The screen queens building Brisbane's answer to Pixar
'What's so impressive about their work is that they are championing Australian talent,' says Australian Cinémathèque associate curator Rosie Hays, who has programmed the Like A Photon Creative back catalogue for a Saturday screening series at GOMA.
'They're Brisbane-based. They're doing all of the things that many in the film industry say are not possible. I love that they're women-led, and I love that they just get on with making great stories.'
On a cold Wednesday morning in a nondescript office block in West End, Bates and Souvlis are getting on with the storymaking business.
Both graduates of the Bachelor of Creative Industries at QUT, the two met while working on children's TV at Channel 10 on Mount Coot-tha and decided to start out on their own.
'The industry was changing. YouTube Kids was just coming about, so I was looking at the media landscape for kids and thinking that we had something to offer,' Souvlis says.
'We were really dedicated and passionate about quality children's content that had kindness and representation at its heart.'
Despite having experience in live action only they quickly became the first female Australians to be commissioned to make an animation for Sesame Street (titled 1 to 10 Hoedown).
At the same time Disney commissioned them to make a 26-episode preschool series, Balloon Barnyard, about two balloon donkeys who solve problems and mysteries.
The third string to their bow was a reading app for children called Kindergo, which rose to be the number one kids' app in over 30 countries. That's when Universal Pictures came knocking.
'Universal said, 'would you be interested in doing theatrical releases in Australia for Australian audiences? Can you create us a movie?'' Bates, a former teacher and children's book publisher, recalls.
'And we said, 'what if we created you a Marvel-esque universe whereby we had six to 10 films, and all of those stories wove into each other. Wouldn't that be better?' And they said, 'yeah, actually that would be better.''
The first cab off the rank in was The Wishmas Tree, both a cautionary environmental tale and a smart dive into the yuletide film market. Despite an unlikeable protagonist and a curtailed cinema release due to COVID, it got them off to a strong start.
The film that followed, superhero story Combat Wombat starring Mailman, taught them a major lesson in what makes a character relatable.
'A 40-year-old, reluctant female superhero – you couldn't possibly tell where that idea came from,' Souvlis laughs.
'In the beginning, I was like, 'kids won't relate to this',' Bates says. 'But you find the heart of that hero. I mean, look at [2009 Pixar film] Up: you've got your older character and your younger character, and you feel just as strongly for the old character.'
Occupying a pleasing middle ground between Hollywood and Studio Ghibli, the Sanctuary City movies are both earthily comedic ('You've gotta make 'em laugh,' Bates says) and emotionally affecting.
Amid the knockabout action, Daisy Quokka portrays a child finding her own path and a parent reconciling with his estranged daughter.
The Lost Tiger tackles First Nations identity in the story of a thylacine adopted by kangaroos as a baby who reconnects with his mob.
Then there's The Sloth Lane – an anti-fast food quasi-zombie movie that is also a heartfelt celebration of family. With its cast including Latino and American actors, the 2024 film played on 1000 screens in both North and South America.
Bates says that they feel a responsibility to tell stories about kindness, empathy and compassion.
'That there are consequences to actions. That you have responsibilities within a family or community unit. They're inherent in all of the stories that we do.'
They also decided early on that continuity of work was crucial. 'We're not project-by-project; we are a pipeline,' Souvlis says. 'Our staff are the most important people that are ever going to come through our building.'
They have nurtured directors including Murray, Tania Vincent and Ricard Cussó. Cussó now co-runs Cosmic Dino, the studio tasked with production on the Bluey movie for Ludo, the BBC and Disney.
Bates points out that the first four animated movies to be directed by women in Australia are all theirs – and all three of the filmmakers were pregnant during production.
'Being able to offer the opportunity for women to work in the industry in the way that men take for granted is really important to us.'
Nor is it insignificant that their first six movies all have female protagonists. Several hissworthy villains are women too, ranging from Judith Lucy's scheming PR-agent koala in Combat Wombat to Celeste Barber's greedy archeologist in The Lost Tiger.
Launching a movie business during COVID followed by a crisis in the streaming business has made them resilient, Souvlis says.
'We didn't have a lot of luck on our side when we started out, and that has made us better business people.'
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Crucial to their success has been support from Screen Queensland through the Screen Finance Fund and the Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive. Its chief creative officer, Dr Belinda Burns, says companies such as Like a Photon Creative are putting Queensland on the map for animation.
