Origin & Formation
Born out of a desire for representation on stage, the Sydney-based band The Buoys emerged in 2016 when founder Zoe Catterall picked up a guitar, frustrated by the lack of women in live music—especially in her hometown of Cronulla. What began as a reaction evolved into an all-woman lineup that now includes Zoe (rhythm guitar and lead vocals), Tess Wilkin (drums), Courtney Cunningham (bass), and Hilary Geddes (lead guitar).
DIY Roots & Early Releases
The Buoys’ debut EP, Soft Boy (2017), introduced them as purveyors of punchy fuzz-rock, with standout track “Liar Liar” earning praise for its aggressive, unapologetic energy . Over the following years, they released two more EPs—All This Talking Gets Us Nowhere (2020) and Unsolicited Advice for Your DIY Disaster (2021)—building momentum with grassroots support and DIY ethos .
Breakthrough with “Lie To Me Again”
Everything changed in 2021 when “Lie To Me Again” exploded, racking up over 3 million Spotify streams and securing a spot at #85 on triple j’s Hottest 100. The track’s frank lyrics, commanding riff, and dynamic delivery became a defining anthem for the band—and fans across Australia took notice.
Debut Album: Lustre (2024)
In July 2024, The Buoys released their debut album, Lustre, which was met with critical acclaim. Triple j highlighted it as a Featured Album of the Week, praising its sonic grit, emotional honesty, and bold lyricism. Rolling Stone described Lustre as a band capturing the spirit of 90s guitar-driven alt-rock while injecting their own punk-fueled attitude into modern indie rock storytelling
Live Power & Touring
A formidable live act, The Buoys have electrified audiences across Australia—playing sold-out shows and festival appearances—before embarking on international tours with acts like Arctic Monkeys, IDLES, and DMA’S. Their reputation as a high-octane live band has only solidified in recent years.
Themes, Voice & Identity
At their core, The Buoys blend “gritty rock, punchy punk, and honest lyricism,” often exploring themes such as emotional resilience, feminist identity, queerness, and taking ownership of your narrative. Their music is unapologetically direct—whether it's a witty line about “boundaries like Jonah Hill” or the burner chorus of Check Mate—all contributing to their distinct voice in Australian indie music
In Summary
The Buoys are more than a band—they’re a movement. From Zoe’s original catalyst in Sydney to creating one of the most compelling indie-rock debuts of 2024, they’ve built a platform for storytelling, energy, and representation. Through their music and ethos, they’ve redefined what it means to be a modern, female-fronted alt-rock act with authenticity, impact, and unapologetic spirit.
