When it rains, it pours. Within the space of a fortnight, not one but three Aussie bands have experienced major lineup shakeups.
A rising indie quartet from Sydney shrinks to a trio, a Melbourne rock group has lost their drummer, and lastly, an electronic duo have decided to call it a day.
Glass Towers Bassist Departs
The first bit of sad news comes from emerging New South Wales buzz-band Glass Towers, with Triple J reporting that bassist Cameron Holdstock has left the indie rock band after more than three years with the group.
Arriving shortly after the good news of Glass Towers launching a new international label partnership, a statement confirms the band’s upcoming plans were the catalyst for Holdstock’s amicable departure.
“In March, Glass Towers will embark on their first US and Canadian tour (including SXSW) and have this week announced their debut album Halcyon Days will be released in North America on the super-bad Dine Alone label (City & Colour, Lumineers),” reads the statement from the band, who are set to wrap up their Australian tour this month.
“Such a leap forward requires more than a fair deal of commitment for any artist – sleeping in a tour van for months on end and living on 2-minute noodles is not everyone’s idea of a good time,” it continues.
“So it is with the utmost of respect and a tinge of sadness that we can confirm our bass player Cameron Holdstock has decided to remain in Australia to pursue a different path. We wish him only the best for the future. As they say, things change (and I am sure they will in the future) but the show must go on – and so too, we have to get back to rehearsals. See you soon America!”
The Getaway Plan Drummer Quits
The Getaway Plan have also lost a member, with the announcement that long-term member Aaron Barnett would no longer be manning the drum kit, walking permanently from the rock band after missing out on their recent summer tour.
“As some of you may have noticed, we have been touring with a new drummer this past month…” begins a statement issued on The Getaway Plan’s Facebook page, as TheMusic picked up on.
“At the beginning of the year TGP made the decision to part ways with Aaron. This was an extremely difficult decision to make especially after Aaron being a part of the family for so long, but at the end of the day the band needed to do what was right to continue functioning the way we need to and felt we were left with no other option. We all love Aaron dearly and wish him all the best in all future endeavours,” it continues. “While losing a member is always a blow to a band, the heart and soul of The Getaway Plan remains unscathed…”
Replacing Barnett on the drum stool is the band’s “great friend” Dan Maio, who has “already brought so much positive energy and life to the band,” note the band. “We’re stoked to continue working and writing together and look forward to sharing the results with you all when that time comes.”
It’s the second member to split from the group in less than 12 months. Last July, bassist Dave Anderson announced he’d be leaving his decade-long post with the band – replaced by Jase Clarke.
Speaking of Barnett’s departure, the Facebook statement reads: “While losing a member is always a blow to a band, the heart and soul of The Getaway Plan remains unscathed and we are more than ready for whatever the future brings. We are currently writing some of the most exciting and progressive material we ever have and cannot wait to begin the process that will become LP#3.”
Parachute Youth Break Up
Aussie dance music duo Parachute Youth have announced their permanent retirement, as Triple J confirms.
The pair – Johnny Castro and Matthew K Von – are best known for their breakout 2012 track ‘Can’t Get Better Than This‘, which landed at #33 on the 2012 Triple J Hottest 100 and charted in Belgium, peaking at #6 on the Luxembourg Billboard Charts and at #2 on the Belgium Ultratop 50. Last year they release a new single, ‘Runaway‘, but abruptly announced their split on their Facebook page earlier this month.
“John and I are no longer pursuing Parachute Youth and no further shows will be performed as Parachute Youth,” reads the post. “It’s been a lot of fun and thanks to all that supported us these past few years.”
