It’s been two years since indie-pop powerhouse Archie first crashed into the local music scene with their infectiously energetic live performances.
We had barely been introduced to the four-piece group before they were playing alongside pop superstar BENEE, chatting with Lime Cordiale, and rocking with hometown heroes Moaning Lisa.
Now Grant Simpson, Olivia Faletoese, Xandy Wanjura and Geromy Houghton are coming full circle, performing at the Enlighten Festival on Friday 4 March on the Bentspoke stage.
Fans should get their free tickets asap, to hear their new song in the making, which the band described in a sit-down with CW as “leaning more towards rock” and inspired by Ocean Alley’s psychedelic tunes.
Back in March of 2020, right before we stuck an ‘out of order’ sign on the planet, Archie took to the Enlighten stage for the first time, drawing in the Night Noodle Market’s dinner crowd.
“We started playing for two people, and all of a sudden there were 200,” says 22-year-old drummer Xandy.
Followers of Canberra’s live music scene know that such is the nature of an Archie performance.
As Darling Street Studios producer and honorary fifth band member, Keo says, “You’ll see at any live show, people’s heads turn and suddenly everyone is dancing”.
Often found tearing up gig hub Transit Bar when not in the studio, Archie’s music is charismatically upbeat, with a Gen-Z disco vibe that’s led to them being described as Canberra’s own Jungle Giants.
“That’s great, we love them!” laughs 22-year-old bassist Olivia. “We’re always taking inspiration from the Australian music scene and bringing it to our own thing.”
With popularity that spans the pandemic, lead singer Grant says that rather than becoming a roadblock for Archie, the lockdowns inspired continuation.
“Music has always been important for me and my mental health. It’s always been there, whether I’m playing or listening to it.
“Through COVID, I realised how important playing live is to me … Music is in our blood. The last two years cemented that.”
Ask them, and the band will attribute their good vibes first and foremost to the close friendship that carried them through lockdowns.
Grant and Xandy started jamming together in high school, connected with Olivia when all three were studying music at ANU, and completed the foursome with Xandy’s long-time family friend, Geromy.
Thus, Archie was born – and christened after Xandy’s German shorthaired pointer, who claimed fame by interrupting band rehearsals at his parent’s house.
“When we first formed, Archie was always at our rehearsals, wandering around the room and pulling out guitar leads, stepping on Grant’s pedals,” laughs Xandy.
“When we were thinking of what we’re going to call ourselves, we just thought Archie is the most fun-loving, excited character that you will ever meet. And really that’s what we’re trying to encapsulate with our music.”
While their flagship single Blink was the first song they ever collaborated on, the first song they ever jammed out to was called Hook, Line and Sinker and remains unreleased to this day.
While they currently have over a thousand monthly listens on Spotify, Archie was born and raised on Canberra’s live music scene, which Grant describes as “the best in Australia”.
“It’s incredible. I really feel strongly about Canberra music. Growing up and watching live bands, I saw a lot of them not go anywhere because they don’t get the same recognition in other states, and it was really frustrating,” says Grant.
“I think the first band I saw come through and really succeed, who I watched religiously, was Moaning Lisa.
“It was just so cool to see a moment where, finally, they weren’t just idolised in Canberra, they were respected across all of Australia, as they should be.
“I really feel like we’re in a section here, where Canberra music is moving forward and we’re getting more recognition.
“Canberra is growing. Places like Darling Street Studios and Transit exist. There’s so much support in the community now.”
The 22-year-old singer says that while the band would go wherever they need to for their careers, they will always represent the Bush Capital.
“We definitely want to play shows interstate, travel around, and show people that we are from Canberra, and this is our sound,” says Xandy.
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