Media release – Pete Cornelius, 20 December 2024
SOUTHERN
Pete Cornelius is a proud Tasmanian through and through. So much so that his new album ‘Southern’ – due for independent release on February 7, 2025 – is a collection of songs drawing on much of that Tasmanian heritage. Pete’s inspiration for lyric, harmony and rhythm continues to draw from the surroundings of the landscape and the stories within. Pete also wanted to make it purely within lutruwita / Tasmania – using local artists, colleagues and mates to help capture the essence of island life. Southern Life.
Tracking sessions were done over a few months at both ‘Wilder Tasmania’ Gowrie Park, under the foothills of Mt Roland, and Pete’s ‘Elephant Room’ studio on Mt Elephant with co-producer Matt Fell. The 10 songs on ‘Southern’ showcase how Pete’s musical style has evolved over time; now steeped in heartfelt blues, greasy soul with bold Americana overtones.
Josh Cunningham (The Waifs / Felicity Urquhart) when asked about the album, said “With Southern, Pete Cornelius has crafted an album of grit, toughness and beauty. His guitar playing is as lyrical and evocative as his vocal delivery and features as a second “voice” on the record – the two complementing rather than competing with each other in sheer storytelling perfection. Cornelius’ guitar prowess is inescapable throughout Southern – perhaps even more notable on account of the tasteful, understated restraint that characterises his playing. It’s a perfect companion to the lyrical depth and rich imagery on show – similarly disguised in efficient and economical lines. Southern music is renowned for its rawness and down home soul. From the deepest south of Tasmania, Pete Cornelius has revealed himself as the real deal and created an album that showcases an artist at the peak of his powers.”
From the rollicking opener ‘Cruikshank’ – based on the true maritime tale of an old ship that met its untimely fate off the rugged south-west coast of Tasmania, the album moves to ‘Sick Of This Town’ – the album’s 3rd single, which explores the desire to throw off the shackles of small town life.
‘Sump Oil City’, the 2nd single from the album, gets down and greasy in all the best ways – with an industrial blues swagger that Cornelius hopes Tom Waits would approve of. It’s the lament of the highway, cutting off the main artery of too many small towns, leaving not much in their wake.
‘On The Road’ – the touring musician’s dilemma, the thrill of the road and the longing for home combine for a cracking song with Cornelius’ guitar playing adding that extra emotion. ‘Click Clack Jack Kerouac – wish we were back on the road / Going nowhere – I know it well –I‘ve been trying to get the Dodge out of hell.’
‘Hot On The Heels’ – the last single from the album (released Nov 18, ’24) is all about love – the slow, sweet and enduring love that comes with time. Pete says of the track “So, how did you two meet? A question all couples get asked at those awkward dinner parties. Some have cracker tales of adventure and lust, some high school sweethearts, others just don’t even remember. So yes, I met my now wife many times at gigs before we got together. Lots of great, sometimes persistent mutual friends, oh and her admirable CD collection sure helped sign the deal. I wanted a song that felt like it had been around since the days of Laurel Canyon artists flooded the market, a soft shuffle with a familiar ease. Explore the exhilarating highs and tender moments of chasing love, where nothing compares to the magic of being utterly, blissfully alive.”
‘Devil In The Company Car’ – the first single tells the tale of “Jimmy Brown” – the fictional hard-working 9-5 career driven employee who one day just snaps – a brilliant explosion of pent-up frustration – breaking free from the monotony that held him captive for four long decades. A cautionary reminder of the thin line between routine and rebellion, and a celebration of the madness that can arise when we are pushed to our limits.
The seventh track is one of 2 covers on the album – ‘Everybody’ by the great Don Walker. Pete explains the song selection: “There are not many song writers that make me smile, or transcend the mind to a time or place. Don Walker on the other hand, is one of those guys. He can take you through the dark edge of town in the first few bars with his low dissonant chords and blue collar lyrics, not to mention his old man Aussie drawl. Beautiful. What I love about the Don’s writing is the simplicity of chord structure, yet little hooks and tags that cut like a knife. I really felt I could relate to this song. In all the noise of today’s life and self-righteous social posts, all you want to be is idiot free and outta here with you… I do also want to pay tribute to my friend, the late great Big Daddy Roy Paine who was in Don’s band the ‘Suave Fucks’. Miss ya mate
‘Greasy RNRNB’ is the black sheep on the album – the song that didn’t quite fit but Cornelius isn’t a fan of shelving songs for another release – he likes to treat his songs as timestamps. “If they linger too long, they can become stale and irrelevant’. The song captures the joy and the appreciation of a beautiful random moment – in this instance, a moment out surfing during a Tasmanian winter. “Every time I listen to it, I’m right back there — feeling that chilly breeze and soaking up the sun. It’s a reminder to deeply appreciate the people and things you surround yourself with.”
‘Troubled Mind’ was inspired at home “I find it really interesting that when a slow, moody song comes on, our eldest daughter immediately hits the skip button. Instead, she’s all about the bright, bubbly songs that match her energetic mood. For her, music is all about feeling good—anything that brings up sadness or deep thoughts just doesn’t click with her right now. But it makes me think about how we all change over time. As we grow up, we experience a whole range of emotions. There’s something to be said for letting ourselves feel that melancholy sometimes. It can actually bring a sense of calm or help us reflect on tough times we‘ have been through. Life throws so much our way that we can’t control, and while our daughter might not get that yet, I hope she will one day see the value in embracing all kinds of feelings.”
“One feeling I’m trying to run with here is love and support. Having a great life partner who can be there when things get a little bumpy is such a treasured thing. It’s amazing to know that through all the highs and lows I’ve got someone by my side who gets it and is always there to lend a hand.”
Album closer ‘Any 3 Chords’ is the album’s 2nd cover, written by Mia Dyson. Pete explains “This song had been flagged since the very first time I heard it as something I’d love to do a version of. Its simple swagger and subject is truly a theme I’m fond of and can relate to. I have had huge respect for Mia since I first met her back in the early 2000’s. Her writing, vocal delivery and guitar playing is something to aspire to. I also wanted a song where the band could stretch out a little, take a few creative liberties. I can already picture how much fun it would be to really flesh this one out live on stage. It will be such a wild ride, and I can’t wait to dive into it!”
The album will be independently released Friday, February 7, and is available on CD, vinyl and digital.
