Zach Stephenson announces debut solo album, aptly titled I Needed To Hear Me Say It

The album was recorded and mixed by Wade Keighran in the Blue Mountains on Darkinjung, Dharawal, Dharug, Gundungurra, Wonnarua, and Wiradjuri Land. Instrumentation comes from Stu McKenzie (drums, percussion), Josh Williams (bass), Stephen Bourke (guitar), and Nick Meadows (horns, keys). Bourke and McKenzie have acted as touring musicians for Hockey Dad in the past. Maisie Everett of The Belair Lip Bombs provides backing vocals across the record. Stephenson supports her band on tour this November.

"In N Out", the lead single, began as a meditation guide Stephenson used during panic attacks. Stephenson says: "The original demos actually had some pretty loud and obnoxious breathing going on during the chorus, and the mellotron was emulating a kind of wheezing, phlegmy sound. I'm thankful it became cleaner as time went on."

On the album, Stephenson set out to explore as much as possible. He says: "I realised that we only get one go at this life, and we may as well write and complete as many creative endeavours as possible. If they're 'good' or not is kind of irrelevant." The record draws on the work of Nick Lowe, New Radicals, and The Last Shadow Puppets. Its themes include growth, self-reflection, and the changing perspective that comes from years on the road.

As well as the Lip Bombs tour, Stephenson will play headline dates at Yours and Owls Festival in Wollongong on 4 and 5 October, and at Milton Theatre on 24 October.

I Needed To Hear Me Say It tracklist

"I Needed To Hear Me Say It"
"Suction Cup"
"In N Out"
"Broke My Jaw"
"Roy"
"Sleeping Through The Dreams"
"Days In The Middle"
"Clutch"
"I Don't Wanna Be Friends"
"Jeans In Japan" ft. Maisie Everett
"Ode To The Echo"