THE ELSEWHERES ANNOUNCE DEBUT EP ‘RUN AWAY WITH ME’ – OUT AUGUST 3 + SHARE ANIMATED VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE, ‘TAKE MY HAND’
Melbourne technicolour folk-rock collective The Elsewheres are on the verge of greatness, with feelings of catharsis, pride, and joy accompanying the release of their newest single Take My Hand. The second taste of their debut EP, Run Away With Me (set for release on August 3), Take My Hand is the raw, twangy sound of the Victorian octet reckoning with elements of anxiety, depression, and defeat, and the importance of the titular helping hand that can set one upon the right path.
With musical nods to icons such as Bob Dylan and Simon & Garfunkel, recording and mixing assistance from Lee and Michael Bradshaw(Bradshaw Productions) respectively, and mastering by Jeremy Chua, lead singer and songwriter Oliver Northam explains that Take My Hand is the story of a saving, nurturing love during a deep depression.
As Oliver explains, “Amidst an interminable depression during lockdown, there was a morning when every little thing went wrong and my mind collapsed inward with doubt, fear and complete hopelessness. In a bid to snap me out of it, my beautiful partner at the time suggested we take the greyhound for a walk. I recall kicking a stone along the footpath utterly despondent. As we came up to the crossing, she lent down trying to teach the dog to sit. I saw a white bus approaching around the bend and kept moving forward. As I put one foot onto the road, she took my hand and pulled me back. I don’t think she ever knew. Take My Hand is my thank you to her. The bridge says everything; ‘I might not be here now, if it weren’t for you’. I sincerely hope it might be some semblance of hope for the lost soul who finds themself defeated by anxiety and depression. It is for that reason that I feel so much pride and joy at releasing it. However, there are so many friends and family who have no idea how these lyrics could have come through me because I’ve never let on just how far I fell, so I fear what they might say.”
Alongside the release of Take My Hand, The Elsewheres also share the official video for the track, which utilises the animation talents of Jasper Turpie and Yee Hui to contextualise the lyrics. Through a visceral animation style, a stark use of colour, and the appearance of The Elsewheres as a swampy bar band, the creation is one which adds another element of honesty and power to a song that already hits close to the heart.
As Oliver explains, “It was during Ned’s (electric guitar) recording session that a vision for the video struck me. Lee and I had been using ‘swampy’ as the predominant adjective to elicit the feel we wanted out of the band and I began to see myself floating down a swampy river on an air boat singing the song. I saw myself coming to an old tavern with caricatures of The Elsewheres playing inside (much like the animated videos from Gorillaz). I knew we’d never be able to film it, so I reached out to my dear friend Jasper Turpie who is an incredible animator. We fleshed out the storyboard over a few pints and after some months slaving away he produced my vision wonderfully. It was quite a miraculous moment. Unfortunately, Jasper was suddenly unable to continue working on it and luckily Yee Hui Wong came to the rescue, bringing her own flavour to Jasper’s style. What they created is a masterpiece!”
Take My Hand will join The Elsewheres’ recent single, the EP title track, Run Away With Me, on their forthcoming EP Run Away With Me when it arrives on August 3. A five-track collection of songs that address love and romance in different forms, it’s a tender yet forceful, reflective yet progressive release which encapsulates the heartfelt sound that The Elsewheres display, albeit with their own unique flavour of cheekiness throughout. While songs such as Long Long Way, If Your Love Was Still Mine, and Take My Hand ruminate on deeper, more serious forms of romance and love, the likes of Hurricane speak to joviality and wholesomeness, while Run Away With Me is a head-on, all-in celebration of reckless love.
Though Run Away With Me will serve as The Elsewheres’ debut EP, it’s been a long time coming for the group and its founder, Oliver Northam. Penning the initial version of Run Away With Me while at high school in 2010, recording of the EP began in earnest during the heady days of lockdown. With Run Away With Me being finalised at university alongside the formation of The Elsewheres (and winning the approval of Oh Mercy’s Alex Gow), the Push Songwriting Competition gave Oliver the chance to work with Alice Skye to refine Long Long Way and If Your Love Was Still Mine, and the Box Hill Music Industry Mentoring Edge program provided Oliver with guidance from Liz Stringer. The result is a collection of work far more accomplished than most debut EPs, and one that tugs on the heartstrings more than expected due to a masterful command of songwriting.
As Oliver explains, “My songwriting has shifted a lot over the years and the EP marks that change well. I moved from songs with really morose stories of regret, to songs that begin bleakly and culminate in a happy ending. Now I really want to write uplifting tracks, partly for my own mental health and partly because I think writing a truly happy song that is uplifting without being tacky is one of the greatest challenges. I love a challenge.”
In addition to the release of their new single and forthcoming EP, The Elsewheres will celebrate their myriad accomplishments with a special launch show at Melbourne’s John Curtin Hotel on August 10. A special opportunity to witness what makes The Elsewheres one of the most compelling groups in Australia, it will be a celebration of music, life, love, and – one of their most important elements – fun. Urges Oliver, “Come for a boogie, a laugh, and perhaps a tear or two. There will be a display of local visual art exhibited around the venue as well as special guests Fairtrade Narcoticsopening up the night!”
Take My Hand is out today, Friday July 7. Run Away With Me is out, Thursday August 3.
Tickets to the single launch show are on sale now from Oztix
THUR 10 AUGUST | JOHN CURTIN HOTEL, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
Tickets available from https://tickets.oztix.com.au/outlet/event/fd1e847a-ec5d-4833-8798-f60f0bed0c58
STREAM: TAKE MY HAND
STREAM: RUN AWAY WITH ME EP
KEE’AHN + EMMA DONOVAN SHARE NEW SINGLE ‘TAKE NO MORE’ DEBUT SINGLE FOR SINGING OUR FUTURES PROJECT
Marking the powerful debut for the Singing Our Futures program, The Archie Roach Foundation’s mentoring experience helping emerging First Nations artists on their songwriting and recording journeys, the brand new single Take No More brings together the illustrious talents of North Queensland rising star Kee’ahn and ARIA-nominated singer-songwriter Emma Donovan. Coated with smooth reggae and silky soul while championing solidarity and strength, Take No More is a compelling and eloquent first cut from the forthcoming Singing Our Futures EP, which will officially unveil later this year on Cooking Vinyl Australia. Fans can also catch this stunning new track alongside an incredible showcase of artists involved in the Singing Our Futures program on Thursday July 13 at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel, with all ticket sales going to The Archie Roach Foundation.
Drawing sonic inspiration from the likes of Mavis Staples, Ayo, Coloured Stone, Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin and India Arie, Take No More champions power, truth and resistance as a dynamic First Nations anthem. A track that initially began life through yarns over cups of tea before progressing into the studio, Take No More started from a phrase penned by Donovan while Kee’ahn strummed their guitar and the pair imagined people chanting those very words. Writing their own verses before meshing their contrasting lyrical flow and melodic patterns, the end result of Take No More amassed a powerful array of voices and talents alongside the two leading powerhouse artists, with backing vocals courtesy of Jessica Hitchcock, Kiwat Kennell, Candice Lorrae and Brian Lloyd, and instrumentals, drums and percussion courtesy of guitarist Ben Yarram, bass by Juanita Sumner, and keys and horns by Stephen Maxwell.
A process that saw Kee’ahn and Donovan evolve together over Zoom yarns and multiple demo versions along the way, Take No More showcases the immense talent and connectivity between the pair, while firmly paving the way for a slew of important releases yet to come as part of Singing Our Futures. The stunning instrumentation on display throughout the new single is powerfully elevated via the decisive thematic essence driving Take No More, as Kee’ahn explains, “We started writing Take No More around Invasion Day Jan 26th. Both of us were feeling a lot of emotions that come with the date and feeling inspired by grassroots mob who organise to educate and liberate our peoples. We spoke about how our leaders across generations stand strong and staunch against ongoing challenges, the act of carrying the torch forward passed down from your elders so our future generations can do the same or ideally won’t have to at all. We spoke about solidarity and how liberation is a joint fight with many hands needed. It also feels like this song has grown over the year, during which time beautiful Black leaders and changemakers have passed on into dreaming – this song feels dedicated to them. To Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter and to Uncle Jack Charles. They inspire me/us to sing our truth for our past, present and futures.”
A meaningful and culturally safe songwriting program that supports young First Nations artists to tell their story through songwriting, Singing Our Futures was devised pre-COVID and was one of the leading programs of the Archie Roach Foundation. Led by Candice Lorrae (The Merindas), an established singer-songwriter and music producer with Jawoyn and Torres Strait Islander roots, Singing Our Futures has evolved into an impactful and ever-growing initiative for emerging artists and storytelling that spans genres and generations. And, as Lorrae explains, the program itself is set to prosper further into 2023 and beyond, “Uncle Archie wanted to establish a program that supported our young artists in their songwriting and recording journeys. The program builds important connections for the young artists within the music industry. Singing Our Futures has seen five emerging artists receive mentoring from some of the country’s leading First Nations legends including Emily Wurramurra, Dan Sultan, Emma Donovan and Dobby. Kee’ahn, Kiwat Kennell, Ridzy Ray, Maylene Yinarr and Madi Colville-Walker have each recorded stunning new works through the Singing Our Futures program and together have supported and performed alongside each other, sharing their musical journey’s, culture, and their dreams for the future at the Port Fairy Folk Festival, BIGSOUND, St Kilda Festival and Byron Bay Bluesfest. We are super excited to be releasing an EP through Cooking Vinyl Australia scheduled for later this year.”
Following their debut in 2020, releasing their first single Better Things during lockdown, Kee’ahn defied the odds surrounding musicians globally at the time, declaring their powerful blend of soul, R&B and pop to the world alongside lush vocals and instrumentals, and empowered lyricism. A Kuku Yalanji, Jirrbal, Zenadth Kes artist hailing from the tropics of Far North Queensland, Kee’ahn won the 2020 NIMA Archie Roach Award and was named Best Emerging Artist at the Music Vic Awards that same year. With performances under their belt supporting Hiatus Kaiyote, Paul Kelly, Julia Jacklin, Morcheeba, Alice Skye, Birdz and many more, Kee’ahn also recently released sunsets, a track produced by Alice Ivy, and is now primed to appear live in action alongside Emma Donovan on Thursday July 13 to christen Take No More.
An acclaimed ARIA Award-nominated and award-winning Indigenous artist, Emma Donovan first set foot on stage with her renowned family band The Donovans, with Donovan performing church song renditions alongside her mother Agnes, her five uncles and maternal grandparents Micko and Aileen. Part of the famed Donovan family singers of the Gumbaynggirr people on her mother’s side, and of the Yamatji people on her father’s side, Donovan has toured and performed with the likes of Paul Kelly, The Teskey Brothers, Yothu Yindi, The Meltdown and Jen Cloher, as well as with the late Uncle Archie Roach and Aunty Ruby Hunter. From her work with Melbourne rhythm combo The Putbacks as well as The Black Arm Band, Donovan is armed with swoon-worthy vocals, intimate storytelling and a commanding grasp on everything from funk to blues, soul and beyond; and it’s little wonder that Donovan has been dubbed one of Australia’s finest artists.
