“Gentleman” – Budjerah

The release of Budjerah’s long-awaited debut album Gentleman feels like a reintroduction to this talented artist. The shy indie-pop teen we met in 2020 appears utterly transformed with this polished pop release.

From front to back, Gentleman is an album of bangers. But you might expect that when you browse Budjerah’s collaborators. Some of the songwriters include Poo Bear, known for his work with Justin Bieber, Rob Lewis, who’s been Christina Aguilera’s music director for more than 20 years, and Philip Lawrence, who’s Bruno Mars primary creative partner. And if that wasn’t enough, he’s got a song penned by Diane Warren, one of the most acclaimed lyricists of all time who’s written chart toppers for Cher, Celine Dion, Aerosmith, and countless others. These are people who understand what it takes to write a hit.

Their tunes are total earworms, but they would fall flat if Budjerah didn’t bring such charisma and confidence to them. It’s probably easy to be confident when you’ve assembled the Justice League of songwriters though! But they’re not doing all the heavy lifting. Budjerah also enlisted Grammy Award-winning producer Om’Mas Keith, who’s worked with talents like Frank Ocean, Jay Z, and Erykah Badu. His involvement ensures that Gentleman feels sonically interesting, rather than a record that’s commercial but ultimately forgettable.

From the upbeat soul of the title track and opener, Gentleman had me hooked. It feels like a natural companion to the next track “Want You Back.” They’re such perfect pop that Budjerah probably could have released an album entirely in this vein and kept me happy. But rather than play it safe, he experiments with genre. “I Only Remember Your Name” has a deep reggae groove, “Sinner” is a gospel-tinged ballad, and “Lonely” is pure yacht rock. Through all the twists and turns, Budjerah’s undeniable vocals shine through.

Gentleman has been a long time coming for Budjerah fans, but I’m glad he took the time. This is a considered release, one that comes from an artist who knows who he is and is now ready to share that definitive debut statement with the world.

Gentleman is out now. Budjerah will take these songs around the East Coast on his The Gentleman Tour this October and November. Tickets are on sale now from the links below.

31 October 2026 – The Espy, Naarm/Melbourne (18+)
1 November 2026 – The Sound Doctor, Kuarka-dorla/Anglesea (ALL AGES)
7 November 2026 – Metro Social, Eora/Sydney (ALL AGES)
20 November 2026 – Miami Marketta, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast (ALL AGES)
21 November 2026 – Triffid Beer Garden, Meeanjin/Brisbane (ALL AGES)

Main photo credit: Daniel Boud

Budjerah Gears Up For Gentleman Release With “Could I Be”

I’m not sure when Budjerah got so smooth, but I’m absolutely vibing his confident new soul releases. His latest is “Could I Be,” a Bruno Mars-esque number from his forthcoming debut album, Gentleman.

Gentleman is my debut album and it’s inspired by who I wanted to be when I was growing up,” Budjerah said. “This album was almost a four-year process for me. Between my life at home and life on the road, I experienced so much change and growth. Chasing my dreams I faced new challenges which helped me understand who I wanted to be. Every song on this album holds a piece of me. I hope little Budjerah is proud.”

We can feast our ears on more new Budjerah material when his debut album Gentleman drops on July 24. Expect to hear many of those new tunes and all your old favourites at the following upcoming Budjerah shows:

14 June 2026 – OneSydney @ Sydney Opera House, Eora/Sydney
10 July 2026 – Ipswich Civic Centre, Tulmur/Ipswich
18 July 2026 – Wisely Wine and Food Day @ Queens Park, Yuwi/Mackay (FREE)

Photo credit: Daniel Boud

Budjerah Releases Title Track of Upcoming Debut Album, “Gentleman”

After releasing music for seven years, it’s a little wild that Budjerah hasn’t yet released an album. However, all that is about to change on July 24 when his long-awaited record Gentleman drops. He’s giving us an early taste with the release of this killer title track.

Gentleman is my debut album and it’s inspired by who I wanted to be when I was growing up,” Budjerah explained. “This album was almost a four-year process for me. Between my life at home and life on the road, I experienced so much change and growth. Chasing my dreams, I faced new challenges which helped me understand who I wanted to be. Every song on this album holds a piece of me. I hope little Budjerah is proud.”

Listening to this song, I’m kind of glad Budjerah didn’t rush things. This track is so slick, smooth, and confident. I’m not sure teenage Budjerah could have delivered all that swagger!

We’ll hear more for Budjerah when his debut album Gentleman drops on July 24. Warner Music are taking pre-orders now for digital download, CD, and vinyl copies with signed cards, so get onto that if you’re a fan!

