We sat down (virtually, c'mon it's 2022) with our aussie mates Ocean Alley and asked them a series of q's to get to know them a lil' better so sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.

Touring with Hockey Dad for a show we think would be a shame to miss. The boys were meant to tour last year but due to covid restrictions had to reschedule making us all the more excited because as we all know, absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Without further ado, Let see what the boys have been up to..

1. Let’s start with the obvious one - how was COVID-19 for you guys? Did you guys enjoy the time off from performing, maybe you took a well deserved breather

COVID was slow for live shows and touring but there were a couple of lucky breaks in the middle where we got out to play a run of shows in regional NSW. That was something special for us and the crowds to get that opportunity in between lockdowns. COVID was mostly hanging out at home relaxing as best we could or in the studio writing new music. It was a good breather that’s for sure, as it gave us time to sort other life stuff out and now we are keen as ever to get back on the road.

2. Okay, taking it right back to the start. How did you guys all meet? Pretty crazy 6 talented guys like yourselves all crossed paths.

We met just hanging around the suburbs where we lived north of Sydney. We surfed, skated and just ran around town together when we were groms, like they do. We had learnt instruments at the different schools we went to and just started playing in the shed out the back of Nic’s family house. It’s a mix of talents and different styles but I guess we share a passion for writing our own music and experimenting together.

3. You guys really cover all bases when it comes to your music genre! I’ve heard indie, reggae, psychedelic, surf-rock and probably a few more. If you truly were to align yourself with one genre, which would it be?

You could say broadly it's rock and roll. Guitar driven with strong vocals and loud drums.

4. In celebration of festivals and concerts being back for good (fingers crossed), tell me about a favourite performance in your careers!

We played Rhythm and Alps one year down south and had a sweet arvo set with the golden hills in the background. It’s a magical setting for a festival. There's nothing like it in Australia. We also climbed up one of the massive hills so far above the festival just in time for the New Year countdown and fireworks... it was crazy!

5. We’ve seen a lot of collaboration in the music industry over the past few years. Who would your dream musician to collaborate with be?

I would love to work on music with Eric Clapton.

6. So TikTok has taken over the world to say the least. What are your thoughts on its impact on music?

It's just another vlog type platform really where people express themselves and show off what they do. It's a bit of fun really, as long as you're not addicted to it. Like a lot of things it’s healthy when consumed as part of a balanced diet.

7. Back in 2020 you were over here playing with Six60, I think that was actually the last stadium show before the lockdown! What was that experience like?

It was crazy seeing the love that your country has for Six60. They are amazing people and performers and it was fun being there for those bunch of shows. It's nice just putting your best foot forward every night and sharing the stage with incredible musicians. You are rewarded with huge crowds having a blast. You can see it in their faces and hear it in their voices. That’s what it’s about.

8. You guys have done a fair few shows in NZ, kinda feels like you’re one of us. Have you developed any relationships with other Kiwi bands?

We have spent a lot of time with T.O.I in the past. Not so much lately but hopefully again soon. All those shows we played with them are so special to us. They mean a lot to us. The lads showed us amazing hospitality in their country and we had them over in Aus to pay it back. They are all truly talented individuals and a truly talented group because of that.

9. So what can we expect for the tour? Obviously you guys have your ‘Lonely Diamond’ album, but you also have so many other crowd favourites and bangers. What's the approach here, because you guys could probably do a two day long show.

We’ve been hanging on to the 'Lonely Diamond' tunes and waiting for our chance to play them live for you lot. There’s gonna be a bit of everything in there, old stuff and even some brand spankers. The production has bumped up a few notches for this tour too, so it should look pretty tidy as well.

10. How does it feel coming back to NZ finally! Being able to do the long awaited tour, I know we’re all fizzing for it.

We have been playing shows in NZ for a while now and it feels weird to have had such a long break but you’re right, I think everyone is chomping at it to get back to some international music and it's gonna happen, it’s all happening now as we speak. It’s a good sign for a struggling industry to see.

11. Sick that you guys are bringing Hockey Dad over! Were they a no brainer choice when sussing your opening act? I remember seeing them at Laneway 2020 and their stage presence was crazy

Yeh no brainer. We love their music, it’s some of the best rock out there right now in Aus. And the lads are lots of fun too, we get along and man they can whip that crowd up into a frenzy like nobody’s business.

12. And finally the question everyone always asks, what are your plans for 2022? Focusing on touring? Or a bitta new music in there as well

We are focusing on touring overseas since it's all opening again and once we have ticked a lot of that off we want to move onto some new stuff. We have had plenty of time off to work on the next project and that’s not too far away now so it's pretty exciting. But mostly touring for us this year... we are super keen for it!