SPOTLIGHT: RADIO FREE ALICE Discusses “Empty Words” and New Music during SXSW 2025
INTERVIEW
INTERVIEW
☆ BY SHERIDAN AGUILAR ☆
RADIO FREE ALICE TAKES THEIR NEW SINGLE TO SXSW— Australian post-punk band Radio Free Alice consisting of Noah Learmonth on lead vocals, Jules Paradiso on guitar, Michael Phillips on bass and saxophone, and Lochie Dowd on drums have unveiled their latest single, "Empty Words," marking a compelling addition to their discography. Released in early March 2025, this track showcases the band's distinctive blend of jagged guitar riffs and urgent rhythms, reflecting their evolution within the indie rock scene.
"Empty Words" originated from a spontaneous jam session during the band's downtime between shows in London last year. Lyrically, the song delves into themes of social stagnation and the pervasive sense of inertia felt by many in their generation. The track captures the frustration associated with hollow activism, with Noah Learmonth's throaty, operatic vocals cutting through dissonant guitar riffs (Beyond the Watch).
The release of "Empty Words" coincides with Radio Free Alice's debut U.S. performances at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.
The Luna Collective caught up with Radio Free Alice during SXSW to hear about the reception around their latest single, their time in Austin, and their upcoming recording process for new music.
Radio Free Alice wrapped up their SXSW 2025 run with a mix of exhaustion and excitement. Reflecting on their time in Austin, Learmonth noted, "We've had like six, seven shows already. It's been pretty hectic, but everyone's been lovely."
The band has been debuting new music during their performances, describing their latest songs as "slower in tempo, more Pixies-influenced." They revealed that their writing process is evolving, with the new tracks coming together "quite fully formed... a little bit of adjusting, tweaking parts, but pretty solidified in structure." They also announced future plans to record their upcoming album. Noting this step feels like they’re “getting one step closer to their dreams.”
Discussing the difference between the Australian and American music scenes, Learmonth remarked, "There's a chaoticness to America that Australia doesn't have...it just feels like rules here are looser." They also praised Melbourne’s local music scene, saying, "If they were here, they'd be the best bands of the week."
For Radio Free Alice, touring has been as much about strengthening friendships as it has been about playing music. Reflecting on their time at SXSW 2025, the band joked about how their relationships have evolved on the road. "We're all still friends—probably too close," Paradiso laughed, acknowledging the intense experience of constant travel and back-to-back performances.
Despite the challenges, the bond between them has only grown stronger. Playing show after show, navigating chaotic festival schedules, and witnessing the unpredictability of the American music scene together has deepened their connection. "It definitely bonds you," they shared, adding that being around each other all the time has made them feel like family.
As for their ultimate goal, the band simply aspires to make "really good f**ing music," and their growth suggests they're well on their way.
