We caught up with Sydney’s post-hardcore bruisers Isotopes ahead of the release of their poignant new single ‘WYWFM’ to find out more about them.

The band recruited some stellar talent to work on this song, including producer Stevie Knight (Stand Atlantic, Yours Truly) and mixer James Paul Wisner (Paramore, Underoath).

Upon a bedrock of relentless drumming and anthemic guitars, frontman Justin Miller resounding vocals lift ‘WYWFM’ to its rousing chorus. It’s a powerhouse performance by the entire band, full of layered interplay and intricate chemistry.

The accompanying video sees the band resplendent in exquisite suits in Sydney’s Marble Bar, exploring the narrative of lust-guided temptation.

Miller explained the meaning behind the song: “’WYWFM’ is about realising the path of chasing love always leads to heartbreak, so for the first time you’re putting love aside and somewhat asking that it waits for you whilst you choose yourself,” he said.

“The concept of the video is about lust/love/temptation. A game of cat and mouse accompanying these feelings. Finding that once you obtain all of these feelings that you’ve ever so been craving, it disappears; you’re calm, you’re alone. So, was it ever really there?”

Before the release of ‘WYWFM’, we thought it was a good time to chat with the band as part of our popular Get To Know series to find out more about them.

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‘WYWFM’ is available worldwide on Friday, June 4th.

Check out ‘WYWFM’:

YouTube VideoPlay

How did your artist name come about? 

The Simpsons, Springfield ISOTOPES. Duh! Haha.

How would you describe your music to your grandma? 

God rest her soul. I reckon if she were still alive, she’d absolutely love to hear us. I’d probably just yell loud abnormal sounds at her like I do at my dishwasher, and she’d have a great laugh about it with me over a cup of tea.

Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles, and what they’re about?

‘WYWFM’ is about choosing myself for once instead of falling into the pursuit of love and neglecting my own personal health. I normally always neglect a lot of things when I fall into the idea of love and the pursuit of love which is where ‘I Never Should Have Let You In’ also came about.

I fall so hard into the beauty of love that in the past, I’ve pushed aside everyone and everything in my life and it lead me down a path into substance abuse and an attempted suicide which is where the song ‘Nightmare’ came to light. All of the songs hold a story of a point in my life, and the song names solidify the piece to that puzzle. 

What do you love about your hometown?

I love all the little hidden gems you find. Whether it be excellent Asian food or underground bars you never knew existed. You are constantly discovering new places and meeting new people amongst it all.

Career highlight so far?

Collaborating with Bradley Walden of Emarosa and touring Japan are neck and neck. Both are things I never thought would happen, and both things I’ll cherish forever.

Fave non-music hobby?

Cooking. Without a doubt, I’m always cooking. It’s one of the best things I find myself doing to relax and also get creative daily. And a girl loves a man who can cook.

Check out ‘I Never Should Have let You In’:

YouTube VideoPlay

What’s on your dream rider?

Unlimited margaritas or Cafe Patron.

Dream music collaboration?

A collaboration with Paul Jason Klein of LANY. Something a lot softer from us with a little bit more groove and pop. Imagine. Hearts would drop.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

I would like to say continuing in a band and touring but I’ll most likely end up living in Bali and playing in a cover band at bars three times a week and just living the most chill life over there with all my family.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Tenacious D’s ‘Tribute’ always goes down a treat, but I think ‘The Reason’ by Hoobastank and ‘You’re Beautiful’ by James Blunt are always on the list whenever I’m in a karaoke booth with a few rums knocked back.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I can’t remember who told it to me, but someone once told me to never settle for anything safe. Now I know that might not be much to the reader’s eye, but I somehow have always lived by that simple piece of advice.

What’s one obsession you have that no one would guess after listening to your music?

My one obsession is probably cleanliness haha. It sounds super lame, but I have genuine hate for untidiness. If I notice something out of place or that isn’t clean, it will bug me to the point that I have to address it. If I try to just let it be, it almost causes this cramp to the point where I have to go back and fix it. It’s pretty messed up. 

Check out ‘Flower’:

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