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Watch the full interview below

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Hey everyone, it’s Super Dan from Amnplify, and today I’m thrilled to be sitting down with Jimmy Kyle from Chasing Ghosts! Before we dive into the interview, I’d like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land I’m on—the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation—and pay my respects to their Elders past, present, and emerging. Jimmy, where are you tuning in from?

Jimmy Kyle: I’m in Lutruwita, which is the Palawa Kani word for Tasmania. I live near Kalamaluka, known to most as the Tamar River, in what people call Launceston or Lonnie. This is my new home on Palawa Pakana country.

Super Dan: That’s amazing. So, you’re in Chasing Ghosts, and it’s grown into something pretty special. How did the band first begin?
Jimmy Kyle: Well, I grew up playing in punk and hardcore bands. But the scene became toxic, and I just didn’t want to be part of it anymore. One day, I walked away from it all, thinking I might not play music again. But I had this idea to make one acoustic record—simple, raw, and old-school, with no auto-tune. I borrowed my dad’s guitar, wrote the first Chasing Ghosts record, hoping he’d finally like something I made. Spoiler alert—he didn’t, but hey, that’s for my therapist, not you!
That record, though, became a folk-punk solo project. For the second record, I worked with Andrew from Comeback Kidto produce it, and it evolved from there into a full band. Now, we’re on our fourth record, and the project’s constantly changing and growing. I still perform solo under my name, but Chasing Ghosts has developed into something more than just me.

Super Dan: That’s an awesome evolution. So, how would you describe Chasing Ghosts’ unique sound now, and what do you think sets you apart?
Jimmy Kyle: Over time, you develop these little signature sounds. For me, singing in an Australian accent was a big one. Growing up, I was surrounded by American music, so singing as an Aussie wasn’t that common when I started. It took a while to get comfortable with it and learn how to make it work with the music. Another big part of Chasing Ghosts is storytelling—our music is rooted in sharing stories.
We’ve also had some signature elements like heavy drumming, which gives a punk edge to what might otherwise be softer music. And I’ve always loved using a Hammond organ. It’s a sound I connected with through bands like Alexisonfire. But yeah, as for the new record—it’s less acoustic and more punk. It’s like coming full circle back to the scene I tried to leave, but now on my own terms.

Super Dan: Sounds like quite the journey! So, your new track Amnesia Everybody—was it born from a specific time or event in your life, or did it evolve naturally as you wrote?
Jimmy Kyle: It really stems from my other work outside of music, where I speak publicly and teach about Aboriginal history and culture. Understanding our past, particularly the massacres that took place and the legacy of colonization, is something that’s always with me. It affects not just me but all Aboriginal people and our families, our generational wealth, and the trauma that’s passed down.
Amnesia Everybody is a reflection on the cult of forgetfulness—a term used to describe how many Australians forget or don’t know the true history of this country. It’s not just history; it’s still impacting us today. Writing about these issues isn’t easy, but it’s important. I try to handle these subjects delicately while being honest about them.

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Part 2: Jimmy reflects on Art, Politics, Music and Community

Walking down the street, you’re surrounded by people who are protesting, making their voices heard, but something feels off when they’re being protected by the police. It feels strange, almost comical, considering that these protestors are often promoting hate and division. The irony is palpable. It’s frustrating that these individuals can make violent threats without consequence, all while hiding behind the banner of “free speech.” Meanwhile, marginalized communities still live in fear. The police are supposed to serve and protect, yet in many cases, it seems their allegiance is misplaced. When fear fills the air, you should feel safe calling the authorities. Instead, we often find them defending the wrong side. It’s disheartening, to say the least.

As artists, we have a responsibility to speak out against injustice. We’ve seen so many musicians—Black, white, and from all walks of life—take up that mantle, using their platforms to address these pressing issues. Yet, despite all this, the rise of racism in recent years cannot be ignored. I can’t help but attribute some of this resurgence to the normalization of extremist views—spurred by the rise of Trumpism. These ideologies, once seen as fringe, have crept back into mainstream discourse.

Media outlets like Sky News and Fox News have played their part in this dangerous narrative. Their skewed coverage continues to promote divisive ideologies. For instance, in Queensland, every newspaper is owned by the Murdoch press, monopolizing the voice of the people and ensuring that one viewpoint dominates. It’s incredibly disheartening. We used to have laws preventing monopolies in media ownership, but now, when racist rhetoric surfaces in one Murdoch paper, it spreads like wildfire. It’s not just newspapers either—Murdoch’s ownership extends to Sky News, a media platform notorious for propagating harmful stereotypes and misinformation.

