Party In The Paddock Founder Launches Indie Label Secret Creek Records

Tasmania is home to a brand-new label, Secret Creek Records.

Party In The Paddock festival founder Jesse Higgs helms Secret Creek Records. The industry stalwart has turned away from music festivals and channelled his other abilities as an artist, producer, and singer-songwriter to create the label.

The first two songs released on Secret Creek Records feature Higgs on vocals.

The first song, Shade Of My Soul, was originally recorded 20 years ago by his mother, Sharyn Lee, a country musician from Tasmania, and re-recorded by her side. The label recently funded Lee’s lifelong dream to record in a Nashville recording studio. Shade Of My Soul marks a journey recorded between mother and son while Lee receives cancer treatment.

The second release is Justice (Live), recorded by Higgs and HOLiDAY MYSTICS bandmate Meg Hitchcock.

An indie-rock duet showcasing two strong voices and storytelling abilities, the song's proceeds will go to war-affected communities, with the duo sending donations from the track to Médecins Sans Frontières / MSF (Doctors Without Borders).

In a statement, Hitchcock said, “To honour what the song is about, we have committed to donating all proceeds from sales and streaming of this song to war-affected communities via Médecins Sans Frontières / MSF (Doctors Without Borders)—an international and independent medical humanitarian organisation delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by armed conflict.

“We and MSF call for an immediate and sustained ceasefire to stop the bloodshed throughout the Gaza strip.”

You can listen to both new songs below.

Earlier this year, Party In The Paddock confirmed its 2025 return and assured Tasmanian punters that the festival is “here to stay”.

The 2025 edition of Party In The Paddock returns to Quercus Park on 6-9 February.

In a statement, Higgs revealed that the Party In The Paddock team is working on securing more government funding for the festival, as “this will be vital for our future as Tasmania’s leading Music and Arts festival.”

Higgs continued, “In this next chapter, we’re here to make PITP as synonymous with Tassie as ‘The Jack Jumpers’ or the coming ‘Tassie Devils’ AFL team. We believe that Music and Art are and should be valued just as much as sports. Tassie, this event is for you; let's lock in another decade.”

The 2024 edition of Party In The Paddock boasted international heavyweights such as Rudimental (UK), Milky Chance (EU), The Darkness (UK), K.FLAY (USA) alongside local stars, including Lime Cordiale, Tash Sultana, Ruel, Luca Brasi, Wildfire Manwurrk, Royel Otis, G Flip, Ball Park Music, Holy Holy, The Buoys, San Cisco, Jack River, and many more.