Award-winning Coodjinburra artist Budjerah has finally released his highly anticipated debut album, 'Gentleman', marking the culmination of a four-year creative odyssey. The record delves into his personal journey, blending R&B/pop influences with profound lyrical storytelling, a true testament to his unwavering vision and patience.

A Patient Journey to a Debut

For the past four years, the musical world has keenly watched Budjerah, the 24-year-old talent, as he navigated a path toward his full-length debut. Despite accumulating two prestigious ARIA Awards and releasing successful EPs, the artist expressed a deep-seated desire for a more expansive creative outlet.

“I think even by music industry norms, four years is a long time to get that many songs together,” Budjerah revealed. “I’ve probably written enough material for three other albums in the interim, beyond these 11 tracks. I started wanting to make an album in 2022, after the ARIA wins, because I didn't feel creatively satisfied just having these short bursts of creativity with EPs.”

The journey was not without its detours. An intensive month of songwriting with acclaimed Australian artist Matt Corby initially aimed to form the debut, yet only one track, 'Video Game,' saw release in July 2023. Further delays arose during his extensive tour as the support act for Ed Sheeran’s 'Mathematics' tour across Australia in February and March 2023, coinciding with the massive success of his single 'Therapy.'

“The success of 'Therapy' at the beginning of 2023 meant people really wanted to hear that one song,” Budjerah explained. “I was touring two to three shows a week for a year, and then even more, which left no time to actually finish or work on new songs. It was just go, go, go, focused on boosting that one track.”

The Essence of 'Gentleman'

'Gentleman' is a meticulously crafted album, produced by Grammy Award-winner Om’Mas Keith, renowned for his work with artists like Frank Ocean and JAY-Z. The 11 tracks showcase a timeless R&B/pop sound, drawing inspiration from the music Budjerah grew up listening to.

The album's first single, 'Want You Back,' quickly captured international attention, even catching the ear of music legend Elton John, who featured it on his 'Rocket Hour' radio show on Apple Music. “I just got a call one day, and they said, ‘Listen in, they’re going to play your song on his radio show’,” Budjerah recounted, recalling staying up late to hear the broadcast – a poignant full-circle moment for the artist whose favourite movie is 'The Lion King.'

The funky, high-energy title track, 'Gentleman,' pays homage to icons like James Brown, an artist Budjerah discovered through his uncles and grandfather. “I felt like it was a fun way to play up the performance aspect of what I do, because everything for me is about the performance,” he said. “When I’m in the studio, I’m always thinking about how the song will translate live.”

Collaborations and Personal Narratives

The album features impressive collaborations, including a track called 'Even at My Worst,' co-written with the legendary Diane Warren, a prolific songwriter behind hits for Celine Dion and Beyoncé. “She’s one of my songwriting heroes,” Budjerah shared. “Getting to meet her and then sing one of her songs was just a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Budjerah, born Budjerah Julum Slabb in the small coastal village of Fingal Head, NSW, is known for infusing his personal experiences into his music. He recently married his high school sweetheart, Sophie Slabb (née Moore), even serenading her at their wedding, as reported by Vogue Australia. “I’m lucky I’ve been able to experience love,” he reflected. “I don’t sing anything that I don’t mean. I always relate it to my personal experience and my stories,” a sentiment perfectly encapsulated by the catchy track 'Could I Be.'

Interestingly, some tracks like 'Hard Time' and 'Sinner' initially felt counterintuitive to Budjerah, given his upbringing in a church where both his parents served as musicians and pastors. “I thought it was funny, being a little gospel singer from Fingal Head with a song called ‘Sinner’,” he admitted. “And then a song called ‘Hard Time’ – a lot of Aboriginal people go through hard times. So, I thought it was a bit of an odd topic, but my dad said, ‘Do both if you have enough time. Those two songs are perfect.’ They weren’t the obvious picks for me, but we just had fun with them, and I really enjoyed singing both of them. They fit really well for my voice.”

His faith remains a cornerstone of his life. Reflecting on his travels, Budjerah shared the significance of carrying his Bible. “I always keep it with me,” he affirmed. “My faith has been something that’s been really helpful and important to me, especially when I’m on the road and travelling so much; it keeps me together.”

From Auditions to Aspirations

Budjerah’s journey to stardom has had its share of challenges. As a teenager, he auditioned for 'The Voice,' a formative experience where, despite a standing ovation from the audience, none of the judges turned their chairs. “It was a pretty wild experience, especially for a 16-year-old,” he recalled. “I think that was the first time that I truly experienced heartbreak, as a young person. I felt like my whole dream was just crushed. But I always remember Kelly Rowland just telling me, ‘Just keep singing, just keep singing. And it’ll work out. When it’s meant to happen, it’ll happen.’”

His acting aspirations also faced early hurdles. Budjerah auditioned for the role of Malakai in the Netflix series 'Heartbreak High,' a part eventually secured by Thomas Weatherall. However, his connection to the show remained, with his music featured on the soundtrack. These experiences fuel his ultimate ambition: to be a “triple threat.”

“I want to be a triple threat, so singing, dancing, acting,” he declared. “I write songs as well, so my personal dream is to be the ultimate entertainer. I spend a lot of time practicing my dances and singing every day, and acting. What got me into performing was doing the school musicals and school plays, so I always thought maybe one day I’d come back to acting.”

With 'Gentleman' now released, Budjerah is set to embark on his official album tour, kicking off in Melbourne on October 31, followed by dates in Anglesea (Victoria), Sydney, and the Gold Coast, before concluding in Brisbane on Saturday, November 21.