Rising West Australian singer-songwriter Finn Pearson is back with his powerful new single, Boys Don’t Cry, a country-inspired track that delves into the damaging impacts of toxic masculinity and the struggles of emotional repression – out now.
“Boys Don’t Cry is a depiction of hitting rock-bottom and being unable to help yourself due to a lifetime of social conditioning that prevents you from feeling and addressing emotions”, shares Finn. “How does a man raised on diet of Australian masculine stereotypes, within power structures that reward physical strength and emotional invulnerability deal with a fall from grace? Vague, but not-quite-believed Christianity lurking at the door, culturally normalised substance abuse ever-present, and no framework to ask for help – something has to give.”
Formed through collaboration with guitarist/ keyboardist Max Lockitt, bassist Siobhan Cotchin and drummer/ producer Oli Bodlovich, Finn explains “I found the process extremely liberating… The reality of creating music and building a track from scratch with just three of my best friends felt in a lot of ways like playing a gig or being on tour; like a return to some of the most intimate and enjoyable aspects of being in a band.”
Inspired by influences like The Eagles and Chris Stapleton, the song marries uplifting chords with sombre lyrical content reminiscent of songs like Dead Flowers by The Rolling Stones. With its big harmonic choir outro, a scorching guitar solo, and a layer of slide guitar, Boys Don’t Cry blends timeless rock arrangements with contemporary production, creating a bold and memorable sound.
Earning a reputation as one of WA’s hardest-working musicians, this new release marks a shift towards a darker, more rock-influenced sound, building on previous achievements that include support tours for Kingswood and The Southern River Band, WAM (West Australian Music) Awards (Best Folk Song & Best New Act), and extensive festival performances at events such as Blues At Bridgetown, Wave Rock Weekender, and Out Of The Woods.
With Boys Don’t Cry, Finn Pearson continues to prove himself as a master storyteller, capturing the tension between the personal and the universal, the raw and the refined.
Catch the Finn Pearson Band launching Boys Don’t Cry on 14 March at Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle, with support from Timothy Nelson, Clare Perrott, and Oakabella and the Maeflies. More information/ tickets available via Moshtix.
With thanks to Blue Grey Pink