'Nadine and Kristen have built a dynamic production company with a unique slate of characters and films, while also amplifying diverse voices,' she says.
Any parent who has despaired at the hold that YouTube Kids has on young viewers should rejoice that children's screen entertainment still has passionate advocates.
Yet it's a rapidly shrinking genre, internationally and locally.
'There are no buyers in Australia, really, because we don't have any quotas,' Souvlis laments.
Nevertheless, the Photons are poised for greater success. Their next film, Pout-Pout Fish: The Movie, is in the can. Based on a New York Times best-selling picture book, and nearly double the budget of any previous LAPC film, its voice cast includes Nick Offerman, Amy Sedaris, Jordin Sparks and Miranda Otto.
It's being made in collaboration with another female-owned production house, New York-based MIMO Studios. So is another film based on a major children's book, Maggie and Abby's Neverending Pillow Fort, currently in production for a 2026 release under director Allison Brownmore.
Just like Daisy Quokka, creative people in Brisbane are used to being underestimated and overlooked. But Bates believes it's precisely this that has given them the drive to succeed.
'It's because we are underdogs, right? Because we aren't having opportunities handed to us,' she says.
'We have been called 'regional filmmakers' before,' Souvlis laughs. 'People come here and go, 'Oh! There's a city here!''
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This song feels like lazy afternoons, road trips and the joy of Australian summers. Can't Get You Out of My Head, Kylie Minogue It's bold, playful and iconic - I want words with anyone who doesn't have this on their list. Magic, Olivia Newton John I love this song for so many reasons. Of course, it's about belief being a catalyst for transformation and realised possibilities - trust your intuition. Get Free, The Vines Two minutes of pure rock adrenaline. When it was released in 2002 I thought The Vines could have been anything. The hype didn't last, but my god, it kicked in the back teeth. Purple Sneakers, You Am I My entire list could be filled with Tim Rogers songs. A genius. The lyrics of teenage awkwardness and the search for human connection just resonates above all the others. Straight Lines, Silverchair I met my wife at a Silverchair show and they're Newy's greatest band. I could have chosen Freak or Emotion Sickness, but Straight Lines was melodically Daniel Johns' finest moment. Bye Bye Pride, The Go-Betweens Once again, my list could be entirely filled with Go-Betweens songs. I absolutely adore the chorus, and when Grant McLennan and Amanda Brown's voices combine it simply soars. Blue Sky Mine, Midnight Oil Watching the Oils in 2017 at Hope Estate gave me an entirely new appreciation for the band. The outro where they sing "in the end the rain comes down" is spine-tingling. Perfect Now, Sarah Blasko A gorgeous performance from one of Australia's best vocalists. The song is about knowing your momentary happiness won't last. A melancholic thought, delivered powerfully. Feels Like We Only Go Backwards - Tame Impala I've enjoyed Kevin Parker's later more electronic material too, but for me, Lonerism and this track were his pyschedelic peak. U Should Not Be Doing That, Amyl & The Sniffers The Melbourne four-piece are the most exciting band Australia has produced in years. This is punk rock with a modern flavour, verve and intelligence. One Crowded Hour, Augie March It's probably the most unconventional Triple J Hottest 100 winner, but one of the most stunning. Glenn Richards' romantic and poetic tale sounds like Jeff Buckley channelling mid-60s Bob Dylan. Jezabel, The Drones Gareth Liddiard is another of my favourite songwriters. This bleak tale about a man scarred by the horrors of Middle Eastern conflicts combines The Drones' discordant power and beauty. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool The riff is so pervasive - but what's the point of dropping your pants when you should be dancing? Beds Are Burning, Midnight Oil Such a great combination of a driving bass rhythm and a political message. Throw Your Arms Around Me, Hunters & Collectors Because I'm a hopeless romantic. Boys In Town, Divinyls I introduced this to my son when he was 13. He loved it immediately, and suddenly gave me more respect. Star and the Slaughter, Heroes The song that closed the Star Hotel - and started a riot. The Newcastle Song, Bob Hudson I've performed this song to great laughs on stage in Newcastle, Melbourne, Christchurch and in a pub in the west of Ireland. The Biggest Disappointment, Slim Dusty I loved it as a Slim Dusty song many, many years ago, and I loved rediscovering it when Missy Higgins did an acoustic version recently. The Special Two, Missy Higgins A special song from an extraordinary album. Reckless (Don't Be So..), Australian Crawl Wonderful word imagery and music combined. Live it Up, Mental As Anything Such a great upbeat and happy song - you've gotta love it. Torn, Natalie Imbruglia Great song, great singer, great video. Big, Sneaky Sound System A catchy song that I loved when it first came out. It's still in my playlist. Like I'm Falling Down Stairs, Sparkadia I love the melody. It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll), AC/DC It gets the heart pumping. Dumb Things, Paul Kelly Words to live by. