Pictured: Favourite Kid is Ethan, Jaimie and Saul Roberts.
In a world that often demands perfection, Favourite Kid frontman Ethan Roberts is flipping the script on vulnerability in his debut album.
You may know him better as Gympie singer-songwriter Aspy Jones; a moniker from his solo musical journey, where he released 16 songs and garnered more than 400,000 online streams.
But that all changed when Ethan persuaded his younger siblings Jaimie and Saul to join him on his musical venture, after recognising a “magic” in other family collaborations.
Heavily influenced by Vance Joy, Mumford and Sons, The Cat Empire, and Shepphard, the folk-pop trio released Two Cent Journal last week, with ARIA-nominated producer Stuart Stuart.
If you ask us, their sound reminds us of a day out at the family farm, with a warm hug from mum, and an afternoon wrapped up in feel-good grooves. (A bit like One Republic or Shaboozey?)
Take a listen to Favourite Kid on Spotify:
A lifetime of feeling ‘different’ and just trying to ‘fit in’
Reflecting both honesty and humour, Ethan lifts the lid on his own personal life, navigating the complexities of life with autism and anxiety “in a world that often celebrates constant positivity”.
Diagnosed with autism at eight years old, he spent most of his childhood just “trying to fit in”.
What started as a passion, soon became a lifeline, with writing becoming a way for him to pause and make sense of life.
“While we can’t control everything in life, it’s important to take time to notice how we’re feeling.
“I’ve just turned 28, so I’ve lived with (autism) for 20 years now. In the early years, my parents were told that you couldn’t have ASD and ADHD, so my ADHD diagnosis came much later.
“I had a lot of problems fitting in in primary school which got a lot worse in secondary school and my mental health really started to suffer.”
Healing with music in a neurotypical world
Ethan says his parents sent him to guitar lessons when he was 10 years old “which he hated”.
But when hormones took over his teenage years, he found himself turning to music to help quell his anxiety.
“When I was really struggling mentally I picked up the guitar again and taught myself to play.
“Music allowed me to write songs about how I was feeling and my perspective on life. It gave me a voice and a lot of confidence.
“I was able to find my people who were also interested in music and my mental health started to improve.
“I still write mainly about the importance of good mental health, because I hope it helps other people to not feel as alone as I did.”
A healthy lifestyle, lots of sleep and time with friends
These days, Ethan passes on the booze and sweets, and turns to the ones he loves, when managing his emotions.
“I try and do regular exercise, and consume limited sugar, alcohol and social media.
“Also, lots of sleep and spending time with good friends. If my mental health is declining then that’s what I focus on.
“Those are the goals, but I’m far from perfect!”
2 Cents Journal bursts with warmth and conviction
Favourite Kid have built their songs on pop, country and folk-rock, lifted with glowing melodies and brass flourishes.
Popping with superstar quality – and a pinch of country swagger – they share their stories through uplifting storytelling in bright, bold bangers such as “Setback” and “Eyes on the Road”.
Guided by Ethan’s easy sincerity, the three-part harmonies rise and fall with instinctive grace, carrying a sense of comfort and connection.
Across its twelve tracks, 2 Cents Journal moves through mindfulness, self-awareness and the many shades of being human.
“Pairing reflection with feel-good energy, the album shifts between moments of yearning love songs, and candid observations on mental health and well-being.”
It’s a record about noticing the simple things, finding space to breathe, and learning to see the beauty in imperfection.
Something we can all do with a little more of.
