suicide – Sounds of Oz

Paddy McHugh pulls no punches with his latest single “Down to Sydney.” From the first few lines you’re hooked, wondering where this hard-hitting country-rock track will take you.

“Suicide rates in Australia are high, too high, especially for young men in rural areas. ‘Down to Sydney’ is a story that has no doubt played out many times in every small town across the country,” Paddy explained. “In the song however, the protagonist finds another way out … I guess I want people to realise that there are alternatives and there is hope even in the most unlikely places.”

“Down to Sydney” comes from Paddy’s 2017 album City Bound Trains. His Down to Sydney tour kicks off tonight in Maitland and travels around New South Wales.

18 January 2018 – Junkyard Hotel, Maitland
19-21 January 2018 – Illawarra Folk Festival, Illawarra
21 January 2018 – Midnight Special Newtown
22 January 2018 – Americana in the Park, Tamworth
25 January 2018 – Cake & Cordial Sessions, Tamworth
26 January 2018 – DAG Sheepstation, Nundle

Image used with permission from Universal Music Australia

Like so many of you out there, I was shocked and saddened to hear of the death of The Models front man James Freud.

It appears that he committed suicide after a long battle with alcohol. His struggles were well documented in his memoirs, but it’s still shocking to hear that he’s gone.

“It is with much sorrow that we share the news of the passing of James Freud,” a statement from Mushroom Music read. “James Freud passed away this morning. James’ battle with alcoholism has been well chronicled. His two books on his recovery and five years sobriety were bestsellers and gave a lot of people who were suffering the same affliction comfort and hope. Unfortunately, James has succumbed to his disease and taken his own life this morning.”

I remember feeling his absence while watching The Models being inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame last weekend. What a shame he wasn’t there to take that final bow.

The Models back catalogue was exhaustive, but “Out of Mind, Out of Sight” was always my favourite track. It’s a predictable choice I suppose, but there’s a reason why radio flogs these songs. Sometimes they’re just that good.

So I wanted to post it and remember James in better times. If you’ve got any fond memories of The Models or James, please share them.

Tag: suicide

Paddy McHugh Tackles Suicide In “Down to Sydney” Single

R.I.P. James Freud