Formed in April 2024, the band has quickly built a reputation for their unique sound, blending a wide range of musical influences to make each track and show a fresh experience.
But their journey started a few years earlier, with humble beginnings in Bendigo.
“We properly formed in April 2024, but three of us went to high school together,” says lead guitarist Mannix Harrington. What began as a duo back in 2021 slowly evolved into the full outfit it is today, thanks to years of playing cover gigs around Bendigo.” After some of the band members moved to Melbourne, the band’s lineup became complete with the addition of a bassist, and Sugargum was officially born.
So, what makes this band unique? It’s all in the music, according to the band members.
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“Everyone in our band has various and unique inspirations and we try to incorporate as much of these into our songs as possible. This has led to all of our songs exploring very different genres and techniques,” says Harrington.
The result is a distinct sound that’s difficult to box in but easy to enjoy.
When it comes to influences, the band pulls from a diverse range of musical legends. “Ween, Pink Floyd, The Beatles, King Gizzard, Mac DeMarco, The Murlocs, Brian Jonestown Massacre,” giving us a taste of the eclectic mix that makes up their vibe. It’s a sound that’s as experimental as it is grounded, fusing classic rock with modern indie sensibilities.
The band has already ticked off some major milestones. “Recording a single with Australian rock royalty Tim Henwood and Matty Orchard in Geelong was a massive highlight,” says Harrington. They’ve also shared stages with some of the local legends they grew up watching in regional Victoria, and headlined iconic Melbourne venues like The Tote, cementing their place in the local scene.
The band is just getting started on their journey to greatness, with their debut single ‘Loose Socket’ out, and more singles and an album set to be out by the end of the year. The debut track already shows off their flair for creating catchy, genre-defying tunes.
Speaking of their debut, “Loose Socket” is a song that’s already striking a chord with fans. The track is driven by a sweet bass line, something that Harrington specifically envisioned when he first came up with the riff. “I wrote the main riff with the aim of creating a ‘bass driven’ song,” he explains. From there, the rest of the band added their own ideas to flesh out the track, resulting in a finished product that carries the unmistakable Sugargum sound.
The track was produced by Surf Coast legends Matty Orchard and Tim Henwood, with their newly formed Beach Blokes Recorders, offering local young artists the chance to work with industry professionals and long-time musos, in world-class studio spaces right here at home.
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As for the future, the band has big plans. Having grown up around Melbourne and watched some of their favourite Australian and international acts perform at iconic venues like the Palais, Forum, and Sidney Myer Music Bowl, Sugargum’s dream is simple: to play in those same legendary spaces. “Getting a gig in any of these huge venues would be a dream for all of us”
For now, their focus is on getting that album out by the end of the year and continuing to grow as a band by performing across Melbourne.
Sugargum Band may have just formed, but they’re already making waves in Melbourne’s music scene. With their unique blend of influences and their commitment to pushing musical boundaries, they’re a band to watch as they grow and take the stage by storm.
If you’re looking for a fresh sound that combines rock, indie, and everything in between, check out Sugargum’s debut single, ‘Loose Socket’, and keep an eye out for what’s next – these guys are sticking around for a nice, long while.
