Based on our recent conversation on the 10 Minute Mood podcast.

For more than 11 years, The Pragmatics have played hundreds of shows across Sydney and beyond - pubs, clubs, beer festivals, beaches, balconies, even the 90th birthday of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. But under all the noise, harmonies and good-times vibe sits something deeper: being in a band together has become one of the most important mental health anchors in our lives.

We spoke about this recently on the 10 Minute Mood podcast, and the conversation felt worth sharing with our broader community too.

Why Music Became Our Safe Place

For each of us, music started long before The Prags existed. It was the thing we turned to as teenagers: buying singles, rushing home to play them 30 times, learning chords, finding identity in sound. As adults, it has become something else entirely.

If we’re playing and people are loving it, I feel at home. I get less anxiety doing a gig than ringing a plumber.

Music lets you step out of the chaos of work, family and obligations, and be absolutely present. It can be a hiding place or a release valve. Sometimes both at once.

The Power of Routine, Rehearsals & Showing Up

When we first formed the band, Monday-night rehearsals through winter at a cold St Peters studio were non-negotiable. Every week. No excuses. It was hard, but it bonded us. Without even realising it, that time became a protective routine: a guaranteed space to reconnect, unload, reset and laugh.

We spend half an hour before every rehearsal just asking each other: how are you? There aren’t many opportunities in life to do that with people you trust.

A Decade of Life, Shared

Across 11 years we’ve been through the full spectrum: births, deaths, job changes, marriages, divorces, burnout, sickness, wins and losses. Through it all, the band has been a through-line. We’ve built trust - a place where “R U OK?” isn’t a campaign; it’s just something you ask because you genuinely want to know.

We hug. We tell each other “love you, man.” We talk about the stuff our dads’ generation never could. And then we play rock’n’roll really loudly, which also helps.

The Magic of Playing Live

Something happens on stage when it all locks in - between us and between us and the crowd. It’s chaotic, joyful, ragged, transcendent.

When we’re flying, I feel like I can fly. When the crowd straps in with us - it’s transcendence. A moment of freedom for everyone.

We’re lucky to play for audiences that span generations. If they dance, we’ve done our job.

Advice for Anyone Wanting to Get Back Into Music

Just start. Learn three songs and hit an open mic. Find a local jam group. Reconnect with mates who used to play. Don’t wait for perfect: the magic comes from the people, not the level.

Music can give men a place to belong, a reason to show up and a community to lean on. Sometimes, a path back to yourself.

Thanks to Nat and Aspasia from 10 Minute Mood podcast and Sydney City Psychology for having us.