Ghost Medium are an indie dreamscape band hailing from Victoria, who last month released their debut single, “The River Song”. It’s a beautiful, atmospheric tune with a warmth that resonates deeply. We are thrilled to be premiering the video ahead of its release later in the week.
Simon Bailey, ex Pony Face, is the lead singer for Ghost Medium. As a band, they are very much in their infancy, but have already racked up an appearance on the ABCTV series Spicks and Specks, as the shows House band for the night. It’s an indication of the respect for Simon and his bandmates within the industry.
About the track, Simon writes: “The River Song,” was written absent mindedly on a camping trip on the banks of Dhungala River, four hours north of Narrm, in Yorta Yorta country.”. It reminds me a little of Bruce Springsteen’s The Ghost of Tom Joad, blended with some earthy outback Australian psychedelia.
The clip was filmed on a scorching 45° day in late January 2025. Aaron Cuthbert and crew trekked deep into Seven Creeks Falls, Euroa to create their magic. Simon tells us about the day: “With the river rocks radiating heat that pushed the temperature well into the high 40s, the team braved extreme conditions — slipping on slick stone, lugging heavy camera gear, dodging tiger snakes, battling heat stroke, and even losing lenses to the current”. They certainly worked hard for their art. And we are thankful for it.
Collaborating with Simon on the project is Aria award winning producer Pip Norman, Melbourne legends Lilith Lane and Huddy Whitlock (Proteens, Surprise Chef). It’s a formidable team indeed.
This is the first single to be released from an album due later in the year, via their own label Pony Face Records. Simon and Pip have been tracking the album in a house near Healesville on Wurundejeri country, surrounded by bush, lyrebirds, deer and wombats.
We’ve had “The River Song” playing on repeat the last few days here in the office. The pulsating beat to it, like the river flowing behind in the clip, is soothing and enchanting. We can’t wait to hear more.
The band has three gigs lined up in May in Victoria. All the details are below. Get along and support live music.
