Q+A: Budjerah
Rising Australian singer-songwriter Budjerah released his highly anticipated sophomore EP, Conversations. The project is an introspective look into the artist’s thoughts, feelings, and emotions, combined with a powerful tension in its clash of electro-R&B production and emotive lyricism. Standout tracks like “Wash My Sorrows Away” showcase a darker and sleeker sound that reflects the changes occurring in his life. Wise-beyond-his-years, Budjerah displays an aptitude for the sheen and indelibility of old-school soul singers, a quality that spoke to the classic records he was raised on growing up in coastal New South Wales.
We had the opportunity to delve deeper with the rising star about his latest EP.
How are you feeling today?
Today, I’m feeling pretty good. I have a bit of hay fever which sucks a little but I’m feeling really happy today.
Congratulations on the release of Conversations. How are you feeling about it?
I feel great about it! Everything has come together exactly how I wanted and it’s been a really fun ride putting Conversations together so I couldn’t be happier.
Do you mind telling us a bit more about the creative process behind it?
It came about quite organically. A lot happened for me over the last year and each track was inspired by different things that I experienced. Whenever I was having a tough time, I talked through it and made music to handle and process what was going on. That’s the story for the songs on Conversations.
Was making it different than how you approached your debut?
It wasn’t too different. When we made my first EP, Budjerah, we did it in one go and finished it pretty quickly. Conversations took a bit longer to come together because of scheduling and the amount of music that we were making. The way I created and approached writing was the same, but what changed are the stories and experiences that went into the project.
Which track from Conversations resonates with you the most
My favorite track is ‘My Name’. It’s specific to me which I love. People always have trouble saying and spelling my name right and it has always been important for me to tell people the right way ever since I was a kid. ‘My Name’ sums up who I am as a person. The song is me.
What's something that's inspired you recently?
Lately, my most recent inspiration has been touring and playing live shows. I love performing, it's my favorite thing in the world, so I’ve been trying to write music specifically to be played live.
What are you currently listening to?
I’m in a weird place where I don’t really know what I want to listen to. When I don’t know what to listen to, I pull up my Daily Mix on Spotify to discover new music.