From kitchen to screen: WA band's song features in new Jackass movie

Emerging from the coastal town of Geraldton in Western Australia, punk trio Ratsalad has achieved a notable breakthrough with their music reaching global audiences through an unexpected platform. Their track “Southerly,” a song intimately tied to the unique local environment of their hometown, has been selected for inclusion in the closing credits of the international comedy film Jackass: Best and Last.

The band, formed in 2018 by siblings Jaz and Ken McCartney alongside Erica Trotter, initially began playing together as a casual pastime. Over time, their sound evolved into a high-energy punk style that garnered regional recognition. Last year, Ratsalad’s rising profile was cemented when they were named Regional Act of the Year at the Western Australian Music Awards. This accolade was followed by the Nannup Music Festival directors’ award, further validating their growing influence in the Australian music scene.

The opportunity to feature in a major Hollywood production arose somewhat unexpectedly. When representatives from the Jackass movie reached out to the band about using “Southerly” in the film, the members were initially skeptical, suspecting the approach might be a scam. Geraldton’s well-documented windy climate, which inspired the song’s lyrics, made the idea of its inclusion in a global film seem almost surreal to them.

After confirming the legitimacy of the offer through direct communication with the production team and the film's official social media channels, Ratsalad embraced the prospect. The producers expressed strong enthusiasm for the track, even offering a substantial payment, reflecting their appreciation of the band’s work. This gesture not only provided financial support but also signified the international recognition of Ratsalad’s artistic contribution.

The band’s journey has not been confined to Australia. Recently, Ratsalad completed an extensive European tour, performing across eight countries. These shows exposed the band to new audiences, many of whom were reportedly responsive and familiar with their lyrics, illustrating the expanding reach of their music beyond Australian shores.

Despite growing overseas acclaim, Ratsalad maintains a strong connection to Geraldton. Performing for their local community continues to hold particular significance for the band, with intimate hometown gigs presenting a different kind of challenge compared to larger international venues. The familiar faces in their audience—from former coaches to school teachers—imbue these performances with a grounded sense of accountability and support.

The song “Southerly” itself is emblematic of the band’s roots, drawing inspiration from Geraldton’s distinctive environment, especially its famously strong winds that affect local flora. This local authenticity, paired with their punk rock energy, has resonated far beyond their regional origins.

Looking ahead, the band expresses cautious optimism about future opportunities. Their recent successes—both at home and abroad, and now through their association with a major film—have opened doors that seemed unlikely just a year prior. While details about subsequent projects or tours remain limited, Ratsalad appears poised to continue expanding their presence on the international music stage.

The inclusion of Ratsalad’s music in Jackass: Best and Last represents a significant milestone for this independent band from a relatively remote part of Australia. It underscores the potential for local artists to achieve global exposure through unconventional channels, highlighting the evolving landscape of music discovery and distribution.