Jan Skubiszewski has been making waves with his solo project, Way of the Eagle, for some time now, and finally he’s unleashed his anticipated full length debut titled KODO (out now via Sony) .

Having churned out such hits as ‘Rattlesnake’, featuring Australian rock legend Dan Sultan which quickly entered the Top 10 Most Played tracks on Triple J, it’s fair to say Skubiszewski’s strength is in collaborating, and KODO is a testament to that.

Just looking at the star-studded lineup of collaborative partners he’s got lined up for his impressive debut it’s hard not to get excited. The feature include Dan Sultan, Illy, Benji Lewis, and Ceeko.

A family affair it may be, but Skubiszewski isn’t simply laying low and hoping star power will pull him through. Tracks like ‘Sweet Addiction’, which bear all the hallmarks of his trademark sound — prominent horns, punchy drums, and a crooning guitar — showcases Skubiszewski’s skills in creating fresh and powerful music.

To celebrate the release of the album, the talented songwriter has given us a track by track run down of how the album came to be. Check it out below, and be sure to catch him on tour this August, tickets and info at www.wayoftheeagle.com.au.

Shadows feat. Harry James Angus

Harry and I have worked together on many different projects including our band Jackson Jackson and The Cat Empire. I love this song’s brash horns, thumping drums and Harry’s unique and haunting vocals.

Sweet Addiction feat. Bobby Saint

I met Bobby at a studio in New York and we wrote this song in a day and then recorded the vocals that night. I then returned to Melbourne where I finished the production. He’s an amazing talent and I love the track’s sexy energy.

Stranded feat. Lachlan Mitchell

I wrote this song with Lachy and a very old friend of mine, Jules Pascoe. The songs about finding yourself stranded on a deserted island and realizing that you love the solitude. It’s also about a guy who thinks he’s on an island but is actually just tripping in his bedroom.

What I Want feat. Benji Lewis

I worked on Benji’s debut EP recently and was instantly drawn to his majestic vocals. He is a wonderful young artist and I’m so happy he’s on the record. I love how the emotion he brings to the song is contrasted by the strength of the beat.

12345 feat. Illy

Illy and I have written many songs together and this one took us about three years to finish. We always have a lot of fun in the studio (probably why it took three years) and we wanted this track to be really strong. He’s like my little brother and I’m thrilled he’s on my record.

Rock When I Go

This track started out as an instrumental and slowly morphed into an upbeat song. Ceeko’s vocals are really soulful but also cheeky and I love that energy. Its a great song to perfom live.

Dirt on My Shoes feat. Seth Jones

Seth and I met in LA and we wrote the song on acoustic guitars in the spare room of his apartment. We wanted to write something that captured the feeling of leaving your home town but always being connected to your past. It’s the most intimate and reflective song on the album.

Broken Paradise feat. Samm T

This is the song that changed the most as I was working on the record. I have just started working with Samm T. Her vocals and lyrics are simply beautiful.

Rattlesnake feat. Dan Sultan

Sultan and I are close friends and we wrote this song one afternoon at the Abbotford Convent in Melbourne. I then finished the production at my Melbourne studio. I love the tracks dramatic energy and Dan’s vocals are always amazing.

Album Lunch Dates

AUG 14 – The Triffid | Brisbane
AUG 15 – Oxford Arts Factory | Sydney
AUG 20 – Howler | Melbourne

Tickets and info at www.wayoftheeagle.com.au.