Geraldton punk/rock trio RATSALAD receive two nominations at the 2025 West Australian Music Industry AwardsJosephine HingstGeraldton GuardianFri, 21 November 2025 2:00AM
Geraldton’s own punk/rock trio RATSALAD have secured two nominations at the 2025 West Australian Music Industry Awards — for punk/hardcore act of the year and regional act of the year.
Formed by husband-and-wife duo Ken and Jaz McCartney and their mate Erica Trotter, RATSALAD started out by jamming in a kitchen in Geraldton and have gone on to build a strong following with their raw, energetic sound.
Their debut album, Bent Trees & Swanny Deez, released in March 2024, captures life in their coastal hometown through gritty and honest punk anthems.
Earlier this year they dropped a new single, guilt_emo_rs_song.mp3, blending emo nostalgia with punchy punk instrumentation.
Guitarist Ken McCartney thanked the community for backing the band and hinted at a big year of touring and music for 2026.
“We’re proud and grateful for the nominations,” he said.
“Being a regional band is a real juggle of work, music and personal lives so moments like this mean a lot.
“Next year we’re releasing our second album and heading out on a Europe and WA tour which is a huge step for a Gero band — we’re stoked WAM and the community is backing us.”
With more than 23,000 monthly Spotify listens, these nominations reflect the band’s growing impact — not just in Geraldton, but across WA’s broader music industry.
RATSALAD are no strangers to winning WAMis either, taking home gongs in 2020 for heavy/metal song of the year and 2021-2023 for punk/hardcore song of the year.
The WAM awards night will be held on Wednesday, December 10, at the Walyalup Fremantle Arts Centre.
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