https://www.xxzza1.com
27 C
Newcastle

Osprey reaches for the sky

SHARE

The sky’s the limit for Hunter-based band Osprey. 

The group, who formed in Dungog, is spreading its wings into new territory and paving the way for what they hope will be a successful career in the music industry. 

Though they’re all only young, lead singer Jasmin McLean (17), guitarist Nick Fren (18), drummer Peter Raine (18) and bassist Jack McDonald (20) are dedicated to making their dreams become a reality. 

“We started way back in 2016, we all met through high school and back then it was a bit of a different line-up – we had a different bassist, no singer and a different guitarist,” Peter said. 

“So, we just played a few school assemblies and what not and it wasn’t until mid-last year that we started getting gigs.

“I guess you could say we officially formed in 2020.”

In such a short time, the band is proud to have achieved so much.

“We played at the Civic Theatre for Music People Live, we opened for Thirsty Merc at The Station in Newcastle, we’ve opened for Spy v Spy and we were the top Triple J Hottest 100 band for Newcastle,” Jasmin said.

 “Plus, we hit 23,000 streams on our debut single.”

Peter adds knowing that many people have listened to their song “is really cool and encouraging”.

“Our music influences come from a range of different artists such as Royal Blood, Tool, Led Zeppelin and Silverchair,” he said. 

“We like to think that our sound is somewhat nostalgic yet fresh. 

“Creating head-banger guitar riffs with heavy bass and drums while incorporating Jasmine’s lovely voice, we make music that sounds classic or familiar for our audience that is still new and refreshing.”

How the group got its name is all thanks to Harry Potter

“We actually had no idea what to call ourselves,” Nick said.

“We were originally called Colourblind and we were pulling names out of a hat and I just chose it off a quiz website for Harry Potter.

“It was a patronus quiz, which is the animal that symbolises your protection and I got an Osprey and that’s how I got the name and I just chucked it in the hat.

“We went through every name and kept going: ‘this is bad, this is bad’.

“We thought Osprey was the least bad one so we kept it.”

Moving forward, Jack said the band’s short term goal is to release an EP at the end of the year.

“We’re planning to have another single out by August – I don’t think we’ve thought too much about [our future],” he said.

To stay up-to-date with the band, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!