NOMADS: The Pioneers of Desert Rock
NOMADS are an Australian rock band known for their gritty, blues-infused sound and expansive desert rock anthems. Formed in Perth in 2010, the group achieved mainstream success with their 2018 album Dust & Echoes, which debuted at number 3 on the ARIA Albums Chart and was later certified platinum.
Early career
The band's founding members, vocalist/guitarist Jack Sterling and drummer Mia Chen, met while studying in Western Australia. They began writing music together in 2010, drawing inspiration from the vast Australian landscape and classic 70s rock. Their self-released debut EP, Outback Radio, in 2013 caught the attention of independent label Rusted Sun Records, which signed them the following year.
Breakthrough
NOMADS' breakthrough arrived in 2018 with their second studio album, Dust & Echoes, released through Rusted Sun in partnership with major label Universal Music Australia. The lead single, Bones of the Earth, spent 15 weeks on the ARIA Singles Chart, peaking at number 12 and achieving gold certification. The album's success was fueled by extensive national touring and prominent rock radio airplay.
Key tracks
Bones of the Earth — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound with its driving rhythm and atmospheric guitar work.
Kings Canyon Drive — A fan-favorite epic from their debut album that remains a staple of their live set.
Nomad Heart — The title track from their 2021 album showcased a more polished, anthemic direction.
Red Sand — This collaboration with Indigenous Australian musician Warren Williams brought wider critical acclaim.
Horizon Line — Their highest-charting single to date, reaching number 8 on the ARIA chart in 2021.
Following their breakthrough, NOMADS solidified their status with 2021's Nomad Heart, which debuted at number 2. They have since collaborated with artists like New Zealand's The Datsuns and embarked on successful European festival tours. Their music continues to evolve, incorporating elements of psychedelia while maintaining their core desert rock identity.
Fans of NOMADS' driving, atmospheric rock often appreciate the work of similar Australian acts. King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard share a prolific output and genre-blending approach. The Drones offer a similarly raw and intense Australian rock perspective. The blues-rock foundation can be heard in John Butler Trio, while the expansive soundscapes connect to Karnivool.
The music of NOMADS is a regular feature on classic rock FM stations and alternative rock radio stations across Australia and internationally. Their hits and deeper album cuts are frequently spun on online rock radio streams dedicated to modern guitar music, ensuring their desert rock anthems reach a global audience of dedicated listeners.
Listeners can discover the powerful catalog of NOMADS through the radio stations featured on onairium.com. Tune in to hear their defining tracks and latest releases on a curated selection of independent music radio stations and dedicated rock channels available on the platform.
