Beloved singer-songwriter Tom Busby has today confirmed the release date of his much-anticipated debut solo record ‘Rockhampton Hangover’ for February 20, 2026. The 10-track album was produced by indie icon Ben Kweller and recorded in the rugged Texas Hill Country in the US.
The award-winning artist has marked today’s announcement with the release of a haunting ballad, In The Dark featuring his most powerful and honest vocal performance to date. The single, out today, follows previous tracks, Lottery, Cyclone, Someone Strong and his debut solo single Waiting For Tomorrow, which achieved over 30K streams in the first weeks of release.
On the album title, Tom explains, “Rockhampton is where I was born and raised – it’s in my bones. But this album isn’t about nostalgia for my hometown. After Busby Marou took our first break in 20 years, I stood still for the first time. Unsure of what was next, I stepped into helping the family business – demolition and asbestos removal – thinking it was the right move for my family. But instead of feeling grounded, I felt lost. My wife saw it before I did and said ,‘Go back to what makes you feel alive’. The second I threw myself into writing this album, the fog lifted. It wasn’t easy – it took everything I had, pushed me to my limits, and came with real sacrifices – but I knew I was home. That’s what ‘Rockhampton Hangover’ is about. Not just the kind of hangover you get from a big night – though if you’ve been to Rocky, you know that too – but the kind that comes after a tough chapter, when the truth hits, and you decide to move forward. This album is me at my rawest and most honest – a songwriter again, with nothing to prove and everything to give”.
New track, In The Dark, dives into the quiet corners of a relationship and captures the moment when connection slips into silence. Co-written with Chris Collins and producer Ben Kweller, the single blends lush piano, aching fiddle and an impressive, stripped back vocal that’s emotionally exposed and impossible to ignore.
With his raw, authoritative vocals and a gift for telling deeply human stories, ‘Rockhampton Hangover’ is certain to cement Tom’s place as a distinct and compelling voice in country music, owning his space with conviction and soul.
He will be previewing tracks from the album this November with live solo shows along the East Coast on ‘The Lottery’ Tour and recently expressed, “I just love being back on the road with this young band. They are red hot and bring so much energy. Playing these intimate rooms feels special, the connection is real, and the storytelling is off the hook.”
These performances follow his debut solo run earlier this year which saw sell-out shows and the beginnings of a cult-like fanbase. Commencing in Sydney on November 7, Tom then heads to Buttai, Wollongong and Murwillumbah in NSW before heading north to Brisbane and the Gold Coast, wrapping the tour in Victoria with shows in Bellarine, Castlemaine and Melbourne at the end of the month.
IN THE DARK IS OUT NOW
‘ROCKHAMPTON HANGOVER’ WILL BE RELEASED ON FEBRUARY 20, 2026 – PRE-ORDER NOW
TOM BUSBY
‘THE LOTTERY’ TOUR
Tickets on sale now at www.tombusby.com.au
FRI 07 NOV – Botany View Hotel, Sydney NSW
SAT 08 NOV – Full Throttle Ranch, Buttai NSW (Free Show)
SUN 09 NOV – Seeker Brewing, Wollongong NSW
THU 20 NOV – The Citadel, Murwillumbah NSW
FRI 21 NOV – Black Bear Lodge, Brisbane QLD
SUN 23 NOV – Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Gold Coast QLD
FRI 28 NOV – Bellarine Estate, Bellarine VIC
SAT 29 NOV – Shedshaker Taproom, Castlemaine VIC
SUN 30 NOV – The Retreat, Melbourne VIC
With thanks to Revolutions Per Minute
Discover more from Good Call Live
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
