Following their infectious single ‘Lit Up’, Melbourne nine piece The Bamboos have unveiled ‘Broken’, featuring one of Australia’s most acclaimed MCs, Urthboy. The track, which addresses resilience in the face of mental illness, is the second single taken from their forthcoming eighth studio album NIGHT TIME PEOPLE, due for release July 6th via Pacific Theatre / BMG.
To help the song’s message resonate more internationally, the band collaborated with two other MCs from different corners of the world alongside Urthboy: Atlanta based J-Live (released June 1) and fast-rising Berlin MC, singer and producer Teesy (who rhymes in German, released June 15). Each MC tells a different story, with their own individual versions of the track. Their personal and insightful rhymes are joined by a rousing, spirit-lifting chorus from vocalist Kylie Auldist, supported by an unforgettable horn riff and emotive string arrangements.
“It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help,” Bamboos guitarist and bandleader Lance Ferguson said, when digging into what he asked the three MCs to address in their lyrics. “It’s a sign of STRENGTH.” Though the stories each MC tell are personal, Ferguson feels the theme touches so many. “If you or someone in your life has or is currently experiencing anxiety, depression, OCD, an eating disorder, PTSD or any kind of personality disorder: our message with this song is that ASKING FOR HELP IS O.K. it should be applauded…In fact, it’s so worthwhile that it will most probably change your life for the better.”
“We’re just a band, simply a bunch of friends who love making music together”, Ferguson points out. “But we know that some of our own lives and the lives of those we love have been affected by this stuff – so if we can use whatever platform we have to raise awareness and help the cause then that’s gotta be a good thing.”
“I’m a big fan of The Bamboos so straight up I was stoked to be asked to work on a song with them. Most importantly the theme they floated was something I consider to be really important to talk about. I grew up in Australian sport culture, and more broadly male culture, so I feel like I’ve had a lifetime of experience in the mess of expectations we put on young men.
The consequences of unchecked male bravado and the toxic masculinity that results has terrible effects on the families they’re part of, and the community at large. I’ve navigated those expectations and tried to find my identity amongst them, awkwardly at times! I don’t think there are simple answers to these questions but as artists, we have to amplify the conversation and disseminate it in our own way.” – Urthboy
The Bamboos eighth studio album NIGHT TIME PEOPLE is shaping to be the record brings their infectious and modern take on a timeless sound to a whole new world of listeners. Over the years, The Bamboos have featured a stellar cast of guest vocalists but band leader Lance Ferguson made the decision to have Auldist as the sole vocalist on NIGHT TIME PEOPLE.
Millions of listeners globally are already familiar with the winning combination of Ferguson’s guitar playing and songwriting with Auldist’s unmistakable vocals, thanks to ‘This Girl’ by Kungs Vs. Cookin’ On 3 Burners. One of 2016’s biggest chart hits, ‘This Girl’ was a remix of a 2009 track co-written by Ferguson that showed that the world was craving pop music with genuine soul.
After being invited to support Robbie Williams on his ‘Heavy Entertainment Show’ tour this past February and March, the band will head out in August to support the album on their first headline tour since 2015.
THE BAMBOOS ‘NIGHT TIME PEOPLE’ TOUR
Saturday, 4th August @ The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
Friday, 10th August @ The Triffid, Brisbane
Saturday, 11th August @ Oxford Art Factory, Sydney
Friday, 17th August @ Rosemount Hotel, Perth
Saturday, 18th August @ The Gov, Adelaide