Poltergeist 9000: Making Music With Love, Energy and Mayhem

When it comes to new bands, there isn't really any act quite like Poltergeist 9000.

The synth-punk duo of Iggy Clue & Cal 9000 craft vibrant dance music that's brash and abrasive. Think Daft Punk meets Black Flag.

Having gained a cult following across the country via a series of genre-defying EPs and albums, Poltergeist 9000 are making their Adelaide debut at The Austral later this month.

Ahead of their performance, we spoke with the band about Death Grips, the creation of their latest EP Higher Frequencies and playing Adelaide.

First off, incredible name for a band. You've probably been asked this a million times, but where did it come from?

Thanks! It's quite simple really. Back when we lived together in Hobart, we were brainstorming and came up with it. We both have a gravitation towards certain words, and having a number in the name felt exciting. It was originally Horsepower 9000, inspired by the song 'Horsepower' from Lightning Bolt, which we both loved. Then it somehow morphed into Poltergeist 9000. Maybe we were looking at Death Grips' Instagram handle @bbpoltergeist?

Poltergeist 9000 has quite a unique sound that crosses genres. How would you best describe the music you make?

Electro-punk is our go-to these days. We feel like that's as close as we can get. But if we wanna paint a musical picture, we say something to the effect of "Beastie Boys meets The Prodigy".

What artists have been your biggest inspiration, and how do you take those influences and create something that’s distinctly your own sound?

Death Grips were a big one for us growing up. We loved the way they presented their music and how creative they were with every detail, and we tried to apply that in our own way. Beastie Boys were also a big one. The camaraderie and friendship were always an element that we tried to convey ourselves.

You both have a background playing in punk/hardcore bands? How has this impacted your music?

100 per cent. I remember in those days now and then someone in the band would bring their nan or a family member, and regardless of their disdain for that kind of music, when they saw it live they had a great time. I think energy translates [to] taste and genre; it excites you and takes you to another place. The energy and aggression we got from playing in hardcore bands we translated to what we do subconsciously.

Last year saw the release of Higher Frequencies, an EP crafted in collaboration with fellow creative Finlay Ross. You first worked with her on the music video for 'Doppelgänger', but this marks your first in-studio project. Tell us about your relationship with Finlay, how this project came about and what it was like working with her?

Finlay moved to Newcastle not long after us. We had many mutual friends, which led us to discover her music, which we both loved. For some reason, when thinking of people to be in this music video idea that both us and Nikola (Jokanovic) had conjured, she popped up instantly.

From doing the video, we bonded over similar music tastes, and it grew into making some music together.

Speaking of music videos, the clip for 'Higher Frequencies', which was directed by your good friend Nikola, feels like when you're at a rave and your second wind kicks in at 2am. What was the idea behind the clip?

Nikola has done a lot of our videos and did this one on the fly. We wanted something simple and with a good vibe. We actually shot it in his parents' garage with black garbage bags attached to the walls.

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Back to the EP, it has elements of hardstyle techno, drum and bass, acid house and more, yet all five tracks merge seamlessly together, forming a collection of songs that make you want to dance the night away. Is it always your intention to create something that gets people moving?

Mostly yes. As stated earlier, energy is a huge part of our thing. We like to see everyone having fun and dancing at our shows, regardless of where they come from, what they're into or what they look like.

June saw the release of your first track of 2026, 'Blue Encounter'. It's less of an electro banger and more of a grimy rap track with a minute of thrash metal. What's the inspiration behind this track?

The track is pure fun. Making music can be a mental battle at times. We always have to remind ourselves that the goal is to enjoy the process and make things that are exciting. If we make things with love, hopefully someone else resonates with it.

You're coming to Adelaide to perform for the first time in September. Have you ever visited before, and if not, have you been advised of what to see while in town?

One of us has, and they love it. The bakeries are great.

Support includes Hagol, TGRX and White Columns. What can you tell us about these acts and why you’ve got them on the lineup?

All great bands with exciting sounds. We love to have dynamic lineups that offer something fresh and new to people.

What can people expect from a Poltergeist 9000 live show?

Energy and mayhem.

I saw an interview with you guys where it said you have a five-year plan that includes playing festivals and collaborating with G.U.N, Mike D (Beastie Boys) and Mike (No Face). Is this still the long-term plan, and if so, what’s the next major achievement you’re keen to knock off?

Absolutely! A Grammy next year I reckon.

Catch Poltergeist 9000 performing with support from Hagol, TGRX and White Columns at The Austral on Friday 25 September. Tickets on sale now at moshtix.com.au.