Created in partnership with Mentos
With a debut album already behind them and another on the way, GOLDMINDS are ready to make plenty more noise.
The Naarm/Melbourne four-piece have carved out their place in the local rock scene with a gritty mix of garage, psych and punk, taking cues from the likes of Iggy and The Stooges, Blondie and Thin Lizzy. Their 2020 debut, Signals, was nominated for the Australian Music Prize, while the band have built a reputation for their high-energy live shows.
Their latest single, “Loose Change”, sees GOLDMINDS reunite with producer Michael Badger, capturing the raw rock ‘n’ roll energy that has become central to their sound. And with album number two in the works, the band are looking ahead to more new music, studio time and shows.
The Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26, curated by Rolling Stone AU/NZ, has officially been unveiled — and now we’re turning the spotlight to even more artists making serious noise. As part of our Up-And-Coming Australian Artists series, we caught up with GOLDMINDS to find out more.
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Rolling Stone AU/NZ: Where are you from?
GOLDMINDS: Naarm/Melbourne, Australia
Describe your ‘Fresh Sound’ in three words.
Great… Classic… Hits!
Name three of your biggest musical influences.
Iggy and The Stooges forever and always, Blondie and Thin Lizzy.
Tell us about your latest release.
We recorded our latest track “Loose Change” with our friend and producer Michael Badger who captured all the energy and grit we wanted without losing that classic rock ‘n’ roll attitude. The song is about seizing the moment and following your dreams. You don’t need much to start something and when life gives you loose change, spend it well!
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?
Blondie!!!
What’s your dream venue to play?
So hard to pick one… So we picked two! The Forum here in Melbourne and The Supernatural Amphitheatre at Meredith Festival are both high up on the list. We’ve seen so many amazing bands at these venues, it’d be truly iconic to play at them too!
What one thing do you think the Australian music industry needs right now and why?
More investment in grassroots venues and artists. Bands need rooms to be bad in before they’re good, and if those venues keep closing, there’s no chance for this generation of artists or the ones to come. Musicians also need to actually be able to afford to create, tour and take healthy risks without it being a grind.
What’s coming up for you in 2026 and beyond?
More songs, more studio time and more shows. Album number two is very much in motion!!
A Rolling Stone AU/NZ-backed music launchpad, the inaugural Mentos Fresh Sounds Class of ’26 was created to support the next generation of talent. Head to the Mentos Fresh Sounds Hub to learn more about our official Class of ’26.
