Freya Josephine Hollick recently released a brand-new single, 'Me & Mine', that's lifted from her third album 'The Real World' (out 30 September).
A hooky, guitar-driven romp thanks to the legendary Greg Leisz (Clapton, Browne, et al) along with Aussie gun slingers Tommy Brooks and Louie King, 'Me & Mine' is wrapped in a gorgeous string arrangement by James Gilligan.Venturing into '70s 'countrypolitan' territory the track reveals itself over a glorious three and a half minutes inviting repeated spins to gather all that has been carefully placed on offer.
Written at the time when Trump was elected to office, 'Me & Mine' fixes on fortitude in the face of political ineptitude.
"['Me & Mine'] was written as a call to arms of all the misfits, the ousted, those who live on the fringes of society trying to make ends meet under an outdated capitalist regime," shares Freya.
"For all my artist friends, for all those pressed under the thumb of those that seek to eradicate originality. A boogie for the underdog."
Here, Freya shares five classic songs she wishes she'd written.
1: Dion - 'Only You Know'
Maybe it's the Phil Spector element, maybe it's just the absolutely slapping song this is. But 'Only You Know' by Dion is possibly one of my favourite songs of all time.That driving rhythm, the cautious optimism of finding love in the eyes of someone who doesn't love you anymore. Wow. Okay.
'Only you know, where you have been to, only you know, what you have been through, there's better things, you're gonna get into, and I wanna be there too.'
This song will make you feel like you're starring in a film about your life; put in your headphones and catch a train somewhere. That's it baby, you're the star here. Actually slaps so hard.
2: Gene Clark - 'With Tomorrow'
This song is just the pinnacle of songwriting. Tear your clothes off, cry your eyes out, lay face down on the floor kind of songwriting.I'm forever trying to reach the perfection of a Gene Clark song; no matter what the day makes of you, you can put on a Gene Clark record and feel understood. One day maybe, but for now, I'm happy to listen to Gene every day.
3: Joan Armatrading - 'Woncha Come On Home'
I came across this song while moving out of a house that meant a great deal to me. I don't know about you, but I get attached to the places I live especially if there are momentous occasions that take place there, or even just the small moments, like your child's first steps.Joan's pained voice, perfect performance, explaining being at home alone. It tears my heart out this song. I used to just listen to it and cry and cry for love lost and lonely nights spent waiting for it to come home. If you feel like an ugly cry today have a listen.
4: Paul Simon - 'Rene And Georgette Magritte With Their Dog After The War'
The scene that this song sets is so great. I just love Paul Simon for his wild abandon with songwriting. Like 'I'm here and I'm just gonna write whatever I want to and you can't stop me, I'm me'.The idea of the couple who were amazing artists, finding the art in life again after the Second World War, their renewed excitement for life, the laughter flowing through the air. This song is a bloody masterpiece.
5: Townes Van Zandt - 'Fare Thee Well Miss Carousel'
To be fair I just wish I had written any of the songs Townes Van Zandt wrote, but I particularly love the vibe of this song. It's a lot to do with the lyrics but even more to do with spirit of that song, and of any Van Zandt song.'Won't you come and get me when you're sure that you don't need me, then I'll stand outside your window and I'll proudly call your name'; the lyrics in this moment are so powerful but it's also the way the chords move here.
Townes is the king of poetry, the king of sad cowboy music. Give it a spin. Bloody great.
Freya Josephine Hollick plays Shotkickers (Melbourne) 28 September, Dashville Skyline (Hunter Valley) 30 September, Out On The Weekend (Melbourne) 8 October and Marysville Music Weekend 15 October.
