We had a chat with Australian pop rock artist Ravenistic following the release of her nostalgia-filled new EP Cocktail Hour
Channelling aspects of 80s and 90s guitar music and packaging it in a modern and fun way, Ravenistic is an exciting rising artist who is championed for a distinctive appeal that melds nostalgia with hard-hitting and introspective lyrics that cover a wide-range of relatable and engrossing themes.
The artist’s new EP Cocktail Hour is a collection of tracks that continues to showcase the upbeat and vibrant nature of the Australian pop rock artist’s distinctive appeal and the character and uniqueness that she brings to her work. Thoughtful tracks like ‘Sugar Baby’ and ‘Memory Lane’ do a great job of paying homage to her experiences and memories, and with so many stories to tell and such a heart and passion for her work, we had a chat with Ravenistic to find out a bit more about the woman behind the music and dig into the release a bit more.
Who TF is Ravenistic?
Ravenistic is someone who has become something she thought she’d never be – nostalgic. I used to be a self-assured young brat who only looked to the future because I had something to prove. I grew up in the western suburbs of Sydney, Australia and we were looked down upon. Although AC/DC came from a suburb only 10 minutes away, so I guess we all weren’t losers. I’ve grown mellow with age, more embracing of the past – after all, the past is what shapes each of us – and I’m more confident now. I write upbeat pop/rock songs about love, relationships, empowerment, and nostalgia. There’s no shortage of material with these topics.
How long have you been making music?
Since my late teens. I was a singer in the school choir and school band, and after I left school, I missed having a place to perform. My boyfriend at the time played guitar, so we started a band, that’s usually how that story goes. We played covers for a while just to have songs to play at our friend’s parties, but then we knew we had to write original songs. Our first recording was made in 1985. It was called “What Good’s a Kiss” and upon reflection, it is the root of my current music.
Why do you make music?
I’ve always found that music has the ability to communicate to the heart and the head at the same time, like the way score music in a film can play with our emotions. And if you can do that and add lyrics, then it’s like knowing another language. Music allows me to explore and communicate lyrically and musically. I think we all speak through music in ways we might not otherwise do so.
What are your biggest influences?
Female artists are my biggest influences, such as Suzi Quatro, Joan Jett, Deborah Harry, Cyndi Lauper. I grew up with them, and they each had a strong, positive persona that was so important for my development. I saw that they made music their way. The fact that these female artists are still around, and some are still making music, is a huge inspiration to me. I’d honestly thought that I would never get a second chance at a music career, but they have kept the doors open for older artists like myself. I hope to be able to keep those doors open for future generations.
What would you say has been your best moment so far?
A guy from an independent radio station from California heard a few of my songs and liked them so much he pushed his radio station manager to get them played on air and he organised an interview with me. He’s still playing my songs. That’s one of those moments you live for.
How would you describe your sound to somebody unfamiliar with it?
My music is the sound of growing up with music from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s playing on the record player in my living room, or the tape player in my bedroom, or the CD player in my car. I have the luxury of growing up with music from all those decades and I can cherry pick from the best. My music is full of melody and emotion, without being maudlin. I made a promise to myself that I would not write anything that was depressing. I aim to keep all my songs bopping, rocking, and upbeat, and something that listeners can also relate to.
What’s your dream “I’ve made it” moment?
I’d love to hear my songs in a movie. Don’t we all dream of that. But I think that would be my “I’ve made it” moment. I think things would snowball from that.
We love your new EP Cocktail Hour, what more can you tell us about it?
Sure, and thanks for saying that. This EP started out as something to release until I’d finished my second album, to keep the momentum I’d built on that first release from dropping off listener’s radars. When it came to choosing the tracks for this EP, I wanted four songs about relationships – the happy times, frustrating times, sad times, and nostalgic times. The four songs I ended up with reminded me of when I used to catch up with friends over drinks, before life got in the way, and I knew that I had to name this EP Cocktail Hour, to raise a glass to those catch-ups with friends.
What else do you have planned for the near future?
The near future is to record music videos for the Cocktail Hour songs. And I’m also working on my second full album. Some of these songs are reworked versions of previously written tracks, and some are brand new. They all still have my signature style of lush synths, crunchy guitars, and layered vocals. I’m aiming to have this album released in August 2026.
And finally, who is your biggest fan right now?
The guy from the radio station obviously, he still plays my music so in my books he is one of my biggest fans. And I also have a new biggest fan who sends me screen shots of Cocktail Hour on his car stereo system and on his phone playlist. I think it’s lovely to hear directly from fans. Like I say, music is a form of communication and it’s an honour to hear directly from fans.
