It feels like far too long since the ever-fabulous Montaigne graced us with new music. So I was thrilled to wrap my ears around her latest track “Ready.”
“Ready” is a stirring call to arms, a heady pop anthem about taking part in social change, come what may.
“To me the song is about this political moment, where humanity is starting to realise how actually cooked this planet is, that it never had to be like this, and that we have the power now to overthrow those who’ve forced us into this corner,” Montaigne explained. “It’s music that I’m proud of representing, because I think that it reflects the feelings swirling around the current political shitfest my generation is facing, and it attempts to transform the anxiety amongst those feelings into angry power. It’s like a fuel source.”
The good news for Montaigne is that there’s more where this came from. “Ready” is the first track lifted from Montaigne’s brand-new album Complex, which hits stores on August 30. Along with the CD, a spiffy limited-edition red vinyl version will also be available. Get them both and you’ll score a free eco-friendly tote bag. Fans who pre-order Complex will also score an illustrated poster.
With the album dropping in late August, Montaigne will give us just the time to familiarise ourselves with the new material before she sets off on her national tour in November. Montaigne has teamed up with PLUS1 to make sure a dollar from every ticket supports Bush Heritage Australia’s efforts to conserve the nation’s biodiversity. Tickets go on sale tomorrow from Oztix for the following dates.
7 November 2019 – The Gov, Adelaide
8 November 2019 – Badlands, Perth
9 November 2019 – Mojo’s Fremantle
14 November 2019 – Solbar, Maroochydore
15 November 2019 – The Zoo, Brisbane
16 November 2019 – The Northern, Byron Bay
17 November 2019 – The Zoo, Brisbane
21 November 2019 – Tap House, Bendigo
22 November 2019 – Torquay Hotel, Torquay
23 November 2019 – The Croxton, Melbourne
28 November 2019 – UC Hub, Canberra
29 November 2019 – The Metro, Sydney
30 November 2019 – UOW Unibar, Wollongong
I’m not always a fan of urban music, but Ellesquire’s old school approach has won me over. It recalls the hip hop acts of the 90s with its sampling and personal lyrics. He’s also got a really global sound, which I find interesting. So often Australian urban artists obviously sound like they’ve come from our streets with their slightly twangy accents, but Ellesquire could easily have hailed from anywhere. That universality might just be the key to him finding success on an international stage.