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil An anthem for the politically minded. Better, Screaming Jets Novocastrians represent. Working Class Man, Jimmy Barnes Classic Aussie rock. What's not to like? Hot Potato, The Wiggles What can I say, I'm a dad of three and love a singalong. Perfect for long car trips to get the backseat happy. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool This one has become a family hit with the kids. Sounds Of Then (This is Australia), GANGgajang Reminds me of life on the farm. Took The Children Away, Archie Roach It just epitomises the tragedy of the Stolen Generation, and it brings a tingle to my spine. Walking On A Dream, Empire Of The Sun I like chilling with a bit of electronica. It's an iconic song that takes you away. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil I love the politics of the album 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, in particular. It means so much to me. Into My Arms, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds I'm a relatively late convert to Nick Cave. I saw him here at the Civic Theatre [in 2022] in what was one of the most incredible concerts I've ever seen. Fred Astaire, San Cisco It's a song most people have heard and like and it's one I certainly love. Better, Screaming Jets You hear that song and you get up and wanna dance and go hard. Iconic Novocastrians. Straight Lines, Silverchair At one point they were one of the world's biggest bands, and they're Newy. My kids go to Newy High and you walk in and see the photo of them. Just legends. So Caught Up, Teskey Brothers I'm a huge fan of the Teskey Brothers and they fit in perfectly with that blues and soul sound and have iconic voices. London Still, The Waifs One of my best friends is Josh Cunningham's [of The Waifs] brother Saul. I've seen them countless times and watched them go from playing at Moruya to performing to massive sold-out spaces. Follow The Sun, Xavier Rudd If I need to chill out from the stress of politics, I whack that one on and it's got bird calls and whistles. It's been a difficult moment for Australian music. Last month, the federal government's advisory body, Creative Australia, released statistics that showed just how challenging it's become for homegrown artists to have their music heard. Only 8 per cent of the top 10,000 artists streamed in this country were Australian. Today's Triple J Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time seeks to give music fans a clear reminder of the remarkable talent produced in this country. So we asked a bunch of Hunter identities who made their top 10. These Days, Powderfinger A brilliant song. I feel like the movie Two Hands would have been a lesser film without the inclusion of this great song. One Perfect Day, Little Heroes Such an evocative song for people in long-distance relationships. That longing for physical and emotional connection is exacerbated by the tyranny of distance. Not Pretty Enough, Kasey Chambers I absolutely love the songwriting of Kasey. She is a gem and sings with such authenticity. Love her. Overkill, Men At Work A song that has probably exceeded its original release in popularity. The voice of the great Colin Hay and Greg Ham's always amazing brass lines are just awesome. Most People I Know, Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs A great song from one of the pioneers of Aussie rock. A true legend who wrote great songs, played guitar like a god and sang with all his might. Mr Damage, The Angels I remember being scared of the menacing undertone of this song when I heard it on my brother's stereo as a 10-year-old. Years later, the fear would be that I'd stuff up the lyrics in front of a rabid live Angels crowd. Baby, I'm Gettin' Better, Gyroscope I loved this band from the moment I heard the song. More evidence that there really is something in the water over in WA. Short Note, Matt Finish A beautiful song. Melancholy, yet strangely uplifting. A great vocal from the sadly departed Matt Moffatt. Squealer, AC/DC Probably a contentious song nowadays, but to me a fine example of Bon Scott's lyrical prowess. Sallie-Anne, Spy vs. Spy A powerful song based on the death of Sallie-Anne Huckstepp, a Sydney sex worker who was killed apparently because she knew too much about the underworld and its connection to high-ranking corrupt police officers in