‘Baby Mama Drama’ arrives as a groove-heavy, emotionally grounded track. What was the moment that first sparked the idea for this song?
Well, to be honest, it came from the rhyming words: even Obama has baby mama drama… then I kind of worked backwards from there. I originally thought of it coming from the perspective of a relationship counsellor. You know, an old guy in a tweed jacket and bow tie…he’s got a sign out the front of his office that reads something like, “Been Married Seven Times, Each One A Success..” and his basic message is, tough times in a relationship are inevitable, it’s how you deal that counts.
The song speaks openly about holding onto love even when things get messy. Was there a specific relationship experience that shaped the message behind it?
Haha, more than one, I’d say. Also, I’ve drawn from friends’ experiences, not just mine. But yeah, if you ever hear someone say they never have any conflict in their relationship, then that union is probably not fully formed. Conflict is essential and part of the game.
You recorded vocals across hemispheres, directing the session from Sydney at 3 a.m. What was that experience like, and how did that pressure shape the final take Arica Jackson delivered?
It was kind of like a Teams Meeting with high fidelity audio equipment. We got the girls into the studio in Brooklyn; they were super professional and quick studies, so they nailed their parts really easily, which was a joy for me. It was so crazy hearing them chat in the vocal booth over there whilst the engineers were setting up… “hey, how are you? I love your hair! Oh, thank you!”.. Like they were in the next room…
We didn’t have a lot of time before they had to take off for work (on Broadway), so there was definitely pressure to get everything done. But it came out great.
The outro vamp from Arica Jackson was a one-take moment. How did it feel hearing that performance come together in real time?
By the time all the written stuff was in the can, we literally had minutes left when I asked Arica to do a vamp on the outro. She had time for one take, and it was surreal. It meant a lot to finally get this part of the puzzle complete because we went through so much to get to this point. Not only the lockdown, but the studio had to close down halfway through the project, so there was a delay there until we got set up in an in-between studio, plus it took ages to finally get the right singers… I was like a dog with a bone and not willing to compromise. I knew what I wanted, and I eventually got it.
Your influences span Teddy Atlas to Steely Dan and The Roots. Where do you hear those inspirations most clearly in ‘Baby Mama Drama’?Well, in the case of Steely Dan, it’d be those half-diminished chromatically descending jazz chords that create the harmonic environment for the track. And would I like to hear Teddy Atlas sing my song? Would I what!!
You made much of the upcoming album while living in your family’s granny flat during lockdown. How did that stripped-back, solitary environment affect your writing and emotional approach?
I had no distractions except for the welcome ones, like my 2 year old nephew, who was in the main house with the family. Nothing but a bed, a piano and my little studio set up. I got to go really deep whilst on that 3 and a half month sabbatical. And the results are there. A strong case for a universal basic income for artists!! Alas, it’s Australia, so don’t hold your breath.
This track carries both groove and vulnerability. How do you balance storytelling, humour, and honesty in a song that deals with conflict and reconciliation?
Everyone can relate to this to some degree, so I guess it’s about relatability. And humour is a good way to take the edge off of something that can be all-consuming. I suppose when you’re past it, you can look back and think, maybe I’ll do things differently next time…
You spent years fronting a nine-piece roots-reggae outfit. What feels different about sharing music under your own name and shaping every detail yourself?
It feels easier and very liberating doing it this way. I can perform these new tracks on a piano or a guitar, or with a couple of spoons and get the message across. Yeah, the nine-piece thing was amazing when it all came together, but it was a challenge doing it in a tiny scene like Australia…
The lyrics nod to the universal nature of relationship tension — “even Obama has Baby Mama Drama.” Why was it important to approach the topic with warmth and relatability rather than blame?
As I’ve said, no one escapes the harsh reality of relationship conflict, and you can use it for good. And you can’t go around carrying grudges and hatred toward people who you feel did you wrong. Well, maybe for a bit, but then you have to let it go. The Obama line is about the fact that he presents this almost god-like persona of perfection, you know, the way he carries himself, you know, he’s a cool guy, but I guarantee you he’d have spent his fair share of time in the dog house.
‘Baby Mama Drama’ is part of your upcoming 2026 album Dealin’ Out The Healin’. What larger story or emotional arc does this single represent within that new body of work?
Well, if I look at the themes throughout the record, a lot of it is about experiences I have had or those of close friends’ experiences that I witnessed first hand, dealing with relationships. Hopefully the references are opaque enough for them not to recognise themselves, haha. I think I did. I’ve never done this before, where the stories are all of the same arc… I thought, let’s make it relatable, cos it’s about getting the music heard by as many people as possible, isn’t it?
