Cheersquad Records & Tapes is proud to announce the release of Stephen Cummings’ new single ‘Carry Your Heart’ and forthcoming May 5 release of his new album ’100 Years from Now’. 

Stephen Cummings of course needs no introduction to Australian music fans – the Countdown Award and ARIA Award-winning singer and songwriter has had a long, productive, creative and distinguished career since his days up front of Sports in the late ’70s and ’80s.  

What does need an introduction however is the fact that in March 2020, Stephen suffered a life changing stroke and this new album is the product of this event and the enthusiastic support he received creating it from the Melbourne music community.  

‘100 Years from Now’ is a record of beauty, of humanity, and of unflinching honesty. And gorgeous musicality. Recorded and mixed with long-time collaborators guitarist and producer Robert Goodge (Essendon Airport and I’m Talking) and producer and engineer Simon Polinksi (Steve Kilbey, Ollie Olsen). The album is a collection of co-writes that put Cummings’ post-stroke physical condition to the fore, both musically and lyrically. The effect of Stephen’s stroke on his singing adds a layer of bittersweet heartbreak to his already emotive style.  

First single ‘Carry Your Heart’ is a beauty, in which the key line “Every moment is a golden one for him that has a vision, to recognise it as such” is a beautiful expression of Cummings’ gratitude and positivity, two elements which are present throughout. 

The single is available today as a digital download or on streaming services.  You can pre-order the album, due for release on 5 May 2023.  The album is available on limited edition transparent teal vinyl, black vinyl, CD and digital download.  All tracks will be added to your Bandcamp catalogue

25 years ago, Stephen told Rolling Stone’s Toby Creswell that the music he was making at the time was “A-grade confessional roots music”, and that is as good as any description of his new album as anyone is going to come up with. The mix of acoustic instruments and occasional electronic textures suggest great intimacy and make no attempt to disguise the damages to the singer’s voice. This is as confessional as it gets. And, as will be revealed in time, it is an album of surprising riches.