DROVES

DROVES are a Wollongong-based band that burst onto the scene with their 2018 debut-single ‘Time’.

Boasting airplay on Triple-J and festival appearances, DROVES are well on their way to becoming a familiar face in the Australian music industry. With a unique sound formed through a blending of wave, electronic and dance music, DROVES is a modernisation of classic 80’s hits.

Described by Triple-J’s Tommy Faith as “FOALS meets Midnight Oil”, DROVES mention a specific love for FOALS, with band members Phil and Taylor originally bonding over their music before the formation of the band.

Originally a solo project under the name ‘Giverny’, DROVES was formed with the addition of its other members to form the current quintet of Phil, Taylor, Luise, Jonny and Tiernan. The band describe a solid trust and dynamic between them and speak of a “solid, unbreakable bond.”

With DROVES’ five band members all hailing from different musical backgrounds means that numerous different influences and inspirations come into play, however New Order, FOALS and The Cure are the biggest three the band name.

“Audience reception for me personally is one of the most important factors of being in a band,” says guitarist/vocalist Taylor Mcauliffe. “Being able to create music that not only sounds good to a varied audience, but allows people to reflect on similar experiences through the lyrics I write is a feeling like no other.

“As we’re a relatively new band, we’re just starting to see a real following come through – and thats been an incredibly uplifting experience, to say the least.”

The band’s first single, ‘Time’, rose through Triple-J’s Unearthed platform to gain airtime on the station, and introduced audiences to the band. The video clip for the song was later featured on the music show Rage, and DROVES has made appearances around NSW in support of the single and their recently-released EP.

“‘Time’ intends to tell a story of the working class that become dependant on alcohol as a means of escape,” explains Mcauliffe.

“We have written about how capitalism, stereotypical gender roles and alcohol abuse affects people personally, and society as a whole, from two different perspectives.

“We think it’s received such an incredible reception as we found everyone can relate to the theme of finding peace after feeling resentment towards something or someone and reflect on in their own kind of way through an anthemic song such as ‘Time’.”

With their debut EP ‘Bloodline’ out now, DROVES is building a catalogue of music festival-goers are likely to hear in the near future. Still a young band, DROVES has played Wollongong festivals Yours and Owls and Farmer & The Owl.

If festival appearances aren’t enough, DROVES have also played their own slew of shows throughout NSW and are now heading back into the studio to record new music.

If there’s one message DROVES want to get across, it’s the importance of seeing local bands:

“I’d just like to say a quick note on how important it is to support live music,” says Mcaullife.

” Showing small, local bands support by heading out to one of their shows means an incredible amount to an upcoming band, so please please please, head on out to some local venues and enjoy the live music!”