In the two years that have passed since the release of Joe Mungovan's debut album 'A Flower In The Weeds', the South Coast performer has been touring consistently around Australia, spreading the energy of his live talent to audiences full of new and long-time fans alike.
After pouring inspiration found across these last few years into new sessions, Joe has now found himself at the doorstep of a brand new phase: the release of his second studio record, 'Sugar, Candy, Lips', which was recorded between his own studio on the NSW South Coast and at Central Coast's Grove Studios (Violent Soho, DMA'S, Vera Blue, Dune Rats)."Post 2021 my life has changed so much, both personally and professionally," Joe shares. "I have found myself navigating a haze and flitting in and out of a state of disconnection and reconnection.
"Ultimately, I can surmount that in times of unknown and disconnect, you can find the things that ground you and make you feel whole. This started to seep into my writing and inevitably became so much what I had to say on 'Sugar, Candy, Lips'.
"The album is a collection of observations about the state of our lives: wealth, greed, consumption, consumerism, love, lust and the excess and self-indulgence associated with all these things.
"Stylistically I have started exploring new sounds and dimensions within my music that have helped me express these topics sonically."
In the middle of a tour that commenced earlier this month in Newcastle and Wollongong (that continues with dates in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane as well as The Gum Ball in Hunter Valley), here Joe shares five of his favourite Australian songwriters.
BRAILLE FACE
'Original Cast Recordings' is one of my favourite Australian albums ever. His music fully submerges me, it's almost hypnotic.Jordan has the ability to blend genres and flitter between styles all while keeping his lyrics, melodies and structures tangible and relatable, which is something that not many artists are able to do. Listen to 'Man'.
ANDY BULL
Hands down one of the best pop songwriters in the country. I met Andy in Melbourne when I had just left school and was attending the Telstra Road To Discovery.Andy was one of the panelists and his knowledge and insight into songwriting really intrigued me. He has such a unique approach to writing songs and being an artist in today's musical landscape. Listen to 'Slipping Away'.
CLEWS
I've been in awe of Lily's songwriting ability from the first moment I heard her sing. We were teenagers at the time and I just remember thinking how evolved and mature they sounded.The lyrics in CLEWS' songs are so honest and interesting and are beautifully brought to life through the harmonies. On that topic, the way these two sisters harmonise is magic and really makes you believe in an intrinsic and intuitive connection siblings must have. Listen to 'Can't Be Real'.
OBSCURA HAIL
Sean's songs are SO good. He has a knack for writing melodies that keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering where he is going to go next. His bedroom-type production style complements this.I watched him play solo around Wollongong quite a lot with just his acoustic guitar, and it's been a real treat following along as he has expanded the band and the sound. Listen to 'Penumbra'.
JULIA JACKLIN
When listening to Julia's music, you feel as though you are watching whatever she is singing about happen in real time. I remember playing in a room in Glebe that was only big enough to fit a table and six chairs.There was no one in the room. Julia rocked up and played after me and I was the only one in the room. I'd never heard of her before, but I remember being absolutely blown away by her songwriting. Listen to 'Don't Know How To Keep Loving You'.
Joe Mungovan 2024 Tour Dates
Fri 19 Apr - Oxford Art Factory (Sydney)Sat 20 Apr - The Gasometer (Melbourne)
Sun 28 Apr - The Gum Ball Festival (Hunter Valley)
Fri 3 May - It's Still A Secret (Brisbane)
