Damien Binder – Don’t Know What: 13th Floor Video Premiere!

Damien Binder has just released a video for his new song, Don’t Know What, and you can see it here first.

Following the release of his captivating 2021 singles ‘Here It Is’ and ‘Everything But’, Perth-based New Zealand singer-songwriter Damien Binder releases the Jonathan King-directed video clip for his new single ‘Don’t Know What’.

Damien’s latest single, continues his open-minded and heartfelt exploration of new sounds and styles within his songwriting. Two decades into his solo career he’s taken his proven credentials as a consummate songwriter and married them with the acclaimed production nous of Matt Gio (Katy Steele, Birds of Tokyo, Abbey May, Rudimental). The melodies sound even sweeter, the songs more poetic and the overall sound is one that defies categorisation by way of its universality.

‘Don’t Know What‘ possesses a warm and intimate feel, rolling along on a lazily infectious backbeat and soulful bass line. The guitars are a real highlight, sparkling and winding their way through the song, both strummed acoustically and partnered with sublime electric guitar phrases. One can draw a line from the music of John Lennon through to Father John Misty, filtered through the cosmic Americana of Bobby Charles and the melancholic melodies of Neil Finn. 

There’s a reflective quality to Damien’s musings. Big themes conveyed with poetic sensitivity, as he explains. “After my first two singles this year, ‘Don’t Know What’ is another departure of sorts – it’s less adorned, more humble & direct which hopefully suits its themes. Given the times, I wanted to convey something about the power of human connection and hope in uncertainty.“

Damien’s studio collaboration with Matt Gio was a key part of the evolution and eventual form of ‘Dont Know What’. “Matt stripped back my original arrangement of the song and in doing so really captured its essence, while Dan Carroll from Perth’s legendary live rock gods The Southern River Band provided some lovely electric guitar flourishes on the track!”

All of Damien’s 2021 singles showcase the artistry and range of songwriting that will feature on his fifth solo album currently in production with Gio. It’s been five years since Damien released his last album, the critically acclaimed A New World – years in which he relocated from Sydney to Perth, refocused on his songwriting craft and has now returned with renewed intent and exemplary songs. 

‘Don’t Know What’ is out now via Bandcamp, streaming services and AMRAP 

Written by Damien Binder & Bob Shepheard
Dan Carroll features on Electric Guitar
Produced & Mixed by Matt Gio at Rada Studios, Perth WA
Mastered by William Bowden at King Willy Sound, Tasmania SA

Singer-songwriter Damien Binder has been writing and recording his original style of moody alt-rock for more than 20 years.

Since his self-titled debut in the early 2000’s, the APRA Silver Scroll nominated artist has gone on to release four acclaimed solo albums and performed internationally supporting some of the world’s leading acts including David Gray, Marianne Faithfull and Ani Di Franco.

Prior to pursuing his solo career, Damien fronted New Zealand rock band Second Child who shot to fame with their debut album Slinky which saw the band play esteemed support slots for acts such as The Jesus and Mary Chain, Powderfinger, Rollins Band, Hunters & Collectors, Fugazi and famously Nirvana on their only NZ tour.

Damien’s brand of thoughtful, melodic songwriting has drawn much praise from reviewers.

Damien Binder (2000), Til Now (2003), While The Wind’s At Your Back (2009), A New World (2016)

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