Radio Free Alice Are Continuing Australia’s Proud History of Post-Punk

This interview is part of our Future of Music 2026 series. Follow all the coverage here.

Australia hasn’t lacked for brooding post-punk bands in the 2020s, but Radio Free Alice have still managed to carve out their own space in a crowded market.

Paying homage to bands of the ’80s like The Smiths and The Cure, their brand of post-punk is energetic and playful, prioritising hooks and fun over dark atmospherics. It’s a nostalgic sound which never comes off as pastiche.

Early releases like “Paris Is Gone” and “Johnny” first gained them attention in their home country, followed by latest EP Empty Words last year, their career-best work.

A breakout few years has included an international debut at SXSW Austin, a spot on the NME 100, a performance at Melbourne Fashion Festival, a support slot for The Killers, and a nomination for Best Independent Punk Album or EP at the 2024 AIR Awards.

Read an exclusive interview with the band below.

Rolling Stone AU/NZ: What does it mean to you to be included in Rolling Stone’s Future of Music series?

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Radio Free Alice: It means a lot. Rolling Stone is the kind of institution you grow up reading, and to have our name in there alongside bands we look up to feels good.

How did you first get your start in music?

Jules and I started playing together in high school in Sydney when we were about 14 — jamming at lunch, that sort of thing. The band properly came together in 2022 when we moved to Melbourne and met Michael and Lochie. From there it was a lot of local shows, constantly driving back up to Sydney and back again. We built up a following through our live shows and went from there.

Describe your sound to a new listener in three words.

Optimistic, lonely, trousers.

Tell us about your latest release.

Empty Words came out last year. Its my favourite EP of ours to date. It just feels more confident than our previous stuff I think.

What’s your favourite career memory so far?

Probably our final London show last year. It was the final show of a really long tour. The crowd was great. There was something that felt really cathartic about that show.

Are you hopeful for the future of music in ANZ?

I am. There’s a ridiculous amount of talent in Australia, particularly in Melbourne. I feel very hopeful.

Name one other ANZ act you’d like to see make our Future of Music series in the future.

Sex Mask.

What’s coming up for you this year?

The debut album. 2026 will be the year our debut album comes out, which is extremely exciting for us.