“The fact that most people don’t know that, and it’s not at the forefront of people’s minds I think is evident in the poor relationships that we’ve got today.”
Jimmy Kyle
In today’s modern, sanitised music world, far too many bands are reluctant to state their beliefs and opinions for the sole fact that they could possibly offend someone. It is a fair point in principle, but has been taken too far in most instances, forcing musicians to temper their thoughts somewhat in an attempt to appeal to as wide a potential market as they can.
So it is refreshing that some bands out there continue to speak out for their beliefs and use their music as a weapon of choice in bringing such things to the attention of others.
Naarm based outfit Chasing Ghosts are one of those bands.
Fronted by proud Thungutti Country Indigenous songwriter Jimmy Kyle, Chasing Ghosts have consistently spread their viewpoints and history by verse, in the process providing a voice for many who have not – or could not – speak through their own.
After releasing their critically acclaimed EP Homelands in 2021, Chasing Ghosts have remained relatively quiet since, quietly working their way through fresh material and another assault on the Australian music scene. That arrived recently with the single Amnesia Everybody, a song that shines the spotlight on the ignorance of Australia’s historic treatment of its First Peoples.
With a three date tour in October and more new music in the works Jimmy sat down with HEAVY to discuss the new single and more.
“Great,” he enthused when asked about the early response to Amnesia Everybody. “I think it’s overwhelmingly good and has reinvigorated the fan base after a couple of years since our previous release Homelands which did really well. This ones taken a little bit longer moving between record labels because sometimes that can take a little longer than we’d like. We’ve been waiting for about 12 months to release this stuff, which has given us an opportunity to write for a future record in the interim, but it’s relieving and satisfying to be able to share this with people now.”
In the full interview, Jimmy discussed their new single Amnesia Everybody and shared that the song has a high energy, polished sound, which is a departure from their previous lo-fi style. He mentioned that they have embraced contemporary recording techniques, which has resulted in a more luxurious sound. He also highlighted the need for awareness and understanding of Australia’s history, particularly regarding race relations and the treatment of Aboriginal people.
Jimmy also discussed his experiences as an Aboriginal man and how his background influences his songwriting. He emphasized the importance of speaking truth to power and criticized the glorification of historical figures who committed atrocities against Aboriginal people. He also expressed his desire for a more honest and mature approach to Australia’s history and its impact on the country’s identity.
We discussed the upcoming cycle Chasing Ghost‘s new album, which will be more energetic and a return to their punk rock roots. Jimmy discussed the evolution of the band’s music project from acoustic folk to full-on punk rock, with the aim to challenge themselves to write something broader and bigger.
Additionally, we talked about Chasing Ghost’s upcoming tour, which Jimmy described as a fun, rowdy experience with opportunities for sing-alongs and head banging. The tour is set to start in Brisbane on October 10th, followed by Sydney and Melbourne.
