For anyone who came of age on late ’80s melodic rock, Trixter were one of those bands that seemed to arrive fully formed — huge hooks, big riffs, and the kind of songs that sounded like they were destined for summer radio. From their breakout debut through later records like New Audio Machine and Human Era, guitarist Steve Brown has been at the heart of that sound, blending melody, energy, and a clear love for the bands that inspired him.
Fast forward to 2026 and the story is still being written. Brown has spent the past year on the road with longtime bandmate P. J. Farley, performing the hugely successful Spirit Of 1989 shows in a stripped-back trio format that has been reconnecting fans with the songs in a completely different way. At the same time, he’s quietly working on new music — revealing recently that he already has around 15 songs written for what could become the next Trixter album. (Today he tells me it’s 75% complete).
There’s more on the horizon too. Brown and Farley have begun filming a documentary chronicling their nearly 40-year musical journey together, promising a look behind the curtain at a partnership that has survived the highs and lows of the music industry while always returning to the same shared love of rock ’n’ roll.
With Trixter finally heading to Australia this March, we caught up with Steve to talk touring, songwriting, new music, the documentary, and what the future might hold for one of melodic rock’s most enduring bands.
