Broken Waves Pose A Question In New Single ‘Do You Understand?’

Indie-rock/pop band, Broken Waves, are back with their electrifying new single, Do You Understand?. Known for their infectious rhythms and energetic live performances, the five-piece band takes a bold step with their latest track, addressing the toxic masculinity that’s dominating social media, while infusing their signature blend of funk and indie rock. Do You Understand? was born out of the band’s frustration with the rise of misogyny in online spaces and the lack of healthy male role models for the younger generation.

Musically, Do You Understand? is the furthest Broken Waves have ventured into the funk territory, delivering what the band describes as “spicy indie-funk.” The song’s bombastic production, shaped alongside engineer James Brown at Wizard Tone Studios, captures the band’s experimental edge and fearless approach to modern pop music. Drawing inspiration from acts like Foals and The 1975, Broken Waves have crafted a track that balances a serious message with infectious, feel-good vibes. The band tell Hi Fi Way even more about the single.

How exciting was the build up to the release of the single Do You Understand?
The build-up was pretty nerve wracking and exciting at the same time. This song took by far the most time and effort out of everything we’ve released so it’s been amazing to see such a positive reaction so far.

Can you believe how much work goes in to a new single?
It’s a ridiculous amount of work to make even three minutes of good music. So much of our energy goes into polishing every idea to shine as well as taking on production duties ourselves has doubled the workload; still wouldn’t have it any other way.

What’s the story behind the single Do You Understand?
Do You Understand? was inspired by toxic masculinity, specifically the recent attention in the media regarding the rise of misogyny in social media content. It is about not wanting to participate in this phenomena and asking the open ended question of what else?

Sonically, how would you describe Broken Waves?
‘Spicy Indie-Funk’ is the best label we’ve found so far. Our goal is to blend the emotional intimacy and melodic appeal of indie-rock with the grooves and layered guitar of funk.

How did the band meet?
I started jamming with Dec in high school and Will actually started learning guitar to be able to jam with us when we all hung out. We all agreed pretty early on that we had a good musical chemistry and those jam sessions became more serious when Dec’s brother Heath joined in and thus officially embarked on the Broken Waves journey. We are also very lucky to have Daisy with us now on keys and sax, she really brings something to the band that it needed.

What was the energy like in those initial jam sessions?
We knew pretty much straight away that we had a connection when we started playing, it never felt hard to get on the same page and there’s an almost psychic communication that happens whenever we jam an idea.

Who are some of the biggest musical heroes for Broken Waves?
Like most indie musicians Radiohead is one of, if not my favourite band. The main influence for the band though has always been Foals and now more recently the 1975.

How did you come up with the name Broken Waves?
The name came from an old art house film called breaking the waves by Lars Von Trier. I liked the idea of fighting off the ocean and smashing it to pieces

Is the band working towards an EP/album?
We are looking to write an EP over the Christmas break and have actually just finished up at the studio for its lead single, you’ll hear more news on that very soon.

Are there plans to tour around the country?
We have been trying to set up a tour for a while now but it has never felt like/worked out the right time. 2025 we are ready to show the rest of the country what the best live band in Adelaide sounds like 🙂

What’s next for Broken Waves?
Plenty. You’ll see very soon, stay up to date on the socials so you don’t miss out.

Interview By Rob Lyon

Connect with Broken Waves
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