Matt Corby has announced his fourth studio album, Tragic Magic, set for release on March 6th via Island Records/Universal Music. The 13-track record, co-produced with longtime collaborator Chris Collins (Royel Otis, Middle Kids, Old Mervs) features the debut single “Long and Short” and today’s new release, “Burn It Down”.
A standout from the upcoming LP, “Burn It Down” sees Corby leaning into his love of classic soul. Co-written with Meg Mac and Chris Collins, the track has a playful, groove-heavy feel that Corby hints almost borders on Motown.
“It’s awesome to finally be telling everyone about this album, Tragic Magic,” Corby shares. “We’ve been working on it for about 18 months and I’m really proud of it. It feels very reflective of where my life is at right now; how my family, my kids are the most important thing and watching them grow up has completely rewired my brain and outlook on life.”
“Burn It Down”, Corby adds, is a track that should make you feel good. “Even though it’s based on the difficulties of maintaining something good — whether that be a relationship or your health or just life itself. A lot of the time we’re fighting a losing battle and odds with our destructive tendencies,” he says. “The day I wrote it with Meg Mac and Chris Collins, musically I was having a lot of fun with the track. The beat is sort of simple but it took me so long to make it feel groovy. I had to slow it down like 50% and gradually speed it up to the tempo that we wanted and finally put it together. I love this track and I hope you do too.”
Corby plays drums, bass, piano, percussion, mellotron, and vocals on “Burn It Down”, with Meg Mac and Nat Dunn providing backing vocals. The song also features lush strings arranged by Corby, Collins, and Stephen Mowat. The result is a vintage-inspired cut that channels warmth and soul through a modern lens.
With Tragic Magic, the Northern Rivers-based artist continues to sidestep trends in favour of something timeless. Building on the introspective beauty of 2023’s Everything’s Fine, the new album explores both joy and hardship through rich basslines, delicate moments, and soaring falsetto, all wrapped in Corby’s ever-evolving brand of sophisticated soul.
“Burn It Down” premiered on triple j Drive and arrives with a personal visualiser shot by Corby on Super8 film, capturing intimate family moments around Northern NSW. The single and album artwork were illustrated by Sydney artist Mariam David and designed by Pat Fox.
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Corby has long been celebrated as one of Australia’s most soulful and stirring voices. His breakthrough single “Brother” is now certified 10× Platinum by ARIA, while Everything’s Fine became his third consecutive ARIA Top 10 album and earned Album of the Year nominations from both the J Awards and ARIA Awards.
He’s currently on tour as a special guest for Teddy Swims’ ‘I’ve Tried Everything But Therapy’ Australian tour.
Pre-save Tragic Magic, out March 6th via Island Records/Universal Music.
