SJD – You Are The Movement: New Song Of The Day

SJD releases You Are The Movement adding  a bit of sweetness to your Saturday morning.

And speaking of sweetness, look for Sweetheart in October. Here’s the blurb with more:

SJD is the musical project of Sean Donnelly (he/him), a musician and songwriter from Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), and currently based in Ōtepoti (Dunedin), under the Mozart Fellowship at Otago University.

SJD takes a piecemeal approach to genre, thoughtfully employing electronics, strings and sounds to subvert the traditional 3 minute pop song structure. A quiet overachiever, SJD is one of Aotearoa’s most lauded songwriters, winning two Aotearoa Music Awards, the Taite Music Prize (in 2013 for Elastic Wasteland), and was shortlisted for for the APRA Silver Scroll in 2007 for his song Beautiful Haze.

Today SJD announces his ninth album Sweetheart (released independently on October 28), and shares the new single You Are The Movement.

In true SJD fashion, You Are The Movement will be pleasing to those who enjoy a mixed musical palate. The song resides at the intersection of synth pop and blue-eyed-soul with just a pinch of psychedelia for good measure.

“For me, You Are The Movement is a song in praise of creativity and the love and care that goes into making things and putting them out into the world,” says Donnelly.

“While I wanted to express the feelings of self-doubt and uncertainty that occur during the creative process, ultimately I needed it to be a loving and positive expression both musically and lyrically.”

“The sounds I was looking for were obviously electronic but also warm and colourful and flaunting their imperfections much like the lead vocal does. I pitched my vocals up a little and enjoyed hearing a slightly younger and more energetic version of myself. I had a little bit of help and advice lyrically from Don McGlashan and Anika Moa and Julia Deans provided some backing vocals too.”

“I love this song and feel like it’s one of the highlights of Sweetheart. A sweet, slightly gooey centre to the big pink bun which is my album.”

Sean Donnelly is an award-winning musician/composer currently residing in Dunedin under the Mozart Fellowship at Otago University.

Sean Donnelly has released eight albums under the nom-de-plume SJD since 1998, with many nominated for bNets, Aotearoa Music Awards, the Taite Prize and the APRA Silver Scroll – some winning too! While primarily a solo project SJD has had a long history of collaborating with James Duncan, Sandy Mill, and Chris O Connor.

A celebrated producer as well, Sean has worked with Don McGlashan on 2006’s Warm Hand, and 2009’s Marvellous Year. In 2011, Sean joined the Pajama Club, with Neil Finn, Sharon Finn, and Alana Skyring. He produced their eponymous debut and toured with the group Aotearoa, Australia, and the United States of America.

SJD’s back catalogue has become a favourite for television and advertising, with songs used in 90210, Shortland Street, Neighbours, Outrageous Fortune and Home and Away. Sean has also composed multiple feature film soundtracks and for public and private commissions, as well as being a frequent live performer.

His long awaited ninth album entitled Sweetheart is due for release in October 2022.

SJD – SWEETHEART
out October 28

Tracklist:
1. my exploding head
2. 0209
3. i just can’t wait
4. a walk in the park with a beautiful friend
5. you are the movement
6. let me go home
7. waterhole
8. a pocket full of change
9. i want you
10. good time
11. the midas glove
12. i want you (reprise)
13. did somebody call my name?