While we always have great shows in the large cities there is something special about getting out to places like Wodonga, Coffs Harbour and Armidale. Kids there don't really get a chance to see much live music – so the response you get when you come to play to them is incredible. And it's not just the kids who like hardcore or metal who turn out – everyone comes because it's an event. And we've found that every gig we play in small towns ends up with new kids becoming fans of the band.

“Coming from a small town like Byron Bay we really know how important tours like this are – they literally keep music alive in these towns,” says Taylor, who adds that the Byron hardcore scene is now more fertile than ever. Bands like Parkway Drive have been a great inspiration for us – that they did it all from Byron and not Sydney or Melbourne just makes it all the more incredible.”

And on the topic of Byron Bay – why has an area renowned for alternative lifestyles and laid-back vibes become a hotbed for band like Parkway Drive, In Hearts Wake and now power violence fiends Shackles? “That's a good question,” chuckles Taylor. “I think people from around here really want to enjoy life and give it their all. People may be chilled but they are prepared to throw themselves into something like creating aggressive music because they've got that attitude of embracing the world and all it has to offer. I also think it's a byproduct of the fact that Byron is exposed to so many different cultures and people – we get visitors from around the world. It's a real melting cultural pot – and that's perfect for developing a strong hardcore scene.”

Lest you think In Hearts Wake are merely following in the shadows of Parkway Drive, the boys have built a seriously impressive fanbase in their own right with last year's debut LP, Divination. It's this success that's led to a coveted Soundwave spot. “Soundwave is an incredible festival and we're so proud to play alongside bands like Korn, whose videos we watched when we were kids. These gigs will be a chance to reach people who may not even know we exist, people who will take a chance on checking us out. We plan to make Soundwave the sets of our life – we're going to play our hearts out and show people what we're all about.”