Alongside his celebrated music career, iOTA has become one of Australia’s most distinctive performers across theatre and film. He won a Helpmann Award, Sydney Critics Award, and Green Room Award for his starring performance as Hedwig in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and went on to star as Dr Frank-N-Furter in Rocky Horror. His theatrical work has also included playing the Fallen Angel in Graeme Murphy’s Berlin with Sydney Dance Company, as well as co-writing and performing in the sell-out theatre production Smoke & Mirrors, winning three Helpmann Awards. In film, iOTA became internationally recognisable as the flamboyant Doof Warrior in George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road.
After a decade away from releasing music, iOTA returns with the announcement of his long-awaited new album, Hours Disappear. Set for release on September 25, 2026, via MGM Distribution, the album will be available on Vinyl, CD, and on all streaming platforms. Preorder/Presave HERE. Self-produced by iOTA, the fully acoustic album brings together stripped-back versions of beloved classics such as Home Song, Bitter Wine, and Come Back For Me, alongside a handful of new songs – Silver Train, Same Three Words, and more – highlighting the depth and emotional weight of iOTA’s songwriting.
iOTA is set to return to the stage, solo and acoustic, with a spellbinding collection of stripped-back classics and new songs. We caught up with iOTA with a dozen questions to ponder ahead of the album release and tour.
1 What was the spark which lit your flame for music initially?
Suzi Quatro. When I was five my Aunty had a copy of her album called Quatro. It was all black with a photo of Suzi on the front wielding a massive bass guitar with a pout to match. On the back cover she wore a silver leather jumpsuit. She was surrounded by her black leather clad band mates. They all looked super cool. Tough and frightening. And the music equalled the images. It was dark and bluesy. Chaotic, strong, primal and raw. And Suzi stared out at me from that back cover photograph and straight into my soul. I was obsessed.
2 An album or song that had a huge impact on you growing up?
Kiss was the next big influence. There isn’t a single album or song that I could mention without mentioning everything else they did between 1973 and 1980. Kiss completely overtook my life and mind from age ten. There was nothing else. I was fanatical in the truest sense. I collected all the albums, posters, magazines, cards. My bedroom was covered in Kiss images from floor to ceiling. I’m still collecting today
3 What was the inspiration to record acoustic based versions of your music for the Hours Disappear album?
To do something pure. Raw. Earthy. And as a way to acknowledge and celebrate a new appreciation for the instrument that up until five years ago I was convinced no longer played a part in my life. My guitar was in storage gathering dust for ten years or so. It’s nice to be reacquainted with my old friend.
4 Is there a song on this album that is closer to your heart than others?
Perhaps the opening track Same Three Words. Its mystical and magical. Dream like. It’s a gentle call to arms. A reminder
5 What does touring and playing solo do for you that is different to playing with other musicians?
Well, you do more work. And that’s ok. You play differently. When I’m solo I’m trying to cover a few different bases at once. It’s definitely more rhythmic. There’s a lot going on. It’s quite Zen
6 In general, what’s the starting point for an IOTA song?
A new song will generally come from the first few things I play on any given day. A new riff. A new idea. I quite like putting my fingers in any random position and finding strange and exotic chords that way.
7 What would be your dream collaboration?
I’d like to collaborate with a film maker. Something artsy. Either as an actor or a composer. Not that I’m any kind of composer. But something artsy enough that I don’t need to be. Or perhaps a collab with a dance company.
8 What’s your goal each time you hit the stage?
To be good. To be relaxed. To know that I did everything in my power to not suck. To make people feel better than they did. That it was worth the money they paid. To bring pleasure. To feel satisfied.
9 What would you consider to be the favourite gig you have played so far in your career?
Tilley’s Canberra. Hands down.
10 What are your main songwriting tools?
Guitar. A hint of melancholy. Voice memos. A balcony. Solitude.
11 An important life lesson someone gave/told you?
That finding meaning is the meaning of life. And finding purpose is the purpose of life. That’s why we’re here.
12 What’s next for IOTA ?
More touring and more music. My mission for the next twenty years is to write and record as much music as possible.
FULL TOUR DATES ARE HERE:
Friday October 16 – Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne VIC
Wednesday October 21 – The Vanguard, Sydney NSW *New show
Thursday October 22 – The Vanguard, Sydney NSW *Last tickets
Friday October 23 – Baroque Room, Katoomba NSW *Selling fast
Sunday October 25 – Junk Bar, Brisbane QLD *Tickets selling fast
Friday October 30 – Fillmore’s, Kiama NSW (6pm-8pm)
Friday November 13 – Trinity Sessions, Adelaide SA
Saturday November 14 – Smith’s Alternative, Canberra ACT
Saturday December 5 – Dangar Island Bowling Club, NSW (7.45pm-9.15pm)
Sunday December 6 – Flamingo’s, Newcastle NSW
*Tickets available at iota.com.au
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