Colleen Ave

Slipfast captures that strange period of life where you're caught between who you were and who you're becoming. It seems to keep asking the universe what's coming next. Can you take us inside the emotions and experiences that shaped the song?

Yeah, it's saying a lot about where I was when I wrote the song. I felt lost, uncertain and lonely, and I knew something had to change. After having a chat with my mum, she told me, "You always bounce back." That was all the motivation I needed to write a song about someone pivoting in life—the ending of one chapter and the beginning of a new one.

Colleen Ave has developed a sound that blends indie rock, synth-pop, and cinematic storytelling. How has your songwriting evolved from your debut EP to Slipfast, and what aspects of your sound do you feel you've really discovered as a band?

I would say our EP Space For You was an amateur record. We didn't really know what we were doing—we just had songs we wanted to share with our fans and Australia. It wasn't until we released The Way I Feel and YOY the following year that we really discovered our sound. We leaned more into the synth-pop side of things, and now we're coming back to our indie rock roots while bringing everything we developed over the last year into the music.

There's a sense of nostalgia running through your music, but also optimism and forward momentum. Coming from places like Emerald, the Gold Coast and Brisbane, how have your different backgrounds influenced both your songwriting and the identity of Colleen Ave?

The name itself comes from a street in Emerald where the idea for the band first started. It means a lot to us because it's the foundation of where everything began and what keeps us grounded. That connection actually leads into our next song, My Hometown. Moving to Brisbane was about bringing a piece of home into the big city while chasing the dream of making music.

Rather than simply playing shows, you've actively invested in the local scene by launching Hair of the Dog, bringing together emerging artists alongside established acts like Bootleg Rascal and Betty Taylor. What inspired you to take on that challenge, and what do you hope the festival becomes in the years ahead?

We want Hair of the Dog to become a beacon for Brisbane's local music scene. We've been grinding away for years, and there are so many artists just like us trying to live the dream of making music that connects with people. We want to create something that helps those artists while building a stronger community around live music.

Opening for bands such as The Rions, Pacific Avenue, South Summit and Freddy Crabs has put you in front of some huge crowds. Looking back, are there any moments on those tours that changed your confidence, perspective, or ambitions as a live band?

Absolutely. Those shows show you exactly where you want to be and what you're working towards. Every gig comes with unforgettable experiences, getting to play with artists you admire while performing music you love. Opening for Pacific Avenue in Rockhampton—right near where Mitch grew up—was incredibly special and something we'll never forget.

Slipfast feels like a song about embracing uncertainty rather than trying to control it. As Colleen Ave continues to grow, with radio support, awards, festivals and upcoming touring, what do you hope listeners take away from this chapter, and where do you see the band heading over the next few years?

I hope people see us for who we really are—fun, energetic and slightly emotional people who are addicted to writing and releasing music. We want to tell our own story through our songs. As for where we'll be in a few years? Hopefully smashing expectations and leaving our stamp on Australian music.