From late-night video shoots in sunflower fields to writing trips in Nashville and the Netherlands, Backflips in a Restaurant is the sound of grentperez going all in.
The Western Sydney artist gave Rolling Stone AU/NZ an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at his debut album – a globe-trotting, genre-blending project that mirrors his offbeat charm and soulful sound.
Our glowing review called out his knack for nostalgic yet fresh songwriting, noting how grentperez “flexes his charm with melodic love songs and infectious hooks that blend upbeat R&B, indie-folk, pop, and soft rock – all with that signature soulful edge.” And the standouts come thick and fast: from the summer-sweet “Fuzzy Feeling” to the twinkling “Need You Around” and Ruel-assisted “Dandelion”.
Fresh off his Emerging Songwriter of the Year win at the 2024 APRA Awards, a feature in Rolling Stone AU/NZ’s Future of Music series, and a massive North American tour, grentperez says this is just the beginning.
“Backflips in a Restaurant is a taste of what’s to come in my artistry. I wanted to use this album to express who I am as an artist and a creator, what I have to offer in terms of differing genres and in this case; flavour,” he shares.
“Growing up, I soaked up a lot of music from 70s soft rock, to 2000s R&B, Bossa Nova, Indie, Rap, etc… This music effectively influenced my music making, and since my first release in 2021, I’ve been itching to explore and experiment with my sound. As a creative, I believe my job is to constantly explore and express myself, and with Backflips in a Restaurant I’m taking the steps to do just that.”
Check out the photo diary below.
Me trying to come out with them new fashion trends. A few friends and I were visiting my friend Luis at Levi’s. But hey, shorts over pants. fire (not really).
First visit to Nashville for writing. Sessions had to be canceled, sad. I also hate tornados, I’ve never seen one, but they terrify me. Do I want to see one? maybe… from afar.
tooth bad. tooth very bad. infected wisdom. big removal. good dentist. no pain. win.
More movie scene bts!
2DK bts photo, with my lovely manager Kevin reciting the ending monologue from 2DK because i had to remember them lolol)
BTS of working with the amazing Benny Sings, such a lovely lovely guy, I told him he reminds me of Vincent Van Gogh. Benny also has such a ‘puzzle piece’ style approach with his production, making everything from the ground up, even the guitars, playing one note at a time.
2DK bts production shot, got ma boy on the trumpet, doin his thang.
Dandelion MV location SO SICK. terrifying in the pitch black. some alien vibes.
Little music trip with the OG Linden Jay, he came up to the Netherlands with me to cook up some fun music with Benny Sings.
Sum more Movie Scene BTS, this time it’s my 5’6 or 5’7 (depending on the day) self standing on a scissor lift bed.
