Year 12 student Joy has his sights set on two major milestones for 2026: graduating from Matthew Flinders Anglican College with top marks and launching his career in the music industry.
He officially kicked off that musical journey on Friday, 7 August, releasing his debut indie pop/rnb single, “Follow Me Into the Dark”, under his music moniker, Joy Manon, on Apple Music and Spotify.
This exciting first release is just the beginning. Joy is set to drop a second single on 11 September, followed by his debut 4-track EP on 16 October.
To bring his vision to life, Joy recently spent time recording in Brisbane alongside ARIA-nominated producer Stuart Stuart, known for his work with powerhouse Aussie acts Sheppard and The Veronicas.
LISTEN to the debut single on Spotify and Apple Music here.
Joy has also signed an international distribution deal via a US-based label in partnership with Downtown Records in Nashville (a division of Virgin Music Group).
He headed to Melbourne over the mid-year school holidays to work alongside five-time ARIA Award winner Rob Amoruso, joining his artist development program. This led to Amoruso arranging for Joy to collaborate with elite Brisbane producers Blake Malone and Graham Ritchie (whose credits include Burna Boy and Amy Shark), fully funding studio time at Brisbane’s premier 4000 Studio.
"It’s been an incredible journey so far," says Joy.
“Working with people like Stuart and Rob has been an unreal experience. Rob has been a phenomenal mentor, and I’m heading back to Melbourne soon to write even more music with him. I can't wait for everyone to finally hear what we've been working on."
He plans to tour his original music in 2027, while concurrently pursuing a tertiary degree in Business Management.
Mentors and Music Extension at Flinders
Joy joined Flinders in Year 10 and has successfully balanced a rigorous senior academic workload, studying Chemistry, Physics, Mathematical Methods, and English, alongside Music and Music Extension. His teaching mentors include Flinders' Director of Music, Sally McHugh, and Head of Music, Dr Cade Bonar.
Ms McHugh said Joy’s achievements in releasing a first single and album were “remarkable milestones”.
"As a music educator, what stands out most for me is not simply Joy’s talent, but his commitment to continually developing his craft. Joy has sought out and embraced every opportunity to work closely with industry professionals and has steadily built a strong and authentic artistic identity,” Ms McHugh said.
"The alternative pop genre gives young artists like Joy the opportunity to tell their stories in a way that is both creative and deeply personal. Throughout this process, Joy has shown the courage to explore his own voice, and that authenticity is what makes his work so exciting. It has been a privilege to witness that growth firsthand.”
Flinders’ advanced music curriculum enables passionate students to develop professional standards. Dr Cade Bonar noted the specialised Music Extension syllabus enabled Joy to explore his musical voice and emerging style.
"It has been wonderful to see his work further shaped and refined through his engagement with his teachers and industry professionals, which really brings into focus the emphasis upon apprenticeship, and in working towards mastery, that underpins the syllabus.
"Joy's agency and excitement has come to the fore in his music venture, all wrapped up in his unassuming and humble self. Our Flinders Music Department wishes him all the best on what will no doubt be an exciting journey ahead,” Dr Bonar said.
To listen to Joy Manon music, visit here.
