CHARGE GROUP - a DIY cinematic art-rock band from Sydney.
Their 2008 debut 'Escaping Mankind' won them broad acclaim, a European indie record deal, and colourful references like "A transcendental bastard blend of Fugazi, The Dirty Three and Nick Drake."

Then in March 2012 - fresh from the heady cultish success of their 'Run' video - came the self-titled follow-up album. Framed by towering walls of sound, vast brooding landscapes and a mesmerising tapestry of genre-defiance, ‘Charge Group’ is a kaleidescopic opus of existential desperation, hopeful wide-eyed dreams and post-apocalyptic warning. 

Black, Adam and Rosie were members of defunct angular rock group PURPLENE, while Adam and Rosie were the rhythm section of Newcastle guitar rock terrorists THE INSTANT. Black co-formed the rather explosive PALACE OF FIRE with ex-Wolfmother men Chris Ross and Myles Heskett, and sometimes belts drums in the lovably unhinged TUCKER B's. He co-founded Sydney experimental instrumental 5-piece UKIYO-E (1998-2001), and contributed work to Newcastle's FIREKITES, of which Jason is a member. Jason also works with Sydney songsmith JOSH PYKE.

From music to theatre, gaming to comedy, podcasting to design, Montaigne defies the limitations often placed on artists, embracing a life of creative exploration. Their work is not constrained by medium, instead finding freedom in crossing boundaries and merging art forms, a reflection of the solace they found in vibrant worlds and stories throughout their childhood.

Their career is a testament to this creative polymathy. Montaigne’s collaborations with icons like David Byrne, their representation of Australia in Eurovision, multiple ARIA awards, and a recent Grammy nomination for Stray Gods: The Roleplaying Musical showcase the breadth of their talent. These accolades merely scratch the surface of Montaigne’s expansive artistic world, a small peek at the depth of their creativity.

At the heart of Montaigne’s career is a dedication to complex, multi-faceted expression. They embody a DIY ethos, one that sees them unafraid to forge their own path in an industry often restrictive of individuality. This drive for independence extends beyond the music industry, deeply influencing their entire creative practice. Though highly collaborative, Montaigne has honed their production skills, unlocking a new medium to materialise the nuances of their ideas.

Montaigne’s creative work is both deeply personal and outwardly adventurous, rooted in their lived experience and their unique worldview. Their artistry is as much a reflection of their personal journey, grappling with estrangement, survival, and the nuances of human relationships, as it is an ode to the mediums that shaped them. It is this rich intersection of introspection and external storytelling that defines Montaigne’s career. Their music and art pop sensibility is playful yet profound, marked by colourful instrumentation, adventurous melodies, and a vocal range that is both theatrical and deeply emotional. Their work, in essence, is a journey. One that invites listeners into a world where the lines between reality and fantasy blur, and where every note is an exploration of identity, resilience, and the human condition.

Via platforms like Discord, YouTube, and Twitch, along with their newly launched 'Tank Time with Montaigne' podcast, featuring conversations with artists like Ninajirachi, Ben Lee, and Donatachi, and their innovative 'Beautiful Trial Show' where artists and comedians test new material with select fans, Montaigne’s deep dedication to their community creates a feedback loop that fuels their passion and sparks new creative projects.

Montaigne’s career is a testament to their unwavering commitment to creativity in all its forms, an artist who refuses to be boxed in, finding beauty in the unknown and embracing the complexity of every step along the way.

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