At just 22, rising Australian pop artist Charly Oakley has already begun shaping an artistic identity that resonates with listeners who crave vulnerability and strength.
Oakley’s work is marked with emotional honesty, philosophical depth, and a fierce commitment to connection. Their songwriting weaves personal reflection with universal concerns, exploring themes of community, resilience, and the sometimes fragile nature of human relationships.
Oakley released their debut single “Against the Odds”, last month, offering a powerful meditation on friendship, community, and choosing love in the face of hardship. The song was produced in collaboration with LA producer Xandy Barry and long-time friend and creative partner Jordie Tomas.
Beyond the music, Oakley’s personal identity plays a central role in their artistry. Their openness about gender, being gender-fluid, and self-expression infuses their work with authenticity. They see pop not only as a genre but as a space for freedom, one that allows them to evolve and experiment without constraints.
As part of our Up-And-Coming Australian Artists series, we chatted to the rising star to find out more about their early life and influences, and what’s coming in the future.
Charly Oakley’s “Against the Odds” is out now.
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Rolling Stone AU/NZ: How much did music influence you in your early life?
Charly Oakley: I think I had a very holistic, eclectic diet of music as a kid. Mum used to play me Pink Moon by Nick Drake while I was in the womb, and by the time I heard it earth-side, I was miraculously singing every word. My Dad was always playing Frank Zappa ad nauseam through the speakers. I remember hearing George Benson’s “Give Me the Night” for the first time and spending days gripped by the solos and scats. I was just fascinated by the energy of sound and the impact it had on amplifying a person’s perspective.
What artists influenced you growing up?
When people talked about ‘the radio’, I thought they were referring to Gold 104.3 Classic Hits. I didn’t know another radio station existed until I got into someone else’s car in primary school, and was completely bewildered that they had access to other music. R.E.M., U2, INXS, The Cranberries, Fleetwood Mac, Cyndi Lauper, Midnight Oil, and Tears for Fears were in constant rotation. My little brother and I were inadvertent disciples of ’80s and ’90s rock.
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What are some career highlights so far?
I had the chance to spend some time in LA making music with Xandy Barry. He has taught me the power of truly purifying a thought, and instilled in me the eternal access we have to love and creativity.
Seeing the impact of my live shows on people. I just played my biggest show to date at the Night Cat in Fitzroy. I’m really serious about the energy of a show. I do not take people’s time or money for granted. Watching in real time as total strangers feel safe to let down their armour with me, and step into who they truly are (or who they wish to be), will always feel like my greatest success.
Working with my best friend, Jordie Tomas. We call each other ‘buddies in the dome’, because despite having our respective music careers, our wins are shared. He has been my creative collaborator and producer since I was 15 years old. He recorded my first demo in his closet. We have our own creative shorthand. That connection, play and trust is the highlight of every day.
Tell us about your latest release.
Xandy, Jordie and I wrote “Against the Odds” in LA. It feels like the long-lost sonic sibling of Don Henley’s “The Boys of Summer”. It is an anthemic ode to both the suffering and the solidarity that is occurring simultaneously on the planet.
I have always been fascinated by the duality of the human experience – how there can be pain and pleasure; how we laugh when we cry; how we can discover something sacred in the sewer of our darkest emotions; how we manage to persevere and band together in some of our bleakest hours as a species. That’s what this song is about.
What kind of personality traits and values do you believe it takes to succeed in the music industry?
I believe it takes understanding you have a responsibility. You are responsible for the way you show up, the energy you emit, the message you send, the belief with which you send it, the limits you set for yourself. And making yourself undeniable. For me, that looks like finding and honouring the most authentic, wildly joyous, uninhibited version of myself, trusting my voice, and working my ass off.
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How would you describe your music to a potential fan?
For Gen Z: if the joy of Olivia Dean and the conviction of Hayley Williams had a baby. For my mature audience: if the charm of Carole King and the honesty of Stevie Nicks had a baby. Charly Oakley is the music you put on when you want to feel the world for what it is, and then for what it could be.
What are your goals for 2026 and beyond?
To get out there and play more shows! I want to make people feel less alone, and more alike, and spread that energy around the globe. Strangely, I’m feeling less demoralised about social media (and the expectation for artists to share themselves in excess) than I used to.
I’ve experienced its capacity for meaningful connection with a very heartening reception to what I call ‘Joyful Little Maniac’ – a series where I share my written musings on being human, and navigating the world as a 22-year-old. I’ve always wanted to express myself through both music and writing, so I look forward to integrating that more throughout my journey as an artist.
And of course, I’m super excited to release my next project, too. “Against the Odds” is the first peak into the next chapter of what will be a sonic undertaking of what it is to be human. Light stuff.
