EX-OLYMPIAN ANNOUNCES DEBUT ALBUM AFTERLIFE + SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘PENNY IN THE WELL (FEAT. SAM LAWRENCE)’
Following on from his debut 7" release in July, Melbourne's Ex-Olympian is proud to announce his debut album Afterlife will be released Friday 16th October via Dot Dash Recordings / Remote Control Records. The announcement comes alongside brand new single 'Penny In The Well (feat. Sam Lawrence)'.
Ex-Olympian is the new musical vessel for Liam McGorry - songwriter & musician for bands such as Saskwatch and Dorsal Fins. Named after the neon sign that adorns ‘Borsari’s Corner’ in Melbourne’s Lygon St, Ex-Olympian reflects the times we all need to shift things forward into a new phase.
Afterlife is a record about growing, moving on and learning from your mistakes… finding yourself again, making the road by walking. Written and recorded over a three year period in a series of phases; spurred on by wanting to be more directly involved in the playing and creation side of music, after working in larger ensembles for a long time. Chipping away on songs in his own studio space, inviting friends to play on different songs, and then tied together with friend and producer John Castle. What started as a quest to do more on ones own, became the realisation that music is truly a series of collaborations to be enjoyed together.
'Penny In The Well' is one such collaboration, featuring the ethereal Sam Lawrence on vocals. In McGorry's words - "Another incredible singer from out Warrandyte way, Sam is a really special person and talent, and that final chorus vocal always gives me tingles! There truly is something in the water out there. Mara Schwerdtfeger’s Viola is a highlight as well. The song itself is about building up the strength within to move on and create something new, that clutch moment you decide you have to turn your back and get to it. It’s really hard to make that call sometimes, and sometimes it’s made for you."
Ex-Olympian is McGorry's return to making soul music. While it has always been there as an influence, it hasn’t been so overt since the early days of Saskwatch. Dream Funk is the official term, channelling heroes Renee Geyer, Arthur Verocai, Badbadnotgood and The Avalanches... combined with McGorry's own songwriting sound.
In divisive times, what would you take with you into the Afterlife? Ex-Olympian says "connection".