Years on the road, touring in Australia and abroad, gave two-piece indie pop-rock band This Way North an appreciation for open space and adventure. Landing in north-east Victoria on Dhudhuroa country when the pandemic hit, long-time friends, collaborators, and partners, Jungalwalla and Leahy traded freedom on the road for a home amongst ancient trees and high-country valleys. This unexpected move, drawing in close and giving themselves the gift of stillness, prompted unbridled creativity and culminated in their upcoming debut album, ‘Punching Underwater’, set to be released in February 2024.

This Way North has previously been named Music Victoria’s Best Regional Act, and have continued their rise across Australia, New Zealand and Canada, supporting artists such as, Vika and Linda Bull, Ash Grunwald and Kate Ceberano. They’ve enjoyed killer sets at Australia and Canada’s favourite festivals, including Queenscliff, Mullumbimby, Wanderer, Woodford, Port Fairy in Australia and Mariposa, Ness Creek and Dawson City in Canada, sharing the stage with artists from Mavis Staples to Spider Bait.

Their new album features big harmonies and strong melodies. Whilst their previous records have been about traveling on the road, Punching Underwater travels within the self. The introspective nature came about when Cat and Leisha had the time and stillness to go inward and explore their own insecurities, imposter syndromes, and self-doubts. The battle of trying not to fall in love, confidence and self-love, anxiety, the highs of being content and happy, to the lows of war, the joy of evolution as a woman… there is something for everyone.