Emerging from Vienna’s thriving indie-pop scene, Fallin’ Astronauts have returned with their most captivating release yet. The duo—comprised of vocalist Maximilian Hamedinger and guitarist Emil Breit—launches a fresh chapter with ‘Higher’, a shimmering new single that sets the stage for their upcoming debut EP MONO, arriving this October.
Built on a foundation of airy guitars and cinematic soundscapes, ‘Higher’ is both intimate and expansive. The track floats in the orbit of dream-pop, channeling the emotional honesty of Coldplay and the sonic ambition of Imagine Dragons, while retaining a minimalistic charm akin to early Kodaline. It’s a song that lifts rather than pushes, its atmospheric production giving way to lyrics that encourage listeners to let go, rise above, and rediscover their inner light.
There’s something almost weightless about the experience—true to its name, ‘Higher’ feels like drifting among the stars, wrapped in a cocoon of delicate melodies and warm instrumental textures. It’s the kind of track you’d expect to soundtrack a pivotal moment in a coming-of-age film—an anthem for rediscovery and emotional escape.
The duo describes their forthcoming EP MONO as a “raw, honest, and unfiltered” exploration of identity. “MONO stands for singularity—not just being one, but being whole,” they shared. And if ‘Higher’ is any indication, the project promises to dive deep into the emotional and artistic core of Fallin’ Astronauts.
Their journey, however, has been anything but predictable. With roots in classical music—Maximilian trained as a cellist, Emil as a trombonist and pianist—the two artists first collaborated under the moniker Lonely Moon Bandits before evolving into their current cosmic alias. The name Fallin’ Astronauts is inspired by street art depicting an astronaut casually carrying shopping bags—an image that blends the fantastical with the mundane, mirroring the band’s fusion of grounded lyricism and celestial sound.
Despite their relatively recent arrival, the duo has already begun carving a name for themselves in indie circles and their performances—often held in intimate venues and even aired on South Korea’s TBS eFM—are noted for their emotional resonance and understated charm.
With international tour dates across Europe and Asia soon to be announced, Fallin’ Astronauts are preparing for an even broader orbit. If ‘Higher’ is the first signal from their next mission, it’s clear this duo is heading for the stratosphere—and taking us along for the ride.
‘Higher’ is available now on all major streaming platforms.
