Tickles: The Energetic Force in Modern Pop-Rock
Tickles is a dynamic pop-rock band from Melbourne, Australia, known for their infectious hooks and high-voltage live performances. The group achieved mainstream success with their 2018 debut album, Static Embrace, which charted in the top 20 on the ARIA Albums Chart and spawned several certified gold singles.
Early career
The band formed in 2012 around the core songwriting duo of vocalist Elara Vance and guitarist Milo Chen. Initially performing under a different name at local university bars, they honed a sound blending classic rock energy with contemporary pop production. Their self-released 2015 EP, Neon Heartbeat, caught the attention of independent label Chatter Records, which signed them the following year.
Breakthrough
Tickles' breakthrough arrived in 2018 with the release of their debut album, Static Embrace, on Chatter Records. The lead single, Electric Smile, became a sleeper hit, receiving heavy rotation on Australian alternative radio and eventually earning a gold certification for sales exceeding 35,000 units. This success propelled the album to number 18 on the national chart, establishing the band's commercial foothold.
Key tracks
Electric Smile — This breakthrough single defined their signature sound and earned the band their first gold record.
Paper Crowns — A charting follow-up single that showcased their knack for anthemic, festival-ready choruses.
Velocity — Featured in a major video game soundtrack in 2019, significantly expanding their international audience.
Glimmer — A standout track from their second album noted for its collaborative songwriting with producer Maya Lin.
Static Embrace — The album's title track became a fan favorite and a staple of their energetic live setlists.
Building on their debut's momentum, Tickles released their sophomore album, Bright Echoes, in 2021. While it maintained a strong chart presence, it also saw the band experimenting with synth-rock elements. They have since collaborated with artists like DJ-producer Kairo on the track Fault Lines and embarked on successful national and Asian tours.
Fans of Tickles' brand of catchy, guitar-driven pop-rock often also enjoy the work of The Rubens, who share a similar blend of soulful vocals and rock instrumentation. The anthemic qualities in Tickles' music echo the work of San Cisco, another Australian group adept at crafting indie-pop hooks. Listeners drawn to their energetic live sound might explore Gang Of Youths for their passionate and expansive rock approach. The pop sensibility in their songwriting is also reflected in the music of Angus And Julia Stone, though in a more folk-oriented context.
The music of Tickles maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly across modern rock and alternative rock radio stations. Their hits are frequently featured on online rock radio streams and independent music radio stations that champion guitar-based pop, ensuring their songs reach both dedicated fans and new listeners daily.
You can hear the vibrant pop-rock of Tickles regularly on the radio stations featured here. Explore the stations available on onairium.com to discover their music and listen to their high-energy tracks as part of our curated rock and alternative programming.
