It's a long way from O'Connor to Malibu but four young Canberrans took the trip last month to draw on LA beach vibes for their brand new album.
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Canberra alternative band House of Strangers has just returned from 10 days in Los Angeles where they worked in the studio of ex-Canberra music veteran Ric Markmann. Ric is an Emmy award-winning composer, musician and producer who has played with some of the biggest acts in the United States including Chris Cornell, Eleven and early 90s sensation Heart.
House of Strangers is made up of siblings Liam and Chloe Sinclair, and friends Evan Marshalsey and Angus Ogborne. The foursome met at Lyneham High School and have been playing together for three years under the (now quite apt) name After Hollywood. They launched as House of Strangers earlier this year and have since been signed by Canberra label Modem Music.
"LA was just an incredible experience," guitarist Liam Sinclair said.
"It opened our eyes to how big the world stage is and that for us, music is a viable career option."
Liam said the band - whose inspirations includes Radiohead and Australia's Tame Impala - wrote the songs in Canberra before heading to the City of Angels to record. He said working with Ric at his studio on the outskirts of LA was "inspirational" and would have a huge impact on the band's future. House of Strangers wanted to go from playing in the dark recesses of the Phoenix to growing a global audience.
"We had the most amazing time in LA," he said.
"Ric really challenged us to expand our creative and technical horizons so we now have a whole new dimension to our music and can't wait to share it with everyone."
The first single from the band's new self-titled album - Tricks - will be launched at Smith's Alternative on Friday 25 November 2016 at 9.30pm. Tickets at the door.
