About Gareth Leach & The Narratives of Hope @ Dargo Hotel
GARETH LEACH
Raised on the muddy banks of Echuca’s Murray River, Gareth Leach is an Australian songwriter delivering country music with real attitude. Drawing from the introspective storytelling of outlaw country while carrying the raw energy of his punk-rock roots, Gareth blends grit, heart, and hook-driven songwriting into a sound that stands out in the modern scene.
A self-produced artist and experienced record producer/engineer, Gareth has worked across rock, country, folk, punk, and pop, refining his craft and pushing creative boundaries both in the studio and on stage.
His debut single Freeway Lines from the EP Settle Like Stones (2016) reached No.10 on Australian Country Radio, setting the tone for a strong run of releases. His debut album Death & Taxes (2018) saw major success, with the single Turn Back Jimmy Creek debuting at No.4 on iTunes, earning A-List playlist placements, heavy CMC rotation, and hitting No.1 on Australian Country Radio where it remained in the Top 10 for over two months. The album itself debuted at No.3 on the iTunes Country Charts and led to Gareth headlining the day stage at the 2019 Deni Ute Muster.
In 2020, Gareth performed at major festivals including Tamworth Country Music Festival and Mornington Country Music Festival, while releasing the 7" vinyl singles Down The Rabbit Hole and Old Crow Feather, both receiving strong national airplay on ABC Country and charting in the Top 10 on AMRAP Regional and iTunes.
He continued his rise with standout releases including My Crime (feat. Michaela Jenke) and the chart-topping single Honey, which reached No.1 across iTunes, AMRAP Metro, and music video charts. His sophomore album Trigger debuted at No.2 on the iTunes Country Charts, No.4 overall, and No.2 on the ARIA Country Charts.
In 2023, Gareth released his third full-length album Gareth Leach & The Narratives of Hope, debuting at No.1 on the ARIA Charts. The album showcases powerful vocals, introspective songwriting, and a blend of traditional country and folk instrumentation, while continuing to push genre boundaries. The single Big Ole Feelings, featuring the The Davidson Brothers, was nominated for a Golden Guitar in 2024 for Bluegrass Recording of the Year.
Gareth Leach stands at the forefront of contemporary Australian country music, a songwriter and performer who respects tradition while confidently carving his own path forward.