“Sweet & Dandy” is the final single out ahead of dynamic Australian solo act Tash Sultana’s sophomore album. The artist, who first garnered attention by posting videos of themselves playing music from their bedroom on Youtube, has grown a lot in recent years. The self-taught multi-instrumentalist now regularly sells out shows all over the world, is expanding their iconic one-man-band style live act to include three more musicians, and is set to release their second record, Terra Firma, this Friday. “Sweet & Dandy” is the laid-back fifth track out ahead of the album, and it’s Stephanie’s DJ Pick of the Week.
In a press release, Sultana explained, “‘Sweet & Dandy’ is about the process of withdrawing yourself from negative distractions and living in the present, always remembering that you are enough. […] You and you alone, you do not need the world to tell you to be a certain way.” The song is both mellow and psychedelic and puts the artist’s immense talent as a musician (they play twelve different instruments) on full display. Sultana is well known for this independent attitude, and their music is almost entirely self-produced, self-composed, and self-arranged. Terra Firma, however, will see them embrace collaboration in a new way.
Over a 10-day writing session with singer-songwriter Matt Corby and producer Dann Hume, leading single “Pretty Lady” was created along with three other tracks that will appear on the upcoming album. “Terra Firma is the ground, the Earth, you put your feet on it to remember where you are, what you’re from,” Sultana explained to NME. “It’s a reminder that we are only human at the end of the day. Part of one big system and no one really knows the answers to how and why.” This thesis is manifested clearly in “Sweet & Dandy’s” groovy melody and easygoing lyrics.
Be sure to tune into 100.1 FM or lightning100.com to hear “Sweet & Dandy” by Tash Sultana featured as Stephanie’s DJ Pick of the Week. Be sure to let us know your thoughts! Tweet at us with #L100DJPick and share your take on the track.
