If you aren’t already across the movements of Eora-based duo Salarymen you are definitely about to be. Transcending beyond our modern times, Salarymen invite listeners to take a walk back in time to when the likes of Fleetwood Mac were gracing festival stages far and wide.
Entering 2025 with a demanding presence, the duo have released their new single Just Because You Can. The single is the first instalment of their soon to be unveiled debut album. Just Because You Can is an atmospheric tale of lost love and new beginnings set to an infectious beat. The lyrics weave an intoxicating narrative as the protagonist faces letting go of her past, navigating tumultuous relationship dynamics and the realisation she has been taken for a fool.
Vocalist Renee de la Motte croons across the track evoking a sense of bittersweet relief, as she transitions from moody verses to soaring anthemic choruses. The driving rhythm section combines dancier elements of acts like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, with the alternative streak of contemporary favourites Arcade Fire. Meanwhile, the vocal melodies reflect the indie pop sensibilities of acts like Telenova and Julia Jacklin, weaving together a unique tapestry of influences sprinkled with that signature Salarymen magic.
“This is a story of betrayal, regret and triumphant emancipation. It’s a metaphor for leaving behind people and things that no longer help, but hinder you. While going out on your own can initially be daunting, it’s also incredibly liberating. This song is about that moment of realisation we all experience throughout our lives.” – Renee de la Motte.
Salarymen dominated 2024, supporting Australia’s most successful indie rock exports Royel Otis, selling out shows on their debut UK tour, and featuring on several festival and industry showcase line-ups including The Great Escape, SXSW Austin, SXSW Sydney, Lost Paradise and more. Meanwhile, they’ve been added to rotation on triple j, featured on the airwaves of influential tastemaker stations such as BBC6, Radio X and KEXP, appeared as cover stars on
Spotify editorial playlists, and been praised by music media heavyweights Clash and NME.
Just Because You Can will be the first track off Salarymen’s debut album which is yet to be announced. The album is brought to life by the legendary minds of recording engineer Antonia Gauci (GAUCI, Ku?ka, Vallis Alps, The Buoys) and mixing engineer Tony Buchen (Smashing Pumpkins, G-Flip, Troye Sivan, Montaigne). The official details of the album will be announced in the coming months.
Directed by Denis Scholsem, the track’s matching visuals pay homage to the iconic cinema of the 60s, David Lynch and spaghetti western, diving deeper into the Salarymen cinematic universe and the evocative nature of the track. Shot from sunrise to sunset in the beautiful landscapes of Picton NSW, the video sees a woman throwing caution to the wind and leaving her dead-end relationship. As she drives away into the countryside, she attempts to get away from the memories and places that are burned into her mind, with the film clip featuring Renee as the main protagonist.
You can catch Salarymen at upcoming performances including their single launch at Sydney’s Pleasure Club (April 26th), and at several festival appearances set to be announced soon!
Join Salarymen for a genre-defying, captivating journey within a time capsule as they piece together the eclectic puzzle of their debut record.
With thanks to No Time To Impress
