Music

Coming from the mind of Cameron James Henderson, a surprising inventory of musical instruments have combined with a flourishing amount of talent to develop a new album under a new persona: CJ Stranger. With Hey Stranger soon to be delivered as CJ's next full length after four years of bohemian living, two recent singles have also been released, entitled 'Outlaw' and 'Strange One'. A folk-rock jam featuring mellotron, baritone guitar and tape warping, 'Outlaw' was released in early February, and describes CJ's differing personalities, internal and external. Fancying himself as a highwayman or bushranger in his imagination, CJ delivers these following lines in the first chorus - 

"I am an outlaw in my mind, but in real life I walk the straightest line.                                                                                       Ridin' horseback, guns blazin' in my head, but in real life I'm just tryin' real hard to get out of bed." 

'Strange One' bears more of an indie-rock flavour, and was released in late October of last year. It's partially informed by the sound of such acts as Middle Kids, with whom CJ moonlights as a session musician. The accompanying music video is definitely worth a watch. Conceptually self-described as a 'stream-of-consciousness ramble of a day living in the inner-west', 'Strange One' also takes influence from the modern urban songwriting of Courtney Barnett, who demonstrates her ability on  songs like 'Depreston'. CJ recently brought his heartfelt and quirky tunes to audiences in Surry Hills, Maitland, Summer Hill and Katoomba this month. Follow CJ Stranger's Facebook page to hear his songs, and chuck him a like or two. He definitely deserves it.

Words by Corin Shearston

Picture courtesy of FireStarter Music & Distribution