Left image via Jess Gleeson / right image via Shervin Lainez //

Following a busy 2021 that saw her take on Eurovision and release a string of singles, Sydney muso Montaigne is keeping up the heat for her first release of 2022…

The new single sees the muso double down on the power-pop sentiments she explored on last year’s ‘Now (In Space)’ and her Eurovision entry ‘Technicolour’, except the energy in this cut is dialled up to 11. Warbly drums and glitchy electronic inflections fill the sonic canvas of ‘Always Be You!’, setting a good backdrop for Montaigne’s vibrant vocals and the accompanying autotune that manifests in the form of endless harmonies. And in a sweet addition, Talking Heads frontman David Byrne appears on the track as well, matching Montaigne’s verses about loving one’s partner with a feel-good verse of his own.

The visuals for the collab emphasise the vivid nature of the sonics, utilising coloured backdrops and green-screen landscapes as a background for the Sydney muso as she performs a high-energy rendition of the new offering. Byrne himself also manages to make an appearance in the clip, remotely singing through an old TV screen to Montaigne and her partner who intently watch on whenever his vocals spring into life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKGJ4tVsDb8

Speaking on linking up with the Talking Heads frontman, the Eurovision alum explains, “It’s a dream come true to be able to work with David Byrne (if only remotely)! Everything he’s done from the Talking Heads to solo work & one-off collaborations has been so influential to me” with Byrne adding “How many artists would reference funny monologist Daniel Kitson?? But with Jess that quirkiness translates into complete heartfelt honesty and transparency about her feelings – feelings many of us might be ashamed or afraid to admit to – all set to incredibly infectious tunes. Brave, weird and catchy.”

Montaigne’s new single ‘Always Be You!’ ft. David Byrne is out now. You can buy/stream it here.