Youth Rebellion and Musical Evolution
The first time I saw Flaxxies playing live, I was impressed by their musicianship, enthusiasm and stage presence.
After that show, we ended up at a cool party and bonded pretty quickly. I’m at least 10 years older than drummer Neo Lee, Eric Goodger lead guitar, Nick Tait rhythm guitar, Chris Manning bass/trumpet, and lead singer Benji Humphries, but they’re old souls with a great sense of humour, willing to understand the world around them by connecting with humans and showing interest in what they are up to.
Benji has a strong connection with the Coromandel, coming here every summer to work at the iconic Lukes Kitchen. It’s reset time for him, but now that Flaxxies is growing and hitting big stages on epic summer festivals, the reset time is morphing into something else. Coromind had the pleasure of chatting with the band members about their musical and life journey.
Evolution through friendship and shared experiences
It’s clear that the band members’ solid friendship, crafted during their high school years, plays a crucial role in shaping their music. Their shared experiences serve as a foundation for their creative processes, allowing for smooth collaboration and a natural flow of ideas. As Benji puts it, “It’s great to have such a developed understanding of one another, especially when it comes to the more ‘problem-solving’ oriented aspects of the trade.”
Their musical journey reflects their personal growth, with each album marking their evolving sound and thematic maturity. From the raw energy of their early days to the polished compositions of their latest works, Flaxxies continues to push boundaries and explore new horizons.
Capturing the spirit of youth
Transitioning from teenagehood to early adulthood is a challenging phase of life, and Flaxxies’ music captures the emotions and experiences associated with this journey. As they navigate the complexities of growing up, they invite their audience to join them in exploring the highs and lows of youth, creating a sense of camaraderie and understanding: “Truth is, we’re just as lost as anyone reading this right now! The transition phase is really tricky and what once was is always changing. For us, the band is a space where we can talk openly about anything and everything.”
Addressing mental health through music
The band’s commitment to addressing difficult topics is evident in their compositions, particularly in their song ‘Lot 61’, which explores mental health.
The response from fans has been overwhelming, reinforcing their belief in the importance of creating music that resonates on a deeper level. However, Benji is aware that the music has to make them happy first, and the positive response from the crowd should naturally follow:
“As much as the response from our audience means the world to us, we do think that it’s of the utmost importance to make music that we as a group are really proud of. We have established that we thoroughly enjoy taking on these big topics and taking that essence and weaving it into our own stories.”
Collaborating with Tiki Taane
Working with Tiki Taane on the EP Sunstruck was a transformative experience, shaping the direction of the band’s music and providing valuable insights into the industry. “Tiki is one of a kind! Caring, welcoming and just an all-round great bloke. We are beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside an icon like him! He has a surprisingly diverse range of musical taste and has been playing/mixing his whole life. This makes him a special music producer. It was really cool to get these tracks bouncing, and he had all the tools to do so.”
Behind the music: Stories of rebellion and reflection
‘Snapped Up’ and ‘Cast Me Away’ are standout tracks from their EP Sunstruck, each offering a unique perspective on themes of rebellion and self-discovery.
‘Snapped Up’ describes a relatable tale of youthful mischief, where an individual’s daring actions land them in trouble with ‘The Boss’. (…) The raw emotions portrayed in the lyrics serve as a cathartic release for both the band and their listeners, acknowledging the universal battle against conformity and the desire to pursue one’s true passions.
‘Cast Me Away’ explores cold relationships and the toll that feeling so stagnant and small can take on one’s mental health. Navigating through the ebbs and flows of life can be a tricky one to process and at times I’m sure everyone feels isolated and locked out.
Their upcoming song ‘Blister’ holds sentimental value for the band, addressing the challenges of transitioning into adulthood and finding one’s own path in life. Benji shares: “From school, we are pushed into directions that we may not always want. Who knows what they want by the age of 18? Often many of us chase our parents’ dreams to make them proud and fulfil a certain role within the family. But the truth is, you have to set out on your own path and figure out what’s going to make you smile each day.”
Balancing fun and meaning
By weaving together catchy melodies with heartfelt lyrics, they create tunes that resonate with listeners on a personal level while still getting them moving.
“… Sometimes it’s just the spark of a moment, phrase or idea. The best songs are typically written about your own experiences and stories, so finding a way to intertwine these big topics into our own stories is a really beautiful thing and makes it a lot more personable and relatable to a wider audience.”
Creating Positive Connections Through Live Performances
For Flaxxies, live performances are about creating a space where people can come together, express themselves, and find solace in shared experiences.
“Sometimes all we need to get through the week is a chance to enjoy ourselves in a positive environment and share in the joy of life with one another. We hope to make our shows places where people who are going through similar struggles – who often don’t realise it until they see the person next to them singing the same words – can come and express themselves and find solace in a shared love of good ol’ rock ‘n’ roll!”
I asked the boys to leave a message for their fans and Coromind readers. They were pretty straightforward:
Peace and love! DON’T BE A D*CK! (words to live by)
You can listen to Flaxxies on Spotify, Apple Music and Youtube Music.
Benji has visited the ALTBAYS Table Talk podcast twice and his episodes are super popular. Go to the ALTBAYS Youtube channel or Spotify to check them out: Episode #24 and #260
And you can also check what the boys are up to by following them on: Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
Words by Leonardo Magri
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