B-SIDES

Influences

B-Sides' journey began with a series of personal and musical experiences that shaped each member’s connection to music. For Harry, music was a family affair. He was only three years old when he first witnessed his father rehearse in their living room, collaborating with a singer named Ivan. The sound of acoustic guitars and harmonies left an indelible mark on him, fuelling his desire to play music from a young age. “I just knew I wanted to play music,” Harry says, reflecting on that pivotal moment.

His musical inspirations span across a variety of genres and artists, but it was his dad’s passion for performing around Melbourne that kept him motivated. As Harry got older, his guitar style was influenced by some of rock's greats, including Chris Holmes of WASP, Billy Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins, Steve Jones from the Sex Pistols, and Johnny Marr, among others. Harry’s guitar work in B-Sides, often layered and rich in tone, speaks to his love of raw, gritty sounds that are as emotionally charged as they are intricate.

Ned’s musical background was also shaped by early exposure. He started playing trombone at 12, but his real passion ignited when he picked up the guitar shortly afterward. Once he discovered power chords, he was hooked. His inspirations are eclectic, ranging from indie and surf rock icons like Courtney Barnett and Hockey Dad to legendary figures like Jimi Hendrix. For Ned, improvisation is key to his creative process, and he sees it as a way to connect more deeply with his own musical vocabulary.

Will, the band’s drummer, comes from a musical family, which set the stage for his own journey into drumming. Growing up, he was drawn to drummers like Taylor Hawkins and Phil Collins, whose grooves and energy made a lasting impression. But Will’s creative inspiration doesn’t stop with the classics; these days, he’s fuelled by a blend of modern acts like Paramore, Fontaines D.C., Ruby Fields, and Royel Otis, which keeps his rhythm section fresh and dynamic.

Finally, Mac, the band’s bassist, was inspired by the experimental work of Frank Zappa and Robert Fripp. Both artists’ relentless pursuit of new and unique sounds deeply influenced his approach to bass. As Mac explains, he loves exploring the pulse of the groove, often twisting his bass lines around Will’s rhythms in an almost dance-like way.

The Formation of B-Sides

The band’s formation was not a typical journey. Will and Ned originally connected through a Facebook group for Melbourne musicians, where they bonded over their shared love of indie surf music. Will had previously played with Mac in other projects, and when the opportunity arose to form a new band, he knew exactly who to call. Harry, too, had been a part of the Melbourne music scene for years and was an easy addition to the lineup.

The name “B-Sides” came naturally to the group, representing the "other songs" or “scraps” of music that often get left behind in favour of more commercial hits. For B-Sides, this felt like a fitting reflection of their journey: coming from various bands within the Melbourne scene, they embraced the name as a badge of honour. “We felt like B-Sides,” says Will, noting how they each bring different musical experiences to the table, yet complement each other perfectly.

The chemistry among the four members is undeniable. Each one brings something unique to the table, but it’s the way they communicate musically that gives the band its authenticity. As Mac puts it, the opportunities for creative expression are “limitless.” From surf rock to punk to indie, the B-Sides are not afraid to experiment and explore new sonic landscapes.

Crafting Their Sound

B-Sides' creative process is a blend of personal reflection, improvisation, and collaboration. Ned, often the primary songwriter, starts by digging into his own experiences and emotions. His songs are deeply personal, reflecting moments of sadness, anger, and joy. Once he crafts a guitar riff or melody that

captures the mood of the song, he brings it to the band, sharing the lyrics or explaining the story behind the music.

Ned, whose background in improvisation informs much of his playing, adds his own spontaneous flavour to the mix. For him, music is a way to explore different landscapes and ideas, and he relishes the opportunity to create in the moment. It’s this willingness to experiment and collaborate that keeps the sound of B-Sides fresh and exciting.

Mac’s bass lines are an essential component of the band’s groove. He often plays around Will’s drum beats, adding layers of rhythmic texture that elevate the overall sound. As Mac describes, the “kick drum commands me to play the root,” but he’s constantly looking for ways to make the riff “dance” with the rest of the band.

Will, with his tight and intuitive drumming, drives the band’s rhythm section. From classic rock influences to modern indie acts, his drumming provides a foundation for the band’s constantly evolving sound. His energy behind the kit is infectious, pushing the band to perform at their best, especially during live shows.

Live Shows: Highs, Lows, and the Raw Energy

B-Sides’ live performances are one of the main ways the band connects with its audience. Some of their most memorable gigs include their performance at The Curtin Hotel with Enemies Alike and Wilding, which Harry describes as their best show so far. For Ned, playing with the Mongrels was a surreal experience “they had such a feral sound, it was awesome. I felt like I was 16, underage drinking at a Chats gig.”

However, it’s not all been smooth sailing. Harry recalls his worst performance at a Christmas charity gig for Cheapskate, where nerves got the best of him, and he blanked out on the songs. But as Will jokes, “Harry Relf isn’t real, he doesn’t exist,” and the band pushes forward, using these experiences as learning opportunities.

One particularly memorable gig was at The Gaso, where Ned was electrocuted by a mic during the performance, but he laughed it off, emphasising the band’s “roll with the punches” mentality. Regardless of any mishaps, B-Sides never lets the energy die, and the connection they have with their audience remains strong.