Satellite Train returns with The Melbourne Sessions Multiverse Experience , a bold project that transforms every streaming platform into a gateway to a parallel universe. Blending energetic pop-rock with sonic experimentation, the Australian band invites us to experience music as a sensory and cinematic experience. In this interview, the members of Satellite Train discuss the origins of this unique concept, how different studios—from Melbourne to Hollywood—shaped the album’s sound, and how their spontaneous and organic approach to recording maintains an almost live energy. They also share their artistic vision, the role of the legendary James Dean in their work, and what the future holds for their upcoming multiverse and tribal explorations. Between technological audacity and creative freedom, Satellite Train is redefining the boundaries of musical independence.
1 – The Melbourne Sessions multiverse experience is a truly unique concept. Where did the idea come from to create multiple versions of the same album, as if each platform opened a door to a parallel universe?
Our albums generally have an experimental dimension. The idea came to us from the multiverse concepts present in popular culture. Films like Spider-Man: No Way Home made us think about how this could be translated into music. At first, it seemed impossible. In fact, we didn’t realize it was possible until we’d finished the album and released it. It was a real gamble, and to our great surprise, it worked.
2 – When you imagined these different listening experiences on Apple Music, Spotify and other platforms, what types of emotions or sensations did you want to evoke in listeners?
Honestly, for the first Multiverse Experience release, it was mainly about proving that the concept
could even work technically. The challenge was immense. We brought in two teams of sound engineers.
The first Australian team, talented as they were, worked from fixed models
and couldn’t bring the project to fruition. We finally collaborated with Robert Adam Stevenson, a musician and sound engineer from Los Angeles, who had the open-mindedness to take the necessary risks. Now that we
know how to achieve this, we can focus more on the creative aspect of the
various parallel bands of Multiverse Satellite Train for our future attempts.
3 – “James Dean” is a powerful song, especially since it was created with his family’s blessing. What does this figure represent for you, beyond the myth?
James Dean captivated film lovers because he embodied both strength and vulnerability. Like all of us, he possessed admirable qualities and others less so. The question concerns not only him, but also the pursuit of dreams and whether the price to pay is worth it. Does it matter that he died so young if the world remembers him forever? Are you willing to pay the price to be loved and adored, or for everything you seek in life?
4 – You recorded between Melbourne, Sydney and the Hollywood Hills. Did these very different environments influence the energy or sonic direction of the project?
Absolutely. The studio in the Hollywood Hills had a surreal quality, like stepping onto a film set. It had a captivating, dreamlike atmosphere, perfectly in tune with the parallel universes we were creating. During the general recording sessions in Melbourne and Sydney, we were surrounded by friends: sound engineers and musicians we’d known for years. These sessions felt like reunions and moments of creative improvisation. The intercultural mix of recording environments and the musical influences of each region undeniably shaped the final sound.
5 – The group brings together musicians with incredible backgrounds, such as Icehouse, AC/DC and Paul Kelly. How do you find the balance between all these musical influences?
Satellite Train is a creative outlet and a playground for all its members. You can really hear each member’s contribution from their other projects. Whether a musician has just finished a tour with Icehouse, AC/DC, or My Chemical Romance, for example, these experiences find their way into the sessions. This leads to lively discussions and a constantly renewed energy. This diversity prevents us from sounding the same twice, especially between albums.
6 – You often keep the first or second takes during recordings, appreciating the imperfections. What does this spontaneity bring to the music of Satellite Train?
Since all the band members are very experienced, if we record too much, the music would lose its authenticity and sound mechanical. The first takes capture a human dimension. We were in the studio recently with John McAll, and after a few takes, he wanted to tweak it even more. I told him, “No, that’s good,” and we carried on, even though he wanted another take. This authenticity gives the music an almost live sound.
7 – Your songs “Wings” and “Superstar” did very well in the independent charts. Do you feel that the public is becoming increasingly connected to your world?
We do very little promotion, so seeing our songs chart in independent charts is a pleasant surprise. Without a substantial promotional budget, you can’t go very far. Even the most spontaneous hits are often supported by significant promotional efforts. For us, appearing in the charts is therefore a small but significant sign that listeners appreciate us. We’re still growing, but each release gives us a little more momentum.
8 – The Multiverse experience gives the impression of a sensory, almost cinematic journey. Do you consider Satellite Train more as a rock band or as an artistic exploration project?
It’s a bit of both. On one hand, we’re simply a pop-rock band that improvises. On the other, we’re conducting a constantly evolving artistic experiment. Our work has recently been described as cinematic, and we take that as a compliment. We want to show that independent artists can innovate and achieve things that even big-budget productions don’t dare attempt. Music tends to remain confined to stylistic categories for decades, while other art forms evolve more rapidly. We would like to inspire more independent musicians to push the boundaries.
9 – Michael Paynter was recently recognized for his role in Jesus Christ Superstar. Did this theatrical experience influence his vocal performance or even the overall dynamics of the group?
Michael Paynter is a somewhat enigmatic figure, one of Australia’s most gifted singers and musicians. His dedication and work ethic are second to none. His role in Jesus Christ Superstar revealed another facet of his talent, and we believe he is only now beginning to reach his full potential. In time, he is likely to be considered one of the leading figures in Australian music.
10 – Now that The Melbourne Sessions Multiverse Experience has been released, what dimension do you plan to show us next?
Our next album takes listeners into what we call “The Tribal Experience.” It was another
experience. We filled the studio with a multitude of tribal percussion. Some of it was so low in
frequency that we could barely hear it live, and yet, it sounded incredibly good in the final mix. After that, we’ll return to another Multiverse Experience album, but this time with a deeper understanding of how to shape the emotional atmosphere between musical universes. The first album proved it was possible; the next ones will explore how far we can go.