Joeys Coop Steps Into the Spotlight with Sawdust Memories and National Tour
For years, Joeys Coop has quietly built a reputation as one of Australia’s best-kept musical secrets. While the band has never chased the limelight, its members boast a collective pedigree that few Australian acts can match. Now, with the release of their third album, Sawdust Memories, and an extensive national tour, the Sydney outfit is finally ready to let the music do the talking.
Released today, Sawdust Memories marks a new chapter for the independent band, featuring legendary Died Pretty guitarist and songwriter Brett Myers, alongside Mark Roxburgh (Decline of the Reptiles), Marc Lynch (Glide) and Lloyd Gyi, whose credits include performances with Perry Keyes and Dave Warner. Individually, each musician has helped shape Australia’s alternative rock landscape over the past four decades. Together, they have crafted a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.
For Australian music fans, Brett Myers needs little introduction. As the guitarist behind Died Pretty’s signature atmospheric sound, Myers helped create some of the country’s most acclaimed alternative rock recordings. His melodic guitar work once provided the perfect backdrop for the late Ron S. Peno’s unmistakable vocals, and that same musical sensitivity shines throughout Joeys Coop’s latest release.
Sharing songwriting duties is Mark Roxburgh, frontman of the influential 1980s Sydney outfit Decline of the Reptiles, a Triple J favourite renowned for blending classic rock influences with the emerging Australian indie sound. The chemistry between Myers and Roxburgh forms the backbone of Joeys Coop, producing songs rich in melody, storytelling and understated musicianship.
Musically, Sawdust Memories comfortably occupies the space between alternative country, roots rock and melodic guitar pop. Echoes of The Velvet Underground, The Rolling Stones, Big Star, Wilco and classic Australian alternative rock flow naturally through the album without ever feeling derivative. Instead, Joeys Coop have created a collection of songs that reward repeated listening, with thoughtful lyrics, warm harmonies and beautifully textured guitar arrangements.
Unlike the band’s earlier releases through Sydney’s iconic Citadel Records, Sawdust Memories has been independently produced and released, giving the group complete creative freedom. The result is arguably Joeys Coop’s strongest work to date, showcasing ten finely crafted tracks that reflect decades of songwriting experience.
The album will officially launch during the Mullum Roots Festival on 11 and 12 July, before Joeys Coop embarks on a national tour spanning New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT. Northern Rivers audiences will have two opportunities to catch the band live, first at the Mullum Roots Festival and later at Blah Bar, Lismore, on 28 November, where they will perform alongside The Sea Monkeys and Love City Radio.
Adding an innovative twist to the album release, the band has also introduced its own Sawdust Memories Wine Selection, with proceeds helping fund the national tour. It’s a fittingly independent approach from a group that has always preferred authenticity over commercial hype.
For fans of Australian alternative music, Joeys Coop represents something increasingly rare—seasoned musicians continuing to create meaningful, original music driven by passion rather than nostalgia. With Sawdust Memories, they have delivered an album that deserves to be heard well beyond their loyal following.
Watch & Listen:
- New single: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq_vS0N6ztM
- Order the album: https://joeyscoop.bandcamp.com
- Tour and Sawdust Memories Wine Collection: https://www.thewinepoint.com.au/shop/fundraisingwines/joeys
The Northern Rivers Times Music News Desk
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