Naarm/Melbourne five-piece Floodlights reflect on 2023 ahead of their two headline shows in Bunurong Country/Archies Creek and Wadawurrung Country/Torquay this February.
In the ever-evolving realm of indie rock, Melbourne’s Floodlights have not only found their place but have established themselves as a radiant force to be reckoned with. The past year has seen them bask in the glow of success, securing accolades, including the prestigious Australian Music Prize Shortlist nomination, for their second album, Painting of My Time.
Floodlights’ breakout year was marked by a cascade of achievements and critical acclaim. Garnering Album of the Week on Triple R and Feature Album on 2SER, RTRFM, and SYN FM, their sonic prowess extended globally with praise from NME and Rolling Stone (US). Described by The Guardian as “deadly serious, politically engaged, and not afraid to rock out,” Floodlights’ unique blend of intensity and artistry has captured the attention of music enthusiasts around the world.
Floodlights Tour Dates
Friday 2 February – Archies Creek Hotel – Bunurong Country/Archies Creek, VIC
Saturday 3 February – Torquay Hotel – Wadawurrung Country/Torquay, VIC
Saturday 10 February – Laneway Festival – Wurundjeri Biik/Melbourne, VIC
8-10 March – A Festival Called Panama – Pyemmairre Country/Golconda, TAS
Keep up with the latest music news, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
The past year witnessed Floodlights conquering stages around the world, from iconic festivals like Green Man and End of the Road to headline tours across Australia, the UK, and Europe. Sold-out shows became the norm, with support slots for the likes of Pavement and The Killers.
“It was a wild year indeed! We had lots of special shows but our time in the UK/EU was hard to trump. Greenman and End Of The Road were two festivals that really imprinted into the memory – both beautiful locations with lineups full of bands we’d been eager to see for years! The Australian album tour was also an incredible experience,” vocalist Louis Parsons says.
“Our two hometown shows at Melbourne’s/Naarm’s Corner Hotel were amazing and felt like a strong step up as a band. We also played a show in Alice/Mparntwe which we loved and were lucky to spend the five days leading up to it in a friend’s backyard, going on day and overnight hikes into the beautiful country.”
The band’s recent performance at the Meredith Music Festival in particular left an indelible mark on Floodlights. The anticipation leading up to the festival, with its storied history and personal significance, added weight to the occasion.
“Meredith was a moment we will never forget,” Parsons adds. “We all felt the weight of the festival in the lead up, with high expectations due to its history, and our own personal history with attending the festival. But once we stepped out on stage we let the magic of the amphitheater do its thing.
“That kind of recognition is hard to take in and we are so grateful.”
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On their evolution and the impact of sharing stages with iconic bands, Parsons says; “We’ve evolved a lot through all these wonderful experiences. Naturally, we’ve absorbed things that have ultimately influenced our sound and the way we write. Through our music we’ve been very lucky to be able to meet some extraordinary people, witness some mind blowing acts and take in the diversity of all these different places. I think it takes a while to process all the information that you take in, but as it filters through it certainly has a strong impact on the band’s evolution.”
Playing alongside iconic bands like Pavement, The Killers, and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever provided Floodlights with valuable insights into the world of large-scale indie tours. The band admires the balance these established acts strike between professionalism and a laid-back approach, shaping Floodlights’ vision for their own future touring endeavors.
“We got a cool insight into how a large indie band tours when playing with Pavement. They run a tight ship but also seem super relaxed, enjoy each destination, and also don’t take it too seriously. Same goes for other bands we are lucky enough to play with. We certainly have a stronger vision of what the future of our touring looks like from these experiences.”
Formed in Melbourne in 2018, the five-piece, comprised of Parsons (vocals/guitar), Ashlee Kehoe (guitar/vocals), Joe Draffen (bass), Sarah Hellyer (pianist) and Archie Shannon (drums), burst onto the scene with their debut album, From a View, in 2020. The record received acclaim for its raw energy, introspective lyricism, and the band’s ability to seamlessly navigate between jangly guitar riffs and dreamy, atmospheric soundscapes.
Painting of My Time, Floodlights’ second album, serves as a testament to the band’s evolution and maturity. Recorded live on a 24-track tape machine at Soundpark Studios in Melbourne, the album merges rock ‘n’ roll rawness with dynamic post-punk and art-rock. The addition of trumpet, grand piano, violin, synth, and the ever-present harmonica enriches their sound, resulting in a compelling and broadened musical journey.
The album’s themes of personal turbulence, self-exploration, and escapism through the Australian landscape resonate deeply. Floodlights’ lyricists, Ashlee Kehoe and Louis Parsons, craft honest and purposeful narratives that transcend mere words.
“Painting of My Time is much more focused on people close to me, if not them then myself,” says Parsons of the sophomore album. “Ash and I both write the lyrics for our music, we have a good chemistry with this and can feed off each other for inspiration. I enjoy writing as a form of unpacking what I feel which perhaps differs from our previous work which was a little more outwards facing observation.”
The songwriting process is a collaborative effort within Floodlights. With a shared love for writing, Parsons and Kehoe draw from their extensive collection of poems and stories to craft lyrics that resonate with the band’s evolving sound. The group dynamic ensures that each song undergoes a transformative journey from its origins to the final composition.
“Ash and I both share a love for writing and have hundreds of poems and little stories in our lyric bank. It’s my favourite form of self expression because I love having the time to properly articulate myself as I’m not so good on the spot. Writing is cathartic for me and helps me to digest the endless current of stimuli in this non stop world, a bit cliche but yeah,” Parsons says.
“Although it differs from time to time, it often starts with a poem or some lyrics we have written which we then try to match with the right sound. One of us will have an idea which we then work on all together. I’m often amazed by how different a song can turn out from its origins, something that makes the group writing process so exciting.”
The band’s intimacy allows their storytelling to flow seamlessly from songwriting to resonating finales, capturing audiences in quiet moments and propelling them into wild sonic adventures. Floodlights have become a collective favourite, with their unique blend of passion, pace, and purpose leaving an indelible mark on listeners.
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As Floodlights gear up for two headline shows in Bunurong Country/Archies Creek and Wadawurrung Country/Torquay this February, as well as an appearance at Laneway Festival, the anticipation is palpable. The journey through their music is an immersive experience, and these shows are your chance to witness the magic firsthand.
“We’ll be road testing a few new songs, as well as playing some of the back catalogue. Both shows are about to sell out, so if you’re reading this, you haven’t got long.”
“We’ve got a bunch of Australian tour dates, plus UK/Europe dates to announce soon which is super exciting,” Parsons adds. “And we’ll be recording our third record very, very soon. The tours being planned will give us a chance to sprinkle some of the new songs into our current set, so punters can have an early taste of what’s to come.”
Floodlights, with their powerful lyrics and impressive musicianship, are undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the indie music landscape. Keep an eye out for their upcoming shows, as they continue to illuminate the global stage with their evocative sound and compelling narratives.
Keep up with the latest from the band and get tickets to upcoming shows here.
