Ocean Alley release new ‘First Blush’ music video as excitement grows for Australian tour.
Ocean Alley has made major strides with the release of a vibrant new video for their song First Blush, a track that has quickly become a standout moment in their current musical phase. The video was filmed in Hawaii, providing a picturesque backdrop that highlights the band’s growth from their humble beginnings on the Northern Beaches.
The video for First Blush unfolds like a series of postcards from a holiday, capturing a relaxing afternoon in Waikiki during a break in touring in 2024. Shot by Jamieson Kerr and Tyler Bell, the visuals are natural and easygoing, showcasing scenes of the sun, sand, and sea with loved ones nearby. Instead of focusing on performance, the video reflects the essence of the song, exploring the various facets of love, from connection and warmth to fleeting moments of contemplation.
This release comes at a time when First Blush is gaining momentum, solidifying its position as a fan favorite from Ocean Alley’s fifth studio album, Love Balloon. The song has dominated the airwaves on triple j and peaked at number 22 on the Australian Shazam Charts. It exemplifies the band’s talent for creating music that is both accessible and profound, a trait that has kept them at the forefront of Australian alternative rock for over a decade.
Love Balloon, released in 2025, marked a significant moment in Ocean Alley’s career. Debuting at number three on the ARIA Album Chart, the album also claimed the top spots on the ARIA Vinyl and Australian Album Charts and spent twelve weeks in the ARIA Top 10. The album’s themes are wide-ranging, delving into the complexities of love in its various forms rather than focusing on a single emotion. This approach has resonated with audiences worldwide, with Ocean Alley surpassing one billion streams globally.
Ocean Alley’s journey began in 2011 in a backyard shed on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, drawing inspiration from a range of artists including Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, Oasis, and Dire Straits. Through relentless touring and the release of independent EPs like Yellow Mellow and In Purple, the band steadily built a loyal following. Their debut album, Lost Tropics, set the stage for international touring, while the success of the track Confidence from their 2018 album Chiaroscuro marked a turning point, landing the top spot in the triple j Hottest 100.
Subsequent albums like Lonely Diamond and Low Altitude Living further solidified Ocean Alley’s reputation for melodic songwriting and captivating live performances. In recent years, Confidence has experienced a resurgence on social media, introducing Ocean Alley to a new global audience and re-entering the ARIA Singles Chart years after its initial release.
The past year has been crucial for the band, with international milestones achieved alongside the release of Love Balloon. They headlined at London’s Alexandra Palace, toured extensively in North and South America, and performed in Brazil, Chile, and Mexico for the first time. Festival appearances at events like Lollapalooza, Sziget, and Austin City Limits have cemented their status as one of Australia’s most successful contemporary acts.
At home, fans were treated to Live In Melbourne ’23, a live album and concert film capturing the energy and precision of Ocean Alley’s live show. The release set the stage for their 2026 Australian headline tour, which has already sold over 60,000 tickets across various cities and regions. With a lineup of Australian and international acts, the tour marks a significant moment in the ongoing evolution of Ocean Alley.
As First Blush continues to make waves, Ocean Alley demonstrates their growth and expanding reach while staying true to the sense of community that has defined their journey from the start.