The Getaway Plan
| Company type | Independent |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Founder | Matthew Wright, Clint Ellis |
| Headquarters | Melbourne , Australia |
| Products | Rock music, albums, singles, EPs |
The Getaway Plan is a rock ensemble originating from Australia, established in 2004 by founding members Matthew Wright (lead vocals, piano, rhythm guitar) and Clint Ellis (lead guitar). In 2014, the lineup expanded to include brothers Dan Maio (drums) and Mike Maio (bass). Previous long-standing members featured Dave Anderson (bass) and Aaron Barnett (drums).
Their initial album, Other Voices, Other Rooms (2008), brought them commercial acclaim in Australia, reaching the top position on the AIR Charts and peaking at number 14 on the ARIA Albums Chart. The group released their sophomore album, Requiem, in 2011. In 2013, they independently produced a double A-side single titled "Lovesick/Mirrors". Their third studio effort, Dark Horses, came out in 2015 and debuted at number ten on the ARIA Albums Chart, marking their highest chart achievement nationally.
Origins and Hold Conversation Era (2004–2008)
The Getaway Plan formed as a five-member band by individuals who first connected in 2002 at Sandringham College in Melbourne. Initially performing under the name "Thirtyfivehours" with a pop-punk/rock style, they later regrouped with guitarist Clint Ellis and drummer Aaron Barnett to embrace a more robust sound. Their inaugural live performance took place in November 2003.
Following a demo release in 2004, the band signed with Boomtown Records and launched their debut EP, Hold Conversation, which garnered national youth radio exposure on Triple J, particularly for the track "If The Suspense Doesn't Kill Us, Something Else Will...". In 2006, Benny Chong, who played rhythm guitar and provided backing vocals, left the band.
Breakthrough Success and Other Voices, Other Rooms (2008–2009)
In 2007, The Getaway Plan recorded their debut full-length album Other Voices, Other Rooms in Florida with producer James Paul Wisner, recognized for his work with The Academy Is... and Dashboard Confessional. The recording process spanned over two months and encapsulated three years of intensive touring and songwriting.
After an extensive search to find a producer who matched their artistic direction—opting against local producers—they selected Wisner. The lead single "Streetlight" was released in November 2007 through Boomtown and Shock Records, receiving substantial airplay on Triple J. The band subsequently supported American acts My Chemical Romance and The Used during their Australian tours.
When released in February 2008, Other Voices, Other Rooms entered the ARIA charts at number 14 and topped the Australian Independent charts. Its follow-up single "Where the City Meets the Sea" gained widespread radio rotation on Nova. The group also appeared live on Rove in July 2008. At the annual AIR Awards, "Where the City Meets the Sea" earned the accolade for Best Independent Single/EP.
Break Period (2009–2010)
On 25 February 2009, The Getaway Plan announced through their MySpace blog that they intended to disband later that year. The statement from the band read:
Projects after the breakup
Following their separation, the members embarked on individual ventures. Wright collaborated with singer-songwriter Kitty Hart to create the indie duo Young Heretics; although the pair garnered media interest amid rumors about their relationship, the project has since ended. Ellis and Barnett teamed up with Kevin Orr to form Avalanche for Aeris, which eventually dissolved. Barnett also contributed to Saskia, a group including Anderson, former Anastacia guitarist Jayszun Vandewerff, and Amanda Grafanakis, known for reaching the finals of 2008's Australian Idol. In 2009, guitarist Clint Ellis joined The Amity Affliction but departed in 2011. During this timeframe, Aaron performed live with Melbourne hardcore outfit Deez Nuts.
Reunion and release of Requiem (2010–2013)
On 23 July 2010, The Getaway Plan declared their reunion for a special event titled REVIVAL - This Is Not The End of Your Story, organized in collaboration with the charity To Write Love on Her Arms. This sold-out performance occurred on 24 September 2010 at Billboard The Venue in Melbourne.
Prior to the show, the band's website displayed a countdown culminating on 27 September, unveiling a band photo alongside song titles and BPMs written on a whiteboard. Following this, eight additional countdowns appeared sequentially, each ending with short videos providing fans updates on the band’s progress. Early footage featured Matthew Wright playing guitar and interviews with various members.
On 1 November 2010, The Getaway Plan surprised audiences with an unannounced set at Melbourne’s Another World festival, where they premiered a new track likely named "Move Along," as confirmed by lyric sheets circulated online. Later videos included soundcheck clips and reflections from Matthew Wright, who noted that the hiatus had been advantageous both for the band’s music and their personal relationships.
