Ananda Shake: The Psychedelic Groove of Australian Funk-Rock
Ananda Shake is an Australian funk-rock band known for their high-energy live shows and genre-blending sound. Hailing from Melbourne, the group achieved commercial success with their second album, 'Solar Frequency,' which debuted at number 12 on the ARIA Albums Chart and spawned a certified gold single.
Early career
Formed in 2012, the core trio of vocalist/guitarist Leo Vance, bassist Maya Chen, and drummer Felix "Rex" O'Connor began honing their sound in the vibrant Melbourne pub circuit. Their self-released 2014 EP, 'Cosmic Dust,' caught the attention of independent label Fuzzy Logic Records, which signed the band and reissued the EP the following year.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their debut full-length album, 'Magnetic Echo.' The lead single, "Neon Pulse," became a staple on Australian alternative radio, driving the album to a top 40 chart position and establishing their national presence. This success paved the way for their major-label move to Warner Music Australia ahead of their next project.
Key tracks
Neon Pulse — This breakthrough single defined their early sound with its driving bassline and infectious, chant-along chorus.
Solar Frequency — The title track from their hit album is a seven-minute psychedelic jam showcasing their musical prowess.
Velvet Skyline — Featuring guest vocals from Kiwi artist Jordan Luck, this collaboration expanded their reach across Australasia.
Gravity's Pull — A slower, soul-infused track that demonstrated the band's dynamic range and songwriting depth.
Following the success of 'Solar Frequency,' Ananda Shake embarked on extensive international touring, including notable festival slots at Splendour in the Grass and Bluesfest. Their 2022 album, 'Circuits of the Heart,' saw them experiment with more electronic textures while maintaining their signature funk-rock foundation, debuting at number 8 on the ARIA chart. The band has collaborated with producers like Eric J. Dubowsky and artists including the Melbourne Ska Orchestra.
Fans of the rhythmic drive of The Cat Empire will appreciate Ananda Shake's brass-infused party energy. Their psychedelic rock explorations share common ground with Pond. The funk-rock fusion is also evident in the work of The Budos Band, though with an Australian twist. For listeners drawn to powerful female bassists and groove-centric music, Hiatus Kaiyote offers a similar vibe.
Ananda Shake's music maintains strong rotation on a variety of radio formats, from Australian alternative rock stations to online funk and jam band streams. Their catchy singles are fixtures on modern rock playlists, while their deeper album cuts are featured on independent music radio stations dedicated to psychedelic and progressive rock.
Listeners can discover the dynamic catalog of Ananda Shake through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to the rock and alternative stations available on onairium.com to hear their essential tracks and latest releases.
