Australia’s biggest independent label, Golden Robot Records, have had a huge year already. On the back of expanding into the European and US markets, they have just launched a new sub-label called Riot Records and are very excited to announce the labels second signing, Melbourne rock trio, Destrends.
With a distinct new wave vibe that evokes the late 70’s and early 80’s and a touch of gothic hysteria, Destrends have built a reputation as an awesome theatrical live act.
Featuring the solid rhythm section of brothers Matt and Nathan Savage (vocals/bass & drums respectively) and accomplished guitarist Billy Watts (son of the late Robbie ‘Rocket’ Watts, former guitarist of Cosmic Psychos), Destrends have been working non-stop since forming in 2014. Sharing stages with Spiderbait, Hoodoo Gurus, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Mark Lanegan, as well as accompanying Stonefield on a national tour, the band also headlined the New Music Stage at 2017’s St. Kilda Festival and have toured major cities around the country for the Horror Movie Campout Festival.
In 2015, Destrends recorded their first two singles My Friend and Skin with Stu MacKenzie (King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard) and completed their first headline tour around the country. Shortly after the release, My Friend earned a 4.5 out of 5 star review from Richard Kingsmill at Triple J. In 2016, the band recorded their EP titled Lousy Lover with Finn Keane at Headgap Recording Studios. The EP received an incredible 9/10 review in Melbourne’s Beat Magazine and the track Blackout caught the attention of many a radio host, receiving airplay both at home and abroad.
Watching with interest from the sidelines, Golden Robot Records chief, Mark Alexander-Erber saw an opportunity to bring the guys over to his newly created Riot Records label.
Mark comments, “I’ve had my eye on Destrends for a while and love them, but they have a very different kind of vibe compared to what’s happening on Golden Robot. As we expand globally and more specifically into the US and European markets, it’s important to have another brand, another label that we can make a home for all the bands that don’t exactly fit the GRR model, but that we want to work with nonetheless…so we created Riot Records! Riot Records will take care of those bands and have a dedicated team working it while still using the might of Golden Robot’s distribution, PR and Marketing networks across the globe. We are thrilled to launch Riot Records with two amazing acts, Destrends and the very exciting electro-rock act, She Shinjuku.”
“We’re so stoked to be joining the family at Riot Records! It’s refreshing to find a label that’s forward thinking, artist friendly, and involved in all aspects of the music-making process. Full steam ahead!”
– Destrends
Destrends have completed work on their debut album which will be released later in 2018.
