Budjerah's debut album Gentleman has been a long time coming

Emerging from the coastal village of Fingal Head in northeastern New South Wales, Budjerah Julum Slabb, known simply as Budjerah, has released his debut studio album, Gentleman, marking a significant milestone after several years of artistic development.

At 24, Budjerah has already garnered critical acclaim, including two ARIA Awards, yet the journey to this album has been deliberate and patient. Over the past four years, he has crafted a collection of songs that reflect both personal experience and diverse musical influences, culminating in a project that showcases his evolution as a singer and songwriter.

Gentleman features eleven tracks that blend timeless R&B and pop, a sound that draws inspiration from the music he grew up listening to. The album’s production was helmed by Grammy-winning producer Om’Mas Keith, recognized for his work with artists like Frank Ocean and Jay-Z, adding a layer of sophistication to the record.

Prior to the album release, Budjerah collaborated with Australian singer-songwriter Matt Corby during an intensive month of songwriting. Although only one track from these sessions, "Video Game," was released ahead of the album, this period was pivotal in shaping the album’s creative direction.

Budjerah’s breakthrough single Therapy, released in early 2023, gained considerable attention and coincided with his role supporting Ed Sheeran on the Australian leg of Sheeran’s Mathematics tour. The extensive touring schedule, which involved multiple performances per week, limited his ability to finalize the album but amplified his exposure to broader audiences.

The lead single from Gentleman, "Want You Back," attracted notable recognition, including airplay on Elton John’s Rocket Hour radio show, a moment Budjerah described as personally significant given his admiration for The Lion King, a film closely tied to his formative years.

The album’s title track, "Gentleman," channels funk and energy reminiscent of James Brown, reflecting Budjerah’s performance-driven approach to music. His commitment to live performance is evident not only in his music but also in his personal life; he famously sang at his wedding to his high school partner, Sophie Slabb.

Lyrically, the album balances themes of love, struggle, and identity. Songs like "Sinner" and "Hard Time" explore aspects of Budjerah’s upbringing in a musical and religious family—his parents are both pastors and musicians—and his connection to his Aboriginal heritage. Despite initial reservations about some themes, he embraced these tracks as authentic expressions of his voice.

Budjerah’s songwriting process also involved collaboration with acclaimed figures such as Diane Warren, who contributed to the track "Even at My Worst." Working with Warren was a milestone reflective of Budjerah’s growing stature within the music industry.

Beyond music, Budjerah aspires to be a versatile entertainer, cultivating skills in dancing and acting in addition to singing and songwriting. His early experiences, including participating in school musicals and plays, continue to inspire this ambition. Although he faced setbacks such as an unsuccessful audition for a role in the Netflix series Heartbreak High, his music has been featured on the show’s soundtrack, maintaining a connection to acting.

Gentleman is now available for streaming and purchase, and Budjerah has announced a tour to support the album. The tour will begin in Melbourne on October 31 and includes stops across Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland, concluding in Brisbane on November 21.

Budjerah remains grounded in his faith and roots, often attending church services and maintaining a close relationship with his family. His personal experiences, combined with his musical talents, continue to shape his narrative as an emerging artist with a distinct voice in contemporary Australian music.