Cheeky Leash: A Cheeky Conversation

They named the band after a hyperactive kid on a backpack leash. That probably tells you everything you need to know about Cheeky Leash. The Wollongong four-piece are one of Australia's most exciting rising acts, and they are bringing that energy straight to the Beaches. We sat down with the band for a chat about origins, influences and what makes them tick. Buckle up.

There is something instantly likeable about Cheeky Leash. The Wollongong four-piece, Chris on vocals and rhythm guitar, Brody on lead guitar, Brad on bass and Jaydo on drums, have a way of making you feel like you are catching up with old mates rather than sitting across from a band quietly taking over the Australian indie scene.

The name alone tells you a lot. Jaydo was a hyperactive kid, the kind that needed one of those backpack leashes just to keep up with. "The name stuck and it felt playful and cheeky," they say, "which matches our energy." It does. Completely.

The band started as a two-piece, Chris and Jaydo writing together and finding their chemistry before building outward. Ask them to describe their sound and the answer is refreshingly straightforward. "Fun, energetic and emotional. We focus on strong melodies, driving rhythms and honest lyrics. Our sound is always growing and evolving."

Ocean Alley comparisons are inevitable and not unwelcome, but dig a little deeper and you hear Brody's flamenco roots, Brad's love of UK rock from Fontaines D.C. to Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Jaydo moving freely between genres. "All of that blends into our own sound," they say, and you believe them.

The lyrics come from real life. Chris writes from personal experience, sometimes stepping into other people's perspectives. "It is about telling honest stories," and that honesty has connected.

Their debut EP The Burrow has clocked over a million streams. "We were still figuring out our sound and learning about each other creatively," they reflect. "It was a big learning curve and we are proud of it as our first release."

Their recent single 'Change', rooted in the cost of living crisis and what it does to human connection, showed a band stepping into a bigger, more cinematic sound. Their latest, 'Burning Up', released late 2025, keeps that momentum very much alive.

A standout BIGSOUND debut, a national tour and a growing reputation as one of the most exciting live acts out of the South Coast. Glastonbury is the dream. They say it with a grin, but also like they absolutely mean it.

Now they are bringing all of that to the Northern Beaches. "We want to bring strong energy and show how much passion we put into our music. It means everything to us and we want the crowd to feel that."

Fair warning. You are going to want to be there.

Catch Cheeky Leash on Friday 15 May at Avalon Beach RSL Club as part of Great Southern Nights, Australia's first and only statewide live music initiative. Jump online and secure your free tickets today.

@cheakyleashband | Spotify: CHEEKY LEASH | cheekyleash.com