Chloe Gudgin
I’m a journalism graduate and I run my own music blog. I have interviewed tons of different musicians and bands! I love what CLUNK offers and cannot wait to experience more of music journalism!
Ahead of the release of new album ‘If You Go There, I Hope You Find It,’ we chat with Melbourne band The Paper Kites
Formed in Melbourne over a decade ago, The Paper Kites have quietly become one of Australia’s most enduring and emotionally resonant bands. From handmade EPs to platinum-certified songs and a new album on the horizon, the band reflects on where they began and where they’re headed next.
You formed The Paper Kites back in Melbourne over a decade ago. Can you take us back to those early days and what inspired all of you to start making music together?
Sam Bentley: I think we started off very simple musically, but also very safe. As we’ve grown over the years, we’ve ended up in a place where everyone’s much bolder with the sounds we’re able to make. Back then, we weren’t really sure how to navigate the music scene at all.
All we really had was the fact that we’d been in other bands before, bands we loved playing in, but none of them had really seen any success. For some of us, myself mainly, there was this pull toward a different direction and a deep love for folk music.
So, it started with this idea of writing songs that felt truer to the music we were passionate about and listening to at the time. That first EP and record were built on very, very simple songs and that honesty became the foundation for everything that followed.
‘Bloom‘ has become one of your most iconic songs and achieved platinum status. What do you remember about writing and releasing that track?
‘Bloom‘ has always been a slow burn for us. It never felt like a breakthrough single or a traditional ‘hit’ — it just slowly grew and spread over time, and years later became what it is now. We wrote it so long ago that it feels like we were different people back then, which makes it really special that it still resonates with people today.
Around that time, we were making handmade EPs at Sam’s house. We had a stamp specially made that Sam designed, and we stamped about 100 CD sleeves we’d ordered off eBay. There was something really special about how music found its way to people back then — it felt organic and communal in a way that’s hard to replicate now.
Your new album ‘If You Go There, I Hope You Find It‘ is out on 23rd January. Can you share what themes and sounds you’re exploring this time?
Christina Lacy: Most of us in the band are really drawn to nature. On days off while touring, we’ll usually find a hike, somewhere to swim, or go for a bike ride. This album leans into the landscape where the songs were created, especially the farm environment, which became a huge source of visual and emotional inspiration.
We’re trying to bring listeners into the feeling of the songs by showing them the places and views that inspire us.
Sam Rasmussen: We’re all at a point in life where many of our friends and family are facing some of life’s biggest challenges. We’ve lost loved ones, seen important relationships fall apart, and experienced a lot of hardship along the way. This album speaks to navigating those moments — and ultimately, wishing hope for the journey ahead.
Do you feel that making this record taught you something new about your music or yourselves?
Sam Bentley: With our previous albums, we hadn’t really made music with just the five of us for quite some time. There was a small worry about whether we could still do that. We’d become reliant on the incredible musicianship of our friends who collaborated with us on ‘At The Roadhouse‘ and ‘Roses‘.
We toured ‘At The Roadhouse‘ for two years as an eight-piece band, and once you experience that level of musical depth, it’s hard to let go of it.
So, pulling it back to just five people felt like a real question mark — are we still able to do this? Of course we are. But hearing these songs come together with just the five of us was incredibly reassuring. It reminded us that there’s a kind of magic that exists when it’s just us — and that magic is still very much alive.
Looking ahead to 2026 and beyond, what are you most excited about, both creatively and in your connection with fans?
Christina Lacy: As the world becomes more digital and connected – yet somehow more disconnected – we feel incredibly grateful to be playing live music and creating spaces where people can come together and experience something real.
There’s nothing like being in a room full of other humans, feeling all the emotions that come with live music. This record is really special to us, and we can’t wait to share it with everyone who comes to our shows next year.
New album ‘If You Go There, I Hope You Find It’ is out on 23rd January via Nettwerk.
Listen to ‘Change Of The Wind’ here: