Cape Town alternative rock outfit Southern Wild has officially signed with Just Music ahead of their highly anticipated sophomore album. Titled The Art Of Feeling Nothing, the record is set to drop on 30 October 2026.
Since emerging in 2015, Southern Wild has built a unique musical identity that blends alt-rock, post-rock, neo-soul, and folk. The band has graced the stages of major South African festivals like Up The Creek, Rocking the Daisies, Smoking Dragon, and Oppikoppi, while also opening for international heavyweights like Incubus and The Cure.
A Six-Year Journey of Perseverance
The creation of The Art Of Feeling Nothing was a turbulent ride. Midway through recording, the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a halt. Lead singer Dave van Vuuren subsequently relocated to Zambia for four years, putting the band’s momentum on pause.
Now, returning as a revitalized four-piece featuring guitarist Conrad Birch, the band channels that uncertainty, distance, and eventual triumph directly into their new music. The result is an expansive, emotionally raw record that reflects the passage of time and the strength it takes to keep going.
Reconnecting in the Studio
The album marks the continuation of a nearly decade-long creative partnership with producer Theo Crous. Having first worked together on the 2016 track “Lead Role”, returning to Crous at Bellville Studios felt like the most natural choice.
Van Vuuren notes that they had no idea back in 2016 that they would still be making music together all these years later. He adds that working with Crous at Bellville Studios felt like the perfect place, with the perfect person, to finalize the record.
Southern Wild have a New Home at Just Music
Signing with Just Music marks a massive milestone for Southern Wild. Van Vuuren explains that joining a label known for nurturing incredible South African talent is a special next step for the band. After a six-year wait, they are incredibly proud of the album and cannot wait to finally share it with their fans.
With a fresh line-up, renewed energy, and their most deeply personal work to date, Southern Wild is stepping into a bold new chapter with nothing left to prove and everything left to say.
You can pre-save Southern Wild‘s upcoming album HERE.
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