Stephen Cummings reveals new EP “Joy” and announces rare Melbourne concert alongside the release of a new music video.
Stephen Cummings is back with his latest EP, Joy, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious five-decade career. The EP, available on 12-inch vinyl and digital formats through Cheersquad Records & Tapes, showcases Cummings reimagining tracks from Australian songwriters spanning from 1971 to 2021. Collaborating with producer Robert Goodge and an ensemble of talented musicians, including Sam Lemann, Graham Lee, and Leah and Andi Senior, Cummings breathes new life into classics by Spectrum, Pel Mel, Jess Ribeiro, and Dag.
Each track on the EP reflects Cummings’ deep connection to Australian songwriting and his unique storytelling ability. Despite experiencing a life-altering stroke in 2020, Cummings’ recent recordings have taken on a more intimate and emotive character, emphasizing phrasing, breath, and narrative richness. Following the success of his 2023 album, “100 Years From Now,” Joy continues to explore this evolution, bridging past influences with a renewed focus on musical expression.
Accompanying the EP release is a visually stunning video for “Living In The Balance,” filmed at the Heavenly Queen Temple in Footscray, Melbourne. The video captures the introspective essence of the song, grounding Cummings’ performance in a spiritually evocative setting. To celebrate the EP launch, Cummings will be performing at George Lane in St Kilda, a venue rich with historical significance as the former Crystal Ballroom, where he first performed with The Sports in 1979 during Melbourne’s vibrant post-punk and new wave scene.
The show promises to be a poignant return to the stage, with Cummings delivering tracks from “Joy” alongside selections from his acclaimed 1988 album, “Lovetown,” and other signature works from his extensive repertoire. Leah Senior, whose ethereal harmonies have featured prominently in Cummings’ recent recordings, will open the performance with a solo set before joining him on stage.
Cummings’ musical journey traces back to the mid-1970s with The Pelaco Brothers, leading to his iconic role as the frontman of The Sports, where hits like “Don’t Throw Stones” and “How Come” solidified his status as one of Australia’s premier vocalists. Through his solo career, Cummings has continually pushed stylistic boundaries, from the dance-infused sounds of “Senso” to the introspective storytelling of “Lovetown.” Although commercial success has varied, his lyrical precision and emotional depth have consistently garnered acclaim.
With “Joy,” Cummings not only pays homage to Australian songwriting across the decades but also delves deeper into his own evolving artistic vision. By breathing new life into classic tracks and infusing them with his storytelling prowess, Cummings creates a unique musical bridge that connects past and present. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness this legendary artist’s transformative journey unfold on stage at George Lane in St Kilda.