Bullyman was the debut single from Newcastle vocalist Jacob Ridgeway, released independently in July 2019.

Since this release, Bullyman was featured on Triple J, Triple J Unearthed, and Community Radio as well as being incorporated into the curriculum in local schools.

Bullyman also took out the honour of winning the 2019 National Indigenous Story Award Grand Prize

Bullyman gives a nod to Jacob’s First Nations Worimi and Gamilaroi Identity whilst utilising a chamber choir to juxtapose the contemporary arrangement of a modern story of hurt to an ancient people.

The track opens with a cinematic prelude transitioning with a Yidaki (Didgeridoo) and toy piano that builds with sweet choral harmonies and traditional percussive elements (Clapsticks, Kulap – Torres Strait Islander Shakers, Warup – Torres Strait Islander Drum) to lure you into a false sense of security. Jacob’s solemn yet soulful vocals then sweep the listener away.

The track was co-written with Kevin Bennett during the 2017 DAG Sheep Station Writers Retreat. The gloomy lyrics describe a journey inspired by one of Jacob’s female elders in his community and her story through personal experiences through Stolen Generation.

You’ll be lucky to hide or even run, but you’re protected from this slum //

Your brothers and your sisters are somewhere else; To protect you from yourself //

I missed my childhood; I never had a chance to feel; Cause your protection was never real //

This haunting lullaby is character-driven from transitional moments in her life from a small child, a young woman to a mother herself, whilst being fed lies and a false sense of security from the Bullyman (Government Official). As the story progresses with her exposure to the world and education, she realises the protection that she was told was never real (White Protection Act/Policy) and will protect her children at all costs.

“With the pandemic putting a halt on the momentum built, it was a good time to re-evaluate my life and what I wanted from music long term. The reinvention of a project for a live show in we did late 2020 weirdly enough allowed space for innovation with the music we make and how we play.”

Bullyman (Reimagined) provides a contemporary pop/RnB and world fusion of soulful vocals, with country-inspired storytelling unique to Jacob’s artistry and provides insight into his future releases.