Fresh from a triumphant New Year’s Eve performance at the Sydney Opera House, Jem Cassar-Daley is wasting no time in 2026. The Brisbane-based singer-songwriter has just unveiled her latest single, ‘Clichés’, a track that effortlessly balances the sting of a breakup with the clarity that only comes from looking back.
Since her 2021 debut, the Gumbaynggirr and Bundjalung artist has become a staple of the Australian indie-pop scene. With a trophy cabinet already boasting QMA and NIMA honours, Jem has built a reputation for transforming deeply personal journal entries into universal anthems. ‘Clichés’ continues this trajectory, trading the raw frustration of past hits like ‘King of Disappointment’ for a more seasoned, reflective perspective.
The track was born during a 2024 writing stint in Nashville—a city that holds childhood memories for the artist. Collaborating with Jordyn Dodd and Brock Buchanan, Jem dug into the tired tropes of ending a relationship.
“Everyone knows the break-up excuses—needing space, it’s not you, it’s me, loving yourself before somebody else,” Jem explains. “‘Clichés’ wraps all of those common sayings we hear into one song. I wrote this song on my first writing trip to Nashville with Jordyn Dodd and Brock Buchanan in the summer of 2024. We talked about all of the ways we’ve been broken up with in the past and how sometimes you just want the honest truth—as hard as it may be. Visiting Nashville again was such a special experience as I spent some time living there as a kid with my family. All of the memories came flooding back—I shared stories with old friends and met some new ones along the way too! This track has really stuck with me since we created it, and I know it will be SO fun to play live!!”
The accompanying music video, helmed by Tas Wilson (Corporate Giant), mirrors the song’s warmth, capturing the sincerity that has made Jem a go-to support act for legends like Tina Arena and King Stingray. It’s a visual reminder of why she remains one of the most compelling storytellers in the country today.
As she moves into her most ambitious year yet, ‘Clichés’ serves as both a goodbye to the past and a confident step forward. You can stream the new single on all major platforms now. To keep up with Jem’s 2026 tour dates and upcoming releases, be sure to follow her on Instagram and Facebook.
