From Basement to Stage: The Rise of Sentinel
When Tim, John, and Michael Stent—three brothers from Melbourne—began making music together in the modest confines of their family home’s basement, they had no idea of the journey that lay ahead. With the youngest sibling just 15 years old at the time, the trio, known as Sentinel, has carved a unique path in the electronic dance music (EDM) scene over the last decade. Fast forward to today, and their accomplishments are impressive: collaborations with renowned artists like Alesso and Martin Garrix, a significant publishing deal with one of their musical idols, and a remarkable milestone of over a million streams in a single day.
Embracing Experience for Future Success
Despite these noteworthy achievements, the Stent brothers admit that they haven’t gone “full throttle” yet. They highlight that their recent experiences have been instrumental in shaping their future endeavors. “These last few years have given us access to rooms, people, guidance, and mentorship we never imagined when we first started out,” they reflect. The year 2026 marks a pivotal moment where they plan to channel everything they’ve learned into their music.
Sentinel aims to push creative boundaries and take risks that will resonate with their audience while feeling authentic. “We’re excited to create some special live moments that bring that vision to life,” they convey, hinting at the exhilarating performances fans can expect in the future.
A Reflection on Humble Beginnings
As they look back at their early days as a bedroom band, the brothers ponder whether their initial vision for Sentinel has materialized. “It’s hard to say exactly what we imagined,” they share, recognizing that their focus has shifted toward building a lasting identity for their music. Unlike their formative years, their goal now is to release tracks they’re genuinely proud of, marking a matured version of what they wanted to achieve.
Overcoming Barriers to Creativity
The brothers acknowledge that several factors held them back in the past few years. “In hindsight, we were probably still growing into ourselves as artists,” they explain, reflecting on their personal growth both individually and collectively. This development has illuminated a clearer vision for them, transforming obstacles into pathways for creative expression.
For much of their career—including when they produced early hits like Only You and Hurricane—they were navigating their craft from the basement of their family home. Their grassroots beginnings remain a cornerstone of their identity; three brothers united by a shared passion for music. With newfound creative spaces now at their disposal, they feel a sense of liberation to explore their artistry more fully, enhancing both their DJ and production skills.
Evolving Soundscape for Modern Audiences
As Sentinel enters this new chapter, the question arises: is this a fresh sound for the trio, or merely a refined version of what fans already love? They express a commitment to crafting songs that strike a balance between authenticity and relevance, attuned to current trends in dance music while remaining true to their roots. “We’ve been working hard on crafting songs that not only feel true to what our listeners already know but are also culturally relevant and fresh,” they assert. This ongoing evolution is a testament to their dedication to artistic growth.
A New Chapter: Execution of Vision
Reflecting on their journey thus far, the Stent brothers characterize their first decade as one of learning and maturation—“three brothers figuring out the tools and mindset needed to succeed in a scene which we all know and love.” This pivotal next chapter signifies a transition into actually executing the vision they’ve harbored for years, one that encompasses both personal and collective aspirations.
While they recognize the progress made from their humble beginnings, there remains an invigorating sense that they are just getting started. “A lot of our dreaming and planning has happened quietly behind the scenes, and now it finally feels like the time to step into the light,” they conclude, underscoring their readiness to share their next creative breakthroughs with the world.
Connect with Sentinel
Listen to their latest single, ‘Like Fire’ and follow Sentinel on their journey: Spotify | Instagram.
