02 August 2024 - 0 Comments

Rising pop-rock sensation Castaway is back with their fourth single of the year, It's Not Your Fault, as they gear up for their highly anticipated EP release, Nondual, set to drop in November. Fresh off the high from their recent single Daisy, which reached #6 on the NZ Hot 20 Charts and received airplay on major stations like More FM, ZM, The Hits, and RNZ, and after opening for Drax Project, Castaway continues to solidify their presence in the New Zealand music scene. The recent news that NZ On Air has awarded them funding for this single is the icing on the cake.

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It's Not Your Fault captures the breaking point in a dysfunctional relationship, exploring themes of broken promises, resentment, and frustration. Despite the chaos, the song ultimately speaks to a deep desire to stay together, as reflected in the opening lyrics, “There was a time before this and there will be a time after.”

Inspired by the duelling guitars of The Strokes and the modern pop sensibilities of Harry Styles, It's Not Your Fault offers a fresh take on the classic New York garage rock sound. Working with producer Greg Haver, known for his roots in rock and modern songwriting techniques, the band found a perfect balance in the arrangement. The lead synth in the chorus, originally a background texture, was pushed to the forefront by Greg, showcasing his keen production instincts.

Playing It's Not Your Fault live has been a thrilling challenge for the band, especially for Joe, who delivers captivating vocals while maintaining a tight beat as a singing-drummer. The song's energy translates powerfully to live performances, a fact that was evident when Castaway opened for Drax Project at the Christchurch Town Hall on June 29th. The electrifying atmosphere and enthusiastic response from the audience made the night unforgettable.

The origins of It's Not Your Fault trace back to a piano session by bass player Austen, which led to the creation of the lead guitar part and initial chords. Joe, who had been working on his own melody and lyrics, realised that his ideas perfectly complemented Austen's riff. The band spent a year developing the song, bringing an indie-rock flavour to the instrumentation, and finalising the bridge just weeks before recording.

Hearing their music on the radio has been a surreal experience for Castaway. With Daisy receiving national airplay and connecting with new fans, the band is grateful for the support.

Looking ahead, Castaway has two more singles lined up, exploring both their tender side and youthful pop-rock influences. The band is also excited to announce their debut festival appearance at Selwyn Sounds 2025, sharing the stage with 80's legends OMD and the Thompson Twins. A nationwide tour is planned for later this year once the EP is out, hitting Dunedin, Queenstown, Wellington, Auckland, and Christchurch.

Photo Credit: Tom Grut

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