In September 2026, Robbie Chater and Tony Di Blasi sat down with reporters in Manhattan to discuss the creation of their latest album, No Bad Memories. The duo, core members of the Australian disco-pop collective the Avalanches, described a creative journey that involved delving into diverse musical influences, including children’s science programs and traditional Tunisian music.
The pair gained international recognition following the release of their 2000 debut album, Since I Left You. The record became a seminal work in plunderphonics, a genre characterized by its innovative use of samples, and helped the group cultivate a dedicated fanbase over the past two decades.
A significant component of the new project is a 35-minute accompanying film featuring actor Haley Joel Osment. Known for his roles in The Sixth Sense and Forrest Gump, Osment had previously expressed his admiration for the band on social media. Chater and Di Blasi reached out to him with an invitation to participate in what would be their first filmmaking endeavor.
Di Blasi noted the initial uncertainty surrounding the collaboration. “We’d never made a film before, so it was like, ‘This could be a complete disaster for him,’” he recalled. “We were like, ‘We don’t really have anyone yet … We don’t even know what we’re doing.’” Despite these concerns, Osment agreed to join the project, marking a surreal chapter in the band’s long-standing career.
I still think Since I Left You is a masterpiece, but this new direction feels like a risky step for them.
Haley Joel Osment collaborating with the Avalanches is the crossover I didn’t know I needed. Surreal indeed!