Hailing from Wheatbelt, Western Australia, singer-songwriter and folk extraordinaire Michael Dunstan has enthralled us yet again; this time, with the mystical release of “Parallel Universe”, revealed on 21st February 2020, from his forthcoming debut album ‘In The Grand Scheme’ (Feb 28th).

“Alongside practicing mindfulness, writing this song was an important source of calm in a time where I felt so isolated, like living in my own parallel universe to everyone else.” - Michael Dunstan

LISTEN TO "PARALLEL UNIVERSE" HERE

Recorded last on the album, when Dunstan sat down at an old baby grand piano, “Parallel Universe” is a conscious release of the submerged disassociation he has battled with, and provides a poetic look into his personal mental health struggles. Featuring Dunstan’s ethereal electric guitar, omniscient voice and propulsive keys and drums, “Parallel Universe” sees a rising break that transitions between soothing adlibs to mellow guitar lines effortlessly. 

“‘Parallel Universe is a representation of one of the worst experiences of my life.” said Michael. “Written amidst a bout of intense panic attacks, I found myself in a place that I hadn’t been in years. A place where ‘everything appears the same, but you’re a stranger to your own face’. The disassociation one can experience at the height of extreme anxiety is hard to explain to another that hasn’t experienced it, but having the belief that it will subside is so crucial.”

Dunstan’s stunning debut album ‘In the Grand Scheme’ marks the next, most exciting chapter of his career; a diverse 14 track journey that promises to consolidate him as a profound Australian singer-songwriter. ‘In the Grand Scheme’ is out worldwide on Friday February 28th 2020.

Venturing far from his quaint regional upbringing in the vast Western Australian Wheatbelt, Michael Dunstan has accomplished a huge amount for being only 24 years old. Touring Australia four times and New Zealand twice in the last 18 months, Dunstan has been welcomed with a warm and loyal following, with shows largely selling out. Openly sharing personal past struggles with heavy anxiety, Dunstan hopes that all those who see him perform will leave with a sense of mindfulness, and share a new-found appreciation of the beautiful world in which we live.

With a love for the open road, Dunstan’s pensive writing reflects and explores periods of travel, calm and silence, and the accompanying growth found while transitioning through light to dark periods of our lives, evident in singles “Lay In The Sun” (2020) and “Smiling At Strangers” (2019). 

Michael Dunstan will be celebrating the arrival of this new single, and his debut album with another headline national tour, this time accompanied by a 3-piece band. $1 from each ticket sold will be donated to Happy Monday,in support of touring member Daniel Hedley, whose mission is to ride 6500kms from Brisbane to Perth on a Penny Farthing, and raise 1 million dollars for a variety of mental health organisations, including Beyond Blue and Headspace.

Watch the music video for ‘Smiling at Strangers’ below.

’In the Grand Scheme’ Australian Tour

Thursday 27th February - Rosemount Hotel Perth, WA
Friday 28th February - Link Theatre Northam, WA
Saturday 29th February - Cannery Arts Centre Esperance, WA
Wednesday 4th March - Beer Garden Brewing Port Lincoln, SA
Thursday 5th March - Jive Bar Adelaide, SA
Thursday 12th March - Northcote Social Club Northcote, VIC
Friday 13th March - The Boardwalk Bendigo, VIC
Saturday 14th - Macedon Ranges Music Fest 2020 Gisborne, VIC
Thursday 2nd April - The Factory Floor Marrickville, NSW
Friday 3rd April The Baroque Room, Carrington Hotel Katoomba, NSW
Saturday 18th April - Byron Bay Brewery Byron Bay, NSW
Friday 24th April - The Solbar Maroochydore, QLD
Saturday 25th April - Milk Factory Kitchen And Bar Brisbane, QLD
Wednesday 13th May - The Basement Belconnen, ACT

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Dunstan’s stunning debut album ‘In the Grand Scheme’ will mark the fourth chapter of his career; a diverse 14 track journey that promises to consolidate him as a profound Australian singer-songwriter.

‘In the Grand Scheme’ is out worldwide on Friday February 28th 2020.

Praise for Michael Dunstan

“Michael’s pensive writing reflects and explores periods of travel, calm and silence, and the accompanying revelations and growth found while transitioning through life.” - The Western Australian

“Dunstan’s sound is characterised by warm soulful vocals, intricate fingerpicking, and up-beat foot stomping grooves.” - Busselton Mail

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