Alex Lahey

Today, Alex Lahey – the Australian singer/songwriter who “has spent the past seven years churning out sharply observed pop-punk confections” (Pitchfork) – announces The Answer Is Always Yes (Expanded Edition), out October 6th on Liberation, and presents its lead single, “Newsreader.” Containing three new bonus tracks, The Answer Is Always Yes (Expanded Edition) further drives home Lahey’s impeccable knack for “turning unfortunate events into relatable anthems” (Uproxx).

Propelled by acoustic guitar, “Newsreader” offers a glimpse at The Answer Is Always Yes’ downtempo contours, with instrumental swells underlining Lahey’s heartfelt and incisive lyrics. Inspired by all too common inundations of ever-depressing news cycles, “Newsreader” features background vocals from Tamara Oudyn, the real life Australian broadcaster who inspired the song.

“I remember having the news on at home one night and watching the newsreader broadcast one awful story after another and it got me thinking about the emotional toll it must take on someone to literally be the bearer of bad news to an entire population night after night, day after day,” Lahey says. “The newsreader that inspired this song, Tamara Oudyn of the ABC 7pm News Report, was the seemingly omnipresent newsreader in my household at the time this song was written. It turned out that there were only a degree or two of separation between Tam and I – next thing you know, Tam popped into the studio and laid down some BVs on this track.”

The Answer Is Always Yes received a wealth of praise from the likes of The New York Times, NPR Music, Uproxx, and Pitchfork, who hailed album standout “You’ll Never Get Your Money Back” as Best New Music. Surrounding its release, Lahey embarked on a lengthy North American tour, bringing her incredible full-band performances to a slew of cities, selling out many shows along the way. In addition, Lahey returned to Australia’s Triple J radio station to cover Cass Elliot’s “Make Your Own Kind Of Music,” for the station’s beloved Like A Version series.

Next month, Lahey will embark on a European tour. A full list of shows are below with tickets on sale now.