But, it’s not just about the media. It’s about the very institutions that claim to protect us, like the police. The history between Indigenous Australians and law enforcement is fraught with violence and oppression. Many don’t know that 50% of the massacres of Indigenous people in Australia were led by the police. For non-Indigenous people, the police symbolize protection, but for us, they represent something far more sinister. Historically, they came to kill us, not protect us. Figures like William Wilshire and Mounted Constable William George Murray were among the first to establish this violent relationship, slaughtering countless Aboriginal people.

In Queensland alone, it’s estimated that the Native Mounted Police were responsible for the deaths of 70,000 Aboriginal people—ethnic cleansing, plain and simple. This makes it almost impossible for Indigenous communities to trust the police, especially when we’ve seen time and time again that officers who kill Aboriginal people walk free without consequence. No officer has ever been successfully charged for the murder of an Aboriginal person in Australia. How can we possibly believe in justice when it seems the system is designed to fail us?

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It’s hard to process all of this, but music is where I turn to reflect, vent, and connect. My latest track, Amnesia Everybody, addresses this on a broader scale. In contrast to my earlier song Summer, which specifically focused on the Towel Creek Massacre, this new piece speaks more broadly about the societal amnesia around these injustices.

But it’s not all heavy. Live shows are where we blend the heavy with the joyful. Music is a form of therapy, both for us on stage and for those in the crowd. I’ve got some exciting shows lined up—Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne are just around the corner, and I can’t wait to connect with everyone. Performing with friends like The Pretty Littles and The Smith Street Band makes it all the more special. We’re all just a bunch of nerdy dads now, swapping baby photos and balancing our lives on the road with fatherhood. It’s moments like that which keep me grounded.

On the road, I try to stay in a good mental space, but I won’t lie—touring is stressful. I’ve got my own methods to unwind, though they might not be what you expect. Sure, I drink coffee and take a breather, but I’m also honest about indulging in a medicinal joint now and again. Keeping it real helps me cope with the pressures, and it’s better than pretending to be something I’m not.

Speaking of collaborations, I’ve had the privilege of talking to some amazing artists about future projects. One person I’m particularly excited about is Fred Leone. Fred’s an incredible artist—a songman who carries the weight of 65,000 years of Indigenous tradition in his music. Every time you hear him sing, you’re transported through time, connecting with ancient history in the most profound way. He’s like a living museum, preserving culture through song.

Wrapping things up, I often reflect on how we, as artists, can inspire change. Through music, we can address the harsh realities of the world while still providing people with an outlet for joy and community. Whether it’s on stage or in the studio, we aim to uplift voices, call out injustices, and hopefully, spark conversations that lead to real change.

So, if you’re coming to the shows, prepare for a night of reflection, but also one of celebration. Because while we fight for justice, we must also remember to live, love, and share moments of joy together.

Stay tuned for more music and more stories. And if you haven’t already, go listen to Amnesia Everybody. Let’s keep the conversation going.

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Critical acclaim for CHASING GHOSTS

’Summer’ on track to be one of the most powerful entries in their discography to date.” – Rolling Stone

“When it comes to addressing Indigenous affairs in the music scene, no one does it quite like Chasing Ghosts frontman Jimmy Kyle.” – Wall Of Sound

“Australia’s best new music for February…weaving English with his native tongue, and delivering a powerful punk song with sugary hooks and a thrilling momentum that belie the horrors of such a massacre” – The Guardian

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DESTROY ALL LINES & DIAMOND CREATIVE PRESENTS

CHASING GHOSTS
AMNESIA EVERYBODY TOUR 2024

With Special Guest MUDRAT

October 10 – The Brightside, Meanjin / Brisbane w/ Cheap Date – Tickets
October 11 – Bootleggers, Warrang / Sydney w/ Desert Runner – Tickets
October 12 – Cherry Bar, Naarm / Melbourne w/ Oh Daisy – Tickets

Tickets On Sale Now

For More Information Visit www.destroyallines.com

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Follow CHASING GHOSTS
Instagram – Facebook – YouTube

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Watch the full interview below

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Press Release 2nd October 2024 (below) HERE

CHASING GHOSTS
release new single/video
“TEN FEET TALL”

+ AMNESIA EVERYBODY TOUR
with special guest
MUDRAT
kicks off next week

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Photo credit: Benny Clark

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AMNPLIFY – DB