Sydney outfit BESTIES have been steadily building a reputation as one of the most exciting new names in Australia’s alt-rock/emo revival. Helmed by producer/multi-instrumentalist Nat J. Sherwood (Stand Atlantic, Yours Truly) and fronted by vocalist Max Pasalic (Up Late, After Touch), the lineup is completed by drummer Brenton Rakebrandt and guitarist James Venites. Together, they fuse the nostalgia of 2000s emo with hip-hop grit and modern pop-punk hooks, creating something that feels both familiar and fiercely their own.
But behind the band’s explosive rise — from winning triple j’s #DIYSupergroup competition with their debut two bedroom apartment to their latest EP you made a mess of me — lies a story of persistence, collaboration, and a lifelong love of music.
Max’s Musical Evolution
In our recent chat, frontman Max Pasalic took us back to where it all began. Long before BESTIES, Max’s first spark of inspiration came from an unlikely source — watching old rockabilly performances on VHS tapes. While his early teenage years were more focused on freestyle wrestling than fronting a band, music eventually pulled him in full-time.
From After Touch to his solo project Up Late, Max carved out a space in the Australian heavy and alt scene. Each project became a stepping stone, sharpening his voice and performance chops. The turning point came during COVID, when Max began collaborating more deeply with producer Nat Sherwood. Their sessions not only stretched his creativity but built the foundation for what would become BESTIES.
Finding BESTIES
Max explained that the pair’s working relationship really solidified in 2023 when they entered triple j’s #DIYSupergroup competition, sampling artists like Holly Humberstone to create what became the winning track two bedroom apartment. What began as a fun experiment soon turned into something much bigger.
“Nat really pushed me to be more confident in singing live and trying new things,” Max reflected. “At first we thought about it as two separate projects, but the chemistry was too strong not to run with it together.”
That chemistry led to the early BESTIES EP, which Max revealed was initially rejected by his label before finally being released in September 2023. The EP captured the band’s knack for balancing catchy choruses and pop-punk melodies with more serious lyrical depth — a balance Max credits to Nat’s skill for fleshing out arrangements while leaving space for raw, personal storytelling.
Hits, Tours & Collabs
Since then, BESTIES have grown into a full band, adding Brenton on drums and James on guitar. Their high-energy live shows have become a calling card, particularly during their tour with Between You & Me, where they won over countless new fans.
Singles like Love Bombs — written with Sydney pop singer Ula and featuring Yours Truly — have only expanded their reach. “That one came out of a random session,” Max laughed, “and it just took on a life of its own.”
Other highlights include the tongue-in-cheek anthem Dance My Grave, which Max described as one of his favorite songs to play live, even if keeping up with the rapid-fire lyrics can be a challenge.
Building Momentum & BIGSOUND 2025
With their latest EP you made a mess of me out now, BESTIES are charging into their next chapter. Max confirmed the band recently signed a new record deal and are already working toward a full-length album. But first, all eyes are on BIGSOUND 2025, where BESTIES will showcase their sound to industry professionals, fans, and international scouts.
“BIGSOUND is such a huge opportunity,” Max said. “It’s not just about playing to new people — it’s about networking, building connections, and showing what we’re capable of as a band.”
With sets locked in for Wonderland Upstairs (Sept 3rd) and The Alligator Club (Sept 4th), BESTIES are ready to take their explosive energy to Brisbane — and beyond.
Final Thoughts
From Max’s early rockabilly VHS tapes to wrestling mats, from the DIYSupergroup win to tours and collabs, and now to a brand new record deal and a showcase at BIGSOUND 2025, BESTIES are a testament to persistence and passion. With you made a mess of me proving their songwriting chops and their live reputation growing stronger with every show, this is a band you’ll want to keep a close eye on.
Because if there’s one thing BESTIES have proven, it’s that they’re not just here for a moment — they’re here to make a mess, make connections, and make their mark.
BESTIES LINKS
