Today, Australian post-punk sensations Johnny Hunter release their second single of 2024, HOT MESS, available now via Hell Beach / Onelove Records.
From the outset, HOT MESS commands immediate attention. Produced by Canadian powerhouse Jesse F Keeler (MSTRKRFT, Death From Above 1979), the single plunges listeners into a dynamic soundscape that fuses synths, industrial beats, and the intensity of early indie electronica. Recorded above The Lord Gladstone Hotel, the chaos and heat from the bar below inspired a sonic shift for the band. The session saw Johnny Hunter move away from the moody textures of ‘80s post-punk and darkwave to embrace the grittier edge of mid-2000s indie sleaze. The result is an experience that invites listeners to revel in the thrill of connection, no matter how hedonistic it may be.
Lead singer Nick Hutt shared on the single: “The first step into something new for Johnny Hunter. We wanted to create a backdrop for human reconnection after it had been taken from us. Not everything has to be so doom and gloom.”
HOT MESS follows Johnny Hunter‘s first single of 2024, Frustration, an electrifying critique of late-stage Capitalism that was released in May. The track saw widespread support across community radio and an add to triple j Unearthed. More recently, the band performed across two-nights at Brighton’s The Great Escape, with triple j Unearthed sharing a snippet of their spellbinding performance. Next, they take on London’s The Lexington on Friday 9 August for their debut headline show on English soil.
Recently, the band relocated to London, expanding their loyal Australian fanbase into the European market. Before their move, Johnny Hunter concluded their Sydney era with three sold-out shows at Low 302, signalling the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
Rising from the ashes of Sydney’s nightlife in 2018, Johnny Hunter have amassed a rapid cult following for their glamour and dynamism on the live stage – echoing their admired predecessors Bowie, Joy Division and The Cure. Jack White personally invited the band to support his group The Saboteurs (known outside of Australia as The Raconteurs) at their Sydney show in 2019, and their rousing live performance-style found an instant fan in leading UK international booking agent, Steve Zapp (Biffy Clyro, The Editors), who signed the band on-the-spot after seeing them play at Bigsound 2023 in Brisbane. Johnny Hunter were awarded Best On Ground live act at Bigsound by Double J, have supported Psychedelic Furs on their Australian tour and appeared on festival stages including Yours & Owls, Bad Friday and more.
The band’s 2022 debut album, ‘Want’, produced by Jack Moffit (The Preatures) received widespread press adoration including from NME Australia, Courier Mail, The Guardian, Life Without Andy, plus airplay from triple j, Unearthed and across community radio. Across 10 tracks, soaring hooks and tales of personal growth and tribulations crystallise an album of new-wave genius.
Dive into the Johnny Hunter experience and become part of their ever-growing cult following today.

With thanks to Thinking Loud