DANIEL TRAKELL captivates on new release ‘INTO THE BLUE’ Upcoming sophomore album out later this year

by the partae

Photo Credit: Asia Kwin

Returning with his second release for 2023, a brand new hint at a new creative phase still to come, Melbourne songwriter Daniel Trakell reveals the latest single from his upcoming album – the dreamy ‘Into The Blue’.

Following on from ‘Folk Song #2’ earlier this year, Trakell continues to take listeners on a journey marked by soulful and melodic notes. ‘Into The Blue’ is a moment of escape for the artist and listener alike; an invitation to jump in and leave everything behind for its 4:40 minute run time.

An absolute dream.

Recorded in Mollonggipp in regional Victoria in an old church hall, ‘Into The Blue’ saw Trakell work with producer and engineer Josh Barber (Gretta Ray, Gotye), as well as GRAMMY winning, JUNO nominated engineer Shawn Hatfield (Betty Who, Neneh Cherry) on mastering.

Inspired after watching the film Into The Wild, Trakell began thinking about lyrics that focused on leaning into the unknown and taking chances.

“Lyrically ‘Into The Blue’ is about escaping and leaving everything behind. The phrase means to disappear into the unknown, vanish or leave without a trace. I had the song for a while, but didn’t quite know how to finish the lyrics.

After re-watching the film Into The Wild (based on the story of Chris McCandless who disappeared into the Alaskan wilderness), the lyrics started to come together in a kind of re-telling of that story which resonates so much with me as it’s a topic I think about a lot. It’s also, I think, quite a hopeful song about taking some kind of risk or leap of faith in life and trusting that things will work out.”  DANIEL TRAKELL

 

Along with ‘Folk Song #2’, ‘Into The Blue’ was written by Trakell with a full album project in mind.

As part of the first batch of songs written and brought to Barber’s newly renovated studio in Mollongghip, ‘Into The Blue’ captures the energy of the space it was recorded in – the final result wrapped up in a natural warmth and comfort.

“When it’s just me and Josh in the studio together (opposed to working with a full band which is how we recorded the second half of the record) we tend to get down the acoustic guitar and a rough vocal take, then just add instruments and experiment as we feel.

With the first batch of songs we essentially wanted to capture the ambience of the church hall and I feel like ‘Into The Blue’ is the best example of that on the record. Josh  laid down a kind of country style drums and bass which became the backbone of the song before adding some keys and vibraphone.

I did some extra electric guitar stuff, a clarinet part I already had in mind and some mellotron strings in the bridge and outro. Then, Matt Dixon added some beautiful pedal steel on the top which just completed the song perfectly.” DANIEL TRAKELL

Accompanying the release of ‘Into The Blue’, Trakell has also released an official music video – a beautifully captured performance clip, directed by Mike Ridley.

PRAISE FOR DANIEL TRAKELL

“Most often accompanied by his guitar and little else, a Daniel Trakell song is something worth drinking in deeply; the arrangements are gorgeous as are the stories you’ll find within.”
Happy Mag

“haunting, melancholic isolation and just off-centre obscurity”
Rolling Stone Australia

“So many sweet little delicacies to unpack in this one. The sneaky-emotional string arrangement, the delicate glockenspiel, your faultless falsetto. I am charmed.”
Triple J, Max Quinn (about ‘All We Do’)

“Oasis meets Tobias Jesso Jr.”
GBH Music Magazine

“Daniel Trakell is a name that I’m starring in my notes for the years to come.”
Ear To The Ground Music

The arrival of new material from Trakell in 2023 marks the release of his first music since his 2020 album, Warning Bell.

An accomplished performer who has shared stages with the likes of DidirriKyle Lionheart and WILSN, as well as establishing himself as a strong headliner in Melbourne, Trakell knows exactly how to captivate an audience. His music to date has accrued over 4.6 million streams, as well as earning support industry wide from the likes of Rolling Stone AustraliaTriple JFBi RadioHappy Magazine and more.

With more new music to come, Daniel Trakell is gearing up to his brightest chapter yet. His album is expected to be a sweeping exploration of the nuances of life, perfectly parcelled in his unique brand of loveable indie-folk-rock.

Fans can check him out in Melbourne, launching ‘Into The Blue’ with a free afternoon show at the Lulie Tavern in September.

 

DANIEL TRAKELL ‘INTO THE BLUE’ SINGLE LAUNCH

Sunday 10 September Lulie Tavern Melbourne
Free Show

‘INTO THE BLUE’ is released FRIDAY 25th AUGUST
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