Chasing Ghosts Reveal New Album Therapy; Unveils Hard-Hitting Domestic Violence Song 'My Bingayi'

Throughout the years we've been following the uprising of Chasing Ghosts, we are constantly left in awe of the intricate storytelling Jimmy Kyle bestows upon us with each song released along the way.

The proud Thungutti Country vocalist constantly leaves us pondering the good we are doing for those around us, and also sheds light on hard-hitting subject matter from both his Indigenous and cultural heritage, and real-life experiences living in Melbourne/Naarm.

To say we're eager to see the next phase unfold would be an understatement as Chasing Ghosts today announces their new album Therapy will be unveiled to the world on May 16th, 2025. The album houses previously released singles 'Amnesia Everybody', 'Ten Feet Tall' and today's new release, 'My Bingayi'.

Bingayi (pronounced Bingeye) is a Thungutti word meaning brother. More specifically an older brother; which in this case Jimmy uses to speak directly to men, about the ALWAYS important topic of domestic violence; an issue that still runs rife throughout Australia. Not one to shy away from difficult conversations, the single is another impactful look out at the problem through Kyle's eyes, combining up-tempo instrumentals with deeply honest lyricism which replicates an assertive conversation directed towards a close DV perpetrator. It's raw, powerful and emotional to say the least, but begs the question, "How would you initiate a similar conversation with someone close you you?"

Many of us struggle to find the words, so we opened the platform to Jimmy to shed new light on the ideology behind 'My Bingayi', its conception, his beliefs surrounding the conversation around domestic violence and what he hopes the listener will take from the experience.

Thanks for joining us Jimmy. The juxtaposition with 'My Bingayi' runs deep. It's a vibrant, yet talks about difficult conversations surrounding domestic violence. I'm interested in the conception and how you've touched on this serious subject matter in a welcoming, yet assertive way.   Most conversations around domestic violence are usually intense or heated, yet this song feels like an open conversation you'd have with a friend who you were worried about. How important was it for you to convey this story, in Chasing Ghosts fashion, and how did the messaging and musical arrangement intertwine in the studio during the recording process?

‍"My Bingayi," speaks directly to men—particularly perpetrators of violence, the men who surround them, and young men exhibiting escalating violent behaviour. Like much of my music, this song stems from real-life experiences. Sometimes, people we care about commit acts we find intolerable and inexcusable. These acts are often concealed for a considerable period, escalating over time and becoming more entrenched in the silence and shame that surrounds them, until they can no longer be hidden. This can be incredibly difficult for those in their support networks.

It's a call to those who genuinely desire change, who want to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma and violence that has often been their upbringing.

Older men and role models must intervene and disrupt violent behaviour in younger men. Turning to culture and to these figures for accountability, responsibility, and mentorship is one path toward changing behaviour and instilling essential values. ‍I'm particularly interested in early interventions, preventative measures, and pathways for those who genuinely seek to change.

Australia's domestic violence problem is shockingly prevalent, yet I see a lack of preventative measures within the community. The threat of imprisonment doesn't seem to be deterring these crimes or changing patterns of behaviour upon release. We need a fundamental cultural shift among men; one where men take personal accountability and responsibility for their emotions, actions, and behaviours.

This requires emotional tools that many men may never have been exposed to. Such a shift would empower men to understand their emotions, cultivate genuine self-esteem and self-accountability, and develop emotional intelligence—not inherent traits, but skills that can be learned.

I understand the reluctance of artists and role models to grapple with such a taboo subject. It's challenging and confronting. However, I believe it's also our responsibility to explore these difficult areas in a way that resonates with people, evokes emotion, and reveals our shared humanity.

Women in Australia have been pleading for men to engage in these crucial conversations, and this song is my contribution to that conversation. Change must be embraced and championed; women's and children's lives literally depend on it.

‍Musically and sonically, Stevie Knight [producer] truly understood the magnitude and grandeur of this song; capturing the dynamic range that mirrors the emotional journey of contemplation after devastation. The whole team grasped my intent and nurtured it throughout the process, amplifying the message beautifully.

With today's album announcement, attention turns to the future with full length Therapy set to open more doors to difficult (but needed) conversations surrounding mental health, suicide, LGBTQIA+ inclusion and many more issues faced in our daily lives.

Jimmy opened up about the upcoming release and what fans (new and old) can anticipate upon its release:

This album is deeply emotive, and wrestles with previously taboo subjects from a personal place. The tracks explore themes such as the devastating loss of dear friends to suicide, and being an ally to trans individuals, particularly family members—an experience that has profoundly impacted me and is featured on the record alongside addressing other inequities that deeply concern me.

‍Therapy is a high-energy album, designed for singalongs and mic grabs. For this project, I needed to put down the acoustic guitar and let some things out on stage in ways I hadn’t for a while.

In Australia, we've worked hard to destigmatize mental health, but I believe the stigma surrounding seeking therapy persists. Too many worry about being labelled "crazy" or weak, and consequently, not being taken seriously. Thankfully, as our understanding has increased, so too has the demand for, and engagement with mental health support. It's become much more common, and if you have the chance to work with a therapist, go for it!

Watch yourself grow, and how effectively you can untangle the many conflicting thoughts in your mind.

Immerse yourself in the world of one of the most important songwriters this side of the new millennium.

Words by Paul 'Browny' Brown @brownypaul

Therapy drops May 16th. Pre-order/save here

Stream 'My Bingayi' here