On this unique interview, Audius peels again the polished exterior of the pop machine to talk candidly in regards to the many years he’s spent serving to form Australia’s sonic identification. Recognized for penning a number of the nation’s most unforgettable tracks, his title has lengthy echoed by way of the halls of ARIA fame, but his perspective stays grounded, beneficiant, and fiercely passionate. As he steps additional into the highlight together with his personal releases, together with the introspective single Set off, he opens up in regards to the shifting tides of songwriting, the quiet energy of artistic mentorship, and the silent battles artists face once they imagine their price lies throughout oceans.
Welcome to A&R Manufacturing unit, Audius. It’s a pleasure to shine a light-weight on an artist who’s formed the sound of so many defining moments in Australian pop music. You’ve been a key a part of a few of Australia’s most unforgettable chart-toppers, from Born To Attempt to Operating Again. Whenever you mirror on these early successes, what feelings or reminiscences nonetheless stand out most vividly for you?
I bear in mind feeling fairly overwhelmed, I knew I used to be good at what I did, however being trusted at such a stage was full on. I assume what stood out was realising that on the core, we have been all creatives reaching for a similar factor. In these classes, I made lifelong friendships. I additionally bear in mind being enamoured by the method of how songs went from concepts to radio to Delta Goodrem successful ‘finest single’ on the Aria awards and the very first thing she mentioned when she obtained up on stage was “The place’s Audius?!” There I used to be wanting up on the massive display at myself wading by way of the tables to affix her on stage. It was surreal as I mentioned a couple of nervous phrases in entrance of so many individuals who I admired and revered.
With over 15 years within the business, what does songwriting imply to you now in comparison with whenever you first stepped into the studio as a younger producer?
The music business has a deep historical past of nice songs. Artists are nonetheless referencing that database for inspiration so from that perspective, nothing a lot has modified. Within the early 2000’s, the main target was on being recognised by a significant label, getting signed and all the celebrity and fortune that got here with it. The ‘Impartial’ labels have been additionally an choice and functioned slightly outdoors the field when it got here to standard music. I believe the most important distinction immediately is there’s way more impartial music being launched and the time period ‘Indi’ may as simply discuss with ‘Particular person’ as
Artists can successfully launch and market their very own music utilizing very accessible distribution platforms for streaming. I imagine this has freed up what was a much more inflexible standard music format. Songs appear to be getting shorter and their construction altering to go well with shortening consideration spans and viral tendencies on social media.
Working with artists like Delta Goodrem and Jessica Mauboy positioned you on the coronary heart of mainstream pop. How has your artistic intuition advanced as you’ve began releasing your individual music independently?
I’ve continued to work with younger rising artists, most of them are releasing their very own music. Seeing their untethered method and whole artistic management has impressed me to do the identical. The mainstream business is a properly oiled machine that serves its perform properly. The impartial artist nonetheless is sort of a child in a sweet store, nothing stops them from exploring any angle. This doesn’t essentially make the method simpler however opens up particular person inventive expression in a method that’s accelerating the artwork type. Social media is driving the bus- so the listener is usually doing the asking by way of virility and pattern, as a substitute of simply receiving what’s put out. That’s what has impressed me to do the identical, I’ve dug deep into my very own inventive expression have dared to launch.
Your current single Set off marks one other chapter. What have been the emotional or artistic catalysts behind writing and releasing this observe?
I’ve been on a journey of self reflection, understanding my very own human traits and the way I could also be distinctive, however nonetheless a lot the identical as everybody. I imagine all of us have triggers which can be a results of unprocessed trauma or stress since childhood. It’s like a defensive mechanism or a approach to cope – like a struggle or flight response. I believe all relationships are riddled with triggers that trigger much more triggers if unidentified. So I went on a journey to find my own- and discover the supply of every set off. I discovered ‘triggers’ to be a unusual human trait and put it to music.
You’re actively concerned in mentoring by way of the APRA AMCOS SongMakers programme. How vital is it so that you can cross on information, and what has the expertise taught you about your individual follow?
I discover nothing extra gratifying than imparting information that will in any other case take eternally to be taught by way of trial and error. I came upon a lot the laborious method so I’m motivated to assist younger creatives attain their objective sooner. I see it as bridging a niche. Typically an artist simply must be instructed ‘it’s okay, you’re adequate’. By the SongMakers program, younger creatives can get the reassurance and steerage they should know they’re on the best path. There’s a lot mysticism round how to achieve writing and producing songs. Demystifying deceptive myths could make such a distinction in a kids artistic course of.
The music business has shifted dramatically because you started. What would you say is missing within the business 2025?
Creatively there’s nothing missing. The one factor lacking is a truely supportive native business that places our personal creatives on the identical platform as abroad artists. I’ve travelled the world and written with so many greats and there’s by no means an implied superiority system in any writing session. As long as we’ve all been listening to music and enjoying the identical instrument, we’re all simply as succesful. The stigma nonetheless nonetheless stands {that a} USA artist or producer is healthier than any Australian. Hats off to the USA business for believing in themselves a lot that they made us imagine they’re the perfect. It’s time nonetheless that we cease our younger artists from believing that the one method they may ever make it’s in the event that they go to America – or anyplace else. If we commit the identical principals instilled in younger Rugby gamers or Cricketers to being the perfect on the earth as Australians, we might see a turnaround in perspective and begin filling our personal radio stations and stadiums with our personal expertise.
Has there been a turning level that reshaped your relationship with the craft of songwriting or the best way you method a challenge?
Sure, I’ve come to grasp that creativity is finest left to its personal individualistic expression. As a producer, I’m now extra eager to assist the artist specific themselves as a substitute of making an attempt to suit them into what I believe works finest. I take advantage of all my skills and knowledge to help their imaginative and prescient. When the respect is mutual in that method, magic simply occurs.
You’ve spent years shaping the sound and success of others. What made you resolve it was time to step out entrance and launch music underneath your individual title?
I assume it’s an itch that by no means scratched, I used to be at all times enamoured by all facets of the business and have completely loved producing and writing. In all honesty that’s nonetheless my ardour however I couldn’t silence the artist in me. I’ll proceed to jot down and produce nice music for different artists but additionally take time to indicate my very own individuality.
Trying on the digital panorama immediately, what types of recognition or connection matter most to you as an artist who’s spent so lengthy behind the scenes?
Like all artists I’m on a pilgrimage to seek out the viral/pattern Pandora’s field on social media platforms reminiscent of TikTok and Instagram. To get up sooner or later and discover that my piece of artwork has captured the world’s consideration! Or being added to radio throughout the board! That will be superior. It’s a pleasant thought however what drives me most is the concept of being within the recreation to not win it, however as a substitute be part of the love for it. Fame and fortune could be a distraction to what Is doubtlessly a loving, trustworthy and integrity primarily based artwork from.
–
Tune into Audius’ sound on Spotify, or uncover extra in regards to the artist on Wikipedia.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast