Dear Seattle
Originating from the picturesque Northern Beaches of Sydney, Dear Seattle has emerged as one of the most exciting pop punk acts in recent years. With their potent blend of groove-infused rhythms and emotionally-charged songwriting, the four-piece band has captivated a growing fanbase worldwide. Drawing influence from early ‘90s grunge, their music evokes a sense of nostalgia while delivering a fresh, vibrant sound. With a unique ability to balance high-impact choruses and intricate melodies, Dear Seattle is forging its own identity on the music scene.
The team at Chaos have been playing DS non stop recently so we are super honoured to sit down with Brae.
Here’s how it went!
The band's lineup consists of:
Brae Fisher – Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Lachlan Simpson – Lead Guitar
Jeremy Baker – Bass Guitar
Josh McKay – Drums
Having spent the past few years refining their sound, Dear Seattle gained considerable attention with their singles “The Meadows” and “Afterthought” from their sophomore EP, which earned them well over 80,000 monthly listeners.
In an exclusive interview, we spoke to Brae Fisher about the band's incredible journey, their creative process behind the new record, and what’s next for Dear Seattle. Here’s an in-depth look at what went on behind the scenes and the exciting plans they have for the future.
How have you guys been? Over 80,000 listeners later, how has it been making such an impact on the scene?
Brae Fisher:
Hahah yeah, it’s definitely surreal! It’s one of those things that you don’t really realise is as crazy as it is until you actually visualise it. The idea that a whole Wembley stadium’s worth of people are listening to us every month is mind-blowing! It feels incredible to have made such a connection with so many people through our music. It’s like you’re in your little bubble, just making the music you love, but then you look up and realise how far it’s reached. It’s humbling and super rewarding.
Talk to me about this new album coming up. What was the writing process like, and what was the experience in the studio?
Brae Fisher:
The writing process for this record was honestly one of my favourite experiences to date. It was pretty unique in that it was closely intertwined with the recording process. We were working with our best mate Fletcher Matthews right from the get-go, which allowed us to take a very free-form approach. The demo takes we started with often ended up being the final versions, which gave us the freedom to tweak and adjust everything on the fly. There was no sense of rigidity—just this natural flow between writing and recording.
We really tried to take a more scientific approach to the writing. We studied how the best artists craft their hooks, balance melodies and harmonies, and structure their songs. Then, we applied that knowledge in our own way. It was all about pushing boundaries and going deeper than we have before. We ended up with something that feels fresh, powerful, and true to our sound.
We’ve been playing ‘Say What You Want’ on repeat. How did that song come about?
Brae Fisher:
‘Say What You Want’ is another track that came together while we were in the studio. We had been listening to “Style” by Taylor Swift, and we were intrigued by how she managed to keep a 16-bar chorus captivating throughout a mid-tempo song. We thought, “Can we pull off something similar?” So, we challenged ourselves to do just that. And, honestly, it worked! We were stoked with how it turned out. Lyrically, it’s a love song, which is something I haven’t really explored much before, so that was fun. But what makes it Dear Seattle is how grand and impactful the sound feels, even with a more intimate, personal theme. It feels like a real milestone in our growth as a band.
Aside from the album, what’s next for you guys? We know you’re touring Australia! How has that been?
Brae Fisher:
Right now, we’re wrapping up our sold-out album launch party tour, which has been incredible. The energy from the fans has been amazing, and we’re just so grateful for the support. Once this tour finishes, we’ll be gearing up for our official album tour, which is coming later this year. We’re also about to announce another tour that we’re insanely excited about, but I can’t spill the beans just yet! Stay tuned for that—it’s going to be huge.
Tour Best & Tour Worst?
Brae Fisher:
The best part of touring is definitely not having to make your bed when you leave in the morning! It’s kind of like a mini holiday each time you pack up and move to the next city. The worst part? Honestly, it’s eating at service stations. It’s the grind of constant convenience food on the road, and after a while, you just crave something fresh and home-cooked.
Brae, what is one message you would give to your fans?
Brae Fisher:
Be authentic. It’s easy to get caught up in this “fake it till you make it” mentality, but it’s not real. It just leaves you feeling disillusioned. People are drawn to realness now more than ever. So, if you want to connect with others, whether it’s through music or in life, just be yourself. Lean into who you really are, and that will resonate with people.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
Brae Fisher:
The Internet has definitely been a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it’s made connecting with fans easier than ever. You can release music to the world and have it heard by people everywhere. We’ve experienced that first-hand with our 80,000 monthly listeners—without the Internet, that would have been impossible. You can also run your own promotion, so it’s as genuine as you want it to be.
But on the other hand, the downside is that streaming doesn’t pay well at all. You end up doing everything yourself, and without the support of major labels, the financial struggle is real. Independent artists are basically expected to wear every hat—promotion, touring, marketing, you name it. It’s a lot of work, but if you’re committed, it’s worth it.
What is your favourite song to perform live?
Brae Fisher:
I think “Evergreen” is probably my favourite to perform. It’s got this big, heavy feel to it, and I love the way the crowd reacts. Plus, I don’t have to sing as high or as fast as I do with some of our other tracks, so I can really enjoy the performance without worrying about hitting every note perfectly, haha.
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Brae Fisher:
The best advice I’ve ever received is to practice self-love. It’s so easy to get caught up in external validation or to compare yourself to others, but it all starts within. If you can’t love yourself, then nothing outside will ever fill that void.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Brae Fisher:
One big change I’d love to see is more government funding for the arts. As a country, we’re losing our cultural identity, and it’s a real shame. Festivals are tanking, radio stations are constantly scrambling to prove their worth, and bands just can’t afford to tour. There’s a death spiral happening, and it’s heartbreaking to watch. More support would give artists the chance to thrive and help preserve the rich cultural tapestry that music brings to society.
As Dear Seattle prepares for their next chapter, it's clear that their passion for music, creative evolution, and dedication to their fans will keep driving them to new heights. With a sound that continues to evolve and a commitment to authenticity, there’s no telling just how far this band will go. Stay tuned—Dear Seattle is only getting started.
As we eagerly await the next evolution in Dear Seattle’s journey, it's clear that their new album, set for release on January 17th, will be a game-changer. This record is poised to make a lasting impact on the music scene. The band’s continued growth, both musically and creatively, shines through in every track, pushing boundaries and delivering something truly powerful.
If their past success is any indication, Dear Seattle is only getting started. With their ability to connect deeply with listeners and their unwavering authenticity, this album is sure to resonate with fans old and new. Mark your calendars—this is one release you won’t want to miss. Dear Seattle’s new album is set to make waves, and the best is yet to come.
