Bag Raiders: Australian Electronic Dance Music Pioneers

Bag Raiders are an Australian electronic music production and DJ duo known for their vibrant synth-pop and house anthems. Formed in Sydney, the pair achieved international fame with their 2010 platinum-certified single "Shooting Stars," a track that became a defining internet phenomenon years after its release.

Early career

Bag Raiders formed in 2006 when childhood friends Chris Stracey and Jack Glass, both already active in Sydney's electronic scene, decided to join forces. Their early sound was a blend of funky electro-house and disco, quickly gaining traction through club-focused 12-inch singles and remixes for other artists. Their growing reputation led to a deal with the esteemed Australian indie dance label Modular Recordings in 2007, home to acts like Cut Copy and The Presets.

Breakthrough

The duo's breakthrough arrived in 2009 with the release of their infectious single "Shooting Stars." Initially a club hit in Australia, the song gained a second, massive wave of global popularity around 2017 as the soundtrack to a surreal viral meme format. This online resurgence propelled the track to multi-platinum sales certifications in several countries and cemented its status as a modern internet-age classic. Their self-titled debut album, "Bag Raiders," followed in 2011, charting in Australia and solidifying their studio prowess.

Key tracks

Shooting Stars — This synth-pop anthem is their signature track, achieving platinum status worldwide and becoming a lasting viral internet sensation.

Way Back Home — A key single from their debut album, it showcases their knack for melodic, vocal-driven dance music with strong chart performance in Australia.

Sunlight — Featuring vocals from regular collaborator Daniela Ital, this track exemplifies their sunny, disco-inflected house sound that dominated their early releases.

Not Over — This 2021 single marked a confident return after a hiatus, demonstrating an evolved yet recognizable sound rooted in energetic house rhythms.

Following their debut album, Bag Raiders focused heavily on global touring and DJ sets, becoming staples of the international festival circuit. They continued releasing singles and EPs, including 2014's "Horizon" and 2021's "Love Me Back," while also producing notable remixes for major artists like Chromeo and Charli XCX. Their music maintains a consistent thread of upbeat, melodic production designed for both home listening and dance floor impact.

Fans of Bag Raiders' brand of upbeat, melodic dance music should also explore other leading Australian electronic acts. Cut Copy shares their fusion of indie sensibilities with pulsating dance rhythms. The Presets offer a darker, more aggressive take on Australian electro-house from the same Modular Recordings stable. Client Liaison embodies a similarly retro-futuristic and distinctly Australian aesthetic in their synth-pop productions. RÜFÜS DU SOL represents the next generation of Australian electronic groups achieving global success with emotive, vocal-led house music.

Bag Raiders' catalog remains a staple on electronic and pop-focused radio stations, particularly across Australia. Their tracks are frequently featured on mainstream FM dance programs, alternative digital radio streams, and dedicated club music stations worldwide, ensuring their anthems continue to reach new audiences.

You can hear the dynamic electronic music of Bag Raiders on various radio stations featured here on onairium.com. Listeners can discover their classic hits and newer releases by tuning into the electronic and dance music stations available on our platform.