NIMA nominated Chasing Ghosts is an acclaimed indie punk rock band, led by proud Thungutti man and chief songwriter Jimmy Kyle. Lauded as “one of Australia’s best punk bands” by Rolling Stone Australia, Chasing Ghosts is celebrated for its unfiltered lyricism, powerful storytelling, and raw, emotionally charged punk-rock anthems.
The group is renowned for bravely confronting challenging topics with honesty and vulnerability, particularly those facing First Nations Peoples in Australia. Their music delves into confronting themes such as The Frontier Wars and massacres led by colonial police, mental health, suicide, domestic violence and intergenerational trauma. However, amidst this darkness, Chasing Ghosts’ music also celebrates resilience, personal growth and hope. As a recent Double J feature beautifully articulated, “For all the weight Kyle shoulders, and the heavy themes Therapy tackles, this music is more life-affirming than harrowing”. This dynamic formula creates an uncompromising, cathartic, and often educational experience for listeners.
Chasing Ghosts’ recently released album, Therapy (May 2025), has garnered significant critical acclaim, solidifying their reputation as a band that's both artistically brilliant and socially conscious. Therapy was listed in Double J’s 20 Best Albums of 2025 So Far, and even landed the band a feature on the front cover of The Music, which declared that it "can easily sit alongside some of the great punk albums in music history," adding, “to say that it's a powerful piece of work is putting it lightly.” Wall of Sound also highlighted the album's timely relevance, stating, “The themes and ideas covered in the Naarm outfit's upcoming album are more important now than ever before.”
Produced by ARIA nominated producer Stevie Knight (Stand Atlantic, Redhook, Yours Truly, Sleeping With Sirens) and mixed by James Paul Wisner (Paramore, Underoath), the album stands as a powerful conversation starter, encouraging listeners to confront difficult truths and find strength in connection.
While their studio offerings are consistently compelling, it’s Chasing Ghosts’ live shows that have become truly revered. Having toured extensively, they've recently shared stages with acclaimed bands like The Smith Street Band, John Floreani, and Luca Brasi. The band also left a lasting impression at the 2022 Good Things Festival, where true to form they masterfully walked the line between high-energy punk anthems and intimate storytelling, taking audiences on an emotional journey from belly laughter to tears, and back again. It's safe to say an audience member will experience the full gamut of human emotions at a Chasing Ghosts show.
With a discography that blends compelling indie-punk with melodic folk, Chasing Ghosts continually redefine their sound with every new release and performance, demonstrating an undeniable momentum and solidifying their position as a band whose essential voice will continue to shape the landscape of Australian music.
