Real Life: Australian New Wave and Synth-Pop Pioneers
Real Life is an Australian synth-pop and new wave band best known for their international 1983 hit "Send Me An Angel." Formed in Melbourne, the group successfully bridged the post-punk energy of the early 80s with melodic, synthesizer-driven songwriting. Their debut album, "Heartland," achieved gold status in their home country and secured a lasting legacy in the alternative dance scene.
Early career
Real Life was formed in 1979 by vocalist and songwriter David Sterry alongside keyboardist Richard Zatorski. The band's early sound was shaped by the burgeoning electronic music scene and the raw energy of Melbourne's post-punk clubs. They built a local following with dynamic live performances, leading to a recording contract with the independent label Wheatley Records and the 1981 release of their first single, "Fair Go."
Breakthrough
The band's major breakthrough came in 1983 with the release of their debut album, "Heartland," on the Curb/MCA labels. The album's lead single, "Send Me An Angel," became a global phenomenon, charting in numerous countries and peaking at number 26 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The success of "Heartland" and its signature single earned the band a gold record certification in Australia and established them as leading figures in the new wave movement.
Key tracks
Send Me An Angel — This timeless synth-pop anthem defined the band's career, becoming their only major US chart hit and a staple of 80s compilations.
Catch Me I'm Falling — A driving, earlier single that showcased the band's potent blend of rock energy and synthetic textures, gaining strong alternative radio play.
Always — A later single from the "Heartland" era that demonstrated the band's knack for crafting lush, romantic synth-pop ballads.
God Tonight — This track from their 1997 album "Happy" highlighted the group's evolution and enduring ability to produce catchy, guitar-inflected electronic music.
The band continued to record and release music throughout the 80s and beyond, including the albums "Flame" (1985) and "Lifetime" (1990). While never replicating the massive commercial success of "Send Me An Angel," Real Life maintained a dedicated fanbase and continued to tour internationally. Their music has been featured in major films like "The Lost Boys," introducing their sound to new generations of listeners and solidifying their cult status.
Fans of Real Life's melodic synth-pop should also explore other pioneering Australian acts of the era. Icehouse shared a similar trajectory from post-punk to sophisticated, synth-based rock. The Church offers a more psychedelic and guitar-oriented take on Australian new wave. Men At Work achieved parallel global success with catchy, new-wave-inflected pop rock. Pseudo Echo delivered a comparable brand of energetic, synth-driven dance-pop from the same Melbourne scene.
Real Life's music remains in regular rotation on dedicated classic alternative and 80s retro radio stations. Their signature hit is a fixture on playlists across online new wave streams and independent music radio stations that celebrate the electronic sounds of the decade. The band's deeper album cuts also find airplay on specialty shows focusing on synth-pop and post-punk history.
You can hear the iconic music of Real Life on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover their classic hits and deeper cuts broadcasting on our curated selection of classic alternative and new wave internet radio stations.
