With his long-awaited debut album Gentleman arriving later this month, Budjerah has released a deeply personal new single, “Even At My Worst” – a soaring ballad that finds the ARIA-winning artist reflecting on family, gratitude, and unconditional love.
The track, out now via Warner Music Australia, was written by legendary songwriter Diane Warren, whose credits includes hits for Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Cher, and Celine Dion, and produced by Grammy winner Om’Mas Keith, known for his work with Frank Ocean, John Legend, and JAY-Z.
In a new interview with Rolling Stone AU/NZ, Budjerah said recording a Diane Warren song was a major career milestone, allowing him a chance to work with one of the writers who helped shape his love of music.
“I’m so excited. I mean, it’s a Diane Warren song!” he said. “She’s one of my songwriting heroes.”
He recalled visiting Warren’s studio in Los Angeles, where she personally performed songs for him before offering him “Even At My Worst”. “We went to her building, The Hit Factory in LA, and she just played us a bunch of songs. She picked up her guitar and actually played a song and sang it herself to us, which I thought was such a special experience.”
While others initially gravitated towards different material presented during the session, Budjerah said he immediately connected with this track. “When I heard ‘Even At My Worst’, I don’t think anyone else liked it but me,” he smiled. “I just loved this song so much. It’s what I want to say to my family. It’s something that I want to say to my fans.”
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The song’s lyrics – “Even at my worst, you think I’m the best” – resonated deeply, he explained. “Starting my career at such a young age, I’ve had people be with me through my ups and downs. My family, my mum, she’s been with me since the beginning. Even at my worst, she still thinks I’m the best and is encouraging to me and lifts me up when I’m down.
“It hit my heart. I hope people feel the gratitude that I have for them in my life when they hear it.”
Alongside the single, Budjerah has made his directorial debut with its accompanying music video, filmed in his hometown of Fingal Head. Featuring his family, friends and local community, the clip places joy, love and connection front and centre.
“I really wanted the video to show my community,” he told Rolling Stone AU/NZ. “I wanted to have a positive image of an Aboriginal community and show what we’re really like. There are a lot of stereotypes around, so I wanted to have something that represented that and showed that we’re just people, just like everyone else. We’re filled with love and joy and happiness, and we have so much to share.”
“Even At My Worst” is the latest single off Budjerah’s debut album, Gentleman, due out July 24th. It follows previously released singles “Could I Be”, “Want You Back”, and the album’s title track. Produced by Om’Mas Keith, the record promises to showcase the pop and R&B influences that have shaped the 24-year-old artist since childhood.
Already a two-time ARIA Award winner, Budjerah has spent the past few years steadily establishing himself as one of Australia’s most exciting voices. Since breaking through with “Therapy”, he’s collaborated with Ed Sheeran on “2step”, performed alongside Kylie Minogue, contributed music to Baz Luhrmann’s Faraway Downs, toured nationally, and most recently appeared at Tropfest.
Budjerah’s “Even At My Worst” is out now. Preorder Gentleman here.
