Capping an already thrilling week in which he was sampled by Allday feat. Cub Sport on new single Miss You Still, today eccentric Australian pop artist Ben Lee announces the release of his brand new album, ‘This One’s For The Old Headz’. The forthcoming record is due for release on Friday 20th September via his own company Weirder Together, a collaboration with his wife actress Ione Skye. Today, Lee also shares lead single, Heavy Metal, alongside a music video directed by Nash Edgerton, produced by Social Register, Blue Tongue Films, and Weirder Together – all shot on film.
Recorded in just three days straight to tape with legendary power-pop rhythm section of Jon Wurster and Jason Narducy (Superchunk, Mountain Goats, Bob Mould), and produced by Justin Stanley in LA, ‘This One’s For The Old Headz’ is a throwback to classic pop powers albums by artists like Teenage Fanclub, The Replacements, Big Star and The Lemonheads.
Following recent single Lovers, a track which explores the ins and outs of relationships, both past and current, Heavy Metal takes a different direction. Speaking on the influence behind the new single, Lee shares “When I was 10 years old I was obsessed with the Motley Crue home video ‘Uncensored’, and particularly a scene where singer Vince Neil rode down Sunset Blvd in a jacuzzi built into the back of a limo with two hot girls. It was a seminal moment for me that imprinted deeply on my nascent ideas about success, sexuality and the music industry, as an impossibly iconic symbol of hedonism and rock n roll debauchery. In some ways I’ve been chasing that moment my whole life, whatever that means. That’s what this song is about. Whatever has gone awry in my life, ‘blame it all on heavy metal.’
The video was directed by my old collaborator Nash Edgerton, and produced by Directors Bureau, all shot on film. It’s basically a shot by shot remake of the Penelope Spheeris documentary ‘Decline of Western Civilisation Part II: The Metal Years’ with me playing Lemmy, Gene Simmons, Ozzy and other assorted metal heads. It’s the performance I’ve been waiting my whole life to give!”
Sharing more behind the creation of the new album, Lee shares “This One’s For the Old Headz is a spirited, energetic exploration of getting older while staying true to your punk spirit. Recorded over 3 days, straight to tape, with legendary power-pop rhythm section of Jon Wurster and Jason Narducy (Superchunk, Mountain Goats, Bob Mould), and produced by Justin Stanley in Pasadena, CA. Old Headz is a throwback to classic power pop albums by artists like Teenage Fanclub, the Replacements, Big Star and the Lemonheads. With an album cover shot by legendary indie party photographer Cobrasnake, This One’s for the Old Headz is a blistering, loud guitar and harmony-filled classic Ben Lee album that is sure to capture the hearts and imaginations of old heads and young heads alike.”
HEAVY METAL IS OUT NOW VIA WEIRDER TOGETHER – LISTEN / STREAM HERE
‘THIS ONE’S FOR THE OLD HEADZ’ WILL BE RELEASED ON 20 SEPTEMBER VIA WEIRDER TOGETHER
Ben Lee
The ‘Lovers’ Tour
TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Thu 2 May – The Wedge Theatre, Sale VIC
Fri 3 May – The Round Theatre, Nunawading VIC
Sat 4 May – Haba, Rye VIC
Sun 5 May – ‘Not On Your Rider’ @ The Factory Theatre, Sydney NSW
Sun 12 May – Dangar Island Bowling Club, Dangar Island NSW
Fri 17 May – Tanks Art Centre, Cairns QLD
Sat 18 May – Mansfield Hotel, Townsville, QLD
Thu 23 May – Weirder Together Variety Show @ Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne VIC
Fri 24 May – Royal Theatre, Castlemaine, VIC
Sun 25 May – Memo Music Hall, St Kilda, VIC
Fri 31 May – Brunswick Picture House, Brunswick Heads, NSW
Sat 1 Jun – ‘Small Fry Rock’ @ The Triffid, Fortitude Valley QLD
Fri 7 Jun – Street Theatre, Canberra ACT
Sat 8 Jun – The Marlin, Ulladulla NSW
Fri 14 Jun – Everglades, Woy Woy NSW
Sat 15 Jun – Avalon RSL, Avalon Beach NSW
Fri 21 Jun – Studio 188, Ipswich QLD
Sat 22 Jun – Black Box Theatre @ Kingston Butter Factory, Kingston QLD
Sat 29 Jun – The Concourse Lounge, Chatswood, NSW
Thu 4 Jul – Redland Performing Arts Centre, Cleveland, QLD
Fri 5 Jul – Star Court Theatre, Lismore, QLD
Sat 6 Jul – Jetty Memorial Theatre, Coffs Harbour, NSW
Sat 7 Jul – Hello Sailor, Port Macquarie, NSW
With thanks to Positive Feedback
