 Sydney based singer-songwriter/multi-instrumentalist/producer Michael Carpenter continues his prolific run of releases with his new single “If Tomorrow Was Today”, to be released Feb 7 on Big Radio Records/RTC Records. The new single is the first true solo original music release by the ubiquitous Carpenter since mid 2019. “If Tomorrow Was Today” is a song that sees a crystallisation of Carpenter’s unique perspective on country music. Written with a ‘waltz feel’, the track combines hybrid electric and acoustic rhythm guitars, assertive and powerful drums and bass and soaring Hammond organ, all played by Carpenter, framing the contemplative narrative of the lead vocal, intertwined with the lyrical fiddle playing of Luke Moller. The icing on the cake is Carpenter’s soaring block backing vocals.
The narrative sees Carpenter in a reflective mood. Well into his late 50’s (He turns 58 the day after release), he reflects on the choices we make… the things we’re putting off for another day. Carpenter says “we live in a world where we’re ruled by pragmatic choices. Doing the ‘sensible thing’. But often that is at the expense of our dreams. And we carry this for most of our adult life.. not just in middle age. I guess this song is to encourage people to not wait for the ‘perfect time’, and to make those changes, now.” You may be questioning this as being Carpenter’s first solo original release since 2019. Indeed, Carpenter has been busy. Since then there’s been 4 albums and 2 live albums with The Banks Brothers. 2 albums and an EP with The April Family. 4 singles with The Country Rock Collective (the CRC). Some covers released during lockdown, and a few collabs with people like Chris Murphy, Michael Oliver and Angus Gill. And also a whole lot of releases as part of The Album Show, his growing ‘tribute band’ cohort. “I’d been thinking that I’d been hiding behind my side projects for long enough. I love all of these projects, and am very proud of what they’ve achieved. But I think this song has inspired me to be brave enough to take a step forward again.” Indeed, the last 6 years have been some of the most important of his career, with significant chart positions, massive amounts of radio play and 14 Golden Guitar nominations. But this single signifies the start of the next phase of his storied career, and is part of an evolving album project, with several singles set and ready to go this year, in among his other projects. With a true sense of this being a ‘new beginning’ Carpenter will be dipping his toe back into solo performances, both on his own and with a band, touching on material from every aspect of his career, throughout 2025. Comments are closed.
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