Hi Wasted: The Raw Energy of Modern Garage Rock

Hi Wasted is a dynamic garage rock band that emerged from the vibrant underground scene of Melbourne, Australia. The group achieved a significant commercial milestone when their second album, 'Static Echoes,' debuted at number 12 on the ARIA Albums Chart in 2022, cementing their status as a leading force in the genre.

Early career

Formed in 2016, Hi Wasted began as a trio of university friends playing raucous sets in Melbourne's iconic band rooms like The Tote and The Old Bar. Their self-recorded 2018 EP, 'Cheap Thrills,' caught the attention of local indie label Dusty Records, which officially released it later that year, establishing their signature blend of fuzzed-out guitars and melodic, punk-inflected hooks.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2021 with the release of their debut full-length album, 'Neon Haze.' The album's lead single, 'Burnout Generation,' became a staple on Australian community radio and streaming rock playlists, driving the album to sell over 35,000 copies domestically, earning an ARIA Gold certification. This success led to a distribution deal with international rock powerhouse label, Fuzzwave Records.

Key tracks

Burnout Generation — This breakthrough single captured a youth anthem sentiment and secured the band their first national radio airplay.

Static Echoes — The title track from their second album showcased a more refined production while maintaining their chaotic live energy.

Cheap Thrills — The early fan-favorite from their debut EP remains a cornerstone of their explosive live performances.

Radio Silence — This later single demonstrated the band's growth in songwriting, featuring a notable collaboration with producer Oscar Key.

Following the success of 'Static Echoes,' Hi Wasted embarked on extensive national and European tours, including slots at festivals like UNIFY Gathering and The Great Escape. Their music has been featured in several video game soundtracks and television series, broadening their audience beyond the traditional garage rock sphere. The band continues to record new material, promising a grittier, more experimental direction for their anticipated third album.

Fans of Hi Wasted's high-octane garage rock often gravitate towards similar Australian acts. DZ Deathrays share a similar penchant for blistering dual-guitar attack and massive live shows. The Chats embody the same irreverent, punk-spirited Aussie rock ethos. Skegss offer a comparable blend of surf-rock melodies and garage grit. DMAs represent another Melbourne success story, though with a more Britpop-influenced melodic core.

The music of Hi Wasted is a regular feature on the playlists of alternative rock radio stations and dedicated online rock streams. Their hits like Burnout Generation and Static Echoes receive consistent spins on stations focusing on new rock, modern garage, and Australian independent music, ensuring their raw sound reaches eager audiences daily.

Listeners can discover the powerful garage rock of Hi Wasted by tuning into the many radio stations featured on our website. You can hear their chart-topping tracks and deep cuts on a variety of independent music radio stations available right here on onairium.com.