Victorian alt-rock artist Nate Michael has unleashed his brand-new single Grunge Country, a track that perfectly fuses the storytelling grit of country with the raw, unfiltered power of 90s grunge. The result is a song that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new, setting the stage for his forthcoming EP.

From the first notes, Grunge Country hits with gritty guitar riffs, explosive choruses and a vocal delivery dripping in raw honesty. With nods to legends like Faith No More and Alice in Chains, Michael leans into big, anthemic moments while never losing touch with the intimacy of folk-inspired songwriting. The refrain of “Running again” becomes a mantra for restlessness and resilience, reflecting the track’s themes of sorrow, disillusionment, and the endless search for escape.

“Grunge Country developed out of me trying to reconcile two sides of my musical identity—the raw, distorted energy of grunge and the storytelling heart of country,  and I think that tension is what makes the song work in a way that feels both familiar and new.”

That duality runs through every part of the track. Its verses simmer with restrained tension before exploding into cathartic release, echoing the emotional turbulence of life in motion. As with his acclaimed 2024 EP Domestic Vagabond, Nate Michael continues to prove himself as one of Australia’s most exciting emerging voices in the alt-rock and folk-rock scene.

Grunge Country is more than just a single, it’s a statement of intent and a thrilling glimpse at what’s to come from Nate Michael.

Monique Patterson.

A former Warrnambool man has released his second EP. Nate Michael, 33, said he was inspired to pursue a career in music by a teacher at Brauer College - Maja Pearson.

"She introduced me to singing and that changed the course of my life," Michael told the Standard. 

He studied classical music at the University of Melbourne's College of the Arts and later decided to pursue a singing career. 

Michael, who now lives in Melbourne, also teaches Music. 

He said his songs were inspired by his hometown,which he visits every chance he gets. 

"It's important to tell stories about places and the changing nature of places over time," Michael said. 

He said his latest EP had a contemporary Rock sound and the feedback had been great. 

Michael said he missed the sense of community in Warrnambool.

"In Melbourne I can walk down the street and I don't know anyone but in Warrnambool, you might know 15 people," he said. 

The EP - titled 'Domestic Vagabond' - is a collection of stories that explore loss, place, homelessness, addiction and betrayal, as well as an exploration of the changing nature of familiar places over time. 

Michael said he loved singing and songwriting.

"I create because I think it's important to tell stories," he said.

The EP was recorded at Soggy Dog Recording Studio and features music and lyrics by Michael.