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James Chatburn: Changing the Aussie R&B game

I originally wrote this on indie Shuffle

For those who don’t really keen tabs on Australian R&B/soul and hip hop, listen to me when I say: there has been an unbelievable surge forward in recent times. More and more Aussie artists (not just rappers but singers and producers too) are breaking the mould (which was very boring for a very long time), delivering diverse, dense tunes of a stunning calibre.

In light of this, I’m excited to share this track from Sydney artist James Chatburn. We Drink features J Dilla collaborator Frank Nitt, and production from Melbourne artist Dizz1.

The beat is big and brassy, delicately embellished by synth plucks throughout. Chatburn’s husky vocals are really gorgeous, and the catchy melody is just sublime. Toward the end, the beat is traded in for a Spanish guitar, atop of which we’re treated to a slick verse from Detroit-native Nitt.

I adore this track – and I can’t wait to hear more from James Chatburn.