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Ocean Alley
Background information
OriginNorthern Beaches, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
GenresAlternative rock, psychedelic rock
Years active2011–present
LabelsIndependent
MembersBaden Donegal
Angus Goodwin
Nic Blom
Lach Galbraith
Mitch Galbraith
Tom O'Brien
Websiteoceanalley.com.au

Ocean Alley is an Australian alternative psychedelic rock band[1][2] from the Northern Beaches. The band is made up of Baden Donegal (vocals, guitar), Angus Goodwin (lead guitar), Lach Galbraith (keyboard, vocals), Mitch Galbraith (guitar), Nic Blom (bass) and Tom O'Brien (drums).[3] Their style of music has been described as "cruisey psych, rock and reggae fusion".[4]

The band has released three studio albums and two EPs independently. Their second album Chiaroscuro debuted at No. 15 on the ARIA Albums Chart. Their 2017 track "The Comedown" was voted in at No. 48 in the Triple J Hottest 100, 2017.[5]

In 2019, Ocean Alley had four songs in the Triple J Hottest 100, 2018: "Happy Sad" at number 100, "Baby Come Back (Like a Version)" at number 16, "Knees" at number 10, and "Confidence" at number 1.

History

[edit]

2011: Formation

[edit]

The band began playing in a backyard shed in 2011.[6] The members were influenced by the music of Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits,[7] and began performing at venues across the Northern Beaches and the city of Sydney, before releasing their debut EP: Yellow Mellow in September 2013.[8]

2012–2013: Yellow Mellow EP

[edit]

The band continued to build a following throughout Sydney upon releasing the EP Yellow Mellow, performing at more venues across the city, and began to gather a wider audience online thanks to their title track of the EP, as well as their first music video for the song "Weary Eyed".[9] They first toured interstate in 2014.[10]

2014–2015: In Purple EP

[edit]

The band went on to tour around Australia five times[11][12][13][14][15] in their own four-wheel drive (4WD) throughout 2014 and into 2015, gradually building on the size of their shows with each gig. They rounded out their tour dates by releasing their second EP In Purple in August 2015. The EP included the singles "Space Goat" and "Muddy Water".[16]

2015–2016: Lost Tropics and international touring

[edit]

At the end of 2015, Ocean Alley began recording their debut studio album Lost Tropics. Various tracks were still being completed up until the day they started recording. The band later stated that this style of creation was productive, as they did not second guess what they were recording.[8] They toured over the 2015/16 summer with The Ruminaters in Australia,[17] and then to New Zealand for the first time in March.[18]

Using video footage they captured on the road over summer, they released a music video for lead single "Holiday"[19] and followed up with "Lemonworld",[20] before announcing (and selling out) their East Coast Australian tour dates in support of the independent release of the album Lost Tropics on 16 May 2016, distributed by MGM.[21][22]

June 2016 marked the beginning of the first major international run of shows for Ocean Alley in support of their debut album. The band would play 40 shows across Europe, including Sold Out shows in the Netherlands and Germany. They also played numerous shows throughout the UK, France, Italy and Switzerland. They would go on to play shows in New Caledonia, before rounding out the Lost Tropics cycle with a tour of Australia and New Zealand, that included appearances at Lost Paradise, Rhythm & Vines, Rhythm & Alps and Soundsplash festival over New Year's Eve.[23][24][25]

2017–2018: Chiaroscuro

[edit]

Ocean Alley officially began work on their second album Chiaroscuro in January 2017. The first single from the album, "Overgrown", was released in March 2017.[26] The band spent the first half of 2017 touring, supporting Australian acts such as Tash Sultana, The Cat Empire and Xavier Rudd across Australia, as well as playing festivals such as The Hills Are Alive and Groovin' The Moo locally in Maitland. They would then announce their largest Australian tour to date to take place in August and September; they sold-out shows across Australia and New Zealand, including two nights at The Metro Theatre in Sydney.[24]

