NICK CARVER Throws His Weight Behind Gritty Blues-Country Single ‘Stones You Throw’ And Announces EP
In his return, Nick Carver has stripped back his sound, whilst amplifying its weight. On ‘Stones You Throw’ (Out September 11), Carver returns with a gritty and bluesy reflection on the tendency to judge without knowing someone’s story. The single also comes with the announcement of his EP, which will be released in November.
With his band Nick Carver and the Mean Street Butchers, Carver released two highly praised albums, ‘The River’ and ‘Animals’; performed at festivals including NYE on the Hill and Folk Rhythm & Life Festival; and shared stages with Ash Grunwald, Custard, The Fauves and The Tea Party.
On ‘Stones You Throw’, Carver strips away the familiarity and security of a full band, leaving himself sonically exposed yet empowered, embracing his imperfections as he is unapologetically himself.
Opening with stomping percussion, ‘Stones You Throw’ is an unbothered, gritty blues-country track underpinned by Carver’s unapologetic hard-yakka confidence. His gravelly, defiant vocals are surrounded by the tough bluesy twang of his overdriven acoustic guitar and slide, while the tambourine and stomp box give the track its raw, foot-to-the-floor pulse. Carver deliberately leaves space for imperfection, utilising it as a creative tool.
‘Stones You Throw’ challenges and critiques the ease in which we judge people without understanding them and their story. The song becomes a reflection on reclaiming your own narrative and discovering who you are, not who everyone decides you are. As Nick Carver discusses:
“Stones You Throw is the only song on the EP that isn’t told from my own perspective. Instead, it imagines the story of someone else’s life…. this guy from where I’m from, the town drunk, the weirdo, the ex-junkie – the bloke everyone knew but nobody really knew. What was his story before everyone decided who he was? And if he’s gone, does that make me the town weirdo now? Those questions became the heart of this song, a reminder that it’s easy to throw stones at someone without ever understanding how they got there.”
Carver’s accompanying music video builds on this theme, as he intentionally reveals the craft behind his work and shows that all he needs is himself, his swaggering vocals and his guitar. The music video embodies his identity as an artist, with workwear, boots, a trucker hat and edgy coloured glasses, reflecting the same gritty, unpolished and bold style found in his music.
Carver knows who he is, and ‘Stones You Throw’ proves it. Driven by pure conviction, the track conveys the confidence of an artist who won’t allow anyone else to define him or break him.
Nick Carver’s new single ‘Stones You Throw’ is out on September 11.
Support for Nick Carver
“It has a gorgeous dirty country blues feel to it, with big earthy guitars and rough-edged vocals. It’s foot-stomping, it’s a riot, yet comforting and personal.”
(AU Review)
“Searing soulful sludgy blues! That slide is getting a thrashing and sounds amazing. Love the brooding swamp this one’s rising up from. Unbeatable stompable rhythm.”
[About ‘Two Legged Dog’] (Steph Hughes, Triple J)
“I’m glad I’m wearing boots while listening because I felt the intense need to stomp.”
[About ‘Two Legged Dog’] (Stacy Gougoulis, Triple J)
“Blow me down and let rip Nick! This is the kind of grit I can sunk my teeth into.”
[About ‘Two Legged Dog’] (Kath Devaney, Triple J)
“The Way That You Walk is a smooth and moody piece that is rolling with bright keys, rolling brushed drums and Nick Carvers swoony vocal delivery.”
(AAA Backstage)
“If you love your rock music with some grit, you’re going to be stomping your foot along with ‘I Need to Feel'” (Sounds Of Oz) [About ‘I Need To Feel’]
Key Station support: Double J, ABC Radio, ABC Country, 3MDR, Southern FM (Melbourne), Radio Wigwam (UK), 4ZZZ (Brisbane), SYN (Melbourne), RTR FM, 3RIM, 5ZZZ, PBS, Tribe Fm, One FM, 3BBR FM, Plenty Valley FM, 2AAA and more.