The band consists of Harry O’Brien (vocals and guitar), Ben Fryer (lead guitar), Jack Kay (bass and vocals), and Dom Littrich (drums, vocals, and one fourth of the comedy crew Inspired Unemployed).
Pacific Avenue released their debut album ‘Flowers’ in May 2023, which catapulted them into the national spotlight. The record debuted at #1 on the ARIA Australian Album Chart and was named as a Triple J Feature Album, with all five singles breaking into the station’s Top 10 most played. In 2024, it received two ARIA Award nominations for Breakthrough Artist and Best Rock Album. Beyond the charts, the tracks were used by major international broadcasters and brands, including CBS Mornings, BBC, and iconic Australian television series Neighbours.
They had just finished supporting former One Direction star Louis Tomlinson on his first solo Australian tour when Flowers came out, which Jack believes gave the album a huge boost.
“We had access to all these fresh fans, and for them it was pretty special to be the first to hear the songs from the album. They just drew this instant connection with ‘Leaving for London,’ and from there we had a huge amount of excitement following the album. I think we got lucky with that one because we were able to connect with an entirely new fan base,” said Ben.
Shortly after, they supported DMAs on their UK tour, which Jack says was a total pinch me moment for the band.
“That was the first time in a long time I felt nervous before a show. DMAs are kind of chameleons – they’ve convinced the people of the UK that they’re one of them, so they have this cult following and sell out huge shows. Performing in front of that kind of crowd was surreal,” said Ben.
The boys have launched a bid to open for YUNGBLUD when he comes to Australia in January, posting an ‘audition’ cover of one of his songs on social media and asking their followers to tag him so he can see it.
Jack says the band draws inspiration from both modern acts and classic rock legends, with each member bringing their own personal influences to the mix.
“We’re inspired by Oasis, The Beatles and all the classics, but we each bring our own tastes. I’ve been listening to a lot of Silverchair and Powderfinger, Dom loves Crowded House, Jack’s into The Rolling Stones, and Harry has been soaking up heaps of Sam Fender and is one of the biggest Beatles fans I know,” said Ben.
Pacific Avenue’s latest single ‘Working Class Hero’ is a love letter to their hometowns of Kiama and Gerringong and the hardworking people at the centre of them. The song’s verses reflect on the nostalgia of small-town life and close friendships, while the chorus explores the guilt and regret of leaving home to chase a music career. The film clip celebrates the quiet heroism of everyday locals, and features a range of iconic Illawarra landmarks, like the Port Kembla Steelworks and historic Thirroul service station.
The band recently wrapped up a 32-show regional tour, stretching from North Queensland all the way down to Geelong. It included a stop at the UniBar in Wollongong, and Jack says there’s nothing better than playing at home.
“It can get a bit tedious going from hotel to hotel with nothing but a backpack. Getting to be with your family and friends and spend the night in your own bed is so good. I still get a bit nervous when I know family is coming to watch,” said Ben.
The band is stoked to be returning to play at The Great Escape, a three-day camping, music and arts festival in Tasmania over New Year’s Eve. They’ll be sharing the stage with the likes of Spacey Jane, Lime Cordiale, The Presets and fellow Wollongong band, Hockey Dad.
“We were one of the headline acts there a couple of years ago. The festival was a bit smaller back then but it’s one of the coolest set ups. It just feels like a real low-key hidden gem,” said Ben.
Jack says they used to request a funny joke in their green room at festivals, until one time someone misread the brief and left them an inspirational quote instead.
The band has been hard at work on their second album, which will be released early next year. The group have been bouncing between studios in Sydney and Los Angeles and working with producer Doug Boehm. He’s worked with artists like Powderfinger, The Vines and Miley Cyrus.
“Musically, the album stays true to Pacific Avenue’s signature sound, but it feels like the next step in our evolution: more polished, mature, and professional.”
Follow Pacific Avenue at @pacificavenueau or visit their Linktr.ee
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