Ripley Alexander Dives Deep Into Debut EP, 'THE MAN I AM'

If you were wondering about the musicians who have had a breakout year in 2024, well, look no further than Ripley Alexander.

Born in Geelong, Victoria but calling Brisbane home for the last nine years, Alexander is a lifelong music fan who came to prominence earlier this year with his viral audition on Australian Idol. Performing ABBA’s Mamma Mia, Alexander’s popularity resulted in a placement in the top 12 before ultimately being eliminated.

“Idol was a learning experience,” he explained. “It made me realise that while I could make it in the music industry, I had to work hard at it to achieve the success that I want.”

“This EP shows the evolution of me from a viral video into a musician who’s here for a long time.”

Work hard he did. Alexander put his head down and focused instead on writing and releasing original music. The result of that is his debut EP, The Man I Am, which not only proves his staying power, but also his musical prowess.

“On the surface, The Man I Am sounds exactly like what you’d expect from a 20-something guy who’s going through the motions of modern love,” he explains. “But it’s also a statement of authenticity and vulnerability. It’s relatable, it’s real and it’s honest.”

A collection of songs that are vulnerable, emotional, and touching, it’s a testament to his skills as a performer and songwriter. As Alexander also notes, its a showcase of his ability to tap into his emotions which are usually kept out of the spotlight due to his autism.

“I don’t typically show a lot of emotions, so it actually means that I put all of those emotions into my music,” he explains. “When I'm writing and singing it feels like a release and I feel more comfortable on a stage than on the street.

“The EP basically reflects my experiences and the evolution of my love life or lack thereof. I’m excited for my fans to come along with me on this journey,” he adds. “This is just the beginning.”

To celebrate the release of The Man I Am, Ripley Alexander has shared a special track-by-track breakdown of each of the songs on his accomplished debut EP.

01. Starstruck

Starstruck is incredibly special to me, and I hope it resonates with anyone who has ever felt the pull of a first love that never fully fades. This song stands apart from the rest of the project – it’s slower, more reflective, and carries an emotional weight that feels close to home. It’s a piece of my heart, and I can’t wait for you to hear it.

02. Vertigo

Vertigo embraces a sound that feels more like me than ever before and captures the essence of a love story gone wrong. The story takes place over three days and in that time there’s manipulation, love bombing, and loads of feelings.

03. Have To Leave

This track dives into the push-and-pull of relationships, where the fear of commitment collides with the desire for connection. It’s a high-energy song that captures the inner conflict of wanting to stay but feeling the need to run.

04. Miss America

I was in Nashville for at most 24 hours and I think I had fallen in love with 10 women just walking past. It’s a young and fun song and the origin can’t get more “me”. I want my fans to see the fun side of me and I think Miss America is the perfect introduction to them seeing that.

05. Medusa

Medusa is this love story that plays out entirely in my head. After seeing this girl in the corner of a bar, I start to imagine our life together. It’s got that indie pop sound with a mix of dreamy and chaotic lyrics.

06. Loose Cannon

Loose Cannon is all about embracing life on your own terms, without worrying about limits or expectations. This track captures that wild, carefree energy – the kind where you don’t ask for permission or worry about what others think; you’re just fully living in the moment.

Loose Cannon is about finding that one person who gets it, someone to come along for the ride and share in the thrill of just vibing through life. I wanted this song to feel like an open road, full of endless possibilities.

Ripley Alexander’s The Man I Am is out now.