Two weeks ago, Dan Sultan wrapped up a sold-out solo tour and unveiled new single ‘Hold It Together’ which offered a stirring snapshot of his eagerly awaited forthcoming album.
Today, it gives Liberation Music much pleasure to confirm that Dan’s fourth album, Killer, will be released on July 28, shortly after his appearance at Splendour In The Grass. Additionally, Frontier Touring are thrilled to announce that Dan will also return to the road for an extensive run of dates in support of the release throughout September, this time backed by a full band.
Recorded with producer and long-time collaborator Jan Skubiszewski in Melbourne, Killer is a sophisticated leap forward for the Melbourne singer-songwriter. Tracks like current single ‘Hold It Together’ and the previously released ‘Magnetic’ see him stepping out as the songwriter he has always promised to become. Lyrically, he’s more reflective than on previous records – there’s a broader weighing of life’s ups and downs present on Killer – and the album introduces synthesisers and drum machines to lift powerful rhythms, and heightens emotions with gospel backing vocals that sound bigger than cathedral choirs.
“It’s been a long process to make this album, looking back on it all,” Sultan says. “I’ve spent a long time working on this record. With the writing, it was all about evolving. I wasn’t even necessarily thinking about the album as such, I was just writing for the sake of writing, and the album made itself known over time.”
Like the best of Sultan’s song-writing, ‘Hold It Together’ takes a personal tale and winds it into a larger narrative. It’s accompanied by a brilliant video that sees an animated Sultan singing amongst an eclectic cast of characters. Directed by the supremely talented Jonathan Chong from Melbourne production house Dropbear, the video marks the second collaboration for the pair.
The song has received a warm welcome into the world, played on both Double J and triple j, supported by ABC Local and community radio, and playlisted on Apple Music and Spotify. Much like Dan’s wider repertoire, it’s a song that has resonated with a swag of differing ages and tastes: young and old; community and commercial radio lovers.
The tour will see Dan strutting his stuff in the live arena as he does best – up front, but supported by a full band, with a collection of new material to showcase. “It’s a whole new show. New music, new band, new vibe. I can’t wait for everyone to see it!”
DAN SULTAN – KILLER TOUR DATES
Fri 1 Sep | Wool Exchange, Geelong VIC (18+)
Sat 2 Sep | Forum Theatre, Melbourne VIC (18+)
Fri 8 Sep | Odeon Theatre, Hobart TAS (18+)
Sat 9 Sep | Club 54, Launceston TAS (18+)
Fri 15 Sep | HQ, Adelaide SA (18+)
Sat 16 Sep | Metro City, Perth WA (18+)
Thu 21 Sep | The Northern, Byron Bay NSW (18+)
Fri 22 Sep | Max Watt’s, Brisbane QLD (18+)
Thu 28 Sep | Academy, Canberra ACT (18+)
Fri 29 Sep | Bar On The Hill, Newcastle NSW (18+)
Sat 30 Sep | Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW (18+)
ON TOUR WITH MIDNIGHT OIL
Mon 2 Oct | ANZAC Oval, Alice Springs NT (18+*)
Wed 4 Oct | Darwin Amphitheatre, Darwin NT (18+*)
* U18s must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian