The Seabellies
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2006 in Newcastle, Australia |
| Headquarters | Newcastle , Australia |
| Products | Music albums, singles, extended plays |
Seabellies was an Australian alternative rock ensemble that originated in Newcastle in 2006. The group consisted of Eddie Garven on bass guitar; Kyle Grenell handling guitars, percussion, bass guitar, and keyboards; Trent Grenell as lead vocalist, guitarist, percussionist, and keyboardist; Sean Kelleher on drums, horns, and backing vocals; Antony Martin playing keyboards, guitars, and bass guitar; and Stephanie Setz contributing melodica, metallophone, keyboards, bass guitar, and backing vocals. Their performances were notable for incorporating a wide range of instruments and complex percussive layers.
Wave Your Fingers to Make the Winters
In March 2007, Seabellies independently released a six-track extended play titled Wave Your Fingers to Make the Winters.
Following just three live shows, they won the Garage to V Competition, which earned them a spot on the main stage at the Sydney and Gold Coast legs of the V Festival. They were spotlighted as a Next Crop Artist by Triple J and received the Music Artist of the Year award from 1233 ABC Newcastle.
Digital singles
In 2008, Seabellies secured distribution deals with ABC/Warner and Universal for their digital single releases. Their debut single under this arrangement, "Heart Heart Heart Out," preceded tours supporting international acts such as the Icelandic band múm in March. That October, they took part in the CMJ Music Marathon across New York City venues in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Hollywood—including a set at the Viper Room. QRO Magazine recognized them as Best New Band and highlighted them as an act to watch.
Their follow-up digital single "Prairie," issued in August, showcased influences drawn from Canadian music with a grand yet structured sound. Dom Alessio of Who the Hell praised its layered harmonies but suggested it required time to fully connect with listeners. The third single, "Feel It Leave," was commended by Max Hammer of Indie Rock Cafe for its lush textures featuring airy electronics combined with melodies inspired by Scandinavian styles.
By Limbo Lake
The band recorded their first full-length album, By Limbo Lake, in 2009 at Albert Studios with producer Wayne Connolly. Released on 16 August 2010 through Albert Music with Sony Music handling distribution, the album marked a significant milestone.
Beat Magazine lauded it as a memorable pop record rich in texture that reflected the band's artistic growth. The lyrics were noted for being melody-focused within dreamy sound environments. Michael Smith from TheMusic.com.au observed the album’s careful crafting prior to release and described its sound as subtle, sensual, and celebratory.
By October 2010, By Limbo Lake reached No. 7 on the ARIA Hitseekers Albums Chart. Tracks including "Orange X," "Young Cubs," and "Trans Ending" gained substantial airtime on national broadcaster Triple J. Lead singer Trent Grenell received a nomination for Popular Contemporary at the 2011 APRA Professional Development Awards.
To support the album’s launch, Seabellies toured extensively across Australia before moving to Melbourne in November for a residency at Fitzroy’s Evelyn Hotel. Unfortunately, during their final residency performance night, three members were victims of a violent street assault: Trent Grenell suffered cuts and bruises; keyboardist Steph Setz endured whip-like injuries; and bassist Eddie Garven needed stitches for a head wound.
Fever Belle
In 2012, the Seabellies grew into a quintet to produce their sophomore album, Fever Belle. The record was crafted with the help of Berkfinger (Simon Berckelman from Philadelphia Grand Jury) in Berlin, alongside Tim Whitten in Sydney. Released on 18 October 2013 through Shock Records, this album earned the distinction of Indie Album of the Week from Brag Magazine. To promote the release, the band embarked on an Australian tour in November.
Albums
- By Limbo Lake (16 August 2010)
- Fever Belle (18 October 2013)
Extended plays
- 2007: Wave Your Fingers to Make the Winters
Singles
- 2008: "Heart Heart Heart Out"
- 2008: "Prairie"
- 2008: "Feel It Leave"
- 2009: "Orange X"
- 2010: "Young Cubs"
- 2010: "Trans Ending"
- 2011: "Board the Apartment Up"
- 2012: "Paper Tiger"
- 2013: "It's Alright"
- 2014: "Berlin Horses"
External links
- archived from the original on 22 April 2012.