BUDJERAH ANNOUNCES DEBUT SELF-TITLED EP AVAILABLE MARCH 26 + NEW SINGLE HIGHER OUT NOW
Photo credit: Ming Nomchong
"Budjerah... combines pockets of his life with the music that defined it, bringing together a tapestry of long-time influences spread through soul, hip-hop, R&B, indie and pop only to distil it into a sound that seemingly moves between all of them, capturing the multi-faceted musical brain of someone whose moment has been a long time coming."
- PILERATS
“Budjerah’s music provides hope in times of uncertainty.’
- COOL PRETTY COOL
“The second coming of gospel, soul and everything true, R&B gem Budjerah soothes our hearts into lush serenity…”
- LIFE WITHOUT ANDY
“Refined and delivered with effortless flair, the R&B track is a further insight into Budjerah's clear talent as a vocalist, and the warmth that fills his presence as a performer.”
- TRIPLE J
Following performances as special guest for Lime Cordiale and Thelma Plum, today, Budjerah announces his debut self-titled EP, available Friday 26 March via Warner Music Australia. To mark the release, the 18-year-old savant unveils his soulful new single Higher.
On Higher, Budjerah’s wistful lyrics and hued vocals glide effortlessly over Matt Corby’ssublime production to create a dynamic fusion of gospel, soul and R&B. “Higher is an ode to fun, it’s a celebration of happiness when life is stress and worry free,” says Budjerah of the track.
“I was sitting in my room one afternoon playing my guitar, the sunlight was shining through my window, and the chords and the hook just came to me. I was having a really good week, I felt like having a party and that feeling came out in a song. I had a session with Matt Corby the next week, so I showed him what I had and he really liked it and he helped me finish writing the lyrics and we gave it that 70's disco vibe, “ he adds.
Higher follows on from Budjerah’s compelling debut single Missing You, which claimed the #1 position on the triple j airplay chart. Both songs will feature on his forthcoming debut self-titled EP, produced by ARIA and J Award winning artist Matt Corby. The pair forged a strong kinship - Corby also emerged in the music scene when he was just a teenager and his studio is located close to Budjerah's home in Fingal Head. The two clocked countless hours comparing notes and crafting the sound that would introduce the world to Budjerah’s music prowess.
“In my music, I think of how I'm going to use my voice as an instrument before the melody and anything else. Matt is classically trained, so he pushed me vocally. We both really like the real, organic sounds of instruments,” muses Budjerah of the recording process.
Raised in a home full of instruments and playing in family bands, making music was inevitable for the young singer-songwriter. "I grew up singing Sam Cooke and listening to gospel singers like The Clark Sisters. My dad taught me how to sing and that's the kind of music that has been around since I was little," he says.
Making music may have been second nature to Budjerah, but it's still set him on a journey of uncovering more about himself and his potential. "I think that I think too much," he laughs. "And making my EP, sometimes with time limits in the studio, has taught me that I need to relax more and trust my instincts.”
Since the release of his debut single, Budjerah has performed three headline shows for Great Southern Nights and recorded a breathtaking version of Missing You for ABC’s The Sound. Next, he will open for Lime Cordiale in Sydney and will take the stage at Eurora Music Festival this March.
Profound, yet powerful, Budjerah is every bit as humble as he is gifted. Widely touted as one of Australia’s best new voices, there is no doubt that 2021 will continue to see this ever-rising star shine.
BUDJERAH - TOUR DATES
Saturday 13 March | Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW*
Tickets
Sunday 14 March | Enmore Theatre, Sydney NSW*
Tickets
Saturday 27 March | Eurora Music Festival, Eurora VIC
Tickets
*Performing as special guest for Lime Cordiale