Wagga’s very own high-school bands have cracked the Triple J Unearthed charts, with three songs from two bands making the top 20.
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The Rockpools hit number one on the Unearthed Rock charts with their song ‘No More’ and Heatstroke made number 10 with ‘Christine’ and number 13 with ‘You’ve lost yourself’.
The Rockpools have also cracked into the top 20 of the overall charts, sitting at number 14.
Made up of two Kildare Catholic College students, Thomas Brereton, 18, and Samuel Butt, 16, and two other band members from Wagga Christian College and Mater Dei College; the band mixes genres of indie, pop and rock ‘n’ roll.
The band’s singer and rhythm guitarist Samuel, said the “evocative” name was inspired by an annual trip down to Bateman’s Bay.
“Our song’s represent what’s happening; you’re a victim of your environment,” he said.
“We write a little bit about growing up, elements of who am I, and the classic boy meets girl and the drama that follows,” he said.
Thomas and Samuel estimate they have written 14 original songs and hope they can continue their musical passion following school.
“My passion was built up over a long period of time, as I started playing the guitar when I was 14-years-old,” Thomas said.
“My dad played and there were heaps of guitars around the house, so I just picked one up and started to play and my passion grew from there.”
For Samuel, entering high school opened the door on musical opportunities and he said he’d “be lying” if he didn’t want to pursue a musical career.
Heatstroke band comprises of four KCC students: Sam Campbell-McCrea, 17, Noyal Tharayil, 17, Peter Froon, 16, and Dan Osgood, 16.
The band formed over a year ago after experimenting a song at a high-school musical night.
While they understand the complexities of pursuing a musical career, they said if the band was successful, then they would take this career, otherwise keep it as a hobby.
For Sam, a lot of the lyrics he writes are based on personal experiences.
“For example, I’ve written about a past relationship; like Taylor Swift break-up styles, also lyrics that mean stuff to me but that can be broadened to mean stuff to others. Some songs I don’t even think about the meaning behind it,” he said.
Heatstroke have been practicing at Sam’s home in his music room and have been fortunate to gain experience from David Wilson, a Wagga professional.
Both bands said making time in between HSC studies and outside school commitments between them can be challenging, however they both try to meet up at least once a week.
Peter and Dan from Heatstroke, live in Marrar and Gundagai, so it can be “difficult” to arrange a time to practice.
KCC’s senior music teacher Ms Melanie Cotterill advised the students to practice and perform “as much as possible” if they want to progress.
“I think they’re incredibly talented and it’s good to see students at their age, writing their own music and I think they could be professional musicians,” she said.