In August 2017, Ocean Alley released "The Comedown" as the second single from Chiaroscuro. The single was premiered by Linda Marigliano on triple j Good Nights on 8 August. The song would go on to be the band's biggest release to date, charting at number 48 on the Triple J Hottest 100 in January 2018.[27]

on 4 February 2018, Ocean Alley premiered their single "Confidence" with Richard Kingsmill on triple j. The track was officially released on 6 February 2018, alongside the announcement of their studio album Chiaroscuro.[28] Chiaroscuro was released on 9 March and charted at No. 15 on the ARIA Charts.[29] In support of the release, the band announced headline shows in Australia and North America, as well as being announced to play the Groovin' the Moo festival nationally and Splendour in the Grass 2018.[30] "Confidence" topped the Triple J Hottest 100, 2018.[31]

2019–2020: Lonely Diamond

[edit]

On 22 February 2019, Ocean Alley released "Stained Glass", the first single from the band's forthcoming third studio album. The band said "'Stained Glass' is the first song we have written since the release of Chiaroscuro and began, as most of our songs do, with a chord and vocal idea for a verse that Baden envisioned. "We recorded and mixed the track at the Grove Studios over two sessions with a focus on guitar tone and interwoven guitar parts - as has always been a staple in our production."[32][33] On 28 April 2020, Ocean Alley premiered their new single "Hot Chicken" on Triple J and announced their third studio album Lonely Diamond, released on 19 June 2020.[34] The album peaked at number 3 on the ARIA Chart.

2021–present: Low Altitude Living

[edit]

On 17 November 2021, Ocean Alley released "Touch Back Down", the first track from the band's forthcoming fourth studio album, Low Altitude Living, which the band describes as being "more fun and a bit more playful".[35] The album title was announced on 14 September 2022 along with the release of the third single, "Home". Low Altitude Living was released on 14 October 2022.[36]

On 1 January 2024, band member Lach Galbraith publicly apologised after he was caught shoplifting at a hunting and fishing store in Queenstown, New Zealand. The band was in New Zealand at the time to perform at the Rhythm & Alps music festival.[37][38]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
List of studio albums, with release date and selected chart positions and certifications shown
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
AUS
[39] 		NZ
[40]
Lost Tropics 70 —
Chiaroscuro
  • Released: 9 March 2018 (Australia)
  • Label: Unified Music Group
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 11 —
Lonely Diamond
  • Released: 19 June 2020[34]
  • Label: Unified Music Group
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 3 —
Low Altitude Living
  • Released: 14 October 2022[36]
  • Label: Unified Music Group
  • Formats: CD, digital download, streaming
 3 5

EPs

[edit]
List of EPs released, with year released and label shown
Title EP details Peak chart positions
AUS
[39]
Yellow Mellow
  • Released: 8 September 2013[42]
    (Australia)
  • Label: Independent
  • Format: Digital download
 41
[43]
In Purple
  • Released: 28 August 2015[44]
    (Australia)
  • Label: Independent
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 —

Singles

[edit]
List of singles, with year released, selected chart positions and certifications, and album name shown
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
AUS
[45] 		NZ
Hot
[46]
"Yellow Mellow"[citation needed] 2013 — — Yellow Mellow
"Space Goat"[47] 2015 — — In Purple
"Muddy Water"[48] — —
"Holiday"[49] 2016 — — Lost Tropics
"Lemonworld"[51] — —
"Overgrown"[52] 2017 — — Chiaroscuro
"The Comedown"[53] — —
"Confidence" 2018 9 16
"Bones"[55] — —
"Knees"[56] — —
  • ARIA: 3× Platinum[50]
"Baby Come Back"
(Triple J Like a Version)[57] 		91 — Non-album single
"Happy Sad"[citation needed] — — Chiaroscuro
"Stained Glass"[58] 2019 — 26 Lonely Diamond
"Infinity"[59] — 17
"Tombstone"[60] — 7
"Hot Chicken"[61] 2020 — 31
"Way Down"[62] —[A] 5
"Breathe / Comfortably Numb / Money"
(Triple J Like a Version) 		2021 — 39 Non-album single
"Touch Back Down"[35] — 15 Low Altitude Living
"Deepest Darkness" 2022 — 27
"Home"[36] — 26
"Double Vision"[64] — 25
"Tangerine"[65] 2024 — 15 TBA

