Let’s talk with-CHEAP-SKATE

CHEAP-SKATE

Quickly catching the attention of Triple J, Rage, Triple M, and earning spots on playlists across Apple Music and Spotify.

CHEAP-SKATE has already shared the stage with some of the best in the game, including Hockey Dad, Dune Rats, Beddy Rays, and The Reytons (UK), as well as supported iconic acts like The Smith Street Band, Bodyjar, Gyroscope, Rum Jungle, and The Bennies. His electrifying live shows have packed out venues in Melbourne and delivered a standout closing set at the Gold Coast’s Best Night Ever festival.

With a jam-packed tour schedule that includes sold-out gigs in NSW and QLD alongside Dune Rats, CHEAP-SKATE is on a fast track to bigger things, and it’s clear—he’s just getting started.

I sat down with him recently, this is what he had to say!

CHEAP-SKATE -The DIY Visionary-

Triple J Unearthed WINNER

Meet Cheap-Skate, a solo artist hailing from Gippsland, Australia. Growing up in Trafalgar, a small town just a stone's throw from his current home, Cheap-Skate has always had music running through his veins. With a background steeped in an eclectic mix of genres, from rock and metal to punk and indie, his unique sound today reflects a career born from passion, perseverance, and an unshakeable love for music.

Cheap-Skate was kind enough to give me an early listen to some unreleased music, and I have to say—it’s sounding absolutely killer. I don’t want to spoil too much, but the new material is definitely on a whole new level. It will grab you from the first listen.

It’s clear that Cheap-Skate is only getting better, and trust me, you’ll be hearing this on Triple J at some point. Keep an eye out, because the next chapter of CHEAP-SKATE is going to be massive!

From Drums to Frontman

Cheap-Skate's musical journey began in the most DIY of ways. Raised in a home filled with music, his uncle played a huge role in shaping his early tastes. "Every time my uncle came down, he'd hand me a bunch of burnt CDs," Cheap-Skate shares. "System of a Down, Sound-garden... all this great stuff." With those CDs in hand, he'd plug them into his Batman CD player and drum along, honing his rhythmic skills. His lust for music was already bubbling, but it wasn't until he reached 15 or 16 that he formed his first band, primarily covering songs by Royal Blood.

But it wasn't long before Cheap-Skate discovered that he wanted to step out from behind the drums and become the frontman. His obsession with bands like Fidlar, Wavves, Violent Soho, and Dune Rats sparked a fire within him. "I started releasing my own music as CHEAP-SKATE," he explains, a name born out of both necessity and wit.

Origins of the name CHEAP-SKATE

When it came to naming the project, Cheap-Skate didn’t just pull something out of thin air. The name represents both the sound and ethos of the project. "I wanted something that fit the vibe of the music, but also captured the DIY nature of what I was doing. Being broke and making music on a shoestring budget, I was always taking the cheap route. So, CHEAP-SKATE just felt right," he claims. "It's skate-punk music, but also an attitude. It just clicked."

Blending Sound

If there’s one thing that stands out about Cheap-Skate's music, it’s how it’s impossible to pin it down to just one genre. While the surf rock and skate-punk influence is undeniable, his sound constantly evolves. "I take influences from everything—non-stop listening to all kinds of music," Cheap-Skate says. "There’s definitely a lot of skate-punk in there, but it’s all about steering the ship in its own unique direction."

And that eclecticism shows in his songs. From upbeat, riff-driven anthems to tracks with a darker, grittier edge, Cheap-Skate’s sound is as varied as his influences. He blends raw energy with infectious melodies, making it impossible not to want to spin round that pit or go word for word with him.

Breaking Into the Scene: Triple J Unearthed and Recognition

One of the most exciting moments in Cheap-Skate's career came with Triple J Unearthed. Before the project even officially launched, Cheap-Skate uploaded his first track to the platform, and to his delight, Claire Mooney was already playing it on air. "They’ve been supporting me from before day one," he recalls. "I had to emergency announce my project because they were already spinning my single!"

Since then, every single he’s released has received regular airplay on Triple J, which peaked in him winning the Unearthed NYE on the Hill competition. This win not only marked a huge milestone for Cheap-Skate but also gave him the opportunity to perform a festival. The recognition from such a prestigious platform has cemented his place in the Australian music scene and is only the beginning of his journey.

Two EPs in One Year and a Full Album on the Way

2024 has been a busy year for Cheap-Skate, with two EPs already released—and that's not even the whole story. In fact, he’s been releasing his singles as part of a "waterfall" strategy, with each single serving as a part of his upcoming full-length album. "I’ve already released five singles, all of which will be on the album," he explains. "And I’ve got almost an entire album of new material demoed for 2026-27!"

This ambitious release strategy speaks volumes about Cheap-Skate’s drive and his desire to share his music with the world. His relentless work ethic, combined with his diverse influences and talent, has made him a standout in the Australian indie scene.

Looking Ahead

So, what's next for CHEAP-SKATE? "Album release, definitely," Cheap-Skate says with excitement. "Hopefully some tours with some of my favourite bands, more new music, and just getting this project into the hands of as many people as possible."

The future looks bright for Cheap-Skate, with plans to take his music to a wider audience and to make a name for himself beyond Australia. "I want to become a household name for many more people," he says, full of ambition. "It’s a long road ahead, but I’m ready for it."

Whether you’re a fan of raw skate-punk energy, infectious surf rock, or catchy melodies with a bit of a DIY edge, Cheap-Skate is a name you’ll want to remember. With a sound that refuses to be confined to one genre, a work ethic that keeps pushing forward, and a fanbase that’s growing every day, CHEAP-SKATE is gearing up to make some serious waves in the music scene.

Stay tuned for the upcoming album and prepare yourself for the ride.