One Brisbane band that’s been gaining attention lately is Prize Pony. Visitors to Glitter Records, friends, and others in the underground music scene are mentioning them to me. While they haven’t released many recordings yet, their live shows are leaving an impression.
Thankfully, a few dedicated individuals are currently documenting Brisbane’s rich underground music scene. Two videos of Prize Pony stand out to me. One by local DIY documentarian Pain.Program, which captures an excellent house show performance, and the other by my friend Blend42. These recordings showcase the raw energy of the band and the Brisbane music scene in ways that studio recordings have yet to capture.
The Cycle of Underground Brisbane Bands
A lack of resources and recognition is an ongoing issue in underground Australian music. Especially since most groups are driven by artistic motives rather than commercial ones. This year has been particularly tough for Brisbane’s underground, as economic pressures on local venues and fans continue to grow.
As a result, I am told, house shows have become the go-to space for many acts. There’s something special about seeing a band play in a living room, but these shows can often feel like a closed circuit, limiting how far the appreciation of great underground Brisbane artists can grow.
I’ve seen many bands come and go quickly in this scene. Many Australian underground bands have a tendency to break up too soon. I’m not alone in my conviction. I once interviewed Henry Rollins for an online magazine, and he told me that while he thought many Australian bands were fantastic, he had resigned himself to the fact that many would break up between the time he first heard them and when he got a chance to see them live.
I can relate. Even though I live in the same city as many great acts running a record store keeps me busy. Because of this, bands like Doggie Heaven for example, can form and break up before I get the chance to see them.
It’s frustrating, but it’s part of the deal when you’re involved in underground music. Maybe it’s just the way things are. Still, I believe we can innovate. Embracing new ways of thinking within the underground scene we can help overcome this cycle.