Australia’s Favourite Kid dive deep into vulnerability and self-reckoning on their debut album 2 Cents Journal — a warm, textured blend of indie-folk charm, alt-country grit and polished modern pop. It’s a record shaped by reflection, honesty and emotional turning points, capturing what it means to grow, stumble, heal and keep moving. Across the album, Favourite Kid explore comparison, heartbreak, self-discovery, neurodivergence, resilience and the quiet bravery it takes to keep choosing hope.
Formed by siblings Ethan (he/him), Jaimie (she/her) and Saul (he/him), Favourite Kid have quickly become one of Queensland’s most uplifting and dynamic new acts. Long-time readers of the AU review may recall Ethan’s earlier work under his solo moniker Aspy Jones — a project we championed across multiple releases — so when the full family band arrived on our radar, it felt like the natural next chapter in a story we’d already been following.
Born in Wrexham, Wales and raised in Gympie, the trio first developed their craft through Rockskool at the Australian Institute of Country Music before spending their teenage years performing in separate bands. It wasn’t until Ethan, fresh off winning the inaugural QMusic Dalwood-Wylie Award in 2024, convinced his siblings to join him that their instinctive chemistry came into focus: rich harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and the kind of spirited banter only siblings can pull off. Since then, Favourite Kid have brought their vibrant indie-folk, alt-country and pop fusion to stages including Woodford Folk Festival, Mitchell Creek, Rock and Blues Fest and the Gympie Music Muster — cementing themselves as one of Queensland’s most endearing rising acts.
Released today, 2 Cents Journal arrives as a diaristic coming-of-age collection — intimate in its storytelling yet expansive in emotional reach. Featuring highlights like the anthemic, optimism-soaked “Setback,” the album presents a snapshot of growth, connection and resilience, shaped by the band’s lived experiences and their commitment to emotional honesty.
Below, Favourite Kid walk us through the stories behind each track on 2 Cents Journal.
Track by Track: Favourite Kid – 2 Cents Journal
Overview
2 Cents Journal is a collection of reflections, confessions, and emotional turning points, an album that captures what it means to grow, stumble, heal, and keep moving. Sonically, I’ve shaped a warm and textured landscape, blending the charm of indie-folk, the grit of alt-country, and the polish of modern pop to create a sound that feels both intimate and widescreen. Every track feels like an entry from my own diary, exploring comparison, self-discovery, heartbreak, vulnerability, and the quiet courage it takes to keep choosing hope.
Across the album, I trace the messy, unpredictable terrain of everyday life: the little victories, the mistakes I’ve learned from, the love I’ve lost, and the dreams I’m still determined to chase. Some songs honour the discomfort that pushes me to grow, while others sit with the pain of endings or the uncertainty of starting again. These are stories of messing up, longing for connection, and learning when to hold on and when to let go. What ties it all together is emotional honesty. Each track is a moment of truth—raw, thoughtful, and unguarded. This album is my attempt to create something not just musically compelling but deeply relatable, a space where listeners can feel seen, understood, and encouraged on their own journeys.
“Eyes on the Road”
“Eyes on the Road” is built around the idea that “comparison is the thief of joy.” I wrote it as a reminder that life isn’t meant to be a competition—each of us moves at our own pace, chasing our own dreams and carrying struggles others never see. I’ve felt that pressure of watching people succeed and wondering if I’m falling behind. This song helped me refocus on my own path, celebrate my progress, and trust that I’m exactly where I need to be. It’s a grounding anthem for anyone who’s been caught in the noise of comparison.
“Uncomfy”
“Uncomfy” celebrates the discomfort that comes with growth. I’ve learned that nearly all the best things in my life started with a moment of fear or uncertainty. This track is a reminder that staying comfortable often means staying stuck. By choosing to step into what feels “uncomfy,” I’ve opened doors I didn’t even know were there. This song is my nudge to anyone standing at the edge of something new.
