Nineteen-year-old Jay Millar, the lead singer and guitarist of the band The Gnomes, has infused classic rock influences into his music, drawing significant inspiration from legendary groups like The Beatles and The Kinks. Based in Frankston, a suburb located 40 minutes south of Melbourne, Millar has created a unique sound that resonates with the energy of rock’s golden era while appealing to contemporary audiences.
Millar’s room, adorned with posters of iconic bands, is not a typical setting for a young musician; rather, it reflects a deep-rooted passion for music. “Frankston has kind of a bad reputation as being rough… but it has this great music scene that revolves around a place called Singing Bird,” Millar explains. This venue has become a hub for local musicians, providing rehearsal spaces, recording facilities, and a stage for live performances.
The Gnomes, comprised of Millar, Ned Capp, Olly Katsianis, and Ethan Robins, formed just a year ago, all emerging from the vibrant Singing Bird community. The band has already made significant strides, with Millar initially recording their debut album solo before deciding to collaborate with the group for a re-recording.
Their music captures an infectious energy, with tracks echoing the upbeat harmonies of early Beatles songs and the raw edge of 1960s garage rock. Tracks like “I’ll Be There” and “Flippin’ Stomp” showcase influences from various eras while retaining a distinctive sound. Millar notes, “I just find it really inspiring to listen to all those bands from back then. I’m grateful I’m at an age where I have Google and Spotify… I can trace the influences of bands I like and then I can quickly find so much music.”
The Gnomes originally performed under the name Gnome but had to rebrand after a Belgian stoner rock band with the same name contacted them, citing confusion among fans. This change has not hindered their momentum; the band is already eyeing a tour in New Zealand this December, followed by an Australian east coast tour early next year and a potential tour in Japan in April.
Despite their rising popularity, Millar balances his musical aspirations with a job at a local op-shop, where he works four days a week. He remains optimistic about the future, stating, “One day… hopefully. Maybe.” The Gnomes’ debut album is set for release on November 7, with plans for a second album already in discussion. Millar reveals, “We’re talking about album number two already… the ongoing quote we have is ‘That song will be good for the next album.’”
As the band prepares to unveil their music to a broader audience, their journey reflects the enduring influence of classic rock while embodying the fresh perspective of a new generation.
