Society of Beggars


Society of Beggars is an Australian alternative rock band based in Melbourne, Victoria. Formed by brothers Yianni and Dimitrios Michalopoulos, along with drummer Tom "Dibi" Di Biase and later, bassist Zoë Alexa, the group emerged in the 2010s with a sound blending dark psychedelia and classic rock influences. Originally from Adelaide, they relocated to Melbourne and 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.

History

Early career

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.

Singles (2019–2023)

In 2019, the group released the single "God Mode", described as a cathartic track exploring 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 calling "Well of Wishes" a song that captures the band's "cataclysmic best." Glide Magazine described "All the Houses Have Their Lights On" as "a dark and refreshing rock ballad" that blends brooding lyricism with atmospheric production.

''Levitator'' (2024)

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 called it "a powerful and cohesive alternative rock album" that channels emotional weight into sonic intensity.
Beat Magazine described the album as "an emotional rollercoaster of the most epic proportions," noting its blend of classic rock and post‑punk stylings. Happy Mag praised the record for its "artful lyricism and soaring arrangements," stating that the band "distil the pain of personal loss into something cinematic and cathartic." The album also received positive coverage from AAA Backstage, which highlighted the band's "commanding presence" and 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.

Style and influences

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 draws on noir, classic rock, and emotional vulnerability.

Tours

A Tour Called Night
National tour across Victoria, New South Wales, and South Australia in support of single "An Angel Called Night".
Old Haunts Tour
Featured shows in Warrnambool, Melbourne, and Adelaide alongside the release of the "Old Haunts" single and music video.
God Mode Tour
Tied to the release of the single "God Mode".
Levitator Tour
National tour supporting their debut album, Levitator, including shows in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane.

Discography

EPs

  • ''An EP Called Night''

Studio albums

  • ''Levitator''

Selected singles

  • "God Mode"
  • "Dance The Evil"
  • "Lick"
  • "Well of Wishes"