Society of Beggars

Society of Beggars is an Australian alternative rock band based in Melbourne, Victoria. Formed by brothers Yianni and Dimitrios (Jim) Michalopoulos, along with drummer Tom "Dibi" Di Biase and later, bassist Zoë Alexa, the group formed in Adelaide before relocating to Melbourne in the 2010s, developing a sound that blends dark psychedelia and classic rock influences. They released their debut EP, An EP Called Night, in 2017. Their first full-length album, Levitator, was released in 2024 and received positive reviews from Australian and international music media. Society of Beggars formed in Adelaide before relocating to Melbourne, drawn to the city's alternative music scene. Yianni and Jim Michalopoulos are the sons of Mick Michalopoulos, guitarist and vocalist of the 1980s Adelaide band Vertical Hold. Their early influences included acts such as The Doors, Tom Waits, and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. In 2017, the band released their debut EP, An EP Called Night, produced by Lindsay Gravina at Birdland Studios. In 2019, the group released the single "God Mode", which explored themes of loss and resilience. Later singles such as "Well of Wishes" and "All the Houses Have Their Lights On" received coverage in music publications, with Beat Magazine noting that "Well of Wishes" captured the band's style. Glide Magazine characterised "All the Houses Have Their Lights On" as a dark rock ballad with atmospheric production. The band's debut studio album, Levitator, was released on 28 November 2024 and produced by Lindsay Gravina at Birdland Studios. The album was heavily influenced by the death of the Michalopoulos brothers' father, which informed its themes of grief, mortality, and healing. Obscure Sound described the release as a cohesive alternative rock record that channels emotional weight into its instrumentation. Beat Magazine noted its blend of classic rock and post‑punk stylings. Happy Mag commented on its lyrical arrangements and thematic focus on personal loss. The album also received positive coverage from AAA Backstage, regarding the album's songwriting. In early 2025, the band promoted the album with the Levitator Tour, performing at intimate venues across Australia including Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, with a notable album launch at The Old Bar. Society of Beggars' music blends elements of alternative rock, post-punk, and dark psychedelia. Reviewers have compared their sound to artists like Nick Cave and Tom Waits, citing their theatrical arrangements and lyrical introspection. Their visual and musical aesthetic incorporates elements of noir fiction and classic rock. National tour across Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia in support of single "An Angel Called Night". Shows in Warrnambool, Melbourne, and Adelaide alongside the release of the "Old Haunts" single and music video. Organised in conjunction with the release of the single "God Mode". National tour supporting their debut album, Levitator, including shows in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane. An EP Called Night (2017) Levitator (2024) "God Mode" (2019) "Dance The Evil" (2021) "Lick" (2022) "Well of Wishes" (2023) Official website Bandcamp "'I'm serving a life sentence of rock and roll': Melbourne's Society of Beggars". Beat Magazine. 27 June 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Society of Beggars – Levitator". Obscure Sound. 28 November 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2025. Bryant, Sarah (11 August 2016). "Five Things with Jim Michalopoulos from Society Of Beggars". The Brag. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Discover This: Society of Beggars". GigRadar. 3 January 2020. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Society of Beggars: Interview". May the Rock Be with You. June 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "LISTEN: Society of Beggars Craft a Dark and Refreshing Rock Ballad". Glide Magazine. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Levitator lifts Society of Beggars to emotional heights". Beat Magazine. 28 November 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Society of Beggars rise with Levitator". Happy Mag. 30 November 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Society of Beggars: Levitator". AAA Backstage. 30 November 2024. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Society of Beggars are bringing raw energy to intimate venues across Australia in March". Beat Magazine. 27 February 2025. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Society Of Beggars Announce November Tour". The Music. 11 October 2016. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Society Of Beggars". Forte Magazine. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Society of Beggars release video for new single "Old Haunts"". AMNplify. May 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Society of Beggars release new video and EP". Music Injection. 12 June 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Premiere: Society Of Beggars get dark on "Old Haunts"". AAA Backstage. 5 June 2017. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Society of Beggars chat their huge new single "God Mode"". Happy Mag. 31 October 2019. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Society of Beggars are bringing raw energy to intimate venues across Australia in March". Beat Magazine. 27 February 2025. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Premiere: Society of Beggars - Dance The Evil". Hysteria Magazine. 17 August 2021. Retrieved 26 August 2025. Dowling, Trent (17 August 2021). "5 Witchy Things That Influenced Society Of Beggars' New Single 'Dance The Evil'". Scenestr. Retrieved 26 August 2025. "Lick: Society of Beggars' journey through a nightmare dreamscape". Beat Magazine. 2022. Retrieved 26 August 2025. Denham, Matt (August 2022). "Society of Beggars and the dark romance of 'Lick'". American Pancake. Retrieved 26 August 2025.