Despite performing steadily over the past few years, it was only in April that the world got their first taste of what Demi Mitchell can do, in the form of debut single ‘Medicine Woman’. Her sultry rock n roll was quick to strike a chord though, garnering support from radio around the place as well as affirming a steady fan base. She’s back today with ‘Man Of My Mind’, and with such a masterful return, Demi is sure to assert herself as a name to keep on eye on.

‘Man Of My Mind’ begins with a lonesome guitar line, before the song opens up with a rich backing band and lush string section. However, as soon as Demi’s vocals enter, it’s hard to pay attention to anything else - full with soul, her voice drifts above the instrumentation in a way that is both sorrowful and commanding. ‘Man Of My Mind’ hits its tipping point at the bridge, as guitars burn and drums pound beneath quivering strings, and Demi sweeps us away with her dreamy swagger. Slowly the track softens and we’re left with Demi enchantingly weaving her voice around the final chords, before ‘Man Of My Mind’ fades away with all its power and emotive charm.

To celebrate the release of ‘Man Of My Mind’, we got in touch with Demi to find out all about the new track and her upcoming debut album, due out later this year.

Hey Demi, want to tell us a bit about yourself?

Hi Trouble Juice! How’s it going? I’m a singer and songwriter from the beautiful city of Newcastle, NSW. I’m also a part-time burger connoisseur and self-proclaimed table tennis champion.

We’re good, thanks! What’s the story behind the new single ‘Man Of My Mind’?

‘Man Of My Mind’ is a song about self-doubt and the dark places your mind can go when you feel like you’re a little too much for someone to handle at times. For me, writing songs like this is about the cathartic process of riding out the lows that come with anxiety and depression so that you can come out the other side with a different perspective. Some people might hear it as a sad song but there’s a real importance to music as a release, and I hope it connects with some people and helps them too.

It’s a really classic sounding song, with such a soulful voice over a rich backing band. What draws you to this kind of music?

I have a pretty broad taste in music and for the most part I love listening to 70’s funk and soul and pretty much anything that’s good to dance to, but when it comes to writing music I’m naturally drawn to the darker folk rock sound. I think because that style of music is more based around the stories and meanings behind the lyrics - and also probably because I was raised on a steady diet of Neil Young, J.J. Cale and The Doors as a kid. In my day-to-day life I’m a pretty happy laid-back dog-video-loving person, so my music is where I vent and channel any feelings I might be wrestling with. I think that just lends itself to the more folk style of writing, but I like to add a bit of grit as well.

‘Man Of My Mind’ is only your second track released, following ‘Medicine Woman’ which dropped back in April - how was that track received?

It felt like a long time in the works so I was very happy to finally release new music and for it to be received well amongst friends and new fans with some rotation on Triple J Unearthed. We also released a film clip for the track which was premiered by Life Without Andy.

Both these tracks are to be included on your forthcoming album The Overflow. Can you tell us much about what to expect from the debut album?

You can expect to hear a heart-laid-bare record that is both an emotional release and a comfort. We tracked the songs mostly live where we laid down the drums, vocals and guitar all at once. I didn’t want the record to sound too polished so tracking live gave it the raw edge I was after. It’s titled The Overflow as a reference to the muse for songwriting, it’s like a well that you tap into infrequently (sometimes frustratingly so), and when it’s good you experience the bliss of overflowing with songs and stories to tell.

How’s the rest of 2018 shaping up for Demi Mitchell?

The Overflow has just been sent off to be pressed to vinyl which is a bit of a dream come true for me. It’ll officially be released at the end of July with a run of shows to be announced. I’m looking forward to taking it on the road!