Swaggering with modern sheen and effortless delivery, the new single Lay Low out today from rising Australian artist Hugh Bagley burrows deep with real-world thematics and Hugh’s deeply immersive signature charm, also arriving armed with an accompanying music video as Hugh looks ahead to his debut EP Land of the Freeks set to drop later this year.
Following the release of his debut single Sad Song in 2025, Hugh’s new sonic outing blends elements of hip hop, R&B and pop, nodding at times to the silken stylings of Post Malone, The Weeknd and Tame Impala while also colliding cinematic production that feels instantly effortless yet matured. A song that is the “representation of modern life”, as Hugh himself puts it, Lay Low also found Hugh join forces with ARIA Award-winning producer Konstantin Kersting (Tones and I, FISHER, Amy Shark) and close friend Luke Mariconte, emerging with a relatable ode to escaping the grind. “Lay Low is about living for the weekend,” Hugh shares. “It’s something every Australian can relate to and has felt at some point — being stuck in the same cycle, in your life or job. Then, come the weekend, we blow all our money chasing highs something most of us have done at one time or another.”
Via its accompanying music video, Lay Low takes visual flight with Hugh mirroring the track’s lyrical yearning and subtle angst, with the clip featuring a stalwart lineup of collaborators contributing to the slick end result, as Hugh elaborates, “I had the opportunity to collaborate with the Emmy-nominated Ben Nott, as well as Ian ‘Thistle’ Thorburn, Sharon Miller, Ava Doherty, Rachel Bagley, and many others. Everyone’s properly credited on my YouTube channel so I don’t wanna miss out on anyone. The story follows a guy trapped in the same endless cycle—stuck in a repetitive job during the week, then blowing all his money come the weekend. It dives into him daydreaming about different scenarios of what a lot of people imagine rich people have and do… wondering if any of that would actually fulfill him? I have a lot of extra footage we didn’t ’t use too that I’m gonna share across my social media. Big thanks to everyone who helped out, it turned out awesome and I couldn’t have done it without everyone.”
Starting his creative journey at a young age covering Shannon Noll’s version of What About Me, Hugh Bagley has gone on to cultivate a dedicated following via his dynamic live performances and raw yet compelling musical creations. Hailing from the Gold Coast/Brisbane scenes, Hugh’s authenticity and sonic dexterity has made waves around the modern Australian music landscape. A rising genre-defying force, Hugh’s debut single Sad Song set the gears in motion for his anticipated debut EP Land of the Freeks set for release in 2026, with this talented rising artist unafraid to delve into darker themes and shadows; and ultimately turn them into something electrifying. Armed with his inescapably soulful vocals and sharp modern style, Hugh Bagley is truly only getting started, with his new year bucket list spanning even more new music, his first ever EP – and a hometown hero for good measure!
“I’m always chasing a new, song, nothing replicates it,” shares Hugh. “Big plans to chase new music releases, and also to work with FISHER, 2026 is the year it will happen. If he’s reading this, I have plenty of ideas.”
“It’s refreshing to be releasing Lay Low to be honest,” Hugh adds. “I think starting 2026 off with good momentum is what I need and will set the tone for rest of the year. This track is second single from my debut project dropping this year, Land of the Freeks! I wrapped the last three songs just before Christmas with the insanely talented Blake Malone, and honestly, they’re some of my absolute favourites on the project. ‘Sway’ is one I’m super proud of—can’t wait for everyone to hear it all.”
Lay Low is out today.
girlatarockshow.com 