Leisure Coast legends, Zach Stephenson (guitars/vocals) and Billy Fleming (drums), have had an explosive 18 months. Hailing from Wollongong, they’ve come a long way from sneaking into venues to play unattended instruments at 15 to sold-out headline tours, releasing their debut EP“Dreamin” and gracing the stages of CMJ in New York, and SXSW most recently and now their sold out mini tour this month in Australia..
Never ones to slow down, Hockey Dad are thrilled to announce their brand new single, ‘So Tired,’ out now digitally and on a limited edition 7” for Record Store Day on April 16. ‘So Tired’ was premiered overnight on Goodnights on triple j and today via Noisey who described the single as “A bright song that will lift your spirits”.
What’s more, Australia’s best mates have today revealed the details of their much anticipated debut album. ‘Boronia’, named after the street where they both grew up, is 11 tracks of pure unadulterated fun, recorded with Tom Iansek (Big Scary, #1 Dads) and mixed with Wade Keighran (The Scare, Wolf and Cub). ‘Boronia’ is set for release August 12 on Farmer and the Owl via Inertia.
Hockey Dad’s story is simple: best mates first, band second, and their music flows from their surroundings: sunny and jangly guitar driven rock complete with anthemic choruses. Yet please do not mistake their laid back vibes for anything but tight execution and a drive to share their good times with the world.
The past year has seen the duo move from aspiring garage band to Australian indie pop stars. After releasing their debut EP ‘Dreamin’ on local label Farmer and the Owl, Hockey Dad won Triple J’s Unearthed Fall Festival Competition in 2014 gaining them national radio play and sold out shows across Australia. With headlining festival appearances in under their belt, in 2015 they headed stateside for CMJ where they met up with Brooklyn indie Kanine Records (Surfer Blood, Splashh, Beverly) and cemented a deal to release their debut album in the US.
‘Boronia’ comes straight out of the surf and skate culture surrounding them in their native Wollongong. “As a kid growing up, it was inevitable that we’d be picking up boards and hitting the waves, as we’re only a couple minutes’ walk away from the beach. The video for ‘I Need A Woman’ serves as a dedication to our childhood, just hanging around the beach and having sick fun.” But skating and surfing wasn’t enough to fill up their days, Billy grew up on his older brother’s stash of 90’s punk, while Zach grew up with his dad’s collection of Aussie Gold records. “It’s funny because one minute we’ll be throwing bones to Parkway Drive, and next thing we’re sobbing to Aretha Franklin.”
Their debut album ‘Boronia’ is a testament of the good times that the boys have pouring out of them. And now they want to share those good times with the world.
“So Tired” is out now, and on limited edition 7” for Record Store Day on April 16
Hockey Dad – So Tired Mini Tour
Friday April 15 – The Workers Club, Melbourne – Sold Out
Saturday April 16 – Shoreshocked Festival, St Leonards (AA) – Tickets
Sunday April 24 – Groovin’ the Moo Festival, Canberra – Tickets
Friday April 29 – Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney – Sold Out
‘Boronia’ is out August 12 – Pre-order here.
