Nearly five years since he was crowned the industry’s most promising newcomer at the 2021 ARIA Awards, soul-pop sensation Budjerah is set to unveil his definitive artistic statement: a debut full-length album titled Gentleman.
Steered by the production expertise of Om’Mas Keith—noted for his work with Frank Ocean—the project is scheduled for global release on Friday, July 24. The rollout is supported by a strategic partnership between Warner Music Australia and Warner Records in the United States, a collaboration established in 2021 to amplify the singer’s resonant voice on the international stage.
The road to Gentleman has been paved by the emotive single “Want You Back” and the album’s sophisticated title track, which makes its official debut today.
Reflecting on the record’s genesis, the Australian singer-songwriter describes the collection as a tribute to his formative aspirations. “This album represents a four-year metamorphosis,” Budjerah shares. “Navigating the space between my quiet life at home and the intensity of the road, I’ve undergone immense growth. These songs document the challenges that shaped my identity. I hope my younger self would be proud of the man I’ve become.”
Budjerah Julum Slabb is already a foundational figure within the Australian music landscape. A proud Coodjinburra man gifted with a transcendent vocal range, he has spent the last few years solidifying his reputation through a series of landmark achievements.
Hailing from the coastal enclave of Fingal Head, New South Wales, Budjerah first captured the public’s imagination with his 2021 self-titled EP. That same year, he was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Michael Gudinski Award. His trophy cabinet has since expanded to include an APRA Music Award for the Matt Corby collaboration “Higher,” and the 2022 ARIA for Best Soul/R&B Release.
His live trajectory has been equally meteoric. In 2023, he joined Ed Sheeran for a massive stadium tour across Australia and contributed to a high-profile remix of Sheeran’s hit “2step.” To date, Budjerah has amassed over 60 million career streams—a staggering figure for an artist yet to release a debut LP. His global ambitions were further cemented last year when he signed with United Talent Agency (UTA) for representation across the Americas.
To commemorate the album announcement, Budjerah hosted an intimate industry showcase this week at Sydney’s Lazybones Lounge. Dan Rosen, President of Warner Music Australasia & Southeast Asia, introduced the performance by heralding the arrival of “the era of the Gentleman.” Rosen remarked, “This album is destined to be a watershed moment for Australian music. Since we first encountered Budjerah’s once-in-a-generation talent six years ago, we’ve watched him step fully into his power.”
The showcase featured previews of upcoming tracks, including the Diane Warren-penned finale “Even At My Worst,” alongside his platinum-certified hit “Therapy,” which currently boasts nearly 19 million streams on Spotify.
The title track, “Gentleman,” was crafted alongside heavyweights Autumn Rowe, Kizzo Keaz, and Philip Lawrence, imbuing the song with a distinct nostalgic flair. “It’s about the importance of respect and integrity in a relationship,” Budjerah explains. “Growing up surrounded by my elders, I watched how they cared for one another and listened to the music of their generation. This song is an extension of those values.”
Gentleman is available for pre-order now. View the full tracklist below.
Gentleman Tracklist:
- Gentleman
- Want You Back
- I Only Remember Your Name
- Competition
- Could I Be
- Sinner
- Pretty
- Hard Time
- Lonely
- Let Me Know
- Even At My Worst
