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Song You Need to Know: Phil Jamieson, ‘Rubberband’

“‘Rubberband’ has lived many lives,” Phil Jamieson explains. “It’s about unrequited love and being stuffed around. A tale of sorrow rather than exhilaration.”

Mitch Noakes*

He’s spent decades as one of the most iconic and beloved frontmen of Australian music, and as Phil Jamieson officially launches his solo career, it’s clear that he deserving of being labelled one of the country’s finest musicians.

Jamieson launched his solo career just one month ago, sharing “Kapow!” as the first track released solely under his own name, following years spent as the frontman of acclaimed rockers Grinspoon. Having featured the song in his live sets for some time, “Kapow!” is set to feature on a limited edition 7″ vinyl single, backed by another track by the name of “Rubberband”.

Like its predecessor, “Rubberband” is a track that’s been doing the rounds in Jamieson’s live sets for quite a while. At just two minutes long, it’s undoubtedly a tune that’s over far too soon, but one rooted in simplicity. With relatively minimal instrumentation, almost whispered vocals, and the impassioned lyrics that only Jamieson could muster, it’s a strong showing from one of Australia’s favourite sons.

“‘Rubberband’ has lived many lives,” Jamieson explains. “I’ve been playing around with it for a few years now. It’s about unrequited love and being stuffed around. A tale of sorrow rather than exhilaration. Production-wise it’s been fun to work on. It’s really cute and quite small.”

“So… here I go with the release of this 7”,” he continues. “A somewhat personal project as it has taken me a long time to like the songs and embrace the self-doubt of releasing solo material. But it’s 2021 – I’m ready to see where it takes me.”

While “Rubberband” is officially released today alongside the vinyl single, Jamieson is also set to kick off a brief run of shows this evening, with dates in Melbourne, Brisbane, and Sydney set to take place over the coming weeks.

Phil Jamieson’s “Rubberband” is out now, with physical copies available for order now.

Phil Jamieson 2021 Tour Dates

Friday, March 26th
Leadbeater, Melbourne, VIC
Tickets: Oztix

Saturday, March 27th
Leadbeater, Melbourne, VIC
Tickets: Oxtix

Saturday, April 3rd
Crowbar, Sydney, NSW
Tickets: Oztix

Thursday, April 8th
The Zoo, Brisbane, QLD
Tickets: Oztix

Tickets on sale now