A chat with 2025 HOMEGROWN HUNDRED winner Michael Ward

This is the first time Grassroots Earworm has run this national public-voted countdown. What does it mean to you to win the inaugural HOMEGROWN HUNDRED?

'For me, this is huge. I really, really wanted to be part of this and honestly thought if i could get 100-90 then i would be so happy.

'Thankyou to everyone that got behind this song. You're the best!'

How do you think winning the HOMEGROWN HUNDRED will influence your career?

‘Like many musos, I live constantly in a sense of imposter syndrome… so to have so many people get behind this song and get behind me goes a long way to validating my passion and time into my music.

'We're gonna ride this and just see what the hell keeps happening.'

Michael Ward

What is your winning song ‘No Regrets’ about?

‘The song was written about choosing to reframe how I perceive tough challenges from my past. The idea came when I realised that I had some skills and attitudes, fortitude that I wouldn’t have had if it wasn't for these times, and so I liked the idea of writing a song which took me through those changes.'

Why do you think this song has resonated so much with fans?

‘The female part, sung by Chelsea Gibson, really made that verse spicy, and I think it added some great balance to the track. Then enters Ben Griffith on guitar, who absolutely shredded that guitar solo at the end, and boom! A country song that feels like you’ve just been punched in the face.'

Michael Ward

Many voters commented on the energy of your live performances. Is that something you really work towards?

‘I am energetic, I feel the music we play and I cant help myself, it’s how i express myself, it makes me move, jump about, and I hope people continue to find that palpable.

‘I used to listen to and watch a lot of early Silverchair, Korn, Limp Bizkit, etc,  and how they used to rock out back in the day is something that still inspires me.’ 

You tour the country extensively, having just played Adelaide and regional Victoria. What's next for 2026?

'(My trio band) have a comprehensive WA tour still to come with shows in Perth, the South West, Great Southern, Goldfields and north west, as well as multiple festivals.

‘Every single one we give our best and craft a show that delivers maximum engagement and energy.’

Michael Ward trio

Any final words on Grassroots Earworm and the HOMEGROWN HUNDRED?

‘For even making this a thing, for giving Australian artists - local artists - this platform to share music, promote music, to get more people exposed to different music through the playlists and the countdown and everything: I think you’ve done an incredible job and I think it's a wonderful initiative.

'I hope every year it (the HOMEGROWN HUNDRED) just gets bigger and better.

"We need people like you. Thankyou, Grassroots Earworm.'