Image via Grant Spanier //

The Fremantle musk’s new album Saturnia lands on September 15th…

In between being a touring member of one of the biggest bands in the world in Tame Impala, producing for artists from all corners of the genre-sphere and starting his own family, Fremantle artist GUM (real name Jay Watson) has somehow, against all odds, managed to consistently churn out captivating slices of indie rock, pop, psychedelia and basically every genre under the sun across five distinct albums. And now, it appears that that very same concoction is alive and well on his latest single, ‘Would It Pain You to See?’

Taken from his upcoming LP, Saturnia, the new track is a glitzy blend of sonics. Featuring some eclectic strings, a delicate drum line and some Spanish sounding guitars that feel like they belong in an episode of Narcos, ‘Would It Pain You To See’ treads the line across R&B and chill wave as he meditates on apathy and caring in the wake of becoming a father. It’s consequently one of GUM’s most coherent and powerful creations to date, which makes the fact that it was created in lockdown all the more surprising.

Speaking on its creation, Watson modestly explains, “I wrote this in lockdown with my newborn son, on my Wurli. My songs are never really literal or with obvious meaning, but if I had to say what this one is about it would be the conflict of apathy and caring a lot about something, that’s inside all of us. It seems to be particularly confusing and crude in today’s day and age.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_ChLmF_X2M

Accompanying the song is a visually mesmerizing music video, masterfully crafted by director Michael Hili, known for his work on Flume’s ‘Say Nothing’ featuring MAY-A. The video’s concept centrEs around envisioning GUM in his backyard studio, piecing together the track. As time progresses, characters come to life, clad in costumes, and play the strings part Jay is crafting in his mind. Yet, amidst the creative process, insecurities and inspirations manifest in the form of haunting demons, creating a compelling visual narrative.

It’s an exciting time to say the least for one of Australia’s most revered international exports, and to celebrate, GUM is taking Saturnia out on tour, taking to the likes of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth in September (full list of dates below) before hopping across the pond to the US. Be sure to cop tickets here and pre-order Saturnia here. For now, check out ‘Would It Pain You to See?’ above.

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