The Rions Bring Debut Album to WA with Passionate Tour Shows
Sydney-based indie band The Rions are gearing up for a series of electrifying performances across Western Australia, armed with their debut album and a reputation for passionate live shows that have cemented their status as one of Australia's most prolific touring acts. The quartet, known for their dynamic stage presence and heartfelt music, will launch their national regional tour this weekend before heading west for three highly anticipated shows.
Upcoming WA Tour Dates and Venues
The Rions will kick off their WA leg with a performance at the Dunsborough Tavern on March 5, followed by a show at Froth Craft Bunbrewery in Bunbury on March 6, and culminating at the iconic Astor Theatre in Perth on March 7. Fans can expect support from Hey So Hungry, adding to the vibrant lineup. This tour marks a significant moment for the band as they bring their debut album, Everything Every Single Day, released in October, to audiences in the region.
Band Members Reflect on Touring and Friendship
Noah Blockley and Harley Wilson, who form one half of the outfit, recently shared their excitement about the upcoming WA shows in an interview. "We only just toured in December, and I already miss it," Wilson admitted, highlighting the band's love for the road. The pair, who have been friends since they were eight years old, are eager to explore different cities across "this beautiful country" with fellow band members Asher McLean and Tom Partington.
Despite limited previous visits to Perth, Wilson expressed particular admiration for Eagle Bay in the South West, calling it "the most beautiful Australian beach I've been to" and marveling at the stunning blue waters. Blockley added that WA fans are in for a treat, promising "exciting and fun" shows that will be fine-tuned during the Perth performance, as it's only the second gig of the tour.
Debut Album and Creative Process
The Rions spent about two years perfecting their debut album, Everything Every Single Day, ensuring every detail from writing to recording met their high standards. "You only get one debut," they noted, emphasizing the importance of getting it right. The album features fan favorites like Married To The Job, Adelaide, Maybe I'm Just a Freak, and Oh How Hard It Is To Be 20, with the latter amusingly praised by Blockley's girlfriend's dad, a "very tough guy" who isn't 20.
To create the album, the band collaborated with ARIA Award-winning producer Chris Collins at his Byron Bay studio, describing him as an "absolute wizard" whose engineering and mixing skills left them in awe. Wilson reflected, "When you're in the studio watching him work, it's like, far out, the way he engineers the sound and can mix, it's stuff that we look up to." This collaboration helped craft an emotionally-driven project that advances their sound while retaining their larrikin charm.
Inspirations and Recent Successes
Inspired by bands like The 1975, whom they call "the coolest cats in the world," The Rions aspire to emulate The Beatles' dynamic, where friendship shaped their unique music. Wilson explained, "What made their music so special was the unique input from the four of them and the way that their friendship shaped what made them." This bond has fueled their rapid rise since emerging in 2021, with milestones including:
- Releasing their first EP, Minivan, in 2023.
- Achieving number four on the ARIA Australian Album chart with Happiness In A Place It Shouldn't Be in 2024.
- Securing two spots in Triple J's Hottest 100 of 2025.
- Completing headline tours in the UK and Europe in November.
- Performing at the Spilt Milk festival to cap off the year.
The current regional tour, wrapping up in April, follows a successful national theatre tour where they headlined some of the biggest venues of their career. With their inseparable friendship and relentless touring ethic, The Rions promise even bigger things ahead as they continue to captivate audiences across Australia and beyond.
