When Sydney outfit The Rions first formed in 2016, they had little idea about what the future held for them.

Coming together as a group of pre-teens in year seven, the concept of a career – let alone a musical career – likely seemed a far-off concept; one which would be obfuscated by the carefree day-to-day that they were tasked with at the time.

But fast-forward close to a decade, and things have undeniably changed. In that time, they've gone from a group of mates making music at school to headlining dates around the country, and even bringing their live show on the road.

Just last week, the group unleashed their long-awaited debut album, Everything Every Single Day. The follow-up to their long list of singles and their Minivan and Happiness In A Place It Shouldn't Be EPs from the previous two years, it sees the group operating at their fullest capacity, realising their potential as creatives, artists, and friends.

“After finishing this album and leaving the studio, it was the first real time I felt like we were a real band,” explained guitarist Harley Wilson. “This is the first real thing we've made where we've really had something to say. 

"Everything before it always seemed to feel like we were just going with the motions. With this album, so much work has gone into it. If we were to ever point any fans, new or old, to anything of ours, it would be this. It's the closest representation of us there is.”

Of course, it's easy to simply drop the proverbial needle toward the centre of the record and join The Rions' story halfway through, but to do so would be to discount their story of discovery and how they managed to reach this point in their career.

For The Rions, their life in the public eye effectively began in 2021. Though they'd released a trio of singles independently the year prior, it was in August 2021 that the group rose to fame after winning triple j's Unearthed High competition – joining an illustrious roster of artists that include the likes of Teenage Joans, George Alice, Gretta Ray, and more.

Of course, while the opportunity was sublime, the timing for The Rions' win was unfortunate. As one might remember, 2021 was the peak of pandemic-inspired lockdowns, meaning the group's win was announced via Zoom, with the likes of Lime Cordiale, Spacey Jane, and Tones & I all joining the meeting to offer words of encouragement.

Looking back on the experience, the group admit it was a little bit strange to be winning a huge prize and being granted an opportunity for high-profile live shows when live music was such a tenuous thing.

"There was definitely a sort of ‘silence’ that followed after all the excitement," Wilson explains. "Party poppers, crying and cheering about winning, and then straight back to our rooms in isolation.

"It wasn’t until we were able to play shows again I think that we could truly feel the impact. Though that’s usually how it is to be honest. It’s always hard to visualise the amount of fans sitting at home listening to your music until you step on stage and see them in front of you."

As the group explain, the prevailing feeling within The Rions' camp was one of "what now?" which quickly was realised as a means to take advantage of the timing. With a record high entry rate to the competition that year (The Rions emerged triumphant against 1,399 other entrants), and a relatively captive audience, they were able to transform their perceived misfortune into a larger platform.

However, the issue that presented itself quickly became how one prepares for a future in the music industry when the future is so uncertain?

"Personally I remember at this stage of high school (almost graduating) I had already decided long before that music was the career I was going to pursue," Wilson recalls. "I kind of took my focus away from subjects that didn’t interest me in the name of investing all my time and energy into chasing this dream. 

"So by the time we were lucky enough to win the competition, I think I was ready and had begun slowly navigating our way to where we are now."

The Rions' win undeniably opened up many doors for the group. Debut single Night Light has since been accredited as Gold by ARIA, while a total of seven songs have charted in triple j's Hottest 100 over the past four years (including Minivan, which peaked at No. 38 in 2023).

Needless to say, the group managed to thrive despite the cards being stacked against them, with easing pandemic restrictions allowing them to make some impressive debuts in Victoria and Queensland by way of the new year festivals NYE On The Hill and Spaced Out in late 2021 and early 2022.

"It wasn’t long before we caught our first flight to a gig and really got a taste for touring and what our lives could be like," Wilson remembers. "Soon after that we played our first tour and sold the whole thing out, so I’d say we were definitely lucky enough to make up for lost time."

In late 2025, The Rions are at a stage of their career that most artists could only dream of. They've released myriad singles, played countless shows, and even brought their live experience around the world with dates in the UK and Europe.

Even now the group are already in the midst of a national album tour, having wrapped up dates in Brisbane and Sydney over the weekend. Dates in Melbourne and Hobart will follow this weekend ahead of a tour-closer in Adelaide on October 18th. 

Early next month, the group will again head back to the UK for a series of shows, alongside a standalone date in the Netherlands as well. This all leads up to the summer festival season, which includes spots on the Changing Tides and Spilt Milk festivals.

Needless to say, they're a group on the rise, though the overwhelming nature of it is one that the group try to keep out of their minds as best they can.

"Sometimes I try not to think too deeply about it, so as to not get lost in the commotion," Wilson says. "But still I do constantly think about our growth in Australia and the rest of the world and how fortunate we are."

This fortunate nature is undoubtedly an earmark of The Rions' career, though by the very same token, their career could very easily have been different depending on how they addressed the situations they found themselves in. But ultimately, it's a mix of a group emboldened by their circumstances while harnessing an undeniable determination to do their very best.

"Undeniably we have been subject to incredible circumstances, but still I’ve always been proud of our drive, commitment and vision," Wilson beams. "And I don’t mind saying we’ve worked incredibly hard to get here and will continue to do so as it’s been the most rewarding journey of our lives."

With so many achievements in their career to date, and with so much opportunity laid out before them, how do The Rions look back on the legacy they've already forged? What are the biggest highlights and achievements of their history to date?

"Our ability to stay friends, and honestly without any trouble," says Wilson. "We enjoy each other's company so much and we couldn’t be happier with what we get to call jobs. 

"I’ve always wondered if I’d be able to carry on with music in the same capacity if I wasn't with these boys by my side every night. They really do make all the difference."

The Rions' Everything Every Single Day is out now, while tickets to their upcoming shows are on sale now.

The Rions – Australian Album Tour 2026

Remaining Dates

Friday, October 10th – The Forum, Melbourne, VIC (Sold Out)

Saturday, October 11th – Odeon Theatre, Hobart, TAS

Saturday, October 18th – Hindley St Music Hall, Adelaide, SA

Festival Dates

Saturday, November 22nd – Changing Tides – Kiama, NSW

Saturday, December 6th – Spilt Milk – Ballarat, VIC

Sunday, December 7th – Spilt Milk – Perth, WA

Saturday, December 13th – Spilt Milk – Canberra, ACT

Sunday, December 14th – Spilt Milk – Gold Coast, QLD