Meet Wave Raiders: the Sunshine Coast trio who were barely teenagers when they formed and are now disrupting Australian rock with a sound they proudly call Neo-Surf Rock Psychedelia. Drawing deep from alternative rock, surf culture, and two decades of powerful Aussie guitar music, the band delivers a loud, unpredictable experience that demands attention. They just launched their highly anticipated, 4-track debut EP, Nothing Better.
The EP’s title track is a standout, offering the group’s most laid-back anthem to date. It captures that perfect, sun-drenched moment of hanging out by the sea, fully immersed with your friends. Wave Raiders explained the vibe, saying that ‘Nothing Better’ is all about kicking back on the beach with tunes playing, truly unconcerned with outside opinion. Ultimately, they found a way to create a chiller track that still retains their signature rebellious energy.
From Backyard Jams to Industry Mentors
The origin story of ‘Nothing Better’ is remarkable. Brothers Peter and Thomas De Waard conceived the initial riffs and lyrics in a bedroom when Peter was only 13. However, the song truly crystallized during a trip to Byron Bay for Bluesfest. There, the band jammed acoustically with makeshift percussion, letting the sound of the ocean waves provide the backdrop.
The young musicians then took their demo to Cameron McGlinchey (The Screaming Jets, Rogue Traders). To work intensively under his mentorship, they borrowed their guitar teacher’s backyard studio, even skipping a few school days. McGlinchey quickly recognized the track’s potential, choosing it from a stack of other compositions because its sound stood out. Following this, celebrated producer Steve James (Cold Chisel, The Angels) guided them through pre-production on the Sunshine Coast before they completed the final recording at Red Engine Studios in Brisbane earlier this year.
Wave Raiders initially doubted if the mid-tempo track would fit their high-octane live sets. Yet, when they premiered it, the audience response was immediate and overwhelming. The crowd reaction proved they were onto a winner. The Nothing Better EP features the title track alongside popular early singles ‘Fun’, ‘Don’t Wanna Be Late’, and ‘My Way’. Collectively, these tracks cement the band’s identity and show a fearless commitment to pushing rock boundaries.
The Nothing Better EP is available now for streaming via ONErpm.
Photos Courtesy of Australian Independent Record Labels Association
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