EXTENTED BIO

Following the disbandment of Ben Benton & Callum Lausberg’s former group Lionhouse in 2017, the long time collaborators sought to continue their musical/creative relationship. Persisting with writing songs, the pair laid the foundations of their next musical endeavour. With the beginnings of a new sound in their back pocket, the search for counterparts began. 

Having made acquaintance online, the two were able to organise a jam session with singer/songwriter Mani Blü at Box Hill’s ‘Lighting Lab’ rehearsal studios. While there was a palpable chemistry and a mutual appreciation between both parties, the boys’ new friend wasn’t interested in the music direction of their project. So after some discussion, Ben & Callum agreed to become part of Mani Blü’s backing band. Now playing drums and guitar respectively for the hyper-pop star, rehearsals intensified. 

A couple sessions in, Mani introduced a bass guitarist that she had met studying at the Australian Institute of Music, Devin Hartley. In a poetic turn of events, Mani Blü was tardy to this particular rehearsal, allowing the trio that would become CRYSTALLINES to jam for the first time. Mani Blü, with her new backing band in tow played shows together over 2018 and 2019. During this time Callum was approached by pop singer, Konnie. Similarly to Mani Blü, Konnie needed a live band for her shows. Given their experience together in this role, the band were a perfect fit to back this new solo artist and fulfil her vision. 

All the while though, Ben and Callum felt they still had an itch to scratch when it came to their own original music. In 2019, they resumed writing their own brand of progressive, psychedelic and artful rock. Now with a more refined sound and a larger offering of songs, the pair looked to expand the project and bring on new partners. Having developed both a musical synergy and a friendship with Devin, he became the obvious choice to slot in on bass. The group continued to plot out their vision and chose a name, The Crystallines. Bringing forth the amalgam of each member’s unique influence, the band continued sowing the seeds of what would become many of their staple sounds.

As 2019 ticked over into the new year, the band once again commenced the search for a lead vocalist. Despite proceedings being halted several times by lockdowns in Victoria, the group was able to engage with a number of vocalists. Connecting with singers online and attending numerous open mic nights around Melbourne, the band was able to audition several highly capable vocalists. Unfortunately, none quite fit the bill for the front spot in CRYSTALLINES. In time, the trio decided that three was the magic number and that Callum would step into the dual role of vocalist and guitarist.

With the lineup settled, the group moved to refine and expand on their body of work. With the freedom to write melodies and express himself through lyrics, Callum began forming the concepts and motifs for the suite of tracks. 2020 had been a tumultuous year, and as a result the band sunk their teeth into writing about issues of morality, consequence and conscience. In an effort to remain balanced, Callum injected lighter moments into the discourse. A commitment to exploring hard hitting topics was always front of mind, however lyrics shifted into the idea of levity - finding the humour in a tragedy, laughing so you don’t have to cry. The band found fertile ground dressing up devastating topics in fantasy and tongue in cheek musings. It is this dichotomy that sets CRYSTALLINES apart, and a willingness to pursue a wide range of genres will see the band continue to expand their horizons as they forge their pathway into the future.