Why Ups and Downs never matched Go-Betweens despite early 1980s buzz
Ups and Downs had early 1980s success and ARIA nomination but format and contract disputes crippled their run.
In 1983, Brisbane brothers formed Ups and Downs, a guitar-pop band with two singles that caught attention down south. A positive Sydney Morning Herald review led to a Polygram record deal.
Ups and Downs released the single The Living Kind and got an ARIA nomination for Best New Talent. The 1986 release Sleepless was a seven-track mini-album.
The band were told people would love it. But the short format kept them off mainstream charts, and their sales only showed on independent charts.
After clashing with the label over support, the band spent years trapped in contract disputes. They couldn't record much or tour.
They never recovered the momentum. Now celebrating Sleepless's 40th anniversary with a national tour, they remain cult favourites while the Go-Betweens are spoken of as Australian icons.
- 1983
- Formation year
- 1986
- Sleepless release year
- seven tracks
- Sleepless track count
- Best New Talent
- ARIA nomination category
Why it mattersShows how format decisions, label backing and timing can decide whether talented bands break mainstream or stay cult acts.
AustraliaPart of Brisbane's storied music history; a missed opportunity in Australian rock when other local bands went on to international success.
Corroborated bytheage.com.au·watoday.com.au
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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