Sleepmakeswaves

Sleepmakeswaves are an Australian instrumental post-rock band from Sydney, active since 2006. They form around guitarist Otto Wicks-Green, drummer Tim Adderley, bassist and keyboardist Alex Wilson, Jonathan Khor, Tom Binetter, William Smith and Daniel Oreskovic. The band begins in December 2006, when Alex Wilson and Tom Binetter respond to a Myspace post by Jonathan Khor about starting a new post-rock project.

Formation and early releases

Before Sleepmakeswaves continues under that name, Jonathan Khor has already worked with Jeremy Davidson, known as Johnny Wishbone of The Snowdroppers, and Dom Alessio of Triple J’s Home and Hosed. The name Sleepmakeswaves is originally coined by Alessio. Binetter brings in drummer William Smith, and the group records a self-titled demo that is made available free online through Lost Children Net Label.

In 2008, the band releases its debut EP, In Today, Already Walks Tomorrow, which contains six tracks. The EP helps establish an international audience for the band. One track, “one day you will teach me to let go of my fears”, later appears in a Twilight-related fan video on YouTube and briefly exposes the group to a wider audience before the video is removed.

Albums and label history

Sleepmakeswaves release four full-length studio albums. Their recordings are issued through Australian independent label Bird’s Robe Records, which is distributed by MGM in Australia and independently worldwide. In 2013, UK label Monotreme Records licenses the band’s debut album for release across the UK, Europe and North America.

Line-up and live reputation

The band’s line-up changes when founding guitarist Tom Binetter leaves in 2009 to pursue a career in law. He is replaced by Otto Wicks-Green, a long-time fan and friend of the group. The new line-up records on location in Wingello State Forest in rural Australia with producer Dax Liniere of Puzzle Factory Sound Studio. Sleepmakeswaves are known internationally for energetic live performances and for a modern approach to post-rock.

Performances and touring

In Australia, the band supports Pelican on their 2009 Australian tour. Their activity and profile centre on instrumental, post-rock music, with a catalogue that develops from early self-released material through to full-length albums on independent labels.