William AlexanderIf you’re just hearing the name William Alexander, here’s the TL;DR version: he’s a stockman-turned-songwriter who just picked up his first Golden Guitar, beating one of his idols in the process, and somehow he still sounds slightly stunned about the whole thing. But spend five minutes with his music, or his story, and it’s clear this moment has been a long time coming.
At the 2026 Golden Guitar Awards, Alexander took home Best Bush Ballad, edging out none other than his idol John Williamson. Ask him what was going through his head when his name was called and the answer is refreshingly unpolished. “If I'm honest it's still a bit of a blur, I think my mind went a bit blank when my name was called,” he says. “It was overwhelming but of course a real privilege to be recognised like that. I just feel so lucky to be in the position I am right now.”
That authenticity runs straight through his songwriting. Alexander’s music is inseparable from the Australian landscape and his years working on the land, and he’s the first to admit he wouldn’t know how to write without it.
“Some of the things I've been through and the way I've been able to live my life have been full of so many ups and downs. Intense hardship, pain and loneliness. But so much grit and good fun too,” he explains. It’s that duality of romance and reality that gives his songs their weight. As he puts it, “I'm a bloody romantic too so it's pretty easy to put pen to paper after spending a day in the saddle tailing a mob down the road.”
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Now, Alexander is stepping into a new chapter, having just signed with Cheatin’ Hearts Records. “For me the most important thing in business and in life is relationships,” he says. After spending time getting to know Cheatin’ Hearts Records founder Luke Woods, it was an easy decision to sign to the label when the opportunity arose.
“I already had a great sense of what an honest, genuine fella he was.” That people first approach mirrors the label’s own belief in storytelling over trends, and it’s a big reason this partnership feels like a natural fit.
His new single All I Stand To Lose signals where things are heading next. It’s quieter, more introspective, and unafraid to sit with emotional uncertainty. With a sophomore album slated for later in 2026, Alexander isn’t worried about fitting neatly into tradition or chasing modernity for its own sake.
“I don't know if I'm too conscious of staying true to anything other than telling the stories and writing the songs I want to write, I'd like to think the kind of music I make can be enjoyed by almost anyone.” he says.
Working with producer Lindsay Waddington has opened up new creative confidence, and Alexander is hopeful listeners will feel that growth. “Here's to hoping folks can connect with the songs on this record!”
William Alexander’s appeal is simple. He’s telling real stories, from real places, and trusting that honesty still matters. Judging by his record deal and Golden Guitar win, it does.