Kings Cross. Across the Night, Silverchair Daniel Johns is one of the most talented musicians alive. The Diorama album is his Magnum Opus; and he's a fellow Newcastle boy. Carrion, Parkway Drive An absolute metal anthem that blows the doors off every time. I remember hearing this for the first time and immediately running to pick up my guitar. To the Moon and Back, Savage Garden They were my first ever live concert at Newcastle Entertainment Centre and you can still catch me singing along to every word. Rhapsody on a Windy Night, The Getaway Plan Matt's [Wright] voice is haunting and this entire album gives me goosebumps. As a kid this band made me realise I will never be as musically talented as these guys are. Prisoner of Society, The Living End As a young teen, these guys gave me a lot of opportunity to scream in my bedroom and feel like I was giving a big middle finger to any sort of authority. Horror Movie, Skyhooks My father's favourite band. I remember listening to old tapes switching between Skyhooks and Cold Chisel. It was my introduction to Aussie rock. The News, The Mission In Motion A band my wife introduced me to when we first met. We saw them live together so many times and hearing their music takes me straight back to when Jess and I were dating. Give it All, The Amity Affliction This song and album got me through a lot of heavy shit when I was younger. If music is therapy, then I owe these guys a lot. Come into My World, Kylie Minogue When you say Aussie pop icon, Kylie is the only answer. I've still got as big of a crush on her now as I did when I was a teenager. Jewels for Eyes, Closure In Moscow Beautiful, ethereal and experimental. Closure is like Bowie meets The Mars Volta. Incredible Australian musicians. Electric Blue, Icehouse Transports me straight back to my childhood in the '80s. My parents playing Icehouse, Dire Straits, The Police and Huey Lewis and the News on cassette tapes, as we hit the road on holidays. Down Under, Men At Work Hard not to include this song in my top 10. Another one that takes me back to the 80s growing up in Australia. Iconic lyrics. Tomorrow, Silverchair Silverchair was big when I was in high school in Port Macquarie. I remember friends heading to Newcastle to see their concert. I loved covering the 30-year anniversary of Tomorrow late last year - their debut EP that continues to resonate and be revered. Pick You Up, Powderfinger A soundtrack to my senior years of high school. Double Allergic and Vulture Street CDs were on high rotation. Difficult Woman, Renee Geyer My dad introduced me to Renee Geyer in my late teens/early 20s. She has an extraordinarily powerful and beautiful voice. Lachlan Tigers, Bushwackers For the first three decades of my life, my dad played in a bush band, as well as a jazz band. The bush band played lots of Bushwackers songs including Lachlan Tigers. Goodbye Blinky Bill, John Williamson When I was small, I would visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital with my dad. He would play music and we would pass his Akubra hat around to raise money for the injured koalas. The chorus goes ... "Pass the hat around between your friends, there's no time to contemplate. Maybe if we show some love, maybe it's not too late." Better, Screaming Jets Newcastle's original rockstars and their epic rock anthem. I remember watching this film clip in the early '90s on Rage with my brother. My Island Home, Christine Anu A beautiful song that always makes me smile. It resonates with me ... having grown up in the small coastal community of Bonny Hills. Stalker, The Main Guy and The Other Guys Just like Silverchair, another iconic Newy band that needs to reform. Missing Piece, Vance Joy This song reminds me of how simply being with the right person can make everything feel lighter. Connection doesn't need grand gestures - just sincerity, safety, and shared space. Scar, Missy Higgins This one really resonates deeply with me on quite a few levels ... professionally and personally. I really appreciate authenticity and courage, especially in conversations about mental health and in my personal relationships. Never Tear Us Apart, INXS I just love the intensity and passion of this song. It's about intense connections and unbreakable bonds. Thankyou (For Loving Me at my Worst), The Whitlams I love how this one doesn't shy away from the fact that we all have our worst moments - times when we aren't easy to love - and rather than regretting, it's about being grateful for people who stayed. The Ship Song, Nick Cave This song, for me, is all about invitation and surrender, about offering someone your messy, beautiful world and asking them to stay anyway. Not Pretty Enough, Kasey Chambers It just aches, doesn't it, with the pain of being overlooked, underestimated, or dismissed - not because you lack substance, but because you don't fit the mould. How to Make Gravy, Paul