Genesis Owusu‘s highly-anticipated second album is here.
Released today, STRUGGLER is described as being “an imminent exploration of the chaos and absurdity of life.”
“The STRUGGLER runs through an absurd world with no ‘where’ or ‘why’ at hand. Just an instinctual inner rhythm, yelling at them to survive the pestilence and lightning bolts from above. A roach just keeps roaching,” Owusu says.
Over 11 tracks, Owusu explores the story of a roach “that runs and runs, trying not to get stepped on by God.” It’s a record steeped in mystery and metaphor, and it’s ultimately a celebration of the exceptional stubbornness of the human will to survive. Owusu also looked to Samuel Beckett, Albert Camus, and Franz Kafka for inspiration.
“Through pandemics, bushfires and wars, we’re still going to find a way to make it to tomorrow, and I think that’s beautiful,” the musician adds.
You can listen to the packed album, which traverses post-punk, poetry, garage rock, funk, hip hop and more, below. STRUGGLER was recorded between the US and Australia and features tracks created with Owusu’s acclaimed Black Dog Band, made up of fine Australian musicians such as Kirin J Callinan.
Expectation is rightly high for Owusu’s second album: he released one of the strongest debuts in recent memory when Smiling With No Teeth dropped in 2021, earning four ARIA Awards in the process.
To celebrate his album being out in the world, Owusu will end 2023 with a huge run of headline shows around Australia, beginning in Perth on December 1st and concluding in Adelaide on December 16th (see full dates below) He’ll be joined at all shows (excluding Perth) by special guests EARTHGANG, the Grammy-nominated Atlantan hip hop duo.
Genesis Owusu’s STRUGGLER is out now via Ourness/AWAL.
Genesis Owusu 2023 Australian Tour
With special guests EARTHGANG (excluding Perth)
Tickets available via genesisowusu.com
Friday, December 1st
Ice Cream Factory, Perth, WA
Friday, December 8th
Festival Hall, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday, December 9th
UC Refectory, Canberra, ACT
Thursday, December 14th
Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane, QLD
Friday, December 15th
Hordern Pavilion, Sydney, NSW
Saturday, December 16th
Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide, SA
