At REDDS, our Riders shape the scene — and LAHGO is crashing through it loud and unapologetic.
The Sydney-based duo is carving their space with raw energy, distorted riffs, and a vibe that lands somewhere between post-punk grit and garage-pop attitude. With their latest single BITTER making noise, we caught up with them for a rapid-fire interview ahead of their next stage takeover.
Where does LAHGO begin? How did you two first come together as a band?
Lee: I was working in a rock and roll rehearsal studio and had just formed the band with a guitarist at the time, Aron Patel. We’d been working hard, putting songs together in time for our first big show and Beach Road Hotel. 2 weeks out from the show, we both had the gut feeling the lead singer wasn’t cuttin’ it. So we decided to make a hard decision and make the call to replace her. Aron said “I know a chick who is killing it right now in the neo-soul scene, and she does some rock stuff too, maybe I can give her a call”. A couple of days later, Mel rocked up to rehearsal in a leather jacket and knee high black boots. We fired up in the studio and she knew all the songs back to front. Like that, we were hooked and asked her to be in the band on the same day. Harsh reality, but never looked back.
What’s the LAHGO creative process like — chaotic jam session, tight studio setup, voice notes at 2am?
Lee: Inspiration comes at random times. Sometimes you’ll be driving and an idea comes into your head at the worst possible time. You have to pull over and record it into a voice memo. Sometimes it’s 2am and you’ve got a hook stuck in your head. You never know when the idea that comes at the most random time is going to be your new favourite song.
Your visual identity is super strong — gritty, bold, raw. Who’s behind the visuals and how do you tie that into your music?
Mel: For me visuals are just as important as the music. Music definitely comes first, but the visuals are how we tell the story behind the music and get our message across. That gritty, bold energy has always been there. This new EP just gave us more space to push it further. It’s about identity, heartbreak, and reclaiming your power. So it made sense to lean into that raw, unapologetic side. It’s a bit more messy, chaotic and imperfect but that’s what feels natural to us. We’ve never really followed the rules and we’re not starting now.
What does the Sydney music scene look like from your perspective right now? What’s exciting you?
Lee: There seems to be a growing punk movement and people are slowly moving towards harder/alternative rock, and away from surf rock/surf pop. Don’t get me wrong, I love the latter, but it’s had its time in the sun and I think people are ready for something new.
You’ve just dropped BITTER — what inspired it, and what do you hope people take from it?
Mel: I don’t think one particular event inspired the song. It’s an accumulation of the repressive society we’ve been living in lately. It’s the answer to every “no” I’ve heard. It’s feeling harder and harder to be you and Bitter is a breakaway from that. I hope people hear it and it reminds them to give less of a fuck and get on with it.
What’s been your favourite live gig so far — either playing or attending?
Lee: Seeing Gem perform at The Trocadero. Talk about being unapologetically yourself. Most real show I’ve watched in a while.
Dream venue or festival you’d love to play?
Mel: Glastonbury
What’s on rotation in the van or pre-show backstage?
Lee: Backstage is normally a broom closet or a disabled bathroom. The acoustics are pretty good in the bathroom so we’ll probably do some harmonies.
What’s in your REDDS cup?
Mel: Captain morgan dry n lime
Lee: Gin and tonic
And lastly… if you could headline a fantasy gig with any two artists (alive or dead), who’s on the lineup with you?
Mel: Arctic Monkeys & Hiatus Kaiyote!
