Created In Partnership With Mentos
Sleepazoid, a five-piece alt-rock group hailing from Melbourne, has cemented itself as one to watch. Folding experimental sounds into tender lyrics of heartbreak and love, they’ve created a poignant body of work, which sits squarely in an audience’s heart and soul.
Made up of Nette France, Josef Pabis, Luca Soprano, George Inglis, and Jim Duong, they knew each other originally as solo artists before writing their debut single “Rats.” The launch of their first EP, “Running With The Dogs,” laid the groundwork for their solid musical harmony and melodic riffs contrasting the grunge stylings of the records, while their most recent release, “NEW AGE,” has pushed the envelope even further, developing the smooth blend between soft, fluttering sections and their rock heritage.
Since stepping onto the Melbourne music scene, sleepazoid has seen a steady rise to prominence, from supporting “Kingston” singer Faye Webster on her sold-out Australian tour to taking over the Laneway stage in 2026.
The latest feather in their cap? This group of up-and-comers is the latest addition to the inaugural Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ: a campaign that shine’s a light on eight of Australia’s most exciting emerging artists.
The five musicians sat down with Rolling Stone AU/NZ to discuss the trick to creating a cohesive body of work — and why it seems to be paying off.
Who are you and where are you from?
We are sleepazoid and we’re an alt-rock band from Naarm, Melbourne.
Describe your ‘Fresh Sound’ in three words.
Joe: Minty.
Nette: Chewy.
Joe: Zoid.
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Tell us about your latest release.
Nette: “NEW AGE” is our second EP. Thematically, it chronicles a big change in my life — heartbreak, change, rediscovering my sense of self. It actually nicely bookmarked a big chapter for all our lives. We tried to create a body of work that felt cohesive because all the songs felt very connected to one another. “FIG TREE” and “NEW AGE,” for example, are, in many ways, a different side of the same coin, and we connected them through an interlude that lends itself to that continuity. We’re really proud of the songs on the EP and are so glad that they resonate with people.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
Joe: Hmm, probably Dijon! His music is chef’s kiss and he’s also done some great collaborations recently. Writing together would be really fun.
What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned so far on your musical journey?
Nette: There’s a lot of strength in honesty and vulnerability. I’ve felt that in my songwriting, in collaborating with the band, but also in building our team and just being honest about how I feel and what I’m striving for, what I’m struggling with, etc. Got to keep it real.
What’s your dream venue to play?
Joe: Red Rocks for sure!
Nette: Also Fuji Rock Festival.
What’s coming up for you in 2026 and beyond?
Joe: We have some really fun shows coming up. We’re supporting DMA’S in November and playing our first NYE on the Hill in December! We’re also writing and recording new music that we’re very excited about.
What’s one thing you think the Australian music industry needs right now, and why?
Nette: We need a UBI or some kind of “Income for Artists” like they have in Ireland. The Australian music industry is so difficult for musicians — you’re always expected to work basically for free, and it’s really hard for artists to feel financially secure in this industry, which, ironically, generates a lot of money for our economy. So yes, that’s a long way of saying the Australian music industry needs the government to step in and step up and support Australian artists. Otherwise, it’s just going to keep getting more difficult and more classist.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Rolling Stone and Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26?
Joe: It’s a big honour to be included! Rolling Stone is one of the landmark music publications we all grew up with and look up to. To be selected alongside such an incredible, creative cohort of artists is mind-blowing! Shout-outs to our classmates, Beryl! We love the Beryls.
Why do you think it’s important to support emerging Australian artists?
Joe: Without supporting emerging artists and grassroots venues, we really don’t have an industry. There would be so many artists who would fly under the radar and never get the opportunity to have their music heard. Support emerging local artists, ok?
