Ben Mastwyk releases his album Livin’ in Gold Street this Friday, but the Melbourne artist couldn’t resist the chance to offer just one more taste of the music to come. “Trouble’s What I Found” is the fifth single from the album and perhaps his strongest yet.
I love this song’s cool alt-country feel. The press release describes it as “Dwight Yoakam pushed through a blender and sprinkled with rhinestones,” and that is just so perfect there’s no point in me trying to come up with my own analogy.
“I had just come off the back of a long-term relationship. I was distraught and vulnerable but also excited for new possibilities. Heading out into the world with that kind of energy opens you up to all kinds of people and experiences,” Ben explained of the song’s inspiration. “This song has me questioning my motions. Was I blurring lines between my friendships? Was I being responsible? It’s incredibly autobiographical, but hopefully, also universal. I think we all go through emotionally vulnerable times where we might take missteps in our lives … lean a little too hard on our friends … open ourselves up to people and experiences that may not be completely healthy for us or other parties involved. This song has me looking back, checking in on myself and the way I played during one of my most vulnerable moments. It’s jam-packed full of intensity.”
With so much country crossing over with pop, it’s refreshing to hear music like this which fuses the genre with something darker and more soulful. I can hear a little Chris Isaak, a little Flying Burrito Brothers, and a whole lot of talent in this. If you can too, check out Livin’ in Gold Street when it drops on Friday and experience what Ben is all about in person at one of the following shows.
24 March 2021 – Blue Door Dinner, The Freedom Hub (FREE acoustic show)
25 March 2021 – The Midnight Special, Newtown (Acoustic show)
26 March 2021 – Dashville Nights, Lower Belford
27 March 2021 – Tamworth Hotel, Tamworth, NSW (Album launch – FREE) *
28 March 2021 – Ramblin’ Rascal Tavern, Sydney (FREE)
Image used with permission from Rock This Country