Brisbane's Paper Lane, an indie rock group, introduces their vintage pop-meets-rock sound and candid lyricism with the debut single 'Better In My Head'. Comprising Taleena Peck, Luke Martin, David Rentell, and Harry Schneider, the band offers a relatable glimpse into navigating interactions gone awry. The track combines a playful indie groove with lush guitars, capturing moments when conversations are imagined differently. Taleena Peck's warm vocals lend authenticity, consoling those who've experienced such mishaps. A polished entry into indie rock, the song seamlessly blends feel-good energy, pop, and alt-country nuances, showcasing a distinct sound akin to Spacey Jane and Paramore. As this is their first track, we had to have a chat with the band to find out more.

Can you tell us what this track means to you and what you want people to take away from it?

Being our debut single, we want people to be able to hear what we're about and enjoy the single. 'Better In My Head' is a feel good song and we went into it making light of unintentionally just destroying conversations. Dave calls it an anthem for the unintended. It is a great introduction track to us as a band, because whilst we're serious about music, we don't take ourselves too seriously.

Who are some of your influences and why?

So many! We all have our own individual influences, but as a band we’ve been very much drawn to Spacey Jane and The VANNS, because they’re incredible bands and their songwriting is beautiful. Paramore - obviously. Arctic Monkeys, Gang of Youths, The Killers - they're all just great, solid rock bands. How could we not be influenced and inspired by them?

What's the creative process for you, from writing through to recording?

We don't have a specific process as every song is different, but we try not to over complicate it. Most of the time it goes: music, melody, lyrics. And with recording, for this track at least, we recorded bass and drums in the studio and then recorded everything else at home. Whatever the songs call for, we try to do!

What do you think makes a great song?

Anything that’s timeless, and could sound like it came out an hour ago, or 40 years ago. Something that sticks in your head, or connects with you. There are so many different factors!

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?

Anyone of our influences above we would be thrilled to work with!

When not working on music, what other creative outlet/s do you have?

Drawing, drinking, and DIYing.

Who are some local bands we should check out?

There are so many excellent bands/acts in our part of the world right now, but these are just a few of the ones that we adore: Cardboard Cutouts, It’s Acrylic, Sue Ray, Special Features, and SAIK.

Winter or summer and why?

3/4 of the band chose summer, so... summer. 2 of us are beach babes (Harry and Luke), Dave gave no real reasoning, but he's also a bit of a beach babe, and Taleena did not choose Summer.

What else do you have planned for 2023?

Write and record more music, play our songs live as much as possible. We would love to jump on some more original lineups. Harry is pursuing more session work, and Paper Lane is also a party band - so we're always gigging, which is wonderful. Hopefully we'll have another track out by the end of year as well, we'll just have to see!

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A Quick Chat With Paper Lane