Kelly This song makes me cry. I love that it's about family, forgiveness and finding connection even when people are apart or hurting. In the Summertime, Thirsty Merc I'm playing this a lot right now. I'm so nostalgic (and desperate) for summer. This song feels like lazy afternoons, road trips and the joy of Australian summers. Can't Get You Out of My Head, Kylie Minogue It's bold, playful and iconic - I want words with anyone who doesn't have this on their list. Magic, Olivia Newton John I love this song for so many reasons. Of course, it's about belief being a catalyst for transformation and realised possibilities - trust your intuition. Get Free, The Vines Two minutes of pure rock adrenaline. When it was released in 2002 I thought The Vines could have been anything. The hype didn't last, but my god, it kicked in the back teeth. Purple Sneakers, You Am I My entire list could be filled with Tim Rogers songs. A genius. The lyrics of teenage awkwardness and the search for human connection just resonates above all the others. Straight Lines, Silverchair I met my wife at a Silverchair show and they're Newy's greatest band. I could have chosen Freak or Emotion Sickness, but Straight Lines was melodically Daniel Johns' finest moment. Bye Bye Pride, The Go-Betweens Once again, my list could be entirely filled with Go-Betweens songs. I absolutely adore the chorus, and when Grant McLennan and Amanda Brown's voices combine it simply soars. Blue Sky Mine, Midnight Oil Watching the Oils in 2017 at Hope Estate gave me an entirely new appreciation for the band. The outro where they sing "in the end the rain comes down" is spine-tingling. Perfect Now, Sarah Blasko A gorgeous performance from one of Australia's best vocalists. The song is about knowing your momentary happiness won't last. A melancholic thought, delivered powerfully. Feels Like We Only Go Backwards - Tame Impala I've enjoyed Kevin Parker's later more electronic material too, but for me, Lonerism and this track were his pyschedelic peak. U Should Not Be Doing That, Amyl & The Sniffers The Melbourne four-piece are the most exciting band Australia has produced in years. This is punk rock with a modern flavour, verve and intelligence. One Crowded Hour, Augie March It's probably the most unconventional Triple J Hottest 100 winner, but one of the most stunning. Glenn Richards' romantic and poetic tale sounds like Jeff Buckley channelling mid-60s Bob Dylan. Jezabel, The Drones Gareth Liddiard is another of my favourite songwriters. This bleak tale about a man scarred by the horrors of Middle Eastern conflicts combines The Drones' discordant power and beauty. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool The riff is so pervasive - but what's the point of dropping your pants when you should be dancing? Beds Are Burning, Midnight Oil Such a great combination of a driving bass rhythm and a political message. Throw Your Arms Around Me, Hunters & Collectors Because I'm a hopeless romantic. Boys In Town, Divinyls I introduced this to my son when he was 13. He loved it immediately, and suddenly gave me more respect. Star and the Slaughter, Heroes The song that closed the Star Hotel - and started a riot. The Newcastle Song, Bob Hudson I've performed this song to great laughs on stage in Newcastle, Melbourne, Christchurch and in a pub in the west of Ireland. The Biggest Disappointment, Slim Dusty I loved it as a Slim Dusty song many, many years ago, and I loved rediscovering it when Missy Higgins did an acoustic version recently. The Special Two, Missy Higgins A special song from an extraordinary album. Reckless (Don't Be So..), Australian Crawl Wonderful word imagery and music combined. Live it Up, Mental As Anything Such a great upbeat and happy song - you've gotta love it. Torn, Natalie Imbruglia Great song, great singer, great video. Big, Sneaky Sound System A catchy song that I loved when it first came out. It's still in my playlist. Like I'm Falling Down Stairs, Sparkadia I love the melody. It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll), AC/DC It gets the heart pumping. Dumb Things, Paul Kelly Words to live by. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil An anthem for the politically minded. Better, Screaming Jets Novocastrians represent. Working Class Man, Jimmy Barnes Classic Aussie rock. What's not to like? Hot Potato, The Wiggles What can I say, I'm a dad of three and love a singalong. Perfect for long car trips to get the backseat happy. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool This one has become a family hit with the kids. Sounds Of Then (This is Australia), GANGgajang Reminds me of life on the farm. Took The Children Away, Archie Roach It just epitomises the tragedy of the Stolen Generation, and it brings a tingle to my spine. Walking On A Dream, Empire Of The Sun I like chilling with a bit of electronica. It's an iconic song that takes you away. