Australian-born, Sweden-based singer-songwriter Hazlett has released his new single Slow Running. His sound can be described as “indie ballroom folk” and possesses a refreshing, dreamlike air.
Slow Running opens with gentle plucky acoustic guitars before Hazlett’s gravelly but delicate vocal begins to set the scene. There’s a beautiful depth to his vocal which has been given an almost ethereal edge by the reverb. The track is most definitely folk-inspired but with an ambient edge and this layering of influences is what makes Hazlett such an interesting new name to watch. Americana-esque guitars and soaring strings are subtlety added into the mix and add to the folk-inflected sound, becoming the perfect backdrop to Hazlett’s unique vocal, of which we’re left wanting more.
Slow Running is taken from Hazlett’s upcoming EP Goodbye to the Valley Low which is set for release on 8th December. When speaking of Slow Running Hazlett said “When the going’s good and all is well it usually means there’s a strange little thought that wonders how long is it going to last. Maybe we’ve all grown too cynical, thinking the good times are never going to last or we’ve stumbled into a strange emotional evolution. Before anything has a chance to hurt us we’ve already prepared for the ghost. Bunkered down in our thoughts and vivid imaginations of what might come and what might not ever be.”
Hazlett’s move to Stockholm led to him to meet Freddy Alexander who became a close friend and collaborator and who went on to produce Goodbye to the Valley Low. Hazlett’s received praise from NME, Clash and The Line of Best Fit and he’s supporting David Kushner on three big Australian dates this November.
Slow Running is available to stream now. Find out more about Hazlett here and have a listen to Slow Running below.