Alex Cameron Is A Radical Songwriter On Return Single, ‘Candy May’

Alex Cameron, one of Australia’s most cult-followed singer-songwriters, is back–announcing his second album, ‘Forced Witness’, and releasing a song and video for lead single, Candy May.

Australian fans might know Cameron best from his work in ambient-electronic three-piece, Seekae. Cameron achieved international fame with his debut solo outing, Jumping the Shark, in 2013 as well as touring with Mac Demarco, Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Foxygen. Stepping away from the dark ambivalence of Seekae, Cameron focuses on a more self-assessing and synth-pop vibe with his own material.

Candy May, the album’s lead single, and the first new material we’ve heard from Cameron since his debut album, is almost a Nick Cave-style ballad–a powerfully brooding track that aims to solve his earnest approach his self-defence. The track’s video was directed by Meghan McGarry, with her describing Cameron’s honed choas on Candy May as:

“…a visual, gut-wrenching longing, sweeping out through the skin with a swagger that is distinctly Alex Cameron,” says McGarry.

Much like Australia’s other famous troubadour, Kirin J. Callinan, Cameron has more than enough famous friends. How? Who knows. But what we’re now treated to is a few guest appearances and duets on this new record of his. Angel Olsen sings in partison with Cameron on Stranger’s Kiss–while also signing backup on first single, Candy May. Runnin’ Outta Luck was co-produced by none other than Brandon Flowers. That’s right, one of this generations most proclaimed songwriter’s, Brandon bloody Flowers. The album itself was produced along with Jonathan Rado, of Foxygen.

Alex Cameron’s sophomore record, ‘Forced Witness’, is out Friday 8 September on Secretly Canadian via Inertia Music. Stream lead single, Candy May, below.