As they continue to feed their love of '90s, early 2000s pop-punk with their own brand of emo pop-rock, Brisbane band Waxflower are maintaining the momentum they've fostered throughout this turbulent year.
February saw the group conquer their first run of headline shows, just before COVID shut the world down.Then June witnessed their biggest achievement; signing to international label Rude Records, home to Saves The Day, Gideon, Blood Youth, and Sleep On It.
Their latest release is the melodic and highly personal single 'Getting Better', which sprung to life after frontman Tristan Higginson suffered a number of debilitating panic attacks.
For those new to Waxflower, what's the group's elevator pitch re: sound and style?
[Tristan] Emotional pop-punk with hope. I'd like to say we blend 2000s emo/ pop-rock with a modern pop-punk sensibility.
The group's latest single is 'Getting Better'; it showcases a different shade of Waxflower as well as canvassing personal struggles (Tristan's anxiety, panic attacks). What did you want to achieve with this release?
This was a really personal song for me to put out.
I think it does a good job of showcasing a side of the band that we hadn't shown before. The song was a way of me externalising feelings that I otherwise wouldn't have been able to get out. I think if anyone else resonates with the song that is a bonus.
The overall response, have fans enjoyed the change of pace, more intimate nature of 'Getting Better'?
There have certainly been a few instances of people letting me know how the song means something to them, which is special.
I don't think you can hold too many expectations when releasing music. You aren't entitled to any plays, press or connection. So when someone connects with something on a human level, it's all the more special.
Sharing such personal aspects of one's own life offers an inclusive vibe to listeners; have there been any interactions with fans that have originated from people hearing, connecting to 'Getting Better'/ other Waxflower tunes?
We definitely have a special group of people who have been extremely supportive since day one.
One of our friends, Delaney, has put together some amazing art drawing from themes/ lyrics from our songs. It's extremely gratifying to see stuff like that put in to the world. It's one thing to create art for yourself; you never really expect someone to make something using that art as a basis to make their own.
Signing to international record label Rude Records; aside from the 'amazing' feels, how does that move set the band up for the next few chapters?
Joining the Rude family has been a brilliant experience so far. They are completely onboard with the vision for the band and have enabled us to fast track some of those moves we want to make.
Although it's hard right now, our main goal is to take the band overseas and reach as many new ears as possible.
Any updates you can share about future new releases from the band; what's in the pipeline?
We have a release lined up for early next year; the first single comes out in November this year.
When it comes to influences, does the group prefer to explore the nostalgic sounds of pop-punk?
I would say that's largely true. The majority of my favourite releases are from the '90s/ 2000s and it definitely bleeds in to my songwriting.
Although that's the case, I still listen to a lot of new music and try to strike a balance between the two when writing for Waxflower.
Before COVID ruined 2020, the band played a sold-out home-town show in February; the momentum of Waxflower – do you feel the band is ready to breakout and go to the next level?
We were really lucky to squeeze that tour in before everything happened.
Although we, along with everyone, have been set back by COVID, I think we are well poised to take the steps we want to as restrictions ease. We have new music in the bank that is definitely the start of a new era for the band. We're really excited.
The band have opened for international acts Simple Plan and The Dangerous Summer – how were those experiences, particularly playing to an audience who would never have heard you previously?
We've been given some unreal opportunities over the last year.
Opening for The Maine and The Dangerous Summer was particularly surreal to me as they are two of the bands that I grew up loving. I was basically ready to give up on music before we formed this band, so being able to do these things that I've always dreamed of is a dream.
To date, what's been your most embarrassing moment onstage?
Probably every time I open my mouth in between songs. I'm so so awkward.
Finish this sentence: Life on the road can be...
The most freeing and fun experience you can have. I truly can't wait to get back out there.
If you'll have us on your bill, all we ask is that our rider contains...
Beer, water (to offset the beer), and more beer (to offset the water).
Away from the stage; what do you do when you're not attached to an instrument?
Living that 9-5 life as a graphic designer for Orange Sky Australia. We have washers and dryers in volunteer-run vans all over Australia for those experiencing homelessness. If anyone is looking for an amazing volunteering experience, look us up.
Out of the wreckage of 2020, what's been a personal positive that gives you hope for the future?
Music will still be here when it's over.
Thanks for your time; anything else you'd like to add?
Thanks for having me.