Other certified songs

[edit]
List of other certified songs, with year released, certifications, and album name shown
Title Year Certifications Album
"Partner in Crime" 2016 Lost Tropics

Notes

  1. ^ "Way Down" did not enter the ARIA Top 50 Singles Chart, but peaked at number 18 on the Australian Artists Singles Chart.[63]

Impact

[edit]

According to Conor Lochrie of Beats Per Minute, Ocean Alley are "beloved in their home nation" and "have been on a steady incline to the summit of Australian music" since their formation in 2011. He additionally credits their success to their "upbeat and hazy style [being] embraced by both the festival crowd and the commercial mainstream."[66] Ocean Alley have been cited as an influence by various Australian bands, including Archie,[67] South Summit,[68] and the Rions.[69]

Awards and nominations

[edit]

AIR Awards

[edit]

The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2023 Low Altitude Living Best Independent Rock Album or EP Nominated [70][71]

ARIA Music Awards

[edit]

The ARIA Music Awards is an annual award ceremony event celebrating the Australian music industry.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2019 "Confidence" Song of the Year Nominated [72][73]
2020 Lonely Diamond Best Rock Album Nominated [74][75]

APRA Awards

[edit]

The APRA Awards are held in Australia and New Zealand by the Australasian Performing Right Association to recognise songwriting skills, sales and airplay performance by its members annually.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2019 "Confidence" Rock Work of the Year Nominated [citation needed]
2023 "Touch Back Down" Most Performed Alternative Work of the Year Nominated [76]

J Award

[edit]

The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J. They commenced in 2005.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2018 Chiaroscuro Australian Album of the Year Nominated [77]

Rolling Stone Australia Awards

[edit]

The Rolling Stone Australia Awards are awarded annually in January or February by the Australian edition of Rolling Stone magazine for outstanding contributions to popular culture in the previous year.[78]

