Australian soul-pop sensation Budjerah is set to unveil his highly anticipated debut full-length album, titled Gentleman, on July 24 through Warner Music Australia. The release marks a significant milestone for the artist, who has steadily built a fervent following since his emergence on the music scene. The album will also be distributed in the United States via Warner Records, following a strategic partnership established in 2021 to broaden Budjerah’s international reach.
Gentleman arrives nearly five years after Budjerah garnered significant attention by winning best newcomer honors at the 2021 ARIA Awards. The forthcoming collection is produced by Om’Mas Keith, known for his work with acclaimed artists such as Frank Ocean, promising a sophisticated and deeply personal listening experience. This debut album represents the culmination of years of artistic development and life experiences, as Budjerah prepares to share a comprehensive body of work with his growing fanbase.
A Journey of Growth and Self-Discovery
Budjerah, born Budjerah Julum Slabb, is a proud Coodjinburra man whose soulful voice has captivated audiences across Australia. Hailing from Fingal Head in New South Wales, his musical journey began with the release of his self-titled EP in 2021. That same year, he was recognized with the inaugural Michael Gudinski prize during a virtual ceremony of the ARIA Awards, underscoring his rapid ascent.
The inspiration behind Gentleman stems from Budjerah’s reflections on his childhood aspirations and the person he envisioned himself becoming. "This album was almost a four-year process for me," Budjerah shared. "Between my life at home and life on the road, I experienced so much change and growth. Chasing my dreams I faced new challenges which helped me understand who I wanted to be. Every song on this album holds a piece of me. I hope little Budjerah is proud." This introspection suggests an album that delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the evolution of self.
The album is already being heralded by the release of its lead single, "Want You Back," and the recently unveiled title track, "Gentleman." These initial offerings provide a glimpse into the sonic and thematic landscape of the project, hinting at both emotional depth and infectious melodies. The title track, in particular, draws inspiration from Budjerah’s upbringing and observations of intergenerational relationships.
Charting a Course to Stardom
Budjerah’s career trajectory has been marked by critical acclaim and increasing commercial success. In 2022, he secured his first APRA Music Award for most performed R&B/soul work of the year for his collaboration with Matt Corby, "Higher." He further solidified his standing by winning the 2022 ARIA Award for best soul/R&B release.
Beyond his solo achievements, Budjerah has also made significant inroads on the international stage. He notably supported global superstar Ed Sheeran on his extensive 2023 stadium tour across Australia and New Zealand. This high-profile association also saw Budjerah featured on a remix of Sheeran’s track "2step," exposing his artistry to an even wider audience. Collectively, his career streams have surpassed an impressive 60 million, a remarkable feat achieved prior to the release of his debut album. In 2023, his representation expanded with a signing to United Talent Agency (UTA) for representation in the Americas, paving the way for increased global touring and promotional activities.
An Industry Embrace for ‘Gentleman’
The announcement of Gentleman was preceded by a special showcase event held at Lazybones Lounge in Sydney’s Marrickville on March 18, the day after Budjerah’s 24th birthday. This intimate gathering provided industry professionals and media with an early listen to tracks from the forthcoming album.
Dan Rosen, President of Warner Music Australasia & Southeast Asia, expressed immense confidence in the album’s potential impact. "We’re entering the era of the Gentleman," Rosen stated, highlighting the project as "a defining moment in Australian music." He recalled Budjerah’s initial impact on the music industry, describing him as "a voice that stopped the nation, a once-in-a-generation talent." Rosen emphasized Budjerah’s current artistic maturity, noting that he is "finally stepping into his power and his full capacity as an artist."
During the showcase, Budjerah performed several songs from Gentleman, including "Even At My Worst," penned by renowned songwriter Diane Warren, and the platinum-certified Australian hit "Therapy." The latter single, released in 2023, has garnered nearly 19 million streams on Spotify alone, demonstrating its widespread appeal and Budjerah’s growing commercial viability.
Thematic Depth and Songwriting Prowess
The title track, "Gentleman," was co-written by a notable team of songwriters including Autumn Rowe (known for her work with Alexis Jordan and Kylie Minogue), Kizzo Keaz (who has collaborated with Jon Batiste and Ne-Yo), and Philip Lawrence (a frequent collaborator of Bruno Mars). The song itself carries a nostalgic resonance, a deliberate choice reflecting Budjerah’s influences.
"You have to be a gentleman and make sure your girl is treated right," Budjerah explained regarding the inspiration behind the song. "I grew up around a lot of old people, so I was influenced by the music they played as well as watching how they treated each other, and that is what this song is about." This narrative underscores the album’s exploration of traditional values and interpersonal respect, filtered through a contemporary soulful sound.
The complete tracklist for Gentleman includes:
- Gentleman
- Want You Back
- I Only Remember Your Name
- Competition
- Could I Be
- Sinner
- Pretty
- Hard Time
- Lonely
- Let Me Know
- Even At My Worst
Fans can now pre-order the album through various platforms. The release of Gentleman is poised to solidify Budjerah’s position as a leading voice in contemporary soul and pop music, both in Australia and on the global stage. His blend of heartfelt lyricism, powerful vocals, and thoughtful production signals a significant artistic statement that is anticipated to resonate widely.
