Brisbane/Meanjin's Upsetter go the 'Distance' on raw, vulnerable doomgaze new single

Brisbane/Meanjin’s doomgaze emo rock trio, Upsetter return, sharing their introspective new single, ‘Distance’, which offers a glimpse into the emotional turmoil of life lived touring on the road. This is paired with a second single in ‘QLD Don’t Get Origin’.  

Comprised of established audio engineers Emily Hopley and Jasper Webb, as well as seasoned drummer Amy-Lee, Upsetter have found themselves working within the music community for nearly half their lives, with the project acting as an unapologetic and cathartic outlet for big feelings and honest storytelling. The trio explore life as creative artists juxtaposed against their career as technical artists in the music industry. ‘Distance’ is a vulnerable account of the contrast, craving connection and stable foundations.

‘Distance’ is drenched in Upsetter’s signature doom-laden fuzz, and while the lyrics dwell in melancholy, there's a glimmer of light woven into the sonic tapestry. Dirty, low-tuned riffs hit hard where it counts, but what truly sets this track apart is the interplay between vocalists Jasper and Emily. Jasper’s anguished, raw delivery contrasts strikingly with Emily’s cleaner, pop-leaning tones, creating a dynamic push and pull that elevates the song's emotional weight. The result? Emo-doom-gaze with an unexpected pop twist—brooding yet irresistibly catchy.  

"Distance was written after I’d spent almost 6 months without a break mixing bands on the road," tells Webb. "It’s about the blur of trying to connect with my partner, my friends, my family over the phone, trying to be earnest in my longing to give them more of myself while having nothing left of me to give of my broken body and mind. Distance is about the melancholy of longing for more than a remote exchange of words I could barely speak to those I love, while questioning my time spent playing pretend in a music industry that has always taken more than it returns."

  ‘Distance’ is recorded, produced, mixed and mastered with Chris Lalic (Windwaker), and is paired with a second track, ‘Qld Don't Get Origin’, offering a dark and spiralling counterpart to its sunnier sonic leader.  

Since Upsetter launched mid-last year, the band has quickly grown to become underground emo favourites. Their debut 2023 EP 'DOOMGAZE' boasts hundreds of thousands of digital streams and counting, and has earned them play on multiple triple j, Double J and community radio programs and paved the way for followup single Maleny Drive, which secured multiple Spotify editorial playlisting upon release.

  Upsetter hit the road earlier this year supporting Brisbane metalcore legends Stepson across Australia, which saw them play a hometown Brisbane show and debut in Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra, Newcastle, Wollongong and Sydney. They have also played shows with Reside, Talk Heavy, Melaleuca, Goodbye August and more. Upsetter will launch their new tracks live January 4 when they headline The Bearded Lady, supported by Riley (Cooper of Bad Neighbour’s solo project) and My Daydreams. Tickets available now.  

As an artist and live sound engineer, Webb has spent years in the alternative and heavy music community. Webb has embarked on national and international tours as audio engineer with the likes of Dust, Teenage Joans, Polaris, Windwaker, Sly Withers, Stepson, and more. Bassist Emily Hopley has been an audio engineer since the age of 15, advocating and spotlighting female-identifying audio engineers within the Australian music community, hosting workshops, lectures and producing locally. The recent addition of hard-working live session drummer Amy-Lee rounds out the group, completing the trio. The sonic knowledge and know-how of Webb, Hopley and Amy-Lee make Upsetter a force to be reckoned with.  

‘Distance’ and ‘Qld Don't Get Origin’ are out now, streaming on all digital platforms.

Catch Upsetter launching their new single at The Bearded Lady in Brisbane on January 4.