In 2020, Australia was introduced to the spectacular voice of Budjerah: a new, homegrown kind of R&B star. Possessing song writing ingenuity and old-soul wisdom, it quickly became clear that, for a lot of us, Budjerah was the kind of figure we’d been missing.
“When will the moment come? I’m tired of wasting time,” the then-18-year-old Coodjinburra musician sang in the opening strains of his debut single, “Missing You”. He might as well have been talking about his own career: from his earliest releases, Budjerah clearly had spades of talent and a hunger to show just how much he could accomplish.
Now 20, and with a debut EP under his belt as well as an ARIA Breakthrough Artist award from 5x nominations, and off the back of a world tour including Vance Joy support slots in Europe and North America, previous support slots with Thelma Plum, The Avalanches, and Lime Cordiale, a collaboration with PNAU — Budjerah is ready to charge forward, armed with a new set of songs that show off his range, and heart-wrenching voice.
On “What Should I Do?” Budjerah unites with producer Konstantin Kersting on a track that finds powerful tension in its clash of electro-R&B production and emotive lyricism.
‘What Should I Do?’ is one of six tracks on Conversations, Budjerah’s second EP, which sees Budjerah emerging a clear-eyed young songwriter who’s at turns heartbreaking and heartbroken, lovelorn and headstrong, singing about changing friendships and relationships with the vigour of youth and limpid depth that belies his age.
Reuniting with longtime producers Matt Corby and Chris Collins, as well as new collaborators MAY-A and Konstantin Kersting, the EP — which features previously released singles “Talk”, with MAY-A, and “Wash My Sorrows Away” — reveals a darker, sleeker sound for Budjerah, reflective of the changes that have occurred in his life.
Since the release of Conversations, the musical visionary has commenced his global assault, most notably featuring on a remix of Ed Sheeran’s hit single “2Step” in May. Budjerah also performed to rapturous audiences in England, France, North America, alongside a global run as special guest for Vance Joy; and a set at The Great Escape in May and June.
Since arriving back on home soil, Budjerah has released the anthemic “Ready For The Sky,” a potent combination of smoldering soul, R&B stylings and deep grooves. Revered funk synthesist Harvey Sutherland remixed the track, elevating it to a disco infused dance-floor anthem.
Budjerah also made his debut at Splendour in The Grass, A More Perfect Union, Jungle Love Festival and The AFL Grand Final, performing “Sweet Disposition” with The Temper Trap and Ngaiire. To cap the year off, he will perform at Beyond The Valley and First and Forever festivals, and as special guest for Vance Joy on the Australian leg of his world tour.
Jack Johnson
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