The Paper Kites

About The Paper Kites

The Paper Kites formed in Melbourne around 2009 when Sam Bentley and Christina Lacy started writing songs together. What began as a duo gradually expanded into a five-piece, with Sam Rasmussen, Josh Bentley, and Dave Powys rounding out the lineup. They landed somewhere in the intersection of folk and indie rock, the kind of music that sounds good in coffee shops but has more substance than background noise.

Their early EP "Woodland" dropped in 2011 and got them noticed, particularly the track "Bloom" which eventually racked up millions of streams. It's one of those songs that soundtracks people's lives without them necessarily knowing the band name. The gentle fingerpicking and hushed vocals became their calling card, though they'd push beyond that template soon enough.

The debut album "States" came in 2013, solidifying their presence in the indie folk scene. They were touring consistently by then, building an audience that appreciated the careful arrangements and the way their songs could fill a room without shouting. "Young" from that record became another streaming success, the algorithm gods smiling favorably on their particular brand of melancholy.

"twelvefour" arrived in 2015, named after the late-night hours when Bentley wrote most of it. The album leaned into darker, more atmospheric territory. Recorded in a house in the Dandenong Ranges outside Melbourne, it had space and air in the production. They were moving away from pure folk, adding electric elements and moodier textures.

The shift continued with "On the Train Ride Home" in 2018, which split into two EPs. They were experimenting more, incorporating synths and expanding their sonic palette. Some longtime fans missed the acoustic simplicity, but the band seemed intent on avoiding predictability.

"On the Corner Where You Live" dropped in 2018 as well, a more pop-oriented effort that confirmed they weren't interested in retreading "Woodland" forever. The production got cleaner, the hooks more pronounced. They'd become a different band than the one that made "Bloom," which is either growth or departure depending on who you ask.

They've maintained a steady presence without ever quite breaking into mainstream consciousness beyond those streaming hits. Their audience is devoted but niche, the kind of fans who buy vinyl and show up to intimate venue shows. They tour internationally, particularly in North America where they've cultivated a following.

By 2024, they're still at it, still based in Melbourne, still making records. Sam Bentley remains the primary songwriter, with Lacy's vocals providing the essential counterpoint. They've aged into their sound, less concerned with folk purity than with making records that interest them. Not every band that starts acoustic stays there, and The Paper Kites decided early on they wouldn't.

Shows are quiet, attentive affairs. Audiences lean in rather than shout. The band's precision translates well to stages—every string arrangement and timing shift lands. Crowds tend to be respectfully devoted rather than rowdy, and the overall vibe is contemplative. Good venue for actually hearing what they're doing.

Known for Bloom, Twelvefour, Electric Worry, Reckless Love, Don't

See The Paper Kites Live