Logo the music network

New Aussie Label Shares Debut Track From First Signing: 'This Is Our Introduction to the World'

Newly-formed Australian label Ninth Life Records has officially kicked off with a single release from first signing, Talk Heavy. 

By Neil GriffithsPublished May 1, 2025
2 min read
talk heavy april 2025 pic brooke harley
Talk HeavyImage: Brooke Harley

Newly-formed Australian label Ninth Life Records has officially kicked off.

After launching this week, the artist-run label, dedicated to emo, punk, rock, and grunge, has unveiled its inaugural single release from first signing, Talk Heavy.

The Brisbane punk rock band's new single, "Die 4 U", has dropped complete with a new music video. Check it out below.

Ninth Life Records is founded by Tayla Ellerby (Talk Heavy's bassist) and Joshua Merriel (Greyscale Records).  The label says it "exists to fill a gap in the Australian scene, and at its core, the mission is simple: sad punks helping sad punks."

"Currently we have some amazing sad punk, alternative bands kicking around Australia and a demand from fans to hear more," the pair told The Music Network about the inspiration behind the label.

[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvyfeO1uen8[/embed]

"The goal would be to bring the community together and allow these bands to reach their full potential. We all know touring in Australia is expensive and it’s very expensive to get overseas as a small band so it would be great for bands to not be held back by finances."

Newsletter BackgroundNewsletter Background
THE MUSIC NETWORK NEWSLETTER

Reporting from inside the Australian music business since '94.

Get our top stories straight to your inbox daily by signing up to our Newsletter
By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services.

Of launching Ninth Life with "Die 4 U", Ellerby said: "It’s a hard one because this is really our introduction to the world. Both for the band and for the label. From the band’s point of view I feel it is a strong example of who we are, and from a label’s point of view, it’s the perfect representation for the sound, the style, and the aesthetic we’re aiming for.

"'Die 4 U' just felt right."

While Ellerby is working on a debut album with Talk Heavy, Ninth Life is also expected to unveil its second signing sometime in May.

Talk Heavy will launch "Die 4 U" with a hometown show at Black Bear Lodge on May 30th. Click here for more details.

More from The Music Network

THE MUSIC NETWORK NEWSLETTER

Reporting from inside the Australian music business since '94.

Get our top stories straight to your inbox daily by signing up to our Newsletter

By providing your information, you agree to our Terms of Use and our Privacy Policy. We use vendors that may also process your information to help provide our services.