Australian singer-songwriter and pianist Sonic Keys, the musical project of Nick Pound, returns with his most personal release yet, ‘In The Driver’s Seat’. Released on October 9, the five-track EP reflects a period of personal change, offering songs about resilience, self-belief, and the courage to take control of your own life.
The project follows his debut solo single, ‘Unchain My Soul’, which he wrote during a difficult period after losing both of his parents within three years. While that song explored grief and the process of healing, ‘In The Driver’s Seat’ moves towards a different chapter, focusing on what it means to move forward, embrace change, and make decisions that bring greater fulfilment.
At the heart of the EP is a simple idea: everyone has a say in how their story unfolds. Through its five songs, Sonic Keys encourages listeners to step beyond their comfort zones, pursue what matters to them, and recognise that it is never too late to change direction.
The foundations for the project came together in October 2025 during a songwriting retreat at Maple Cabin, part of Montvale at Montville Estate in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland. The location carries personal meaning for Nick, as it is where he married his wife, Nicky. Spending several days surrounded by nature with a keyboard and notebook, he began developing the melodies, chord progressions, and lyrics that would become the EP.
Nick later reunited with producer Stuart Stuart, following their previous work on ‘The Long Way Home’ and ‘Angels’ with Aria Cook. Stuart helped shape the songs through the writing process, offering guidance and encouraging revisions to the lyrics before bringing the project together through production, mixing, and mastering. His production credits include work with Sheppard and The Veronicas.
Nick’s wife, Nicole Pound, also contributed lyric ideas and helped develop the wider concept behind the record. Her involvement added another personal element to a project rooted in the life Nick is building and the direction he wants to take.
Musically, ‘In The Driver’s Seat’ moves between several styles while keeping piano-led songwriting at its centre. ‘Make My Move’ blends pop, R&B, and piano pop, while ‘Better Days’ offers an uplifting anthem built around the promise of brighter times. The title track brings together disco house, funk, and soul, giving the EP an energetic centre. ‘Coming Back To You’ continues the motivational theme, while ‘One By One’ closes the collection with a more reflective contemporary piano ballad.
Speaking about the release, Sonic Keys describes the EP as a reflection of where he is after several challenging years and his decision to devote more time to his marriage and his music. He hopes the songs will encourage people who feel stuck to reconsider their circumstances and pursue a life that feels more meaningful to them.
That message gives ‘In The Driver’s Seat’ its purpose. Rather than focusing on the difficulties of the past, Sonic Keys uses those experiences as a starting point for a more hopeful outlook. The EP is a reminder that personal growth often begins with a decision to move forward, even when the next step is uncertain.
Recorded and produced at Analog Heart Records in Brisbane, with elements of the songwriting developed at Maple Cabin, ‘In The Driver’s Seat’ marks a significant step in Sonic Keys’ solo journey, bringing together personal reflection, varied pop influences, and an encouraging message about taking charge of your future.
Listen to ‘In The Driver’s Seat’
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