SINGLE PREMIERE: Georgia Van Etten - 'Deep Black Water'

14 January 2021 | 11:18 am | Neil Griffiths

"Above all, I hope 'Deep Black Water' serves as a talking point and urgent call for change."

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Australian UK-based songwriter Georgia Van Etten has returned with powerful new single, Deep Black Water, premiering on theMusic.com.au today.

The thought-provoking track is deeply personal to the Melbourne artist, who told The Music, "I wrote Deep Black Water to reflect my own experiences as a young person but also to give voice to the many singing students I have taught in London's poorest areas.

"The song highlights critical issues like not being able to afford university or being burdened with mass debt and working multiple jobs to stay afloat and it calls to arms those who will listen. It is a passionate rebellion to the corporate system that fails so many young people."

Deep Black Water is also co-produced by Edwin Ireland of UK outfit Mosa Wild.

"I wanted the song to capture the powerful energy of a protest or march and as such the song begins with a Deep South inspired hum and continues into commanding verse, and gospel-style chanting chorus," Van Etten said.

"Ireland and I wanted to create a soundscape that echoed the grit of city life and we found ourselves inspired by records from Michael Kiwanuka, ELO and Hosier, drawing on elements such as a chain-gang beat and dirty organ.

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"The song touches on the racism and inequality experienced by many of my students, particularly when it comes to educational opportunity and this has become especially poignant recently with the BLM movement worldwide.

"Above all, I hope Deep Black Water serves as a talking point and urgent call for change."

Connect with Van Etten below.