Inside Guy Sebastian’s new era

Guy Sebastian is back with new music, a new mindset and zero time for people-pleasing. From chart-topping hits to signature scents, his new chapter is anything but ordinary.

Guy Sebastian’s career as an award-winning Australian singer-songwriter has been nothing short of extraordinary.

From winning the first season of Australian Idol in 2003 with that famous “fro”, to carving out a successful music career, acting in a Bollywood movie and spending years as a coach on The Voice Australia and a judge on The X Factor, his achievements in the spotlight span more than two decades.

Sebastian’s much-anticipated new album, 100 Times Around The Sun, set for release this month, marks a departure from his earlier projects, prioritising artistic vision over external pressures and timelines.

From music to mindset, the Aussie Idol winner reflects on fame, family and finding his spark again.

Photography: Tim Ashton; Styling: Dale McKie

Guy Sebastian on what it means to release a new album

“When you have a new album out, it’s like a new chapter of your life,” Sebastian says.

“I can’t wait for people to hear it and I’m stoked that it’s out in the world for people to digest.”

Sebastian’s latest single Get It Done serves as a personal and universal “fight” song and was born from his father’s health struggles, Sebastian’s own recent sports injury (a snapped Achilles tendon) and a protracted legal battle.

“It’s about that mentality of getting through the hard stuff, just get it done,” Sebastian says.

“I need to look forward, I need to look at brighter days ahead and know that they’re coming.”

Guy Sebastian on finding inspiration

The Battle Scars hit-maker finds inspiration for his music not through constant work, but by intentionally hitting pause and spending time with his wife Jules and sons Hudson, 13, and Archie, 11.

“I’ve discovered the key to inspiration is to just stop,” he says. “It’s better to stop and actually live, and the songs come because you let life happen.”

Despite his numerous awards, accolades and smash hits, Sebastian says his most cherished career moment came during his 2022 tour.

“When I got up on that stage and I would sing Before I Go, it was this feeling that I had a fire in my belly,” he says.

“I would sing that song like I’d never sung it before, and I was looking into this sold-out arena, and it was just a really proud moment.”

Photography: Tim Ashton; Styling: Dale McKie

What he would tell his younger self

Reflecting on his journey, Sebastian’s advice to his younger self is simple.

“You’ll never please everyone so don’t try to.”

How Guy Sebastian manages his mental health

Despite his fame, Sebastian faces life’s ups and downs with the same vulnerability as the rest of us.

To maintain his mental health, he relies heavily on open communication with Jules, who he describes as his “rock”.

“Our relationship is based on communication. We talk about everything and we talk a lot — she’s a real safe place,” he says.

He also emphasises the importance of seeking outside help when needed, particularly during stressful times.

He notes mental health is a personal journey, and shares his own approach.

“It’s stopping and looking at something and not trying to make it bigger than what it is,” he says.

“Because in my head, something can be doom and gloom, Armageddon-type thoughts, when it’s really not. So instead I look at it for what it is and redefine it for myself.”

Guy Sebastian on learning to set boundaries

Sebastian says he’s learning to say “no” more often and embracing the art of setting healthy boundaries.

A prime example is his weekly golf session with mates.

“Besides spending time with my family, golf has become my biggest escape to clear my mind and stay connected to my mates,” Sebastian says.

“It’s like this little breath that I have in the middle of the week.”

The importance of mindset

When a footy match with AFL legend Brendan Fevola in May took an unexpected turn — leaving Sebastian with surgery for a snapped Achilles tendon and a reluctant six-month break from his cherished golf routine — Sebastian knew he needed to adopt the right mindset for his recovery.

“I was doing something I loved, and it was for a good cause. I just need to move on and try to stay positive,” he shares.

Photography: Tim Ashton; Styling: Dale McKie

Guy Sebastian on paying it forward

Through The Sebastian Foundation, Sebastian channels his energy into helping others.

The foundation’s Open Parachute program provides vital mental health support to around 200,000 kids across more than 200 Australian schools.

This commitment to making a positive impact resonates through all aspects of Sebastian’s life, from his charity work to his creative endeavours.

Creating a signature scent

It was a vivid childhood memory that sparked Sebastian’s latest fragrance.

Sebastian’s father Ivan was a geologist working in far-flung destinations for weeks at a time.

“I remember when he would leave for work, he was always dressed really well, wearing an English flat cap as he stood at the door,” Sebastian says.

“He was freshly shaven — it felt like sandpaper when he gave me a cuddle — but he would always smell good. And that would be the last thing that would linger as he left the house.”

That cherished recollection has driven Sebastian to launch his new scent Ive, named after his father and available at Chemist Warehouse.

The sophisticated scent, also partly inspired by Sebastian’s travels, blends woody, organic notes with a touch of sweetness.

Creating the fragrance was similar to curating an album, Sebastian says.

“It’s like putting songs together for an album and trying to decide which one doesn’t make it,” he explains.

“It’s ultimately my decision, because it’s going to be my fragrance and my name on it, and it has to represent what that scent means to me.”

When asked to compare his new fragrance to a song, he responds with a grin.

“Maybe Shape of My Heart by Sting,” he says.

“Because it’s classic, timeless and hopefully it’ll just keep getting sampled like that guitar line.”

Sebastian’s new album 100 Times Around The Sun is out now.