Introducing CHEEKY LEASH: the energetic Australian band you need to listen to

The Cheeky boys of Wollongong have been hard at work! The band CHEEKY LEASH includes Chris (lead singer, rhythm guitar), Brody (lead guitar), Brad (bass) and Jayden (drums)- have had a massive year already with their latest single ‘Lock My Stare’ elevating Australian indie rock to new heights. With more music on the horizon, Pleaser had the opportunity to chat and ask some questions about goals, influences and upcoming projects. They’ve already had a busy start playing numerous shows, including their headliner at La La La’s in Wollongong, and are now set to join Lazy Ghost for some exciting gigs in Wollongong and Caringbah in August. With the promise of new music, the future looks bright for CHEEKY LEASH, and fans can’t wait to see what these rising stars will bring next.

Photo credit: Elise Abotomey

PLEASER: What brought you guys together to form CHEEKY LEASH? 

JAYDEN: Like most things these days this began through the Internet. I posted in a Facebook page called ‘Musicians of Wollongong’ looking for people to jam with and Chris reached out. It took some time for us to link up as Chris kept ghosting me. Finally we organized to jam in my bedroom. However, in traditional Chris fashion, he forgot his guitar. The friendship developed from there and then we met Brad and Brody along the way and they were brought on and the band developed into what it is now. 

PLEASER: How would you describe your music style, and what artists have influenced you the most? 

JAYDEN: We would describe our music as our Cheeky take on indie rock. We all listen to so much music and draw influences from so many different artists but most recently we have been listening to Daily J, Hockey Dad, Sam Fender, The Rions. 

Photo credit: Elise Abotomey

PLEASER: How has your music evolved since you first started playing together as a band? 

CHRIS: In the early days a lot of what we played was a mix of reggae/ pop/ alt rock and whatever we came up with or were listening to at the time. It took some time to land at a sound and style which felt right. All of our tastes in music are similar but also different in many ways. We love to explore different styles of music and love the direction we are heading in. 

PLEASER: What has been your most memorable or favourite live performance so far?

ALL: Our home town show at La La La's in Wollongong earlier this year was one we will all remember as it was our first ever sold out headline show. 

Photo credit: Elise Abotomey

PLEASER: If you could collaborate with any artist, living or deceased, who would it be and why? 

BRAD: I'm sure we would all agree Billie Eilish would be up there on this list. We all are big fans of Billie and her music. The impact Billie has made on a generation at such a young age is incredible. I know for a fact Billie's voice has brought a couple of us to tears in the past and most recently Chris keeps saying how 'Birds of a Feather' makes him feel emotions he didn't even know he had. 

PLEASER: We’ve seen that you’ve been in the studio, what can we expect from the new music? What has been the songwriting process behind it? 

BRODY: The music we have been working on is a mixture of us having fun and also going deep on the signature cheeky sound. Chris has been busy over the last 12 months writing new music alongside the band and we are proud of what has come of it. We have focused on creating music for big festival moments and dreamy road trips. 

PLEASER: What are some of your goals for the future as a band? 

ALL: Our goal is for CHEEKY to sell out tours and play to packed festivals around the world and have the best time doing it.