Melbourne’s own Chasing Lana have been delivering their brand of raw, grungy, emotionally charged hard rock since 2012. Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Dave Cutting, alongside his brother Robbie Cutting on lead guitar, Chris Coote on drums, and Nathan Mesiti on bass, the band has carved a name for themselves with a “no gimmicks, no gloss — just raw honesty” ethos that has set them apart in the Australian scene.
I recently had the chance to sit down with Dave for a wide-ranging chat about their brand-new EP State of Mind, their journey over the last decade, and the emotional pulse that drives Chasing Lana’s music. What followed was an open, powerful conversation that explored not just the band’s history and sound, but also the human struggles and inspirations behind it all.
State of Mind — Heartbreak, Healing, and Hard Truths
Dave shared that the new EP, State of Mind, took about a year and a half to come together, with recording handled by Zak Knight at Earthtight Studios. A deadline was set after the band signed with a European label in France, pushing the project across the finish line.
The result is a collection of songs that hit hard both musically and lyrically. Tracks like “Sick Like Me” dive into toxic bonds and emotional chaos, while “Crash & Burn” channels pure rage. The haunting ballad “Light in the Dark” pushes the band outside their comfort zone, offering a slower, more vulnerable side of Chasing Lana. Dave described the EP’s progression as organic — not a planned concept, but a natural journey through struggle, desire, and resilience.
Building a Rock Identity in Melbourne
We also talked about how Chasing Lana fit into the Melbourne scene. While metal often dominates, Chasing Lana stands proudly in the hard rock lane — blending grungy riffs, dirty tones, and emotionally honest lyrics. Dave spoke about the strong but often overlooked Melbourne rock community, namechecking bands like Karly Jewell and Cicadastone as part of that wave of talent pushing against the grain.
Family, Evolution, and Grunge Roots
Chasing Lana is very much a family affair, with Dave’s brother Robbie on lead guitar. Dave reflected on their supportive family background and how that dynamic has shaped the band’s chemistry. Over the years, their sound has stretched across heavy rock, punk energy, and even more melodic territory.
Dave traced his musical spark back to Kurt Cobain, recalling how the Nirvana frontman’s raw and unpolished approach inspired him to pick up a guitar.
Grunge Legacy, Icons, and the Future
The conversation naturally touched on the influence of 1990s grunge — how Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and that era’s shift from hair metal to rawer rock left a mark that still resonates today. Dave also spoke about his admiration for icons like Freddie Mercury and Prince, not just for their musical brilliance, but for their commanding stage presence and artistry.
Looking to the future, Dave admitted he’d love to collaborate with the likes of Dave Grohl or Shaun Morgan (Seether), artists who share that same balance of heaviness and melody.
On the live front, Chasing Lana has already supported major international acts like Saliva, P.O.D., Atreyu, and Theory of a Deadman — surreal experiences that Dave says taught him valuable lessons about performance and presence. While he couldn’t reveal details just yet, he hinted that more shows and tours are on the horizon in the new year.
Gratitude and Connection
One of the most striking things about talking with Dave is how grounded and grateful he is. Whether it’s reflecting on fan messages about how a song helped them through tough times, or talking about the EP’s release, he comes across as deeply connected to the purpose behind Chasing Lana.
For Dave, it’s always been about honesty — putting his struggles, emotions, and truth into the music. And with State of Mind, he and the band have delivered a release that captures that ethos better than ever.
Outro
Chasing Lana’s State of Mind is out now, showcasing the band’s evolution while staying true to their grungy, heartfelt roots. From raw heavy hitters to vulnerable ballads, it’s a snapshot of where they’ve been and where they’re heading next.
Massive thanks to Dave Cutting for joining me for this conversation, and to all of you for supporting Aussie heavy music. Be sure to spin the new EP, catch them live when they roll through your town, and keep supporting the underground scene.
Listen to State of Mind now on Bandcamp, follow Chasing Lana on Facebook, and check out more at chasinglana.com.
