Love Migrate
| Company type | Indie pop group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2011 |
| Founder | Eddie Alexander |
| Defunct | 2018 |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
Area served | Australia |
Key people | Eddie Alexander, Casey Hartnett, Eric Moore, Peter Sismanes, Bella Walker, Joey Walker, Montey Hartnett |
| Products | Music albums and EPs |
Love Migrate was an indie pop group originating from Melbourne, Australia, initially performing under the name Goodnight Owl. The ensemble featured members Eddie Alexander, Casey Hartnett, Eric Moore, Peter Sismanes, Bella Walker, and Joey Walker. Prior to the band's eventual breakup, Eric Moore and Bella Walker exited, with Moore's position filled by Montey Hartnett.
History
Established in 2011, Love Migrate revolved around lead vocalist and primary songwriter Eddie Alexander, accompanied by Casey Hartnett and Joey Walker. The band developed from Goodnight Owl, a project Alexander initiated after postponing university in 2008 alongside Eric Moore, Bella and Joey Walker, plus bassist Glen Smith. Goodnight Owl produced one EP in 2009. Alexander clarified that Goodnight Owl was simply rebranded as Love Migrate. Around 2010, as the group transformed, Casey Hartnett took over bass duties from Glen Smith.
Their first full-length record, Plagued Are All My Thoughts, Like White Ants In The Fence, was released on October 12, 2012, supported by the single Making This Hard. Critics praised the album highly; for instance, Beat described it as "a masterpiece"—noting its ambitious scope and exquisite craftsmanship. This album uniquely featured Bella Walker. Tone Deaf spotlighted the band’s "gentle electric guitars and unrefined organic vocals," drawing parallels with Dick Diver. The album contained fan favorites such as “Little Kid” and “Making This Hard,” helping cement their reputation within Melbourne’s indie community and securing a nomination for the Australian Music Prize.
On November 13, 2013, Love Migrate unveiled their second release, the EP Dissolved. Happy Magazine commended its evocative soundscape, while The Music recognized its fusion of "jangly pop elements" with a "softly arranged, soothing folk approach."
Following a break lasting eighteen months, they issued the EP Shimmer Through The Night on May 21, 2015. Beat referred to them as "criminally undervalued," acknowledging their continued artistic development. The Music awarded this release four-and-a-half stars for its "anxious, lovelorn essence." This record marked Eric Moore’s last involvement; he was succeeded on drums by Monty Hartnett.
Their concluding album, Somewhere, Over The Mangroves, was released on October 13, 2017. Unlike earlier albums distributed via Eric Moore's Flightless label, this one came out through Lucas Harwood's Dusky Tracks label. Singles such as In the Morning and Guillotine promoted the record. Without an official statement announcing their disbandment, Love Migrate quietly ceased activity in 2018 following a final performance at Melbourne’s Grace Darling on February 3. The band's last Facebook communication in July 2020 mentioned that proceeds from Somewhere, Over The Mangroves would benefit Seed Mob and hinted at potential future endeavors.
Discography
| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Plagued Are All My Thoughts, Like White Ants In The Fence |
|
| Dissolved |
|
| Shimmer Through The Night |
|
| Somewhere, Over The Mangroves |
|
Legacy
Before and throughout the period of Love Migrate's activity, Joey Walker and Moore were part of King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard. Joey's sister, Bella, who collaborated on Plagued Are All My Thoughts, Like White Ants In The Fence, also made contributions to King Gizzard's album K.G..
Casey and Monteny Hartnett remain active with Sleep Decade, another band signed to Flightless, with Alexander occasionally joining their performances.
The dissolution of Love Migrate occurred as Joey Walker embarked on his solo venture named "Bullant".