We had the chance to sit down with Brad from The Moving Stills, the Aussie band known for their dreamy blend of indie, surf, and pop-rock. From their early days jamming in small-town garages to making waves on national stages, The Moving Stills have carved out a unique sound that’s both nostalgic and fresh. In our conversation, Brad took us behind the scenes of their songwriting process, shared stories from life on the road, and gave us a glimpse into what’s next for the band. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just discovering their music, this chat is packed with insight, laughs, and a deeper look at the creative heart of The Moving Stills.
The Moving Stills: A Fresh Breath of Alt-Indie Pop from the Central Coast
The Moving Stills, an alt-indie pop band hailing from Darkinjung Country/The Central Coast, have been making waves in the Australian music scene with their infectious energy, heartfelt lyrics, and distinctive sound. From humble beginnings to playing iconic venues, the band’s journey has been one of collaboration, experimentation, and a deep love for music. Their sound is a fusion of contemporary influences, classic rock nostalgia, and youthful creativity, making them one of the most exciting emerging acts in the Australian indie scene.
The Origins of The Moving Stills
Brad, the band’s frontman, traces his love for music back to his childhood, where his older brother’s guitar playing sparked his own interest. “My older brother played guitar and as kids, older siblings are pretty influential, so I wanted to learn too,” Brad recalls. He began his journey with the guitar, and after years of honing his skills, his musical path crossed with Tom's during high school. The two began playing music together and quickly developed a shared passion for writing and performing, which set the foundation for The Moving Stills.
Tom and Brad’s partnership soon became the backbone of the band, but they weren’t alone for long. Mike, a longtime friend of Tom’s, was recruited to join the band as the guitarist. With Mike’s addition, The Moving Stills found a unique musical chemistry that allowed their sound to develop in new directions. The final piece of the puzzle came in the form of Ben, a drummer from their local music scene, who seamlessly integrated into the group. As they honed their skills and began playing shows together, the bond between the four grew stronger, and they began to cultivate the sound that would define them.
A Blend of Influences and Evolution of Sound
From the outset, The Moving Stills were drawn to a diverse range of musical influences that would ultimately shape their identity. In the early days of the band, they found themselves captivated by artists like Chet Faker, Courtney Barnett, and Kingswood, whose innovative approaches to alt-indie music resonated with their own creative energy. However, they were also deeply influenced by the sounds of their youth, citing classic bands like Oasis, The Verve, and Crowded House as key inspirations.
Their music blends the best of both worlds — the raw, unfiltered energy of modern indie with the timeless feel of classic rock. But as with many musicians, finding their distinctive sound was an organic process. Brad explains that early on, they focused on creating music that felt good to them rather than chasing a specific genre. "Trying to find your sound can be a bit of a challenge early on," he says. "We just tried to play what made us feel good and what gave us energy. It’ll eventually find someone who resonates with it."
Over time, the band experimented with different genres, pushing boundaries and exploring new musical territory. Yet, no matter where their musical explorations took them, they always found themselves gravitating back to the elements that influenced them as young listeners. “It’s been an evolution,” Brad adds. “We’ve experimented with different sounds, but we always seem to return to the things that shaped us when we were growing up.”
A Special Moment: Supporting Nothing But Thieves
The journey for The Moving Stills hasn’t been without its milestones. Among the most memorable experiences was the opportunity to support *Nothing But Thieves* at Sydney’s Enmore Theatre. This was a particularly meaningful moment for the band, as it allowed them to play at one of Sydney’s most iconic venues. “We’ve all seen a long list of artists at that venue and aspired to play there one day,” Brad reflects. “For us, being a part of the Sydney music scene, that was pretty incredible to tick off the bucket list.”
Such experiences have only solidified the band’s sense of purpose and their desire to continue growing as musicians. For The Moving Stills, every opportunity to perform in front of an audience is special, but there’s something uniquely fulfilling about playing a show at a venue with so much history and significance.
The Creative Process: Writing, Jamming, and Refining
The Moving Stills’ creative process is deeply collaborative, with each member bringing their own strengths and perspectives to the table. Tom and Mike play a key role in the songwriting process, often developing demos and bringing them to jam sessions where the rest of the band adds their own contributions. “Tom and Mike do a lot of writing,” Brad explains. “They often demo song ideas and then bring them to a jam and polish them off. Sometimes we sit down with a producer to get some input from outside the band to add a fresh perspective and give it some last sprucing.”
This willingness to experiment, collaborate, and refine their ideas has been crucial in shaping their sound. The Moving Stills are constantly looking for ways to evolve and push themselves creatively, and they understand the importance of seeking external input to keep their music dynamic and evolving. “It’s about staying open to new ideas and keeping things fresh,” says Brad. “We’re always looking for new ways to make our music better.”
A Strong Community and Gratitude for Fans
As the band continues to build their following, they’ve developed a deep sense of gratitude for the community of fans who support them. For Brad and the rest of the band, the most rewarding part of being in The Moving Stills is the connection they share with their audience. “We love you all very dearly,” Brad says. “We are so grateful that people are willing to spend their hard-earned money to come and see us play or buy merch or even just listen to our music in the car. We couldn’t do what we love without you.”
This sense of connection is something the band takes seriously, and they aim to create an environment where fans feel comfortable and safe at their shows. For The Moving Stills, it’s not just about making music; it’s about creating a space where people can come together and enjoy the experience of live music.
The Internet: A Double-Edged Sword for Musicians
Like many artists today, The Moving Stills have a complex relationship with the internet and its impact on the music industry. On one hand, the internet has allowed the band to reach a wider audience than ever before, sharing content and interacting with fans in ways that were previously impossible. “The ability to reach people instantaneously is amazing,” Brad says. “We can share our music and connect with fans all over the world, and that’s an incredible thing.”
However, the internet has also brought challenges, particularly when it comes to the over-saturation of content. “There’s plenty of videos of artists’ full sets on YouTube for anyone to watch at any time,” Brad notes. “It can take away the anticipation of seeing a band live when you already know what the setlist is going to be.”
Despite the complexities, The Moving Stills embrace the internet as a tool for connection, while recognising the need for balance in how much they share with their audience.
Looking Ahead: New Music and the Next Phase
As The Moving Stills look to the future, the band is excited for what’s to come. After spending some time away from the stage to focus on writing and recording, they’re gearing up for a new chapter in their musical journey. “We’ve been writing and recording a whole bunch,” Brad says, “and we’re preparing for the next phase of The Moving Stills. New music is coming very soon, and there will be plenty of shows to follow.”
Their creative energy is palpable, and they’re excited to share their new material with their fans. For Brad, Tom, Mike, and Ben, it’s all about continuing to grow as musicians and staying true to the sounds that have shaped them. “We’re feeling refreshed and ready for the next phase,” Brad adds. “We can’t wait to see where this journey takes us.”
The Moving Stills’ evolution from high school musicians to one of Australia’s most exciting emerging indie acts is a testament to their dedication, talent, and love for creating music. As they prepare to release new music and hit the road for more live shows, their future is brighter than ever. The Moving Stills are poised to make a lasting impact on the Australian music scene — and beyond.