Photo credit: Daniel Boud

Budjerah Drops Personal New Single, “Video Game”

Fresh from signing a deal with United Talented Agency for representation in the Americas, Budjerah has released what might just be his best single to date, “Video Game.” If you’ve seen Budjerah live, it’s probably already one of your favourites. Now it’s time for the rest of the world to hear it.

“I’ve been waiting a very long time for this song to be ready, and finally after performing it for a year on stage, I think you guys are ready to hear one of my most personal songs yet,” Budjerah said. “This is a thank you to all my fans who’ve supported me at my shows over the last year. Hope you guys are ready for Video Game!” says Budjerah.

Budjerah has already had a massive year supporting Ed Sheeran, selling out an Opera House show for Vivid LIVE, and even appearing at Paris Fashion Week. But it shows no signs of slowing down, with several festival appearances scheduled before the year’s end. Make sure you don’t miss him at these events.

8 September 2023 – Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Festival Of Food & Wine @ Upper Queens Park, Jagera, Giabal and Jarowair Country/Toowoomba
11 November 2023 – Handpicked @ Lake Breeze, Ngarrindjeri Country/Langhorne Creek
25 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Exhibition Park, Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country/Canberra
26 November 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Yugambeh Country/Gold Coast
2 December 2023 – Spilt Milk @ Victoria Park, Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Country/Ballarat
3 December – Spilt Milk @ Claremont Showgrounds, Boorloo/Perth

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia

KYE Collaborates With Budjerah on “Heavy Love”

KYE has teamed up with Budjerah for her fabulous new single “Heavy Love.” While so many duets celebrate love, this one’s a little bit darker. While the lyrics explore the struggles of a relationship, the energetic mix of pop, R&B, and Afrobeat keeps it light. And can we take a moment to appreciate how good their voices sound together? Please tell me this isn’t the last time we’ll hear them collaborating!

“It’s been at the top of my list to work with Budjerah and his vocals have made this track really special,” gushed KYE. “We recorded it on my birthday in the Byron Hinterlands and the meeting of our voices really blew our minds. Our running joke is that it’s our version of Jordan Sparks’ ‘No Air’”.

And it seems like the admiration is mutual, with Budjerah commenting “KYE is one of my favourite artists at the moment and I just had to sing with her. The track has so much bounce too and a beat that just makes me want to move. I had an easy time saying yes to this.”

“Heavy Love” comes from KYE’s recently released sophomore EP Ribena. Catch her at the following venues in the coming weeks.

16 June 2023 – Volta, Ballaarat/Ballarat (supporting Telenova)
17 June 2023 – Torquay Hotel, Wadawurrung Country/Torquay (supporting Telenova)
23 June 2023 – OAF Gallery, Eora/Sydney
24 June 2023 – Felons Barrell Hall, Meeanjin/Brisbane (FREE)

Budjerah Drops New Single Ahead of Ed Sheeran Shows

Budjerah is already one of the hottest emerging artists in the country, and he’s set to get a whole lot bigger in the coming months. He’ll play massive stadiums around the country supporting Ed Sheeran and slots at For The Love Festival. He’s also just dropped a fabulous new single, “Therapy,” penned by superstar songwriters Sarah Aarons (John Legend, Demi Lovato) and Stint (Kesha, Panic! At the Disco).

“When I first heard the demo for ‘Therapy’, it hit me at the perfect time. I was going through a few things and the song really nailed how I was feeling at the time,” Budjerah admitted. “Therapy is about frustration in a relationship. It’s the thoughts and feelings that can erupt when you don’t understand each other and that can be tough to deal with. Therapy can come in many forms, but taking a step back and getting an outside perspective is something that has helped me.”

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to see Budjerah this year, starting with all these dates:

17 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
18 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
19 February 2023 – Suncorp Stadium, Meeanjin/Brisbane (supporting Ed Sheeran)
24 February 2023 – Accor Stadium, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ed Sheeran)
25 February 2023 – Accor Stadium, Eora/Sydney (supporting Ed Sheeran)
26 February – For the Love Festival @ Thomas Dalton Park, Woolyungah/Wollongong
2 March 2023 – MCG, Naarm/Melbourne (supporting Ed Sheeran)
3 March 2023 – MCG, Naarm/ Melbourne (supporting Ed Sheeran)
4 March 2023 – For the Love Festival @ Catani Gardens, Naarm/Melbourne
5 March 2023 – For the Love Festival @ Taylor Reserve, Boorloo/Perth
7 March 2023 – Adelaide Oval, Tarntanya/Adelaide (supporting Ed Sheeran)
12 March 2023 – Optus Stadium, Boorloo/Perth (supporting Ed Sheeran)

Image used with permission from Warner Music Australia; credit: Max Doyle