesn’t resonate with me. A self-diagnosis that I control the direction my life takes.
Hollow Hands details an account of coming to terms with a distinct realisation that I am always in control of my own happiness & purpose, generating self-reliance thus resulting in personal empowerment.
Happy: Melbourne is known for its vibrant music scene. How has being part of this scene influenced Terrestrials’ growth, and what sets you apart as one of the city’s most exciting and versatile acts?
Terrestrials: I would think that we’ve been influenced by such diversity and an array of different shows and at times odd line-ups that sometimes make for the most satisfying and unique experiences. I think what sets us apart is our tendency to really want to nurture and support other artists as we have a propensity to reflect on where we’ve come from and what it’s like to be and feel “green”. We all come from somewhere! We just want to see art flourish.
Happy: As a high-energy alternative rock band, how do you approach translating the intensity of your live performances into your recorded material?
Terrestrials: By owning the classic cliché of mentally being present in the moment, treating it as a performance in itself and enjoying that moment in time for exactly what it is.
Happy: The album release date is set for December 8th. How does it feel to be on the verge of releasing your debut album, and what message or emotion do you hope listeners take away from “Iridescent”?
Terrestrials: It’s incredibly exciting and cathartic after many years filled with setbacks for different reasons. It truly feels like a significant timestamp in our lives and career as musicians.
I would like to think that listeners can take away an element of optimism despite tackling some heavy subject matter.
ersonal growth, empowerment and individuality feature heavily in the lyrical content of Iridescent.
Happy: Are there any specific moments or challenges during the creation of “Iridescent” that stand out to you, shaping the album’s journey?
Terrestrials: A minor global outbreak of a little thing called covid stunted our progress of creating Iridescent roughly ¼ though but hey we got there! In saying this, the lockdowns provided considerable time to work on the songs so in some ways it was a blessing.
Happy: Looking ahead, what are Terrestrials’ aspirations and goals as a band, both in the near future and in the long term?
Terrestrials: Consistency, personal and collective growth and the opportunity to tour!
Happy: Lastly, what makes you happy?
Terrestrials: Connection, kindness & the freedom and opportunity to be creative.