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2021 "Way Down" Best Single Nominated [79]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Band Image". tonedeaf.thebrag.com. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
  2. ^ "Ocean Alley". triple j Unearthed. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  3. ^ "Confidence rising within Ocean Alley". Newcastle Herald. 17 March 2018. Retrieved 23 August 2018.
  4. ^ "Facing the Comedown: chatting sold-out shows, album number 2 and the after-tour blues with Ocean Alley". HHHHappy. 20 September 2017.
  5. ^ "2017 Hottest 100 List". Triple J. 27 February 2018. Retrieved 11 February 2018.
  6. ^ "Get to know... Ocean Alley". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 11 September 2017. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  7. ^ "Ocean Alley". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  8. ^ a b "Things got weird when we sat down with Ocean Alley to talk album details, touring the world and fork branding". Happy Mag. 28 April 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  9. ^ Ocean Alley (4 February 2014), WEARY EYED - OCEAN ALLEY, retrieved 23 April 2018
  10. ^ "Ocean Alley". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  11. ^ "Ocean Alley". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  12. ^ "Ocean Alley". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  13. ^ "Ocean Alley". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  14. ^ "Ocean Alley". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  15. ^ "Ocean Alley". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  16. ^ "Ocean Alley - Bald Faced Stag, Sydney 06/09/15 - Music Feeds". Music Feeds. 7 September 2015. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  17. ^ "Ocean Alley". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  18. ^ "Ocean Alley". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  19. ^ "Premiere: Ocean Alley keep it breezy on new single, Holiday". PILERATS. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  20. ^ "Premiere Of Ocean Alley - 'Lemonworld'". Tone Deaf. 27 April 2016. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
  21. ^ "Ocean Alley". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
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  23. ^ "Northern beaches band Ocean Alley open up on what has helped them become a top Sydney act". The Daily Telegraph. 12 April 2018. Retrieved 2 February 2023.
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  27. ^ "triple j". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 23 April 2018.
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  31. ^ "Hottest 100 2018". triple j. 27 January 2019. Retrieved 27 January 2019.
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  35. ^ a b Newstead, Al (17 November 2021). "Ocean Alley drop "Touch Back Down", first taste of "more fun, playful" new album". ABC. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  36. ^ a b c Jenke, Tyler (14 September 2022). "Ocean Alley Announce New Album 'Low Altitude Living', Share Latest Single". Music Feeds. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  37. ^ "Aussie musician caught shoplifting: 'I am so sorry'". 7NEWS. 1 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
  38. ^ "'Act of complete foolishness': Oz musician at Rhythm and Alps festival admits to shoplifting". NZ Herald. 2 January 2024. Retrieved 1 January 2024.
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  42. ^ "Yellow Mellow – EP by Ocean Alley on Apple Music". Apple Music AU. 8 September 2013. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
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  45. ^ Peak chart positions in Australia:
  46. ^ Peak chart positions on the NZ Hot Singles Chart:
  47. ^ "Space Goat – Ocean Alley". Bandcamp. 28 August 2015. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
  48. ^ Likoski, Steve (20 August 2015). "New single: Muddy Water by Ocean Alley". Eat This Music. Retrieved 30 May 2020.
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  50. ^ a b c d e f g "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  51. ^ "Lemonworld – Single by Ocean Alley on Apple Music". Apple Music. 4 April 2016. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
  52. ^ "Overgrown – Single by Ocean Alley on Apple Music". Apple Music. 2 March 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
  53. ^ "The Comedown – Single by Ocean Alley on Apple Music". Apple Music. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 19 January 2019.
  54. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Ocean Alley – Confidence". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved 20 November 2024.
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  59. ^ "Infinity – Single by Ocean Alley on Apple Music". Apple Music. 6 June 2019. Retrieved 28 April 2020.
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  64. ^ "Double Vision". Ocean Alley. October 2022. Retrieved 14 October 2022.
  65. ^ "Ocean Alley's First New Music Since 2022 Is Here". Rolling Stone Australia. 11 October 2024. Retrieved 12 October 2024.
  66. ^ Lochrie, Conor (25 November 2020). "Interview: Ocean Alley – The much-loved Australian band at the forefront of restarting the nation's music industry". Beats Per Minute. Archived from the original on 25 November 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  67. ^ de Rozario, Anja (24 February 2022). "Archie lights up Enlighten". Canberra Weekly. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  68. ^ "South Summit dive in with invigorating indie-surf jam "River Days"". Good Call Live. 13 October 2021. Archived from the original on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  69. ^ Brandle, Lars (1 December 2021). "Unearthed High winners the Rions sign with UNIFIED, Select Music". The Industry Observer. Archived from the original on 2 December 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  70. ^ "Nominees Announced for the Australian Independent Music Awards 2023". Music Feeds. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  71. ^ "King Stingray and Genesis Owusu Win Big at 2023 AIR Awards". Music Feeds. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  72. ^ "ARIA Awards: 2019 ARIA Awards nominated artists revealed". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). 10 October 2019. Retrieved 10 October 2019.
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  74. ^ "ARIA Awards: 2020 Nominees". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 13 October 2020.
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  76. ^ "Nominees revealed for the 2023 APRA Music Awards". APRA Awards. 30 March 2023. Retrieved 31 March 2023.
  77. ^ "J Awards: 2018". Triple J. 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
  78. ^ Barnes, Amelia (5 December 2011). "Rolling Stone Magazine Australia announces 3rd annual awards event". The AU Review. Archived from the original on 8 August 2016. Retrieved 5 March 2021.
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