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil I love the politics of the album 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, in particular. It means so much to me. Into My Arms, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds I'm a relatively late convert to Nick Cave. I saw him here at the Civic Theatre [in 2022] in what was one of the most incredible concerts I've ever seen. Fred Astaire, San Cisco It's a song most people have heard and like and it's one I certainly love. Better, Screaming Jets You hear that song and you get up and wanna dance and go hard. Iconic Novocastrians. Straight Lines, Silverchair At one point they were one of the world's biggest bands, and they're Newy. My kids go to Newy High and you walk in and see the photo of them. Just legends. So Caught Up, Teskey Brothers I'm a huge fan of the Teskey Brothers and they fit in perfectly with that blues and soul sound and have iconic voices. London Still, The Waifs One of my best friends is Josh Cunningham's [of The Waifs] brother Saul. I've seen them countless times and watched them go from playing at Moruya to performing to massive sold-out spaces. Follow The Sun, Xavier Rudd If I need to chill out from the stress of politics, I whack that one on and it's got bird calls and whistles. It's been a difficult moment for Australian music. Last month, the federal government's advisory body, Creative Australia, released statistics that showed just how challenging it's become for homegrown artists to have their music heard. Only 8 per cent of the top 10,000 artists streamed in this country were Australian. Today's Triple J Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time seeks to give music fans a clear reminder of the remarkable talent produced in this country. So we asked a bunch of Hunter identities who made their top 10. These Days, Powderfinger A brilliant song. I feel like the movie Two Hands would have been a lesser film without the inclusion of this great song. One Perfect Day, Little Heroes Such an evocative song for people in long-distance relationships. That longing for physical and emotional connection is exacerbated by the tyranny of distance. Not Pretty Enough, Kasey Chambers I absolutely love the songwriting of Kasey. She is a gem and sings with such authenticity. Love her. Overkill, Men At Work A song that has probably exceeded its original release in popularity. The voice of the great Colin Hay and Greg Ham's always amazing brass lines are just awesome. Most People I Know, Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs A great song from one of the pioneers of Aussie rock. A true legend who wrote great songs, played guitar like a god and sang with all his might. Mr Damage, The Angels I remember being scared of the menacing undertone of this song when I heard it on my brother's stereo as a 10-year-old. Years later, the fear would be that I'd stuff up the lyrics in front of a rabid live Angels crowd. Baby, I'm Gettin' Better, Gyroscope I loved this band from the moment I heard the song. More evidence that there really is something in the water over in WA. Short Note, Matt Finish A beautiful song. Melancholy, yet strangely uplifting. A great vocal from the sadly departed Matt Moffatt. Squealer, AC/DC Probably a contentious song nowadays, but to me a fine example of Bon Scott's lyrical prowess. Sallie-Anne, Spy vs. Spy A powerful song based on the death of Sallie-Anne Huckstepp, a Sydney sex worker who was killed apparently because she knew too much about the underworld and its connection to high-ranking corrupt police officers in Kings Cross. Across the Night, Silverchair Daniel Johns is one of the most talented musicians alive. The Diorama album is his Magnum Opus; and he's a fellow Newcastle boy. Carrion, Parkway Drive An absolute metal anthem that blows the doors off every time. I remember hearing this for the first time and immediately running to pick up my guitar. To the Moon and Back, Savage Garden They were my first ever live concert at Newcastle Entertainment Centre and you can still catch me singing along to every word. Rhapsody on a Windy Night, The Getaway Plan Matt's [Wright] voice is haunting and this entire album gives me goosebumps. As a kid this band made me realise I will never be as musically talented as these guys are. Prisoner of Society, The Living End As a young teen, these guys gave me a lot of opportunity to scream in my bedroom and feel like I was giving a big middle finger to any sort of authority. Horror Movie, Skyhooks My father's favourite band. I remember listening to old tapes switching between Skyhooks and Cold Chisel. It was my introduction to Aussie rock. The News, The Mission In Motion A band my wife introduced me to when we first met. We saw them live together so many times and hearing their music takes me straight back to when Jess and I were