Fraser Ross – Thunderhead: 13th Floor New Song Of The Day

Ōtautahi indie-folk artist Fraser Ross has today released the title track single and music video from his much-anticipated upcoming album ‘Thunderhead’.

Here’s the blurb with more:

A mesh of folk, indie and soft-rock – with the perfect balance of melancholia and hope, ‘Thunderhead’ is set to become another successful track in Fraser’s discography. Following the success of recently released single ‘Cards’ (NZ On Air NewTracks, RDU, Radio One, The Most FM), today’s track is sure to build even more excitement for the artists new album THUNDERHEAD – out March 22 – pre-save HERE.

‘Thunderhead’ is a deeply personal reflection written as a documentary of Frasers travels throughout America, and the experience of leaving a family. Named after Thunderhead Artist’s Refuge in Montana, a camp that brings artists together in the spirit of natural building and campfire jamming – and the place Fraser wrote the track mid-travels.

“My experience at Thunderhead was one of recovery and redirecting,” explains Fraser, “It was the physical and metaphorical place I turned around and stopped running away from the guilt of leaving.” ‘Thunderhead’ carries the emotional weight of this turning point for Fraser, with reflective lyrics and expressive instrumentation, while a warmth in Lee Prebble’s mixing emulates a bright optimism for what the future holds. Made with the support of NZ On Air, the track was recorded at Surgery Studios Wellington and mastered by Mike Gibson.

Also released today is a stunning music video which Fraser hopes will further “illustrate the song’s journey of moving on”. Filmed with good friend Robyn Jordaan, the clip follows Fraser on a turbulent journey through Christchurch via electric scooter, collecting various clothes and memorabilia en route. Shots of Fraser cruising down wide roads, sitting atop a chest of drawers and the scooter, were inspired by seeing someone do just that! “It was just the funniest, most resourceful thing I’d seen,” says Fraser. “I thought the visual metaphor of moving house by sitting on your clothes while riding a scooter might make an accurate theatrical representation of the song.”

Complete with epic shots of clothes and a scooter being flung off New Brighton Pier at sunset, both the ‘Thunderhead’ music video and single are charming insights into Fraser’s quirky sense of humour and paint beautiful imagery for moving on.

Fraser Ross is a Christchurch-based folk musician who has traveled the world playing and supporting bands including Phoenix Foundation, Nathan Haines, and Nadia Reid. His EPs, AND BIRDS DO SING (2009) and TO PLACES (2012) established him as a serious talent and a brilliant, loud-shirted presence within the New Zealand underground. Numerous shows, time in Scotland, and two Albums – MONGRELS (2015) and LIFE IS MAGIC, WHERE IS MY RABBIT? (2018) – later, he has built a dedicated following in both the UK and New Zealand. Dubbed a ‘Kiwi Billy Connolly’ for his tongue-in-cheek stage presence, he’ll mix a light-hearted quip with a lonesome tune no problem. Fraser has played at numerous arts festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, LitCraw (Verb) Wellington, the Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival, Wellington City Summer Sounds, and the Christchurch Nostalgia Festival. With today’s release, and the success of recent single ‘Cards’ from his highly anticipated album THUNDERHEAD, set to be released in the coming weeks, there is no doubt that Fraser Ross has secured his place in the Aotearoa music scene.

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