21 October 2021 - 0 Comments

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, which was premiered by Henry Wagons on his Tower of Song show on Double J, and with Backseat Mafia, 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 Don't 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!"

The video clip, directed by Jonathan King and premiered by The 13th Floor, puts the focus on the lyrics, the singer and the songwriter, with an evocative black and white treatment and subtle nods to Damien's musical past on the walls of the pub.

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.

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