The official celebration of the release of Take No More and the launch of Singing Our Futures will take place on Thursday July 13, with all proceeds going to The Archie Roach Foundation to honour Uncle Archie Roach’s legacy, and to also support the continuation of programs for the next generation of First Nations Artists. Donovan will lead this unforgettable evening, topped off with a stunning performance of Take No More by Donovan and Kee’ahn, as Kee’ahn reveals: “Fans can expect a new chapter in my music journey! One that tells the story of writing Take No More with sis Emma and exploring and expanding my lyricism and musicality with her mentorship and inspiration of strength! But also an experience that is joyful and connective. I’m looking forward to celebrating this music with community and everyone who made it happen.”
Take No More is out today via Cooking Vinyl Australia.
The Singing Our Futures EP will be released later this year.
SINGING OUR FUTURES – UPCOMING TOUR DATES:
THURS 13 JUL | CORNER HOTEL, RICHMOND VIC | 18+
Tickets available from www.cornerhotel.com | 1300 762 545 | All Oztix Outlets
SUN 30 JUL | BRUNSWICK BALLROOM, BRUNSWICK VIC | ALL AGES
Tickets available from TBC | TBC | All TBC Outlets
RADICAL SON SHARES SOUL-SHAKING NEW SINGLE, ELDER + FEATURING IN ARCHIE ROACH TRIBUTE SHOW WITH MSO JULY 5 & 6
Radical Son has today shared his soul-shaking new single, Elder, offering a deeply powerful statement of devotion to country, his Kamilaroi and Tongan cultures and his iron-willed intention to endure that sets neck hairs on end. Elder comes paired with an equally commanding music videomade in the Blue Mountains by Djugun/ Yawuru/ Gooniyandi director Cornel Ozies, and featuring rocker Vic Simms, Australian of the Year Shane Phillips, Forgiveness Project advocate Ray Minniecon, Kamilaroi elder Paul Spearim and more.
Radical Son is part of the long story. “I wish to be an elder, an old man on this land,” he sings in a voice so immense it seems to emanate from the rock beneath his feet.
Elder is the first taste of Biliyambil (The Learning), the highly anticipated second album by Radical Son, aka David Leha – which will also feature David Bridie, Emma Donovan and Jida Gulpilil, set for release on David Bridie’s Wantok label in September. Elder is the keynote to the album’s themes of hard-won survival, belonging and acquiring wisdom from life experience. It’s a song sung from mountaintops, loaded with a storied past and fully facing the future.
“Elder is a song I began three or four years ago when I was working on country in Moree and Armadale, New South Wales,” David says. “I was working on a program with emerging artists called Yanayai, which means ‘returning’. I was helping these artists to create a piece in a genre of their choice and the conditions were that they had to have three generations of their family help them, and they also needed to incorporate some language into that as well.
“The bones of the song were there then. The language section from Jida Gulpilil (son of David), that came later. It’s quite simple. It’s just saying, ‘Let’s move, let’s dance and celebrate’.”
Thematically, the song rings in harmony with For Our Elders: the theme of this year’s NAIDOC Week (2-9 July). “The struggles of our Elders help to move us forward today,” the NAIDOC statement declares. “The equality we continue to fight for is found in their fight. Their tenacity and strength has carried the survival of our people.”
Alongside Dan Sultan, Emma Donovan, William Barton, Deborah Cheetham Fraillon AO, Jess Hitchcock, Sally Dastey, Kee’ahn, Tamala Shelton and the Dhungala Children’s Choir, Radical Son recently galvanised Melbourne’s Myer Music Bowl, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Byron Bluesfest and Vivid Sydney with his huge, soulful voice and compelling presence, performing a stunning version of Walking Into Doors for a series of Uncle Archie Roach Tribute Concerts – One Song: The Music of Archie Roach, with a Melbourne Symphony Orchestra show still to follow at Hamer Hall on July 5 & 6.
Elder is release today, released through Wantok Musik Foundation, distributed by MGM.
BUY TICKETS TO ONE SONG: THE MUSIC OF ARCHIE ROACH, FEATURING RADICAL SON