After more than a quarter of a century as an iconic frontman in the world of Aussie music, Phil Jamieson is going solo, announcing the release of his debut solo album, Somebody Else.
Of course, this isn’t Jamieson’s first official foray into solo material. Just last year, he made his debut with “Kapow!” before following it up with the likes of “Rubberband” just one month later. Now, after a few months to work on new material, Jamieson is back with the title track to his forthcoming album.
Dubbed “Somebody Else”, the track feels like a perfect way to bridge the gap between his role as the frontman of Grinspoon and his nascent solo career, with the single reportedly even bearing some similarities to his band’s early days.
“My friend Ben Rosen – who happened to record the first demo version of ‘Somebody Else’ – described it as the sequel to ‘More Than You Are’,” Jamieson explains. “I hadn’t seen/heard it like that but I kind of get it.”
However, regardless of whether a connection is there at all, “Somebody Else” features the production talents of Phil and Oscar Dawson of Holy Holy, resulting in a track that shows that none of Jamieson’s skill as a songwriter has been lost as he makes his foray into the world of solo material.
“It was born at Blueys Beach a few moons ago. It started life as a slinky Rolling Stones-type jam – with a bit more strut,” he explains. “Then Oscar Dawson of Holy Holy got his hands on it and changed it around, then I redid it as a dream pop major seventh sort of thing. That didn’t work so I went back to Oscar, and we redid it in July/August last year, in an industrial area of Dandenong situated at the end of a cul de sac surrounded by Boats/Solar/Brothels.”
“The collective fear and loathing which has gone into releasing this has sometimes seemed insurmountable,” he continues. “But it’s a bit like an election, innit? If not now, when? If not me, who? Thanks for listening regardless, I hope you get a kick out of it…”
“Somebody Else” is set to appear on the album of the same name when it arrives on July 29th. Though casual fans can’t quite express their opinion past the title track yet, some of Jamieson’s contemporaries are able to share glowing recommendations of the record, such as the great Tim Rogers of You Am I.
“Phil’s puckish performance style is underscored by a voice that can turn choirboy or demon’s spawn in a blinding grin,” explains Rogers. “This has at times overshadowed his humour and empathy but no more. Teasing open his lapels to show heart and scars, but also hope and the lessons learnt from throwing yourself into this art that compels and damns us. Pop music with fire and finesse.”
The release of “Somebody Else” also comes accompanied by an Arlo Cook-directed music video, and features cast and crew members from Jamieson’s time on American Idiot. “It was really fun working with Phil, he turned on all the charm and gave us plenty of fun moments to use,” Cook says of the video, which sees Jamieson taking on the roles of cinema attendant, lasagne delivery driver, and motorbike mechanic.
Phil Jamieson will also be supporting the release of his new record with a tour, which will kick off on July 27th, and feature support from the original lineup of The Pictures. Full details available below.
Phil Jamieson’s “Somebody Else” is out today, while the album of the same name arrives on July 29th via Cheersquad Records & Tapes.
Phil Jamieson & Band Australian Tour
With special guests The Pictures
Wednesday, July 27th
Eltham Hotel, Eltham, NSW
Tickets: Elthan Hotel
Thursday, July 28th
Vinnie’s Dive, Gold Coast, QLD
Tickets: Oztix
Friday, July 29th
Sol Bar, Sunshine Coast, QLD
Tickets: Sol Bar
Saturday, July 30th
The Zoo, Brisbane, QLD
Tickets: Oztix
Thursday, August 4th
The Curtin, Melbourne, VIC
Tickets: Oztix
Friday, August 5th
Transit Bar, Canberra, ACT
Tickets: Moshtix
Saturday, August 6th
Oxford Art Factory, Sydney, NSW
Tickets: Moshtix
Sunday, August 7th
Shady Palms, Avoca Beach, NSW
Tickets: Oztix
Friday, August 12th
Lion Arts Factory, Adelaide, SA
Tickets: Moshtix
