Listen here: In The Driver’s Seat
Australian singer songwriter and pianist Sonic Keys, the project of Nick Pound, returns with his new five track EP In The Driver’s Seat, released October 9. Centred on resilience, change and taking greater control over the direction of your own life, the record finds Pound looking forward after several difficult years.
The EP follows his debut solo single “Unchain My Soul,” a song written during a period of grief after losing both of his parents within three years. While that release dealt with loss and the process of healing, In The Driver’s Seat begins from a different place. Rather than dwelling on what has already happened, Pound turns his attention towards what comes next.
“This EP is a reflection of where I am now after some incredibly challenging years,” says Pound. “I reached a point where I realised I wanted to make life my own, spend more time with my amazing wife and fully commit to creating and performing music that truly resonates with people.”
That idea became the foundation for the EP. Its title comes from Pound’s belief that people can become active participants in their own lives, making difficult changes when circumstances no longer feel right rather than remaining where they are simply because it is familiar.
The beginnings of the record can be traced to October 2025, when Pound spent several days on a songwriting retreat at Maple Cabin at Montvale at Montville Estate in Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Hinterland. It was a particularly personal setting, having previously been the place where he married his wife, Nicole.
Armed with a keyboard and notebook, Pound developed the melodies, chord progressions and lyrics that would eventually become the EP’s five songs. Nicole also became part of the creative process, contributing lyric ideas and helping shape the wider concept behind the project.
Pound later reunited with producer Stuart Stuart, following their previous work together on “The Long Way Home” and “Angels” with Aria Cook. Stuart became closely involved in developing the new material, pushing Pound through multiple lyric revisions before producing, mixing and mastering the finished record at Analog Heart Records in Brisbane.
“I’m incredibly grateful to Stuart Stuart for his exceptional work across the EP,” says Pound. “His production, creativity and attention to detail helped turn these songs into something I’m genuinely proud of.”
He adds, “I’m also deeply thankful to my wife Nicky, whose lyric contributions and belief in the vision of this project were invaluable. She has supported me through every step of this journey, and I couldn’t have made this record without her.”
Musically, In The Driver’s Seat moves well beyond a single interpretation of piano pop. Opener “Make My Move” brings pop and R&B together with production inspired by Prince and Michael Jackson, while “Better Days” takes a brighter, anthemic approach with reference points including OneRepublic and The Script.
The title track shifts again, bringing piano pop together with disco house, funk and soul. Michael Jackson and Jamiroquai sit among its production influences, alongside the modern disco pop of Dua Lipa’s “Don’t Start Now.”
“Coming Back To You” emerged spontaneously during the Montville retreat. Built as a motivational pop anthem, its early songwriting took cues from George Michael and the melodic instincts of Paul McCartney, with the finished production drawing inspiration from Australian pop group Sheppard.
Closing track “One By One” strips things back for an emotional contemporary piano ballad. Harry Styles and Australian artist Mallrat influenced the production, while the original songwriting drew from the R&B traditions of Frankie J, Boyz II Men and Babyface.
Despite those varied reference points, the five tracks return to the same underlying idea: movement. Whether that means changing direction, pursuing something previously considered out of reach or simply recognising when it is time to move on, Pound treats personal agency as something that can be regained.
“I hope these songs remind listeners that they don’t have to stay stuck in situations that no longer serve them,” he explains. “You are allowed to change direction, chase your dreams and build a life you’re passionate about. Sometimes all it takes is believing in yourself enough to make that move.”
Following collaborations with artists including Aria Cook, Nirvan Lotfi and Ian Buller, In The Driver’s Seat gives Pound the space to put his own experiences at the centre. What began alone with a keyboard and notebook in Montville has become a record about deciding where life goes next and having the confidence to take the wheel.
In The Driver’s Seat is out October 9.
Sonic Keys photo by Dane Beesley
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PR contact: Leopold Oakes | [email protected]
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