Sunshine Coast band Wave Raiders to host launch night for debut single Fun
A Sunshine Coast band, whose members are aged between 12 and 14, have had their presence felt in the Australian music scene and say they’re just getting started.
Sunshine Coast
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A young Sunshine Coast trio - aged from 12 to 14 - are about to debut their band’s single with the support of an Australian rock icon.
Brothers Pete and Tom and their best mate Jayden formed their punk rock band Wave Raiders in 2022, having gone from bedroom jam sessions to performing at renowned venues and festivals.
The Superjesus lead vocalist Sarah McLeod has since thrown her support behind the young musicians after their headline performance at the Airlie Beach Festival of Music caught her attention.
Ms McLeod described the band to have “set the crowd alight”.
“Wave Raiders have spunk to burn,” she said.
“Every time I’ve seen them, people stop in their tracks to watch and listen.”
The veteran musician is now supporting the launch event for their upcoming debut single “Fun” which will be held at Sol Bar on October 13.
The band described the new single as a love letter to “everything that’s made their upbringing a blast.”
Vocalist and lead guitarist Pete said the band was excited for their upcoming launch, particularly after being backed by one of their “all-time idols”.
He described it as surreal and a “dream come true” to have Ms McLeod believe in the band and share their launch night with her.
“We’re so grateful for this opportunity,” he said.
“We’ve worked really hard and to have someone of Sarah’s stature recognise that means the world to us.”
Pete said he and his brother were inspired in the midst of lockdown in 2020, when the pair rugged up atop their parents’ ute and listened to The Chats perform live at Airwaves Drive-In Music Festival.
Their father managed to snag their first gig at a local RSL, quickly coming to the realisation they needed a bass player, hence Jayden, one of Tom’s best mates, joining the band just four weeks before the performance.
Pete said their biggest challenge to overcome has been their age, with promoters rarely having experience in hosting under-18s on their stage.
“We’re not here to be the cute opening act - we’re here to blow the roof off and prove that age doesn’t define the music,” he said.
“Lots of people said we’d never make it this far, but we have and we want to go further.”
Playing with artists twice their age often feels surreal and a little nerve-racking, but other musicians have been supportive and given the trio advice, Pete said.
Wave Raiders have been playing at festivals and venue across Queensland and New South Wales, but can’t wait to start conquering stages nationally.
Pete labelled performing with his bandmates as “the best feeling in the world”.
“We don’t just play music, we love to put in an entertaining show,” he said.
“To share the stage with our idols, such as The Superjesus, is a dream come true.”
The trio have to remain disciplined and dedicated to balance their music career and their studies at school.
Pete noted having “clear musical goals” and sticking to their values have been a great help.
Pete advised any other young, aspiring musicians to never listen to those who say you cannot do it.
“Surround yourself with supportive and positive people and the rest will follow,” he said.
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