dating. Give it All, The Amity Affliction This song and album got me through a lot of heavy shit when I was younger. If music is therapy, then I owe these guys a lot. Come into My World, Kylie Minogue When you say Aussie pop icon, Kylie is the only answer. I've still got as big of a crush on her now as I did when I was a teenager. Jewels for Eyes, Closure In Moscow Beautiful, ethereal and experimental. Closure is like Bowie meets The Mars Volta. Incredible Australian musicians. Electric Blue, Icehouse Transports me straight back to my childhood in the '80s. My parents playing Icehouse, Dire Straits, The Police and Huey Lewis and the News on cassette tapes, as we hit the road on holidays. Down Under, Men At Work Hard not to include this song in my top 10. Another one that takes me back to the 80s growing up in Australia. Iconic lyrics. Tomorrow, Silverchair Silverchair was big when I was in high school in Port Macquarie. I remember friends heading to Newcastle to see their concert. I loved covering the 30-year anniversary of Tomorrow late last year - their debut EP that continues to resonate and be revered. Pick You Up, Powderfinger A soundtrack to my senior years of high school. Double Allergic and Vulture Street CDs were on high rotation. Difficult Woman, Renee Geyer My dad introduced me to Renee Geyer in my late teens/early 20s. She has an extraordinarily powerful and beautiful voice. Lachlan Tigers, Bushwackers For the first three decades of my life, my dad played in a bush band, as well as a jazz band. The bush band played lots of Bushwackers songs including Lachlan Tigers. Goodbye Blinky Bill, John Williamson When I was small, I would visit the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital with my dad. He would play music and we would pass his Akubra hat around to raise money for the injured koalas. The chorus goes ... "Pass the hat around between your friends, there's no time to contemplate. Maybe if we show some love, maybe it's not too late." Better, Screaming Jets Newcastle's original rockstars and their epic rock anthem. I remember watching this film clip in the early '90s on Rage with my brother. My Island Home, Christine Anu A beautiful song that always makes me smile. It resonates with me ... having grown up in the small coastal community of Bonny Hills. Stalker, The Main Guy and The Other Guys Just like Silverchair, another iconic Newy band that needs to reform. Missing Piece, Vance Joy This song reminds me of how simply being with the right person can make everything feel lighter. Connection doesn't need grand gestures - just sincerity, safety, and shared space. Scar, Missy Higgins This one really resonates deeply with me on quite a few levels ... professionally and personally. I really appreciate authenticity and courage, especially in conversations about mental health and in my personal relationships. Never Tear Us Apart, INXS I just love the intensity and passion of this song. It's about intense connections and unbreakable bonds. Thankyou (For Loving Me at my Worst), The Whitlams I love how this one doesn't shy away from the fact that we all have our worst moments - times when we aren't easy to love - and rather than regretting, it's about being grateful for people who stayed. The Ship Song, Nick Cave This song, for me, is all about invitation and surrender, about offering someone your messy, beautiful world and asking them to stay anyway. Not Pretty Enough, Kasey Chambers It just aches, doesn't it, with the pain of being overlooked, underestimated, or dismissed - not because you lack substance, but because you don't fit the mould. How to Make Gravy, Paul Kelly This song makes me cry. I love that it's about family, forgiveness and finding connection even when people are apart or hurting. In the Summertime, Thirsty Merc I'm playing this a lot right now. I'm so nostalgic (and desperate) for summer. This song feels like lazy afternoons, road trips and the joy of Australian summers. Can't Get You Out of My Head, Kylie Minogue It's bold, playful and iconic - I want words with anyone who doesn't have this on their list. Magic, Olivia Newton John I love this song for so many reasons. Of course, it's about belief being a catalyst for transformation and realised possibilities - trust your intuition. Get Free, The Vines Two minutes of pure rock adrenaline. When it was released in 2002 I thought The Vines could have been anything. The hype didn't last, but my god, it kicked in the back teeth. Purple Sneakers, You Am I My entire list could be filled with Tim Rogers songs. A genius. The lyrics of teenage awkwardness and the search for human connection just resonates above all the others. Straight Lines, Silverchair I met my wife at a Silverchair show and they're Newy's greatest band. I could have chosen Freak or Emotion Sickness, but Straight Lines was melodically Daniel Johns' finest moment. Bye Bye Pride, The