Miami Horror: Australia's Electro-Pop Architects
Miami Horror is an Australian electronic music project known for its sun-drenched synth-pop and disco-infused indie dance sound. Formed in Melbourne, the group achieved significant commercial success with their debut album, which charted in Australia and spawned several certified gold singles.
Early career
Miami Horror was founded in 2007 by producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Benjamin Plant. Initially a solo studio endeavor, the project quickly expanded into a full live band featuring vocalists and instrumentalists to replicate its lush, layered sound on stage. Their first official release was the 2008 EP Bravado on the EMI-affiliated label Virgin Records, which introduced their signature blend of 70s funk and modern electronic production.
Breakthrough
The breakthrough arrived in 2010 with the release of the debut album Illumination. The album debuted at number 23 on the Australian ARIA Albums Chart and was preceded by the successful single "Sometimes," which reached number 31 on the ARIA Singles Chart. Key tracks from the album, including "I Look to You" featuring Kimbra, received extensive radio play and have been certified gold in Australia, solidifying Miami Horror's place in the local indie-electronic scene.
Key tracks
Sometimes — This breakthrough single defined their early sound and became a staple on Australian alternative radio.
I Look to You — Featuring a then-emerging Kimbra, this gold-certified track showcased their knack for high-profile collaborations.
Real Slow — A fan favorite that encapsulates their dreamy, retro-futuristic production style.
Leila — This track from their second album highlights their evolution towards a sharper, more synth-driven direction.
All It Ever Was — A later single that demonstrates their consistent ability to craft catchy, atmospheric pop hooks.
Following their initial success, Miami Horror released their sophomore album, All Possible Futures, in 2015, further exploring psychedelic pop and collaborating with artists like Cleopold. Their third studio album, The Shapes, arrived in 2020, marking a return to a more guitar-driven, post-punk influenced sound while retaining their melodic core. Throughout their career, the project has remained a dynamic touring act, performing at major festivals like Coachella and Splendour in the Grass.
Fans of Miami Horror's vibrant synth-pop often appreciate the work of similar Australian acts. Empire Of The Sun shares a flair for grandiose, theatrical electronic pop. The Presets offers a darker, more aggressive take on Australian dance-rock. Cut Copy explores a similar intersection of indie rock and danceable electronica. RÜFÜS Du Sol delivers atmospheric house music with a comparable melodic sensibility.
The music of Miami Horror is a regular feature on various online radio streams and independent music radio stations, particularly those specializing in modern synth-pop, alternative dance, and indie electronic genres. Their catalog, from early hits to recent releases, provides the perfect upbeat soundtrack for curated playlists seeking energetic and melodic depth.
Listeners can discover the dynamic discography of Miami Horror, from "Sometimes" to "The Shapes," through the electronic and alternative radio stations available on onairium.com. Tune in to hear how this Australian project continues to shape the sound of contemporary indie dance music.
