Increment

Increment is a name that’s fast becoming synonymous with emotional, heartfelt rock music in Perth, WA. The five-piece band, comprised of James Mulreany, Sasha Flack, Ben Scampoli, Jake Lombardi, and James Mulreany and Sasha Flack as the co-frontmen, has been crafting their signature sound since high school, pulling inspiration from the deep emotional undercurrents of the American Midwest emo scene. Their music is personal, raw, and a reflection of their lives growing up together in their hometown. We caught up with James and Sasha to learn more about the band’s journey, their influences, and what’s next on the horizon.

From High School Friends to Bandmates

The origins of Increment trace back to Rock Scholars, an organisation in Osborne Park that helps young musicians form bands. For James, Sasha, and the rest of the band, it was this opportunity that really solidified their drive to make music together. "We all grew up wanting to be musicians, but Rock Scholars gave us the push we needed to dive in properly," says James. What started as a shared passion for music has now blossomed into a bond that runs deep, with the band members essentially growing up together — learning, evolving, and supporting one another through every step of their journey.

"We met in high school and have essentially been writing our shared journal ever since," Sasha adds. "Increment is where we put all our thoughts and feelings."

Influences and Sound

Like many young bands, Increment’s influences are varied, yet there's a strong backbone that ties their sound together. Bands like Mom Jeans, Modern Baseball, and The Front Bottoms served as gateways into the American Midwest emo scene, which has been a defining influence on their music. "That whole scene is where most of our inspiration comes from," James explains. "But we all have different tastes too, so our sound is a mix of everything we love." Ben, for example, plays in a heavy punk band called The Points, and this influence has brought an interesting dynamic to Increment’s music.

What’s perhaps most striking about Increment is their authenticity. "The songs we wrote when we were 15 are out there, and people still listen to them," Sasha says. "It’s given us confidence and a sense of pride that what we’re doing resonates with people."

The Evolution of Their Sound

Increment’s music has naturally evolved since their early days, with each release showcasing growth and experimentation. "We’ve grown and shifted sonically many times," says Sasha. "It’s been a journey figuring out what feels right, but now we’re at a place where we feel confident in our writing."

James agrees: "It’s strange to look back on our old songs, but in a way, it’s been a blessing. If people still like the songs we wrote when we barely knew what we were doing, that means they’ll likely connect with our newer stuff too."

The band’s next move? A highly anticipated track, "Live Like This,” which James calls their favourite song to perform — though fans will have to wait a little longer for the official release.

Memorable Moments on Stage

Like any up-and-coming band, Increment has experienced both highs and lows on stage. Their most memorable gigs were during their EP tour, and they’re particularly excited about their upcoming performance at Hyperfest in March. "That’s definitely going to be one for the books," Sasha says.

But not every gig has been smooth sailing. "Our worst gig? A heavy metal/punk show where we decided onstage to make all our songs faster and heavier to fit the vibe," James recalls. "Let’s just say it didn’t work out… at all!"

Despite the occasional misstep, live performance is where Increment really shines, bringing an energy and presence to the stage that leaves fans hungry for more.

The Creative Process

Increment’s creative process has remained largely the same since their early days — it’s all about collaboration. "Usually, either James or I bring an idea, and then we all expand on it together," Sasha explains. "It’s just us catching each other up on life through music." This shared creative vision has allowed the band to remain cohesive and focused, even as their sound continues to evolve.

Collaborations and Future Aspirations

When it comes to collaborations, Increment’s dual-frontman dynamic makes things a bit tricky. "We’d have to fit three voices into one song," says James with a laugh. However, the idea of working with other artists is still appealing. "I’d love to collaborate with Runnner," James says, while Sasha has his eyes set on Bleachers for a potential partnership.

If they could open for any artist? "The Front Bottoms, without a doubt," says both James and Sasha in unison. It’s clear that this band’s mix of vulnerability, honesty, and humour is something Increment deeply admires and hopes to share a stage with in the future.

The Impact of the Internet

Increment is one of many bands that have benefited from the accessibility the internet offers. "We love creating content," Sasha says. "If we weren’t making music, we’d probably be doing YouTube." With Sasha also studying film, the band is always working to make their music videos and promotional materials more interesting and engaging. But, in true Increment fashion, they stay grounded: "It’s easy to get caught up in the whole content game, but we believe you should focus on making things that make you happy, not just what works for the algorithm."

Looking Ahead

Increment’s focus right now is clear: releasing new music, performing live, and continuing to build their community. Their forthcoming single, "Live Like This," is eagerly anticipated by fans, and with their dedication to both their craft and their audience, it’s sure to be another step in their ongoing evolution.

As for the future, the band’s primary goal is simple but powerful: "We want to keep doing this for as long as we can," says Sasha. "Increment has been our shared journal for so many years, and we’re not done writing yet."

Increment’s ability to connect deeply with listeners, both through their honest songwriting and their infectious live performances, is what sets them apart in a crowded music scene. For those lucky enough to catch them live or hear their music, it’s clear that this is only the beginning for the emotional rock band from Perth.