Ricky Neil Jr. unveils 'HEARTBREAKER' ahead of BIGSOUND appearance and national tour
Photographer credit: Mitch Love
Equal parts powerhouse vocalist, magnetic performer and undeniable entertainer, Ricky Neil Jr. is redefining Australian pop through infectious grooves, joyful performances and music that wears its heart proudly on its sleeve.
With an upcoming national tour, which includes a BIGSOUND showcase, Ricky Neil Jr. unveils HEARTBREAKER - out 19 August, an irresistibly groovy pop anthem that proves even the messiest emotions sound better with a disco beat.
Taking influence from the likes of Parcels, Jamiroquai and L'Impératrice and blending it with Ricky's unmistakable charisma, HEARTBREAKER is equal parts vulnerability and swagger. It's a song about the emotional push and pull of a relationship caught somewhere between holding on and letting go, wrapped in shimmering production and a chorus built to be screamed from car windows, or across sweaty dancefloors.
"HEARTBREAKER, like TROCADERO before it, was written during my time in the Mushroom First Nations Pathway Program," Ricky explains.
Produced and co-written alongside Ross James, the pair embraced a polished disco-pop sound that perfectly complements Ricky's larger-than-life personality.
"Ross and I really locked into a polished, hot pink sound here. We were chasing a chorus that feels like you want to yell it in your car or get buck wild on the dancefloor. Also, let it be known, I was singing my ass off in the studio. Listen out for those high notes."
Following the success of recent singles including SUPANOVA and TROCADERO, HEARTBREAKER continues an impressive including being selected for Mushroom Creative's prestigious First Nations Pathway songwriting program, performed alongside Dan Sultan at the MCG for the 2026 AFL Dreamtime Match, receivingnational rotation on Nova with SUPANOVA, secured Spotify Editorial support across New Music Friday AU & NZ, Pop N Fresh, Big Ancestor Energy, Deadly Beats and Original Storytellers, and earned a nomination for WAM Pop Act of the Year.
Renowned for his explosive live performances, Ricky has become one of Australia's most exciting performers, lighting up stages at Hyperfest, Nannup Music Festival, SOTA Festival, BLOOM Festival, Lunch Fest and St Kilda Festival, while sharing stages with artists including San Cisco, South Summit, Ruby Fields, Great Gable and Playlunch. Upcoming performances alongside Baker Boy, Miss Kaninna, a national tour, and an appearance at BIGSOUND continue to cement his rapid rise.
TOUR DATES:
August 22nd - Albany Town Hall w/ Baker Boy, Miss Kaninna and Kayps
August 28th - Low 302 Sydney
August 29th - Bar Open Melbourne (co-headline with Kayps)
September 1-4th - BIGSOUND Brisbane
September 12th - Indian Ocean Hotel
More info & tickets via Instagram
Ricky Neil Jr.’s new single HEARTBREAKER is out 19 August