The On Fires

History

Formed in 2003 by the amalgamation of bands Velvet Llama and Trace, The On Fires (known then as Asleep in the Park) retained the two lead singers Max and Marty. Recording and releasing their debut album Sky Caves In in 2004, the band embarked on a national tour with Epicure [1], followed by extensive touring in and around Melbourne during 2005/06. 2006 saw the band return to the studio, resulting in the EP Let You Go, released at the end of June 2007.

In September 2007 they embarked on their first European tour playing cities such as Amsterdam, Kiev, Berlin, Prague, Krakow, Bucharest and Istanbul and became the first international act to be recorded live-to-air at Istanbul's only commercial rock radio station, K-Rock.

The band returned to Europe in September 2008 playing to packed venues across Ukraine (with noted punk musician Sasha Pipa, Attraktor and VV), Romania and Turkey.

2009 saw the release of EPs Adios Motherf-ker and Coming Home (US only) and started with a trip to the Solomon Islands with the Australian Military to perform for troops posted in Honiara. Another European tour ensued, including shows in London, Birmingham, Liverpool, Poland, Romania and Ukraine.

During a tour of Poland and Slovakia in early 2010 - the coldest winter in 30 years - a sweaty fan exclaimed "You're not asleep, you're on fire!" and the band shed their outgrown sleepy name and became The On Fires.

The On Fires' second full-length album was released in 2010. Betrayer was recorded in Los Angeles with producer Rick Parker (Dandy Warhols, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Von Bondies).

Returning to Poland for Seven Festival in July 2010, the band appeared on Radio Trojka and morning TV program Coffee or Tea - watched by 4 million viewers.

The band performed their debut tour of the USA in early 2010, returning later that year and again in 2011, working for the first time with some of America's best musicians including Tobias Ralph, Nicholas D'Amato, Kevin Radomski and Kent Aberle.

During a visit to South by Southwest Festival in Austin they happened upon a showcase of Chinese Punk Bands and were mesmerised by Beijing 3-piece PK14. This piqued an interest in the music coming out of China and resulted in the beginning of a love affair with 'the East'.

In 2011 and 2012 the band toured China clubs and played to huge festival crowds including: 2011 Midi Music Festival [2] in Beijing, 2011 Zebra Festival in Chengdu, 2012 Strawberry Festival in Beijing and 2012 Lu Dao Festival near Shanghai.

After a break of several years from Europe, fellow Australians The Vagrants invited the band to re-acquaint themselves with Germany as openers on an 11-date, 3 week tour, which also led them to play with Julian Thome, before the band returned to China for Midi Festival in Beijing and Zebra Festival in Chengdu.