Hanlon Brothers

Music has always been a family affair for Hanlon Brothers, spanning multiple generations and continents. Masterfully fusing original hip-hop, RnB, soul and electronic elements to create a signature sound, none have managed to capture the bliss of coastal life like these three.

A musical melting pot of creative chemistry, fine-tuned talent and influences, from Anderson Paak and Mac Miller to Col3trane and GoldLink, Hanlon Brothers are Ruka (MC), Saia (Drums) and Omar Hanlon (Bass and Vocals). Orphaned at a young age, these Australian-born sons of Māori immigrants found comfort, a sense of place and expression through their music. Upcoming EP ‘SOLAR’ is an extension of their sonic world, honouring their colorful life in past, present and future.

But first, the past. Born and bred in the 4220, these naturally gifted brothers burst onto the Gold Coast scene to a flood of local success. Earlier releases earned Hanlon Brothers quick acclaim with a swathe of Queensland Music Award (QMA) nominations including Song of the Year and Gold Coast Music Awards (GCMAs) including Emerging Artists of the Year. In their various early iterations the band went on to support acts as diverse as Amy Shark, The Cat Empire and The Veronicas as well as headlining for a 3,000 strong crowd on Burleigh Hill in 2018. Renowned for their incredible energy and chemistry on stage Hanlon Brothers have also performed at Byron Bay Bluesfest and Woodford Folk Festival.

Entering a new era and expanding their sonic sphere, Hanlon Brothers feel they have finally found their true sound and will release much-anticipated EP titled SOLAR in 2019. The recording of SOLAR was an intensive 12 month process of experimenting with new cadences and refining their songwriting skills. Sampling real-life sounds from their hometown throughout the record, tracks include recordings of waves crashing on the beach, chattering of people on the sand and the rhythm of traffic passing through Burleigh’s main intersection. It all came together in the band’s purpose-built studio where the brothers wrote, composed and cooked up an exciting new soundscape that gives off an international vibe while remaining uniquely Australian.

First single and EP title track ‘SOLAR’ is a warm sunrise of chill-hop elements, sensual bass lines and nostalgic samples. Capturing early morning surfs and Burleigh beach life, it’s a smooth introduction to Hanlon Brothers’ new hip-hop infused sound and a celebration of the land, the colours, the beach, the people.

With a focus on strengthening their new sound, the Hanlon Brothers already have a killer combination of raw talent, versatility and flawless technique, and the potential for the future is limitless.