18 September 2020 - 0 Comments

Singer/songwriter, Stretch is pleased to release his new gothic folk offering I Know You've Been Bad, the first from his forthcoming sophomore album Our Dreams Are Changing, due out on October 1st.

"I was in a bar, observing activities around me." says Stretch. "I went in and out of a world that was going on there, and came away with the start of this song."

I Know You've Been Bad has all the ingredients of a classic song; seduction, crucifixion, Catholic guilt, but cleverly, things are inferred, not explicit.

"I thought of myself as much as anyone else when writing this song. At live shows, I enjoy introducing it, just saying the title raises a reaction in the room."

Lyrics such as "now your world is burning" seem as apt as ever right now, plus the tension the acoustic guitar and cello keep striking at throughout the song, building and releasing, helps to invoke a portentous tone.

Stretch is noted for his engaging captivating and passionate performances, setting live shows alight. From dark-hearted ballads to roof-raising choruses, his songs are a bittersweet blend of folk and soul.

His new material has manifested in a pared back approach with his exceptional voice, framed by acoustic guitar and the incredible tone, grace and power of a 300-year-old cello in the hands of Paula Sugden.

Our Dreams Are Changing is a new collection of songs moving from the inward and self-questioning, to looking outward to an unsure world while being sure within one’s self. There are songs of support, Hold Fast Hold True, Shoal Bay Song, songs of longing and escape, Last Call For The Road, Here Come The Starlings, underlined by the tension of I Know You’ve Been Bad.

The album was made in July 2020, within a two week period between lockdowns in The Lab Studios, Auckland, with producer Wayne Bell at the helm, teasing out bare and intimate performances from Stretch and his accompanying musicians. All recording was done in one intense week, with vocals for the album completed in 2 two highly productive days.

The intimacy of the recording is immediate and lingers long after first play through. This album is a search for how to be in the world, while being true to yourself, but the power of Stretch’s emotive songwriting is forever a connecting factor, revealing the intricacies of our shared humanity.

I Know You've Been Bad is now available on Spotify, Apple Music, bandcamp and all good digital outlets.

Our Dreams are Changing is due for release on October 1st. CDs will be available from selected record stores and live shows.

Our Dreams Are Changing Tour

Tuesday 13th October / Hastings / Opera House

Friday 6th November / Tauranga / Jam Factory w. Arahi support

Sunday 8th November / Auckland / Tuning Fork Ak support TBC

Friday 13th November / Palmerston North / Globe Theatre w. Arahi support

Sunday 15th November / Wellington / Bats Theatre w. Grawlixes support

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