33: Alt. Down Under - Cut Copy - From Indie Sleaze, early 2000s nostalgia, to Golden Plains
From Alt Down Under by Alt. Down Under
February 20, 2026 · 34 min · Episode 33
About this episode
Ben Browning of Cut Copy discusses the band's history, the Indie Sleaze era, and their upcoming performance at Golden Plains Festival.
Cut Copy have spent more than two decades blurring the lines between indie rock and dancefloor euphoria. In this episode of Alt. Down Under, bassist Ben Browning reflects on the early 2000s collision of guitars and synths, the so-called Indie Sleaze era, and recording Zonoscope in a cold Melbourne warehouse. We revisit the cultural moment that shaped the band - from The Strokes and bloghouse to Daft Punk and late-night warehouse parties - and explore what it means to see generations of fans now discovering Cut Copy for the first time. Ben also shares his thoughts ahead of Golden Plains Festival, the magic of that Meredith amphitheatre site, and what makes playing at home in Melbourne still feel special all these years on. Recorded during a week immersed in the local scene - Luke popped down to 'Drive Live', run by community radio station PBS. Things we love - live music, community and a platform for the next wave of Australian music.
People in this episode
Guest: Ben Browning
Topics covered
- Indie rock
- Dance music
- 2000s nostalgia
- Cultural moments
- Live music
- Australian music
Keywords
- Cut Copy
- Indie Sleaze
- Melbourne
- Golden Plains Festival
- Zonoscope
- live music
- 2000s
- dancefloor
- community radio
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Cut Copy, PBS
Books & works: Zonoscope, The Strokes, Daft Punk
Places: Melbourne
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