From the open road to the heart of the high country, indie pop-rock duo This Way North have carved out a sound and story that’s as expansive as the landscapes they’ve journeyed through.
For years, Leisha Jungalwalla (guitar, vocals) and Cat Leahy (drums, vocals) chased the horizon, touring relentlessly across Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. When the pandemic grounded them, they landed in north-east Victoria on Dhudhuroa Country—trading the freedom of touring for the stillness of ancient forests and high-country valleys. That stillness sparked an explosion of creativity, birthing their debut full-length album, Punching Underwater (February 2024).
Produced by Ainslie Wills and Jono Steer, Punching Underwater dives deep within. While their earlier work explored life on the road, this album journeys inward – unpacking self-doubt, imposter syndrome, the highs of love, and the quiet work of self-acceptance. Its first single, My Love (featuring the ethereal Inuit throat singing of Christine Tootoo, recorded in Iqaluit, Arctic Canada), gained national rotation on Double J and captured hearts across the country.
Named Music Victoria’s Best Regional Act, This Way North have shared stages with icons including Vika & Linda Bull, Ash Grunwald, and Kate Ceberano, and lit up major festivals from Woodford and Port Fairy to Queenscliff, Mariposa, and Dawson City. Their live shows are renowned for big grooves, catchy riffs, and the unmistakable chemistry that comes from being not just bandmates—but partners in life and now, parents to their daughter, Frankie.
Over ten years together, Leisha and Cat have played lakeside sets with audiences floating by on inflatable tubes, rocked stages under snow-capped Canadian peaks, and brought joy to crowds across both hemispheres. Whether delivering driving, alt-psych anthems or tender, tremolo-tinged ballads, their music thrums with connection – between people, place, and heart.
Full of rapturous nostalgia and cinematic spaciousness, Punching Underwater is a testament to evolution and resilience. For This Way North, every show is an invitation – to celebrate, to reflect, and to turn up the volume on life itself.
LISTEN
VIDEO LINKS
My Love
Driving Roads
You Be You
Beats Den
Feelin’ Good (Live)
HIGHLIGHTS
REVIEWS
“Life affirmingly super unreal!” – Tim Rogers
“This Way North are such an impressive live duo! Their blend of genres is unlike anything else around. Great grooves, and they know how to rock!” – Ash Grunwald
“My Love perfectly delivers This Way North’s Zeppelin-esque tones and musical mastery with a catchy blues-rock banger. They are definitely my fave Australian band!” – Abbe May
“This Way North brought musical joy and created a buzz on every stage they played on the festival weekend. They were a powerhouse of energy, fun, and mesmerizing entertainment at our festival. Our audience loved them!” – Liz Scott Festival Director Mariposa Music Festival
“This Way North’s music is irresistible! Chewy, tasty hooks, incredible drum beats partnered with deliciously discreet guitar licks that dare your toes not to tap and your hips not to sway, all topped off with sweet vocal harmonies. Theirs is a sound that is delightful and familiar, yet completely fresh and new. On stage, this duo is absolutely captivating and disarming, bringing a light-hearted energy to the room and an ability to create lifelong fans in a matter of moments.” — Lisa Schwartz President of Folk Alliance International, Artistic Director Philadelphia Folk Festival
“Those rumbling drums, that sneaky little slide guitar line… the way it all comes together to become a lush, powerful piece of music that’s so easy to get caught up in.” Double J Radio
“These women are what makes music great. Energy, passion, beautifully crafted songs, kick-arse drummer, and a powerful frontwoman who combine to make sure you can’t stand still.” — Higgo Triple M Radio