Australian blues-rock guitarist and songwriter Hamish Anderson has announced his new single ‘Breaking Down’, in the lead up to his support slot for the one and only Gary Clark Jr. The single belongs to a new album, Out Of My Head, due out in May 2019.
‘Breaking Down’ is an early taste of the album, Out Of My Head; an eclectic and exciting collection of songs from this young Melbourne artist who has already blown the world away with his talent. Hamish will play his first Australian shows since 2017, as main support for blues legend Gary Clark Jr.
Total Guitar named Hamish Anderson one of their Top 10 Best New Guitarists in 2018 – in addition to praise for being “lyrical and soulful in a way that few manage”.
‘Breaking Down’ is bursting with pent-up frustration and undeniable passion, exploring deeper connections to genres as Hamish explains, “Breaking Down definitely explores the more rock and roll side of my music. I was sitting around one day playing guitar and suddenly just started playing the riff, all the lyrics came basically at once so it was written very quickly. I’d had an argument earlier that week with someone I know so I think some of that definitely crept into its inspiration. I just wanted to turn the volume all the way up and get out everything that was on my mind.”
The album Out Of My Head dives into more genres than that explored on ‘Breaking Down’. Americana, soul, pop, roots, blues, rock; a lot of genres are covered, something that can be difficult to accomplish. However, Hamish shows with an ease that it can be done.
The album is the perfect soundtrack to the chaos of life, including the mellow (What You Do To Me, Damaged Goods) and the upbeat (No Good, You Give Me Something), somehow sitting comfortably next to each other on the record. Rather than disruption once the genre shifts on the album, the hook-drive songwriting and clear, burning passion takes the wheel, driving the music from the first strum to the last.
Revealing highlights of the album process, Hamish explained, “I got very lucky to work with a really great, talented group of people on Out Of My Head including producer Jim Scott (Tom Petty, Tedeschi Trucks, Wilco) who I had worked with on my debut album Trouble. Jim is an incredible producer/engineer and we work in a very similar way — it’s always an amazing experience working with him.”
Hamish is thrilled to be hitting the road with Gary Clark Jr., as he gives fans a taste of what to expect, “I’ve been working so much in the US for the past four years that to be coming home to play – and especially these particular shows supporting Gary Clark Jr (who I’m a massive fan of) — is truly huge for me. Regarding the live shows, people can expect a mixture of blues, rock and roll and soul. I’m playing as a trio at the moment so it allows us to get down to the meat and potatoes of the songs, rock and roll with no frills. I’ve played so many different types of gigs over the past four years that as a performer I think I’ve become more confident, focused and I’m just having a lot of fun with it.”
We’ve listened to the full album and can confirm that you’ll be in for a treat if you’re heading to these shows, you’ll get to hear the tracks before the album Out Of My Head is released in May.
Listen to ‘Breaking Down’ here.
HAMISH ANDERSON AUSTRALIAN TOUR DATES
(SUPPORTING GARY CLARK JNR):
Tickets available from https://www.livenation.com.au
THURS 18 APRIL | ENMORE THEATRE, SYDNEY NSW | ALL AGES
TUE 23 APRIL | CANBERRA THEATRE, CANBERRA ACT | ALL AGES
WED 24 APRIL | FORUM THEATRE, MELBOURNE VIC | 18+
THURS 25 APRIL | THEBARTON THEATRE, ADELAIDE SA
SAT 27 APRIL | PERTH CONCERT HALL, PERTH WA
For more information, head to www.hamishandersonmusic.com.