5 Songs That Inspired Dinosaur Beard's Forthcoming Debut EP 'A Mountain Of Cotton Gold'

The indie rock moniker of Melbourne musician Adam Finnegan, today Dinosaur Beard reveals the first cut from his debut EP ('A Mountain Of Cotton Gold' due later in 2022).

"'Translucent Skin' was the first song I wrote out of the batch of songs that made it onto the EP," shares Adam.

"I wanted to make a bold statement for the first single. Something dark, esoteric and a little different for me – taking some cues from bands like The Cure, Interpol and The Smiths.

"I wanted something that encompassed the entire tone of the EP while still being a unique composition in its own right."

Recorded with long-term collaborator and engineer Aaron Dobos (Ceres, Avalanches) at Sing Sing Recording Studios in Melbourne, the four tracks that feature on 'A Mountain Of Cotton Gold' were written during Melbourne's final lockdown last year.

"Each song is represented by a different 'Tarot' card illustrated by Barcelonian artist Ksenia Vinogradenko," Adam says.

"It's my statement of intention coming out of the last few years trying to be a more positive force as an artist and person.

"Seeing the old power structures slowly begin to crumble and the chaos that is ensuing, it's my way of trying to make sense of it all. A love letter to my friends and the collective as a whole. This is my most ambitious undertaking as an artist."



Dinosaur Beard also directed the music video for 'Translucent Skin', recruiting a bunch of mates to turn his lounge room into a makeshift forest after spending time hanging out with some real-life trees in the Yarra Valley.

"I began shooting the clip a few months ago. Really yearning that connection to nature I had dearly missed in lockdown, I ventured out to the Redwoods Forest in Warburton.

"I spent the whole day filming just using my iPhone. I wanted to visually capture the feeling of transformation and alchemy that the forest can provide.

"Those kinda pagan rituals that have been performed throughout time. Turning lead into gold as represented by the golden triangle and the three women as representations of the divine feminine energy rising upon the planet."

Dinosaur Beard plays Brunswick Artist Bar (Melbourne) with supports from Jordan Clay Band and Isabelle Skye 5 August.

Here, Adam shares five songs that inspired the creative process for writing and recording the 'A Mountain Of Cotton Gold' EP.

Jye - 'On My Own'

I love the breezy nature of this song. The way the electronic drums and the acoustic guitar mesh together perfectly. The melody and lyrics are so understated and intimate.

Rolling Blackouts CF - 'My Echo'

This is a classic RBCF tune. I love how it has more of a discordant post-punk edge though. The way the bass is more angular and the signature driving nature of the drums and rhythm guitar. My song 'Subway Tattoo' off my EP has a similar feel to this song; well maybe with some acid thrown in the mix haha!

Merpire - 'Heavy Feeling'

I was a late comer to the amazing songwriting of Merpire. This song really struck me and moved me. I listened to it everyday while writing this EP. The vulnerability in her voice and lyrics really inspired me throughout my writing process.

Amyl And The Sniffers - 'Guided By Angels'

Love the raucous energy of this track. The rapid fire way in which Amy delivers her lyrics. I think it's the lyrics which really get me here. I love watching the clip too, the way it juxtaposes the entire tone in the last scene. I've always admired well thought-out and interesting clips.

Good Morning - 'Country'

I stumbled across Good Morning when they played a show at my work. I had never heard of them before. They played this song and it caught my attention immediately. I love the upbeat, jangly indie-pop nature of it. The way it slowly builds at the start and has this airy optimistic nature about it. A perfect example of how sometimes a song doesn't have to go anywhere to move you.