Crashing onto the scene from Launceston with fuzz-drenched riffs and thunderous energy, Spooky Eyes are fast becoming one of Tasmania’s most explosive live bands. The psychedelic acid rock power trio channel the heaviness and glam of the 60s and 70s. Their sound is pure modern psych-rock — all attitude, distortion and ear-rattling groove.
But the story of Spooky Eyes started much smaller.
From Bedroom Project to Live Powerhouse
Formed in 2022 as the solo recording project of vocalist and guitarist Jude Hastings, Spooky Eyes quickly grew into a full-blown live juggernaut with the addition of childhood friend Jaxon Bassett on drums and bassist Piper Rayner. What began as a homegrown recording project has since exploded into one of the most dynamic live acts in Tasmania. With fuzz-soaked guitars, heavy grooves and a wild onstage presence, the trio have carved out a name for themselves across the local scene. They’ve shared stages with Ruby Fields, Bananagun, and Battlesnake, scored a spot on the Party in the Paddock 2025 lineup, and even packed out their own headline show in Melbourne earlier this year.
Their sound, though, is where things really get interesting.
A Sound That’s Heavy, Playful and Loud
The band’s sound, Hastings jokes, is “a little heavier than Yakety Sax.” Beneath that tongue-in-cheek answer lies something weightier — an electrifying blend of Blue Cheer, Cream, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience, reimagined for a new era of psych rockers. “We all met in school,” says Hastings, “and I hypnotized them into playing some silly rock songs. Seems to have worked out well.”
That playful self-awareness is part of what makes Spooky Eyes stand out — they’re loud, sure, but they’re also having a great time doing it.
The chemistry between the trio is as much a part of the sound as the music itself.
Inspirations and Dream Gigs
When it comes to inspiration, the band’s approach is wide open. “It would probably be easier to list who doesn’t inspire us,” Hastings laughs. “If you make music you love and other people just so happen to like it too, that’s inspiring.” And while Hendrix tops their fantasy support slots, the group would be “pretty stoked” to open for Fuzz or any of Ty Segall’s many projects — early influences that clearly shaped their sonic DNA.
As for what’s next? Hastings plays coy: “It’s a big secret. Big things coming. Stay tuned. But I can tell you it rhymes with debut LP. Whoops!”
Catch Spooky Eyes Live at Edge Radio’s 22-Year Fundraiser Concert
You can catch Spooky Eyes live at Edge Radio’s 22-Year Fundraiser Gig on Saturday 15 November at Altar, alongside a stacked lineup of local favourites — Teens, Baltimöre Charlót & The Experience and Q.E.
Come celebrate two decades (and a bit) of independent radio, live music, and creative community.
Grab your tickets early at Altar — and get ready to experience something truly unique.