tunesday – hanging out with budjerah

Budjerah is all grown up. In fact – if his upcoming album is anything to go by – he’s becoming quite the gentleman. Come July 24th and you’ll hear all about it, with the release of the RnB muso’s hotly anticipated debut album (titled Gentleman, of course). In the meantime, we were lucky enough to nab a few minutes of Budjerah’s time to chat all things music.

Where’d you write your upcoming album, Gentleman? Most of this album was done in LA. I did a few sessions when I was touring over there and found a new musical family. I’ve heard a few studio horror stories from my Australian music friends, but I was very blessed in the making of this album to work with cool and talented people. 

What makes someone a gentleman? I think a gentleman is someone who is respectful, put-together and suave. You have to put in effort to be a gentleman.

Describe your music in one sentence. It’s fun music that you can dance to.

What’s the secret ingredient in a Budjerah song? It’s all about the voice for me. I’m very particular when I record vocals. How I do it is a secret and that’s why it’s the secret ingredient.

Who have been some of your most influential musical influences? I learnt a lot from gospel music. My family were a church band, so gospel is a foundation for me. As I got older and found my own music taste, I became a fan of Beyoncé – she’s my favourite singer. I also really look up to Rauw Alejandro – I found his music when I was in high school and was really inspired to see someone who kinda looks like me and comes from a tropical coastal place with indigenous roots, pursuing music and dancing.

How did the title song “Gentleman” come together? I was sent a demo for “Gentleman” literally five minutes before seeing Wicked at the movies and I really liked the idea of doing it. I went to a studio as soon as I could to do my vocals and add my style to it and the producers did their thing and here it is.

What’s your favourite track off the forthcoming album? My favourite changes a lot. I sing “Let Me Know to myself often” – it’s a really romantic song, so if I had to pick, it would be “Let Me Know”.

Feast your ears on Budjerah’s music this-a-way. For more musical goodness, check out local superstars Jeane, and sign up to our newsletter to stay in the (music) loop.