Latest news
The Hornstars to launch new single ‘Hot Crush’ at The Rainbow
8 January 2026
Melbourne nine-piece groove machine The Hornstars are turning up the heat with the release of their brand-new single ‘Hot Crush’, landing 9 January 2026 — and they’re throwing a party to match. The band will celebrate with a high-energy launch show on Sunday 18 January 2026 at Fitzroy’s legendary Rainbow Hotel.
Penned by vocalist Clancy Cullen, Hot Crush is The Hornstars’ bold, brass-fuelled take on a disco anthem — bursting with rhythm, swagger and irresistible dancefloor energy.
Produced by the band themselves, the track was recorded live at The Aviary Studios in Collingwood, capturing the raw joy and chemistry that defines a Hornstars performance. The accompanying live-in-studio video is available on YouTube.
“We had an absolute blast in the studio with this one,” says Cullen. “And it definitely shows in the video.”
The Hot Crush single launch kicks off at The Rainbow Hotel from 4–7pm, featuring three sets of original music — so bring your dancing shoes.
“We’re thrilled to be launching this song at The Rainbow,” the band says. “It’s the home of so much live music history.”
Hot Crush will be available on all streaming platforms from 9 January 2026.
Get ready to sweat, strut, and fall into a Hot Crush. 💃🕺
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THE HORNSTARS TO LAUNCH NEW SINGLE ‘SIDEWAYS’ AT OPEN STUDIO
April 2024
Melbourne band The Hornstars will release their latest single, ‘Sideways’ in early April, followed up by a launch party on Saturday 13 April 2024 at Northcote’s Open Studio.
Penned by guitarist Gareth Durant and drummer Joey Mount, Sideways is a love song of sorts - taking aim at the notion that romantic love must inevitably have fairy-tale ending. As vocalist Clancy Cullen sings: “These feelings, they’re strong, but they lied to me…”. “Well, life doesn’t always go to plan” observes Joey, “sometimes things go sideways”.
Musically, the song draws on several influences, starting with a funky southern rock style groove, building to a gospel inflected pre-chorus, an epic guitar solo, and punctuated throughout by the three-piece horn section. “I wonder what the Stax house band from 1971 would make of their grooves washing up in a rehearsal room in Melbourne’s Inner North in 2024” muses Gareth.
The song was self-produced by the band and recorded and mixed by the band’s bass player, Mike Holloway. “We basically set the whole band up in a big room and recorded the song live. I think it really captures the band’s energy”.
The Hornstars will launch ‘Sideways’ at Open Studio, High Street Northcote, on Saturday 13 April 2024. The show will feature two sets of original music, dancing shoes are a must!
Sideways will be available on major streaming platforms in early April 2024. Scroll down for a sneak preview!
Hornstars featuring at Hornstravaganza
The Gasometer Hotel, Friday 12 May 2023
The Hornstars are thrilled to be opening proceedings at Hornstravaganza, a night of horn-driven jazz, funk and soul at the Gasometer Hotel, Friday 12 May 2023. Make sure to be there early to catch The Hornstars, and stick around for 32 Bars and Mount Kujo. Doors open at 7:30. It promises to be a fantastic evening of live music!
The Hornstars will be opening for Boney M on Friday 10 February!
February 2023
We are honoured to be opening the show for Disco Superstars BONEY M, featuring Maizie Williams in Melbourne!
Performing all their chart-toppers "Daddy Cool", "Ma Baker". "Rivers Of Babylon", "Brown Girl In The Ring", "Sunny", “Rasputin” + heaps more with a full live band!
BONEY M have sold over 100 million records worldwide and are the most iconic European disco act of all time.
Strap on your dancing shoes Australia, BONEY M are back bigger, better and more outrageous than ever!
