Sugar Soap
Interview
Recently we sat down with the guys at Sugar Soap!
This is how it went!
Sugar Soap
Meet Sugar Soap, an up-and-coming band that’s catching the ear of music lovers with their eclectic mix of indie rock, synth-pop, and alternative vibes. From their humble beginnings to their recent success at Lost Paradise, the band has been building momentum with a distinctive sound that’s hard to ignore. Here's a closer look at their journey, influences, and what’s next for them.
The Beginning: What Got Sugar Soap Into Music?
For Luke and his bandmates, music was always part of the fabric of their lives, thanks to their parents. “They’ve always been avid music listeners and love live music,” Luke explains. Growing up in a household filled with tunes and concert outings laid the foundation for their own musical journeys. Luke's early inspirations were driven by iconic artists like John Butler, who made him want to pick up the guitar, and Jet, who sparked his desire to form a band.
“It’s funny how something so small, like the music your parents play, can shape the path you take,” Luke reflects. He and his bandmates grew up listening to everything from rock to folk to electronic music, a diverse mix that continues to influence Sugar Soap's genre-blending style.
Who Inspired Sugar Soap to Make Music?
Like many musicians, the journey to creating original music was shaped by both external influences and an internal drive to craft something unique. For Luke, artists like City & Colour and local favourites like Ball Park Music were early inspirations, alongside a burgeoning interest in music production.
“I first stepped into a studio, and it was like a lightbulb moment for me,” Luke shares. “Turning an idea into a finished track is incredibly satisfying. The best part is, it doesn’t have to happen in a fancy studio—sometimes it’s just as magical in a small bedroom studio.”
This spark of curiosity about music production has played a huge role in their evolution, making them not only performers but also hands-on creators of their own sound.
Evolution of Sound
As Sugar Soap continues to evolve, so does their sound. Their early work, including tracks like “Like Minds” and “Lonely Eyes”, drew from the haunting, melodic qualities of 90s British bands like The Verve and Radiohead, mixing it with a more contemporary, alternative edge. But as their musical palette grew, so did their sonic explorations.
“We’ve chased flavours from artists like Broken Bells and Beck, but we’re also really into a lot of indie synth-pop stuff—artists like Empire Of The Sun, MGMT, and Foster The People,” says Luke. These influences have taken their sound in a more upbeat, electronic direction, perfect for live shows. Their most recent single, “Talk”, is a perfect example of this new direction—an energetic, catchy track that merges indie rock with electronic textures.
Gig Highlights and Low Points
Sugar Soap’s live performances have been a rollercoaster of highs and lows. The band’s best gig to date was at Lost Paradise, a huge festival where they played their biggest stage yet. Luke recalls, “Lost Paradise was incredible. It’s the kind of gig that reminds you why you’re doing this—it felt like we were really connecting with the crowd.”
But not every show has been smooth sailing. “Our worst gig was probably up on the north coast, where we played in a muddy swamp. Not ideal for a performance, but hey, you take the good with the bad!” Luke laughs.
Creative Process
Sugar Soap’s creative process is a dynamic one, with each member contributing to the development of their music. According to Luke, it usually starts with him bringing a song to the table, which they then arrange and produce together. “Sometimes the song comes from a guitar or bass idea, and other times it’s born on the computer. We like to produce as we go.”
Recently, they’ve been collaborating even more closely, writing tracks together from the very start. While they’ve mostly handled everything themselves up to now, they’re open to bringing in outside collaborators in the future—particularly producers who can bring new perspectives to their sound.
Dream Collaborations
Sugar Soap has big dreams for future collaborations. One of their dream scenarios would be working with Luke Steeleand Nick Littlemore from Empire of the Sun, two musicians whose atmospheric sound has been a huge influence on the band. Luke also mentions Chris Collins, a producer they’d love to work with someday.
“I think working with those guys would be amazing—it’s the kind of collaboration that would push us to new creative heights,” Luke says.
Future Plans: More Releases and Shows Coming Soon
Looking ahead, Sugar Soap is gearing up for a big year in 2025. They’ve been hard at work on new music, reworking older tracks, and planning for an EP release. They’re also preparing for more live shows and festival appearances.
“We’re really excited for what’s to come. We’ve got some new releases lined up, and we’re working on designing merch. Plus, we’ve got some big shows coming that we can’t announce just yet,” Luke teases.
The Role of the Internet in the Modern Music Industry
Luke has a clear perspective on the impact of the internet on the music business. “Honestly, the internet is the music business now. With COVID, everything went virtual, and it accelerated live streaming and passive income for artists,” he says. “It’s a double-edged sword, though—while the accessibility of music has grown, artists still make so little per stream. I’d love to see streaming services offer more stability for artists in the future.”
Favourite Song to Perform: “Talk”
Right now, the band’s favourite song to perform is “Talk”—a track that’s proven to be a hit both on record and in their live shows. “It’s simple, fun to play, and it really gets the crowd going. It’s one of those songs that wakes everyone up and gets them to dance,” Luke says.
Channeling Influences:
Sometimes, when performing live, Luke finds himself channeling the energy of his favourite artists to get in the zone. “Depending on the song, it can feel like I’m channeling the vibe of Empire of the Sun, Foals, or MGMT. It’s all about building the right atmosphere for the song and the crowd.”
Best Advice: Staying True to Your Roots
When asked about the best advice they’ve received, Luke shares a piece of wisdom that has stuck with him: “Stay true to why you started making music in the first place. If you can do that, you’re bulletproof to all the bumps along the way.”
What Would Sugar Soap Change About the Industry?
If they could change one thing about the music industry, it would be the way streaming services compensate artists. “I think we’ve come a long way with how easily accessible music is, but it’s at the cost of artists making less per stream. It’d be amazing to see streaming platforms give more stability to artists in the future,” Luke says.
What’s Next for Sugar Soap?
With 2025 just around the corner, Sugar Soap has big plans. After their huge success at Lost Paradise, they’re eager to hit more festivals and continue to expand their fan base. “We’ve got a lot more coming—more releases, shows, and hopefully some new festival opportunities,” Luke promises. The band is ready to make waves in the new year, and their growing fan base is clearly here for it.
A Final Word to Fans: Thank You for the Support
Sugar Soap has been incredibly grateful for the support they’ve received from fans so far. “Thank you so much for all the love on our last singles! We’ve got more music coming soon and merch in the works, so stay tuned for upcoming show announcements!” Luke adds.
Sugar Soap’s journey is just beginning, but with their unique sound and growing fan base, it’s clear they’re headed in the right direction. Keep an eye on these rising stars—they’re about to take over the indie scene in 2025 and beyond.
Sugar Soap’s Upcoming Releases: Stay tuned for more singles, the upcoming EP, and show announcements as they prepare to make their mark on the indie music scene in 2025.