# iOTA returns with Hours Disappear, his first album in a decade

**Interview** — On Your Markus  
**Published:** 18 September 2026  
**Author:** Markus Hamence  
**Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/interview/iota/

iOTA returns to recording after a decade with Hours Disappear, his first new album since the 1990s, arriving September 25, 2026 via MGM Distribution. The acoustic collection pairs stripped-back versions of his classic songs with new material, with a reimagined 'Come Back for Me' offering fans their first extended preview beyond the earlier Double-A-side single 'Home Song' / 'Bitter Wine'.

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INTERVIEW: **Markus Hamence** chats in his **Jungle Room** with Australian Music Artist **iOTA**

[Watch on YouTube](https://youtu.be/Md6HQ9C0GVs)

Following the announcement of ***Hours Disappear, *****iOTA**'s first new album in a decade (set for release on September 25, 2026, via MGM), the iconic singer-songwriter has unveiled another glimpse of the forthcoming record with a reimagined version of **'Come Back for Me'**, one of the most loved and requested songs from his back catalogue.

![Musician seated on stage playing acoustic guitar at microphone, bathed in blue and red stage lighting.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/admin/2026/09/1033736b-6a5a-4926-bf50-e0a10661d173.jpg)

![Close-up of a person with dark hair and pale face paint against an ornate golden celestial chart background.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/admin/2026/09/5b71e0d5-76dd-4403-bc19-6dd43ddd0ac1.jpg)

Paring the song back to its very essence, iOTA transforms it from an anthemic torch song into a plaintive expression of longing that speaks directly to the heart. Just six strings and that voice - now touched by the years, iOTA’s vocal has developed a deeper emotional intimacy, yet remains no less powerful than when the song was first performed in the ’90s.

Of the song, iOTA says:* “I was listening back to a cassette tape of random riffs I had recorded and knew that I had something cool when I heard the "Come Back" chord progression. Paired with the recent weeks spent coaching a close friend through a difficult time with his ex-girlfriend who had moved to London (and a little creative license), ‘Come Back for Me’ became the perfect heartache anthem.”*

It’s a welcome return for iOTA, who recently offered fans the first taste of *Hours Disappear* with the Double-A-side single **'Home Song' / 'Bitter Wine'**. The forthcoming acoustic album brings together stripped-back versions of iOTA's classic songs alongside his new material - a collection that feels both timeless and newly discovered.  

***Hours Disappear *****is out September 25, 2026, via MGM Distribution - available on Vinyl, CD, and across all major streaming platforms**.  

**Preorder/Presave **[HERE](https://585da609.disco-tracking.net/campaign_redir?business_id=52400&campaign_id=250938&session_recipient_id=154599977&url=NB2HI4DTHIXS63DJNZVXI4ROMVSS6X3JJ5KECXY%3D&signature=v2%3Alegacy%3Ay6SoxLGUGWIT4Zz-gp80G3j6I-DZMxngTyxB4l60yf8)

![IOTA Hours Disappear Launch Tour logo with circular astronomical design and woman's face in shadow.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/admin/2026/09/6f14c89c-ea01-4de9-8247-edf52d8d3143.jpg)

In celebration of the release of ***Hours Disappear****, *iOTA is set to return to the stage, solo and acoustic, with a spellbinding collection of stripped-back classics and new songs.   

Don't miss these special shows across Victoria, NSW, QLD, ACT, and South Australia in the coming months:   

**iOTA**  
***'Hours Disappear' *****Album Launch Tour**

**FRIDAY OCTOBER 16**  
BRUNSWICK BALLROOM, MELBOURNE VIC

**WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 21 **  
THE VANGUARD, SYDNEY NSW ******NEW SHOW***

**THURSDAY OCTOBER 22 **  
THE VANGUARD, SYDNEY NSW ******LAST TICKETS***

**FRIDAY OCTOBER 23**  
BAROQUE ROOM, KATOOMBA NSW ******TICKETS SELLING FAST***

**SUNDAY OCTOBER 25**  
JUNK BAR, BRISBANE QLD ******TICKETS SELLING FAST***** **

**FRIDAY OCTOBER 30**  
FILLMORE'S, KIAMA NSW (6pm-8pm)

**FRIDAY NOVEMBER 13**  
TRINITY SESSIONS, ADELAIDE SA

**SATURDAY NOVEMBER 14**  
SMITH'S ALTERNATIVE, CANBERRA ACT

**SATURDAY DECEMBER 5**  
DANGAR ISLAND BOWLO, DANGAR ISLAND NSW (7.45pm-9.15pm)

**SUNDAY DECEMBER 6**  
FLAMINGOS, NEWCASTLE NSW 

 ***Tickets available at ****[iota.com.au](http://iota.com.au)**

![Blurred close-up of a face with eyes closed against a gold-embossed circular background, tour poster for IOTA's Hours Disappear album launch.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/admin/2026/09/b47856c9-7c15-4c93-8cef-6dde3c174085.png)

**ABOUT iOTA**

Alongside his celebrated music career, iOTA has become one of Australia's most distinctive performers across theatre and film. He won a **Helpmann Award, Sydney Critics Award**, and **Green Room Award** for his starring performance as Hedwig in ***Hedwig and the Angry Inch***, and went on to star as Dr Frank-N-Furter in ***Rocky Horror***.  His theatrical work has also included playing the Fallen Angel in Graeme Murphy's ***Berlin*** with Sydney Dance Company, as well as co-writing and performing in the sell-out theatre production ***Smoke & Mirrors****, *winning three Helpmann Awards.

In film, iOTA became internationally recognisable as the flamboyant Doof Warrior in George Miller's ***Mad Max: Fury Road*****.**