Brisbane-based country singer/songwriter and truck driving troubadour Bud Rokesky first caught my ear with his debut single ‘Love My Baby More’. A couple of weeks later I was standing in front of the stage at Dashville Skyline in the Hunter Valley with the early afternoon sun casting a warm glow across the assembled audience. A tall black-clad figure saunters onstage, unassuming yet possessing a confidence and gravitas. One voice, one guitar and one hell of a captivating set ensued. Songs of love and loss, poetry in slow motion as Rokesky drew the crowd into his orbit with his deep and austere country croon. You knew you were watching a star in waiting.

It goes without saying that I’m very happy to premiere Rokesky’s second single and it’s accompanying video clip. ‘Floodlights‘ is a beautifully recorded song, produced by Matt Corby & Alex Henrikkson, with organ by Harry Sutherland and pedal steel by the LA based multi-instrumentalist Ray Suen that will melt the toughest soul. Rokesky sings like he’s in his own timezone, hanging on a line and letting it sway and linger before the next poetic run takes shape, painting the picture of a small-town character dealing with the consequences of bad decisions. You can hear the musical lineage of iconic artists such as Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine and Tony Joe White and modern counterparts Colter Wall and Ian Noe echoing through Rokesky’s music.

“’Floodlights’ is a story of regret, confusion, a little anger, and finally acceptance. I wrote it wondering what maybe protected me from my own close calls with recklessness in youth, but also understanding that you can’t control every outcome. Sometimes it’s best to put it down to enigmatic luck or fate, so as to protect your sanity.” 

Directed by Jeremy Hancock & produced by Tayla Pearson, the clip sees Rokesky serenading, consoling and castigating himself, reflecting those decision back at himself in a time of contemplation.

Released on November 2nd, ‘Floodlights‘ comes from Rokesky’s forthcoming debut Outsider (set for release on February 3rd, 2023 via Rainbow Valley Records). 

UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS

Thu, Nov 3rd – Stranded Bar, Brisbane QLD w/ Meg Washington

Fri, Nov 25th – Gem Bar, Collingwood VIC w/ Patrick Wilson

Sat, Nov 26 & Sun, Nov 27th – Queenscliff Music Festival, VIC

Tue, Jan 17th – Tamworth Country Music Festival @ The Tamworth, NSW *Mother Hen Touring showcase

More shows are soon to be announced