By Meikhel Philogene
• 5 minutes read
entertainment, interviews, music, pop culture
With “Paralyzed,” out now, we took some time to hear from Satellite Train. Read below to learn more about Satellite Train, the story behind “Paralyzed,” and what’s to come.
Hi Satellite Train! Let’s start with how did you guys choose the band’s name?
The name comes from one of our upcoming songs called “Planet Earth to Mars,” which touches on space travel and references Elon Musk’s ambition to reach Mars. The term “Satellite Train” appears in the lyrics and connects with the album’s broader space-themed artwork and storytelling. It felt fitting, so it stuck.
What city are you all from, and where are you based now?
The original and core members of Satellite Train are from Melbourne, Australia. So at its heart, it’s an Australian band. That said, several of our collaborators are based in Los Angeles, which has helped shape our international footprint.
How did you all meet, and how did the band form?
Some of us studied music at the Melbourne Conservatorium of Music and crossed paths playing in various jazz, rock, and cabaret bands. The band came together during a casual rehearsal where we decided to try out original pop and rock material. The chemistry was immediate, and the music flowed so naturally that we knew we had something worth building on.
How would you describe your group’s sound?
Our sound is rooted in indie pop and rock, but you’ll hear elements of jazz, blues, R&B, classical, and even hip-hop in some of our newer material. It’s a mix of all the styles that we bring to the table as individual musicians.
Who are some of your main musical influences?
We each have pretty diverse influences, from jazz and classical to blues. But when we come together, the songs tend to lean toward contemporary pop and rock. That blend creates something familiar yet still unique.
What is your dream music collaboration?
Personally, I think it would’ve been incredible to perform with someone like David Bowie. His creativity and artistry were truly one of a kind. That said, working with the musicians in Satellite Train has already been a dream. Being able to create and perform with this group of people is something that I genuinely value.
Many of our band members have already fulfilled their dream collaborations. Gregg, our drummer, plays with Ringo Starr. Chris, one of our bassists, plays with AC/DC. Michael, our singer, has performed with Jimmy Barnes and Icehouse. John McCall, our pianist, has played with The Black Sorrows and Australian Crawl. Jamie, our keyboardist, has worked with artists like John Mayer and My Chemical Romance. And Randy, our guitarist, has performed alongside legends like BB King and Miles Davis. These aren’t lucky breaks—they’re the result of years of dedication and relentless commitment to their craft.
What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?
Our last single, “Wings,” charted well and has remained on the independent charts for nearly a year. It may not be a chart-topping hit, but it’s a meaningful milestone and a sign that the music is resonating with listeners.
What would you say are the greatest lessons you’ve learned?
Most of the musicians in the band have built successful careers in their own right. Many started out on the fringes of the music industry, working hard to try and make a full-time living as a musician. One thing that experience has taught us is that talent alone isn’t enough. What really makes the difference is persistence, patience, and showing up every day ready to do the work.
Now onto “Paralyzed.” What inspired this song?
“Paralyzed” was inspired by real-life experiences, both personal and observed. When I was a kid, I had a couple of neighbors in their twenties who were always kind to me. Tragically, both took their own lives. That left a deep mark. Later in life, I experienced my own struggles with depression and financial hardship. “Paralyzed” is about that silence and isolation. It’s about struggling in silence, being unable to ask for help, and the danger of that invisibility.
What are your favorite lyrics in “Paralyzed” and why?
“Why can’t you hear me? And why can’t you see me?” captures that frustrating feeling of reaching out in silence and not being noticed.
“An angel hears you, reaches for you” introduces a sense of hope. That even in your darkest moments, someone might reach out and help pull you through.
What message do you hope fans take away from “Paralyzed”?
We hope “Paralyzed” speaks to anyone going through a difficult time. If even one listener feels seen, heard, or encouraged to reach out for help, then the song has served its purpose.
What’s next for Satellite Train?
We’ve got two new albums dropping this year. They’re both very different, technically innovative, and musically distinct. We’re also working on a third and fourth. Even though the same musicians are involved, each album has its own unique feel. That variety is something we fully embrace.
Where can fans follow you online?
- Twitter/X
- TikTok
- YouTube