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Dave Bruce
talks to
JIMMY KYLE
from
CHASING GHOSTS

(May 10, 2025)

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Photo – @xpeesx

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How did the band come together back in 2011? Where did it all begin?
Chasing Ghosts began in 2011 as a solo acoustic project when I released my debut album Confessions From A Phone Booth. After the follow-up album, I Am Jimmy Kyle, in 2016, I felt the need to bring in musicians to help replicate the broader, evolving sound—and the rest is history.

Briefly describe your journey to date.
Chasing Ghosts started very DIY—with a borrowed acoustic guitar and an idea. As a solo artist, I toured New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Europe, and the UK before forming a full band. Over time, Chasing Ghosts evolved into a sextet, blending punk, rock, folk, and alt-country. The project has continued to refine itself into a storyteller-driven punk-folk outfit. In its latest form, Chasing Ghosts is a five-piece indie punk rock band, known for tackling bold, often confronting subject matter—truth-telling about Australia’s colonial past and First Nations history among them.

How would you describe your sound? Why do you think fans resonate with your music?
Chasing Ghosts’ sound follows wherever the songs need to go. We’ve never been about chasing trends; the sound has evolved with its own identity, always tied together by a punk ethos. There have been elements of blues, alt-country, folk, indie, and punk rock, but we’ve now come full circle—returning to a more contemporary punk rock sound. Fans often tell us they laugh, cry, and learn something new at our shows. I think it’s the crowd engagement and empathetic, bold storytelling—delivered with punch—that really resonates.

Which artist’s music or performance, past or present, inspires you today?
I’m inspired by artists who do the work—those who are dedicated, who give back to their communities. The workhorses. They’re the ones who push me forward.

Your new album Therapy comes out May 16! What’s it all about? Describe its origin and evolution.
Music and culture have always been my therapy. This record is a high-energy catharsis and a deeply vulnerable, introspective account of confronting issues we face in this country—like denial of the Frontier Wars, massacres, slavery, transphobia, suicide, domestic violence, and my own experiences with mental health.
Therapy came from a dark place—it’s the swirling product of intergenerational trauma, grief, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and self-destructive behaviors. But even in that darkness, there’s a thread of hope: striving for growth, setting boundaries, seeking help, and moving forward with love for those who shaped us.

What are the signature tracks on the album, and which are your favorites to play live?
Singles like Amnesia Everybody, Ten Feet Tall, and My Bingayi have really struck a chord with fans—and they’re a blast to play live. I think as more of the album gets out there, other tracks will connect in similar ways.

Chasing Ghosts have a short tour coming up in June. What are you looking forward to, and what can fans expect?
We’re excited to hit the southeastern states in June and share this new chapter of Chasing Ghosts with fans—especially those who haven’t seen the current lineup or heard the new tracks live yet. Expect energy, connection, and some powerful new music.

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If you could perform with any artist, alive or dead, who would you choose—and why?
Probably Johnny Cash—his storytelling has hugely influenced me. Or Bob Marley, for his message and spirit.

What are your long-term aspirations as an artist, and how are you progressing toward them?
Our focus is really on enjoying the process as much as the outcome—and that’s not always easy. It’s not about chasing stages or festivals. Those things come and go. It’s about continually improving, finding meaning in the work, and staying true to what we’re creating.

What advice would you give to an artist starting out?
– No one show makes or breaks a band.
– Be polite and kind—it’s essential.
– Be yourself—it’s what sets you apart.
– Stay adaptable. Don’t take yourself too seriously—we’re not curing cancer.
– Remember: it’s about the journey, not the destination.

What’s the best thing about performing live? What’s been your career highlight so far?
Playing live connects you to a community. It’s a reminder of our shared humanity and a great excuse to meet people from all walks of life.
A career highlight would have to be touring with the Good Things Festival—it was incredible.

Three fan-favorite personal questions:
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
My mates would probably say it’s my habit of traveling solo to wild places. I’ve eaten tarantulas in Cambodia, visited the West Bank in occupied Palestine, walked the demilitarized zone in Pakistan, and kissed cobras in India. I like going to places I might never tour with music.
What topic could you talk about for hours?
First Nations cultures and history—though I do get exhausted from constantly educating. Still, I genuinely try to help people reconsider what they think they know.
What do you like most about yourself?
That I’m a dad—and that I’m unapologetically myself.

Quick-fire favourites:
Album: Too many to choose from.
Artist: Same—too many I appreciate.
Movie: Jaws—a childhood classic.
Place to visit: India or Mexico.
Venue to play: The Corner Hotel.
Food: Any curry.
Drink: Coke No Sugar (it’s probably killing me) and coffee.
Person in History: There are many—imperfect people who stood for peace, justice, and equality: Yitzhak Rabin, Mahatma Gandhi, Malcolm X, Nelson Mandela, Marcus Garvey, Dundali, Tullamarina, and others.
Tattoo: I’ve got a piece from Cindy Ray (Bev Robinson) and another from Frank Carter—both memorable, not just for the art but for the amazing people behind them.

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Pre-order THERAPY
on Limited Edition Coloured Vinyl
HERE 
Pre-save THERAPY HERE 
Out May 16

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DIAMOND CREATIVE AND DESTROY ALL LINES
PRESENTS

CHASING GHOSTS
THERAPY AUSTRALIAN TOUR
with special guests
THE COMFORT
& CORDIFORM

Friday 6th June – The Austral, Adelaide / Kaurna
Saturday 7th June – Volta, Ballarat / Wadawarrung
Sunday 8th June – Northcote Social Club, Melbourne / Wurundjeri
Friday 13th June – Oxford Art Gallery, Sydney / Gadigal
Saturday 14th June – Greaser, Brisbane / Turrbul

Tickets On Sale Now

For More Information and Tickets Visit HERE

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“The Therapy artwork concept was a collaboration between myself and multi-disciplinary artist Shal Allen; another First Nations artist, and a proud Bundjalung man.” says Jimmy Kyle

“The artwork is of the river system that breathes life into Thunghutti Barri (Thunghutti Country). It depicts what makes me, me and where I draw my resilience from, my home. In the foreground by stark contrast, an ominous contemporary neon title boldly casting both light and shadow across the artistic interpretation of the Macleay River; the many estuaries and creeks of my homelands.”

THERAPY
Track Listing

1. Burn the Boats
2. Amnesia Everybody
3. Ten Feet Tall
4. My Bingayi
5. Hurting Years
6. Flowers 
7. IWPTEK feat. Emmy Hour
8. Eating Paper
9. Chamomile Tea
10.Trick Or Treaty

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Follow CHASING GHOSTS
Instagram – Facebook – YouTube

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Press Release 2nd April 2025 (below) HERE

CHASING GHOSTS
release new single
‘CHAMOMILE TEA’

New album
THERAPY
Out May 16

DIGITALLY VIA BELIEVE 
PHYSICALLY VIA SUMMIT DISTRO

Band announce
THERAPY
album tour

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AMNPLIFY – DB