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Future Static radiate cool vibes in their debut EP Want. The Melbourne punk-pop foursome are much more than a 3:1 girl-guy group, however, though gender equality on the scene has been brought to their attention since their formation in 2016.
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“As far as we knew, there weren’t a lot of female-fronted bands in Melbourne which we found out, as we started playing shows early on, that that’s not true at all,” explains vocalist Bri Marsh. “Most of the shows we’ve played have been with groups with females in them, which is really cool.”
For Future Static coming together to play wasn’t so much a question of there needed to be more female-dominated bands, they were already out there. But these guys were unaware of them because their contemporaries weren’t getting the elevation necessary for Future Static to cite them as influences. “That’s how I felt,” says Marsh. “We were blown away by how many female bands there are.
The girls are out there—Lillye, Devilskin, Smoking Martha—and Marsh, with her rich, syrupy voice attacking punk-pop, joins an accolade of female-fronted rock bands who are dominating the scene, whether you knew about them or not. In the spirit of equality, it’s not just female vocalists Marsh has looked to for inspiration. “I look up to a lot of different vocalist,” she says. “I love artists that incorporate different styles in how they sing. I love Brendon Urie [Panic! At The Disco] for that reason–his vocals are insane!
“It’s not necessarily [always] female vocalists. I feel like every time I listen to new music I’m taking in how their vocalist is using their voice to do different stuff. It’s a learning thing, I think.”
It’s cool to see female bands doing well but at the same time, we just want to make music.
[ Bri Marsh ]
Bravo, Future Static! You’re looking toward the technique and style of the musician as opposed to what’s between their legs! This is how you learn. It is interesting however, that Future Static only boast one male member–guitarist Ryan Qualizza is smothered by a very female lineup but ultimately, Future Static aren’t thinking about that–for them, it’s all about making good music together. “Originally we wanted to make music and it just worked out to be this lineup,” says Marash. “It’s cool to see female bands doing well but at the same time, we just want to make music.”
“It’s weird, we know there’s definitely a political side to it but you still have to do it for the right reason and not just because you want to see women do well.”
Armed with their debut EP Want, Future Static are already sure of their mantra, on the cusp of something awesome with a passionate and driven release. “Lyrically speaking, this EP got me through a lot,” says Marsh. “We were writing to make music but I didn’t know what we were writing about. I spent however many years as a teenager [with] relationships falling apart, and I realised while were writing I was just angry, and that probably comes across!
“It became that. I realised I was holding onto a lot I was angry about. Having released it now [Want], it’s cool. I’ve made peace.”
It’s clear that music has played a massive part in Marsh not only establishing but understanding her identity. “For me, music is all I’ve ever wanted to do. I will sit on my couch and listen to music and do nothing else. If I’m bored I’ll play piano or guitar. I am very much music all the way.
“I don’t know what I’d be doing if I didn’t have music. Pretty much everything in my life, even down to who my friends are, comes down to music. It’s weird to think what my life would be without music.”
Purchase Future Static’s debut EP Want here.
