BAKE IS HARD LAUNCHING IN MELBOURNE After getting the vibe together with our Fortnightly Fridays residency we move downstairs to Bandroom at the Bendi. Back with the classic 4 band format, this promises a night of chaotic genre blended fun - an All Star team of established artists for an affordable price. SCOWLS is a Melbourne Based folk rock project influenced by acts like Black Country New Road and Arcade Fire, fusing alt rock riffs with chamber tambres. Releasing their Debut EP “My Dear Canine” in the winter of last year, Scowls expands upon the British post-punk sound with orchestral attitudes. Blending the best of modern Pop, Alternative Rock and R&B, CHAPERONE brings together raw energy and a deep passion for their musicianship. As comfortable on stage as they are in the studio, the six-piece have been devoted to a physical, exhilarating live show since their 2023 debut. Between their relentless touring schedule, playing over two-hundred live gigs in the past three years, the group put out two EPs: 2023’s ‘GIVE IT THE PEOPLE’; and 2024s’ ‘LIKE STRANGERS’, as they discovered their sound together. Their latest singles include, 2025’s ‘NEWLYWEDS’, their debut in self-production, evoking late ‘70s Funk and Disco with notes of modern Dance-Rock à la Parcels, Jungle; and ‘BLIND’ which draws heavily on the burgeoning Aussie Punk and Alt-Rock scenes, inspired by acts like Amyl & The Sniffers. Bouncy indie/alt-rock diva, CALLYSTHA (•kal-ISS-tuh•) blends big guitar riffs and sharp melodies for all the silly geese waddling around Naarm Melbourne and the world. Drawing inspiration from artists like Deerhoof, and Talking Heads the 26-year-old Naarm-based singer/producer has just released a stockpile of goofy indie-rock bangers early 2026 with her debut EP 'u so silly'. This Jakarta-born rising star of Naarm is on the loose — and one to keep an eye on. Indie emo rock sweetheart Elkie Kershaw blends her quirky energy into fun and meaningful hits. Burdened and blessed by her never-ending emo phase, every lyric will tug at your heartstrings as Elkie uses her melancholy yet sincere lyrics to poke fun and criticise the universal experience of the trials and tribulations of existence. Her use of her dry sense of humour combined with grungy guitars and catchy hooks creates a powerful sonic blend that will haunt you forever! Elkie has been busy recently with slots at festivals such as Party in the Paddock and Good Gumnuts, and supports such as The Smith Street Band, Sly Withers, and Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.