On 19 November 2010, the band officially confirmed their reformation and announced plans to record a new album in Canada with producer David Bottrill scheduled for April 2011. They also revealed "The Getaway Plan: Reclamation" tour for February 2011 to celebrate their comeback, marking the conclusion of the website’s countdown sequence.
A video released on 14 April 2011 confirmed that the upcoming album would be titled Requiem, with a planned release date in September. Between April and September, seven webisodes were shared featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the recording sessions.
The single "Phantoms" from Requiem was released on 18 August 2011 through their official Facebook page. The full album became available on 4 November 2011 via We Are Unified.
Personnel shifts and label departure (2013–2014)
On 1 July 2013, The Getaway Plan announced bassist David Anderson's departure and ended their longstanding association with label and management company UNFD. They introduced Jase Clarke as their new bassist and issued their first entirely independent double A-side single, Lovesick/Mirrors. In support of this release, they planned their most extensive Australian tour in nearly five years.
The digital release of Lovesick/Mirrors occurred on iTunes on 12 August 2013, accompanied by a limited edition run of hand-numbered 7-inch vinyl available through their online store.
In September 2013, the band embarked on their third European and UK tour, serving as support for US group Sleeping with Sirens.
Drummer Aaron Barnett exited the band on 13 February 2014 and was succeeded by Dan Maio.
Dark Horses (2014–present)
On 1 September 2014, The Getaway Plan revealed their intentions to produce their third full-length album, titled Dark Horses. Choosing to maintain their independence, the band initiated a crowdfunding effort through Pledgemusic.com. Alongside this, they independently recorded a four-song EP called Journaux, made available exclusively to supporters of the campaign.
Dark Horses represents the band's first album entirely composed and recorded on Australian soil, with production led by Sam K from November 2014 through March 2015. Upon its release on 3 July 2015, the album entered the AIR Charts at number one and reached number ten on the ARIA Albums Chart, marking their highest debut position on ARIA and their inaugural top ten placement.
Former tour manager controversy
In March 2010, John Zimmerman, who had served as the band's touring manager until his dismissal in 2009, was arrested and charged with multiple serious offenses including rape and possession of child pornography. By November 2011, Zimmerman had entered a guilty plea and received a sentence of 16 years imprisonment with a minimum parole eligibility after 12 years. The offenses took place between 2006 and 2010 during his tenure managing tours for The Getaway Plan, where he exploited promises of concert tickets or potential fame to manipulate victims.
The group publicly condemned the incident and distanced themselves from Zimmerman. Matthew Wright expressed that they deliberately separated themselves from the matter to concentrate on their musical pursuits and made clear they were not connected to the criminal actions.
Band members
- Current members
- Matthew Wright – lead vocals, piano (2004–2009, 2010–present), rhythm guitar (2006–2009; 2010–present)
- Clint Owen Ellis (Splattering) – lead guitar (2004–2009, 2010–present)
- Dan Maio – drums, percussion (2014–present)
- Mike Maio – bass guitar (2014–present)
- Former members
- Benny Chong – rhythm guitar, vocals (2004–2006)
- Dave Anderson – bass guitar (2004–09, 2010–2013)
- Aaron Barnett – drums, percussion (2004–2009, 2010–2014)
- Jase Clarke – bass guitar (2013–2014)
- Timeline
Studio albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS | AUS Indie | ||
| Other Voices, Other Rooms | 14 | 1 | |
| Requiem |
|
17 | 2 |
| Dark Horses |
|
10 | 1 |
Extended plays
| Title | Release information |
|---|---|
| Hold Conversation |
|
| Lovesick |
|
| Journaux |
|
Compilation albums
| Title | Release information |
|---|---|
| 2004–2009 |
|
Demo albums
| Title | Release information |
|---|---|
| The Getaway Plan |
|
Singles
| Title | Year released | Highest chart position | Associated album |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS | |||
| "Streetlight" | 2007 | — | Other Voices, Other Rooms |
| "Where the City Meets the Sea" | 2008 | 28 | |
| "Shadows" | 94 | ||
| "The Reckoning" | 2011 | — | Requiem |
| "Phantoms" | 2013 | — | |
| "Lovesick" / "Mirrors" | — | — | |
| "Last Words" | 2015 | — | Dark Horses |
AIR Awards
The Australian Independent Record Awards (AIR Awards) celebrate and highlight achievements within Australia's independent music industry each year.
| 2008 | The band themselves | Best Independent Artist category | Template:Nom |
| Other Voices, Other Rooms | Best Independent Hard Rock/Punk Album category | Template:Won | |
| "Where the City Meets the Sea" | Best Independent Single/EP category | Template:Won |
External links
- TheGetawayPlan.com Official website