Aussie R&B artist named EJ Worland is proving that Down Under is importing more than just Grade A psych-rock bands these days. With his soulful croon and funky tendencies, one would immediately associate the melodic artist as Detroit or Philly bred.
Glide is premiering the video for “Over the Pond,” a righteous and in the pocket retro groove of feel Australians The Teskey Brothers and the church pew soul of St. Paul and The Broken Bones. Worland creates an emotional connection with the listener where even themes of anxiety can reap healing harmonies. The video was shot and co/directed by DP Manuel Branaa around the now empty streets of LA as it was going from populated to deserted.
“Over The Pond” was written in my good mate’s studio in Los Angeles on a songwriting trip I did back in 2018 when I was still living in Sydney, Australia but yearning to live overseas to try something new. I wanted to write a song that I could keep referring back to, to keep moving forward and keep going. For close to ten years, I had dreamt and made multiple efforts to relocate to the US to give it a good solid crack. It came to a point where I had to pull the trigger and make this dream become a reality. It was time for me to let go of what was holding me back and for me to take charge of my life, no more pointing fingers and blaming others. It was up to me to make something happen. So in 2019 I packed up shop back in Australia and made the move to the US,” says Worland.
“I find lyric writing to be the hardest but the most important part of the songwriting process. I spent a lot of time working on these lyrics to make sure they hit home, making sure everything was real, authentic and that there is a belief in what was written. Like the majority of the world, Covid has had a huge impact on my career. I haven’t been able to book shows and no one knows when the next gig will be and when we all can enjoy live music again. I’ve found comfort and support in listening back to “Over The Pond”. For me, the song speaks to the anxiety of today. It has helped me solidify that I need to stick to what my purpose is, and that’s to take charge of what I’m doing and keep the wheels moving. If the wheels stop, they will rust.”
