BUDJERAH ANNOUNCES MAY + JUNE NATIONAL TOUR + SHARES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR HIGHER
+ DEBUT SELF-TITLED EP OUT TOMORROW, FRIDAY 26 MARCH
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
Ahead of the release of his debut-self titled EP available this Friday 26 March via Warner Music Australia, today Budjerah announces his first national tour this May and June. To mark the news, the 19-year-old savant has unveiled the official video for his latest single Higher.
Directed by Mick Soiza the disco infused visual accompaniment for Higher captures Budjerah performing in the heart of a glittering roller derby. “I wanted to make the music video for Higher super fun to match the energy of the song. When I hear the song I see people partying in a disco and roller skating. It was really fun to film,” says Budjerah of the clip.
On Higher, Budjerah’s wistful lyrics and hued vocals glide effortlessly over Matt Corby’s sublime 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,” he adds.
Following recent appearances as special guest for Lime Cordiale and Thelma Plum, Budjerah will travel the nation for the first time with his mesmerising live show for performances in Adelaide, Fremantle, Melbourne, Sydney, Byron Bay, Gold Coast and Brisbane, in addition to a set at Euroa Music Festival this weekend.
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.”
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
HEADLINE TOUR
Tickets on sale now from www.budjerah.com
Friday 14 May | The Grace Emily, Adelaide SA
Saturday 15 May | Mojos, Fremantle WA
Friday 21 May | Northcote Social Club, Melbourne VIC
Friday 28 May | Lansdowne, Sydney NSW
Friday 4 June | Byron Theatre, Byron NSW
Saturday 5 June | Miami Marketta, Gold Coast QLD
Sunday 6 June | The Triffid, Brisbane QLD
FESTIVAL DATES
Saturday 27 March | Euroa Music Festival, Euroa VIC
Tickets