Go-Betweens Once again, my list could be entirely filled with Go-Betweens songs. I absolutely adore the chorus, and when Grant McLennan and Amanda Brown's voices combine it simply soars. Blue Sky Mine, Midnight Oil Watching the Oils in 2017 at Hope Estate gave me an entirely new appreciation for the band. The outro where they sing "in the end the rain comes down" is spine-tingling. Perfect Now, Sarah Blasko A gorgeous performance from one of Australia's best vocalists. The song is about knowing your momentary happiness won't last. A melancholic thought, delivered powerfully. Feels Like We Only Go Backwards - Tame Impala I've enjoyed Kevin Parker's later more electronic material too, but for me, Lonerism and this track were his pyschedelic peak. U Should Not Be Doing That, Amyl & The Sniffers The Melbourne four-piece are the most exciting band Australia has produced in years. This is punk rock with a modern flavour, verve and intelligence. One Crowded Hour, Augie March It's probably the most unconventional Triple J Hottest 100 winner, but one of the most stunning. Glenn Richards' romantic and poetic tale sounds like Jeff Buckley channelling mid-60s Bob Dylan. Jezabel, The Drones Gareth Liddiard is another of my favourite songwriters. This bleak tale about a man scarred by the horrors of Middle Eastern conflicts combines The Drones' discordant power and beauty. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool The riff is so pervasive - but what's the point of dropping your pants when you should be dancing? Beds Are Burning, Midnight Oil Such a great combination of a driving bass rhythm and a political message. Throw Your Arms Around Me, Hunters & Collectors Because I'm a hopeless romantic. Boys In Town, Divinyls I introduced this to my son when he was 13. He loved it immediately, and suddenly gave me more respect. Star and the Slaughter, Heroes The song that closed the Star Hotel - and started a riot. The Newcastle Song, Bob Hudson I've performed this song to great laughs on stage in Newcastle, Melbourne, Christchurch and in a pub in the west of Ireland. The Biggest Disappointment, Slim Dusty I loved it as a Slim Dusty song many, many years ago, and I loved rediscovering it when Missy Higgins did an acoustic version recently. The Special Two, Missy Higgins A special song from an extraordinary album. Reckless (Don't Be So..), Australian Crawl Wonderful word imagery and music combined. Live it Up, Mental As Anything Such a great upbeat and happy song - you've gotta love it. Torn, Natalie Imbruglia Great song, great singer, great video. Big, Sneaky Sound System A catchy song that I loved when it first came out. It's still in my playlist. Like I'm Falling Down Stairs, Sparkadia I love the melody. It's A Long Way To The Top (If You Wanna Rock 'N' Roll), AC/DC It gets the heart pumping. Dumb Things, Paul Kelly Words to live by. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil An anthem for the politically minded. Better, Screaming Jets Novocastrians represent. Working Class Man, Jimmy Barnes Classic Aussie rock. What's not to like? Hot Potato, The Wiggles What can I say, I'm a dad of three and love a singalong. Perfect for long car trips to get the backseat happy. Eagle Rock, Daddy Cool This one has become a family hit with the kids. Sounds Of Then (This is Australia), GANGgajang Reminds me of life on the farm. Took The Children Away, Archie Roach It just epitomises the tragedy of the Stolen Generation, and it brings a tingle to my spine. Walking On A Dream, Empire Of The Sun I like chilling with a bit of electronica. It's an iconic song that takes you away. Power and the Passion, Midnight Oil I love the politics of the album 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, in particular. It means so much to me. Into My Arms, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds I'm a relatively late convert to Nick Cave. I saw him here at the Civic Theatre [in 2022] in what was one of the most incredible concerts I've ever seen. Fred Astaire, San Cisco It's a song most people have heard and like and it's one I certainly love. Better, Screaming Jets You hear that song and you get up and wanna dance and go hard. Iconic Novocastrians. Straight Lines, Silverchair At one point they were one of the world's biggest bands, and they're Newy. My kids go to Newy High and you walk in and see the photo of them. Just legends. So Caught Up, Teskey Brothers I'm a huge fan of the Teskey Brothers and they fit in perfectly with that blues and soul sound and have iconic voices. London Still, The Waifs One of my best friends is Josh Cunningham's [of The Waifs] brother Saul. I've seen them countless times and watched them go from playing at Moruya to performing to massive sold-out spaces. Follow The Sun, Xavier Rudd If I need to chill out from the stress of politics, I whack that one on and it's got bird calls and whistles.
