In the crowded landscape of Australian music, few acts command attention with the raw, unfiltered energy that DINGE brings to the table.
The Western Sydney collective has just dropped their latest single “Promises”, a haunting yet explosive track that showcases exactly why this band refuses to be pigeonholed.
“We’re a band that doesn’t fit neatly into one box. We like to call it a Genre Orgy,” the group explains to Rolling Stone AUNZ when asked to introduce themselves to new listeners.
“Our music blends rap and rock, pulling from real experiences to create something honest, unique to us. We’re not afraid to be loud, to be vulnerable, or to go against the status quo.”
DINGE. Image: Supplied
“Promises” features vocalist Emily Blake alongside band members Joshua Metuangaro, Jay McNulty, Justin Cooper and Brendan Huss, with renowned Roland artist Simon Ayton delivering thunderous percussion via his DW drum set.
Recorded live at Factory Studios, the single captures the band’s commanding stage presence in a studio setting. “This track is raw. It’s about love turned toxic, about broken promises and emotional warfare. The lyrics take you into that space where you’re drowning in something you once thought would save you,” the band describes.
The inspiration comes from “real experience—feeling alone even when you’re with someone, the bitterness that builds over time, and that sense of being trapped in a cycle you can’t escape.”
The accompanying music video, also filmed at Factory Studios with videographer Connor Neil Media, is a visual journey through emotional isolation.
“The video captures that feeling of isolation and emotional entanglement. We wanted something visually striking, contrasting shadows and light, movement that mirrors the ups and downs of a toxic relationship,” they explain.
“We filmed at the Factory studios where we recorded the track. Josh had a vision for the video, and when it came to filming, our videographer Connor Neil Media saw the vision and helped it come to life,” they said. “We also spent the morning decorating the studio with stuff from around our house to give it that extra dingy feel.”
When asked if the video tells a specific story or captures a vibe, the band states: “It’s both. There’s a narrative, but it’s abstract—moments of connection. We wanted people to feel the emotion rather than be told exactly what’s happening.”
DINGE’s name itself speaks to their artistic philosophy. “DINGE represents imperfection, the rough edges, and the beauty in the chaos. We come from a place where struggle is real, and our music is about embracing that, wearing the scars like a badge of honour. Our upbringings have also had an impact on our music.”
“Growing up in a tough environment teaches you about survival, resilience, and authenticity. These experiences bleed into our music. It’s gritty and unfiltered.”
What sets this track apart from their previous releases? “It’s more vulnerable in some ways, but it still has an edge. This one leans into the blues and jazz influences more, but the rock energy is still there. It’s dynamic. It starts soft but hits hard.”
The track’s sonic landscape is transformed by a haunting, impromptu saxophone performance that elevates the entire composition.
“The saxophone part was a game changer. It wasn’t originally planned, but once we laid down the piano and vocals, we knew it needed something extra. When that sax melody came in, it was like everything clicked into place,” they explain.
“The sax player was a guest musician, Ross Middleton, who is a close friend of ours,” they add of Middleton, whose famed career has seen him perform with INXS, Leo Sayer, James Morrison, and Ziggy Marley.
“He killed it. It added a whole new layer of depth to the track.”
With “Promises” now available on all streaming platforms, DINGE continues to forge their own path in Australian music.
“We’ve got some shows in the works, and we can’t wait to bring this energy to the stage,” they share, promising that experiencing this track live will be “insane” as “it builds so much, and by the end, it just explodes!”
If you need three words to sum up what DINGE delivers with “Promises,” the band offers these: “Raw, Haunting, Dingy.”
It’s a fitting description for a group that embraces their name as both identity and ethos.
For fans both old and new, DINGE leaves this message: “Keep listening, keep feeling, and keep pushing forward. Music is meant to be lived in. We’re just getting started.”
Stream “Promises” by DINGE below.
