New Song Of The Day: Damien Binder – Everything But

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Its been a long time coming, but here is new music from Damien Binder. The song is Everything But.

The former Second Child is revving up to release a new album. Here’s the record company blurb with details:

The single ‘Everything But‘, which was premiered by Henry Wagons on his Double J show Tower of Song, continues Damien’s exploration of a new stylistic direction. 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.

Both of Damien’s new singles are the first taste of 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.

The concept for the video clip for ‘Everything But’, which premiered on the AU review was created by Binder and brought to life by his long-time video collaborator, New Zealand film director Jonathan King (Black Sheep). Reflecting the space and sonic grace of the song, the video conjures up images of an abandoned gallery in the future, with the art and stories still embedded in the walls.

As Damien explains, as “Everything But’ started to take shape in the studio it was the instrumentation that shaped the sound and feel of the final recording. “When we started out building the track Matt got this drum and keyboard feel going which reminded me a little of  some parts of ‘Tunnel of Love’ (Bruce Springsteen) – Not a bad thing I thought!”

On the surface the track emanates a warm glow, the perfect counterpoint to the gentle sway of acoustic guitar and the clipped accents of an electric guitar.

The sound the pair conjured up is one that perfectly reflects the idea and sentiment behind the song. “We decided to follow that vibe keeping it spare but atmospheric and driving forward. Originally while writing this I was looking back a bit at the path that brought me to this point in the last 5 years, about the idea of growth & independence and one’s intuition, of learning to listen to and trust it,” Damien reveals. “I wanted to try and capture the mood of that journey while still looking forward.”
The feel of ‘Everything But’ is one of classic melancholic indie rock as Damien reflects on his personal journey while casting his eyes to the horizon. The War On Drugs, The Police, Neil Finn and widescreen 80s pop are all sonic and stylistic touchstones on this evocative new single from an artist who continues to explore and develop his world-class songwriting craft.

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.

DISCOGRAPHY

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

“‘Here It Is’ is a shining beacon of soul-stirring, anthemic indie pop.”
Arun Kendall Backseat Mafia 

“This is a collection of little gems.” 
★★★½ – Paul Smith – Sydney Morning Herald on A New World

“Damien Binder is one of those smart songwriters because he walks a pleasing line between the singer-songwriter genre and a smattering of power pop. He writes songs which in a better world would find themselves all over radio.”
Graham Reid –  elsewhere.co.nz

“Reigniting the candle of ’80s jangle-pop is New Zealand-born songwriter Damien Binder. Binder’s A New World takes classic indie-acoustic styles of old and blends them with a hefty dose of Britpop flair. The album parallels such bands as The Go-Betweens and The Church, but also branches out with stylistic nods to the likes of Jarvis Cocker and Ron Sexsmith.” 
★★★½ – Joe Dolan – The Music.com.au 

“Binder’s vocals are strong and expressive, and the playing is exquisite. There is a Byrds-ian edge to “A New World” and “Breaking Beyond Me” (and there you have today’s second Byrds reference); “I Won’t Let You Down Again” has an Abbey Road-period Lennon quality about it; and “What You Call Your Own” is an upbeat pop song with a country sheen”.
Cait Bennan –  purepopradio.com  

Marty Duda
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