We caught up with the boys from the Sunshine Coast’s hottest alt-pop trio Sailing In Space – brothers Dylan (30) and Jesse Randall (27) and Bailey Walker (25). The lads from Nambour are some of the rising stars in the local underground music scene, with their latest single “Never Getting Better” becoming a favourite crowd-singsong. To celebrate their love for their fans they have just released a new live album, “LIVE At The Presynct”, recorded at the venue’s first birthday bash.

Take a listen while you learn a bit more about the Coast’s favourite emerging alt-pop trio:

Where are you all from? 

All: Nambour! The 4560!

How did the band begin?

Dylan: I started Sailing In Space in 2011 when I was in grade 12. It was a VERY different project at the time. Just me screaming into a Guitar Hero microphone over tracks I made in FL Studio 9 (at school).

How would you describe Sailing In Space music? 

Dylan: SIS is alternative pop with a strong punk ethic. If Fall Out Boy, Paul Simon, Twenty One Pilots and Ke$ha wrote a song together it might sound like that.

Why the name Sailing In Space? Are you fans of outer space?

Dylan: I’ve always been into aliens and the idea of the vast, unknown outer reaches of space. But the name came when I thought about the phrase: “You’ve got your head in the clouds”. It was my way of embracing and pursuing my impossible musical ambitions. “My head isn’t just in the clouds…It’s Sailing In Space.”

What inspires you to make music? 

Dylan: Other music! Mental health struggles, relationships, comedy. The whole nine.

What themes do you explore mainly? 

Dylan: We write about what’s going on for us. Some of the lyrics are extremely personal. But we try to wrap them in fun metaphors and cliches like a lot of the artists we listen to (e.g Fall Out Boy).

Where do you go for inspiration?

Dylan: Everyday life experiences of either my own, or people close to me. I also get inspired by pop culture, obscure movie references, etc.

Your new album was recorded live at The Presynct where you now have a nice loyal fan base. What’s it like playing there?

Dylan: Being Nambour boys, we’ve seen a fair few venues come and go over the years. We had a strong music scene here around 2010/2011. And it was great! It died off though, and venues like the Black Box Theatre have only recently begun putting on local talent again. We kept hearing that a new venue was coming to town and we kept our ears open. When The Presynct finally opened their doors we were so excited. We were determined to be one of the first bands to play there and we really jumped at the opportunity. Rusty and Cherry, Julian, and the bar staff there have been absolutely amazing to us (and our various other projects). It has exceeded all hopes and expectations we had. It very much feels like a second home to us now. LOVE IT.

Where’d the idea come from to release a live record? 

Dylan: Bailey really engineered the whole thing after Julian at The Presynct provided us with a “straight from the desk” recording of our show. Bailey wanted to really showcase the excitement and energy in a SIS live show, whether you’ve been to one before, or are wondering what one is like. We think he nailed it.

The crowd really gets into your shows there (I can attest to that, I’ve been in the thick of it!). What is it like having the crowd sing you your own songs?

Dylan: As mentioned earlier, some of these songs are SO specifically personal to us. I didn’t think that anyone would be able to relate to some of them. But, I guess people go through a lot of the same or similar stuff in life and it has resonated with people. That, and the fact that we try our best to wrap those lyrics in the catchiest melodies possible (thank our lead singer Jesse for that). It has been overwhelming, unexpected and a huge honour for us to hear people singing our songs. 

A few fun ones to finish with…

Favourite place in Nambour to eat:

Dylan: We’ve warmed up to Downtown Burger bar! It’s become a great spot for the bands to go before a Presynct show. The Namba Hotel has also become a great place to eat and drink.

Favourite Sunshine Coast venue:

Dylan: The Presynct 😉

Who’s house would you go to if there was an apocolypse? Why?

Dylan: Surely myself and Jesse’s place. We have the high ground here in Nambour Heights. Great sniping positions for the zombies.

Who smells the nicest? 

Dylan: Gotta be Bailey. The fresh prince.

Fave local band?

Dylan: Anna and Jordan, Ayla, Chamberlane, the list goes on! Can’t choose just one…

Local celebrity crush? 

All: Ian “Dicko” Dickson

If you were an animal what would it be and why?

Dylan: A wedge-tailed eagle.

Jesse: A sun bear.

Bailey: A giraffe.

Most memorable childhood snack?

Dylan: Christmas is coming up…..Honey Jumbles (Corn Flakes and honey).

Bailey: Milo Cereal after school!

Best local spot to peace out? 

Dylan: There’s so many! We love Mudjimba Dog Beach, though.

Best cleaning hack:

Dylan: Baby wipes. I don’t leave home without them.

Jesse: The Scrub Daddy.

Bailey: I second the Scrub Daddy, but the one on the stick…

Sailing In Space are set to hit the ground running in 2025 with more music in the works – check them out here! You can catch them live at Gympie’s New Year’s Eve celebrations with AYLA, so keep an eye out.

Sailing In Space’s new album “Live At The Presynct” is available on all major streaming services: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/sailinginspace/sailing-in-space-live-at-the-presynct.