Australia’s genre-bending Windwaker will unleash their third album, smile, you’re on camera, on Friday 23 October through Civilians & Fearless Records – available to pre-order here. Windwaker will celebrate the album on their biggest Australian headline tour to date this October and November. Presented by triple j and Destroy All Lines, the run will see the band joined by first time Australian visitors The Pretty Wild (US), alongside RinRin and DREGG. Tickets are on sale now via Destroy All Lines.
Today sees the release of the video for new single “dna“. Watch the video here. The single dropped last Friday, debuting as their original Like A Version performance alongside their cover of The Kid LAROI’s “GIRLS“.
“dna” is laced with synths, hip-hop-inspired verses, and never scrimps on the hard-hitting riffage and bloodcurdling screams. The band remains committed to erasing genre parameters and flipping off sonic boundaries. “‘dna’ explores a deeply internal struggle with identity, self-worth, and the feeling of being trapped by one’s own nature,” the band offers.
“The song reflects on emotional instability and the pressure of living up to expectations, while battling impulses, ego, and the fear of never truly changing. There’s a recurring tension between wanting growth and feeling stuck in destructive patterns, as if these flaws are hardwired into their ‘DNA.’ Another key theme here which is explored over the album is authenticity. References to ‘doing it for the likes’ and people ‘switching sides’ highlights disillusionment with superficial validation and fake personas, while the protagonist in this song tries to strip away ego and confront their true self.”
smile, you’re on camera is a record that stands as the soundtrack to Windwaker’s journey since HYPERVIOLENCE. Described as their most honest release yet, smile, you’re on camera sees Windwaker channel the challenges and triumphs of the past few years. As a whole, the album ruminates on the weight of time and growth, struggles and sacrifice for the better life and authenticity in spite of a world full of superficial and sinister characters and bad actors. It’s a collection of catchy, energetic and heartfelt songs. The album offers a more guitar-forward and gritty, analog-focused backdrop compared to its predecessor, while encapsulating the eclectic signature sound of Windwaker up to this point.
Since their formation, vocalist Liam Guinane, guitarist Justin Keurntjes, bassist Indey Salvestro, drummer Chris Lalic, and synths/samples specialist Connor Robins have cultivated one of Australia’s most fiercely loyal heavy music fanbases. Continuing their rapid rise, the band recently completed their first ever US headline run, The Hounds of the Underground Tour, with If Not For Me and Colorblind, while also making their Sonic Temple Festival debut alongside My Chemical Romance, Dayseeker, Pierce The Veil and more. They’ll return to North America this November and December supporting Beartooth alongside Don Broco, before heading back to Europe in February with Bury Tomorrow and Stick To Your Guns.
Don’t miss Windwaker on their biggest Australian headline run to date. Tickets on sale now via Destroy All Lines. “dna” is out now and streaming everywhere. New album, smile, you’re on camera, will be available Friday 23 October via Civilians/Fearless Records. Available to pre-order on vinyl and CD here.
Destroy All Lines and triple j Presents
WINDWAKER ‘SMILE YOU’RE ON CAMERA’ AUSTRALIAN TOUR
With Special Guests THE PRETTY WILD (US), RINRIN & DREGG
October/November 2026
Friday 30 October – Magnet House, Perth 18+ *
Sunday 1 November – The Gov, Adelaide Lic AA
Monday 2 November – Northcote Theatre, Melbourne 18+
Thursday 5 November – Metro Theatre, Sydney Lic AA
Friday 6 November – King St, Newcastle 18+
Saturday 7 November – The Tivoli, Brisbane 18+
* DREGG not appearing in Perth
Tickets on sale via Destroy All Lines