“I Know More”
With “I Know More”, I wanted to capture the clarity that comes with getting older. When we’re young, we think we’ve got everything figured out—but life quickly proves otherwise. This song reflects on the lessons I’ve learned the hard way: heartbreak, self-awareness, and choosing what genuinely makes me happy instead of chasing approval. It’s also a message of gratitude, because knowing more isn’t just understanding the world—it’s understanding myself.
“Done This Before”
“Done This Before” is the only breakup song on the album, and it carries a heaviness for me. It digs into the unsettling feeling of becoming too familiar with endings—so familiar that the process starts to feel routine. Writing it forced me to question whether love can truly be special if its ending feels predictable. There’s a quiet ache beneath the track, a longing for something different—something worth fighting for. It’s for anyone who’s ever wondered if they’re becoming too good at letting go.
“In Pursuit”
“In Pursuit” is about the universal longing for connection. Even though we all come from different worlds and carry different histories, we all crave the feeling of being chosen by someone special. I wanted this track to feel like an adventure—full of hope, uncertainty, and the thrill of possibility. It’s my love letter to dreamers, romantics, and anyone who still believes that someone out there is searching for them too.
“I Fucked Up”
Raw, honest, and unfiltered, “I Fucked Up” is me owning the universal experience of messing things up—relationships, opportunities, or moments where I simply didn’t show up as my best self. With autism and ADHD, slipping up has become almost second nature, and I’m used to people being amazed (and sometimes shocked) by just how often things go sideways. Instead of hiding from these mistakes, I leaned straight into them, acknowledging the guilt, the regret, and the uncomfortable truth that usually I am the one at fault.
“Vulnerable Lane”
“Vulnerable Lane” follows my experience of finding someone who feels right during a time when I still felt broken from a past relationship. It reflects the delicate space between healing and hoping—the desire to open up and the fear of getting hurt again. This song acknowledges that recovery isn’t linear and that sometimes the “right person” appears before you’re ready. It’s my way of saying that if you take the time you truly need, the right person will still be there when your heart is finally steady again.
“How Long”
“How Long” tells the story of people who’ve spent much of their lives overlooked, taken advantage of, or stuck in tough situations—yet somehow still find the strength to hope for something better. I wanted to capture that quiet resilience, that belief that things can change even when life feels heavy. Sometimes all you have is a wish whispered to the sky, and sometimes that wish is the thing that keeps you moving forward.
“High Time”
“High Time” is my reminder that life is far too short to stay in relationships built on anxiety, fear, or the pressure to hide who you really are. I’ve felt the weight of worrying about being “too much” or not enough, and the fear of someone leaving once they see the real me. This song is my pushback against shrinking myself to be loved. It’s about embracing authenticity and recognising when a relationship is costing more peace than it gives.
“Song About Water”
“Song About Water” uses the movement of water to mirror life. People, emotions, and opportunities flow in and out—sometimes gently, sometimes like a wave that knocks you down. This track is about learning when to hold on and when to let go. Writing it taught me that clinging to what’s already gone can drag you backwards, but moving with life’s natural rhythm can set you free.
“Setback”
“Setback” dives into the obstacles, disappointments, and twists that have shaped my journey. I wanted it to make clear that setbacks aren’t signs of failure—they’re part of pursuing anything meaningful. This song is my reminder to myself (and anyone listening) that perseverance matters, especially when the path gets tough.
“Feel Like Shit”
“Feel Like Shit” is me being completely honest about bad days. With social media constantly pushing the idea that we should be happy all the time, I wanted to write something real—something that acknowledges the full range of human emotion. It’s okay to feel low, overwhelmed, or worn out. Featuring a verse from Sunshine Coast rapper, The Lyrical, this track adds another layer of honesty and depth to the album’s emotional landscape.
2 Cents Journal is out now. You can keep in touch with Favourite Kid via their website, Spotify, Instagram and Facebook
Header image credit: Leeroy Todd
