Julia Jacklin's long-awaited fourth studio album 'The Gem' is finally within reach – like a precious stone, polished to perfection in the depths of her creative soul. Set to release on September 25, this 10-track masterpiece marks a bold new chapter for the Australian singer-songwriter, one that promises to captivate listeners with its unbridled emotion and lyrical depth.
The news comes hot on the heels of the tantalising lead single 'Get Away From Me (I Think I'll Love You Soon)', a joyful exploration of love's dual nature – where connection meets loss. Jacklin describes it as "a lighthearted take" on romance, and we can't help but be swept up in its infectious rhythm and lyrics that dance with uncertainty: "There's no need to be sure/ That this feeling will stay/ I'm just trying to ready myself/ For what's coming my way." The accompanying music video, expertly directed by Jacklin herself, is the perfect complement to this new single.
'The Gem' was co-produced by Jacklin alongside Robert Muinos, who also handled mixing and engineering duties. Crafted over an extended 12-month period between December 2024 and December 2025 at Melbourne's Rat Shack, this album marks a significant departure from her previous projects – often recorded in just two weeks. Speaking to the creative process, Jacklin likens it to "digging," trusting she'd uncover something special even when working in the dark.
The title 'The Gem' itself is inspired by a small Melbourne pub on Collingwood's backstreets. Here, amidst an intimate circle of friends (Jacob Diamond on guitar, Mimi Gilbert on bass, and Jess Elwood on drums), Jacklin tapped into her creativity – recording sessions took place in a converted hotel room above the very pub that sparked it all. The tracklist boasts an array of titles including 'Brand New', 'If I Had The Hand Of God', and 'I Wish', featuring the esteemed The Maes.
To celebrate 'The Gem's impending arrival, Jacklin is set to perform a series of exclusive in-store sessions across the UK and Ireland. Catch her at Spindizzy in Dublin on June 28, Brighton's Resident on June 29, Rough Trade East in London on June 30, Liverpool's Jacaranda on July 2, and Rough Trade Nottingham on July 3 – tickets available via each venue's website. And for those eager to experience 'The Gem' live, mark your calendars for a comprehensive UK and European headline tour in early 2027, following a string of North American dates later this year.