Sort It Out
Interview & Gig Review
While browsing the local scene for fresh new sounds, I stumbled upon Sort It Out and they immediately caught my ear. Their vibe reminded me of the bands I grew up loving — that perfect blend of pop punk and emo energy. There’s often a fine line between drawing influence from familiar sounds and getting called out for being unoriginal, but Sort It Outmanages to carve out their own space by mastering that classic sound, pushing through the noise of those inevitable critiques. I reached out to them and they were more than happy to chat about what’s next. I also got lucky when a close friend (@tylerrlilie) caught one of their live shows and grabbed some awesome footage from the night!
Sort It Out
Sometimes the best things come from rekindled friendships. For the guys in Sort It Out, it all started in high school, when a couple of mates picked up their instruments, jammed out in basements, and laid the groundwork for what would eventually become one of the freshest sounds on the local scene. Fast-forward a few years, and after reconnecting and finally finding a drummer, the Sort It Out lads are back at it — and they're bringing their high-energy, nostalgic blend of pop punk and emo with them.
A Band Reborn
The band's journey isn't a fairy tale of instant fame or grand backstories — in fact, they’ll tell you themselves: no cool or quirky origin stories here. But what they do have is a deep connection to the music they grew up on and never quite outgrew. Sort It Out is essentially a reunion of sorts — a couple of high school mates who’d shared their teenage years playing music, only to stop for a while before life pulled them back together. They found a drummer, dusted off their instruments, and decided it was time to give their long-lost dream another shot. And just like that, the band was born.
Their debut EP has already exceeded expectations, and with a sound that draws directly from the pop punk and emo scenes they love, Sort It Out quickly captured the attention of local audiences — and even landed a few plays on Triple J. The music is fast, fun, and infectious, tapping into the kind of raw, emotional energy that defined the pop punk and emo scenes of the early 2000s. For the band, the thrill is in the live shows and crowd responses. With only a handful of gigs under their belt, their originals are already getting more love than their covers, a reaction they find both humbling and a bit mind-blowing.
The Sound: Fast and Fun.
Drawing inspiration from their youth, Sort It Out blends classic pop punk hooks with the emotional intensity of emo. Their music is a celebration of that period in their lives when everything felt high-stakes and every feeling was dialled up to 11. Their sound isn’t just a tribute to the music they loved growing up — it’s a reinvention of it, infused with a youthful energy that makes you feel like you're back at your first show, singing along with every word.
The band’s raw energy is matched by their quick connection with the crowd. Fans have responded well to their original material, proving that sometimes, you don’t need to be polished to make an impact. Their shows are fast and fun, with every song feeling like a sprint to the finish line. Whether it’s the driving beats or the catchy choruses, Sort It Out taps into that youthful angst and rebellious spirit that made pop punk and emo such massive genres in the first place.
Wollongong Gig Recently
One of the standout moments for Sort It Out so far was their recent gig in Wollongong, where the crowd was treated to a tight, well-rehearsed set. The band played with the kind of energy and precision that belied their relatively short time back together. From start to finish, their performance was polished and punchy — a true testament to their commitment to getting it right. And the crowd? They loved it. The energy was electric, with fans singing along to every original and reacting with total enthusiasm.
But it didn’t stop there. The band threw in a medley of pop punk classics — a throwback to the sounds that shaped their musical identity. It was a crowd-pleasing moment that showcased the band’s love for the genre and their ability to bridge the past and present. With covers of fan-favourite anthems, Sort It Out proved that they’re not just about their own sound but also about celebrating the music that got them into this whole thing in the first place.
What's Next?
With only a few local gigs under their belt, Sort It Out is gearing up for more. The plan is to play as many shows as possible before expanding their reach and playing up and down the east coast. And of course, there’s new music on the way. They’re not stopping here. With an EP that has exceeded their own expectations, Sort It Out is ready to take it to the next level.
Expect more local shows, more energy, and more music that taps into the raw, emotional vibe of the scenes they’ve always loved. Their sound is only going to get bigger, and their shows are going to keep getting louder.
Final Thoughts
There’s something about seeing a band get their start with no pretensions, no gimmicks, and no overblown backstory. Just pure passion for the music they grew up on. That’s what Sort It Out brings to the table: the raw, unfiltered energy of pop punk and emo, without trying to reinvent the wheel. They’re not chasing trends; they’re just making music that matters to them. And as they’ve already proven with their EP and live shows, it’s working. Their originals are getting noticed, their fans are singing along, and there’s no telling how far this fresh take on an old sound can go.
The future is bright for Sort It Out, and if you haven’t caught them yet, you’re going to want to. Keep an eye out for more shows, more music, and the kind of energy that makes you remember why you fell in love with this genre in the first place.