Take with Powder Blue

July 11th saw the release of Powder Blue’s debut EP, ‘Reaching Towards The Sun’. Bathed in golden tones, the record is a radiant collection of lush, shimmering musical nuggets. The EP is a culmination of shared experiences, shaped by the diverse musical backgrounds and tastes of each member. Rooted in a mutual love for classic Australian indie, it weaves in elements of jazz, funk, RnB, and reggae. With themes of light, connection, and growth, ‘Reaching Towards the Sun’ traces a journey toward meaning and fulfilment—through friendship, love, and a deep-seated passion for music.

Here on AAA Backstage, the Naarm/Melbourne five-piece take us through their formative five; the tracks that have inspired the band, informed their songwriting and helped shape the EP.

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“I Shot the Sheriff” – Bob Marley and the Wailers

I first heard this song when I was 15, and it was a pivotal moment for me—it gave me my first real understanding of how drums and bass can lock in to form the rhythmic foundation of a track. What struck me most was the last 30 seconds: as the song fades out, the groove between the bass and drums is so tight and infectious, with the Rhodes keys gently dancing over the top. That moment changed the way I listen to and think about a band’s performance. I started seeing the bass and drums as the wave that carries the rest of the music—a concept I’ve fully embraced as a drummer. It’s a perspective I now bring into our band’s new EP and every live show we play.

• Alex Mitchell (Drums)

Vulfpeck – “1612”

“1612” is one of my all-time favorite tracks from Vulfpeck. I’m especially drawn to how tightly Joe Dart (bass) locks in with Theo Katzman (drums), while still bringing so much character and individuality to the groove. Joe’s playing has had a major influence on how I approach writing bass parts—there’s an incredible amount of flavor, nuance, and feel in everything he does. His musicality really shines through, not just in this track, but across all of his work. It’s the kind of playing that elevates the entire band while still being unmistakably his own.

• Rohan Menon (Bass)

“Breathe (In the Air)” – Pink Floyd

Pink Floyd has always been one of my favorite bands and played a huge role in my musical awakening during my teenage years. The Dark Side of the Moon is, in my opinion, one of the greatest albums of all time, and it’s been a major source of inspiration for my own creative journey. The way each member contributes to these lush, immersive soundscapes really drew me in, and it’s something I’ve tried to emulate since I first began writing music. I’ve even borrowed one of their signature chord progressions, the I minor to IV major change that appears in many of their songs, for a few tracks on our new EP.

• Rama Powderly (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar)

“Sir Psycho Sexy” – Red Hot Chili Peppers (Blood Sugar Sex Magik)

John Frusciante has always been a huge inspiration to me, especially as a lead guitarist. There’s a deep connection between him and his instrument that’s impossible to miss; his guitar truly feels like an extension of himself. That kind of expressive, emotive playing has had a big impact on how I approach the guitar. On Blood Sugar Sex Magik, I’m particularly drawn to the raw energy and power he brings to his solos, especially in how he enters them. There’s this fearless spontaneity in his phrasing that I’ve tried to channel in some of the solos on our EP, using fast, wah-soaked blues licks and big, sweeping bends. Also, let’s be real, he’s the reason I bought a Strat.

• Narada Powderly (Lead Guitar)

“Caress Your Soul” – Sticky Fingers

My brother first played me this song when I was about 12, and it kicked off a long-standing obsession with Sticky Fingers’ music. Caress Your Soul was the first album I truly fell in love with—the first time music ever gave me goosebumps. What struck me then, and still resonates with me now, is how every band member plays in service of the song. Together, they create music that feels simple on the surface but is actually rich with layers and subtle detail. Even over a decade later, I find myself revisiting the album and discovering little elements buried in the mix that I hadn’t noticed before. That timeless depth continues to inspire me as a musician.

• Rama Powderly (Lead Vocals, Rhythm Guitar)