Budjerah: The Australian Artist on His Influences and New EP ‘Conversations’

20-year-old Aboriginal singer Budjerah is giving listeners a window into his teenage years and transition into adulthood with his new EP Conversations. Raised in coastal New South Wales, Budjerah grew up in a family of musicians from whom he inherited his love and passion for music. He uses his talent as a way to express himself and connect with others. “I don’t feel pressured to be constantly creating music,” Budjerah shares. “I’m having fun and people seem to be having fun with me so I’m happy with the moments I have right now.” Budjerah chats with us about the release of his new EP and what he hopes listeners take away from this body of work. 

Tell us about yourself! What would you want someone who has never heard of you or your music to know about you?
My name is Budjerah, pronounced Boo (like book), jer, rah. I like to make sure people can say my name right—it’s very important to me. My music is kind of indie, R&B, and soul—that’s how I describe it. The main thing about me is that I like singing. I sing all the time. I just love it.

How did growing up in a small coastal town in New South Wales influence your music career? Were you able to find a music community in your town? 
I think growing up next to the beach definitely influenced me. It made everything feel super relaxed. The music community where I grew up is mostly busking and folk music, and I didn’t really get into that too much. It took me some time to find people that understood what I was trying to do. Now, I have people all over the place that I like to work with and create awesome music with. 

How did you first fall in love with music? And when did you decide to pursue it professionally? 
I grew up singing in church. Everyone in my family is a great musician—that’s mostly how I learned to sing. Ever since I was little, I just loved singing and being around music, especially when my family was jamming. I started performing professionally when I was 14; I did a few gigs, and I just fell in love with it. I don’t think I could’ve done anything else

Was there a moment when you realized [Conversations] was done and ready to be shared with others? Was it hard to let the project go? 
It took a little while. I had a bit of trouble writing a few of these tracks, but it just got to a point where we were worried that if we did anything more to the tracks, we’d ruin them. I didn’t have a hard time letting this project out. I think the music is really fun, and I was just really excited to share it as soon as possible.

What do you think this album says about you as an artist and as a person? What do you want people to take away from it? 
I think it shows people who I am and tells my stories. All the songs come from real things that happened and how I was feeling at that moment. I want people to connect to the music and get to know me more as they listen to Conversations.

Which song are you most nervous about people listening to? And which one are you most excited about? 
I’m most nervous about “This is the Interlude.” We were having fun in the studio when we created it and never intended for it to be the actual interlude. I’m really excited for people to hear “My Name.” I played it at a show before to get the crowd’s reaction, and it got a really good response. Everyone was just having a good time with it. It’s a fun tune.

You are setting off on tour through Australia, Europe, and North America soon! Are there any venues that you are particularly excited about performing at? Is there a specific city you’re excited to explore?  
The most exciting place for me is The Jazz Café in London. It’s one of my bucket list venues to play, and I can’t believe I’m going to be there. I’ve always wanted to go to France since I was little so I’m really excited for that, too.

What does that waiting feel like? Does it feel like your time is coming now that Conversations is being released out into the world? 
I’m really happy with where I’m at and my current trajectory. I’m having fun, and people are having fun with me. Whether Conversations becomes a massive number 1 hit or not isn’t up to me, so I’m just enjoying the time right now.

This interview was condensed and edited for clarity. 

STORY ANA SANDOVAL
PHOTOS ELLIOTT LAUREN RYAN