About the Artist
Ess-Em are a powerhouse five-piece punk, rock, folk, ska, and pop outfit from Sydney’s Inner West. Fronted by singer & pianist Sarah-Marie (SM) Marriott, the band has spent the last eleven years cementing their reputation as one of the most hardworking and passionate acts in the Australian independent music scene.
Musically, Ess-Em are true sonic chameleons. Drawing inspiration from the theatricality of Jim Steinman, the rapid-fire energy of Bad Religion, and the narrative depth of The Decemberists, their sound spans everything from skate punk to reggaeton, and classical to salsa. No two songs sound the same, but every track is bound together by intense energy and fierce lyricism. SM’s songwriting tackles heavy-hitting, raw, and relatable themes—regaling audiences with tales of existential crises, conspiracy theories, mental health struggles, climate grief, and hormonal rage.
With a relentless schedule of roughly 40 shows per year, Ess-Em has built dedicated grassroots following the old-school way. They have successfully executed five self-managed national tours, including a 2015 run with the diverse, non-male identifying lineup of Sad Grrrls Festival, a 10-date tour for their 2018 EP Plan B, and an 11-date run for their 2022 album Support What You Love.
Their explosive live show has made them a trusted fixture for major domestic and international artists. Ess-Em has shared stages at medium-sized venues across the country with icons like Mad Caddies (acting as main support on their 9-date Australian tour), Authority Zero, A Wilhelm Scream, Frenzal Rhomb, Joey Cape, The Hard-Ons, and The Porkers. Eleven years into their journey, Ess-Em continues to prove that you can defy genres while keeping audiences dancing, thinking, and screaming along.
