The Dandys Join Splendour In The Grass Lineup And Kill The Power Of Derogatory Remarks In ‘Smile More’

After just getting added to the Splendour In The Grass lineup, The Dandys  –the punk/ alt-rock newcomers hailing from Brisbane/Meanjin– have released their hard-hitting and razor-sharp new single, ‘Smile More’ (Friday, June 2). With a commanding presence and an unapologetic attitude, The Dandys bring their fierce energy to the forefront, tackling the urgent and important subject of sexual assault in a ferocious and empowering manner.

With just three previous single releases, The Dandys have garnered attention nationwide. The band recently embarked on their first national tour, supporting Hope D and Asha Jefferies across major cities, including Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Adelaide, and Brisbane. Additionally, they have graced esteemed festivals like Mountain Goat Valley Crawl and Jungle Love, and supported acts including The Grogans, Peach Fur and The Dreggs, solidifying their reputation as an electrifying live act.

Now, with ‘Smile More’, The Dandys unleash an anthem that demands attention. This fierce and angry track boldly confronts the experiences and aftermath of sexual assault, weaving a narrative that resonates with raw emotion and hard-hitting lyrics. Lead singer Mads Protheroe’s vocals cut through with ferocity, expressing the frustration, discomfort, and resilience that come with surviving such traumatic experiences.

In Protheroe’s own words, “‘Smile More’ is a song that explores the physical and emotional responses to sexual assault, as well as the lasting impact of these experiences. It’s about shedding light on the uncomfortable reality of feeling unsafe and the toxic expectations placed on women and female-presenting individuals. Through this song, we aim to empower everyone to stand up against such behaviour and reclaim their power.”

With its boppy-pop-rock package, ‘Smile More’ ingeniously merges catchy melodies with a profound message, aiming to raise awareness, encourage dialogue, and challenge societal norms. By amplifying the clichéd and derogatory remarks directed at women, The Dandys strip away their power, urging listeners to join in and dismantle the harmful narratives perpetuated by toxic culture.

The band’s previous releases have seen praise from the likes of Hysteria Mag, Music Feeds, Triple J Unearthed, Scenestr, AAA Backstage, MILKY, Livewire AU, idobi Anthem (US), and a heap of community radio stations across Aus.

The Dandys have a heap of shows coming up, including their slot at Splendour In The Grass, which they were recently awarded through the QUBE Effect run by the Brisbane City Council. They can also be caught supporting WAAX for their final shows on June 4, 8 and 9 at the Triffid and Adam Newling at Brisbane’s Brightside on June 3.

‘Smile More’ by The Dandys will be available on all major music platforms starting Friday, June 2. Prepare to be captivated by their fearless and unapologetic approach as they ignite conversations and empower audiences with their commanding music.