Alt-folk singer-songwriter, Perth's Michael Day returns with his newest single 'Treetops' showcasing an emerging artist further exploring his songwriting capabilities and branching out into indie rock territory – with aplomb.
2020 saw Michael release his debut song 'Guildford' just as COVID affected the world, before releasing his sophomore single 'Storm' last spring (which scenestr had the honour to premiere).'Treetops' is a moodier slow-jam than his previous releases that continuously builds throughout its journey with honest lyrics rooted to lush instrumentation from Day and his band.
Michael is joined by vocalist Grace Loughton, guitarist/ banjo player Ben Humphreys, bassist Rhyan Lyndon-James and drummer Dave Rajendram. "They're all really talented musicians," Day says, fondly.
"I write a song then take it to those guys and they add their own ornamental things in – lines, melodies and rhythms. They're definitely very attuned to what I do."
After only a few spins, you'll find 'Treetops' becoming an ear worm akin to an old friend who you catch-up with and start talking like the years apart never happened. "Musically, I envisioned 'Treetops' being this sort of swirly, ambient, electric guitar piece and James Newhouse [producer] really helped bring this vision to life," Michael says.
"The vocals are on the edge of haunting, the guitar lines are all said with a degree of ambience and the drums and bass are locked in with this low key, underlying drive that keeps pushing you forward.
"I have a vast array of influences, this piece specifically was influenced by bands such as Mumford & Sons, Josh Pyke, The Paper Kites, The Oh Hellos, Jacob Wylde (a good friend), and a bunch more."
Ahead of the song's release tomorrow (26 February), scenestr is stoked to premiere 'Treetops' today. Enjoy.
"'Treetops' was a piece I wrote reflecting on how our society gives us our 'worth'," continues Day. "After hearing a sermon with the idea 'we live in a meritocracy', reflecting on the results of this in society seemed natural.
"We live by standards we create, or others and society put on us. When we do the 'good' this can lead towards pride, however, when having not achieved, or done 'bad', we can spiral into anxiety and depression.
"'Treetops' reflects on my own personal experiences such as filling out just under 50 resumes with most responding saying: 'I regret to inform you. . .' and the toll that has on one's self-esteem.
"'Treetops' uses the idea of putting on make-up as a metaphor for us (or myself) putting on a brave face or covering up the things we don't want people to see (low self-esteem, anxieties/ depression etc. you fill in the blanks)."
Day plans to release another single, 'Winter Winds', in May, followed by an EP mid-year, with plans for another EP to come out before the end of 2021.
Michael Day and band will launch 'Treetops' at Lyric's Underground (Perth) 12 March.
