Approachable Members of Your Local Community – comprising dual vocalists Josh Blashki & Sage Mellet, Sam Korman on drums, his brother Max on keys and Micky Fisher on bass – is an indie-pop band cut from Melbourne stone that’s existed in various forms from it’s high school origins through until it’s newly minted final form.

In a tale resembling that of the great modern democracies, the story of Approachable Members is one of innovation and renewal. After a one year experiment with live horns (‘If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to contact us’ – 2018), and another two year crusade deep into synth territory (‘Love Thy Neighbour’ – 2020), the much-adored band cemented itself into the story of suburban Australia – as bouncy indie pop writers and collaborative community leaders. And from touring the southern seas with Lime Cordiale, Polish Club and Half Alive (USA), as well as sold out national headline tours under their belt, the Members’ live show delivers a public benefit the Community knows and loves.

Come 2020, in their pandemic caves, the Members dug deep. “We had to figure out what matters to the Community, and why – because when the Community thrives, so do we,” recalls Josh Blashki.

And this existential moment gave way to a higher truth. After some months writing, and at the height of Melbourne lockdown, Sam – the band’s producer – asked Sage to lay down some placeholder vocals on a new song. “I asked her to sing on it for now”, Sam recalls before sending it off to the others. Micky, in seconds texted back, asking “who is that and can she join the band?’” A Town Hall was held, in which the Members successfully secured the permission of their grandparents, and the deal was done: the Members are renewed once again.

Feeling bolder with their musical offerings than ever, Approachable Members re-emerges, somewhat re-invented in 2021 with their anthemic post-love story ‘Strong Enough’.

And there’s a whole lot more coming soon. “It’s pretty good,” says Sage.

So strap yourself in, Community – 2021 is about to get a whole lot more Approachable.