Fresh off the back of a successful BIGSOUND debut, Wollongong indie four-piece CHEEKY LEASH have continued to build on the momentum their music has generated across the last year.
 
Returning with a brand new track titled ‘CHANGE’, Cheeky Leash demonstrates how their collective energy as songwriters and performers has fueled  – a vibrant and exciting effort from the band as they head into the home stretch of 2025, ready to welcome a Spring/Summer season of shows around the country.
 
‘Change’ is a song that had Cheeky Leash focusing on human connection and growth – things that are easy to lose sight of when we’re caught up in trying to stay afloat in today’s social and financial environment.

Musically, the track is sharp and engaging from the jump. Cheeky Leash’s combination of melody, riffs and emotion-building within their indie arrangements have made them fresh favourites on the East Coast. The arrival of ‘Change’ further cements their place as one of the best new groups to watch.
 
“The song ‘Change’ is rooted in the cost of living crisis and reflects how society has become so focused on getting ahead that we’ve lost a sense of connection with each other. It’s a metaphor for transformation whether that’s personal growth, the evolving world, or even the band’s own musical development. There’s a nostalgic, coming-of-age film feel to the track and lyrically, it’s open to interpretation. Lines like “Still searching for change…” play on the dual meanings of spare money and a deeper desire for societal change, making it resonate differently depending on the listener’s own experiences.” CHEEKY LEASH

Recorded at Sonora Studios with Jack Nigro (The Terrys, Rum Jungle, Pacific Avenue, Lazy Ghost)  in the Central Coast ‘Change’ lands as the band’s second release for the year, following on from July’s drop, ‘The Weekend’, and the impactful Cheeky Leash debut EP, The Burrow, which arrived in March and firmly put the band on the map.
 
Filmed amongst the picturesque Gerroa coastline, Cheeky Leash today also unveil their accompanying official film clip. Written and directed by Brendan Palmer and filmed by Film for Frank. 
 
“Change was a change of pace for us, handing over the reins to Brendan as director and Mitch as videographer to get their perspective on what the song means to them as well as to us. It’s different from us running around and having a laugh. It’s more serious and we really wanted to get the best representation of the song as possible. The song has a deeper meaning and a different pace for the video compared to what we’ve done before, so there’s more to explore and interpret in this one.

We always seem to pick the wildest and coldest days for filming music videos, which presents its own challenges, but it’s a whole lot of fun getting to create something with your friends. Making music videos is always difficult with limited time and resources, but it was really cool to see the passion from other collaborators who have now become an integral part of the project. We’ll remember this one as our first time having an actor and handing over creative control, just trusting the process.”

Their music has caught the attention of Australian industry, with heavy triple j and triple j unearthed support for their music putting Cheeky Leash in front of a hungry national audience, while as a live unit, the band has been constantly dominating on stages as headliners, enjoying sold out shows across the East Coast for their EP tour for The Burrow – the EP quickly amounting 1 million streams.
 
Cheeky Leash have shared stages with artists including The Kooks and Fontaines D.C. (at Yours & Owls Festival 2025), as well as Boy And Bear, South Summit, The Terrys, Death By Denim and more. Before 2025 is out, fans will be able to see Cheeky Leash touring around the country from October through into December – charting headline dates, festival appearances and support slots for fellow Australian favourites. 

CHEEKY LEASH AUSTRALIAN SHOWS

Tickets and info via cheekyleash.com
On sale 10am AEST Thursday 18th September
 
Saturday 4 October Pambula Beach Sapphire Coast WANDERER FESTIVAL
Sunday 5 October Finnian’s Tavern Port Macquarie FINNIAN’S SPRING FESTIVAL
Thursday 6 November The Northern Byron Bay
Friday 7 November Elsewhere ‘Bespoke’ Gold Coast
Saturday 8 November Solbar Sunshine Coast
Friday 14 November 170 Russell Melbourne
Supporting South Summit
Saturday 15 November Factory Theatre Sydney
Supporting South Summit
Sunday 16 November Stag & Hunter Newcastle
Thursday 22 November Felons Barrel Hall Brisbane
Friday 28 November Dissent Cafe & Bar Canberra
Saturday 29 November Marlin Hotel Ulladulla
Friday 5 December Lalala’s Wollongong
Friday 12 December Gage Roads Fremantle