The Gnomes: 60s Jangle, Bayside Garage-Beat & Their New EP "More"
An Interview with Frontman Jay Millar and Bassist Olly Katsianis on the evolution of their EP "More"
For years, Jay Millar operated as the sole architect of The Gnomes universe - a bedroom recluse recording, playing, and mixing every frequency in private isolation. But the transition from a solo project to the four-piece powerhouse we see today wasn’t just a change in lineup; it was a strategic surrender of the “baby” to a democratic filter.
We sat down with The Gnomes as they prepare to take their first-ever UK tour by storm. Currently winding their way through the festival circuit and selling out shows at Third Man Records, the band - frequently hailed as the “Frankston Beatles” - is proving that their brand of high-octane jangle rock is a global language.
The Architecture of the Filter
The transition from collaborative sideman to solitary frontman often goes the other way but for Millar, bringing in Ned Capp, Olly Katsianis, and Ethan Robins was a fundamental unraveling of his creative DNA. “It was definitely a relief to hand over parts and roles to other band members,” he told us, “but also felt like I gave away my baby a little bit.”
While Jay remains the leader who “conducts a lot of rehearsals” the new era of The Gnomes is defined by the fact that “everyone also contributes and conducts themselves.” The result is a sound that has survived a rigorous filtering process through four people rather than just one person in a bedroom. As Jay puts it, “Having more people involved with this band really helps the best of the best come out.”
Suburban Tension & Neighborhood Lore
The geography of Frankston acts as the band’s primary muse, grounding their psych-fever dreams in visceral reality. Their track “Magic Man” is a brilliant piece of local lore, but the strange observations start right at the front door. “It’s kinda all we’ve ever known,” Jay says of the influence. “We all grew up here and so it makes sense that when we write about our life experiences it always comes back to where we are from.” The band captures the suburban tension and neighborhood quirks of their hometown. It is the sound of the Bayside - rough edges meets beautiful, catchy choruses.
Slacker Freedom vs. British Discipline
Musically, The Gnomes occupy the middle ground between the DIY “slacker” freedom of the digital age and the disciplined, melodic architecture of the British Invasion. They cite the loose, lo-fi techniques of Mac DeMarco alongside the rigid, tight songwriting of The Beatles, The Creation and The Kinks.
While the environment of Frankston helps influence the grit, the band credits their balance to the sheer diversity of the modern era. “The era we live in with so much music accessible via the internet means we are all listening to so much diverse stuff,” Jay notes. The Gnomes sound is a natural equilibrium found through “all members’ individual influences,” moving from Jay’s previous “fast zone” of recording to a deeper, more considered pace.
The Export and the Powerhouse
While Singing Bird Studios provided the “powerhouse” sound and the essential community that kick-started their trajectory, the band is already looking toward a nomadic future. The momentum of “Thinking of Me” carries that “shitty guitar” energy - a demo born from having something to prove—into their high-energy live sets.
As they navigate their first UK tour, including highly anticipated festival sets, bass player Olly is eager to share “what us Aussies have been cookin up down under.” For Olly, the goal is purely visceral: “I’m excited for everyone to see and hopefully ‘get’ the energy and fun we bring to our live sets and feel the music in their fricken bones and soul.”
The Analogue Anchor
Despite the international buzz, the band remains anchored in the tactile world of analogue worship. Jay’s personal treasures remain his “mono first pressings of Sgt Peppers and Revolver by the Beatles,” records that have been played so many times they are “more than loved.” Alongside them, the R.M.F.C album Club Hits currently “lives” on his turntable - a testament to the high-octane, harmony-laden jangle rock that defines their era.
More marks the definitive end of The Gnomes as a bedroom secret. It is the sound of a band winding a room up without ever losing the plot.
More is available on all streaming platforms now.
-Shelley D. Schwartz