With sparkling melodics and a stirring core, the new single My Own Time out today from Brisbane indie rockers The Urban Sea bustles with swagger, heart and sanguine charm. Equally a groove-maker and core-shaker, My Own Time also arrives today with an accompanying music video that hovers between live performance and a poignant reflection of the emotive lyricism throughout. We caught up with them for a quick Q+A
Hi, thanks for taking the time to chat with Hear 2 Zen, what have you been up to today?
Hey, thanks for having us! Today’s been the usual mix of juggling the day job with band life – I’m actually answering these interview questions when I should probably be working. Gotta love the quick screen switch when the boss walks by!
Tell us about yourself, how long have you been performing/creating music for?
We’re The Urban Sea, an indie rock band out of Brisbane, blending Arctic Monkeys swagger with Spacey Jane jangle and a bit of Sam Fender’s grit. We’ve been making music together since 2019, kicking off in the Brisbane scene and figuring out our sound along the way. It’s been a journey, and every step’s brought us closer to what feels like our own unique vibe.
Who are your greatest inspirations? Why?
Sam Fender and Ball Park Music are huge for us. Sam Fender brings this raw, emotional edge that cuts deep, while Ball Park Music has this clever wit and catchy feel that makes every song memorable. They remind us to keep things honest and to balance the heavy moments with some good hooks.
How do you create music? Are you lyrics/story driven, or does the music/melody come first? Explain your process.
Usually, it starts with a melody or riff—often late at night when everything’s quiet. Once we’ve got the bones of the song, it goes to the band room, and we flesh it out together. We’re a bit like creative kleptomaniacs, drawing on whatever life throws our way—whether it’s a phrase we overheard, or something scrawled on a wall. Our process is fast and collaborative, and we tend to build on each other’s ideas until it all clicks.
What has been your greatest challenge so far in performing/creating music?
Balancing the music with everything else—emails, socials, and keeping up with all the little admin tasks. We’ve learned that music is only part of the job; there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes work that isn’t as glamorous but makes a big difference. Also, finding that sweet spot where we can evolve without losing what makes us, us.
Tell us about your new release My own Time, how did it come about?
My Own Time came from that struggle of wanting to break free from old patterns, even though it’s the easy, comfortable route. It’s about knowing something’s run its course but still feeling that pull to stay. Writing it was a release—a way to say, “I’m moving on, and I’m doing it at my own pace.” The jangly vibe keeps it light, but the lyrics dig deep into that push-and-pull feeling of letting go.
What advice do you have to artists who are just starting out?
Listen to everything—even genres you’re not into. Inspiration is everywhere: graffiti, that track on Coles radio, or even your dad’s old records. Be a creative kleptomaniac, pickpocket what resonates, and turn it into your own. And remember, half the job is just sticking with it through the ups and downs.
Tell us your favourite Zen practice.
If zen is finding inner peace, ours is finding all our gear after a show. It’s mindfulness, minus the calm.
