WAAX have announced their new album At Least I’m Free and released not one but two singles to mark the occasion.
The striking piano ballad, ‘Dangerous’, is co-written by 4 Non Blondes icon Linda Perry, who’s become a go-to songwriter for some of the biggest names in pop including P!nk (‘Get the Party Started’), Christina Aguilera (‘Beautiful’), and Gwen Stefani (‘What You Waiting For?’).
“The process of writing ‘Dangerous’ was one of the most wild experiences of my life,” WAAX’s lead singer Maz DeVita says. “I had talked to the (label) team about planning a writing trip over in LA in late 2019, so naturally everyone reached out to anyone they could think of. I don’t know what the universe was doing during that time, but an email found its way to Linda Perry, and she listened to our music.
She requested to set up a writing session right away – and I was literally speechless. She told me she saw something in me, like a real darkness in my voice. Next thing I knew I was in an Uber on my way to her studio absolutely shitting myself. She was and still is the most remarkable human being I have ever had to privilege to meet.”
‘Dangerous’ may be new territory but their other new single, ‘Help Me Hell’, is classic WAAX: a sharp blast of punk rock, filled with snarling attitude and grungy energy. “‘Help Me Hell’ was one of the earlier tracks we wrote,” explains DeVita. “We just wanted a straight to the point, minimal chords, simple lyrics and no BS.
James (Gatling – WAAX guitarist and co-songwriter) and I wrote it in one session very quickly. I felt during that time that no matter what I tried my life was not changing, the same patterns were emerging, and I felt frustrated. I always had this feeling of hitting my head on the ceiling trying to get the f*ck out.”
Both songs are taken from the Brisbane band’s forthcoming second studio album At Least I’m Free, which will also feature previous single ‘Most Hated Girl’. “We chose to release a double single to give the listener the most vulnerable song versus the most visceral song,” adds DeVita.
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“Our album is one of duality and extremes, so we thought it would be best to give fans a taste of what’s to come. The highest highs and lowest lows. No in-betweens. Buckle up.”
In the meantime you can catch WAAX on their national DANGEROUS TOUR which kicks off at Melbourne’s Corner Hotel on Thursday, April 14th, before visiting Queensland, Tasmania, South Australia, and the ACT, before finishing in their home state of Queensland.
At Least I’m Free is set for release on August 5th via Dew Process and Universal Music Australia, and can be pre-ordered here. ‘Dangerous/Help Me Hell’ is available now on all platforms.
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Check out ‘Dangerous/Help Me Hell’ by WAAX:
