Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland)-based indie pop group Borderline have been generating significant momentum in Aotearoa/NZ in recent years. Their blend of tight indie arrangements, coupled with natural confidence and charm as stage performers have firmly positioned them on the Aotearoa/NZ radar as ones to watch.
With the release of their new single, ‘Heartbeat’, the four-piece have kicked things up another notch in offering new and longtime fans alike an indication of exciting things to come.
The band, comprising Ben Glanfield (vocals, guitar), Matthew McFadden (guitar), Jackson Boswell (drums, vocals) and Max Harries (bass), have known each other since childhood. Together, they have grown a natural chemistry as friends and now, musicians. As a band, Borderline’s debut EP Perfect Movie Scene introduced a band with a clear vision, and music to match their bright and vibrant energy.
‘Heartbeat’ continues to fuel this connection and journey. Recorded at the iconic Roundhead Studios with producer Joel Jones (Will Swinton, alayna), Borderline also worked with the talented Nic Manders (Georgia Lines, Six60) and Vivek Gabriel (The Paper Kites, Mice on Stilts) on mixing and mastering.
Of the song, Borderline explains that ‘Heartbeat’ is the start of a new era for the band.
“We’re starting to focus more on what the song makes you feel and that was really exciting to explore in the studio. We put real emotion into the songwriting and sound choices, and it really captures the essence of not only who we are as a band, but as people too. That’s something others will be able to resonate with.”
BORDERLINE
Accompanying the release of ‘Heartbeat’, Borderline have shared the single’s music video, directed by collaborator Tom Grut (Jujulipps, Foley). Rich in colour and warmth, the video captures the essence of the band with ease.
The nostalgic energy matches some of the messaging of the song itself with the band commenting, “Lyrically, ‘Heartbeat’ was inspired by the portrayal of high school proms/balls in nostalgic movies and series. We tried our best to capture the high energy and good feelings you get from those moments on screen.” BORDERLINE
As a live band, Borderline have been racking up impressive support slots in Aotearoa, performing alongside artists including Drax Project, ZED and Teenage Dads. To support the release of ‘Heartbeat’, the band will be bringing their fun live show to Australia performing three shows in New South Wales this October, including a single launch party alongside friends FOLEY and YAHYAH.
BORDERLINE LIVE SHOWS
‘Heartbeat’ Release Party
Friday October 25th The Loft on Broadway SYDNEY
w/ special guests FOLEY & YAHYAH TICKETS
Saturday 26 October Shark Bar MANLY RSVP
Sunday 27 October The North Gong WOLLONGONG RSVP
Friday 1 November, U18 Warehouse Party, Auckland TICKETS
PRAISE
“...catchy tunes, with pop-oriented tracks occasionally taking a rockier or funkier turn, as clear influences The 1975 are prone to doing. Think bright guitars and synth lines, swirling chorus hooks…”
ROLLING STONE AU/NZ
“Their genre bending melodies are not only unique but incredibly catchy…”
RED RAVEN NEWS (NZ)
“..they have managed to bring together elements of the classic Dunedin sound with 80’s UK indie bands such as Pulp and Suede to create something which has some nice guitars yet also contains plenty of pop melodies.”
MUZIC.NET.NZ (NZ)
‘HEARTBEAT’ is out Friday 25 October.