Duel Native Talked of Music, Insight and More!


Alternative rock indie folk pop artist DUEL NATIVE is a solo project, whose time thus far, has had a few single's released along with an EP, with new single's expected real soon! A lot much is in the works aside from music and even doing some shows too. All of this is talked about below.


1. Please tell us about the history of your band and its members.

DUEL NATIVE was started by me, Stephen Choi in 2021. I’m a singer-songwriter, as well as an environmental architect, and an original member of indie band, Greyhound Green. We had the opportunity to support acts such as The Libertines, The Others, and Alabama 3 in London. For live shows and recording, I’m supported by an ensemble of musicians in Melbourne.

2. What’s the origin of the band’s name?

DUEL NATIVE has multiple meanings. Firstly, I’m half-Trinidadian and half-Hong Kongese, born in the UK, and currently based in Australia. The duality in the name also relates to having multiple passions in life, and trying to follow them all!

3. Where is the band based out of and what is your music scene like there? Are there any local bands you could recommend?

In Naarm (the rightful name for what we commonly call Melbourne), there’s an incredible live music scene; the area has had a history of major artists - from Kylie Minogue to Vance Joy, Nick Cave to Missy Higgins, and even Michael Peter Balzary, better known as Flea was born here before he moved to New York and joined the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. There are so many local artists you should know as well - my favorites' at the moment are Nat Vazer, Hayley Mary, and Eliza Hull.

4. How would you describe your style?

Music style? It’s alt-rock indie-folk dream-pop, with some environmental science thrown in!

5. What have you released so far and what can someone expect from your works?

DUEL NATIVE has released three singles and an EP, which have varied from upbeat alternative pop rock in debut single ‘Sacrosanct’, through to the latest single ‘Hiding Out’, which A.I. describes as “Romantic” and “Ethereal”.

6. Do you have any new music in the works?

Yes! Two new singles to be released before the year is out, and some more recordings in the mix.

7. How about playing shows and touring, have anything planned out?

We just played a big show supporting a touring artist from Sydney, and have a single launch planned for the end of October in Melbourne. There’ll also be our “secret show” in December, which is only available to superfans. That’s now become an annual ritual…

8. What plans do you have for the future as a band?

Aside from writing, recording, and performing songs, I’m working on a lot of fascinating “green music” projects, looking at how to reduce waste in festival campsites, understanding the life-cycle impacts of releasing digital music, and exploring alternatives to PVC in records, i.e. non-vinyl vinyl!

9. Where can we listen to your band and where can we buy your stuff?

It’s available on all platforms for streaming or download. Until the plastic mix is right, I haven’t pressed to vinyl yet(!), and the jury is still out on NFTs until there’s enough renewable energy to manage them.

10. What is it you’d like a listener to remember the most when hearing your music for the first time?

“In a world of robot-made music, this is human and original. I can connect with it; I want to hear more.”

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