Listen HERE
Te Whanganui-A-Tara based songwriter Michael Llewellyn today releases his sophomore album, I’M GORGEOUS, with focus track ‘Stalin’.
Known for his raw storytelling and evocative poetics, the world of I’M GORGEOUS calls the heart into question: mining its infinite layers to confront grief, lust, greed, longing, and ultimately, hope.
From the opening crank of the guitar, the 10-track record thrusts listeners into an alternate dimension, whose mountainous and vast landscapes are painted by resounding drums, lilting keys, vertiginous guitar riffs and, of course, Michael’s resonant, intimate voice.
I’M GORGEOUS follows on from Michael’s debut record OH MY DARLING (2021), and features beloved singles ‘Home Sometime’, chart residents ‘Down By The Packs’ (RadioScope Alt, RollingStone AU/NZ, TAHI FM, UTR) and ‘The Fish Song’ (RadioScope alt, 95bFM Top 10), and Michael’s most recent release, ‘Pray For Rain’ featuring the Avondale Intermediate Choir.
“It's an album in narrative form, an ever swirling story about what it means to confront the many masks we find buried within our own reflection,” says Michael.
Today, the record features the new focus-track single ‘Stalin’ featuring Isabella Smith. The warm guitar riffs, reminiscent of the Velvet Underground, paired with lush vocal layers and a retro drum machine beat creates an unlikely soundtrack to the experience of falling in love.
“It's my favourite track on the record,” says Michael. “Many of the other songs are dark and brooding… to me this song encapsulates the nervous excitement of new love.”
I’M GORGEOUS was recorded at Roundhead Studios, Tāmaki Makaurau, alongside Michael’s band Isabella Smith (backing vocals), James Morgan (guitar), Reuben Topzand (keyboards), Henry Smithers (bass), Josh Dominikovich (drums), Nick Jones (violin), Conor Feehly (Percussion) and Edward Mee (Trumpet). Produced and mixed by Paddy Hill at Roundhead Studios, the record was then mastered by Kelly Hibbert at Almachrome in Los Angeles.
To celebrate the release of his honest and captivating sophomore album I’M GORGEOUS, Michael Llewellyn has announced a nationwide tour of Aotearoa, alongside widely adored indie stars French For Rabbits. Tickets and more info HERE.
Thursday June 19 - Pearl Diver, Dunedin
Saturday June 21 - Space Academy, Christchurch *
Thursday June 26 - Dawn, Taranaki
Friday June 27 - The Yard, Raglan
Saturday June 28 - Grey Lynn RSC, Auckland *
Thursday July 3 - Meow, Wellington *
Friday July 4 - Small Hall Sessions, Hawkes Bay *
Saturday July 5 - The Dome Cinema, Gisborne *
* w/ French For Rabbits
Follow Michael Llewellyn:
Spotify / YouTube / Apple Music / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok